About Laminate Flooring Basics

Laminate Flooring Construction, Durability, Warranty and More

As your need for new floors grows, your desire to learn more about laminate flooring and all of your flooring options will grow as well. Make sure you’re making the best decision for your home or business by getting the facts on this popular flooring option.

BestLaminate not only delivers the goods. We also deliver information to make your flooring decision an easy one to make. In selecting new floor, the initial cost, installation process, available colors and styles, as well as the ease of cleaning must all be considered. Understanding the pros and cons of each flooring material helps homeowners select the best product for their needs. Interested to learn more? Let’s dive in.

 

About Laminate Flooring Construction

 About Laminate Flooring

History of the laminate flooring starts in Sweden in early 1920 and despite popular misconception, there are actually very few similarities between hardwood and laminate floors. Whereas the durability of wood floors will vary with the different types of wood, laminate floors are not made from any particular species. Laminate flooring is made out of wood, but it is not the same as a hardwood floor. Laminates are constructed using three principal layers: the decorative layer, the core, and the backing layer. It is ecologically produced using natural materials, but it uses several different materials to enhance durability, stability and functionality.

About Laminate Flooring AC Rating and Durability

The durability factor is what makes laminate a top flooring choice. The way this popular floor choice is produced is much more robust and scratch resistant than other types of flooring.

The AC rating describes the application and durability of the of the floor you’re considering. The ratings range from suitable for low-traffic residential areas to high-traffic commercial zones. No matter what type of space you’re working on, there is a type of laminate floor that is strong enough to hold up to your demands.

A lot of people assume that because a certain laminate is thicker or has a longer warranty, that it is more durable and longer-lasting. This is not necessarily the case. That is why the European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) has developed the Abrasion Rating System also called AC Rating. All laminate floors are AC rated based on a series of rigorous tests, including tabor abrasion test, burn resistance, impact resistance, stain resistance, and swelling under moist conditions. EPLF adopted a standard based rating which helps buyers understand the differences in durability among laminate flooring products.

When looking for laminate flooring the very first question you should ask is “What is the AC Rating for this floor.”

About Laminate Flooring Styles and Types

You get that laminate is extremely durable, but how does it look? The design and aesthetic of your flooring is important too. Laminate comes in attractive, authentic designs and styles. Choose from laminate that has the same look and feel as hardwood, tile, or any other popular flooring choice. You’ll be amazed at how hard it is to tell the difference!

About Laminate Flooring Benefits

What makes laminate flooring the right choice? Did you know that laminate flooring is quickly becoming the floor covering of choice? Why? And what are laminate flooring benefits?

It’s healthier, more durable, and gives a luxury look at a cost effective price. Laminate flooring offers appearance of real hardwood floors or slate, but for about two-thirds the cost! Laminate is perfect for everyone. From families to business owners, everyone loves laminate. Kids and dogs can put laminate to the test, but it won’t crack, dent, scratch, or stain too easily.

Allergy sufferers love living with laminate because it doesn’t hold in pollen, dander and common household irritants. Business owners use it to have a great looking floor without the high cost or need for extensive maintenance.

Do-it-Yourself’ers are particularly fond of laminate. With extensive resources on how to install laminate properly and easy steps to follow to get the job done well the first time, this type of floor material perfect for people who love to take charge.

About Eco-Friendly Laminate Flooring

These days, we all want to do what we can to keep our homes pollution free and the environment clean. We are talking and thinking “Green”. Is laminate flooring eco-friendly? Laminate flooring won’t trap and collect dangerous dust and allergens. It’s easy to recycle, reuse, and dispose of without harming the environment.

What laminate flooring producers are doing to help the environment?

Although it may be difficult to imagine what wood and laminate companies could possibly do to reduce their impact on nature. You may be surprised but many flooring manufacturers have thought of creative and innovative ways of helping to keep our planet beautiful.

Laminate flooring is made using natural and pre-consumer recycled wood fibers and chips form sustainable sources. No one exotic tree is harvested to create beautiful laminate floors!

Anytime a major household purchase is made, the homeowner’s first question usually is, “What type of warranty does this product have?”

Laminate flooring is a major purchase for your household, therefore; you should understand what is and is not covered under the warranty provided. With numerous brands of laminate flooring on the market, familiarize yourself with your final choice, and know what laminate flooring warranty covers.

A standard 15 year warranty comes with most products in the market today. It is not uncommon to see 10,15, 20 or 25 year floor warranties in the world of laminate flooring. You are probably thinking, “What does that mean?”

This means that you, the homeowner, should understand the installation and cleaning process, in regards to your laminate flooring. In order for your laminate flooring warranty to be valid, you must install the product correctly and use the proper materials while cleaning laminate floor.

About Laminate Flooring Quality 

The European laminate flooring standard, EN 13329 and the CE standard are used to ensure that you get the quality of flooring you expect with each purchase. When you buy a product marked with EN 13329 and the CE mark, you know you are getting high-quality materials.

The producers in the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) are committed to upholding the high-standards and reputation of laminate. With the vigorous testing process you can be confident that any type of laminate you buy is assured to be the highest quality.

We understand that there is a lot to choose from when it comes to the various types of laminate flooring. We’re here to help! Contact us today to speak with one of our flooring experts and learn more.