ALL ABOUT LAMINATE
WHAT IS LAMINATE FLOORING?
In the whirlwind of choosing the perfect floors for your home, laminate is a major contender. One of the most dynamic options available, laminate flooring offers a sophisticated combination of materials that mimics the appearance of other, pricier flooring options, like wood, marble, and tile.
Laminate products always include a protective surface layer, a decorative layer, a layer of high-density fiberboard, and a melamine resin layer, offering a durable option that won’t break the bank. Layers that have been fused together and imitate other natural flooring options like wood, tile, and marble. Laminate layers always include a protective surface layer, a decorative layer, a layer of high-density fiberboard, and a melamine resin layer.
Quick Definitions
The Layers of Laminate: One of the most distinguishable features of laminate flooring is its multi-layered composition. The main layers of laminate floors include:
Surface Layer
The protective layer that is transparent and provides defense against everyday wear and tear.
High-density Fiberboard (HDF)
The heart of the final product, this layer gives the laminate flooring its structural stability while also providing moisture resistance.
Decorative Layer
The high-definition digitally produced image that creates the appearance of a natural material used for floorings, such as marble or bamboo.
Melamine Resin Layer
The layer that reinforces the HDF core, providing additional structure and resistance to moisture.
Laminate Thickness
Measured from the top of the plank to the bottom surface, plank thickness begins at 7mm and can be as thick as 12mm. Thicker planks are more durable for everyday wear and tear and have a greater level of noise reduction than thinner planks.
Let’s Talk Underlayment…
Is it Important?
Underlayment is a key factor to consider when choosing laminate flooring because different types of underlayment can provide different degrees of noise reduction, moisture protection, temperature insulation, minimize floor movement, and leveling out of imperfections in subflooring.
Foam underlayments are standard underlayments that offer insulation and a small degree of noise reduction.
Moisture barriers are an added layer of protection that will prevent moisture from seeping into the laminate flooring and causing damage, extending the life of your floors!
Featured Brands
When considering different laminate flooring options, always rely on reputable brands whose product quality you can trust – and never forget to keep your lifestyle and specific needs in mind.
For more active areas, consider a Pergo Outlast+ laminate floor that is durable, scuff-, scratch-, and stain-resistant flooring that isn’t afraid of a little water.
At Bob’s, we pride ourselves on only selling high-quality laminate from the most respected distributors. Contact us about PERGO today!
Why Choose Laminate?
Laminate flooring eliminates the need to choose between affordability and a luxurious appearance. Whatever your style may be, there is a laminate flooring option that perfectly captures the vision you have for your home.
Cost
Laminate was created in the 1970s as a more affordable alternative to hardwood flooring. Although the images used in early laminates were decent, the final product surface layer created a shiny, plastic, man-made look that made laminate easily distinguishable from natural hardwood floors. Thanks to modern-day technology, the appearance, and feel of laminate is nearly indistinguishable from real wood and costs a fraction of the price.
Durability
Laminate flooring offers a level of durability that many natural surfaces cannot match. As a hard surface with a protective top layer, laminate flooring provides major resilience against common dangers to softer, natural surfaces.
Eco-Friendly
Laminate flooring is not only budget-friendly; it’s eco-friendly as well. Laminate flooring releases almost no VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions into the air you breathe, and it creates the look of a natural material, such as wood or marble, without actually removing these materials from their natural environments.
Style
Whether your home has a Mediterranean Revival feel or a Dutch Colonial vibe, there is a laminate floor designed to match your personal style. Because laminate flooring is created using digital imaging, you have the option to select from any natural material pattern you desire. From Brazillian Teak and Snakewood to white marble and slate, there is a laminate floor made to accent your style – and to take your home’s appearance to a whole new level.
