Laminated flooring is quite popular for its wide variety of floor finishes, from honey to walnut. It is also available in many decorative colors such as black, brown, or light green. Laminated flooring has a multi-layered, composite flooring material that is fused together using a laminating process. Laminated flooring simulates real wood with an almost photographic authentic photographic replica layer underneath an epoxy clear protective coating.
The core layers are usually made up of melamine resin, fiber board, and melamine resin mixed with other chemical additives. When the coating is applied to a wooden surface, such as a wooden floor, it can create an extremely hard finish that is nearly scratch-resistant but still allows enough wiggle room for movement of the foot and body. When walking on a laminated floor, the bare floorboards slide on the melamine layer with very little friction or wear. As the user walks across the laminated flooring, the wear layer gradually wears away creating a smooth, clear protective layer underneath.
There are several different types of materials used in laminate flooring, including: fiberglass, composite planks, and melamine resins. Each type of material has a slightly different appearance than the others, and planks are sold in wide varieties of colors and designs. Although they are primarily sold as solid boards, some planks are sold in “density planks” that allow the boards to have a hollow interior when open, which greatly increases their resistance to scratching and dents. Because of their resistance to scratches and bumps, many people choose to purchase laminated flooring for use in areas where the real wood is susceptible to damage, such as the bathroom and kitchen.
A major benefit of laminate flooring compared to real wood is its resilience to stains and heat. Laminated flooring does not change color nor will it crack due to exposure to water. This means that laminate floor installation is perfect for use in bathrooms and kitchens where liquid spills are common. It is also very easy to keep clean, and does not require sealing or staining to protect from water damage. Even stains can be removed with a mixture of warm water and vinegar.
There are a few minor considerations to keep in mind when choosing laminate floors. For example, laminate flooring requires much less maintenance than real wood and is much easier to clean. A written inspection of your laminate floors should reveal no problems that would require the closing of your doors or windows. Laying the floor down on a concrete base rather than on a wooden foundation can also save you money by eliminating the need for costly framing. Some homeowners like to install their own laminated flooring, but this should be avoided if at all possible as it is not recommended by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Instead, contact a reputable floor installation expert who will be able to guide you through the process and make sure your new floor is installed properly, click here if you need one.
Before purchasing laminate flooring, it is important that you research each company to make sure they have been in business for many years, and that they have good customer reviews. You should also check out each company’s website for more information on installation and more detailed information about laminate flooring. With proper care, laminate floors can offer years of beauty and durability. By using common sense, an informed consumer can easily find a reputable provider for their flooring needs.