Laminate provides the “look” and “feel” of real wood, tile, and stone at an affordable price. Laminate flooring consists of 4-layers. The first is the melamine backing layer, high density fiber core board made of composite wood, a printed photo-realistic image of either wood, tile, or stone, and a melamine or urethane wear layer. Unlike hardwood floors that are either nailed, glued, and often use a locking system that requires glue, most laminates are installed using a “glueless locking system.” Laminates use a “floating” method meaning the flooring is not attached to the walls or subfloors. Because laminate has a core board made of composite wood, laminate has generally been susceptible to water damage and buckling. However until recently, manufactures have developed laminates that repel water extremely well! In addition, new technologies have made laminates “look” and “feel” more realistic than ever before. Once installed it can sometimes be extremely difficult to know whether your new floors are real hardwood or laminate floors. Ultimately, laminate can make any home or business look beautiful at an affordable price!
What is laminate flooring?
What importance does laminate thickness have on durability?
The thickness of a laminate floor generally is measured in millimeters (mm). The thicker the plank the better performance the laminate will have on impact resistance. In addition a thicker plank will resemble the “feel” of real hardwood floors as well as provide a more secure and reliable installation. Ultimately, 12mm is our recommendation for laminate thickness.
How do I know my laminate will be durable and will withstand foot traffic, stains, and scratches?
One of the most important factors that determines laminates durability is its wear-layer. The wear-layer is made up of a combination of melamine and aluminum-oxide and until recently, urethane. This combination allows laminates to withstand scratches, staining, fading and scuffing. The wear layer is often measured in AC Ratings.
Comparing Laminate Floors? Make sure you understand AC Ratings!
An AC Rating (Abrasion Coefficient) reflects the durability of a laminate floor. These ratings are often given to the manufacture after rigorous testing by an independent company. Laminates under-go multiple testing methods reflecting a consumers every day use such as moving furniture back and forth, exposure to sunlight, impact testing, staining and more. As a result it is important to know what AC Rating is right for your needs.
