The
History & Future of Laminate Floors
Although
the history of laminate flooring is quite short in North America,
Europeans have been enjoying its features and benefits for several
decades. Laminate flooring grew out of the laminate countertop
business. It was once was a secondary production line to help
increase plant production rates and use up left over materials
now, it has grown into a multi-billion dollar worldwide business.
Introduced mostly in Scandinavian countries the growth of laminates
in Europe was tremendous. Laminates continue to garner a larger
share of the floor covering market each and every year. Meanwhile
the North American market has experienced dynamic growth in the
laminate industry. Massive market penetration and huge marketing
campaigns by brands such as Pergo have introduced the American
public to laminate floors.
Laminate floors are widely referred to as "Pergo" floors in North
America. Pergo has achieved household name status and has generally
created consumer confidence in a new flooring product category.
Laminates have taken market share from carpet, hardwood, ceramic
tile and primarily vinyl flooring. With continued market share
predicted for the laminate industry, other floor covering producers
have decided to get on board. Bruce Hardwood, Shaw Carpet and
Armstrong Vinyl all now have laminate brands within their portfolios.
Recent introductions of glue-less laminates are again revolutionizing
the floor covering industry. Unilin Industries of Belgium have
introduced Quick-Step (Steps in Canada) into the US market. Quick-Step
utilizes the patented Uniclic joint system. Several other manufacturers
(Pergo, Columbia etc.) have bought licenses to use the Uniclic
joint thereby acknowledging Uniclic as the industry standard for
Glue-less technology. It has been predicted that by the middle
of 2002, two thirds of the laminate flooring industry will be
glue-less.
As laminate floor producers continue to expand colors, styles
and increase quality, the incredible growth of this product will
continue. As growth increases, even more will be funneled back
into research and development to continually raise the bar for
laminate flooring. Ultimately it will be the consumer who will
judge whether or not laminate floor is all that it says it is.
Nonetheless, it is clear that laminate flooring is here to STAY.
Author:
Jason Walker - FlooringGuide.com Editorial Staff
Jason Walker is a Professional Flooring Consultant
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