SELECTING
& PURCHASING
WHAT
IS LAMINATE?
History
Most people are very familiar with Laminate counter tops. In North
America we have several manufacturers who have become household
names, such as Formica. In fact, most people refer to their counters
as a "Formica" counter top. These same people have no idea that
this is not a "kind" of counter, but rather a manufacturer of
this type of surface. This existing technology has been transformed
in such a way that we can now make flooring out of the essentially
the same material.
By adding
'resins', extremely wear resistant top layers, and a center core,
Laminate Floors were born. These products have been in Europe
for 20 to 30 years but are now making a major impact in North
America. Laminate Flooring is simply a multi-layered; wood based
floating floor system.
Laminate
Construction
Typically Laminate floors consist of the following layers from
top to bottom:
- Wear layer
- Pattern,
"image" layer
- Processed
wood core: usually M.D.F. (medium density fiber board) or H.D.F.
(high density fiber board)
- Balancing
layer (usually with a moisture barrier)
These layers are manufactured into flooring by one of two methods.
They are either High Pressure Laminates (HPL), or Direct Pressure
Laminates (DPL). With the DPL method, all the layers are bonded
together under extreme heat and pressure at one time. HPL is done
in more than one step. Typically the wear layer and image layer
are bonded together, and than those two layers are bonded to the
core in a separate step.
Available Sizes
Most Laminates come in Planks 7" to 8" wide and approximately
4' long. Due to the nature of the planks, manufacturers have focused
the styling of the product to reflect the shape of the plank and
therefore have concentrated on duplicating wood looks in various
species of wood. Several companies have also tried to imitate
natural stones or copy the look of ceramic tiles, including grout
lines in some cases. Laminate floors are sold in packages of 15
to 36 S.F. but are typically retailed by square foot pricing.
Warranties
Most carry wear warranties ranging form 10 to 25 years but new
products are starting to introduce "Lifetime" warranties. Several
products on the market also have "water" or "moisture" warranties.
It is very important to check with the manufacturer as to EXACTLY
what their warranty does and does not cover. Do not be afraid
to ask questions. All major manufacturers have toll free information
phone lines, websites etc. You are their customer and they are
available to answer your inquiries.
Installation
Overview
Installations can either be with or without glue depending on
the product you choose, and you have the option to hire a professional
or "do-it-yourself".
Laminate floors are here to stay. No other flooring will allow
the versatility of having a "cherry" and "ceramic tile" pattern
- together as one floor, "floating" over concrete in a basement
rec.-room. Laminate floors look great, are easy to maintain, value
priced and durable.
Author:
Jason Walker - FlooringGuide.com Editorial Staff
Jason Walker is a Professional Flooring Consultant
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