Laminate flooring is one of the hottest trends sweeping the nation, and for good reason. It looks great, it’s very durable, and it costs much less than many natural materials.
Although not the right choice for everyone, laminate flooring is the perfect choice for those who want to replicate the look of high end trends without breaking the bank. And it’s the perfect alternative for active households.
With that in mind, there are several things you’ll want to understand before purchasing your new laminate floor. Here I’ll discuss each of these by breaking down the various layers of laminate floor construction, and giving you some tips on what to look out for.
First, you have the Wear layer – This is a clear top layer that protects the floor from stains, fading, and scratching. It’s made from melamine which is a tough, clear finish reinforced with aluminum oxide, one of the hardest mineral compounds known to man.
Next, you have the Design layer – This is a High Definition photographic image of wood, stone, brick or ceramic. There are countless styles and shades to choose from, so you’ll want to spend some time thinking through the design elements of your home, and how your floor will compliment them. Don’t choose a floor that will clash with surfaces or furniture you don’t intent to change.
The third layer in laminate floor construction is the Inner Core. Educating yourself on this layer is the key to saving yourself a lot of time, energy, money, and future headaches. The market is flooded with cheap laminate floors, and countless homeowners take the bait. Don’t let that be you. If it sounds too good to be true, like 89 cents, or 69 cents a square foot, stay away. Just beware of suspiciously low prices, and keep an eye out for the seal of the North American Flooring Association.
Laminate floors come in various thicknesses, and are measured in millimeters. As a general rule, the thicker the plank, the more resilient it will be to falling objects. It’s also important to note that thicker boards generally have a stronger locking mechanism, and will therefore last longer in most cases.
With that in mind, it’s also important that you understand not all laminate floors are created equal. There are two basic techniques manufactures use to construct laminate floors. Simply put, these are Direct pressure, and high pressure. Direct pressure is a one-step process and results in a less expensive, and less resilient end product. High Pressure laminates are constructed using a two-step process, and is a much higher quality, more durable product.
So, just because a plank is thicker than another, may not mean it’s higher quality. You want to make sure you’re purchasing the highest quality floor as possible, even if it’s not quite as thick. Thickness is good, don’t get me wrong, you want as thick of a board as possible. But more important is the quality construction of the plank.
Last, but not least we have the Backing. Backing board varies depending on the manufacturer, but ranges from paper to a full plastic laminate layer. It’s primary function is as a balancing agent to stabilize the board and prevent cupping and bowing. It also has moisture resistance qualities. Obviously, a full plastic later is much preferred over paper. It will provide much greater protection against potential water damage than those with paper backings, and as a result you’ll have a longer lasting floor.
So there you have it. The wear layer, the design layer, the core, and the backing. Understanding the functions of each of these will help you make an informed decision, and keep you from making a costly mistake when it comes to selecting the right laminate floor for your budget and lifestyle.
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