What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a new stylish flooring material that is versatile, durable and very attractive giving you the effect of Hardwood Flooring.
Although laminate flooring looks fantastic and works cosmetically with pretty much any style of room for any function, there is no actual solid wood or timber in its construction.
Laminate flooring is actually manufactured using several materials compressed and bonded together under high pressure.
Most laminate flooring consists of a moisture resistant coating under a layer of high density fibreboard.
This is then top coated with a high resolution photographic image of natural wood flooring which in some cases is also then lacquered over.
Laminate flooring is a great idea for the home and for anyone wanting a durable floor for a fraction of the cost and installation time of a hardwood floor, but with the attractiveness of Real Hardwood.
What is the Difference Between Laminate and Hardwood Flooring?
Laminate flooring and hardwood flooring can improve a homes look and feel and make it look very stylish. While hardwood flooring is often thought to be a superior choice, there are several advantages to laminate flooring.
Distinct differences between the two types of flooring often make laminate flooring a more attractive alternative.
Solid Hardwood Flooring should be installed only above grade. Laminate flooring can be laid above or below grade, and over virtually any other flooring surface.
Some flooring is engineered; this means that instead of solid hardwood flooring, it is made of several wood layers with a Hardwood Veneer. Laminate flooring is usually made of several layers.
How do Laminate Flooring Panels Lock Together?
There are many different varieties of edge joining systems used to connect Laminate Flooring Panels together.
Some laminate flooring panels connections snap together using a tongue and groove system whilst some use simple slot together technology using a rubber mallet to knock them together creating a tight seal and adding a waterproof bond to prevent moisture from getting between the seems of the flooring.
Still other flooring types tend to use either snap and bang methods at the end of each panel.
Where can I Install Laminate Wood Flooring?
Because laminate flooring is a wood flooring product it is not recommended in rooms where heavy amounts of moisture and damp may congregate such as in bathrooms, washrooms, saunas, enclosed porches and verandas.
Extended exposure to heavy amounts of moisture may cause the core of your laminate flooring to warp or distort therefore replacing your laminate flooring would become more expensive and very short lived.
In some instances, with special installation procedures, it is possible to install laminate flooring in bathrooms where water will not stand on the floor for any length of time. For Bathroom Installations, it is recommended you apply a light bead of glue to the tongue on the planks.