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LAMINATE
FLOORING BASICS Though laminate flooring was introduced in the United States in 1996, it has been sold successfully in Europe for about 20 years. Most people have never heard of laminate flooring and have no idea what it is. But chances are, those same people know what Pergo flooring is. Well, Pergo is laminate flooring. Pergo, the company that first created this type of flooring, was the first brand offered in the United States. For this reason, its name has become synonymous with laminate flooring despite the presence of about 40 other brands. Essentially all laminates are composed of three layers. 1. The Surface Wear Layer. The surface layer is typically made of an extremely tough-wearing aluminum oxide. The pattern that you see as you look at the floor is actually that of a printed photograph adhered to the clear surface. Many people consider the pattern an additional layer, but for simplification, we consider them as one. Many laminates look like wood floors, but it’s merely a photograph of a wood floor applied to a melamine laminate. Because you can photograph nearly anything for a floor, there are few limitations. Most, though, are wood, stone, brick and tile based. 2. The Core. The core board or “carrier board” is made of a variety of materials, depending on the manufacturer. Most are MDF, or medium density fiberboard, which is a durable engineered wood product that resists moisture. Others can have a high density wood particle core. While the MDF may be slightly more structurally sound, the particle cores absorb glue slightly better at the joints. Both materials, if manufactured by dependable companies, provide a durable, trustworthy core. 3. Backing. The backing board varies depending on who makes the floor, but it ranges from a paper layer to a full plastic laminate layer. Those with a laminate or melamine backing may be better against potential water damage than those with paper backings, and the laminate is more stable. All of these layers are fused by heat and pressure. Installation Laminate is installed as a “floating floor.” A layer of foam is placed under the flooring and the individual “boards” are glued at the tongue and groove joint. The individual pieces of laminate flooring are not glued or nailed down to the subfloor. In regard to subflooring, there’s lots of flexibility. Laminate can be installed over concrete, plywood, or OSB subflooring. And while other forms of flooring require that you pull up and existing floor, laminate can be applied directly over ceramic tile, vinyl, and parquet floors. Laminate’s 1/3-inch thickness is also an asset when dealing with transitions (vs. a typical 3/4-inch, Swedish-finish wood floor). Remember, anytime you install a floor, it should be at the same height as adjoining floors. Installing laminate is easy for some and difficult for others. If you’re a skilled handy person, someone who can hang a door and do simple carpentry, you can probably do the job. However, 90% of all laminate floor jobs can be installed by professionals in a day or less, while it will probably take you 2-3 days of hard work. If you’re not sure if the job is for you, videos are available at our vendor partner that can help you decide. They demonstrate how to install the floor and give an overview of what to expect. If you decide to have the floor installed professionally, make sure you hire a reputable company that employs licensed, bonded and skilled installers. Why Choose Laminate? Depending on the subflooring, solid wood may not be a possibility. Also, laminates are extremely durable, great for homes with a high degree of foot traffic (children and pets add significantly to traffic in a home). They are incredibly easy to maintain and will not fade, even in direct sunlight. Most laminate flooring comes with a triple warrant against wear, staining and fading. Some manufacturers also offer moisture warranties, but look closely at the warranty itself. Many are really just an extension of your homeowner insurance. If your insurance company doesn’t cover the damage (which they usually will), the flooring manufacturer may cover a portion of it. Either way, make sure you know what you’re getting before you buy. Limitations Another issue, which some people consider a limitation, is strictly a matter of personal choice. Because laminates are a floating floor, they produce a slight tapping sound as you walk on it. Some manufacturers have introduced acoustical padding to muffle the sound with varying results. It’s a good idea to test it by walking on a dealer display floor and imagining how it will sound in your home. We recommend cork underlayment for any floating floor as the BEST method of reducing the echo effect or tapping sound. our vendor partner offers more than 20 brands and hundreds of different laminate floor styles. For additional information, click on the “Learn about” box at right. Other information, including care and maintenance or installation information is also provided by the individual brands that is specific to their products. Always follow an individual manufacturer’s recommendations when installing or making other decisions related to your project. |
