What is Laminate Wood Flooring?

Laminate wood flooring has a layered construction:

A) Surface wear layer: This easy to clean layer contains aluminum oxide which protects the laminate wood flooring from stains, fading and abrasion. Look for an abrasion classification (A/C) rating of at least 3 for adequate residential use protection.

B) Image design layer: A photographic image of hardwood, natural stone, or virtually anything else you can envisage.

C) Inner core layer: The core provides laminate wood flooring structural strength and stability. It is made from high-density fiberboard (HDF). The core is often impregnated with a plastic resin called melamine to increase the floor's strength, stability and resistance to moisture. laminate wood flooring that have high levels of melamine do not require acclimation before installation.

D) Backing layer: Found beneath the inner core, the backing is made with resin saturated paper. It creates a moisture barrier that protects the floor from warping.

All laminate wood flooring layers are fused together using one of two processes. DPL, or direct pressure laminate, is the most common construction for residential use. HPL, or high-pressure laminate, is an extra-hard construction. The difference between the two relates to cost, performance and design realism. DPL is less expensive, has the same gouge resistance as HPL when objects are dropped at or below counter height, and is easier to emboss for more realistic texture. HPL is more expensive and less likely to gouge if items are dropped from above counter-top height, but is harder to emboss, so it doesn't look as realistic.

Laminate wood flooring is the ultimate copycat of the flooring universe. Its uncanny ability to visually replicate the look of wood, stone, brick and ceramic is possible due to highly detailed photography of the genuine material. So, when you look at laminate, you're looking at an image identical to the real McCoy. The image is coupled with advanced embossing that adds realistic texture to the floor surface. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish laminate from the material it is mimicking. Laminate also has an easy to clean surface that protects the floor from stains, fading or wear. Laminate's powers of impersonation allow you to get the look and feel of rare, exotic wood or expensive stone at a fraction of the cost, with no natural material drawbacks.

A quality laminate wood flooring is one of best flooring options in terms of durability. A quality product should last 15 to 30 years. Its good performance is due to good inner core stability and a tough wear layer. The aluminum oxide in laminate's top coat is unsurpassed for wear and stain resistance. Even though laminate stands up well to wear and tear, keep in mind that if it does scratch, it can't be resurfaced like hardwood can. Scratches can be concealed using special pencils made by the manufacturer. Chips, gouges and deep scratches can be concealed using filler sticks. If an area of the floor does become damaged, replacement can be a tricky job that's best left to an installation professional.

Typical Warranties
Laminate wood flooring carries different warranties that cover specific performance features. A quality product should offer the following warranty protection:

• Wear, fading and staining: 20 years or more
• Moisture resistance from normal household cleaners and liquid spills: 20 years or more.
• Will not unlock at seams: 20 years or more.

Care & Maintenance
Easy-living laminate needs minimal care and never needs waxing. When necessary, mop using a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Exposure to water can damage laminate wood flooring, so if you choose to clean with water, make sure to use a damp mop.