Laminate flooring offers the look of natural wood, stone, or tile at a fraction of the cost, presenting an extremely economical option for many homeowners. Laminate flooring is easy to install, clean, and maintain and is an exceptionally durable product that resists both staining and fading. Additionally, laminate flooring is often made with recycled materials, requiring no rare tree harvesting, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Laminate Flooring Basics
Laminate flooring is a synthetic product, designed to mimic the look of natural wood, stone or tile. To manufacture laminate, four layers of different material are fused together, creating a versatile, durable product. The process begins with a bottom layer, designed to stabilize the flooring and resist moisture. Next comes a high-density fiberboard for the core, providing stability and impact resistance. The third layer consists of a detailed image which, with modern technology, can look like realistic wood grain or stone finish. The final layer is a protective one, helping to prevent scratches, gouges and stains. These layers are fused together with high temperatures and pressure, resulting in laminate planks or tiles. Laminate is an exceptionally easy product to install, using a “lock and click” installation method and “floating” above the subfloor, often requiring no glue, nails or staples to hold it down.