What Is Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a relatively new but very popular flooring option. It has only been around for about 20 years but is by far the fastest growing segment of the flooring industry. There are very strong reasons for this incredibly popular flooring. Laminate flooring is actually paper imprinted with a high quality photographic image, usually of wood, although it can also be printed to simulate ceramic, terrazzo, marble or terra cotta.

This paper is then laminated to a high-density fibre board (HDF) base. The laminate surface is then sealed with a protective long lasting coating, usually a highly scratch resistant aluminium oxide finish. The idea is to get a tough and durable flooring material that is also very inexpensive and easy to care for. Quality laminate flooring is actually very realistic and is very difficult to tell the difference between this and a real solid wood floor. The thicker laminate floors actually sound like a hardwood floor when you walk on them. The advantages of laminate floors make it a very convincing option. Quality laminate floors are generally much more water, stain and scratch resistant and will not fade or dent when compared to hardwood floors. Hardwood floors also require more maintenance and are not as durable. Hardwood floors are porous and as such are subject to stains, water absorption and dents.

The better laminate floors have water resistant cores and the edges are wax impregnated so they are suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms that have occasional water spills. Most of the high-end laminate floors come with an extensive warranty and can handle heavy traffic areas. Laminate floors are also quick and easy to install, with majority of them just clicking effortlessly together.