LAMINATE BASICS

Laminate flooring as we now know it was originally developed as an alternative for high pressure melamine laminate. Its initial applications were for counter tops, desk tops and wall panels.
In the late 80’s, technology made it possible to create laminates durable enough to be used in flooring applications. The finish at that time was about 10 times stronger than that of counter tops. Now-a-days, the finish on laminate flooring is about 20 times stronger that of counter top laminates. Advancements in graphics and engineering made laminate a force to recon with in the flooring industry. With stunning wood patterns, they almost look like the real thing. Some manufacturers have added texture to the surface wear layer to give it a little more character. So it doesn’t just look real, it also feels real.

Most people no matter what kind of laminate floor they have automatically assume its “Pergo”. Pergo is one of the first laminate manufacturers introduced in the States in 1996. The name has become synonymous with laminate flooring from there on.

Laminate is the most significant event that has happened to the flooring industry in two decades. What is it about laminate that makes it so popular? What made it a staple in the flooring industry?

1. Durability: The surface wear layer of laminate is generally tougher than that of hardwood floors or any other flooring material for that matter. Some laminates are even warranted to withstand high-traffic areas (Moderate Commercial). The boards are so tough, they are tough enough to be installed in a bathroom.

2. Design: Laminates are basically images of wood or tile patterns glued on top of a Fiber board. You can actually have any image put on your floor. You can have any design you want, put anywhere that you want.

3. Installation: Initially introduced as a glue together floor covering, technological advances now allow us to simply easily click two boards together without adhesive. Laminate flooring introduced the “floating” floor system, wherein the boards or planks are attached together but not adhered to the substrate. Giving the floor freedom to expand and contact (which is not visible to the naked eye by the way) with temperature and humidity changes. Since it’s glued to the sub floor, installation time is drastically cut down, making it possible for the average home maker to install it themselves. It can generally be installed over any existing sub floor except, glued or nailed down carpet & sheet vinyl, granted that it’s structurally sound.

Laminate is made up of three Layers:

1. The Surface Wear Layer: This is made up of extremely tough aluminium oxide finish over a printed photograph of either wood or tile adhered to a clear surface of melamine laminate.

2. The Core: Or the carrier board is a particle board made up of different materials, depending on the manufacture. But generally, it is a particle board made up of wood products much like plywood. Most manufacturers use MDF or medium density fiber boards which could withstand the Brady Bunch and a huge doge. There are a few manufacturers who use HDF or high density fiber boards which generally do better under wear and stress due to extreme traffic like things being dropped on the floor, high heel shoes etc. Some manufacturers even warrant their core boards against moisture. The core is also where the tongues and groove are. This is where each planks meet, joint and create that almost seamless bond.

3. The Backing: Is made up of a number of things depending upon the manufacturer, from plain paper backing to a full laminate backing. Some manufacturers even use foam or rubber attached to the back of the laminate, eliminating the need for you to install a Sound barrier over your substrate floor before installation.

Installation:

Laminates are installed primarily by floating. This means that the floor sits right on top of the sub floor without nails, staples or glue. The First step is to have the sub-floor tested for moisture. Make sure that the sub floor is also structurally sound. When it is determined that the sub-floor is structurally sound and devoid of excess moisture, a foam, rubber or cork under-layment is laid down, making sure that all seams are taped to make sure no moisture can go through. Now you can start putting together you laminate floor. (See installation instructions on the products page)

Initially, laminate installation required glue on the tongue and grooves. With recent technological innovations, installation eliminates the need for glue. Nowadays, most manufacturers utilize the glue less click together method which is much easier to install and your floor can be used immediately after being installed. This glue less locking system creates an almost seamless bond that won’t let moisture through. This bond makes it possible for laminates to be installed in high-moisture areas like kitchens, laundry rooms or bathrooms although it may require a sealant on the perimeter and areas where a lot of water is expected. (See manufacturer’s specifications).