FLOORING
LAMINATE
Laminate flooring originated from a Swedish company’s innovative idea to repurpose waste wood in the 1970s. Instead of discarding it, they applied high pressure, heat, and binding chemicals to create a durable flooring material.
Today, laminate flooring has become a top choice due to its affordability and versatility. Known for mimicking the natural beauty of hardwood or stone like vinyl, it offers a cost-effective alternative that combines style and practicality.
What is Laminate Flooring Made From?
Laminate floors are made from compressed waste wood, which is processed under high temperatures and pressure to form four distinct layers.
Four Layers of Laminate Flooring
Base Layer: Provides moisture resistance and enhances stability.
Core Layer: Comprises a high-density fiberboard for added thickness and durability.
Image Layer: Features the design and texture that replicates the appearance of natural materials.
Wear Layer: The top layer made of durable plastic, offering resistance to wear and environmental factors.
How to Rate Laminate Flooring
The Abrasion Criteria (AC) rating is a crucial measure for evaluating the durability of laminate flooring. It helps consumers and professionals determine which laminate options are best suited for different environments based on their resistance to wear, abrasions, stains, and impacts.
The AC rating ranges from AC1 to AC5, with each successive rating offering 60% more wear resistance than the previous one. Independent testing companies determine these ratings to ensure accuracy and reliability.
The AC Rating Tiers
AC1—Moderate Residential: Ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and guest rooms, offering basic durability.
AC2—General Residential: Suitable for everyday use in living and dining rooms, providing solid wear resistance.
AC3—Heavy Residential/Moderate Commercial: For high-traffic areas such as hallways and small offices, offering excellent durability.
AC4—General Commercial: Designed for moderate-traffic commercial spaces like offices and cafes, with robust wear resistance.
AC5—Heavy Commercial: Built for high-traffic areas such as airports and large offices, delivering the highest durability.
Pros of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has many advantages, including:
Affordability: Laminate flooring offers an elegant look without a high price tag.
Durability: Laminate tough surface withstands scratches, dents, and stains, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Easy Installation: Laminate flooring features click-lock systems for quick and easy setup without adhesives.
Low Maintenance: Laminate is easy to keep clean with regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping.
Aesthetic Variety: Laminate flooring comes in various styles and textures, replicating natural materials.
Comfort: Laminate often includes an underlayment for added cushioning and sound insulation.
Cons of Laminate Flooring
Moisture Sensitivity: Laminate can swell and warp from excessive moisture, making it unsuitable for high-humidity areas.
Repair Difficulty: Damaged laminate usually needs replacement, with matching colour and texture being challenging.
Lower Resale Value: Laminate adds less value than natural hardwood, which may impact resale value.
Environmental Impact: Many laminate products use synthetic materials and adhesives, though some are made from recycled content.
Maintenance of Laminate Floors
Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment to prevent scratches.
Use Furniture Pads: Place felt pads under furniture legs and lift heavy items to prevent scratches.
Immediate Spill Cleanup: Wipe up spills promptly with a dry microfiber cloth, using a damp cloth for sticky spills.
Humidity Control: Maintain indoor humidity between 35% and 65% to prevent laminate expansion or contraction.
Rugs & Mats: Use non-slip rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear.
Door Mats: Place door mats at entrances to minimize dirt and moisture.
Laminate flooring adapts well to various spaces, offering both style and durability. If you think it’s the right fit for your space, let us assist you in making it a reality. Contact us today!
