Laminate Flooring Buying Guide

Laminate flooring was invented in 1977 by Swedish manufacturer Pergo. The company initially marketed its product to Europe in 1984, and later to the United States in 1994. Pergo may be the most widely known laminate flooring manufacturer, but the trademark name is not synonymous for all laminate floors, just as Scotch is not synonymous with all clear tape and Jacuzzi doesn’t make all hot tubs.

Made of laminate material, laminate flooring is designed to look like natural products, such as wood or stone. It is comprised of either synthetic materials (usually melamine resin) or of synthetic materials combined with natural and recycled ingredients. The natural look is achieved with an attached decorative applique and finally given an aluminum oxide finish.

Laminate floors are fairly low-maintenance when compared to hardwood floors. Unlike natural wood, laminate floors do not require waxing, oiling or staining. It is important to keep laminate clean, however, as dust, dirt and sand particles may scratch the decorative surface in high-traffic areas over time.

It is also important to keep laminate relatively dry. Sitting water/moisture can cause the planks or tiles to swell or warp. Many new finishes are equipped with water-resistant coatings. Water spills aren't a problem if they're wiped up quickly.

Adhesive felt pads placed on the feet of furniture on laminate floors prevent scratching.

Glueless laminate floors may gradually become separated, creating visible gaps between planks. It’s important to "tap" the planks back together using the appropriate tool as you notice the gaps. Dirt will fill the gaps making it difficult to close them later.

Laminate floors are usually far less expensive than wood or natural stone floors and are a reasonable solution for a do-it-yourself homeowner to install.  Laminate flooring possesses a monolithic function once each plank or tile is clicked into one another, without the use of glue, staples, nails, or cement compounds. Installed laminate floors typically "float" over the sub-floor on top of a foam/film underlayment, which is meant to provide moisture and sound-reducing properties.

In the past, laminate floors were easy to spot, but today’s technology allows manufacturers to create strikingly realistic visuals and textures that result in elegant, quality floors. In many cases, you can’t tell the difference.

Laminate floors are perfect for those who want the look of real hardwood or stone but not the maintenance or price tag. Laminate is durable and stain resistant, making it ideal for a busy household.

For more information about laminate flooring, click the links on the left.