Laminate Basic InformationLaminate flooring is a synthetic product, made to imitate the look of natural wood, stone, or tile. The construction of laminate consists of four layers of material that are fused together to make the final product. The very bottom is a backing layer designed to stabilize the flooring and resist moisture. The following layer is a dense core-board made of wood fibers. Next is where the beauty comes in to play, the design image. There is a wide variety of looks laminate can mimic whether it is wood, stone, or tile. The final layer on top is the melamine wear layer. This protective layer helps prevent scratches, dents, and stains. These four layers are fused together with high temperatures and pressure resulting in planks or tiles.Laminate Pros
- Can be easily installed using the click-lock method.
- Impervious to dents and scratches due to the melamine wear layer.
- Versatile product; wood, stone, and tile looks.
- Easy to clean. All you need is a vacuum or a broom, and mop with a floor cleaner specifically for laminate, such as Bona Laminate Floor Cleaner.
- Resistant to some moisture.
- In some cases it can be more affordable than LVP, engineered hardwood, and tile.
- Comes in different thicknesses, ranging from 6mm-12mm. The thicker, the more durable.
- Great product for busy households and dry areas such as bedrooms, family rooms, dining rooms etc.
- Although moisture resistant, this product is not waterproof. If a leak were to happen in a high moisture area, the laminate will be tarnished.
- Not as sound absorbent as LVP or engineered hardwood, this means it will be louder when walked on compared to the other floors. Upgraded underlayment will help reduce sound
- Lower return on investment compared with hardwood, tile or stone when selling a home.
- If the wear layer on top is a cheaper grade, the laminate may not last as long as other floors and will need replacing.
- Remove wet spills immediately
- Do not clean using excessive water
- Remove loose dirt with a vacuum or a broom
- Never wax, polish, or use buffing machines
- Use floor cleaner specifically made for laminate floors