Getting Familiar with Laminate Flooring

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When it comes to timber flooring, there are two main options that homeowners consider, parquet timber flooring and solid timber flooring. Nevertheless, over the years, laminate timber flooring has started becoming a popular choice due to its versatility as well as cost effectiveness. If you are looking for new timber flooring for your home, here are some of the things that you should know about laminate timber flooring.

What exactly is laminate timber flooring?

Laminate consists of four layers that work toward giving it its structural integrity as well as enhancing its durability. These four layers are:

• Base layer: This layer is made up of a waterproof film. It works toward protecting the timber from water damage, while also enhancing its structural integrity.
• Core layer: This layer is made up of wood fiberboard, which could be of medium or high density depending on your preference. The fiberboard is water resistant, hence, providing an additional layer of protection against water damage for the laminate.
• Paper layer: This layer is photographic paper that aims to mimic natural timber flooring. This layer is what makes laminate timber flooring come in an array of designs.
• Top layer: This layer is a protective coating that works toward enhancing the lifespan of the laminate. It consists of a mixture of aluminium oxide and melamine.

Once the four layers of the laminate are assembled, they are sealed using high pressure and heat. The top melamine layer then integrates with the paper layer, which creates a solid bond together with the core layer. The high heat and pressure also creates a polished appearance on the melamine layer. After the laminate is sealed, the heat and the pressure ensures that the melamine layer is scratch resistant, hence making it an ideal option for high traffic areas.

What are the advantages of laminate timber flooring?

There are a number of reasons why laminate timber flooring is a better choice for homeowners over conventional wood flooring. These include:

• Laminate timber flooring is cost effective: the timber used for laminate timber flooring is much more economical than solid wood. Additionally, laminate timber flooring does not need sanding or polishing after installation, thus decreasing labour costs associated with wood flooring.
• Laminate timber flooring is structurally sound: Unlike traditional wood flooring, laminate timber flooring is not prone to warping, shrinking or cracking. This ensures they stay in good condition for a significantly longer time. 

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15 March 2016