Laminate Flooring - How is it Made

Are you looking for that picture perfect floor to make your new living room look great? Laminate floors are an ever more popular and affordable choice for homeowners that want a floor that looks great and stands up to the kind of abuse an active family can dish out. Over the past two decades, advances in manufacturing technology have brought laminate flooring out of the realms of 'cheap alternative'. Today's laminates are versatile, durable and virtually indistinguishable from the 'real thing'.

The 'real thing' that laminate floors duplicate is most often hardwood flooring, but the manufacturing process for laminates allows for endless possibilities of patterns and materials. Because the actual pattern of the floor is an image embedded beneath a crystal clear protective coating, laminate flooring can look like oak or cherry, fine terracotta or ceramic, or even marble or flagstone. With the development of high-tech imaging processes and materials, laminate floors are rapidly becoming known as the best choice of flooring for any active family.

Four Layer Construction - Stability, Versatility, Durability and Beauty
The secret of the durability and beauty of laminate floors lies in the manufacturing processes and materials used for creating them. A sheet of laminate floor consists of four layers that are bonded together using a combination of pressure and heat. Each layer serves a specific purpose in the construction.

Layer 1: The Back Layer

Laminate floors are designed to be laid over an existing floor without being attached to it. The back layer of a laminate floor is usually made of melamine, a tough, waterproof acrylic that helps protect the core layer of the floor from moisture damage. This means that laminate flooring can be used in areas that aren't recommended for wood and other types of floors that can't stand up to damage.

Layer 2: The Inner Core

Between the back layer and the decorative layer is a resilient fiberboard core. The material that's used for the core varies slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. The fiberboard is pressed together to create a dense, resilient center that gives laminate flooring the 'spring' that distinguishes it from hardwood or stone floors. The fiberboard is subjected to either pressure or a combination of pressure and heat to give it added strength.

Layer 3: The Decorative Layer

This is the layer that gives laminate floors their well-deserved reputation as 'great pretenders'. It's a highly detailed photograph of the natural surface desired that is bonded to the inner core. The most popular 'surface' is wood, as wood grains render beautifully in photographs, but more and more often, the photo is of stone or tile. The pattern or design that may be used is limited only by the floor designer's imagination. Four or five years back, you'd have had to look hard to find anything but wood - but these days you'll find dozens of other styles available that mimic the look of anything from Grecian marble to fieldstone to terracotta tile.

The Wear Layer

The top layer of a laminate floor is called the wear layer - for obvious reasons. In high end products, aluminum oxide is the most commonly used top surface. Similar to the laminated top of a counter like Formica, the laminate layer used by most floor manufacturers is up to 40% stronger than countertop laminates. It may be up to several milliliters thick, and it resists staining, moisture, burns, fading - nearly any abuse you can give it. The wear layer is what protects the floor, keeping it looking brand new for years.

Putting It All Together

The design layer is fused to the inner core first, either using heat and pressure, or just pressure. The fused layers are then bonded to the melamine backing the same way. The wear layer goes on last, before the laminate flooring material goes through a final fusing. The material is cut into planks or blocks - which is what the end user will buy at the store. The planks may range from less than an inch in width to almost a foot, and are edged with tongue and groove construction so that the pieces of a floor can be fitted together just like a puzzle piece. Many manufacturers extend the protective coating to the sides of the flooring planks as well as the top and bottom.

Putting It All Together Again

The tongue and groove construction makes installation so easy that a complete novice can put down a new floor in a weekend afternoon. Some of the newer laminate floor products don't even require glue to get a virtually seamless floor. They just snap together and lock tight, making it possible to walk on your new floor as soon as you put it down. Picture perfect, years of wear and easy to install - the new generation of laminate floors are definitely worth a second look when you're looking for a new floor.

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Hardwood Or Laminate Floors and Pets

Determining which hardwood or laminate floor type is best suited for your pet can be tricky. While a number of laminate floors are strong enough to handle pet wear (e.g. high pressure laminate) others are weaker and may warp or crack upon exposure to pet traffic or accidents.

Finding the right type of hardwood flooring for your pets can also be difficult. Those who have large dogs would be better off with hardwood that has a high Janka Hardness rating. Janka Hardness ratings are given depending on the hardness of a particular wood, and are based on a scale of 0 to 4000 (4000 being the hardest and 0 being the softest). Hardwood floors that are most likely to endure pet wear and tear without damage tend to be higher up on the scale (e.g. Brazilian Teak; Brazilian Walnut).

Keep in mind that both hardwood and laminate flooring do not take well to pet accidents. The acidity of urine can cause damage that may be impossible to repair. A benefit to purchasing solid hardwood flooring is that it can often be refinished a few times during its lifecycle. Refinishing is the process of sanding and staining your floors so they look close to, or as good, as they did when you first purchased them. Refinishing can help remove unsightly scratches from pet nails and surface dings.

While some laminate floor types may look like solid hardwood, they are actually just a translucent wear layer atop a picture (decorative layer) of the wood that it's made to resemble. Laminate flooring cannot be refinished; often times the only way to repair damage is to replace them. Save yourself time and money for laminate repairs by wiping up pet accidents and water bowl spills immediately after they happen. Most stains can be removed with a cleaning solution that's recommended by the manufacturer.

When shopping for laminate floors for your pet, consider purchasing the stronger laminate floor types that can handle a high level of wear without damaging. This includes high pressure laminate (HPL) and laminate that has an AC rating of AC3, AC4 or AC5. AC stands for Abrasion Class, and is a rating system that determines the strength of a particular laminate type and which household areas its best suited for based on those results. Laminate floors that have an AC3 rating are recommended for most residential and some commercial areas; while AC5 includes laminate that's strong enough to handle high commercial foot traffic (e.g. department stores).

Keep in mind that stronger hardwood and laminate floors often mean a higher price tag. While it may seem like a lot now, in the long run it could end up saving you hundreds to thousands of dollars in floor repairs.

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5 Laminate Flooring Installation Secrets To Prevent Flooring Fiasco's

The laminate flooring installation industry has seen phenomenal growth, and with good reason. These innovative floor coverings simulate virtually any wood grain, style and texture. The appearance is absolutely authentic. If you can't afford a solid hardwood product, this is an excellent, easy-to-clean alternative. However, for a professional finish you need to keep some laminate flooring installation secrets in mind.

Secret 1 - Transform Yourself Into A Traffic Master

You need to match the quality of the flooring perfectly to the area where you plan to install it. One easy way to do this, is to make a note of the AC-rating. This symbol-and-digit system gives an accurate indication of the suitability of a particular range for use in high or low traffic areas. AC stands for Abrasion Class. In order to display this symbol, a range has to be tested for its ability to withstand a certain amount of use, as well as mishaps such as bumps, scratches, burn marks, or fading due to UV damage. The tests also include aspects such as moisture resistance. A cheap, discount laminate flooring product may not carry this mark and may be a total waste of money.

For residential use, the AC-rating consists of a house symbol, while commercially suited lines display a building. The digit tracks the traffic wearability.

AC1 is an indication that you can do the laminate flooring installation in the bedrooms of your home.

AC2 lines can be installed in living rooms and dining room areas.

AC3 is tough enough for use in heavy traffic residential areas, or light commercial settings.

AC4 ranges can be utilized in offices and boutiques.

AC5 is the toughest, suitable for heavy traffic areas, such as department stores.

Don't assume that the most robust one is the best for your home. The higher the AC-rating, the rougher the texture. If you enjoy barefoot walking, your feet will soon be complaining loudly. You are also likely to find that sock darning suddenly becomes a full-time occupation! A sales person should be able to give you advice, but it is much better if you collect some background information yourself.

Secret 2 - Core Truths Of Flooring

You now know to be on the look-out for plank quality and thickness. Another vital secret to keep in mind, is the density of the floor's core. If you want to know how well your choice of brand will be able to resist moisture, rips and indentations, ask about the core density. On the other hand, the wear layer determines the robustness as far as scratches, stains and scuff marks are concerned. Urethane for example, is great if you want to block stains. A good core density combined with a tough wear layer are a winning pair if you want a floor with a long life.

Secret 3 - When The Chips Are Down

Chipping often becomes a headache during a laminate flooring installation project. You have to use some type of saw in order to get the plank lengths you need. It is vital to find a way to minimize chipping. Use a left-over piece of plank to practice on. Find out what works for you, before you continue with the task. If you have a hand held power saw, turn the plank over and keep the good side down. Try to use a form of builders tape to protect the edge while you work. Chips can be extremely unsightly and you need to eliminate them as far as possible. A circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade and a saber saw for curves are highly effective.

Secret 4 - Go With The Flow

You need to install the planks parallel to the direction of the light flowing from the natural source of light. This is one secret behind an aesthetically pleasing floor. In addition, this simple step will display the joints between the planks in the best light, so to speak.

Before you start, also make sure that the walls are really as straight as you assume they are. You can start your project by following a wall, only to find out that the line isn't at all what you expected. This can quickly result in a costly flooring fiasco. It is sensible to complete three or four rows, and let them settle down for an hour or so. This will give you a solid start. The wall of a long hallway can also be utilized as a guide. Always check that you tackle adjoining rooms in such a fashion that the line can be continued straight and smoothly into the hallway.

Secret 5 - Stick To Your Guns

Many experts in the home improvement field still recommend the use of glue in the grooves of the planks. Manufacturers often claim that this isn't necessary, as the planks fit so tightly together. Your laminate flooring supplier will be able to give you an indication of the approach that ensures the best results with a particular brand. A sealed joint will definitely give better protection against moisture. However, this complicates the procedure and is time-consuming.

In bathrooms and kitchens you don't have much of an option in this regard. There are always spills and messes, no matter how careful you are. Humidity has a tendency to seep into every crevice. It will cause the core to swell, leading to unsightly buckling. By being diligent with glue in the joints and a caulking gun around the perimeter of the room, you will ensure that the good looks of your laminate flooring installation is retained for years. The floor itself is never glued down, except on stairs. Don't be too generous with the glue and wipe any excess away with a damp cloth. Always work in the direction of the joint.

Some research will pay handsome dividends in the long run. If you choose wisely, your laminate flooring installation will provide pleasure and an elegant decor touch for years to come.

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How To Install Laminate Flooring

When you decide to install laminate flooring, you have the look of a hardwood floor, without the worry and the maintenance. You can easily install your own laminate flooring if you take a little time to do some research.

The first thing you need to realize is all laminate flooring manufacturers have their own procedures for installation. It is recommended that you read and follow the installation procedures for the specific laminate flooring you buy. It may seem like they are all the same, but there are small differences in certain aspects of installation like gluing. If you don't follow the manufacturer's instructions that were supplied with your purchase, any mistakes you make may void the product's warranty. Though each manufacturer may have different procedures there are a few things they all have in common.

The first thing you will need is a level sub floor to lay the planks over. The floor should be stable and flat with no gaps greater than 3 inches. You must ground off the high spots and fill in the low spots to make the floor flat. You have to take into account a ¼ inch gap along the whole edge of the installation. If the floor is too close to a wall or touching it, the flooring will most likely fail.

A laminate floor must be allowed to adjust to the final surrounding. This will take two or three days. You cannot bring home a floor and install it. You need to allow the laminate flooring to acclimate to the new environmental conditions before you begin the installation process.

When you begin, do not use any material that seems to have been damaged. If you do, your warranty may not apply. Be sure you inspect the large format laminate flooring for any flaws or defects.

If you need to fit the laminate flooring around any pipes, you need to measure, and drill the holes at least ½" larger than the span of the pipe. This will allow for any movement. Cut at a 45 degree angle to the holes in the tile.

You should always protect your laminate flooring by using felt protectors for chairs and any other heavy furniture you may have that may scar the flooring. If you need to move furniture, be sure you lift and move it before you set it back down on the floor.

If you install your own laminate flooring, you will save a ton of money. It doesn't have to be a difficult process if you familiarize yourself with the instructions and have all the tools you will need on hand. You can find out any additional information on the web or you can ask a friend for their help. You will be proud to stand back and see the beauty of your handiwork.

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Armstrong Laminate Flooring May Be Your Choice

You probably already have some of Armstrong laminate, if you looked at laminate flooring. Armstrong founded the company 150 years ago, in order to have a long time to develop their products and know-how, but Armstrong has rolled around only a relatively short time. While laminate flooring has been popular in Europe for decades, has gained in popularity in the United States over the past 20 years. People have discovered the versatility, durabilityand the cost of using a product like Armstrong laminate real hardwood instead of ceramic or stone floors.

Armstrong laminate is available in only 3 basic types: wood laminate (which is the most popular and has the most varieties and colors), stone (which imitates natural polished stone or ceramic) and textured (which only one type but is available in a few colors.)

As Armstrong laminate installed? There are 3 basic ways to installLaminate. One type of laminate requires gluing to install it. This can be best managed by a professional. The next type of laminate glue already applied, but must be moistened, if you install it. The final type of laminate is the most popular among the do-it-yourself-on laminate flooring. It is produced with a patented interlocking 2 of Armstrong laminate. You can have professionally installed each of these species, but the framedistributed, people, money, trying to save yourself.

In the laminate, as in almost all products, you get what you pay for. The laminate is the less expensive lower quality and longevity. If you want to be very strong, it must pay more for additional features, like a layer of aluminum oxide. Moreover, the thickness of the board, who will perform better and last. Includes thought in mind things like frame and a vapor barrier, if the numberCosts.

Armstrong laminate will find dozens of other laminate flooring manufacturers laminate flooring discount stores in your area and on the Internet.

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Laminate stands up for the test of time, dogs and children

I had carpet and I hated it. Right now the proud owner of a house of laminate flooring, I assure you, he gets up to the test of time. It 'also robust enough to withstand the vagaries and pitfalls of my children and dogs. Laminate flooring is tough material - and I like it.

Laminate Lasts

Carpet was what it really is looking rather tatty begins after five years or so. Carpet in a house with the dogs shed and spilled Sippy CupsShabby looks like in about five minutes. Sure carpeting in the bedrooms and perhaps sensible in the rooms of the house, which are rarely used, but in high traffic and high courts, jump on the table - is nothing but trouble.

Laminate flooring, but will last for decades. It was designed for heavy pedestrian traffic and not mat down or stain with tennis shoes, mopeds and the dog's muddy paws. In case of accidents, clean in a matter of seconds and move on. Not necessaryOut of heavy metal cleaners, spot or treaters to produce steam which is a bit 'of grape juice. Clean and go - ideal for parents almost all occupied.

Laminate against children and domestic animals

My children are from the coarse variety, and I do fall for them a soft place. However, I also want to clean and stain free place to stay during their childhood. Laminate floors, are not the minimum material for the floors, but gives much moreas parquet or tiles. My son could, in a goose egg on his head when he tried to beat the back of the sofa, but he did not need stitches. Over all the blood can be easily removed - not that it should not.

Small dogs and cats that are good for the carpet warehouse. But bring in a dog that sheds a little 'and just clean the carpet is the ideal venue for dander and hair that may not always be removed even with the most powerful vacuum cleaner. However, on aLaminate, as well as my oak laminate flooring accumulates all the dog hair, hair, dust and dirt on the surface makes it easy to navigate and end of each day. Sprinkle in a few seconds and your home will be fresh and ready to begin another day of battle.

Laminate flooring is not all roses

While it will be the praise of laminate flooring to anyone who wants to listen to the song, then I'll gladly admit, is not perfect. Sometimes the nails are the dog cocksmy laminate floor make me want to get out of my skin, but I can not this specific problem, if I bothered to cut the claws my dog properly.

Also, because laminate flooring is a surface harder, is uncomfortable after a long period, are mostly barefoot. There is not much cushion, though most other types of land, so that your feet and you can take a beating when you are around for more than an hour or two. Slippers with a little 'Support or a thick sole is with this particular problem also help.

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