“Is it laminate … or is it hardwood?”

Today’s laminates can be so realistic that you might ask yourself, “Is that laminate, or hardwood?” Widely acknowledged as a more affordable alternative to wood flooring, laminate floors are a beautiful, long-lasting flooring option that can be used in almost any room of your home. Laminate floors have a four-layer construction that provides added strength and durability to your floor. In addition, laminate flooring comes in various patterns and textures, including natural woods, tiles, and stones, to complement any decor.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is made up of several layers of synthetic materials that are sealed together to provide strength and durability.

• Wear Layer: This top layer is made of aluminum oxide, one of the hardest materials known today. This durable layer protects your floor from scuffs and scratches.

• Pattern Layer: This layer gives your floor the appearance of natural wood with a printed design on moisture-resistant melamine paper. Melamine is a hard plastic used to cover other materials—is used to make melamine resin, which can then be poured onto decorative paper and eventually laminated.) We offer many unique and stylish options to complement any decor.

• Core/Substrate Layer: This layer is made up up of a wood-based fiber that is glued together and pressed. The core layer provides your floor with extra strength for years to come.

• Backing Layer: This melamine layer provides support for your floor. It also keeps the planks flat and balanced, which prevents your floor from warping.

What are the benefits of laminate flooring?

Durability

Laminate floors are extremely durable considering how little maintenance they require. Laminate can withstand heavy traffic with minimal damage, is UV resistant, and can also be water resistant. This type of flooring is also less prone to scratches and discoloration than hardwood floors. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for high traffic areas, as well as homes with children and pets.

Versatility

Laminate is an extremely versatile product that can be installed on all grade levels — basement, main level and secondary levels.  Because it’s durable and easy to clean, it’s perfect for high traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Affordable

Not only is laminate flooring less expensive than other hard surface floors, but when durability and longevity are taken into account, it also becomes a cost-effective option.

Realistic Visuals

A laminate surface is actually an image that is printed from film onto a thin decorative layer, which is then treated with a wear layer. The film’s high resolution allows for an extremely authentic appearance. There is a variety of patterns and textures available, ranging from wood grain and tile to stone patterns.

Is Laminate Waterproof?

While laminate flooring is considered water resistant, it is not completely waterproof. Although laminate is more resistant to liquid spills than hardwood, fluid that penetrates below the surface can cause serious damage such as mold and warping. If moisture has caused damage to your laminate flooring, it will need to be replaced. Check the product specifications and your laminate flooring warranty to determine the amount of time liquid can sit on the surface of the floor before it damages the product.

Browse our laminate portfolio for more design inspiration, or click on one of our manufacturers below to learn more about the laminate lines we offer.