|
|
Why Laminate Flooring?
Simply put, it's an ultra-durable product that looks like a real wood or stone floor, yet costs about one-third less than the 'real thing,' it is easier to install and typically lasts longer. Laminate also offers a variety of other benefits, including:
High UV resistance, blocking the sun's harmful rays and protecting the floor pattern from fading over time. Easy installation. Excellent warranty protection. Easy repairs, since damaged planks can be replaced without contrasting with the pattern of surrounding boards. Easy cleaning, since laminate flooring doesn't trap dirt. Most spills can be cleaned up with a terry cloth mop, Swiffer or sponge.
Laminate Means...Versatility!
Laminate flooring gives you flexibility. Woodgrains and lightly colored stone patterns provide the opportunity to dramatically alter the overall look and feel of a
room by changing some of the accents. A guest room, for example, can change with the seasons by simply changing out the linens.
Basic construction
1. Melamine Wearsurface with Aluminum Oxide
Second only to diamonds in hardness, aluminum oxide provides wear and stain resistance.
2. Design Surface
Kraft paper with designs using photograph-like printing processes lock color deep inside the image fiber layer to create vivid patterns and hues.
3. Glueless Locking System
Unique profile system, available on many products, offers outstanding strength and easy, glueless installation. Many manufacturers apply a sealant to the
edges of the locking systems to give them excellent moisture resistance.
4. High Density Fiberboard
A super strong, high-density board made from recycled wood chip material that withstands indentations, even from the heaviest piano.
5. Backing
A melamine-impregnated backing balances the construction and controls warping.
6. Edge Sealant
Tongue and groove surfaces are impregnated with a moisture sealant to protect against moisture penetration between the planks.
High Pressure vs. Direct Pressure Laminates
Laminate sheets are bonded, using special adhesives, to "substrates" made of plywood, fiberboard or particle board which give the final product its strength and substance. The laminate surface provides resistance from wear and impact.
High pressure decorative laminate (HPDL) is made by saturating sheets of decorative and core paper with resins, then pressing them under high heat, fusing the layers into a single sheet. This high pressure process is done in several steps, giving high pressure laminates superior dent and impact resistance and greater overall thickness. Direct pressure laminates are made in one continuous process, making them durable and beautiful and also less expensive than high pressure laminates.
|
|