Laminate flooring is made of materials that are designed to give the consumer flooring that resists stains and fading. This flooring type is also scratch and burn resistant. You may be asking, “How is all of this possible?” Manufacturers of laminate flooring are continually upgrading with newer technologies that make all of this possible.
Laminate wood flooring is unique in the fact that it looks like real wood or any other nature product, but in all reality, it is not. Essentially, a picture of wood, tile or stone is taken; which in turn, becomes the top layer of the floor and is often referred to as the decorative layer. This image is placed between a fiberboard core underneath and then a durable wear layer is placed over this image.
The laminate core is really the base of this floor type and is made of a high density fiberboard. Later, in the production process is combined with a melamine resin, wood fibers, and an adhesive. These core materials are pressed together, under high heat and pressure. The core thickness of is measured in millimeters (mm). There are two different processes when it comes to pressing the flooring together. You will see these processes referred to HPL (High Pressure Laminate) and DPL (Direct Pressure Laminate). When DPL is used, all of the single layers that make up the planks are arranged into their correct positioning and bonded at the same time. When HPL is used, each plank or tile is fixed together separately. When combined with heat and pressure, the wear layer is usually thicker and harder wearing the floor made with DPL. You should know that it is through DPL that gives manufacturers the ability to produce more “natural” looking laminate flooring.
Both methods do produce a consumer friendly product. Where you will be installing your floor will probably decided which type you install. You will want to be sure your laminate flooring is built for the type of use you intend it for, residential use or commercial use. It should be stated that HPL is more dent resistant than DPL, but overall both will provide flooring that will last for several years.
The bottom stabilizing layer is often referred to as the stability layer. This layer allows the planks to adapt to humidity and temperature changes. The ability to adapt to moisture varies among manufacturers; just another reason to do your research before you finalize your purchase. Some flooring types like Pergo Accolade, Alloc Commercial and Original and more come made with premium underlayment attached to this layer- making installation process easy and clean.
Laminate flooring is like a “sandwich” of materials. From the wear layer, to the decorative layer, the core materials and on to the stabilizing layer; laminate flooring is a process. The manufacturing process provides some of the most realistic looking floors in the marketplace today. Many times this flooring type is referred to as a “floating” floor. The stability layer is designed to float over the foam underlayment, which gives a whole new meaning to a “floating” floor.
Many laminate flooring companies are using recycled products and offering flooring that consumers desire. Consumers want a quality product, and they want to support companies that are working on keeping our environment clean.
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