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Laminate flooring is becoming more and more popular today in North America and all over the world, although it started as a European innovation. For households and offices which require a low maintenance flooring solution, laminate flooring has been known to be an effective choice for its attractiveness, durability, ease of installation, as well as for its reasonable price when compared to many other flooring options. However, despite the fact that laminate flooring is popular, there are a great many misconceptions and mysteries surrounding it in terms of how laminate flooring is made and how it differs from solid hardwood. This guide is meant to clear up these misconceptions and reveal some of these mysteries, as well as outline some of the major benefits of laminate flooring. Armed with this knowledge, it is hoped that eBayers can go forward and buy their choice of laminate flooring with confidence!

What is laminate flooring?

One of the first mistakes people make is to confuse laminate flooring with solid hardwood flooring. The two should never be thought of as similar, despite the obvious visual similarities that makes quality laminate flooring such an attractive choice. Laminate flooring is not comprised of any real hardwood species at all. In fact, the surface of a laminate floor is actually a highly rendered photograph, often of a hardwood species. This top layer, or decorative layer, is sealed by a resin-based coating which gives the laminate flooring board its resistance to many forms of abrasion. The two remaining layers of laminate flooring are the core layer and the backing layer. The core layer is most often made of high-density or medium density fiber board, which serves as a means to absorb the stress of footfalls and other forms of impact. The backing layer, otherwise known as the stabilizing layer, is the layer of the laminate flooring which binds all of the others together. All in all, each layer of the laminate flooring board is designed for maximum structural strength, although not all laminate flooring lines are created equal. For a more detailed breakdown of just how much stress each type of laminate flooring is meant for, you need to find out what the AC rating of the laminate flooring is.

What is an AC rating?
An AC rating is applied to every line of laminate flooring by an independent body known as EPLF, or European Producers of Laminate Flooring. A series of tests are designed and carried out in order to test each line of laminate flooring for stress resistance. The tests range from resistance to burning, to scratching, to impact, and even tests for resistance against abrasion caused by castors and other furniture legs. When the tests are concluded, those lines of laminate flooring are assigned an AC rating, which is the measurement of stress as applied to where the laminate flooring is to be installed. Here is a general guide to the AC rating:

All reputable manufacturers of laminate flooring adhere to these standards which are outlined by the industry for the benefit of consumers. It is important for consumers to note the AC rating on the laminate flooring they are considering, particularly with the idea of foot traffic, moisture, and other stresses that the laminate flooring will need to endure firmly in mind.

Tongue and Groove and Locking Systems

One of the key characteristics of laminate flooring, and one that is kept in mind when it is manufactured, is how easy it is to install when compared to other types of flooring. Of the many designs, some of the more efficient and mess-free laminate flooring lines are the “glueless” variety. With this variety, the laminate flooring is generally fitted together by means of what is called a “tongue and groove” design, with interlocking elements that slide into place and are made secure as each row is laid down. Unlike hardwood, no nails are required. Some types of laminate feature more sophisticated locking systems, designed to be put down and taken up again where necessary. With some fairly limited skills in carpentry, laminate flooring can be installed by do-it-yourselfers in most cases. Choosing to install laminate flooring commonly cuts down on expenses, as it is rarely necessary to hire an installer, although many homeowners do for the sake of convenience. For contractors, offering the option of laminate flooring to clients is often a time-saving option, as laminate flooring is more quickly installed than hardwood flooring, allowing them to take on more contracts.

Laminate flooring dos and don’ts

Generally speaking, laminate flooring is a low maintenance option that is easily installed, but there are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing laminate flooring as well as once they’ve been installed. Here are a few pointers when looking to maintain a laminate floor.

Do:

Don’t:

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but is certain comprised of some of the key points in making sure that your choice of laminate flooring is one that is wisely considered. In all areas, it is always best to consult the experts directly when thinking about your flooring options. Contact your local flooring contractors who maybe able to point you in the right direction in terms of installation and usage.

Rob Jones is Communications Coordinator with BuildDirect, a leading online wholesaler of building products. Rob writes articles for commercial contractors and DIYers on features, installation, and maintenance of building materials used in commercial and residential projects. These articles focus on materials such as flooring, decking, roofing, and siding, and other related topics.

Daryl Plaza is the owner of http://woodfloorresource.com/laminateflooring.html Woodfloorresource.com a website that is designed to gather information about Hardwood floor, http://woodfloorresource.com/laminateinstallation.htmlLaminate flooring and your entire wood floor needs. We have gathered reviews and resources that we think can help in researching your wood floor needs

Laminate flooring is a smart and popular choice to give the existing floors in your home a new lease on life. Today’s laminate floors have the styles, textures, versatility, price, and added benefits that make laminate flooring a smart choice for the floors throughout your home.

Some of the beneficial features in laminate flooring include:

• Dependable Durability

• Easy to Clean Surfaces

• Superior Stain and Fade Resistance

• Installs over Many Types of Sub-Floors

• Great Impact and Indentation Resistance

• Fashionable, Functional Designs and Textures at Affordable Prices

• Easily Replaced Later On, If Desired

The enormous popularity of laminate flooring among consumers isn’t just because laminate floors are available in spectacular designs and rich textures, or even because of its simplistic installation, durability, or affordability. Laminate flooring has gained in popularity because it is easy to care for flooring, with no special, or expensive cleaning equipment needed to maintain its beauty for many years to come.

For the specific cleaning and maintenance of your laminate floors, you should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations first, for the care and maintenance of your new floor. Follow closely the manufacturer’s suggestions for the cleaning and caring of the brand of laminate flooring you have selected.

Laminate floors will give you years of dependable performance as long as you follow a regular routine of cleaning and caring for your floors. Even though laminate flooring is made to be extremely durable, they can be cut by the dropping of sharp items such as knives for example, or even scratched if heavy objects are dragged over its surface. Keep your laminate floors in tip-top condition by taking care to keep sharp items from coming into contact with the floor. Protect them too from heavy objects being dragged across the floor, which could seriously damage the floor’s surface. You can further protect your laminate floors by placing felt pads, or wide-based casters underneath all chairs and furniture legs to prevent scratching of the floor. If you must move a heavy object across the floor, place a mat underneath as another way to prevent the scratching of your precious laminate flooring. Be quick to clean-up spills so that they don’t have the chance to get under the protective sealing of your laminate flooring.

The general care and maintenance of your laminate flooring couldn’t be simpler. Here are some general cleaning tips that when performed on a regular basis, will go a long way towards keeping the condition of your laminate flooring in tip-top shape.

A regular cleaning routine should include the following:

• Vacuum your floors regularly and always use the soft-brush attachments from your vacuum cleaner to prevent scratching the surface

• Wipe-up spills immediately, using a clean, dry soft cloth to prevent spills from ‘leeching’ into the floors surface

• For small areas of dirt, or to pick up pet hairs, use a damp soft-cloth to wipe them up and keep them from falling back to the floor. For larger areas, use a slightly dampened mop to easily remove dirt, grime, crumbs, and hairs from the floor.

• Do not polish or wax these floors. Some of the chemicals in these waxes could damage your flooring and because of the density of laminate flooring, these waxes won’t stick to the surface anyway

• Never attempt to sand or refinish a laminate floor

• Do not use steel wool or harsh cleaners like comet or other abrasive cleaners on these floors

• Keep dirt at bay by placing mats and rugs at all entryways

• Never use an excessive amount of water on your floors to prevent ‘curling’

Your laminate flooring will retain its beauty and durability for years to come by simply following these recommended strategies on a regular basis to care for and maintain the laminate floors you have throughout your home.

My name is Jason Ashby and i have 21 years experiance in the flooring trade. First starting out as a flooring installer then progressing into training people in all aspects of flooring. I also run an online UK store selling laminate flooring products.