Why laminate floors may be for you
Laminate flooring looks so much like natural wood floors you might be tempted to reach out and touch the raised grains to check, especially when you see the affordable price tag. The same can be said for all types of natural stone looks. You can have the floor of your choice, whether it's oak, walnut, hickory, maplewood, or hard-to-find stone looks. They are so visually appealing and work in any room, from the living room to the bedroom. Thanks to a new waterproof laminate flooring version, it can also be installed in the kitchen and bath, where it was once avoided due to moisture issues.
What is laminate flooring?
First, here's what it isn't. It isn't plastic and, with modern technology like digital photography, embossing, and micro beveling, the floors have depth, dimension, textured appearances, numerous stains, and gloss finishes. Planks range in width from five to seven-plus inches.
From a technical point of view, four layers are fused to make one entity. First, at the bottom, there is a backing that adds stability and support. Next is the core, which, in effect, is the backbone of the floor, giving it strength and dent resistance. Next is the design layer and at the very top is a transparent, robust, and aluminum oxide coating (wear layer) that protects it all from scratches and scuffs.
From a technical point of view, four layers are fused to make one entity. First, at the bottom, there is a backing that adds stability and support. Next is the core, which, in effect, is the backbone of the floor, giving it strength and dent resistance. Next is the design layer and at the very top is a transparent, robust, and aluminum oxide coating (wear layer) that protects it all from scratches and scuffs.
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Thickness and quality
While it typically has a range of thicknesses, purchase the best your wallet will allow. A robust surface hides subfloor imperfections, is quieter, and has the authentic, firm, and rigid feeling of wood's hard surface. Keep in mind that the thickness measurement should only include the flooring, not any underlayment, and look for a high abrasion resistant (AC) rating. The ratings are AC 1 for rooms with light foot traffic, such as the bedroom.
AC 2 is designed for medium-traffic floors. AC 3 and AC 4 are the best and can be used on all levels of foot traffic, including entrance foyers and kitchens, as well as some light commercial use if warranted. Finally, AC 5means the floor can withstand heavy commercial traffic.
Laminate can be a floating floor where the pieces click together, mat, then hover over the subfloor without nails or glue. This flooring can also be used with radiant underfloor heating systems. First, however, you must check to ensure your particular floor is compatible with your heating system.
We feel the installation is as important as the product and can make any surface, including budget-friendly laminate flooring, look like a high end floor. To learn more, and get a free quote, and if you live or work in or near Pelham, GA, Cotton, GA, Meigs, GA, Camilla, GA, Hinsonton, GA, Sale City, GA, Hartsfield, GA and Branchville, GA, come into the Town Country Carpets showroom in Pelham, GA.
