Invented in Sweden, laminate flooring began showing up in American homes in 1993 by Perstorp Flooring, which makes Pergo. Laminate flooring has always been sturdy, but recently laminate flooring manufacturers have truly begun to capture the look and feel of real hardwood, tile and natural stone. Mid- and high-end laminate flooring feature a more textured look that adds to its realism. The greatest feature about laminate flooring is that you can get the look of a luxurious, exotic wood floor with lots of intricate inlays for a fraction of the cost of the real thing. Many manufacturers have added the look of chestnut, maple, walnut, olive, cherry, hickory, along with more exotic species, to broaden their appeal to a wider range of consumers. How Laminate Flooring Is Made Laminate flooring basically consists of a highly compressed paper liner with a computer-generated photograph of a natural material such as wood, tile or stone. Below the image is a core layer of plywood or high density fiberboard and another protective coating to guard against rising moisture.

A backing gives it stability and helps prevent problems like warping. Laminate flooring will not contract or expand with changes in temperature and humidity as solid The photo layer is covered by a transparent polymer resin that's 10 times thicker than the coating on laminate counter tops. Best Flushing Toilet PaperOnce it dries, it forms a hard-as-nails surface wear layer able to withstand such things as high heels and acetone nail polish remover. Vintage Dollhouse Miniatures For SalePlus, it is easy to care for - just sweep and mop it with vinegar and water or a no-rinse cleaner. Used Furniture For Sale In Berks County PaYou never have to wax or polish, or refinish it.  Laminate flooring typically is warranted for 15 years against wearing out, fading from sunlight and staining.

One of the drawbacks of laminate floors is the fact that while it looks like hardwood, it often doesn't feel like hardwood. Laminate floors are sometimes installed with a foam pad underneath to absorb some of the hollow sound, but it doesn't always work. It is different from the sound produced by wood, tile or stone. Another issue is wear and tear. Unlike a traditional hardwood flooring that can be refinished if worn down or repaired if there's a gouge, laminate floors do not repair very easily. The wear layer is pretty tough, and it will take a lot of abuse, but once that layer is worn down or is damaged, there is no wood there to fix or refinish. You have to replace the floor. A laminate floor is called a “floating” floor, because it's not attached to the surface beneath it. An underlayment of foam or some other material is laid over the existing floor to serve as a moisture barrier and sound deadener, and sections of laminate are placed on top of the underlayment. Usually the sections are glued together but mechanical locking, or glue less, laminate floors are becoming more popular.  

Laminate floors with click-together joints and pre-applied glue offer more protection against moisture and gapping. The installation isn't difficult for a skilled do-it-yourselfer, but it is not recommended as a first project. A small, square room isn't too challenging, but large areas and rooms with lots of angles and door casings are best left to a pro. It is recommended that you choose an installer who has experience in laminate flooring. Since the success of the floor is largely due to its installation, it is worth having the job done right. Courtesy of Mannington Mills. Anyone can have beautiful, functional floors – once you review your options. For example, you may have your heart set on hardwood, but laminate may be a better option given your lifestyle. Alternatively, you may admire tile floors, but you might be a lot happier with luxury vinyl tile (LVT). In order to make the right decision, consider three key factors: budget, wearability and maintenance. Hardwood floors are a great choice under the right conditions.

Nothing compares to the natural beauty, color, intricate graining and depth of shine of a hardwood floor. Not only easy on the eye, hardwood floors tend to be warm underfoot, too. Quality hardwood flooring is a big investment but will last a long time and add real value to your home. Hardwood is timely and timeless and completely authentic, and it comes in many colors, from nearly white to practically black and various warm shades of brown in between. Though there are many pluses to hardwood, there are some minuses to consider when deciding whether it’s right for you. Bear in mind, all hardwood is not the same; quality and pricing are big factors. Depending on the species, some hardwood floors can take a great deal of wear and tear and still look good. Others, though beautiful at first, show the signs of wear very quickly. In any case, you have to clean and care for it properly. This includes not using ammonia cleaners, oil soaps or a wet mop; using a professional hardwood floor cleaner to remove scuffs and scratches;

and cleaning spills immediately. For these reasons, hardwood might not be the best fit for every home. In some cases, laminate is a great alternative. Fortunately, for people who really like the look of wood, there’s an excellent and much less expensive alternative: laminate flooring. Through highly detailed digitized photography, laminate floors of today duplicate hardwood with tremendous realism that allows for a lower initial cost. What’s more, an inner cork subfloor on some laminate products helps tone down the noise and echoing attributes associated with laminates of yesterday. Unlike hardwood, a laminate floor will not fade. Pets can also be a problem for hardwood flooring. Laminate, on the other hand, offers a durable wear surface that is highly stain, scratch and moisture resistant. Because of its durability, hygienic nature and ease of installation and maintenance, laminate floors have become a low-cost alternative to hardwood, stone and tile. Is your heart set on stone?

Natural stone and porcelain tiles are another popular way to pave your floors. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors, glazed or unglazed, and can be used plain, decorated or as part of a mosaic. Along with its beauty, natural stone flooring will likely increase your home’s resale value, and it only improves with age. Stone is also popular because every piece of stone is unique so no two floors are alike. Natural stone varies in hardness as no stone floor has a perfectly smooth surface. There is always a possibility that small chips or pits may show up and be more evident in certain kinds of lighting. It’s a good idea to match the flooring with the kind of activities that will be taking place, as soft, porous stone flooring is probably inappropriate for a high-traffic area. Is tile the right fit for your family? A properly installed ceramic tile floor will outperform and outlast nearly any other. Glazed ceramic tile and porcelain resist stains, odors and dirt and can be cleaned easily.

Environmentally friendly, ceramic tile is manufactured using natural materials and does not retain odors, allergens or bacteria. It also does not burn or emit toxic fumes. It can, however, be expensive and difficult to install, and some people find tile cold underfoot. Vinyl floors offer many perks. Luxury vinyl tile, which falls in the “resilient” flooring category, may be a flooring you should consider, especially if you’re concerned about pets and kids. Luxury vinyl tile flooring is a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms, as well, because it’s “no wax” and easy to keep clean. It’s durable, affordable, water resistant, easy to install and doesn’t fade or stain. LVT flooring comes in many colors, textures and patterns and can imitate wood grain, tile, even marble. Since it also comes in sheets, planks and tiles, there’s lots of room for self-expression. A talented installer can use contrasting sheet vinyl for large patterns. Tiles can be arranged any way you want, from checkerboard to stripes to diagonals.