What you should know about laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is made up of wood byproducts with four layers that are fused. These layers include the backing, which adds support. Next is the core; HDF (high-density fiberboard) is the most stable and water-resistant. The image layer, created with 3D photography, is a true-to-life echo of wood, stone, or tile. On top is a transparent, aluminum-coated wear layer that protects the floor from scratches, scuffs, fading, and stains.
About laminate wood flooring
These floors are visually appealing and durable, so there’s no limit as to where you can use them. They’re durable enough for high-traffic areas, such as the living area or foyer, and, thanks to a new waterproof version, they can also be installed in the kitchen or bath. Some popular species are oak, maple, cherry, chestnut, ash, pine, and walnut, with plank widths ranging from five or fewer inches to seven. Be sure to tell your flooring expert if you’re using underfloor heating, as some require special mesh backings.
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Thicker is better
While all laminate is durable, thicker offers a more authentic hard surface feeling underfoot, hides subfloor imperfections, and eliminates noise. A thicker product also allows for deeper embossing, resulting in more intricate designs. For the highest quality, go for a thickness of 10-mm to 12-mm. If budget’s a concern, and your subfloor is smooth, you might get away with 7-mm or 8-mm.
What’s an AC rating?
Abrasion Criteria (AC) refers to a one to five rating system to determine wear resistance. The higher the number, the more durable the floor. Typically, for residential floors, there should be an AC rating of three or four. Anything less is for low or low/moderate foot-trafficked floors, while AC-V is for heavy-duty commercial use.
A word about waterproof laminate
This is what everyone’s been waiting for! This is a unique construction that won’t absorb liquid and stain. While original laminate is highly water-resistant, there was always a chance some liquid could seep through. Be sure to tell your flooring retailer exactly how you plan to use it, so it can be determined if you need the waterproof variety.
Come into the Redwing Custom Cabinets and Flooring showroom in Boyd, Wisconsin to learn more about laminate flooring or any of our other products. We work with homeowners, builders and designers in and around Boyd, WI, Cadott, WI, Chippewa Falls, WI, Cornell, WI, Eau Claire, WI, Stanley, WI, Thorp, WI || Eleva, WI. We also offer free quotes, so be sure to get your laminate flooring!
