Evaluating Laminate Floors
Evaluating Laminate Floors description
Since the introduction of laminate flooring into the US in 1982,
the sector has experienced growth of up to 20% per annum at the
expense of other floor types, making laminate the fastest
growing floor type in the country. The appeal lies not only in
its aesthetic value of its representation of real hardwood, but
also due to its incredible durability and ease of maintenance.
The following factors will help you evaluate different brands
and styles of laminate flooring in order to determine which
laminate floor best suites your application.
Laminate floors are constructed using two different methods of
manufacture: Direct Pressure Laminate (DPL) and High Pressure
Laminate (HPL). Direct pressure laminate is made up of three
layers, while a High Pressure Laminate is made up of a minimum
of five layers. Is one better than the other? Yes. HPL is a far
superior product. The addition of Phenolic Treated Kraft Sheets
make the HPL a far stronger, more dent resistant and stable
product. The catch is that they come with a higher price tag. Do
you need HPL in your home? No. Most laminate floors sold in the
US are (DPL) and are built for today?s active households.
However if you are looking for a floor that will withstand the
vigour of small children and large pets and still look good in
15 years time, then High Pressure Laminate is a good
alternative.
Laminate cores range in thickness from 6mm to 12mm, with a
thicker core usually denoting a more stable product. The only
exception to this rule is High Pressure Laminate (HPL), which
although has a much thinner core compared to (DPL), is stronger
and more durable. Composition of core material is also an
important factor. A good laminate floor is constructed using
High density Fiberboard (HDF) as the core material, which has
been treated with water repellent chemicals, offering stability
and a high level of water resistance.
Joint integrity can be an important factor, especially when
placing heavy items on your laminate floors. Laminate floors are
engineered to withstand normal day to day wear and tear and are
designed to withstand the weight of normal household furniture.
If you wish to place an extra heavy item of furniture on you
floors, such as a very large fish tank, you might want to
consider purchasing a floor that has an aluminum locking system.
Laminate floor joints should also be treated with water
repellent chemicals, such as paraffin wax, which is impregnated
into the tongue and groove of the floor boards.
A good laminate warranty should cover the following aspects:
Fading, Denting, Wear and Tear, Staining and should have some
kind of water warranty, although keep in mind that no laminate
warranty covers flooding. Always be sure to scrutinize the
duration of the different aspects of a laminate warranty, as a
25 year warranty might refer to manufacturers defects only,
while the wear and tear aspect of the warranty only covers a 15
year period.
North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA): NALFA is
the organization that sets the standards for laminate flooring
in the USA. NALFA is a non profit organization, and its members
are unpaid volunteers. Laminates submitted o NALFA undergo a
range of stringent tests. If the laminate floor meets or exceeds
NALFA standards, it will earn the right to display the NALFA
seal of approval. Note that submission of laminate flooring to
NALFA is voluntary. The following laminates carry the NALFA seal
of approval: Pergo, Mannington, Wilsonart. A more complete list
can be found at the NALFA website. About the Author: This
laminate flooring article was written by Barry H. Get more tips
and techniques at: The Flooring Resource. |
