subject: Laminate Flooring [print this page] Laminate flooring is a name which has grown considerably to become one of the popular choices of the homeowners, The reason behind such extensive preference for laminate flooring can be the several benefits it posses. Lets take a look at some of them:
Laminate flooring is less expensive than stone, tile or hardwood flooring
Laminate flooring is commonly used a substitute to wood flooring which can be too delicate for heavy foot traffic
The origin of laminate flooring dates back to the 1980s when it was first developed in Sweden. Laminate flooring has a sharp similarity to wood flooring. Ranging from the plank sizes to the appearance, they resemble hardwood. As a result, be it oak, walnut, maple, mahogany, Brazilian cherry, ash and chestnut, laminate floor imitate all types and colours of wood.
High-end laminates are much liked in the home decor sphere due to the textured appearance it exudes. Laminate floors can very well replicate stone flooring as well. Considering these qualities of laminates, this flooring option is specifically preferred by homeowners who wish to give a rich and exotic look to their homes.
Components of laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is composed of four basic components which make up for the durability and aesthetic appearance it possesses.
Melamine backing layer This acts as a balancer stabilizing the floor and controlling moisture.
Substrate layer It consists of medium-density fibreboard or high-density fibreboard. These two are packed together with the help of an adhesive.
Pattern layer The aesthetic appearance of the laminate floor is a result of this pattern layer. It is more of a photograph which is made up by squeezing in several paper sheets.
Wear layer This is the top layer of the laminate flooring which plays an important role in preventing moisture penetration. Coat of aluminium oxide is used to construct this layer. Based upon the demands of the consumer, the coat of aluminium oxide is used. The coat can vary from low to high lustre.
Buying laminate flooring
If you are planning to install laminate flooring in any section of your house, it is important to understand some of its qualities. The best feature about laminate floors are the high-end durability which it offers. In fact laminate floors are more durable than the materials it replicates. They can be installed in any section of the house and also demand for less maintenance measures. There are several avenues which supply laminate timber flooring. If you want you can also check out some online stores for your flooring needs.
Cleaning laminate flooring
In similarity to any flooring material, laminate flooring also has its share of precautions to abide by. Some of the ways to take care of laminate flooring are mentioned below:
Remember that laminate floors are similar to wood and stone flooring only in terms of look and not maintenance procedure. To clean the laminate floor you will essentially need:
Dry mop, sponge mop
Water
Vacuum cleaner
Laminate floor cleaner
Instead of buying laminate floor cleaner, you can also make the cleaner at home. For this you have to mix alcohol, vinegar and water in equal proportions. Do not use floor cleaners for other flooring materials on laminate floors. They might leave a mark or a greasy look on the laminate.
