| Laminate flooring is a relatively new but very popular | | | | The advantages of laminate floors make it a very |
| flooring option. It has only been around for about 20 | | | | convincing option. Quality laminate floors are generally |
| years but is by far the fastest growing segment of | | | | much more water, stain and scratch resistant and will |
| the flooring industry. There are very strong reasons | | | | not fade or dent when compared to hardwood |
| for this incredible popularity but there are also | | | | floors. Hardwood floors also require more |
| negatives that you should be aware of if you are | | | | maintenance and are not as durable. Hardwood floors |
| looking to purchase a laminate floor. | | | | are porous and as such are subject to stains, water |
| Although most laminate floor styles look like | | | | absorption and dents. The better laminate floors have |
| hardwood floors they are not and they are not a | | | | water resistant cores and the edges are wax |
| type of engineered wood floor either. Because the | | | | impregnated so they are suitable for use in |
| pattern in most advertisements for laminate flooring | | | | bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms that have |
| is wood grain many people get the mistaken | | | | occasional water spills. Most of the high-end laminate |
| impression that it is a real hardwood veneer | | | | floors come with a lifetime warranty and can handle |
| laminated to a fiberboard core but that is simply not | | | | heavy traffic areas. However, the buyer has to be |
| the case. They are actually paper imprinted with a | | | | aware of some of the cheaper laminate floors. Many |
| high quality photographic image, usually of wood, | | | | cannot be used in bathrooms or kitchens because |
| although it can also be printed to simulate ceramic, | | | | the core is not protected from moisture absorption. |
| terrazzo, marble or terra cotta. This paper is then | | | | Many warranties specifically state that the product is |
| laminated to a high density fiber board (HDF) base. | | | | not intended for bathrooms or other areas subject |
| The laminate surface is then sealed with a protective | | | | to water spills. Also, the seal on the top of some of |
| long lasting coating, usually a highly scratch resistant | | | | the cheaper laminates will start to show wear after |
| aluminum oxide finish. The idea is to get a tough and | | | | only a few years in heavy traffic locations. Many of |
| durable flooring material that is also very inexpensive | | | | the less expensive laminates have only a 10 year |
| and easy to care for. Like any attempt to simulate | | | | warranty. So make sure you match the quality of the |
| the look of wood sometimes it is very effective and | | | | floor with the traffic requirements and water |
| at other times it is not particularly convincing. The | | | | exposure of the area. |
| thicker laminate floors (12 mm.) actually sound like a | | | | It is difficult to compete with the time tested |
| hardwood floor when you walk on them. Generally, | | | | beauty, elegance and warmth of hardwood floors. |
| laminate floors capture the look of a hardwood floor | | | | Some people are not comfortable with simulations or |
| but do not always have the warmth, character and | | | | artificial anything and will only settle for the real thing. |
| beauty. The best way to decide if the look is | | | | However, if the sticker shock of hardwood floors |
| acceptable for you is to request a sample from the | | | | has you reeling laminate floors may give you what |
| manufacturer. Most companies offer free samples of | | | | you are looking for at an acceptable price and with |
| their laminate floor patterns. | | | | better durability and reduced maintenance. |