Laminate
Laminate flooring was first created in the early 1980's and has become an extremely popular flooring choice today.
With advancing technology, laminate flooring has rapidly evolved over the last few years to become an attractive, durable product that is practical, easy to install and looks exactly like a real timber floor.
The majority of consumers choose laminate flooring because it's more affordable than a real timber floor or tiles, lasts longer, and supports a healthy environment.
Laminate flooring finally offers a real Timber Flooring Alternative to incorporate into your new 'Green' home designs. With growing concerns about the environment, climate change and forest sustainability, laminate flooring provides an environmentally sustainable alternative with the following advantages:
- Made from fast growing sustainable raw materials
- Polishing & sanding is NEVER required
- Glue free installation
- No metal components
- Easy disassembly and when disposed of environmentally low product emissions
- Low maintenance
- Long lasting, superb durability
Floor layers making up the typical laminate are:
The Wear Layer
This is the top layer or surface that is walked on. It is made of cellulose paper that has been saturated with melamine plastic resin or aluminium oxide giving it excellent scratch resistance and durability.
The Design Layer
This layer gives the laminate its design, colour, pattern and characteristics. It can be seen directly through the wear layer and is typically made from cellulose paper with a high resolution photograph or pattern giving an authentic timber appearance. It is copied directly onto the core layer below and is protected under the wear layer above so it cannot be scuffed, marked, stained or fade.
The Core Layer
The central core board is made from a type of particle board, usually Medium Density or High Density Fibreboard (MDF or HDF) made of highly compact wood fibres and resins to support the weight and stress of foot traffic. This is the main part of the laminate floor. It comes in various strengths and thicknesses, with a thicker core providing more stability. Some brands have the core treated with water repellent chemicals or wax impregnated joints to stop water penetrating into the core.
The Stabilizing Layer
Similar to the top layer, the very bottom layer is usually made from cellulose paper saturated with melamine plastic resin. This stabilizing layer provides a protective barrier between the subfloor and the core board, which creates equal strength on either side of the core layer so that both sides are similarly affected, reducing unnecessary movement within the boards.
Construction
Laminate flooring is made up of various layers that are fused together. The outer surface is a type of plastic composition applied to the main core using pressure and heat. Most often the core is made of high density fibre or particle board, and the backing can be either a paper layer, or another layer of laminate. Some manufacturers may also add an 'underpayment' (usually felt, foam, cork or similar material) attached to the underside of the laminate flooring. This is intended to add acoustic insulation as well as help to cushion the floor.
Environment
The high fibre counts and chemically stable cured resins make laminate flooring recyclable which is the environment's preferred option for waste disposal and material renewal. The characteristics of laminate flooring are similar to those of construction waste, so can be used as land-filled or for 'waste-to-energy' functions as suitable.
Maintenance
- When cleaning laminates avoid using excessive amounts of water, always use a well rung out mop. Never use a steam mop or flood the floor with water or other liquid products.
- Wipe up spills and remove stains when they occur. - Sweep and vacuum often to remove loose dirt and grit that may leave marks when walked on.
- Use reputable floor cleaners, avoid soap, wax, oil or other household products, manufacturer recommended cleaning kits are available.
- Use protective mats at all exterior entrances to remove any grit or dirt from shoes before entering the home.
- Use felt protectors under all furniture and chair mats under chairs and castor wheels.
- Rearrange furniture and rugs periodically to allow your floor to age uniformly.
- Avoid gouging or scratching of the floor when moving heavy objects. Lift or slide them into position on sheets (hardboard or plywood).
- Avoid long periods of direct sunlight on the floor, particularly in the middle of the day (fading can be caused by ultraviolet light and heat from the sun). Draw your drapes or shades during periods of peak sun exposure.
- Avoid stiletto heels as they can pit and scratch.
