For years, laminate flooring has been considered an attractive and affordable alternative to genuine wood. And it's only getting better, evolving to include better graphics, embossing and more.
Also referred to as laminate wood flooring, it comprises several fused layers. These include the core, backing, and a wear and design layer.
Here's what to know about your laminate flooring installation:
Fact #1: Laminate flooring is low maintenance
Sweep regularly and damp-mop every two months or so. Read the manufacturer's instructions and avoid abrasive tools and cleaners. Also, avoid waxy, shine-promoting products.
Fact #2: A new version makes them spill-proof
A new waterproof laminate flooring eliminates soaking, staining, peeling, and rippling concerns.
In the past, laminate flooring was often avoided for wet areas like the kitchen or bath. This is because it's composed of wood byproducts, which gives it the same water challenges as genuine hardwood.
This new version, however, is constructed of non-wood materials.
Fact #3: There are varying degrees of strength
This is defined by the AC (Abrasion Criteria) Rating. This is a one-to-five system to determine strength. As the numbers go up, so does its toughness.
Laminate is put through a series of tests to determine resistance to dents. The best laminate flooring is around AC-3 or AC-4.
A word about embossing
Embossing enables the manufacturers to create textured looks by machine. Textures are what make wood floors so unique.
You can get anything from rustic ones like wire-brushed, hand-scraped, distressed, or embossed-in-register (EIR).
With EIR, embossing creates little indentations that exactly match those in the image. Instead, it gives it an enhanced, authentic look.
Visit us for the best laminate flooring and more
Why go anywhere else for your laminate flooring? Longest Yard has years of technical experience, a large inventory of all flooring, superior services–and good, old-fashioned, family-owned values.
Visit us in Nutley, NJ, where you'll see top brands like Mohawk, RevWood, and more. We work with homeowners and businesses in Nutley, Clifton, Bloomfield, and Montclair, NJ.
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