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The quality and look of laminates has progressed in such a way that many times it is difficult to tell the difference between real hardwood and laminate flooring. One way to know is to look at the patterns in the wood: Laminate flooring repeats visual characteristics on individual planks (or on a series of planks) like knots, while on real wood flooring, these specific marks appear at random.
Laminate flooring is a good choice for homeowners who have pets or those who expect significant use or wear and tear in specific rooms of their home. Laminate flooring is more scratch-, impact- and water-resistant than the more expensive natural flooring materials. It is also typically easier for non-professionals to install. As with natural flooring materials, the quality, price and durability of laminates differ. Laminate flooring installation also varies by specific product and manufacturer, but can include tongue and groove specialty installation, glued-together planks or snap-together planks. -
Laminates were originally conceived in the early 1900s by the Swedish chemicals company Perstorp AB. The division of the company that specifically developed laminates was known as Pergo AB, which is why sometimes laminate flooring is referred to as "Pergo flooring." In the early 1920s, Perstorp (which later changed its name to reflect its most popular division, Pergo) developed a tabletop laminate manufactured in a variety of decorative designs. This home decor trend--specifically used in kitchens--caught on, and the company went on to create a stronger version for floors.
The first laminate flooring was introduced in Sweden in the mid 1980s. The laminate was created from multiple layers of decorative paper combined with resins, which were compacted at high pressure to form a durable and wear-resistant material. Perstorp (and its flourishing division Pergo) became the early leader in laminate flooring manufacturing, expanding operations throughout Europe, and then introducing laminate floors to North America in the early 1990s, then the Asian market in the mid-1990s. In 2000, Perstorp Flooring officially changed its corporate name to Pergo, Inc.
Other major flooring manufacturers have since started offering laminate flooring options to consumers, and the choices and quality of laminate flooring continues to increase. -
There are many benefits to choosing laminate flooring over natural flooring materials such as hardwood, stone or marble. Besides a typically lower price than natural flooring materials, laminate floors are extremely impact-, scratch-, sunlight- and stain-resistant. They also come in water-resistant and waterproof varieties that are effective for kitchens and bathrooms where expensive flooring might be damaged more readily.
Laminate flooring is easy to maintain as it does not require frequent waxing or polishing, and can usually be cleaned just by damp mopping. Laminates also typically come with a manufacturer's warranty of 10 years or more. For do-it-yourself installers, laminate flooring is made to easily and seamlessly interlock. Plus, laminate products don't usually require glue and can be installed over a preexisting floor, making installation faster and easier. -
There are drawbacks to choosing laminate flooring over natural flooring materials. While laminate floors are less expensive than hardwoods or natural stone, laminate flooring can take away from a home's sale or resale value. Many home buyers prefer or insist on real hardwood, stone or tile flooring over the less-expensive laminate.
If marred or gouged, laminate flooring is also difficult to repair. Specialty touch-up and repair kits are available, but may not achieve a completely perfect result. Unlike hardwood flooring, laminate flooring cannot be refinished and it usually lasts only about 20 years, while hardwoods, stone and tile flooring can last a lifetime or more. -
Although laminate floors are extremely durable, they can be scratched or gouged by big dogs and by heavy objects dragged across the floor.
Many laminates are not entirely waterproof or water-resistant. Excessive moisture may affect a laminate floor's inner materials, performance and longevity.
Another misconception is that laminate flooring typically costs 50 to 75 percent less than real hardwoods. Actually, many home-building retailers say that laminates generally cost only 20 to 25 percent less than their natural counterparts.
An additional misconception is that anyone can install laminate flooring as a do-it-yourself project and that it only takes a few hours to install. In fact, the ease of the flooring installation depends on the individual product purchased as well as the skill and experience of person installing it. In all cases, instructions must be followed very carefully and generally, specific tools are required to complete laminate flooring installation.
Some individuals say you can't tell the difference between laminate products and their natural counterparts. But if a homeowner is banking on this for a home's resale value, this could be a costly misconception. Differences in the materials can be discerned, and real estate listings must note whether the flooring is real hardwood, stone or marble, or a laminate.
