What Is Good Laminate Flooring?
Flooring choices have expanded recently to include laminate flooring. It emulates natural materials and can fool the eye. Unlike engineered wood floors, laminates are made of layers of paper impregnated with resins. Its durability is excellent, but comparing product lines can be difficult, as mandatory standards have not been developed. Utilize these tips and NALFA's voluntary specifications to narrow down the search for good-quality laminate flooring. Does this Spark an idea?
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Product History
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Sweden is the home developer of laminate flooring. In the early 1980s, they created sheets of flooring out of many layers of paper impregnated with special resins, then placed them under high pressure. The decorative motif of the paper determined the design. The finished sheet was glued to a base to be applied to the floor. After its introduction to the United States, demand escalated at a greater growth rate than any other flooring product introduction. Its growth is expected to overtake hardwood floors by 2014.
Variety of Styles
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Over the last several decades, innovative designers have developed a myriad of rich patterns that include realistic wood, stone, ceramic and marble. The width of planking depends on the scale of the design selected. Wood-style widths can be as narrow as 3 inches, while slate, travertine, ceramic or stone styles can vary in widths up to 24 inches.
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Benefits of Laminate Flooring
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Laminate flooring offers many benefits over hardwood, vinyl or tile. It is durable, easy to install, and it is scratch-, stain-, fade- and moisture-resistant. An economical choice, it offers the beauty of natural-material floors at a lower cost. The North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) states that it is also environmentally friendly: "Since it is made from paper, laminate's manufacture does not involve the harvesting of old-growth hardwoods as does that of wood flooring. Unlike some carpet, laminate does not contain significant quantities of some elements that affect indoor air quality. And when a laminate floor is easily replaced, it can be destroyed with no danger to the environment."
Quality Grades
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Each manufacturer claims to grade its laminate products into categories such as premium, best, better or good. These innocuous grading titles can be baffling as well as misleading. For the past decade, NALFA has been creating voluntary performance standards and a certification program for producers in the United States and Canada. In 2001, these specifications were approved by the American National Standards Institute. Because this is a voluntary association, not all importers or manufacturers are members. Reading NALFA's specifications and testing methods will help the laminate buyer determine good quality.
Testing and Warranty Specifications
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When comparing laminates, look for performance standards that include high marks for static load; thickness; swell; impact-, light-, stain- and wear-resistance; surface bond; and chair castor durability. Here is where NALFA certification verifies performance with rigorous testing methods. Study the warranties offered. Select a laminate product with a long-term warranty and one that offers protection against staining, fading and premature wear. Some warranty against accidental moisture damage. Proper storage methods are imperative. Prior to use, store laminate flat on the floor in its original cartons. Laminate reacts to changes in humidity and temperature.
Choosing a Laminate
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Start looking at colors, patterns and surface finishes on the Internet or at home products suppliers. Take notes of the area's traffic patterns, interior temperature, humidity and the makeup of the sub-flooring. Radiant heat can affect any flooring laid down. Make sure the flooring selected is graded to accept it. Consider whether you or a professional will install the laminate. And, finally, work out a budget. It is better to save up than buy poor quality. This is a long-term investment in your home.
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References
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- Photo Credit Parquet floor image by Einar Bog from Fotolia.com
