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How to choose laminate flooring
Wood-look laminate is a terrific alternative to hardwood, and it follows all the current industry trends. For example, right now, farmhouse-style kitchens are trending, but wood can be problematic in that room, what with all the water and humidity. The answer is grey laminate flooring, cut into planks, and so realistic that sometimes even the flooring experts have difficulty telling the difference.
First things first: What is laminate flooring?
It is a layered product. At the bottom is an underlayment that adds stability and insulates from noise and moisture. It is strongly recommended to use one. Many products come with the cushion pre-attached; if yours does, no need to buy another one. If, however, your product doesn’t have one, you should purchase it.
The next layer contains the core. The most stable and water-resistant is HDF (high-density fiberboard). Next comes the image layer, photographed with 3D photography and printed digitally, available in a wide assortment of colors and patterns. 3D photography makes the images clear and accurate, displaying knots, raised grains, swirls, and wormholes.
The floors are deeply embossed to add textured appearances, such as wire-brushed, hand scraped, weathered, and distressed. The top is a clear aluminum oxide-coated wear layer that protects the floor from scratches and scuffs and keeps spills at the top, so they wipe off easily. Although you can get it in square tile-sized pieces, the wood-look planks are the most popular.
The next layer contains the core. The most stable and water-resistant is HDF (high-density fiberboard). Next comes the image layer, photographed with 3D photography and printed digitally, available in a wide assortment of colors and patterns. 3D photography makes the images clear and accurate, displaying knots, raised grains, swirls, and wormholes.
The floors are deeply embossed to add textured appearances, such as wire-brushed, hand scraped, weathered, and distressed. The top is a clear aluminum oxide-coated wear layer that protects the floor from scratches and scuffs and keeps spills at the top, so they wipe off easily. Although you can get it in square tile-sized pieces, the wood-look planks are the most popular.
Details to consider:
The thickness should be at least 9-mm or more, but if your subfloor is in good shape and it’s smooth, you can probably get away with less. For a truly authentic hardwood look and feel, you can even consider going as high as 12-mm. Please ensure the thickness doesn’t include the underlayment.
Ask about the AC (Abrasion Criteria) ratings. This is a number system from one to five, specifying the toughness of the floor. It is considered to be one of the most accurate rating systems and is heavily trusted. AC-2 or AC-3 is best for residential floors, as they cover medium to heavy foot trafficked floors. AC-4 is for very heavily trafficked floors and light commercial applications. AC-5 should be designated only for commercial use.
To learn more about laminate floors visit the Crestview Flooring Inc showroom in Sacramento, CA. We serve customers in Sacramento, CA, Roseville, CA, Rocklin, CA, Folsom, CA, and Elk Grove, CA. When you stop by be sure to get your free laminate flooring estimate.
Ask about the AC (Abrasion Criteria) ratings. This is a number system from one to five, specifying the toughness of the floor. It is considered to be one of the most accurate rating systems and is heavily trusted. AC-2 or AC-3 is best for residential floors, as they cover medium to heavy foot trafficked floors. AC-4 is for very heavily trafficked floors and light commercial applications. AC-5 should be designated only for commercial use.
To learn more about laminate floors visit the Crestview Flooring Inc showroom in Sacramento, CA. We serve customers in Sacramento, CA, Roseville, CA, Rocklin, CA, Folsom, CA, and Elk Grove, CA. When you stop by be sure to get your free laminate flooring estimate.
