Have children or pets? Both? Looking for a durable floor at an affordable price? Then laminate flooring may be the right option for you.
Made as a cost effective option to hardwood, laminate flooring has longer lasting durability. It is more scratch, dent and stain resistant than solid or engineered hardwood, and won’t fade as much over time. What makes laminate more durable? How it’s constructed.
Laminate floors are made from a mixture of synthetic material comprised of four layers. The backing layer, made of melamine for stability and moisture resistance; the substrate layer, gives the floor impact resistance and stability; the pattern layer, a detailed photographic image which creates the appearance of wood floors; and the wear layer, a transparent finish that is stain resistant and very durable.
Although laminate is a very durable product overall, there are some laminates that are more durable than others. These can be categorized by their AC (abrasion class) ratings. The AC ratings go from AC1, moderate traffic meant for light residential use, to AC 5, heavy traffic meant for heavy commercial use.
Laminate, which is often referred to as the floating floor, is constructed in a tongue-and-groove method. Laminate floors are much easier to install than solid hardwood and, in some cases, can be installed over existing flooring. Available in a variety of widths, thicknesses and textures there is sure to be a laminate that is right for you!