Atlanta Laminate Flooring Construction

 

LAMINATE FLOORING CONSTRUCTION

Laminate floors are constructed of four layers, stacked one on top of the other, then glued and permanently fused together.

 

Laminate Construction flooring Atlanta

Wear Layer

  • Protective top layer resists fading, scratching and wear and is easy to clean.
  • Traditionally made of poly-urethane, higher quality laminates use urethane infused with aluminum oxide (second hardest substance next to diamonds) to increase scratch resistance.
  • Higher quality laminates are “textured” in order to give a more realistic look and feel to the product.

- Texture is added to the wear layer through a process called “embossing”, which involves
pressing textured patterns into the wear layer.
- Embossed in Register is an enhanced process whereby the texture pattern is designed to follow the grain in the image, creating an even more realistic look and feel.

Décor Layer

  • A photograph of natural wood grains or ceramic and stone tiles imprinted onto specialized paper.
  • Higher quality laminates use high definition imaging to create unbelievably realistic looking planks.

Core Layer

  • High density fiberboard makes up the bulk of laminate flooring.
  • Adds dimensional stability because the composite material doesn’t expand and contract with changes in temperature and is highly resistant to water.

Buyer’s Tip: Cheaper laminates are made with less resin, reducing the bonds between the layers. This can cause the Decor layer to delaminate and the Core layer to disintegrate when exposed to water.

Backing

  • Typically made of a thin laminated material.
  • Provides additional support by helping the floor adapt to changes in temperature and protects the core from moisture.

Laminate designed to replicate hardwood is available in single planks with beveled edges (just like real wood) or 3-strip planks with square edges. Laminate designed to replicate ceramic or stone tile is available in planks with images of multiple tiles.

Because of its dimensional stability, laminate can be installed anywhere in the home, including rooms that are below grade (such as a basement), rooms with a concrete sub-floor and rooms subject to more moisture, such as the kitchen. Laminate can even be installed over an in-floor radiant heating system.

Note: While laminate flooring can be used in rooms subject to moisture, vinyl flooring is recommended for wet areas.