Laminates are the newest, most innovative flooring material on the market today. Construction wise, they are a beefed up version of kitchen countertops. Pattern wise, they can resemble any surface the manufacturer decides to apply. Most often that is wood and tile. Used for decades in Europe, and since 1994 in North America (introduced by Pergo, Sweden), laminates have grown tremendously in popularity because:

• They are practical and durable in that they have better wear and stain resistance than wood and vinyl
  
• They can be installed as a floating floor over most existing floors. You will avoid costly, tedious subfloor preparation / removal of existing flooring (except carpeting)
  
• Laminates are suited for every room of the home -even the bath (most manufacturers)- and radiant heated floors
  
• No floor comes closer to being "maintenance-free". Ordinary vacuuming or sweeping is usually all it takes
  
• Laminates today come in a range of pattern options, from wood to tile and stone
  
• Warranties that few other flooring materials can match

what you may need  |  care guide  |  underlayments

Laminate floors are constructed using two different methods of manufacture: Direct Pressure Laminate (DPL) and High Pressure Laminate (HPL). Is one better than the other? Yes. HPL is a far superior product. The HPL is a far stronger, more dent resistant and stable product. The catch is that they come with a higher price tag. Do you need HPL in your home? However if you are looking for a floor that will withstand the vigour of small children and large pets and still look good in 15 years time, then High Pressure Laminate is a great alternative.

Joint integrity can be an important factor, especially when placing heavy items on your laminate floors. Laminate floors are engineered to withstand normal day to day wear and tear and are designed to withstand the weight of normal household furniture. If you wish to place an extra heavy item of furniture on you floors, such as a very large fish tank, you might want to consider purchasing a floor that has an aluminum locking system. Laminate floor joints should also be treated with water repellent chemicals, such as paraffin wax, which is impregnated into the tongue and groove of the floor boards. Laminate cores vary widely and composition of core material is also an important factor.

A good laminate warranty should cover the following aspects: Fading, Denting, Wear and Tear, Staining, joint integrity and should have some kind of water warranty, although keep in mind that no laminate warranty covers flooding.

What is laminate flooring made of?

Simply put, laminate flooring is created when four layers (a bottom layer, fibreboard core, decorative layer and tread layer) are synthesized into one extremely dense surface.