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.