Laminate Floors Installation

Laminate is a man made material that has been used in surfaces such as counters and back splashes since the early 1920’s. Originally it was not strong enough to be used in flooring, but over time innovations in the manufacturing process refined the finished product and made it increasingly durable.

Now Laminate flooring is one of the most resilient and durable floor surfaces available. A relatively recent invention, it has gained in popularity due to its ease of installation, low maintenance requirements, and long life. This material can also be printed to simulate a wide variety of natural flooring materials Laminate is a type of synthetic flooring that is made by fusing several layers of different material together using heat, pressure, and adhesive, in a process known as lamination.

While laminates are often manufactured to replicate the look of a variety of hardwood surfaces, they actually contain no wood materials. Rather, they are constructed from resins and fiberboard particles.

Structure of a Laminate Floor

Top Wear Layer

The top layer of a laminate floor is known as the wear layer, an invisible surface that rests over the material, protecting it from scratches and other damage. This is generally made from an aluminium oxide chemical treatment.

Decorative Layer

This is the surface that gives the laminate its actual appearance. It is created when an image or pattern is printed on paper like materials that are embedded in resin. The actual image can be almost anything, but typically laminate floors are manufactured to simulate the look of hardwood, cork, bamboo, natural stone, ceramic, or even brick pavers.

Fiberboard Core

This is the heart of the material and it provides the depth, structure, and stability of the actual surface covering. It is generally comprised of wood chips or sawdust ground into a very fine powder, then coated with resin, and pressed into flat sheets.

Back Layer

Many laminates will have a moisture barrier back layer. This works with the water-resistant wear layer on top to sandwich the fibreboard and picture layers of the laminate, creating a watertight seal around the core material. The back layer also provides additional stability for the installation.

Underlayerment

Laminate flooring must be installed over underlayment. This is most often cork or foam rolls. An appropriate underlay can also reduce the hollow noise that occurs when walking on some laminate floors.

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