What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a multi layer synthetic product. Laminate flooring usually has a wood or stone finish but can simulate virtually any surface. This is achieved with a photographic appliqué layer under a clear protective finish. The main advantage is its durability compared to carpet and its considerable lower cost compared to natural alternatives such as wood flooring or engineered wood flooring.

How is Laminate Flooring Made?

Laminate flooring is usually produced with four layers - the wear layer, the patter layer, the core and the balancing layer.

The first layer is the balancing layer, it's main job is to resist moisture and to add stability to the floor plank.

The second layer this is the bulk layer of the laminate board, made of high-density fibreboard which is saturated in resin to toughen and waterproof the board.

The third layer is the pattern layer, which is made from thin paper printed with the desired design or floor finish.

The final layer is an extremely durable melamine resin this layer is to protect the board from scratches stains and moisture.

Different Types of Laminate

Wood effect floors come in a huge range of colours, types and finishes, Oak, beech, walnut, maple, bamboo and various colours and stone finishes. Special water resistant boards are also available to be laid anywhere that is prone to high humidity levels and changes like bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms.

How Versatile are Laminate Floors?

Laminate flooring is extremely versatile due to its synthetic nature and much more durable than some other types of flooring, such as carpet, and can be more resistant to fading, denting and can be more water, stain and scratch resistant when compared to hardwood floors.

Depending on the grade and thickness you choose, laminate flooring can also be a low-cost alternative to other floor choices.

Laminate Floors for your Home

As more people are looking for the more modern streamlined look in there homes, balanced with the advantages of a low maintenance product in our ever increasing busy lives laminate floors have become the most popular consumer products on the market.

Laminate flooring is low maintenance and is easy to clean, much like waterproof flooring, making caring for your floor easy and quick. Cleaning is less labour intensive and requires no specialist products.

Commercial Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a perfect choice for the commercial market as it is cheap, highly durable, quick to fit and easy to clean. It can be bought in various grades and choosing a board which can withstand the stress of a commercial environment is an easy task.

Have a Question? Try our Laminate Flooring Advice Centre

Still unsure about whether laminate flooring is for you? Why not try our Advice Centre for more information on all the flooring types that Factory Direct Flooring supply, as well as tips on maintenance and installation guides. We also have information pages on the following types of floor:

• Vinyl Flooring
• Solid Wood Flooring
• Engineered Wood Flooring
• Waterproof Flooring