Laminate Flooring
Toronto

Laminate flooring is made up of 4 distinct components:

• Wear layer

This is the topmost layer. It is the part that resists scratches resulting from daily use. The layer is easy to clean and maintain. It is responsible for the stain- and fade-resistant appearance of laminate flooring.

• Décor layer

This is the printed image below the wear layer. It is what recreates the natural look of tiles, wood, or stone.

• Core layer

The dent-resistant properties of laminate flooring come from the core layer. When compared to real wood flooring, laminate flooring offers better resistance to dents.

• Backer layer

This is the final layer. Its function is to provide additional stability and support.

Where to Install Laminate Flooring

The best thing about laminate flooring is that it is durable. It is thus a perfect choice for the high traffic areas like foyers and living rooms. Modern-day laminate floors are, however, not limited to any specific room. They can be installed in just any room thanks to the details and styles. Its waterproof materials make it a good choice for both bathrooms and kitchens. It can also be installed in basements provided you satisfy the installation requirements.

In addition to flooring, the majority of laminate floor planks can be installed on interior walls. Our team at HardWood Planet can help with this. Give us a call to find out more.

Why Choose Laminate?

Most people go for laminate flooring because they mimic real hardwood. Even so, there are several other reasons why you should choose laminate flooring.

• Affordable

Laminate is cheaper to buy than hardwood. The best thing is even with the low cost, you still get an authentic look that is virtually indistinguishable from real wood. If you are on a tight budget but still want the hardwood flooring look, laminate will be the best pick.

• Versatility

Laminate is versatile in that you can simulate several natural hardwoods. All that is needed is to take the perfect picture of the desired hardwood and transfer it to the floors. Laminate flooring can also simulate natural patterns and textures.

• DIY

Are you planning to install the floors yourself? Laminate uses a click-and-lock installation method. It is very easy to get things done yourself. There is no need for using glue on every plank.

There are many more advantages that come with using laminate. Our team at HardWood Planet is happy to help you make the most informed choice and get the best results. Give us a call today for more information.

• Durable

Laminate flooring material is made with several layers that make it a strong and long-lasting option.

The first layer usually has a melamine coating that increases its resistance to normal wearing and tearing and protects it from abrasion from pets, children and adults, or spillages. Also called the wear layer, it is a transparent layer with aluminum oxide, which also keeps the floor from getting damaged by stains, burns, and ultraviolet rays.

The second layer is also known as the design layer, and it produces different textures and finishes for the floor. It gives the natural hardwood, stone tiles, and ceramic styles that you can have on your floors.

Laminate also has the core layer made with high-density fiberboards, which contains resin and protects the material from breaking or cracking. It also increases its moisture resistance.

The final layer also increases resistance to dents and scratches, proving that laminate is one of the most durable materials you can invest in.

• Easy to maintain

Laminate floors also require minimal maintenance, which makes them perfect for homeowners with busy schedules. Being easy to clean also makes it great for homes with pets and children because you can wipe spills easily and vacuum debris like pet fur without any trouble.

However, getting it too wet is not advisable. Vacuuming should always be the first option when cleaning, but special mops and little water can be used. Excess moisture can reach the layers and cause them to deteriorate.

• Awesome looks

Laminate can look like any other flooring material ranging from ceramic to natural wood, which allows you to create any style you want in different rooms without having contradictory designs.

The multiple finishing also makes it a great option for both residential and commercial properties, whether it is a student residence or a hotel hallway. Whatever style you select, whether natural wood or stone, the resemblance will be so close that it will be impossible to differentiate from the real material. You get varying decorative effects without worrying about durability or budget.

• Scratch resistant

Unlike other hardwood flooring options, laminate is made with an outer coating that makes it resistant to scratching. It can withstand high foot traffic and remain in perfect condition for longer, which makes it perfect for pets and kids. The finishing will maintain its shine and texture regardless of the number of people in the family or how active you are.

• Safe

Planks of laminate floors are usually safer and easier to install because of the way they connect. Their installation method and design also reduce the chances of seams opening and causing tripping or accidental falls. Since they do not need glues to join them together, you will not have to worry about volatile organic compounds being released.

Things to Know About Laminate Flooring

When choosing laminate flooring, there are a couple of key features you have to consider.

• Thickness

Laminate flooring mostly comes in thicknesses of 7 millimeters to 12 millimeters. You should, however, note that all laminate floorings offer similar dent resistance. However, if you need more bend resistance due to uneven subfloors, thicker laminate will be better.

• Width

The planks can have a width of less than 5 inches or more than 7 inches.

• Finishes

There are endless options including maple, hickory, cherry, oak, chestnut, walnut, and pine.

• Abrasion Criteria Rating

The abrasion criteria (AC) rating represents wear resistance on a scale of 1 to 5. The higher the AC rating is the more durable the material is. AC 3 and 4 are the most common for residential flooring products. AC 5 can withstand heavy commercial traffic.

• Textures

Laminate flooring comes in a wide range of textures. The most common are embossed, hand-scraped, and high gloss.

• Direct Pressure vs High Pressure

The main difference between Direct Pressure Laminate and High-Pressure Laminate is in the number of layers in each type. The former is usually made with five layers, making it a superior and more expensive option. The first layers are usually treated separately, then connected to the mid-layer. Over 13,000 pounds of pressure is needed for every inch of laminate for the layers to bind properly.

On the other hand, Direct Pressure Laminate is made with a maximum of four layers, bound together by a maximum of 600 pounds for every inch. It is less durable than HPL and cheaper.

How to Install Laminate Flooring

During installation, we will prepare the area by removing baseboards or mouldings. We also ensure the laminate planks are the right size and the floor surface is smooth. We will put an underlayment in place and start adding the planks, making sure they fit perfectly. Our planks are made with at least four layers, namely:

The backing layer – D

The backer paper layer is at the bottom of the plank and is responsible for maintaining its balance. It also serves as a sealant to ensure moisture does not damage the plank. In some cases, this layer may be followed by foam padding.

The board layer – C

Also known as the High-Density Fiberboard layer or Medium-Density Fiberboard, this layer makes the planks strong and durable.

Decorative layer – B

The decorative paper layer gives multiple colours and textures that can be used to differentiate the planks.

The wear layer – A

The overlay layer gives the floor a lustrous and smooth finish.

Underfloor Heating

You cannot use all underfloor heating with laminate flooring. For those compatible, you may need to embed the mesh in a self-level or thin-set prior to installing the laminate flooring.

Cleaning and Caring for Laminate Floors

Consider placing carpets or rugs on the laminate flooring. ‘Welcome’ mat on the doorway would work just fine. For the laminate flooring itself, you should use a cleaner that is designed specifically for laminate flooring. Moreover, you can try to dust mop or sweep the floors at least once a week to prevent scratching. Spills should be cleaned quickly. In the high traffic areas, use doormats or area rugs to reduce wear and collect moisture and dirt. It would be best if you also kept the nails of pets trimmed and use plastic casters and pads on furniture to prevent scratches.