Is There A New Floor In Your Future?
 A new wave of flooring products have come on the market in the last several years. Flooring manufacturers are producing products that look like hard wood, ceramic tile, marble, slate and other flooring materials but are, in fact, laminates. Some laminate floors are such good fakes that not everyone notices the difference, at least not right away. Invented in Sweden, laminates were introduced in the United States in 1993 by Perstop Flooring, which makes Pergo. Although laminates represent only 3% of today's flooring market, sales are growing by 35-40% a year.
What laminate flooring consists of is a computer-generated photograph of flooring material-wood, stone, tile, or whatever, on top of a core material that's usually a wood based product, such as particle board. A backing gives it stability and helps prevent problems like warping. Because the final layer to the floor is ten times thicker than the coating on laminate countertops, this helps the flooring stand up to wear. It's usually warranted for 15 years against wearing out, fading from sunlight and staining. Even acetone nail polish remover won't faze it.
Here are some tips for choosing laminate flooring:
- Buy the manufacturer's best grade.
- Compare the decorative patterns of various brands. The quality of the photographic reproductions varies.
- Read the manufacturer's recommendations. Don't install flooring in an area such as a bathroom if the manufacturer does not recommend it.
- When comparing products, consider the backing material and the density of the core material. Many installers suggest using a water-resistant backing.
- Be aware that harder flooring surfaces, while they may be more durable, are not nearly so comfortable to walk and stand on for hours at a stretch.
- Using chemicals for cleaning is potentially harmful and unnecessary.
- Heed the usual consumer advice: Buy from a reputable dealer and check the manufacturer's warranty.
|
