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LAMINATE
Laminate flooring is quickly becoming the most popular floor used today. It's designed for the consumer who likes the look of wood, but wants ease of maintenance, and at a fraction of the cost. Laminate flooring is very durable and constructed to resist furniture indentations, scuff-marks, and in some cases water. It is an interlocking floor that uses a tongue and groove system to keep the floor in place. Laminate flooring "floats" on top of the existing sub floor (concrete, wood sub floor, vinyl, hardwood and other existing floors), and it is not attached to it. Laminate flooring is made up of several layers, a hard core material in the center, a special backing, and a laminated printed layer to give it the desired look. It is then coated with aluminum oxide resin that helps make it very durable.
Laminate flooring is available in a wide array of styles, colors and patterns. Originally, laminate flooring only simulated the look of hardwood, but is now available in ceramic, marble and slate patterns as well. Because of the printed layer, it is easy to achieve realistic looking floors that you otherwise couldn't find or afford.
The Look
Commonly called by the trade name Formica, laminate is a hard synthetic material affixed to a layer of wood or particleboard.
The Strength
Laminate floors are extremely durable and wear resistant. Easy installation, quick and simple cleaning. Laminate is sold in planks that are glued or snapped together and can be layed over most other existing floors (excluding carpet).
The Feel
Very soft and kind to your feet.
The Clean up
Easy and like hardwoods, the finish hides a lot. Laminate cleaning products are easily available.
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