Tag: floor

Laminate flooring. Environment & Ecology

Laminate – the floor with a good ecological profile

Laminate flooring consist of wood mostly. Wood is one of our planet’s sustainable and renewable raw materials, making laminate flooring a product, which is light on resources and even recyclable. And that’s not all. Laminate flooring has a firm, sealed surface which ensures that dust and dirt simply cannot penetrate. That is why they are completely hygienic, easy-care and particularly good for allergy sufferers.

Ecologically produced
Laminate is ecologically produced without any addition of pesticides, organic chlorine compounds or hazardous heavy metals. Thanks to advanced production techniques, laminate flooring has all the positive environmental impact of wood products. But laminate offers more, because thinning material from forests and wood waste from the sawmill industry can be used to manufacture the wood fibreboard, which lessens the environmental impact even further.

The sustainable origin of the raw wood materials used is verified by recognized seals of approval, which also guarantee that – for the protection of human health and of the environment – all product components comply with the strict European Union Chemicals Regulation (REACH).

Protecting the future – respecting nature.
Laminate floors are mostly made of wood fibres and also wood pulp, in other words paper. As wood is a sustainable and renewable resource, laminate flooring is by all means an ecologically low-impact product.

Monitored production
Laminate flooring is manufactured in modern production facilities that are subject to emissions and environmental standards and in many cases have their own energy and heating cycles. As a result, laminate flooring has all the positive environmental impact of wood materials.

Environmental approach
The wood used to make laminate floors comes mainly from domestic and sustainably managed forests. This means there is no environmental damage caused by importing timber from all over the world. The production process uses not only logs but also wood waste from the sawmill industry, so to some extent laminate floors are already a recycled product.

What about formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is found naturally in wood and is also found in melamine resin, so laminate floors as any other product made of solid wood do contain formaldehyde. But there is no risk to health, because the formaldehyde in the melamine resin is permanently locked into the resin structure during hardening so it cannot be released into the air.

Same values as measured from wood in natural state
Numerous documented measurements of laminate flooring have yielded emission values that correspond to the formaldehyde emissions limit for wood in its natural state, which are far below the legally defined limits. In other words, laminate floors do not pollute the air inside a building with odorous or harmful substances any more than ordinary wood.

EPDs attest excellent life cycle assessment  
One of the impressive features of laminate flooring is its excellent life cycle assessment with extremely positive values for primary energy consumption and global warming potential. It also excels when it comes to indoor air quality assessment. Proof of this can be seen in evidence-based EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations). EPDs provide a strong argument in favour of laminate floors for anyone looking to choose a new floor with environmental impact and sustainability in mind, whether for private or public/commercial use.

Already in 2009, the EPLF was one of the first groups in the flooring industry to prompt the development of special Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and therefore paved the way towards increased transparency and product safety. And also Architects and designers already value tested environmental quality. Interior design products which have a positive environmental impact and can demonstrate this in specific EPD are now increasingly being used in the commercial construction .

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Where is the best place to install laminate flooring? 

The sales blurb will tell you how laminate is the right choice for every room, but is it true?  

In this flooring guide we’re going to re-examine the advantages of laminate floors and take a look at the pros and cons of it versus other materials. 

Pros and Cons of Laminate Floors 

The main benefits of laminate over other types of home flooring and the reason it is so popular, are affordability, ease of installation and low maintenance. 

Laminate is cheap because it’s easily mass produced. It’s easy to install, you can float it over most existing subfloors. And most importantly, it’s easy to clean and care. 

So why not just use laminate throughout your home?  

Laminate is a great mid-priced flooring option but there are times when a more expensive hardwood floor or a cheaper vinyl floor could be the best choice. 

Laminate Vs Hardwood Flooring 

Two words for it price and style! Laminate floors look great, not as great as hardwood and that’s a fact. But, laminate wood flooring fits perfectly in a space where practicality is your priority. If stains and extreme weather conditions are a part of daily life then laminate flooring is the smart choice. 

 Laminate Vs Vinyl Flooring 

You should think twice about laminate in a damp basement or a bathroom that regularly experiences standing water. Vinyl however, won’t let any water getting through to your subfloor and is your ideal choice in this scenario.  

Luxury Vinyl Vs Laminate 

Luxury vinyl flooring is flexible, great looking, reasonably priced option and it matches the durability of laminate. Of course it is better to see luxury vinyl up close and personal before you decide if it’s a good choice.  

 Laminate Vs Engineered Wood Flooring 

In this comparison the pros and cons are the same, laminates tend to be more scratch and impact resistant however engineered wood has much greater longevity.  

The really interesting comparison is price. Both materials are at opposite ends of the most budgets. 

Laminate Vs Tile Flooring 

The biggest difference between these materials is installation. Laminate installation is a breeze compared to the prep, skill and time required to install tile. You can’t beat tile when it comes to durability and longevity. Tile is common in kitchens and bathrooms because it’s resistance to wet conditions.  

 Laminate Vs Carpet 

Between carpet or laminate your final decision will ultimately come down to comfort and cleanliness. In fact the biggest advantage that laminate has over carpet is ease of cleaning and keeping clean.  

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Hardwood or laminate floor; which is best for my needs?

No matter your preference, there are pros and cons when it comes to hardwood Vs laminate wood flooring. We want to help you determine which one is best for your budget and home.  

Price 

The reality of flooring costs and what you can afford may be miles apart.  

Hardwood: CONS – Made of harvested trees it’s price depends on how exotic the trees are. In general hardwood is more expensive. 

Laminate: PROS – The material itself is cheaper and laminate wood installation cost is, on average 50 percent less than hardwood installation. 

Durability 

A durable surface will make maintenance easier and look great for years. 

Hardwood: CONS – It’s susceptible to scratching, can get damaged from moisture and will show wear. PROS – Hardwood is the real deal; it is gorgeous and can add value to your home. 

Laminate: PROS – It is more durable, it resists scratches and moisture is also easier to clean. CONS Low quality laminate can have artificial-looking texture. 

 Repair 

From minor accidents to excessive wear and tear both material have advantages and disadvantages. 

Hardwood: PROS – Can be repaired by sanding imperfections and refinishing.  

Laminate: CONS – This flooring doesn’t repair easily. To replace individual boards depending on sunlight and age, the new piece may not match properly. 

Deciding whether to use hardwood or laminate is up to you, review the pros and cons and be realistic about your lifestyle that may influence your decision. Consider the factors and know that new floors will improve your home’s aesthetic, appeal and value.

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Laminate Flooring Reviews and Tips

What exactly is laminate flooring and what makes it the best choice for you?  

Laminate flooring has evolved into a very competitive alternative to hardwood or stone floors. It is a composite of several different layers fused together. The best laminate flooring will have a thick, hard wearing protective top layer, 3 to 4 further inner core layers for structural stability and a quality click-lock system for easy installation.  

Let’s look into more advantages of laminate floors. 

Barely distinguishable from the real thing! – Top laminate floors replicate the look and feel of wood or stone. 

Infinite variety of design – Photographic and printing techniques make it possible to recreate just about every kind of flooring surface imaginable.  

Cost – The cost of producing it and thus the retail price is significantly cheaper than authentic hardwoods or stone products.  

Eco-Friendly – Laminates are mostly made in the home country of sale, it provide a lower carbon-footprint than the farming, harvesting and transportation of hardwoods or stone flooring. Plus many manufacturers use recycled wood products for the MDF layer.  

Easy installation and removal – Laminate floors come with “click-lock” a system that simplifies the installation of laminate boards (as a floating floor) over a subfloor, and thanks to it laminate flooring it is one of the easiest floors to remove when it needs to. 

Durable and resistant – Laminates are perfect for high traffic areas and can even be installed in moist areas like bathrooms (the waterproof kind).  

Easy clean and maintenance – Laminate flooring is easy to clean: simple vacuum or sweep and then run a barely damp mop over it, no annual maintenance projects required! 

Cons of Laminate Flooring 

It’s not real! – That’s the number one reason that puts some people off laminate. Lower perceived value – Because it is lower in cost and not authentic, laminate is not seen as a premium product.  

Cannot be refinished – If it gets badly damaged you cannot simply sand it back. It must be replaced.  

Hard, noisy and slippery! – Laminate floors have a harder feel than real hardwood. It makes them inefficient at absorbing sound. Also, beware because this floor can be a bit slippery! 

So What Makes a Great Laminate Floor? 

A laminate with a varied pattern makes easy to create a more varied and natural look to your floor as you lay it. The best laminate flooring manufacturers have kept up with all the latest design trends to ensure their products stay relevant to today’s market. 

The biggest trends are: 

Bigger planks Trying to replicate trends in real hardwood flooring there are now longer and wider planks too. 

High gloss finishes – laminate flooring paired with refined minimalist interiors can offer a very chic high-end look, even on a budget. 

Laminate your walls! – Yes, you read that right! If done right, adding the same wood look laminate flooring from your floor onto a key accent wall can look spectacular. 

Consider where it’s going – High traffic areas may need laminates with superior wear layers, and basement or bathrooms may need specific underlayment to deal with potential moisture. 

Don’t forget the underlayment! – Specially if you are planning to use laminate in the bathroom or with under floor heating. 

DIY- friendly? – Laminate flooring is one of the more DIY-friendly flooring options, There are tons of how-to guides and videos online. 

Why not find out how much you could save yourself by getting a free quote for laminate floor installation from local contractors? 

Other laminate flooring options – There are other green alternatives to consider like bamboo, eucalyptus and cork floors. These floors are created using similar fusing technologies as those used to create laminates. 

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Laminate Flooring = Lasting Durability

Laminate flooring could be the perfect choice for your active lifestyle.  

Durability, good looks and value are smartly balanced so you upgrade and decorate without breaking your budget or loose quality. 

Choose Laminates to Achieve Your Decorating Goals 

Laminates are available in a broad variety of handsomely crafted designs. They provide the rugged durability at a value price. Thus you can find a long-wearing laminate style that can help accomplish your decorating ideas within your budget. 

Laminate Flooring = Lasting Durability 

The beautiful design you love today will remain the same in the years to come. 

All laminates are constructed of four layers: 

  • The wear layer is a clear layer of aluminum oxide that protects against fading, stains and surface burns. 
  • The design layer contains a photograph of the floor’s surface appearance. 
  • The core layer is a durable high-density board to protect the floor. 
  • The back layer is a stability layer that helps balance the floor. 

Thanks to layered construction, Laminate Floors will always look as good as the day it was installed. 

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