Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is created by fusing together layers of synthetic and/or natural materials to create a durable material that emulates wood (traditionally) though it is not wood.

Essentially, laminate flooring that emulates true wood floors is simply a photograph of wooden surfaces impregnated with melamine over wood-chip composites. This technique has lead to the traditional "wood look" being only one of many newer options which include marble, stone, sandstone and concrete looks.

A big advantage of laminate flooring is that it is a "floating floor", so it doesn't need to be grouted or nailed-in. In fact, the two most common types of laminate flooring installation methods are snap-in and glue-on. Both installation methods allow for relatively quick and easy application of this durable flooring material in any sized area.

Like any other pieced-together flooring option, any bulge or dip in your sub-flooring will cause the laminate flooring materials to buckle at the joints. Not only is this a safety hazard, but it can also cause the exposed seams to chip and crack much faster with even the slightest foot traffic.

Though laminated materials are strong (like a fingernail), their layers are extremely susceptible to cracking and chipping. Water is also an enemy of laminate flooring as it can cause the wood-chip composite materials to warp and swell thus creating bulges even when installed on perfectly-even sub-flooring. Because of this, it is vital that the seams are sealed with some type of sealant or wax, especially in kitchen, bathroom and laundry areas.

Of course there is another concern. Laminate flooring is often made of melamine resin, a compound made with formaldehyde. There has been increasing concern about indoor air quality from releases of volatile organic compounds from building materials made with formaldehyde. However, resin materials are believed to have significantly lower emissions than particle board and other materials where formaldehyde is used as a binder.