Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a low maintenance, long lasting and affordable alternative to a real wooden or ceramic floor.

It is made up of four layers, making it extremely difficult to scratch or stain. It is relatively easy to keep clean too! A simple brush or damp (not wet) mop will ensure your laminate floor stays looking great for years to come!

Laminate is a very versatile product and with so many designs to choose from, it is suitable for most areas of the home. However, it is a wood product, so it is not recommended for damp areas, or wet locations – i.e. bathrooms, wet rooms & saunas – as prolonged exposure to moisture may cause it to swell or warp.

How to get the best from your laminate flooring.

• Keep it dry – Never allow excess moisture to sit on the surface. Only ever clean with a damp mop or cloth and clean up any spillages immediately to avoid moisture penetrating into the product.
• Use doormats – Internally & externally to capture any grit or moisture and prevent it from damaging the floor. Ask in-store about Turtle Mats – Washable and non-slip, these are the practical and economical solution for protecting any type of flooring.
• Use Felt Pads – Place them under furniture legs to avoid indentation over long periods of time.
• Never use abrasive cleaning methods – Most manufacturers produce their own cleaning products, but generally regular cleaning with a damp cloth or mop is adequate.
  Scouring pads and wire wool may scratch laminate flooring over time and some cream cleaners include bleach, which will undoubtedly affect its appearance.

The make-up of a laminate floor

Layer 1 (The wear layer).

Made up out of melamine resin, this layer is similar to the kind of material used on kitchen worktops – but is much stronger. This makes the floor resilient to denting, scratching and stains.

Layer 2 (The decorative layer).

This is the layer which gives the floor its individual and realistic appearance. It is usually created by using a photograph of the product in question.

Layer 3 (The core layer).

This is made up of either high density fibreboard, or medium density fibreboard (HDF or MDF). This is made extremely hard by saturating it in resins before manufacture of the flooring begins.

Layer 4 (The stabilising layer).

Made up of moisture resistant resins, this provides laminate flooring with stability.