Laminate flooring has become a widespread favourite due to its many advantages and relatively few weaknesses. Antonella Dési finds out more about this firm favourite.

Laminate flooring were first introduced in the US in 1982, and since, it has spread all over the world and grown form strength to strength to today, becoming one of the world's most loved flooring solutions. Its appeal lies not only in its aesthetic value of its realistic representation of hardwood, but also due to its incredible durability and ease of installation and maintenance.

What is laminate flooring?

Created as a more hard-wearing and less expensive alternative to solid wood, laminate flooring will not stain, fade, dent and it is scratch-and water-resistant. So what is laminate flooring manufactured from to give it such impressive credentials? Essentially, it comprises a composite or a combination of four layers, including the back layer, the core layer, the decorative layer, and the outer layer:

• The back layer: The back of the laminate floor is the layer that touches what is underneath the floor and it comprises materials that provide structural stability, as well as moisture resistance.

• The core layer: Located above the back layer, the core is usually made of fiberboard and contains materials that provide stability to the floor. The better quality cores are treated with chemicals that resist moisture so that the floor does not buckle or expand and contract. It is important to note that a thicker core is more stable and less susceptible to buckling.

• The decorative layer: Above the core lies the decorative layer – a detailed photographic-type image of the flooring material that is being emulated.

• The outer layer: The outer layer is the part of laminate flooring that you actually step on. It is made of materials that give it a resilient finish, such as melamine. The outer layer is commonly treated with a clear finish containing aluminum oxide. This layer helps to resist staining, fading, surface moisture, and general wear.

How to maintain your laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is not only durable, it is also easy to maintain. Standard vacuuming and wiping with a damp mop is all you need to keep it looking good. Laminate is not invulnerable to everything, but it can take a lot of punishment before it is destroyed. It is essential to select the right level of laminate product for the right area – there are different quality laminates boasting different levels of robustness, ranging from light to heavy traffic areas.

Laminate flooring offers the best combination of quality and value, and it is available in a wide range of colours, styles and designs. Requiring minimum maintenance, laminate flooring can last for years. All you will need to maintain your laminate floors, is regular vacuuming and the occasional run-over with a damp mop. Here are some other tips on how to care for your laminate floors:

• Always remove small rocks, pebbles and dust: Although these agents do not produce visible scratches and may simply be swept or vacuumed away, they may produce microscopic scratches that over time, will create dullness. Place mats or foot brushes in front of all your doors to catch as much dirt before it comes into your home as possible, and if small pebbles still find their way in, try and pick them up by hand instead of sweeping them away, to create less microscopic scratches as they move around the floor.

• Only use a damp mop: Standing water can create dullness on your laminate flooring, so simply damp mop them with a mild solution of vinegar and water (mix two part of vinegar to about three parts of water) or any other cleaner that is recommended by the manufacturer. Wipe away any excessive water or spills immediately. Never apply wax or acrylic floor finishes.

• Protect your floors against furniture:Place protective rubber pads on all furniture to prevent them from scratching the laminate floor. If they are the type of furniture that should be moved around constantly, rubber wheels or any other non-scratch wheels should be used.

• Removing gum or candle wax: To remove chewing gum or candle wax, apply ice to the affected area and harden it. After it hardens, carefully and lightly scrape it off.

• Removing oil, paint, permanent marker, tar or rubber heel marks: To remove these stains, use either neutral cleaners, or nail polish removers containing acetone or alcohol, on a clean white cloth. You may also use cleaners that are recommended by your manufacturer or cleaners that are specifically designed for laminate flooring. – Antonella Dési

Pictures:
Images courtesy of
- the Southern African Wood and Laminate Flooring Association (SAWLFA),
- Kronotex SA.

For more information click here to visit the Kronotex SA website.

For more information click here to visit the SAWLFA website.

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