Laminate is a high-density fiberboard made from wood and a popular way to achieve the look of wood, or stone floors without paying the price point of said floors.
It can weather high traffic with minimal damage, offer UV resistance and can be waterproofed. It also does not scratch or discolor as easily as hardwood floors.
LAMINATE FLOORING
usually consist of 4 layers of materials:
A fiberboard core layer makes up the base of the flooring.
A backing layer is added to the bottom for extra protection and insulation.
The image layer is glued on top of the core layer (high-resolution image of real wood, stone, or another material).
A thin and transparent wear layer made of plastic is added to protect the lower layers from damage.
AMERICAN FLOORS IAC INSTALLATION
We install laminate as a floating floor, with interlocking planks that are laid across the existing sub-floor.
Laminate flooring is a dry installation: no grout, no mortar, no adhesives, and no need to be nailed down; laminate snaps together and lies in place.
AMERICAN FLOOR SIAC Installation should take no more than one day for almost any room.
Laminate flooring can usually be installed over old floor coverings. But, if the floor surface has damage or unevenness, we need to remove it and lay down a thin layer of plywood before installing the laminate flooring.
VINYL FLOORING vs. LAMINATE FLOORING
Core
Plastic
Wood byproduct
Durability
It is very durable and can last 20 years on average.
It is very durable and it can lasts 15 to 25 years on average.
Water Resistance
Wet mopping is permitted.
Some laminate can be waterproof, but it doesn’t have the resistant as Vinyl flooring
Maintenance
Entirely Waterproof.
Do not use a wet mop.
Styles
It mimics a wide range of wood, stone and ceramic styles
It mimics hand-scraped hardwood better than vinyl. It also mimics stone and ceramic.
Installation
It can be glued to the floor or be a floating floor. Recommended for wet area use.
All laminate floors are floating floors. It´s quieter, softer, and more comfortable to walk on than vinyl flooring.