Laminate floors are often mistaken for real hardwood, tile or stone floors because of the twin-like appearance. It offers a practical alternative to costlier floor types and is composed with several layers with an image of whatever you choose for the top layer. Laminate floors come in an infinite variety of styles, colors and backgrounds. They are protected and maintained through regular cleaning Rejuvenate Floor products are perfect for cleaning, maintaining and protecting laminate floor surfaces.
- Heat, Fade, Stain, Impact and Wear Resistant
- Does not attract dust-mites & bacteria
- Easy to clean
- Easy installation methods
- Common household chemicals do not penetrate the surface.
- Can be used in moist places like the bathroom or kitchen.
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- Small resale value compared to other floor types like hardwood.
- It feels tough on feet
- It cannot be sanded or refinished if damages occur
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Types
High Pressure Laminate (HPL) – for a more durable finish, materials are bonded together in stages and under greater amounts of pressure and temperature.
Direct Pressure Laminate (DPL) - materials are combined together in one step saving on the cost of manufacturing.
Patterns
Tile-you can get a grouted look that resembles real tile with colors and patterns of ceramic, terra cotta, flagstone and more.
Stone –capture the look of authentic stone flooring like Marble, Travertine, Limestone, Sandstone, Onyx, Granite, Saltillo, Terracotta, Slate and more.
Wood-realistic looking hardwood laminates floors from oak to maple, teak, cherry and more.
Surfaces:
Laminates not only copy the look of real tile, hardwood and stone, but they are also manufactured to feel like different floor types as well. Laminate floors are manufactured in the following surfaces:
Distressed Smooth Embossed Wood Grain Patina
Installation Methods
Underlayment - attached to planks that snap together
Glueless - a tongue and groove locking system that snaps together
Pre-Glued - manufactured with glue to simply fasten together
Glued - manually glue pieces together for a strong hold
Laminate Care & Maintenance
For general care and maintenance of laminate floors, follow these simple guidelines to keep your laminate floors in great shape:
• For spills and marks, wipe with a microfiber mop and Rejuvenate
• Always wipe spills immediately
• Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning
• Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or steel wool on laminate flooring
• Never place hot objects or electrical appliances on laminate flooring
• Dust Laminates regularly with a microfiber mat
• Use a doormat at each entrance to prevent dirt from being tracked inside the home
• Place floor protectors under furniture
Laminex vs. Formica
Laminex and Formica are different brands of high qualities laminates. They differ with the color range and designs
Pergo vs. Laminates
The difference is in the brand. Pergo is a laminate but not all laminates are Pergo. Pergo is a European based company that made the first laminates in the 70’s. Laminate floors bear a similar resemblance to hardwood, tile or stone floors. It consists of several materials bonded together under high amounts of pressure. Materials often include a plywood or fiberboard core with a high resolution photographic plastic covering the top layer.
Laminate flooring is low maintenance and keeping its beauty is fairly simple. There are however a few common mistakes to avoid when cleaning laminate flooring. These include avoiding soap based detergents and abrasive cleaners. Never use steel wool to clean laminate flooring. Waxing, polishing and steam cleaning may also damage laminate flooring.
Laminate Floor Manufacturers
Floor Comparison Chart
Cost |
An affordable alternative to hardwood, stone and tile. |
One of the most expensive floor types. |
Offers a cheaper alternative to stone, hardwood and tile flooring. |
An affordable option similar to linoleum. |
A practical cost-effective floor type. |
May be pricier than other flooring materials. |
Installation |
Easy options
- Glueless
- Underlayment
- Pre-Glued
Glued |
Requires professional installation. |
Adhesive |
Peel and stick tile / sheets installed with an adhesive. |
Fitted tiles requiring a grout filler. |
Underlayment─ set with narrow grout joints. |
| Life-Expectancy |
15-25 yrs |
Lifetime |
25 yrs |
50 yrs |
75 + yrs |
75 + yrs |
Sunlight |
Built in UV protection, therefore not affected by direct sunlight. |
Some species affected by prolonged sunlight. |
Fades with exposure to sunlight. |
Fades with exposure to sunlight. |
Generally, ceramics are unaffected by sunlight exposure. |
It depends on the stone or rock type. |
How it affects resale price |
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Adds value to the resale price. |
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Increments the value of a home’s resale price. |
| Components & The Environment |
Large portion made from recycled materials. |
May contribute to deforestation; however forest management techniques enable wood to be a renewable resource. |
Made from very natural ingredients. Most varieties are bio-degradable. |
Made from synthetic materials. |
Made from clay. |
Made from organic rock and sourced from quarries. |
| Fire-Resistant |
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Yes |
Yes |
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Yes |
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