Laminate Flooring Grading

Those who love the look of hardwood floors but could not afford it or would want to avoid the hassles of maintaining real wood have switched to laminate flooring. Because it is cheaper, more durable and easier to maintain, this new option is now fast becoming the popular choice for many homes not only in Europe but in the United States and Asia as well. This is because manufacturers have developed the laminate flooring grading to look like genuine hardwood.

Laminate flooring is composed of melamine in between two thin sheets. The surface layer is a photograph of wood grain and is covered by another transparent layer, this time a hard one, to resist impact and traffic. Under the photograph is the core, which is made up of wood-chip composite.

But because it is a mere photograph of the wood, the pattern may be repetitive. Unlike real wood where each wood grading is unique, the same may not be true for wood laminate flooring. So panels of the same kind have the same pattern. Although this might not be a problem for most people, others who want their flooring to be one-of-a-kind would not want to use laminate flooring.

No specific standards or grading rules that manufacturers must maintain are provided. That is why a wide array of woodgrain designs and colors are available to customers. The grading, however, does not affect the quality of the product, but is only used to distinguish panels from one another.

Choosing the right wood laminate flooring is easy if you know the specific look that your house or room would have. There is a laminate flooring to match any furniture and décor. To give an old feel to your home, try oak, pine or maple. If a classic look is what you want, choose walnut or cherry. Browse through their company brochure or online gallery to view the different colors and designs. Some manufacturers even provide for decorating tips and free quotations for your project.

One advantage of laminate flooring vs. wood flooring is that it is easy to install. Instruction manuals are provided by the manufacturers. One can also browse the internet for videos on installation. This is the perfect project for the do-it-yourself enthusiast.

This type of flooring is also easy to maintain. Just use a vacuum cleaner, broom or dust mop in removing dust. For dirt or grime that sticks to the surface, use a damp cloth. Never use excessive water in cleaning. By placing a floor mat at your doorway, you minimize the amount of dirt that enters your room. Check your manual regarding the use of wax or other cleaners. The surface is also not scratch-resistant, and any scratches will cause the floor to lose its luster. Attach rubber protectors under the legs of chairs and tables to prevent scratching.

Its limitation, however, is its inability to resist water and moisture. In more humid areas, use of laminate flooring is discouraged because it has the tendency to expand and warp. In cleaning, use of large amounts of water is discouraged.

Your laminate flooring could last longer than you expected if it is properly cared for and maintained. The laminate flooring grading will continue to shine for many years to come if you know how to keep it that way.