How to find the best quality laminate flooring

 
Laminate floors are remarkably realistic mimics of wood, tile, or stone and, when it's of high quality, it can be difficult to discern the difference between that and the real thing. There are many things to consider, such as image quality and functionality. Come into the Decorama Flooring Bowmanville laminate flooring store to learn more about how to get the best one for you.

Laminate is a hard surface flooring that is highly water-resistant, durable, stylish, and affordable. It consists of many layers that are fused. There’s an underlayment, core, image layer, and wear sheet. They all have their jobs, with each performing an important function. The wear sheet, for example, is a top, clear aluminum oxide layer that protects the floor from scratches and scuffs. Many come with a pre-attached underlayment, but if ask us and we will help you decide what is needed for your application.
 

Thickness matters

 
While many manufacturers advise against basing your decision on thickness alone, it does affect the texture of the surface. It ranges from 5-mm to 15-mm and should be at least 8-mm. If you are opting for a wood look, 12-mm to 15-mm will give you that more rigid, authentic hardwood feeling when you walk on it.
 
 
 
 

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What is the AC rating?

 
AC stands for Abrasion Criteria. This is a number system ranging from one to five and, as the numbers increase, so does the durability. For example, AC-1 means it’s appropriate for low traffic floors, while AC-5 is typically used only for busy, heavily trafficked floors. Most recommend an AC-3 rating for any residential installation. There is an AC-6, but it's usually used for commercial installations.

Cores are also important because, while they aren’t related to durability, they do address the product's ability to handle moisture. HDF (high-density fiberboard) is the best because it is thicker and has an increased ability to handle water. Other core options are MDF (medium density fiberboard) and particleboard.

The installation is the floating floor technique where pieces click together, form a mat, and then hover over the subfloor. No nails or adhesives are needed. Subfloors only need to be clean, dry, and level. Our installers will make sure imperfections don’t telegraph to the surface floor! Find out more at the Decorama Flooring Bowmanville, Ontario showroom, which services the Greater Toronto area including the Durham Region, Bowmanville, ON, Toronto, ON, Peterborough, ON, and Clarington, ON, We’ll also all your laminate flooring question and offer you free in-home estimate.