The following factors will help you evaluate different brands and styles of laminate flooring in order to determine which laminate floor best suites your application.

Laminate floors are constructed using two different methods of manufacture: Direct Pressure Laminate (DPL) and High Pressure Laminate (HPL). Direct pressure laminate is made up of three layers, while a High Pressure Laminate is made up of a minimum of five layers. Is one better than the other? Yes. HPL is a far superior product. The addition of Phenolic Treated Kraft Sheets make the HPL a far stronger, more dent resistant and stable product. The catch is that they come with a higher price tag. Do you need HPL in your home? No. Most laminate floors sold in the US are (DPL) and are built for today’s active households. However if you are looking for a floor that will withstand the vigour of small children and large pets and still look good in 15 years time, then High Pressure Laminate is a good alternative.

Laminate cores range in thickness from 6mm to 12mm, with a thicker core usually denoting a more stable product. The only exception to this rule is High Pressure Laminate (HPL), which although has a much thinner core compared to (DPL), is stronger and more durable. Composition of core material is also an important factor. A good laminate floor is constructed using High density Fiberboard (HDF) as the core material, which has been treated with water repellent chemicals, offering stability and a high level of water resistance.

Joint integrity can be an important factor, especially when placing heavy items on your laminate floors. Laminate floors are engineered to withstand normal day to day wear and tear and are designed to withstand the weight of normal household furniture. If you wish to place an extra heavy item of furniture on you floors, such as a very large fish tank, you might want to consider purchasing a floor that has an aluminum locking system. Laminate floor joints should also be treated with water repellent chemicals, such as paraffin wax, which is impregnated into the tongue and groove of the floor boards.

A good laminate warranty should cover the following aspects: Fading, Denting, Wear and Tear, Staining and should have some kind of water warranty, although keep in mind that no laminate warranty covers flooding. Always be sure to scrutinize the duration of the different aspects of a laminate warranty, as a 25 year warranty might refer to manufacturers defects only, while the wear and tear aspect of the warranty only covers a 15 year period.

North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA): NALFA is the organization that sets the standards for laminate flooring in the USA. NALFA is a non profit organization, and its members are unpaid volunteers. Laminates submitted o NALFA undergo a range of stringent tests. If the laminate floor meets or exceeds NALFA standards, it will earn the right to display the NALFA seal of approval. Note that submission of laminate flooring to NALFA is voluntary. The following laminates carry the NALFA seal of approval: Pergo, Mannington, Wilsonart. A more complete list can be found at the NALFA website.

Mannington laminates are created using a technique called Thermo Composite Construction, which makes use of tremendous heat and pressure to fuse five layers of a plank together in a single step, creating an exceptionally durable floor. The top layer is made of melamine resin, permeated with aluminum oxide. This is a material whose degree of hardness is exceeded only by that of diamonds. These laminates also have surface embossing, which gives it an impressive and realistic look of hardwood or stone.

Mannington laminate flooring is scratch-resistant, ideal for homes with children and pets and other high-traffic areas. It is also water-resistant, making it best for bathrooms and kitchens. No need to worry about water dripping when coming out of the shower. Compared to real wood or stone, it is a lot cheaper, which appeals much to homeowners. It is also less dent-resistant. It is extremely low maintenance as well; simple sweeping or vacuuming is enough to keep the floor clean. For water spills, wiping the wet surface immediately with a damp cloth does the job. As long as the water did not sit for a prolonged period of time, the risks for planks to warp are very low. High heels, chairs, muddy shoes, and such will not harm your floor. Unlike natural wood, laminate floors do not require oiling or waxing. And reiterating what I have mentioned earlier, the installation of these tiles is extremely easy. Like a jigsaw puzzle, arranging the tile pieces could be difficult at first but once you get the hang of it, you will start to get quicker and enjoy the process more. And once the picture is revealed, the satisfaction you will have is not like any other.