Technology plays a pivotal role in advancing business, but only about once every generation is an entire industry is affected by an innovation. Such was the case in the flooring industry in the late 1990s when mechanical locking systems were introduced into the laminate segment. This innovation has not only turned the laminate category upside down by eliminating the need for glue during installation, but it also is starting to make waves in other categories, such as wood and ceramic—and there are systems available that can even transform laying carpet into a glue-free job. Read more »

Hand scraped. Bleached and whitewashed. Rugged rustic. The new Premium Laminate Collections from Armstrong and Bruce offer almost any surface treatment to help you achieve the overall visual you are seeking. Achieving extraordinary wood visuals with uncanny skill and precision, these new designs are in lockstep withthe latest trends in hardwood flooring. It’s been said that they are the most realistic looking laminates on the market and easily confused with their natural wood counterpart. Read more »

From one of the creators of direct-pressure laminate (now the industry standard) and the patented Uniclic locking system (that revolutionized the industry) comes the Quick•Step Linesse Collection featuring UniLink technology, the latest in flooring innovation. Linesse is a perfect solution for homeowners who want the style and beauty of a narrow-strip hardwood floor combined with the performance and durability laminate delivers.  Read more »

Shaw’s commitment to design, innovation and fashion leadership in hard surface is evident. However, Shaw laminate flooring also has significant environmental benefits.

Preservation of resources

Shaw laminates are inherently good environmental choices in floor covering. Engineered to last, laminate offers a long life span that minimizes replacement. In fact, Shaw laminates use 98% less newly harvested wood than conventional engineered hardwood products. According to Scott Sandlin, Shaw’s vice president of hard surface business development, Shaw laminates are smart choices in floor covering. “Laminate offers a long life-span that minimizes replacement. Read more »

Since bursting on the American scene in 1993, no single product has had as much media exposure and consumer recognition as laminate flooring. A decade-and-a-half later, the consumer’s obsession with laminate continues at an unprecedented rate. How so?  During what has been considered one of the toughest economic periods in decades for U.S. businesses, sales of laminate floors, especially at the high end, remained a bright spot as the category has continued to gain market share. Whether it is an upgrade from what the builder initially offered or a replacement of an existing floor, laminate flooring has become a mainstay for consumers. Even designers have come to recognize the all-around value laminate brings to a project during these rough economic times. Read more »

How can laminate flooring resemble hardwood , ceramic and stone so closely you ask?  The answer lies in the process by which laminate flooring is made.

Laminate floors consist of four components that are bonded together:

1. The top layer is a durable wear layer, providing protection and stain resistance. Many wear layers contain aluminum oxide, as well as melamine resin, and that creates exceptional durability.
2. A decorative layer or print film is adhered on top of the core board giving the floor its hardwood or tile look. This is a printed high resolution photo-reproduction of a wood grain, natural stone or ceramic tile pattern.
3. The next layer is a core board, generally made from high-density fiberboard or particle board, which may also contain melamine plastic resins that help improve the moisture resistance of the core.
4. The bottom layer, or backing, is a melamine plastic layer that lends dimensional stability to the planks and also helps guard against moisture from the subfloor. All layers are then combined through some type of pressure treatment process. Read more »

Laminate flooring has become ever so popular and its construction advanced. There are very few reasons why you should not install laminate flooring in your home or even your place of business. Deciding on the right laminate flooring  is a major decision, a decision you want to get right the first time. The Buying Guide can help you understand everything you need to know about laminate floor covering. Select Here to Download the Laminate Flooring Buying guide.

The world of  laminate flooring is full of choices. This because the lamination process is simply the fusing together of two or more types of materials and then sealing them together. Wood Laminates, Stone Laminates and Tile Laminates are some of the most popular uses for lamination. Any type of grain and color of wood or layout of stone or tile can be captured, laminated and split into easily-assembled planks from which you can create a floor. The sky is the limit, sometimes making it difficult foryou to settle on the one of your choice. Read more »