What Is Laminate Hardwoods

Laminate was the pioneer for realistic wood look flooring back in the 70s and other types of flooring have caught on and have begun releasing their own realistic wood looks.

What is laminate hardwoods.

Laminate flooring is a hard flooring surface that resembles the look of authentic hardwood floors. When laminating wood the process typically refers to plastics or other materials laminated to plywood solid wood or composites. Laminate is made with synthetic materials or very thinly sliced pieces of wood. Wood laminate terminology often refers to flooring but the process of laminating also includes veneer laminating and laminating solid wood together to make furniture.

Should you choose laminate or hardwood. Laminate floors are engineered with a wooden fiber core and topped with other materials to increase durability and wear protection. Laminate has no solid wood. Still laminate looks and feels like real hardwood and holds strong as a popular wood look floor thanks to its low maintenance cleaning routine and a durable scratch.

Laminates may be any material but typically they are made veneers which are thin sheets of wood. In some cases it is made to look like wood grain by using a method that is similar to printing. Laminate typically has a shiny finish and is known for being used in low end furniture and pieces that need very durable surfaces. Unlike traditional hardwood flooring laminate flooring is easier to maintain and much more affordable.

This layer is then topped with synthetic fiberboards for strength. Solid hardwood is thick and can be sanded and re sanded many times. Solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through. Engineered wood flooring has a similar construction as laminate except the top decorative layer is a thick veneer of real wood protected by a coating of a clear acrylic.

Solid hardwood and laminate flooring can look remarkably alike especially from a distance. Laminate is thin and can never be sanded. Hardwood is 100 percent solid wood. The bottom layer is called the stabilizing layer which is designed to resist moisture.

Laminate floors are made of several layers of durable materials. What is laminate wood flooring. The natural top layer makes engineered wood just as durable as traditional hardwood and provides the same classic timeless look. The boards usually 3 4 inch thick are generally milled with a smooth top surface and tongue and groove edges that interlock to hold the boards together.