Laminate Flooring

Laminate Flooring is used is because of it resistant to scratches and the low cost to install. It is made up of several materials bonded together under high pressure. It consists of moisture resistant layer under a layer of HDF (high density fiberboard). Normally, laminate flooring can be overlay with existing floor tiles. However, it is not water resistant. Laminate Flooring had different grades depending and also depending on which country the materials is made in.

The commonly used brand is Supreme, Kronotex, Pergo, Vohringer, Power Dekor.

Advantage:

• Scratch Resistant
• Can overlay (if you planning to save cost, not to hack the floor tiles, choose overlay)
• Long-lasting
• Usually half-the-cost than laying parquet wood
• Easy to install
  

Disadvantage:

• if overlay, when the tiles beneath start to pop-up, the laminate flooring will also pop-out
• Once there is a water spill, have to immediately wipe it off, else stain will be left behind
• Hollow (feel like floating) Heard can be resolve by laying floor silencer beneath it.
  

What to look for when installing laminate Flooring?

Rating of the laminate flooring "AC". AC stand for Abrasion Resistance which is referring to the impact resistance to staining, scratches. The ratings actually depending on the traffic (walking up and down, so-call human traffic). The ratings can be range from AC 1 to AC 5, with AC 1 being the lowest level of durability. Laminate flooring with this rating would be suitable for low traffic areas like bedrooms. AC 5 is the highest level of durability and is best suited for high traffic, commercial applications. Any rating of AC 3 and under is suitable for residential applications.

Laminate Flooring is easier to install and usually thin enough that you wont have to cut off doors, remove baseboard or cut off trim molding around doorways. High grade laminate flooring is more scratch resistant or forgiving than real wood. You should not use laminate flooring in kitchens or bathrooms however as a leak or constant dampness may cause warping.

Can requested to used AC 5 instead of AC 3 / AC 4?

Usually Reno IDs/Contractors will quote either AC 3 or AC 4 instead of AC5 because of the traffic and also pricing.

Normally laminate flooring how many years warranty?

Normally, AC 3 laminate flooring come with 10-15 years of warranty but it all depend. For AC 5 is life time. (also depend)

But what is the really the main different between AC3 & AC5?

Mostly the cost which could be a dollar and more for psf (per square ft). In terms of scratch resistant and water resistant, AC 5 is better. Most of AC 5 pass the PSB certify test