Laminate Flooring Keeps Getting Better
Because of its hard surface, laminate flooring was notorious for being noisy when walked on, especially compared to carpet and certain engineered wood products. Fortunately, the next major improvement in the late 1990s was enhanced sound insulation, made possible by the use of integrated underlays constructed from foam, cork, or rubber, as well as by thicker planks.
At about the same time, embossed in register (EIR) flooring was developed. This technique improved the realism of laminate’s popular stone or wood look by matching the raised areas of the laminate surface with the knots and grain of the pattern underneath. This process also created a more authentic feel when walking on.
High-End Laminate Flooring Emerges in 2006
The first decade of the 21st century saw significant improvements in laminate flooring. As the interior design industry began to embrace the notion of personal expression, as evidenced in the prevalence of bold colors and a variety of different styles, laminate flooring enjoyed a period of remarkable innovation. Here are some of the notable advancements that made the product even more popular with designers and consumers:
- Realistic wood and stone design effects: High-definition printing and embossed in register texture resulted in planks that look and feel more like genuine hardwood.
- Enhanced finishes: The flooring became available in a wider range of design options, including distressed and matte finishes.
- Improved colors and patterns: A variety of styles emerged, such as weathered barnwood, with improved detail and texture.
- Increased durability: The component layers were made with improved core materials such as high-density fiberboard to resist dents, swelling, and warping, as well as stains and scratches.
- Waterproof and water-resistant options: Thanks to new products and technologies, laminate flooring can now be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Advances in sound reduction: Laminate could now be found with a pre-attached underlayment for a quieter environment.
- Click-lock and drop-and-lock installation: Installation has become easier and quicker, making it ideal for DIYers.
- Available in wide and narrow planks: This allowed for more flexibility in design.
- Sustainability: This included the use of recycled content, lower VOC emissions to improve indoor air quality, and sourcing material from sustainably managed forests, making it possible for the product to contribute to LEED credits in commercial buildings.
- Hygienic and allergen-free: Brands began to contain antimicrobial resins and antimicrobial coatings that repel dust and allergens.
Conclusion
No longer lackluster and plastic-looking, today’s laminate flooring has gone high-end. In addition to being a cost-effective alternative to genuine hardwood, it provides home and business owners with a sophisticated and attractive product that offers easy installation and maintenance, superb performance, sustainable and anti-microbial options, and virtually unlimited choices in design, color, pattern, and texture.