Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors are extremely easy care, durable and economical. Laminate floors look like real hardwood floors without the cost or hassle of care.
For more information on how to care for laminate flooring click here.
Types of Laminate
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Thickness- Laminate flooring is typically 7 millimeters to 12 millimeters.
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Width- Laminate flooring ranges from less than 5 inches to more than 7 inches.
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Finishes- Laminate flooring has a vast range of wood finishes.
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Texture- there are three major types of texture:
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Embossed-simulates natural wood
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Handscraped- stressed to look handscrapped hardwood floor
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High Gloss- mirror finish that is resistant to scratches and dents.
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- Underfloor Heating- not all laminate floors can be used with underfloor heating.
Hardiness of Laminate
AC Rating
The Abrasion Criteria (AC) rating represents wear resistance on a 1 to 5 scale. The higher the AC rating, the higher the durability. AC 3 and AC 4 are the most common residential products.
AC 1: Designed for home use with little foot traffic such as in bedrooms.
AC 2: Designed for home use with medium foot traffic.
AC 3: Designed for home use in all foot traffic areas, including high foot traffic areas, like the foyer or kitchen.
AC 4: Designed for home use in all traffic areas and can meet some commercial standards if warranted.
AC 5: Designed to withstand heavy commercial traffic.