Laminate flooring gives a realistic look of wood, tile, or stone.  Thanks to modern technology, it has evolved over the years to include a wide assortment of colors, patterns, and designs. It can be cut into planks to mimic hardwood boards or in a square, groutable tile-sized piece. That, as well as technological advances like 3D photography, embossing and texturing features, add more authenticity.

We are five things you should look for, but if you’d like to know more, feel free to come into our laminate showroom in Saskatoon.

When shopping for laminate floors, explore:

1. Photographic image.  Images are taken with digital photography, so they are clear and accurate with vibrant colors and patterns.  You should also be able to see the knots and grains. 
2. Core.  Cores are directly related to a floor's stability.  With laminate, they come in HDF (high-density fiberboard), MDF (medium-density fiberboard), or plywood.  HDF is the highest quality.
3. Thickness. This  ranges between six to 12 mm, and it should be at least eight or nine mm  If, however, you want the ultimate feel of hardwood, go for 10 to 12 mm.
4. Underlayment. Underlayments for laminate flooring are strongly suggested.  The reason you want an underlayment is that the installation is often the floating floor technique. That means the surface floor hovers over the subfloor with no glue or adhesives.  Since it doesn't touch the subfloor, the underlayment will be what supports the locking system and gives the floor stability and noise reduction. Depending upon the subfloor, such as a damp cement floor, it might also be recommended to include a vapor barrier.
5. Wear layer.  This is the top sheet.  It is clear and filled with aluminum-oxide, an ultra-tough substance. Wear layers are measured in mils and you can get the laminate one in six, 12, or 20 mils. Thicker is better, with 20-mil being the toughest.
   

   The importance of installation

   
   
   The technique is the floating floor. The pieces click together to form a mat and then it hovers over the subfloor with no glue or nails needed. The subfloor needs to be clean, dry, debris-free, and level.  Without attention, imperfections can telegraph to the surface.
   
   For more information about laminate flooring, visit the Braid Flooring & Window Fashions showroom in Saskatoon, SK, serving Saskatoon, Warman, Martensville, Prince Albert and Davidson, SK.  Ask about our estimates.