Not since the invention of linoleum has one flooring product dominated the market so quickly and with so many styles and designs. Because of its versatility, wearing ability and price laminate flooring is one of the fastest selling flooring products in stores. Like many composite building materials was invented in Europe. Pergo, a Swedish company Pergo brought its laminated product to the United States in 1994.
To begin with, laminate flooring is manufactured to mimic natural woods, tile and stone but is made up of composite materials, both natural and recycled wood, which is coated with hard finish. The design is actually a picture of the wood type or other material and it is fused to a dense, composite plank.
A natural for the do-it-yourselfer laminate floors have interlocking seams which “snap” together and form one huge flooring piece. Spaces have to be allowed on the edges for expansion and contraction and small wood strips hold them floor in place. Other wise it “floats” on a cushion of thin foam underlay .
The cost is the big plus. Starting around $1.00 a square foot it is one of the cheapest materials available, even cheaper in some cases than linoleum. All types, cheap or expensive finish off a floor very nicely and the more expensive types resemble real planks or tile flooring.
For large areas its good to have a professional do the job for a spectacular surface.
