Laminate Flooring FAQ's
What is 7mm Laminate Flooring?
Advances in modern technology have brought laminate flooring back into the spotlight. New embossing techniques, bevelling, distressed finishes, improved imagery, and easy-to-install systems have seen the realism and practicality of laminate floors improve drastically. This has made it much more difficult to tell the difference between a laminate and solid wood floor once laid.
Although it looks like the real thing, laminate flooring is quite different in terms of the actual structure. It has four layers: a balance layer, a hardboard layer, a printed film layer, and a transparent layer; each serving a specific purpose. These layers are then pressed together under high levels of heat and intense pressure.
The balance and hardboard layers provide stability and durability. The balancing layer (also known as the backing layer) helps stabilize the flooring and prevents movement, ensuring protection for both your flooring and sublayer.
The hardboard layer (also known as the core layer or substrate layer) is made of high-density fiberboard (HDF), which creates a sturdy, thick, and durable structure for the floor.
The printed film layer (also known as the pattern layer) is what gives the flooring its wood or stone-like appearance. This layer is designed to look like the real deal and is carefully crafted to mimic the texture and colour of real wood species like Oak or Walnut.
The transparent layer (also known as the wear layer) on the other hand, offers protection against scratches, dents, scuffs, and discoloration caused by direct sunlight.
Our 7mm laminate wood flooring is the thinnest board option that we sell, making it one of our most cost-effective product ranges. However, our 7mm laminates are slightly less hard-wearing than our thicker boards and offer less in terms of sound absorption. Therefore, thicker boards may want to be considered in higher-traffic areas of the home.
Does Laminate Flooring Scratch Easily?
Any wood floor can be susceptible to scratches, but our 7mm laminate flooring has a tough wear layer, making it very resistant to scratches and scrapes if cared for properly.
To keep your laminate looking as good as new, visit our laminate flooring maintenance guide.
Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof?
Even though laminate floors do not have a solid wood veneer layer, the core of the laminate is still solid wood and therefore is not waterproof. However, laminate flooring is resistant to moisture and humidity to some degree, unlike real solid wood floors.
If you do manage to spill anything on your laminate, we still suggest that you clean it as quickly. Liquids that are left for too long can soak into the wood and damage the core layer underneath over time. It’s for this reason that our laminate flooring is suitable for placement in kitchens but not suggested for bathrooms. If you are looking at new flooring for your bathroom, take a look at our LVT range which is 100% waterproof.
How Long Does Laminate Flooring Need To Acclimatise?
To ensure that your newly installed floor doesn't warp, it's vital that you acclimate your flooring prior to installation. This process allows the wood to adjust to the temperature and humidity conditions in your home. For the best outcome, place your 7mm laminate flooring in the room where it will be installed and leave it untouched for a minimum of 48 hours.