What Is Laminate Hardwoods

Solid hardwood and laminate flooring can look remarkably alike especially from a distance.

What is laminate hardwoods.

Laminating is a process of gluing things together. In some cases it is made to look like wood grain by using a method that is similar to printing. The natural top layer makes engineered wood just as durable as traditional hardwood and provides the same classic timeless look. A wood laminate is a thin sheet of material used to cover the core of a wood project in order to change the appearance of the material.

Laminate has no solid wood. Laminate floors are made of several layers of durable materials. Laminate was the pioneer for realistic wood look flooring back in the 70s and other types of flooring have caught on and have begun releasing their own realistic wood looks. Laminate is thin and can never be sanded.

The boards usually 3 4 inch thick are generally milled with a smooth top surface and tongue and groove edges that interlock to hold the boards together. When laminating wood the process typically refers to plastics or other materials laminated to plywood solid wood or composites. Laminate floors are engineered with a wooden fiber core and topped with other materials to increase durability and wear protection. Solid hardwood is thick and can be sanded and re sanded many times.

Still laminate looks and feels like real hardwood and holds strong as a popular wood look floor thanks to its low maintenance cleaning routine and a durable scratch. Engineered wood flooring has a similar construction as laminate except the top decorative layer is a thick veneer of real wood protected by a coating of a clear acrylic. Laminate is made with synthetic materials or very thinly sliced pieces of wood. Should you choose laminate or hardwood.

Laminate flooring is a hard flooring surface that resembles the look of authentic hardwood floors. Unlike traditional hardwood flooring laminate flooring is easier to maintain and much more affordable. Hardwood is 100 percent solid wood. It s easy to install with click together joints and it s built to withstand everyday wear.

Wood laminate terminology often refers to flooring but the process of laminating also includes veneer laminating and laminating solid wood together to make furniture. The bottom layer is called the stabilizing layer which is designed to resist moisture. Laminates may be any material but typically they are made veneers which are thin sheets of wood. Laminate typically has a shiny finish and is known for being used in low end furniture and pieces that need very durable surfaces.