Not all laminate flooring is created equal

28 August 2018

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While many homeowners love the look of timber flooring, few enjoy the maintenance.That’s where laminate comes in - an alternative that can match the aesthetics of timber and offer resistance to scratching, staining and moisture damage.Could laminate be right for you? We spoke to David Hong of Parks Flooring to find out more.

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Parks Flooring

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ArchiPro Editorial Team

It seems the look of timber flooring will never go out of style. It’s timeless, attractive and can complement nearly any interior theme. What does fade over time, however, is our desire to constantly maintain our flooring and be weary of scratching, staining and water damage.

That’s why many homeowners opt from alternative options, including laminate flooring that can authentically replicate the look of timber without the hassle. But not all laminate flooring is created equal, which is why we sat down with David Hong of Parks Flooring to learn about an exciting new product from Swiss Krono that doesn’t just outperform traditional timber - but most other laminates as well.

Is laminate flooring right for my home?

Modern homeowners are spoiled for choice when it comes to flooring options. “There’s hardwood, of course, as well as bamboo, engineered timber and laminate. Every product has its own unique advantages and factors to consider,” explains David.

Laminate, however, stands out from the pack in a few key areas, including:

Cost

Laminate is made of composite wood pressed at extremely high temperatures. Then, the image of hardwood is placed over the material, creating the laminate. When compared to hardwood, laminate represents a much more affordable option for many homeowners. Further, installation is significantly less expensive.

“Cost will vary depending on the thickness of the product you select. The standard range includes seven, eight and 10mm profiles. If you want something more premium, you should go for a 12 or 14mm plank. This will cost more, but it also offers performs better in terms of water resistance and quality. With a thicker plank, you’ll also achieve the warmth and feel of solid timber underfoot.”

Performance

Laminate flooring is also more durable and resistant to scratches, wear and tear and moisture. Again, how much more durable and resistant really depends on the type of laminate you select. Every product will have been engineered and manufactured differently, so look for laminate flooring that’s been performance tested from a manufacturer who uses only high-quality materials.

Maintenance

Over time, timber flooring can be repaired by sanding and refinishing the product, which is an advantage. Laminate is not so easily repaired, but it also requires less maintenance to keep it looking good over the years.

“There’s virtually no maintenance requirement for laminate flooring. You simply use a microfibre mop with some warm water and that’s it,” explains David, whose latest offering: Swiss Aquastop comes with an impressive 30-year manufacturer warranty.

Sustainability

Like other wooden products, the sustainability factor of laminate flooring hinges largely on how the timber is sourced. Look for products with an FSC certification, and active reduction of CO2 emissions, especially if you’re installing laminate indoors.

Swiss Krono laminate is made entirely from sustainably sourced Swiss pine wood and comes backed by an E1 rating in formaldehyde emissions, which means the flooring can be used safely indoors.

Aesthetics

When homeowners and designers opt for real timber flooring, aesthetics are their primary driver. This doesn’t have to be the case, however, as newer laminate products come in a variety of attractive finishes that are even more aesthetically pleasing than authentic or engineered timber.

“With products like Swiss Aquastop, you get a really impressive multicolour array. Many laminates only come in one, pretty simple colour, so this is a real point-of-difference and a major advantage if you’re going for a slightly different colour such as slate and grey, which are really popular this year. Timber and engineered timber really don’t pull these shades off as well.”

Introducing: Aquastop from Swiss Krono

So why Swiss Aquastop? One main benefit is the product’s impressive water resistance rating. Aptly named, Aquastop can resist water up for up to 48 hours of continuous moisture exposure. This makes it ideal for kitchen applications, as well as high traffic areas and entryways that may see wet, muddy shoes.

Swiss Aquastop is also very hygenic and durable, while at the same time cosy and aesthetically pleasing. This can be difficult to find in laminate flooring, but not Aquastop thanks to the range of real wood finishes that suit modern interiors.

“We’re seeing Aquastop being used in residential projects as well as contemporary apartments, including the Library Lane stage 2 Development in Albany. Designers are going for this product because of its impressive aesthetics but also because they know it will offer great value for their clients.”

Want to find out more? Stop into Parks Flooring today to see this impressive product for yourself and be sure to check out their latest projects on ArchiPro.