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Laminate Construction

Typically Laminate floors consist of the following layers from top to bottom:

  * Wear layer

  * Pattern, "image" layer

  * Processed wood core: usually M.D.F. (medium density fiber board) or H.D.F. ( high density fiber board)

  * Balancing layer ( usually with a moisture barrier)

Laminates come in all different size widths, single plank or the more common 3-strips, and even tile looking, with 12"x12" or larger. Most carry warranties that start at about 10 years and some with even a lifetime warranty. The only enemy to laminates are extreme moisture. Say, if you install laminate in your basement and it floods. Dropping a glass of water on your floor and cleaning it up, will not damage it. Laminate floors are floated and require no use of glue, which makes them easy for a DIY project. The maintenance of a laminate usually includes sweeping on a regular basis to eliminate debris and spray cleaners that do not need to be rinsed off.

Solid wood

Solid wood flooring comes in two basic types:

  * STRIP flooring accounts for the majority of installations. Strips are usually 2-1/4 inches wide, but can also come in widths ranging from 1-1/2 inches to 3-1/4 inches. They are installed by nailing to the subfloor.

  *PLANK flooring boards are at least 3 inches wide. They may be screwed to the subfloor as well as nailed. Screw holes can be covered with wood plugs. they can be sanded and refinished over several generations of use. Soloid wood flooring expands and contracts in your home's relative humidity.Normally, installers compensate for this movement by leaving an expansion gap between the floor and the wall. Base molding i the traditional cover up for this gap. It is important to understand that since wood is natural, it can be dented or scratched. Exposure to UV rays can accelerate the oxidation which makes the wood fade or change color. No two planks or wood look alike. Shading and graining will vary from piece to piece, especially with exotics.

Engineered wood

Made of several layers of different woods or different grades of the same wood stacked and glued together under heat and pressure. Engineered wood flooring is less likely to be affected by changes in humidity and can be installed above, on, or below ground level. Some engineered wood floors with thicker top layers can be sanded up to three times. Some can't be sanded at all. These are a great option if you want the look and feel of real wood, but need the versatility of a floating floor.