Why Laminate?

 
Laminate floors are typically your fastest and most economical path to a hard surface floor. While laminate does have a stereotype of not being a super durable option, it has come a long way over the years. Like most products, there is a wide range of durability depending on which laminate flooring you choose, but some are even commercially rated for high traffic at an affordable price point. Lets discuss what laminate is and why this may be the choice for you. We proudly serve Plainville, CT, West Hartford, CT, Bristol, CT, Litchfield, CT, and Avon, CT from our location in Plymouth, CT.
 

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Restoration by Mannington

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RevWood by Mohawk

Featuring premium hardwood visuals, maximum scratch protection, and fade resistance in a variety of price points, RevWood offers long lasting beauty for any budget.

 
 
 
 

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A Quick History of Laminate Flooring

 
Laminate flooring was invented in 1977 by the Swedish company Perstorp, and sold under the brand name Pergo. They had been making floor surfaces since 1923. The company first marketed its product to Europe in 1984, and later to the United States in 1994. Perstorp spun off its flooring division as the separate company named Pergo, now a subsidiary of Mohawk. Pergo is the most widely known laminate flooring manufacturer, but the trademark Pergo is not synonymous for all laminate floors.
 

The Wear Layer

 

Laminate flooring has a wear layer that protects the photographic layer underneath and makes it somewhat resistant to scratches and dents, and very resistant to stains. Some manufacturers even issue very generous 10+ year warranties on the wear layer itself. If you do get a stain, it is usually easy to clean off.


A good measure of durability is the Abrasion Class (Referred to as the AC Rating) The AC Rating system was first created by the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (ELPF) but ultimately became the standard rating system for laminate flooring products worldwide. Most products that we recommend for your home have an AC rating of 3 or 4.


  • AC1—moderate residential use (like bedrooms and closets)

  • AC2—general residential use (like living rooms and kitchens)

  • AC3—heavy residential use or moderate commercial traffic

  • AC4—general commercial traffic

  • AC5—heavy commercial applications

The Importance of a Quality Underlayment

Laminates come with either an attached backing or one that is sold separately, Our preference is to install products with a separate pad, as our experience shows vast improvements in sound deadening.

Common Mistakes with Laminates

  • Steam Mopping - While some laminates are rated for this, Mohawks RevWood Premier for example, The vast majority on the market are not. The best way to keep your floor looking fresh is daily sweeping and the occasional wipe down with a laminate safe cleaner like Stonetechs Laminate Cleaner in our store

  • Keep your home climate controlled - all floating floors are designed to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. This means if you keep your home at the same temp all year long, then you will have a very stable floor. But if laminate gets installed in a 3 season room for example, it will be very cold and shrink (show gaps) in the winter and get very warm (buckle or peak) in the summer months

 
 
 
Laminate flooring in Plymouth, CT from Plymouth Home
 
 

Care

 
Laminate floors are easy to clean with a vacuum or broom. Mop with a slightly damp mop, or better yet, use laminate floor cleaner. No floor waxing is ever necessary for laminate floors. Avoid excessive water when mopping, which can seep into the seams between boards, causing swelling. Laminate flooring will not tolerate standing pools of water, which often appear in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. For areas with heavy moisture, you need an impervious surface, such as vinyl or porcelain tile.