Talk:Laminate flooring

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[edit] Too much brand promotion?

This article seems to make rather too much mention of Pergo. Did Pergo actually invent laminate flooring or is it just the leading brand in some countries. In general we should not be discussing one brand in preference to any others, unless there is a good reason. I can't see much of this article that couldn't be rephrased to avoid mentioning Pergo. -- Solipsist 15:32, 27 November 2005 (UTC)

Yes, Pergo invented laminate flooring in 1977 and first marketed the product to Europe in 1984. Ignoring their influence on the product would be like ignoring IBM's influence on the personal computer. -- Ceran 15:12, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Advertisement removed

Pergo is probably the most recognized brand name of laminate flooring, although there are dozens of different brands. Pergo has a unique composite of layers that makes up its construction. The bulk of the flooring plank is a thick, water-resistant core material designed for uniformity and dimensional stability, with a polymer backing paper attached to the bottom surface of the core to add stability and help the floor adjust as temperature and humidity levels in the house change. The top layer of the composite is the finished flooring material, which is actually a decorative laminate that is somewhat similar to the popular laminates used for kitchen and bathroom counters, but with some important differences. Pergo, for example, uses a three-layer composition of decorative cellulose paper, melamine resins, and a strong, heat-resistant base layer, bonded to one another and then bonded to the central core material. Hardeners are also added which, according to Pergo, make the laminate layer some 25 times harder than the laminates used for counters.

- FrancisTyers 15:50, 29 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] NOT waterproof or even water resistant

Well-meaning or other promoters of this stuff have apparently never had experience mixing water with it. Once water gets in, it cannot get out for a VERY long time. Consequently, the flooring swells along every seam and becomes quite unsightly. It MAY be possible to prevent such disasters by applying a water-repellant to the seams and especially to the ends, but for my money, I will not touch this material on this objection alone.

Need more ? Another drawback is that laminate flooring is NOISY (pet claws) and, being "hard", it is slippery. Caveat emptor, indeed !! I am indeed grateful that I was introduced to this hazard via a rental, not a purchase.