Laminate floors are a hybrid floor covering consisting of a particleboard wood base topped by an image layer and a transparent wear layer. Laminate floors are a popular type of floor covering for homes' living areas, kitchens, dining areas, bedrooms, hallways, and other areas that are not subject to excessive moisture.
Laminate floors were invented in 1977 by the Swedish company Perstorp. This firm landed on the idea of using up waste wood projects by subjecting those products to intensely high pressure, heat, and binding chemicals, then turning the result into usable floor coverings. Since that time, many other manufacturers such as Dupont, Mannington, Armstrong, and Shaw now make laminate floors.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Easy to clean
Scratch-resistant
Good for homes with pets and children
Inexpensive relative to other types of floor coverings
Cons
Moisture can swell the laminate floor base
Chips easily
Not suitable for bathrooms or laundry rooms