When was laminate flooring invented?
1977Swedish flooring company Perstorp are credited with the invention of laminate flooring in 1977 but it wasn't until 1984 that their new product, sold under the brand name of Pergo, was introduced to the European markets.
Who invented click flooring?
Bjelin's sister company Välinge Innovation AB invented, in 1993, the click flooring, which is protected by a large number of patents worldwide. In 1996 the Norwegian flooring manufacturer, Alloc AS, introduced the world's first click floor.
When was laminate flooring popular?
Also in 1994, laminate flooring was introduced to North America, where sales eventually overtook those in Europe. In 1995 Asia got laminate. By 1996 Pergo had 100 stores in the U.S. Popularity came from the ease of both installation and maintenance.
What is better vinyl or laminate flooring?
Vinyl flooring is best in high-moisture areas and it's easy to keep clean. Yet laminate flooring offers a wider variety of style choices and has a higher resale value....Key Differences.Vinyl FlooringLaminate FlooringMaterials100% polymers, no organic contentMostly high-density fiberboard made from wood3 more rows•Feb 9, 2022
Where was laminate flooring invented?
SwedenCommercial lamination was first developed in Sweden in the 1920s by a company that was making radios. They eventually moved onto using laminates for windowsills and countertops and finally began producing high pressure laminate (HPL) floor boards in 1979.
Who invented vinyl plank flooring?
Origins of Vinyl Flooring Although vinyl was created in 1872 by chemist Eugen Baumann, it wasn't transformed into a flooring tile until the 1930s. First presented to the public at the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago, vinyl tile flooring was a hit.
Where does laminate come from?
Laminate is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product. It is designed to imitate the appearance of real wood. The core layer of laminate flooring is manufactured primarily from melamine resin and fiber board material. The top layer has an imprinted textured image made to look like real wood.
Is laminate flooring out of fashion?
There is no doubt - laminate flooring trends are no flash in the interior design pan; they're here to stay. The fact this finish is so cost-effective, yet looks and feels so realistic has made it one of the favourites of the flooring world.
What are the disadvantages of laminate flooring?
THE DISADVANTAGES OF LAMINATE FLOORINGCannot be refinished. One popular function of natural timber flooring is that it can be sanded back and refinished to renew its appearance over the years. ... Not moisture-proof. Being made of wood, laminate flooring is not impervious to the effects of moisture.
Is laminate better than luxury vinyl?
Best for Durability and Maintenance: Vinyl Flooring Vinyl flooring is even used in commercial applications, where durability and maintenance are most important. If you're wondering what lasts longer, vinyl or laminate flooring, vinyl wins the race.
What's more durable vinyl or laminate?
Notably, laminate utilizes more natural products than vinyl and tends to be slightly more durable, while laminate is more affordable and easy to maintain.
Which is more expensive vinyl or laminate flooring?
Vinyl and laminate are priced pretty similarly, but laminate may be a little bit cheaper than vinyl on average. Laminate flooring costs can run anywhere from $1 to $10 per square foot. Luxury vinyl planks often cost between $1 and $14.
Is click flooring any good?
So when would click vinyl flooring be a good choice? This type of flooring is an ideal choice for homeowners who want affordable, convenient, durable and water-resistant flooring that they can install themselves. It's also suitable for any room, including kitchens and bathrooms.
When was LVT invented?
The Luxury Developed in the 1970's, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) were created as a means to improve upon the realism of sheet vinyl. Popularity grew exponentially in 2000s as the glue-down construction, aka, “dryback”, emerged as a low-cost alternative to laminate, hardwood and carpet.
When was vinyl sheet flooring invented?
It was first manufactured in Scotland in the 1860s, and the first U.S. plant was built in 1872. Linoleum remained popular until after World War II, when easy-to-maintain and durable vinyl flooring was introduced. In 1894, Philadelphia architect Frank Furness patented a system for rubber floor tiles.
Who invented the floor?
About 5,000 years ago, Egyptians developed stone construction. Stone and brick floors began to appear. Soon these floors became works of art as well as a useful surface for the home.
When was laminate flooring invented?
Laminate flooring was invented in 1977 by the Swedish company Perstorp [ en], 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.
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring (also called floating wood tile in the United States) is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process. Laminate flooring simulates wood (or sometimes stone) with a photographic applique layer under a clear protective layer. The inner core layer is usually composed of melamine resin and fiber board materials. There is a European Standard No. EN 13329:2000 specifying laminate floor covering requirements and testing methods.
Why is it important to keep laminate flooring clean?
It is also important to keep laminate relatively dry, since sitting water/moisture can cause the planks to swell, warp, etc., though some brands are equipped with water-resistant coatings. Water spills aren't a problem if they're wiped up quickly, and not allowed to sit for a prolonged period of time.
Why is laminate flooring so popular?
Laminate flooring has grown significantly in popularity, perhaps because it may be easier to install and maintain than more traditional surfaces such as hardwood flooring. It may also have the advantages of costing less and requiring less skill to install than alternative flooring materials. It is reasonably durable, hygienic (several brands contain an antimicrobial resin), and relatively easy to maintain.
What is underlayment in laminate flooring?
Installation of laminate flooring - note underlay to allow for contraction, expansion, and moisture control and method for squaring and distancing from wall.
Who makes Pergo laminate flooring?
Glueless laminate flooring was invented in 1996 by the Swedish company Välinge Aluminium (now Välinge Innovation) and sold under the names of Alloc and Fiboloc.
Can you put felt pads on laminate floors?
Water spills aren't a problem if they're wiped up quickly, and not allowed to sit for a prolonged period of time. Adhesive felt pads are often placed on the feet of furniture on laminate floors to prevent scratching. Inferior glueless laminate floors may gradually become separated, creating visible gaps between planks.
When did laminate flooring become popular?
Also in 1994, laminate flooring was introduced to North America, where sales eventually overtook those in Europe. In 1995 Asia got laminate. By 1996 Pergo had 100 stores in the U.S. Popularity came from the ease of both installation and maintenance. Even when glue was required between the boards, laminate was a floating floor.
When did Perstop start making laminate flooring?
In 1974, Perstop acquired a competitor who had a factory which produced “bonded” products (things made of layers stuck together), which not only expanded their product line, but factored into their idea session in 1977, where the concept of laminated flooring was developed.
How did glueless laminate flooring come about?
Glueless laminate flooring came about through two companies inventing locking systems for the floor planks. In 1996 Swedish company Valinge developed their system, branding the products Fiboloc and Alloc, and in 1997 a Belgian company called Unilin developed and patented their Uniclic system, which Pergo employed for their products. To date, any laminate locking system is still licensed by either or both of those companies. These locking systems simplified the installation process and eliminated the need for glue, amping up the do-it-yourself factor, making laminate flooring almost unparalleled in cost effectiveness. The popularity of laminate flooring grew so much that Perstop changed the parent company name to Pergo in 2000. Once an afterthought, within 20 years laminate flooring had come to define them.
What is Perstop flooring called?
In 1989, Perstop established its flooring department as its own company, given the name “Pergo”, an acronym of the company’s full name, Perstop Glov. The Laminate flooring itself was also called Pergo and, like Kleenex, the name became almost a generic term for the product.
How many square feet of laminate flooring were sold in 2004?
In 2004 the European Producers of Laminate Flooring (those folks in Bonn) reported that globally, an estimate of 2’460’629’921 square feet of laminate fllooring were sold that year (yes, they reported in meters. I’ve converted it for us).
How long has vinyl flooring been around?
Vinyl has been with us for around 100 years, hardwood for multiple hundreds, and carpet for thousands (yes really, thousands!). Laminate flooring is around 30 years old, and it was designed by a countertop producer primarily to conserve unused, raw material and to utilize more production time at the plant, almost an afterthought.
When was Pergo founded?
The Swedish company now known as Pergo was founded in 1888 as Perstop, making vinegar. This lead to involvement in the business of chemicals more generally by 1923, and eventually production of laminated tabletops, countertops and wall panels that looked like wood, but cost a lot less than real hardwood products.
What is laminate flooring?
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.
What is the difference between engineered wood and laminate?
Engineered Wood. Engineered wood has a plywood base topped with a veneer of 100-percent real wood. Laminate has no plywood and no natural real wood veneer top. Both engineered wood and laminate have a base that made of manufactured wood. Both products can look remarkably similar, especially with the premium laminates.
What is wear layer laminate flooring?
Wear Layer: Laminate flooring is a surface layer of two thin sheets of paper impregnated with melamine. This top-most surface layer is a hard transparent type of plastic sheet that is impervious to dogs, chairs, high heels, and other common damaging elements.
Can you install laminate flooring yourself?
Yet unlike hardwood flooring, which typically requires professional installation, laminate floors are very easy for the do-it-yourselfer to install with only basic tools. Laminate is always installed as a floating floor.
Do laminate floors have to be floating?
Laminate floors are always installed as floating floors. With this method, floor boards connect to each other but not to the subfloor. Laminate floors install much like solid hardwood flooring since they have a modified tongue-and-groove style of joining boards.
Is laminate flooring good?
Once installed mainly as a type of economy flooring, laminate floors still firmly hold their place as an inexpensive, functional flooring. But they have even moved into higher-end homes that once would have installed nothing but solid hardwood or engineered wood flooring. Laminate floors look better, perform better, and feel better underfoot than ever before. All of this popularity may beg the question: What are laminate floors in the first place?
Is laminate flooring better than hardwood?
But they have even moved into higher-end homes that once would have installed nothing but solid hardwood or engineered wood flooring. Laminate floors look better, perform better, and feel better underfoot than ever before.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate floorboards are made from many layers, which are bonded together in a machine known as a ‘Hot Press’. Let’s start from the bottom-most layer and work our way up:
Initial Success in the Australian Market
Around two decades ago, after entering the Australian market, laminate became the top alternative to vinyl and ceramic tile flooring. One reason for its success was because it was a real DIY flooring option. With a little bit of care, an average person could install laminate, which was a breakthrough in the industry.
Then the Problems Started
But chinks started to appear in the armour, and the love affair with Laminate was soon about to end. For all of the benefits of laminate flooring and the lack of a value alternative, several things happened that were to slow the train.
The Resurgence of Laminate in the Market
While Laminate Flooring had been sitting in the sin bin, it had not been idle. Many breakthroughs had been made that had solved earlier issues that the category faced. But there was still that ever-present sticky mud that had tarnished its reputation.
Pros and Cons of Laminate
Laminate floors have plenty of attractive benefits. Laminate has been used in Australian homes, particularly in kitchens, for counters to backsplashes for many years. Its natural durability and toughness were to naturally lead to its use on your floor: the highest wear area in any house!
Why was vinyl flooring used in the 1940s?
In December of 1941, Japan invaded southeast Asia. This depleted suppies of shellac, which almost halted the production of records (you know, for music!) until vinyl began to be used in record production. Vinyl’s unavailability for flooring was increased by the war effort in general, covering for an acute natural rubber scarcity, and increasing in use to insulate wiring on military ships. The Germans developed PVC piping when their metals began to be in short supply.
When did rubber tile flooring start to come into use?
Around the 1100s to 1200s we see rubber tile style flooring start to come into use. They mostly fade away by the end of the 1600s. In 1845 came the invention of linoleum. It was industrially manufactured in Scotland 12 years before a linoleum plant first appeared in the United States in 1872.
What was the second most popular flooring in the 1960s?
It became a solid competitor other resilient flooring. In the 1960’s there were further advancements in vinyl flooring technology. Vinyl which didn’t need wax made maintenance easy, and cushioned flooring made walking more comfortable. Vinyl became the second most popular kind of flooring to carpet.
When was vinyl chloride invented?
Its use as a floor will begin in the 1930’s, but the substance itself, just “vinyl”, came around in the late 1800’s. Using vinyl chloride, which is actually a gas, researchers in Europe developed a material for which no one could find a use, practical or commercial. In 1872 chemist Eugen Baumann developed Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in Germany. In 1913 another Friedrich Klatte came up with an alternate method of getting the substance to polymerize, and he got a patent, the first for PVC. It remained little more than a patented chemical for roughly the next 20 years.
When did cork flooring become a flooring product?
In 1904 cork became a flooring product that would become the best selling of all resilient floors within 20 years. It was pretty expensive, and was limited in how it could look. The same was true of the next resilient floor in line, asphalt tiles, developed in the 1920’s. They were good and tough, but styles were pretty limited.
When was vinyl tile first used?
It was popular industrially, where it was used for tubing, wire insulation and gaskets, but the public first encountered it in golf balls, shower curtains and the heels of shoes, and finally in 1933 , when, at a Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago, Vinyl Composite Tile as a kind of flooring was presented.
Who was the scientist who created plasticized polyvinyl chloride?
In Akron, Ohio, Waldo Lonsbury Semon, a researcher, was trying to develop an adhesive to bond rubber to metal for The BF Goodrich Company. Showing serendipitous resourcefulness, he experimented with the materials generated by his failures and created a plasticized polyvinyl chloride.
Where was carpet made in the 1950s?
The Northeast was where most manufacturers produced American carpet until the 1950s when the carpet production industry shifted to the Southeast. New tufted carpet factories opened in the South because of the cheaper labor available and lower overhead. Dalton, Georgia, used to be a textile manufacturing center, and it had a rich tradition of manufacturing tufted bedspreads. As a result, Dalton was ready to transition to tufted carpeting. The carpet and flooring industry flourished in this small town in the 1950s and 1960s.
Where did carpets come from?
It’s not exactly clear who invented carpet, but some of the first carpets came about in the Middle East. They contained sheep wool or goat hair, and their purpose was to make the ground more comfortable for sitting.
How Is Carpet Made?
Before the 1950s, most carpets contained woven wool, which was significantly expensive at the time. American homeowners wanted carpeting in their living spaces, but only the wealthy could afford to have it. In 1947, the invention of synthetic fibers such as nylon revolutionized the carpet and flooring industry. These new materials provided a quicker way to manufacture carpeting than woven, woolen ones. By the early 1950s, carpeting became so affordable that it was the most popular flooring option for homeowners.
Why did the price of carpeting drop?
The fact that the material was more affordable and convenient to produce dropped the price of carpeting dramatically — in some cases in half. The price drop allowed carpeting to be a flooring option that all American families could afford. Tufted carpets originally contained cotton, but manufacturers began developing durable types of nylon to replace the cotton. These nylon carpets had a longer lifespan than cotton ones, but they were still affordable for American working families.
Why did carpets become popular in the 1500s?
By the 1500s, carpet production became popular in Europe due to its influences from the Middle East and Asia. When European settlers colonized the New World, they introduced carpets to America. Most early professionals in the American carpet industry were in Pennsylvania and New England. These artisans produced fine, handwoven rugs, but they struggled to compete with less expensive carpeting imported from Europe and the Middle East. For centuries, carpets were the favored option for American homes because of the low quality of wood flooring.
What is the best material for carpet?
Nylon: This material is soft and resistant to abrasions and stains. Most residential carpets contain nylon because of its durability and various color options.
When did tufted carpet start?
At the end of the 1930s, a tufted wall-to-wall carpet was still a new concept for residential spaces. Instead of taking up a small portion of the room, manufacturers wanted to create a fitted carpet that extended over the entire space. This material also developed into long stair runner strips that fastened to the base stair steps with nails.
Overview
History
Laminate flooring was invented in 1977 by the Swedish company Perstorp [en], 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 Industries. Pergo is the most widely known laminate flooring manufacturer, but the trademark PERGO is not synony…
Installation
Care
It is important to keep laminate clean, as dust, dirt, and sand particles may scratch the surface over time in high-traffic areas. It is also important to keep laminate relatively dry, since sitting water/moisture can cause the planks to swell, warp, etc., though some brands are equipped with water-resistant coatings. Water spills aren't a problem if they're wiped up quickly, and not allowed to sit for a prolonged period of time.
Advocacy
The North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) is a trade association of laminate flooring manufacturers and laminate flooring manufacturer suppliers in the United States and Canada. It is a standards developing organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop voluntary consensus standards for laminate flooring materials, and it has established testing and performance criteria that are used in North America.
Potential health effects and LEED status
Laminate flooring is often made of melamine resin, a compound made with formaldehyde. The formaldehyde is more tightly bound in Melamine formaldehyde (MF) than it is in Urea-Formaldehyde (UF), reducing emissions and potential health effects. Thus LEED v2.2's EQ Credit 4.4 precludes the use of UF, but allows the use of MF.
Laminated flooring is commonly used in LEED residential and commercial applications.
External links
• North American Laminate Flooring Association
• World Floor Covering Association
• The Flooring Contractors Association