Frequently asked questions.
What is Laminate?
It is a combination of layers that form a solid, long-lasting flooring material.
How is Laminate produced?
Laminate flooring is produced in board form. The production process involves the individual layers in the laminate floor being pressed together under high pressure and at high temperature. The two main production processes currently in use are: DPL (Direct Pressure Laminate) and HPL (High Pressure Laminate).
What is DPL?
In the direct-pressure laminate process the decorative covering layer and stabilizing layer are pressed together onto the core layer.
What is CML?
A new generation of laminate. Tarkett is using a third very innovative technique. Achieved by compressing the different layers of laminate flooring directly onto the core in a continuous manufacturing process. Two extra layers of core paper rest between the support board and the other layers above and below providing even more resistance & durability.
What is Laminate made of?
Laminate flooring is made up of three layers:
- Decorative paper and overlay in melamine resin
- Core layer made of HDF board
- Stabilizing layer made of special paper
The decorative paper is what gives the laminate flooring its individual appearance. There are a wide range of innovative and highly authentic wood reproduction decorative coverings, but the large variety of interesting reproduction tile designs and fantasy decorative coverings should not be forgotten either. The wear layer is provided by the melamine resin, a highly wear resistant material that makes laminate flooring so hard wearing. The core of the laminate floor is provided by the core layer. As its name suggests, this supports the decorative paper and the overlay, and of course the people who later walk on the floor. The stabilizing layer makes up the bottom layer of laminate flooring and is what gives the floor its stability.
All in all, it is more than 80%wood!
Is Laminate scratch resistant?
Laminate Flooring is scratch resistant. However, it is not scratch proof. To help minimize scratching, proper floor protectors, such as felt pads should be used on frequently moved furniture (chairs, tables, etc.)
What about formaldehyde emissions?
Like all wood-based products laminate flooring also contains the substance formaldehyde, which can be emitted to the air retroactively. The amount of possible emissions, however, is absolutely minimal and falls within the range of "normal background levels in room air, according to a report by the Fraunhofer Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut for Holzforschung (WKI) Braunschweig. This is comparable with emission levels from natural wood and is well below the legally permissible limit of 0.1 ppm ( i.e. 0.12 mg/m of air), the so-called E1 value. Against this background, therefore, laminate flooring is suitable for use without reservation even in sensitive areas such as children's rooms and kindergartens, according to the WKI.
If damaged, can I repair my laminate flooring?
Small damages: Because some marks and dents are unavoidable Tarkett offers a Repair Kit for small surface repairs containing wax sticks acting as filler. They are colour co-ordinated to match the flooring. They resist wear and moisture.
Replace a board: If an individual panel is damaged during use, it can be replaced without having to remove the entire floor and since Tarkett Laminate Flooring does not require dye and does not fade, the replacement panel will match perfectly.