Are you wondering what is the difference between a $1.99 laminate and a $3.39 laminate if they appear the same?
Ask your salesperson these questions.
What is the density of the core board?
A true High Density Fibreboard should have a density of at least 800kg/m3. Less than this is a medium density fibreboard and will not perform as well structurally overtime. Warping and cupping become real possibilities. Steps Uniclic has a core density of 800kg/m3.
What is the swell rate?
The swell rate is determined by the manufacturer submerging the material in water for 24 hours and measuring how much it has swollen. The European Producers of Laminate Flooring allow only an 18% swell rate while North American manufacturers may allow up to 50%! Steps Uniclic allows only less than 8% on all its 8 and 9.5 mm flooring. Swell rates determine how well a laminate floor will cope with humidity fluctuations and water spills. Remember, there is no such thing as a waterproof floor.
What is the pattern repeat?
Laminate floors are meant to mimic the real thing, wood or tile. A pattern repeat refers to how many different visuals can be expected in the floor. The more visuals, the more realistic it looks. The industry average on laminate floors is 1 in 4 pattern repeat.
Steps Uniclic starts at 1 in 10 pattern repeat and goes as high as 1 in 34! Do you want your laminate floor to look like a $1.99 laminate, or a real wood floor?
What is the joining system?
It is now common to have a glueless joint on a laminate floor, but not all systems are created equally. The UNICLIC system used by TORLYS Steps Uniclic is the original glueless joint that is defended by world wide patents, because, it simply works better. It will not let go with over 1000 lbs of force on the joint, yet is warranted for removal and re-installation 3 times. It can be installed with 3 different methods, making it very versatile for either the professional or the ‘do-it-your-selfer.’ If it does not say UNICLIC on the box, it is not UNICLIC in the box.
These are just some of the very important items that make up the price differences between a cheap imitation and a quality product that you can feel safe investing in. Don’t be fooled, it has nothing to do with buying power, it has to do with the professional floorcovering dealers who will not sell substandard flooring vs. those who don’t know any better. Ask these questions and find out who really knows flooring and whom you should trust with your investment.