BY RAY RODRIGUEZ/President, Starline Associates
Looking back at the growth laminate flooring has experienced over the past 15 years, it is not difficult to understand how this segment has enjoyed such a rapid evolution. The most significant improvement of all may have been the introduction of glueless laminate floors. We saw the launching of companies specializing solely in this new category even when boards had to be glued and strapped together. Many more businesses followed as installation became even simpler with the removal of the glue step. The mechanical locking technology originally developed for laminate floors was such an improvement it didn’t take long for it to cross segments; it is now seen in wood, bamboo, cork and even vinyl floors.

Since its commencement in Europe in 1977, some of the first characteristics were that stains were virtually impossible, and wear patterns were unheard of. Fading was never an issue. Indentation resistance was superior to many other categories, and cleaning a laminate floor only required vacuuming and/or damp mopping.

Retailers are improving the finished product today by offering end users quality underlayments. We see the volume of basic foam and film steadily diminishing as upgraded pads with superior moisture and sound protection rise. In the past retailers offered sound control only for high-rise apartments, condominiums and offices. These days floor covering sales professionals explain to consumers the benefits of added sound control for single-story units.

Underlayments evolve

Additional moisture protection was a necessity for certain installations, and an additional layer of film was used for a short time. Then 3-in-1 underlayment and other pads with improved moisture protection were quickly developed. One of the end users’ few complaints was the hollow sound produced by the floating floor, so new pads were created specifically for these floors featuring enhanced sound deadening qualities at prices far below previous alternatives.

As the industry matured, it responded to issues like added moisture protection and sound control almost as quickly as they appeared. Underlayment companies that concentrate on products for laminate flooring have no choice but to evolve with the growth of the category. Research and development departments focus not only on the retailers’ needs, but also on the consumer’s expectations. Laminate flooring and related sundries have proven that product innovation can come at the speed of thought.