A nice-looking flooring can greatly enhance your interior’s overall look. That is why there are a lot of options of laminate flooring in Dayton, Ohio, apart from the other flooring options available. Speaking of laminate flooring, this one has been around in the US only a few decades ago. So, how did this innovative flooring began?
Origins
The process of lamination involves using many layers and wood pulp as its base. The layers and the wooden base were combined using glue or resin, and then cured using heat. It becomes a new, stronger material than its individual components. Lamination is commonly used in creating durable products for flooring, windshields, and beams.
Laminate flooring actually began in Sweden in the 1920s. It was the time when lamination became a thing. At the same time, laminate flooring became easily popular during that time for its affordability, ease of installation, and enduring aesthetic appeal. Plus, it is easy to install, resistant to scratches and moisture, and require minimal maintenance.
Struggles
Prior to that, a company named Stensmölla Kemiska Tekniska Industri based in Sweden began creating laminate materials in the late 1880’s. Years after, Perstorp Industrial Group, which belonged under Stensmölla’s umbrella, used the laminate materials to make radios. It went well at first, but sales eventually fizzled over the years.
Because of the unexpected market failure, the founders tried looking for other ways to use the laminate material. Eventually, it was used as part of making household materials such as countertops and windowsills. Still, it did not do well in terms of sales despite of the material’s technological advancement.
Market Success
In 1979, the first HPL (high-pressure laminates) floorboards were developed and sold in the market. For the next decade, the floorboards enjoyed high sales in the home improvement market.
It is a common European practice to bring all your appliances, household fixtures, and even the flooring with you when moving into a new home. Apparently, the practice inspired the development of laminate flooring, which eventually became a popular flooring in and outside Europe.
It was in 1985 when Pergo built its laminate flooring factory; and in 1988, the company applied for a patent on their innovative laminate flooring. The said patent was given roughly two years later. Since then, another type of laminate flooring was developed, called direct-pressure laminate flooring or DPL. It was deemed cheaper and easier to manufacture, and paved way for homeowners to get their hands on this cheaper flooring alternative.
Over the course of years, laminate flooring has become more attractive, with added designs such as stone and wood effects. These added features were developed from the early 90’s up to the early 2000’s. Likewise, other features such as click-in systems and insulation were also added around the same time.
Reaching Overseas
The flooring material has also since become popular throughout Europe. In 1994, Pergo attempted to sell the flooring material in the US. Two years after, the first laminate flooring factory outside Europe opened in North Carolina. During that same period, Pergo for another patent for another innovative technology for laminated flooring, the embossed-in-register technology.
Since making its way in North America, the laminated flooring’s demand has continued to skyrocket. More so, “Pergo” has become a household brand in terms of laminate flooring. It has also provided an alternative for high-maintenance carpets and other expensive flooring materials.
Gaining Popularity Over The Years
Aside from the fact that it can come cheaper than other flooring materials, it is also easy to install and maintain. No special tools are needed during installation, nor it need waxing or polishing to maintain its overall look. Hence, it is safe to say that laminate flooring may be one of the best modern-day inventions ever.
Likewise, laminate flooring is considered eco-friendly as it won’t affect indoor air quality unlike carpets. More so, it can be destroyed with no harmful impact to the environment. Plus, you may even have a hard time choosing from its wide variety of designs, sizes, colors, and styles that suit your preference and needs.
While many laminate flooring manufacturers sprouted over the years, not all of them pass the standards. In 1994, a testing and rating system that caters to laminate flooring was created in Germany. The said system tests the material for resistance against common damages as per individual company’s claim. Those that passed the series of tests were given an AC rating.
It is said that from 2006 onwards that laminate flooring and the creative décor business in general became even more popular. In fact, there are a lot of stores offering laminate flooring in Dayton, Ohiothat are available for homeowners.
Over the years, enhancements have been made especially with new designs, innovations, and purposes. Nowadays, laminate flooring has become one of the most sought-after flooring materials by homeowners and developers. Surely, it will remain that way for the next years that will come.
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