Laminate is not wood, nor is it a floor, it is a floor cover made of chemicals and composites. Imagine a photocopy of real wood chemically bound to particle board or cheap composites. Made with synthetic materials or very thinly sliced pieces of wood, laminate equals replica. Made to look like wood grain by using a method similar to printing a photo, i.e. designed to fool those not paying attention.
So, in simplest terms, you print a layer of wood-colored plastic and then adhere it to a composite wood substrate like particle board. Laminate manufacturers use a wide range of materials including dangerous chemicals. The chemicals used in manufacturing laminate are dangerous and they are the fastest growing component of our landfills.
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes. Some are harmful by themselves, including some that cause cancer. In addition, they can react with other gases and form other air pollutants after they are in the air. Furthermore, because it contains toxic VOCs like formaldehyde and takes decades to disperse, laminate is a health risk long after replaced.
These compounds continue to produce VOCs after they are in your home. Formaldehyde was found in a major retailer laminate a few years ago. Sixty Minutes did a shocking story, they promised to do better. However, the main manufacturers of this material are in China and Vietnam. Standards, for end products shipped back to the U.S. are nonexistent. For more about this issue contact us today.
The best part about the SYP Direct philosophy, it is so easy; “One House, One Floor”. We have grown our business organically with referrals and repeat business. Old school customer service, personal and without any sales pressure. In fact, most of the time we are validating what you already knew but because of all the nonsense you hear when shopping for a floor you begin to think; “is laminate just as good as real wood”? […]
The goal of an investment is much different than that of a product; an investment is a durable good. Does anyone remember the phrase planned obsolescence?
Engineered floors were invented to solve a specific problem and were never meant to replace carpet until it did.
Allergies affect as much as 30 percent of the adult population in the U.S. and about 40 percent of children. Hypoallergenic means a product contains few allergy-producing substances known as allergens.
Laminate is not wood, nor is it a floor. A photocopy of wood and a temporary floor cover, best define laminate. Laminate is made with synthetic materials or very thinly sliced pieces of wood.
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