Over the years, advancements in manufacturing have improved the flooring industry, one of which is the enhancement of laminate flooring. While laminate flooring is made with a durable high-density fiberboard (HDF) core rather than solid wood, modern manufacturing techniques enable it to convincingly replicate the beauty and texture of genuine hardwood without the maintenance and issues that often come along with hardwood. Here is how modern laminate flooring mimics real hardwood.
High-Definition Wood Imaging
One of the best improvements in laminate flooring has been the use of high-resolution photography. First, manufacturers photograph real hardwood planks, capturing their grain patterns, color variations, and all of their natural imperfections that make them hardwood. Then, the images are printed onto a decorative layer beneath a clear protective wear layer. This allows laminate to portray the authentic look of popular wood species without the maintenance that comes with natural hardwood.
Embossed-in-Register (EIR) Technology
Some homeowners steer clear of traditional laminate floors since they often look flat compared to the surface texture of genuine hardwood floors. However, modern premium laminate flooring frequently features Embossed-in-Register (EIR), which aligns the surface texture with the printed images of hardwood. If a printed plank shows a knot or raised grain, the feel of it is replicated in the laminate floor, giving it the same texture as real hardwood.
Realistic Surface Finishes
Modern laminate flooring can be made available in finishes that resemble those found on genuine hardwood floors, including:
- Low-gloss finishes for a natural look
- Matte finishes that reduce the artificial shine
- Hand-scraped textures that mimic the character of reclaimed wood
Thanks to these advances in digital imaging and synchronized texturing, modern laminate flooring can closely resemble real hardwood without the high costs and regular maintenance. To learn more about modern laminate flooring installation, contact our E_M Custom Flooring & Installations team members today at 631-924-4434.
