Laminate Flooring That Is in the Shape of Real Stones

Design Options

• Stone laminate tiles are made to look like granite, marble, slate, travertine, limestone and other stones. They come in natural colors ranging from gray and black to brown, red, tan and pink. Mix different shades of stone to add depth and texture to your floors. Use different-sized tiles to create patterns for added detail. If natural stone shapes are a must-have, laminate tiles are easy to cut. Cutting the tiles into natural shapes yourself gives you more control over the design process and the outcome of your project.

Laminate Construction

• Laminate tiles are composed of four layers. The bottom layer is a moisture-resistant layer designed to give the tile a stable base. Next is a layer of particleboard infused with resin for strength and water-resistance. On top of that is the design layer. This layer is simply a piece of paper printed with the image of a natural stone. The design layer is protected by the wear layer, a durable, clear melamine that prevents scratching and dents. The layers are compressed using high pressure and temperatures in excess of 400 degrees F.

Benefits of Laminate

• Laminate flooring is durable and is less likely to chip and dent than natural stone. In addition, natural stone is porous and requires regular applications of sealant to prevent staining. The protective melamine layer that covers laminate flooring is nonporous and resists moisture and spills. According to the North American Laminate Flooring Association, laminate flooring is also eco-friendly. Flooring that carries the Association's seal is made of natural and recycled materials, is free of air-polluting chemicals and requires no harmful adhesives for installation.

Installation

• Laminate tiles are installed using a tongue-and-groove system. Each tile has two tongued sides and two grooved sides. Insert the tongue of the tile you're laying into the groove of the tile in front of it, place a wooden block at the open back edge of the tile and give the block a gentle tap with a hammer to ensure a tight seal. Move the block to the other open edge of the tile and tap until the tongue slides into the groove of the tile next to it. Concrete, wood, ceramic or stone tile and vinyl are all acceptable substrates for laminate flooring. Essentially, any hard surface is adequate, as long as it is level and smooth.

  If you have cut your tiles to resemble natural shapes, you will have to install them with thinset and grout. Doing so may result in installation failure and will likely void your warranty, so cut with caution.