FEATURES- INNOVATION & ALT. TECH
" Laminate flooring today has come such a long way that it is now quite difficult to see the difference between the two."
According to the Southern African Wood and Laminate Flooring Association( SAWFLA), many importers try to accommodate the market, which constitutes a high demand for cheaper imported products.“ Inevitably, we end up with many inferior products on the market. They may last between 12 and 24 months once installed, but may also contain harmful chemicals, so understanding what you are buying or selling is key. The saying‘ You get what you pay for’ is quite true in this respect. SAWLFA has many quality laminate flooring brands listed on its website; we have researched and obtained test certificates to make sure that members and the end user can buy, with confidence, laminate flooring that will last for years and doesn’ t contain harmful chemicals.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGES
According to Bothma, one of the biggest challenges for suppliers of quality laminates is the volatility of the rand in the international market.“ This increases the cost to the local consumer, which in turn opens the door for cheap imports into the market and adds to the perception of laminate flooring not being a good product. The other challenge has come from the increasing popularity of luxury vinyl flooring, especially in the commercial sector.”
BENEFITS ABOUND
As with anything, there are benefits to using laminate flooring instead of wood. The biggest one is cost. Bothma says,“ The biggest benefit would have to be the cost difference between the two. Laminate flooring remains the most cost-effective way to give your home the wooden look. In a country where we find a huge gap in equality, a large majority of people cannot afford a natural wooden floor. Laminate floors are also very hard wearing, the resistance to scratching and general wear and tear is greater than that of a natural wood floor. Laminate flooring doesn’ t need to be sanded, so it remains costeffective over time. The laminate floor surface is completely sealed, which makes the product highly stain-resistant. There is a UV protection that is embedded in the top layers of the product which protects the floor, so there is less chance of fading or changing colour over time, as opposed to natural timber which oxidises and goes darker with time.”
// FEB / MARCH 2017 49