High Pressure Laminate Story

Laminate – the Wilsonart Difference. (HPL) is manufactured at 1400 PSI of pressure. In comparison, Direct Pressure Laminate (DPL) is manufactured at 300-500 PSI. Even though both laminate types are made of the same basic materials, the pressure used in the manufacturing process helps determine both hardness and performance. HPL Advantages:

• Superior wear resistance – fewer scuffs and scratches
• Superior static load capacity – no dimpling
• Superior impact resistance – no denting
• Superior design clarity – higher sheen levels
• High in-carton product integrity – less damage in handling, less damage during installation, no chipped corners

Tap-N-Lock Installation System

The Dent Test

The following test was used to show the difference between Direct Pressure Laminate (DPL) and High Pressure Laminate (HPL). Laminate flooring planks were laid on Wilsonart 2-In-1 Pad and placed on concrete. A simulated can weighing 396g (the weight of a 14 oz. can of soup) was dropped vertically from a height of 36 inches (standard countertop height) onto the floor’s decorative surface. The resulting damage was cross-sectioned and photographed at 10x magnification.

Beauty, Durability & Details

The world waited a long time for laminate flooring and now that it is here, homeowners are finding it has many important performance advantages over other types of flooring:

Wood
    * Easily damaged by sunlight
    * Susceptible to scratches, burns, dents
    * Swells, warps and spots with prolonged water exposure
    * Requires routine waxing and/or finishing

Vinyl Tile
    * Easily damaged in high traffic areas
    * Requires regular waxing and buffing
    * Yellows and discolors with age
    * May require extensive subfloor preparation prior to installation
    * Limited range of designs and colors

Carpet
    * Signs of wear and traffic patterns become visible over time
    * Retains odors, mold, mildew and other allergens
    * Difficult to clean, easily stained

Ceramic
    * Costly, labor intensive installation
    * Difficult and expensive to repair/remove
    * Grout is easily stained, requires regular maintenance
    * Hard, unforgiving surface increases injury risks

Sheet Vinyl
    * Yellows, dents, curls and tears
    * Easily stained and scratched
    * Requires careful subfloor preparation
    * Even minor subfloor imperfections telescope through to surface
    * Limited design options 600

Three Great Collections, One Great Installation System!
Laminate flooring has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. Yet not all climates or home environments are conducive to laminate flooring installed without a bonding agent.

Wilsonart Flooring’s BlueFusion® Adhesive is a critical part of any residential installation where there are extreme or wet conditions, or in lieu of acclimation:

• Extreme Conditions: In areas with relative humidity below 35% or above 65%, BlueFusion provides extra protection against shrinkage or expansion and helps minimize the effect of climate conditions.
• Wet Areas: BlueFusion is the perfect solution for areas where there is a greater chance of moisture exposure. A Type 2 PVA Adhesive, it is water resistant and will prevent seams from swelling.
• No Acclimation: BlueFusion eliminates the need for flooring to be acclimated prior to installation. And you can use your floor immediately after installation, so there’s less disruption to your household!

BlueFusion – A Whole New Dimension of Strength and Moisture Resistance
Installing Wilsonart Flooring with BlueFusion Adhesive results in up to four times stronger seams and up to 10 times the moisture resistance of other leading laminate flooring installation systems – yet it adds virtually no time to the installation process. Plus, other products may require up to two days of curing time – while Wilsonart Flooring is ready to be lived on immediately.

“An “A+” On Every Test

The TONKA® Truck Test
TONKA® Toys are meant to last, even at the expense of every surface they come in contact with. We make our floors with high-pressure laminate which is manufactured at 1400 PSI of pressure, so they are less inclined to dent, scratch or otherwise suffer from rough play. Take that, TONKA.

The Crayon Test
Children don’t always color inside the lines – nor would you want them to. So when young Rembrandt’s art strays off the paper, don’t despair. Just dampen a rag with Wilsonart Flooring Cleaner and wipe it away!

The Puppy Test
Kids and puppies go hand-in-hand. Fortunately, with Wilsonart Flooring on duty, keeping things neat and tidy couldn’t be easier. Spills and spots disappear simply by spritzing with cleaner and wiping them away. And because the floor is scratch resistant, tough puppy toenails are not a problem either.

The Scooter Test
It doesn’t matter how many times you say, “Don’t…” Kids will be kids and scooters will find their way into the house. Not to worry, though. Wilsonart Flooring just rolls with the punches.