Laminate flooring has come a long way since its introduction in America more than a decade ago. Where once laminate was expected to simulate the appearance of wood, now the product is manufactured to look like wood, stone and ceramic, and to replicate a wide range of textures for traditional, contemporary and exotic tastes alike.
The technology has also changed. With registered embossing and digital re-imaging, laminates can achieve realistic grout lines in tile patterns, flowing veins in marble look-a-likes, and smooth grains and tones in wood. Gluing a floor together plank by plank has also changed, as more and more companies have entered the glueless installation arena.