01Laminate flooring was born... by accident!
In 1977, the Swedish company Perstorp was trying to create more durable kitchen countertops. One of its engineers, while combin...In 1977, the Swedish company Perstorp was trying to create more durable kitchen countertops. One of its engineers, while combining layers of high-density wood fiber (HDF) with melamine resins, discovered that the result could also be used as flooring. That's how modern laminate was born. Today, almost 50 years later, laminate has evolved to reach AC5 usage classes capable of withstanding airport traffic.Read more
02SPC is literally "crushed stone flooring"
The core of SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) floors is made of 60-70% limestone powder (calcium carbonate) mixed with PVC resins. ...The core of SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) floors is made of 60-70% limestone powder (calcium carbonate) mixed with PVC resins. That means, in essence, you're walking on a compressed stone surface with a decorative finish. It's the same material used in some high-pressure pipes, which explains its extreme water resistance.Read more
03WPC was first used in decks... and now it's conquering interiors!
Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) was originally developed in the 1990s to replace chemically treated wood in outdoor decks. The tec...Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) was originally developed in the 1990s to replace chemically treated wood in outdoor decks. The technology proved so versatile that indoor flooring is now manufactured with the same wood-plastic compound. It's one of the few materials that managed to "migrate" from outdoors to indoors without losing performance.Read more
04Synthetic decks were invented to save forests
WPC synthetic decking was born in response to environmental concerns over the logging of ipe, mahogany and other tropical woods...WPC synthetic decking was born in response to environmental concerns over the logging of ipe, mahogany and other tropical woods for outdoor use. A WPC deck with a "Teak" finish prevents the felling of approximately 12 teak trees for every 100 m² installed. Co-extrusion (integrated UV protective layer) is a technology NASA initially explored to protect satellites.Read more
05The AC (Abrasion Class) rating is tested with a "robot stride" machine
To classify a laminate floor as AC3, AC4 or AC5, laboratories use a TABER machine that simulates thousands of footsteps with ab...To classify a laminate floor as AC3, AC4 or AC5, laboratories use a TABER machine that simulates thousands of footsteps with abrasive. An AC4 floor like SPLASH! withstands more than 4,000 revolutions of this machine with no visible wear. Imagine walking 10 km daily over the same spot for years.Read more
Can I install laminate in the kitchen?
Short answer: Yes, with precautions. MAGNUS and SPLASH! laminate are "water resistant", which means they withstand occasional spills if cleaned up quickly. However, they are NOT wa...
What's the real difference between SPC and WPC for an average customer?
Answer: The main difference you'll NOTICE is the feel underfoot. SPC is harder and colder (because its core is stone+PVC). WPC is warmer and more comfortable (because it contains w...
Does synthetic decking really not fade under the Sonora sun?
Answer: Tekno-Step co-extruded WPC decking has an integrated UV protective layer (co-extrusion) that guarantees color stability throughout its service life (18-25 ...
Exactly how big is a box of MAGNUS laminate and how many do I need for my living room?
Answer: Each box of MAGNUS contains 6 planks of 2200 × 239 mm, which equals 3.155 m² per box. To calculate how many you need: measure your living room area (length...
Can I install the flooring myself or do I need a professional installer?
Answer: Click-system floors (laminate, SPC and WPC) are designed for DIY installation. If you're reasonably handy, have the basic tools (jigsaw, hammer, spacers) and follow the acc...
