The European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) said direct print laminate flooring using indirect gravure printing onto the main board was a new development for the industry, after being successfully used in the furniture sector for some time.
Direct printed flooring with a lacquered finish comes “extremely close to parquet”, according to the EPLF.
Synchronised grain and pore printing on conventional laminate flooring is also making surfaces appear more natural.
The EPLF said trends were moving towards darker species, such as walnut, wengé and merbau. Deep brushed or “scrubbed” surfaces are enjoying popularity in more rustic designs.
The farmhouse floorboard is also reported to be leading the way in home interiors, as flooring becomes subject to individual design.
