What is laminate flooring, you might ask? Laminate is a flooring material generally constructed using multiple layers which are then fused together to create a strong resistance to everyday human traffic, scratches or damage.
To give you an example the following layers might be used in such common laminate flooring.
Wear Layer -
This is the top layer, the first layer applied, the one you walk on. It's usually made from cellulose paper or typical top coat sealants such as urethane that have been saturated with melamine plastic resins that make laminate flooring so exceptionally scratch-resistant.
Photographic Design Layer -
This is the layer which gives you the image you desire, generally a photograph or patterned print that has been copied underneath the cellulose paper layer. Due to the unique design of the wear layer, this prevents the image layer from ever being scratched.
Core Layer -
This layer is dedicated to ensuring the strength and thickness of the laminate chosen, the strength of all laminate flooring, if you will. This layer is generally constructed from different forms of processed particles given in a variety of strengths, thicknesses and durability.
Stabilizing Layer -
This is the last and bottom layer. This layer is like the glue to laminate, holding everything in place. It is mostly made from resin-saturated paper,similar to the wear layer. Some brands of laminate flooring now offer an under layer (under pad) that can be applied directly under the laminate. This is designed not only to absorb sound and cushion the floor, but to protect against moisture, although not recommended as a water barrier. This is available in different materials such as cork, felt, foam or any such similar material.
Laminate flooring is put together in two different ways:
Direct-pressure laminate flooring is the most common variety. All the layers are assembled at once, then heated and pressed to form a bond.
High-pressure laminate flooring is a more recent innovation and is often found in more expensive premium brands. Both the top and bottom layers of high-pressure laminate flooring are treated separately, then fused together using the core layer under extreme pressure.
