Laminate Floors - Glossary

Laminate Floors - Its popularity can be accredited to its ease of installation, price, and durability. Laminate flooring is manufactured from several layers that give it its unique quality's.

The Top Layer - or 'wear layer' is usually made from a cellulose paper which is a low or high density laminate that has been saturated with melamine plastic. This plastic layer gives laminate flooring an advantage over installed solid flooring due to its ability to resist scratching and wear.

The Design Layer - gives the laminate floor its wood like appearance. It is typically a printed patterned that sits comfortably under the wear layer. Because of this protection, it won't mark, scuff, or fade. Some laminate flooring manufacturers add a third or "base" layer for greater strength.

The Core Layer - laminate flooring cores are constructed of high density fiber, and some are constructed of wood particles. The other layers are fused by heat and pressure to this dense core.

The Stabilizing Layer - most manufacturers apply some form of backing or bottom layer to the boards. This layer acts as added strength as well as added security against moisture. Most manufacturers use a paper or melamine backing.