How Laminate Is ConstructedCopyright © The Home Depot |
Some laminate flooring resembles wood so closely that you might easily mistake it for the real thing. But laminate planks are actually a more durable
relative of laminate kitchen countertops.
Laminate refers to the process of joining many thin layers. Laminate flooring is a composite formed by fusing four separate layers. |
| THE FOUR LAYERS OF LAMINATE FLOORING |
 Wear layer - A tough surface that provides outstanding durability
Decorative layer - A printed image that reproduces the beauty of wood, tile or stone
Core layer - A high-density fiberboard that adds stability and resists impact
Backing layer - A reinforcing bottom layer that provides even greater strength, stability and, in some cases, resistance to water |
| These four layers combine to produce flooring that is beautiful, highly durable, easy to maintain, versatile and affordable. |
| Laminate's Floating Floor System |
| The way laminate floors are installed is unique among floors. Laminate planks constructed with self-locking, tongue-and-groove joints are installed as floating floors. The floor "floats" because the planks are not fastened to the surface beneath them like most other floors are. Instead, they are all joined together in one giant piece that rests on top of a layer of foam cushioning. |
| ADVANTAGES OF FLOATING FLOORS |
 Floating floors are easier and faster to install than many other types of floors.
Because planks don't need to be fastened to a subfloor, floating floors can be installed over concrete. Plus, the foam layer cushions the floor to quiet every step and provide a high level of comfort. |
