Laminates. They’re laminated.
An Expert Guide to Laminate Construction…
Construction
The look of laminates is derived from their construction. Like laminate countertops, laminate flooring is made by bonding multiple layers of material and fusing them together by applying pressure to create a tough, resilient flooring product that looks amazingly like the real thing!
Core Layer
First, the foundation is created with a core layer – an inner layer made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) for dimensional stability. Usually, it’s impregnated with melamine, a resin, which makes the laminate more resistant to moisture and adds to the floor’s strength. HDF doesn’t expand and contract with temperature changes.
Image Design Layer
Next, a high-definition paper photographic layer is applied on top of the core layer to create a realistic-looking plank.
Backing
Both layers are backed with another, resin-saturated paper layer, which is typically laminated itself, that sets up a moisture barrier to protect against warping.
Outer Layer
And finally, an outer, wear layer is applied on top, creating a finished plank with a durable, scuff- and scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean surface. The key to the outer layer’s durability is aluminum oxide, which protects against staining, fading and overall wear “ and is the hardest natural substance known to man other than diamonds! Traditionally, the wear layer was made of polyurethane, but today, better-quality laminates use urethane to which aluminum oxide has been added.
Fusing the layers together through pressure is the final step, producing direct pressure laminate (DPL), which is the most common form for residential uses, or high pressure laminate (HPL), which is more suited to high-traffic and heavy-use applications. Consequently, HPL is typically more expensive than DPL.
More to consider . . .
Laminate flooring feels harder underfoot than hardwoods. A foam underlay will help somewhat. And laminate flooring doesn’t absorb sound well, so it may sound hollow when you walk on it, especially in high heels. An acoustic underlayment offers a limited solution. HPL laminate is more traffic-resilient than DPL and better resists “dinging” from objects dropped above counter height. However, it’s harder to emboss, and as a result, may not appear as realistic as DPL laminate designs.
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