Deborah TorresLaminate flooring is a type of flooring made from several sheets of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that are bonded together and then laminated to create a durable floor. Laminate flooring is popular because it is affordable, easy to clean, and has a variety of colors and patterns that can be matched to any room.
Wear Layer
Wear layer is a thin film of material that forms on the top surface of a laminate floor when it is exposed to everyday wear and tear. Over time, this film can dull the laminates’ shine and cause them to become more prone to scratches, gouges, and other damage. In extreme cases, wear layer can even cause the floorboards to separate from the underlying supporting structure.
Decorative Layer
Decorative layer is a sublayer of laminate flooring made up of small, rectangular pieces that are glued together to create a design or image. The pattern layer can be used for a variety of purposes, including adding visual interest to a room, creating a smooth transition between different flooring types, or helping to conceal imperfections in the underlying flooring material.
Substrate Layer
The substrate layer is the bottom or lowermost layer of a laminate floor. It’s typically made up of a composite material, such as wood fiber and plastic, and is the foundation of the flooring. The substrate layer provides support for the other layers of the floor and helps to protect it from moisture and wear.
Backing Layer
Backing layer is the underlayment used in laminate flooring. It’s a thin sheet of wood, plastic, or other material that lies below the finished flooring and provides support and protection. Backing layers are usually made of plywood because it’s strong, but they can also be made of other materials like particleboard or hardwood.
Does Laminate Flooring Contain Real Wood?
Laminate flooring is often mistaken for real wood because of its appearance and the way it feels underfoot. However, laminate flooring is a composite material made up of several different materials that does not actually contain any real wood.
The primary components of laminate flooring are plastic and wood fibre, and although these materials may look and feel like wood, the final product is not actually made from real wood.
How Do You Tell if My Floor Is Hardwood or Laminate?
If you’re looking to buy a new floor, it’s important to know the difference between hardwood and laminate. Here’s how you tell: Hardwood is made from a variety of woods, including oak, hickory, maple, and cherry.
The grain of these woods runs perpendicular to the flooring, which makes for a more durable surface. Laminate floors are made from a series of thin sheets of wood that are glued together, and the surface is then finished.
