A & J Carpets and Floors / Laminate Floors

What is Laminate?
Laminate flooring has a layered construction:

A)   Wear layer: This easy-to-clean surface contains aluminum oxide which protects the floor
from    stains, fading and wear.
Look for an abrasion classification (A/C) rating of at least 3 for adequate residential use
protection.

B)   Image design layer: A photographic image of wood, stone, or virtually anything you can
imagine.

C)   Inner core layer: The core provides the floor's structural strength and stability. It is made
from high-density fiberboard (HDF). The core is often impregnated with a plastic resin called
melamine to increase the floor's strength, stability and resistance to moisture. Products that
have high levels of melamine do not require acclimation before installation.

D) Backing layer: Found beneath the inner core, the backing is made with resin saturated
paper. It creates a moisture barrier that protects the floor from warping.

All laminate floor layers are fused together using one of two processes. DPL, or direct
pressure laminate, is the most common construction for residential use. HPL, or high-pressure
laminate, is an extra-hard construction. The difference between the two relates to cost,
performance and design realism. DPL is less expensive, has the same gouge resistance as
HPL when objects are dropped at or below counter height, and is easier to emboss for more
realistic texture. HPL is more expensive and less likely to gouge if items are dropped from
above counter-top height, but is harder to emboss, so it doesn't look as realistic.