WHAT IS LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING?
 
Laminate flooring is designed to look like natural products, such as wood or stone, yet is comprised of either synthetic materials (usually melamine resin) or of synthetic materials combined with natural and recycled ingredients and covered with an attached decorative appliqué, including an aluminum oxide finish.
 
Laminate floors are fairly low-maintenance when compared to hardwood floors. Unlike natural wood, laminate floors do not require waxing, oiling or staining. It is important to keep laminate clean, however, as dust, dirt and sand particles may scratch the decorative surface over time in high-traffic areas.
 
It is also important to keep laminate relatively dry, since sitting water/moisture can cause the planks or tiles to swell or warp, though some brands are equipped with water-resistant coatings. Water spills aren't a problem if they're wiped up quickly.
 
Adhesive felt pads are often placed on the feet of furniture on laminate floors to prevent scratching.
 
Laminate floors are usually far less expensive than wood or natural stone floors and are a reasonable solution for a do-it-yourself homeowner to install.  Laminate flooring possesses a monolithic function once each plank or tile is clicked into one another, without the use of glue, staples, nails, or cement compounds. Installed laminate floors typically “Float” over the sub-floor on top of a foam/film underlayment, which is meant to provide moisture and sound-reducing properties.
 
In the past, laminate floors were easy to spot, but today’s technology allows manufacturers to create strikingly realistic visuals and textures that result in elegant, quality floors. In many cases, your eye can’t tell the difference.
 
Laminate floors are perfect for those who want the look of real hardwood or stone but not the maintenance or price tag. And if you have a busy household, laminate is durable and stain resistant.
 
 
HOW IS LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING MADE?
 
Laminate flooring is comprised of 4 basic layers:
 
1.      The Balancing Layer
2.      The Core Layer
3.      The Pattern Layer
4.      The Wear Layer
 
The Balancing Layer is the bottom or stabilizing layer. Its function is to resist moisture and stabilize the floor plank.
 
The Core Layer is comprised of a high density fiberboard that has been saturated in resin to make the core tough and water resistant.
 
The Pattern layer is a thin paper that has been printed with a specific wood grain or stone finish. This is what makes the laminate look like a natural surface.
 
The Wear Layer is a clear melamine resin, which protects the plank from gouges, stains and moisture penetration. This layer is extremely durable and makes laminate flooring one of your best choices!
 
All four layers are combined in a high-pressure process with temperatures reaching 400 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 600 pounds per square inch of pressure for 20 to 30 seconds.
 
After the sheets are pressed, they are cooled to ensure that they fully cure and to prevent any surface imperfections.
The sheets are then stacked and stored so that they can continue to acclimate, enhancing the stability of the boards.
Once the boards are fully acclimated, they are milled or cut into planks. Multiple profiling saws create the tongue and groove edges that enable the floor to lock together with one another.
 
The finished planks go through a quality inspection and are checked for color, texture, finish, size and correct interlocking capabilities. Once approved, they’re stacked, packaged and loaded onto trucks for distribution — and ultimately installation in homes across the world.