Layers of Laminate Flooring

For all its popularity, very little is actually known about the manufacturing and physical makeup of laminate flooring. However, when you take a look at the construction process, it’s easy to see what gives laminate its unique level of durability and performance. Unlike other types of flooring which is often constructed of a single layer, laminate flooring is actually made up of four layers, each with their own distinctive purpose. The four laminate flooring layers and their characteristics are the:

• Backing Layer: The backing layer is located on the very bottom of your laminate flooring, and serves as the foundation. More than anything else, the backing layer works to protect both the laminate itself and the subflooring, whatever the material. The backing layer is extremely water resistant.
• Substrate Layer: Also known as the inner core, the substrate layer offers additional protection, bolstering the security already provided by the backing layer. The substrate layer is generally destructed by an ultra-durable fiberboard and a resin that is specifically designed to be water resistant and to fight off the general wear and tear that your laminate flooring will experience from everyday use.

• Pattern Layer: The third layer you can expect to find on a given piece of laminate flooring is known as the pattern layer, which is sometimes referred to as the image layer. The pattern layer is wear the finish of your laminate flooring will be applied, giving your flooring the signature look that you want. It is also possible for texture to be given to the pattern layer, giving your finish an added layer of authenticity to increase its style and value.
• Wear Layer: Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, is the wear layer. This is the top layer of your laminate flooring and is the section that will be required to stand up to everyday usage. Through the laminating process, the wear layer will be constructed in such a way that makes it resistant to color fading, scrapes and scratches and any other type of damage that can be the result of typical use. This layer is the most important for laminate floor, the thicker the wear layer the better for the quality and durability of the new floors. When you check the thickness of the laminate, see what is the proportion of the wear layer since it is the most important one. Thick laminate with thin wear layer does not make sense to invest in.