The Layers of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is made up of four individual layers that are fused together to make one unified piece. The first layer consists of a melamine material that provides a barrier against moisture and ensures structural integrity and stability. The core-board, or second layer, is made of compressed wood fibers used to create a dense inner layer. Melamine appears again in the third layer and provides the floor with the laminate appearance that highlights the underlying flooring image, which can be anything from natural hardwood to stone or ceramic tile.The fourth and final layer also contains melamine and provides a tough, beautiful finish that is resistant to stain, wear and other factors that cause the appearance to fade. Sometimes this layer is reinforced with aluminum oxide, an extremely hard mineral compound that can increase the laminate’s resistance to stains, surface moisture and wearing and fading.