Laminate flooring is a synthetic product made of several layers that are sealed together in the "lamination" process. Designed to be affordable and durable, laminate flooring consists of four distinct components: a wear layer, décor layer, core layer and backer layer.
The wear layer is filled with aluminium oxide. This layer helps resist scratches from daily wear, creates an easy-to-clean surface, and maintains a fade- and stain-resistant appearance.
The décor layer is a printed image that recreates the natural look of any wood, tile or stone.
The core layer gives laminate its structure and dent-resistant properties. Laminate flooring is much more resistant to dents than real hardwood flooring.
The final backer layer provides additional support and stability.
Laminate Flooring Options
Consider these key features to help you choose the right laminate for your home.
Thickness
Laminate flooring is typically available in 7 millimetre, 8 millimetre, 10 millimetre and 12 millimetre thickness's. When you compare laminate, keep in mind that some manufacturers include the thickness of the product including the core and attached pad.
All laminates provide a similar level of dent resistance; however, thicker laminate is better suited to resist bending caused by uneven areas in your sub-floor. Thicker laminate can also help reduce noise.
AC Rating
This rating is a representation of laminate’s resistance to wear on a 1 to 5 scale. The higher the AC rating, the higher the durability:
- AC 1: Designed for home use with little foot traffic, like bedrooms
- AC 2: Designed for home use with medium foot traffic
- AC 3: Designed for home use in all foot traffic areas, including high foot traffic areas, like the foyer or kitchen
- AC 4: Designed for home use in all traffic areas and can meet some commercial standards if warranted
- AC 5: Designed to withstand heavy commercial traffic.
Attached Pad
Some products already have an acoustical pad attached to make installation easier. See Underlay below for more information.
Texture
Laminate flooring is available in many types of textures and finishes to simulate the look of real hardwood flooring.
- Embossed: A general, all-over texture not specific to the décor of the laminate
- Embossed in register (EIR): EIR better simulates the natural look of real hardwood flooring by adding depth and texture in alignment with the design of the décor layer
- Handscraped: Though not actually handscraped, the laminate is pressed to look just like a real handscraped hardwood floor
- High Gloss: High-gloss laminate features a mirror finish and resists scratches and dents.
