Laminate Construction

Laminate floors consist of four components that are bonded together:

1. The top layer is a durable wear layer, providing protection and stain resistance. The melamine surface is mixed with aluminum oxide, which is second only to diamonds in hardness to create exceptional durability.
2. This is the decorative layer where print film is adhered to the top of the core board. This is a high resolution photo created by scanning the natural material giving the board a wood grain, natural stone, or ceramic pattern. Advances in technology have added realistic textures and grout lines.
3. The third layer is the core board, generally made from high density fiberboard that can withstand denting from even the heaviest pieces of furniture. This layer may also contain melamine resin to improve the moisture resistance of the core.
4. The bottom layer is a melamine plastic layer that provides dimensional stability, and helps gaurd against moisture from the subfloor.

All of the layers are combined and pressed at temperatures reaching 400 degrees, with pressure up to 600 pounds per square inch.