What Are the Various Layers of Laminate Flooring and What Are They Made Of?
Laminate flooring is regarded as highly suitable for places that receive
heavy foot traffic and other types of stress. For considerations like strong
structural composition, multiple uses and aesthetic value, multiple layers make
sure the requirements are met.
Laminate flooring is available in multiple veneers of wood, stone, tile,
and other looks. It is usually made up of four layers. Below is a description
of their making andfeatures:
1. Overlay (The surface wear layer)
The surface layer has a resin-based coating, made of several coats of extremely
tough-wearing aluminum oxide or melamine. It is a highly wear-resistant
material that gives laminate flooring an excellent size and shape
capability, and strength. This top layer is very similar to the layer on
counter or kitchen worktops,in fact 40% stronger. It makes the laminate flooring
highly resistant to scratches, burns, dents, stains, etc.
2. Decorative layer or dÉcor layer
This is the name given to the photo rendering of the design which is made to
imitate the surface of a natural material, such as real hardwood. Through this
layer,patterns ranging from authentic wood reproduction, ceramic and stone
designs; give an aesthetic look to the laminate flooring.
3. Core layer
This is the central layer of a laminate floor board that supports the weight
and stress of foot traffic. Also called the core board or "carrier board", it
is made up of either medium density fiber-board (M.D.F.) or high density
fiber-board (H.D.F.). An M.D.F. is a durable engineered wood product that
resists moisture and is saturated in resins to make it extremely hard. This
feature helps prevent moisture penetrating the boards.
While the MDF is termed as a bit more structurally sound, the high-density wood
core absorbs glue better at the joints. Both materials provide a durable,
trustworthy core.
4. Stabilizing layer
The bottom layer is the stabilizing layer, the material that provides strength
and stability to the laminate board. It is made up of moisture resistant
resins. The laminate is more stable with a laminate or melamine backing than
those with paper backings in preventing potential water damage.
Pressure Lamination:
The elements of these four layers undergo one of the following two processes in
order to be recognized as laminate flooring:
In DPL (direct pressure
laminate) the decorative covering layer and stabilizing layer are pressed
together onto the core layer by means of pressure treatment.
In HPL (high-pressure laminate) the decorative
paper and overlay are pressed onto an additional layer of high strength paper.
Later the layers are glued together by means of high-pressure. This makes the
flooring a lot tougher and more resistant to dents etc.
The resulting products can come in thickness varying from approximately 6mm to
12mm, the thicker generally being the more durable.