It’s not so very long ago that we started to stock laminate flooring at Wood and Beyond. Prior to that, we had held off selling laminates because we hadn’t found an option that we were truly happy with. We now have!
Since we’ve been stocking laminate flooring one of the questions we most commonly get asked is “What is laminate flooring made of?”
That’s why, in this article we want to show you how our laminate floors are made up – in other words the laminate flooring structure. That said, it’s important to stress that not all laminate floors are the same. Ours truly are top quality.
Here’s what a laminate floorboard looks like when it’s taken apart:
The top layer – The AC Overlay
As you will see, the very first layer that you can see is the overlay. It’s clear, so it mightn’t be obvious on first glance, but it’s always there. It is this clear overlay that determines the AC level of the floor.
AC stands for Abrasion Criteria and gives you a really good idea of what you can expect in terms of wear and tear from the floor you choose. Essentially, the higher the AC, the more resistant the floor will be to wear and tear. You can find our recent article explaining how AC levels in laminate flooring work here.
The next layer – Decorative Paper
Once you get down to the next layer, this is where most consumers get excited. But in fact, this layer is only a piece of paper! Many argue that it is this layer that makes a laminate floor look great, but the fact is, this part can be as pretty or as ugly as the printer makes it.
When you’re buying laminate flooring it’s important not to be too drawn in by this paper part. Although it’s easy to be attracted by good looks, when it comes to getting a great laminate, you should look at the structure of the overall board (as outlined in this article) and the AC rating, rather than just prettiness.
The bit in the middle – High Density Wood Fibre
The core board of any laminate floor is really important and the range we stock at Wood and Beyond has High Density Wood Fibre at its core. What this means is that you get a really sold under foot feel as well as a stable surface for your floor.
When you choose a low quality laminate floor, the core board can often be made of cardboard, which means that every imperfection in your subfloor eventually becomes a real problem, and you end up with an uneven and unattractive floor very quickly.
The bottom bit – the backing layer
After the core board, there’s a backing layer that serves to protect the core board and acts as light insulation. Once again, the backing layer is an important part of the overall board make up as it means your core board isn’t exposed directly to your sub floor leaving it at risk of damage.
Once all these layers are bonded together, the joints are then sealed with a paraffin covering that protects the floor against humidity.
When you choose a quality laminate floor like the ones we stock at Wood and Beyond, not only will you get a great backdrop for any room in the home, you’ll get a product that stays looking fabulous for a long time.
If you’re on the lookout for a laminate floor and could do with a helping hand to make the right choice, why not get in touch? The team at Wood and Beyond are extremely experienced in everything flooring related and we will happily share our knowledge with you. All you need to do is call us, reach out on Chat on our website, email us or come down to our Golders Green showroom.
—
FAQ
What is laminate flooring made of?
Laminate flooring is made up of multiple layers. The top layer is the AC overlay, which determines the floor’s abrasion resistance. The next layer is the decorative paper, which gives the floor its appearance. The core board is the middle layer and is made of high-density wood fiber, providing stability and a solid underfoot feel. Lastly, there is a backing layer that protects the core board and provides insulation.
What does the AC rating mean in laminate flooring?
The AC rating stands for Abrasion Criteria and indicates the floor’s resistance to wear and tear. The higher the AC rating, the more durable the laminate flooring will be. It is an important factor to consider when choosing a laminate floor.
Is the appearance of the decorative paper important in laminate flooring?
While the decorative paper layer contributes to the visual appeal of the laminate floor, it’s essential to look beyond just its appearance. The overall structure of the board and the AC rating should also be considered to ensure a high-quality laminate floor.
What is the significance of the core board in laminate flooring?
The core board plays a crucial role in laminate flooring. High-quality laminate floors use a core board made of high-density wood fiber, providing stability and a solid underfoot feel. In contrast, low-quality laminate floors may have a core board made of cardboard, leading to problems with unevenness and an unattractive floor.
How are the layers of laminate flooring bonded together?
Once all the layers of laminate flooring are stacked together, the joints are sealed with a paraffin covering, which protects the floor against humidity and strengthens the bond between the layers.