Laminate flooring is comprised of three layers:

The Decorative Surface has design with resistance to abrasion. This layer is high-pressure decorative laminate with a high abrasion-resistant surface. It provides increased wear, stain, fade and impact resistance. Construction:

• Melamine paper (also called film or low-pressure laminate) consists of a layer of resin-treated decorative paper; or
• High pressure decorative laminate-also called HPDL, consists of a layer of resin-treated decorative paper bonded under intense heat and pressure to several layers of treated core paper.

The Core Board provides stability and impact resistance. It is usually some form of fiberboard, generally high-density or medium density (HDF or MDF). Construction:

• Medium density fiberboard, 55#. It provides impact resistance and strength when combined with HPDL.

The Balancing Backer prevents warpage and seals the hoard. This is non-decorative, high-density laminate. Like the decorative surface, the balancing backer can bemelamine or high-pressure laminate and is generally of the same composition as the top layer.