Laminate flooring is made up of three or four layers, depending on the manufacturer. The most common process of creating laminate flooring is the fusion of these layers together in a single press operation at high heat. This procedure is called direct-pressure laminate construction, or DPL.
- Bottom Layer – an impregnated layer that increases stability and is a moisture barrier.
- Substrate – this is the thick layer that makes up the core of the laminate, and is usually made of wood-based materials or high-density fibre board.
- Decorative paper or cellulose – this is where the high quality printed design gives the laminate its special appearance – looks that simulate wood, tile, stone, marble and a variety of colours, patterns and textures.
- Top Layer – this is the wear layer, which in some products can consist of several finishing components. This layer seals and protects the surface of the laminate floor to protect it, and it shields the decorative paper layer from the harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause fading. Ranging from matte to high gloss, these finishes complete the look of the laminate boards, making them durable and visually realistic. Depending on the production method used by some manufacturers, this top layer can be a combination of the decorative paper layer impregnated with special resins, reducing the number of layers to three.
