- Laminate wood flooring is constructed using a resinous composite base. It is typically made from sawdust and wood scraps mixed with a binder or adhesive then pressed together to form a solid panel. A layer of paper is glued to the top of the base, then covered by a clear finish coat. The paper is printed to resemble real wood grain and comes in a large number of colors and finishes. Laminate should not be confused with engineered wood, which contains a similar base, but is topped by a thin layer of real wood veneer rather than paper.
- Laminate floors closely resemble those made from real hardwoods, yet cost just a fraction of the price. They often contain an integral foam underlayment that adds insulation to the floor while making it more comfortable to walk on. Laminate is also considered a "green" alternative to exotic wood species. While true mahogany or oak floors are made from trees that take decades to re-grow, some laminate products look identical to these wood species but contain no endangered lumber species.
- The biggest drawback associated with laminate wood flooring is that it cannot be refinished. Because the top layer of each board is made of paper instead of wood, the floor cannot be sanded or stained to give it a new look, or to refresh a dull, worn surface. Another drawback to laminate floors is that they are frequently constructed using glues containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs contribute to poor air quality in the home and are linked to respiratory illnesses. Look for laminate products labeled "No VOCs" to help avoid this problem.
- Laminate flooring is installed as a floating floor system. This means that the wood planks are attached to one another, but not to the wood or concrete subfloor. The laminate planks connect using a tongue-and-groove or click system, which requires no special tools for installation. Floating floors are considered easier for DIY installation than traditional nail or glue-down hardwood varieties.
- There are two basic types of laminate flooring, high pressure and direct pressure varieties. High pressure laminate is the more expensive of the two, and is created using a two-step process of fusing and compression. Direct pressure varieties are more affordable, but are not as durable or long-lasting. Direct pressure laminate is made using a single-step process that creates boards that are less dense.
