| Laminate flooring has a layered construction: |
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This easy-to-clean surface contains aluminum oxide
which protects the floor from stains, fading and wear.
Look for an abrasion classification (A/C) rating of at least 3 for
adequate residential use protection. |
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| A photographic image of wood, stone, or virtually anything
you can imagine. |
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| The core provides the floor's structural strength and
stability. It is made from high-density
fiberboard (HDF). The
core is often impregnated with a plastic resin called melamine to
increase the floor's strength, stability and resistance to moisture.
Products that have high levels of melamine do not require acclimation
before installation. |
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Found beneath the inner core, the backing is made
with resin saturated paper. It creates a moisture barrier
that protects the floor from warping.
All laminate floor layers are fused together using one of two processes.
DPL,
or direct pressure laminate, is the most common construction for
residential use. HPL,
or high-pressure laminate, is an extra-hard construction. The
difference between the two relates to cost, performance and design
realism. DPL is less expensive, has the same gouge resistance as
HPL when objects are dropped at or below counter height, and is easier
to emboss for more realistic texture. HPL is more expensive and less
likely to gouge if items are dropped from above counter-top
height, but is harder to emboss, so it doesn't look as realistic. |
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