About Laminate
- Laminate is a wonderful option for wood-look flooring; laminate comes in planks which can vary in size by width and length. Some laminates have superior locking systems to others.
- Laminate has a wood composite, "medium or high-density fiberboard" core with an attached "wear layer," and is constructed specifically to handle seasonal expansion and contraction well. The higher the density of the coreboard, the more durable the product.
- Laminate has a surface "wear layer" rating for durability called an "A.C. (Abrasion Criteria) Rating." This AC Rating has a scale of 1-5, with 4 and 5 being rated as commercial-grade and nearly scratchproof.
- Premium laminates have surface "wear layers" that are "embossed in register," meaning that they are visually indistinguishable from hardwood.
- The current industry-leading laminate is 100% waterproof due to its locking system and wear layer.