Glossary of Laminate Terms

For definitions of other terms not listed here, please go to these sections: How It’s Made, Styles, Before You Buy and Installation.

Acclimation
The adaptation of the laminate floor to its installation environment.

Backing
In laminate flooring, the bottom layer, or backing, is a melamine layer that lends dimensional stability to the planks and guards against moisture from the sub-floor.

Decorative Layer
This decorative layer is a printed, high-resolution photo-reproduction of wood grain, natural stone or ceramic tile pattern.

Four-in-One Molding
A Four-in-One molding is a product used to create a smooth transition between a laminate and another flooring of a different height.

Glueless Laminate Flooring
A quick, no mess installation method where the planks or squares simply interlock or click together.

Laminate
Is a manufactured product that simulates the look of hardwood, ceramic tile, natural stone and many other types of flooring.

Melamine Resin
A thermosetting resin impregnated into the core material to improve the moisture resistance and stability of the core board of laminate flooring. The higher the melamine resin content, the greater the moisture resistance and stability of the core board.

Moldings
Trim pieces that cover the space that is allowed for the flooring to expand and move naturally on top of the sub floor. They are also used with the transition to an adjacent floor.

Peaking
Seams that have risen where the laminate planks or tiles join.

Plank
A laminate floor panel that is typically 8" wide and 48" long.

Seams
The junction where the panels connect together.

Tile
A laminate panel in a geometric shape – square.

Underlayment
A material used between the laminate flooring and the sub floor that acts as a sound and moisture barrier and also allows the floor to expand and contract with changes in the temperature.

Wear Layer
The durable, top layer of laminate flooring typically made of an extremely tough-wearing aluminum oxide for exceptional durability. It also provides scratch protection and stain resistance.