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All laminate floors have a wearlayer, print film, core structure, and some type of backing.  Some laminate floors have kraft paper fused between the print and the core.  Laminate floors are meant to be floated over the subfloor, and never glued directly to any substrate.  This allows the laminate floors come in planks of various sizes, and shapes with tongue and grooved edges for securing the planks together.  Most laminate floors have to be glued together along the tongue and grooves.
 

• Backing – Usually paper, or plastic, the backing is used to give additional structural stability and added moisture protection to the planks.
• Core – Generally made from high-density fiber board (HDF), particle board, or plastic, the core adds impact resistance, and forms the tongue and groove locking system.  Melamine plastic resins are also impregnated in the core by some of the manufacturers to improve the moisture resistance of the core.
• Melamine – Is a plastic-type resin used throughout the construction process to add durability, and stability to the laminated planks.
• Print Film – Also called the design layer, gives the floor it’s rich look of hardwood, or ceramic tile and creates the overall realism of the floor.
• Wearlayer – Is a tough, clear layer, which includes aluminum oxide particles.  When fused together with heat and direct pressure to the core the wearlayer becomes an incredibly hard, durable finish.  Since this resin-filled wearlayer is so dense, it becomes extremely difficult to stain, scratch, or burn.
• Underlayment – Is a clear, thin plastic sheet that is installed over the substrate and under the new laminate floor.  The plastic sheet helps the laminate floor to float freely above the substrate.

Although most of the cores are susceptible to moisture, some of the laminate brands treat their cores, which help protect their floors from topical moisture damage.

Laminate floors are durable and require less everyday maintenance.  Following some general maintenance procedures will help improve the life of your laminate floor.

• Regularly vacuum, or sweep your laminate floor.
• When soiling occurs follow the laminate manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning.  This is generally light damp mop, or use a clean dampened cloth with a solution of the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning agent.  If you start to notice a dull film after cleaning, it may be caused by adding too much of the cleaning solution to your water.  To avoid this do not add more cleaning solution than what is recommended on the bottle.
• Avoid soap-based detergents, as these may leave a dull finish on your floor.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring pads on your floor, these products may scratch your floor.
• Never use a wax, lacquer, or polish on your laminate floor.
• Remember these floors can be scratched so remove any sand or grit immediately.
• Use mats by exterior doorways to help stop dirt and grit from tracking onto your floor.
• Use the proper floor protectors on the bottom of all chairs and table legs to help prevent scratching.