Laminate Glossary

There are a number of terms that you may hear or read when shopping for or learning about laminate floors. Here's a list of some of the most common words, and their definitions, that should make the entire process easier for you.

Backing - The bottom layer of the laminate. In laminate flooring, the backing is a melamine plastic layer that lends dimensional stability to the planks and also helps guard against moisture from the sub-floor.

Decorative Layer - In laminate flooring, a decorative layer or print film is adhered on top of the core board giving the floor its hardwood or tile look. This decorative layer is a printed, high-resolution photo-reproduction of wood grain, natural stone or ceramic tile pattern.

End Molding/Carpet Reducer - Trim used as a transition from laminate floors to different flooring surfaces when the reducer does not allow enough height, such as on high-pile carpet or thick ceramic tile.

Floating Floor System - Laminate floors are installed using a "floating floor system" in which a padded underlayment sits between the subfloor and the laminate planks. The planks sit directly on the underlayment and are not anchored to the subfloor on the bottom, but rather are anchored on the edges.

Glued Laminate Flooring - The original laminate floors that require a special formulated glue to be applied to the tongue and grooved areas for each plank. Once the glue is dried the planks are almost impossible to pull apart. These floors are offered in both planks and squares.

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

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

Melamine Resin - Used to help improve the moisture resistance and durability of the core board of laminate flooring.

Moldings - Trim pieces that cover the space that is allowed for the flooring to expand and move naturally on top of the subfloor. Moldings also help with the transition to an adjacent floor. Moldings for laminate floors are slightly larger than their wood or ceramic tile counterparts.

Overlapping Stair Nosing - Similar to a flush stair nosing except the nosing overlaps the exposed edge of your floor. The overlapping stair nosing is secured to the sub floor and not to the laminate floor so the floor is free to move

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

Plank - A laminate floor panel that is typically 5 or 6 inches longer than wide.

Pre-Glued Laminate Flooring - A no mess method of installation because the glue is already applied to the tongue and grooves. A thin, plastic underlayment is needed to seal out moisture and prevent the glue from sticking to the substrate.

Quarter Round Trim - Installed wherever the laminate floor meets the wall or baseboard.

Reducer Strip - The transitional piece installers use to connect the laminate with another type of floor covering such as vinyl, thin ceramic tile, or low-pile carpeting.

Screens - A photograph used for the visible layer of laminate, giving the laminate the illusion of wood, stone, or other material. The more screens a product has, the more variation it offers, and the more "authentic" the laminate looks.

Seams - The junction where the panels connect together.

Square Nosing / Universal Edge - Used where the laminate flooring butts up to carpeting, or various vertical surfaces where the edge will be exposed, such as along a fireplace.

Step Down Stair Nose - A coordinating molding piece providing the proper transition for all the steps in a home.

Tile - A laminate panel in a geometric shape, most commonly a square.

T-Molding - Commonly used in doorways to join two laminate floors in adjoining rooms. It is also used when making transitions from a laminate floor to another floor that is approximately the same height.

Underlayment - A material used between the laminate flooring and the subfloor 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. It provides protection and stain resistance. Many wear layers also contain aluminum oxide and/or melamine resin, creating exceptional durability.