AcclimationAdaption of the laminate floor to its installation environment.
Acoustical PropertiesAbsorbance, reflection or transmission of sound waves.
AdhesionAll the forces which exists to join two similar or dissimilar materials in contact
AntistaticAbility to limit the accumulation of static electricity on a surface.
BackerA material bonded to the back of panels
Balanced ConstructionA panel construction that has materials of similar properties bonded to both sides of the panel.
Chemical ResistanceThe degree to which a material resists corrosive action of various household and/or industrial chemicals.
ColorfastnessThe ability of a material to withstand color change from exposure to light (i.e. light resistance).
Compact LaminateA high pressure laminate with a thickness greater than or equal to 2mm.
Continuous LaminateA manufacturing process where the laminate is formed on a continuous double-belted press.
Continuous Laminate FlooringA product created by permanently bonding continuous laminate to a core.
CoreThe center of a panel (i.e. surface layer, core, backer).
CrookA specific type of warping when a panel has a curvature from end to end edgewise (i.e. banana).
CrowningA specific type of warping when a panel assumes the shape of an inverted “U” lengthwise across the face (i.e. convex).
CuppingA specific type of warping when a panel becomes “U” shaped lengthwise or across the face (i.e. concave).
Decor LayerThe layer of laminate flooring providing visual aesthetic properties.
DeflectionThe bending of a material between supports when a load is applied.
DelaminatingSeparation of the panel’s layer(s).
DensityWeight of a panel weight in lb/ft3 or kg/m3.
AcclimationAdaption of the laminate floor to its installation environment.
DepressionA dent in the surface of a panel.
Dimensional StabilityThe ability of a material to resist changes caused by environmental factors (i.e. moisture or temperature).
Direct Laminating FlooringA product where resin impregnated material layer(s) is permanently bonded to the core.
EmbossingA process by which the surface of the panel is given a texture.
Equilibrium Moisture ContentThe moisture content at which the material neither gains nor loses moisture at a given relative humidity.
Expansion GapA space necessary between fixed objects, i.e. walls of a room, pipes and cabinets, and between the material itself to allow for the movement of the material.
FiberboardA core material primarily composed of cellulose fibers combined with synthetic resins or other suitable bonding systems under heat and pressure. The materials are usually designated as low, medium, or high density (e.g. MDF or HDF).
Flame SpreadMeasurement of the flame propagation along the surface of a material.
Floating FloorInstallation method where the flooring panels are connected together and not attached to the subfloor.
(HDF) High Density FiberboarA fiberboard with density greater than 50 pounds per cubic foot or 800 kg per cubic meter.
High Pressure LaminateA laminating process where materials are consolidated under heat and pressure exceeding 750 psi or 5.1 mpa.
High Pressure Laminate FlooringA product created by permanently bonding high-pressure decorative laminate to a core.
Impact ResistanceAll the forces which exists to join two similar or dissimilar materials in contact
InlayA decorative effect used in flooring by combining elements of the same material but with different colors or patterns, e.g. border or feature strip.
LaminateA product made by bonding together two or more layers of material.
Laminate FlooringA rigid floor covering with a surface layer consisting of one or more thin sheets of a fibrous material (usually paper), impregnated with aminoplastic thermosetting resins (usually melamine). These sheets are either pressed as such (HPL or CPL, Compact), and in the case of HPL or CPL bonded on a substrate, or in the case of DPL directly pressed on a substrate. The product is normally finished with a backing primarily used as a balancing material. Its performance values are set by the NALFA Standard.
(MDF) Medium Density FiberboardA type of core material primarily composed of lignocellulosic fibers combined with a synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system and bonded together under heat and pressure.
Melamine ResinA thermosetting resin used in the impregnation process of materials used to make laminate flooring.
Moisture ContentThe amount of water in the material, expressed as a percentage of the dry weight.
Moisture MeterA tool used to measure moisture content.
OverlayA product of paper, plastic, film, metal foil, or other material incorporated into laminate flooring that provides the wear resistance and protection.
PanelsFinished sections of the laminate flooring, i.e. planks, tiles, squares.
ParticleboardA core material primarily composed of cellulosic materials (usually wood), generally in the form of discrete pieces or particles, as distinguished from fibers. The cellulosic material is combined with a synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system by a process in which the interparticle bond is created by the bonding system under heat and pressure.
Pattern End MatchedWhen the ends of the flooring panels, typically similar patterns, are matched end to end to yield a continuous linear effect.
PeakingAreas of the laminate flooring at adjoining panel seams that have raised above the intended horizontal plane of the flooring surface.
PlankA tile approximately five or six times longer than wide.
PressingA manufacturing process whereby material layers are consolidated using pressure.
Residual IndentationDifference between the initial thickness after the removal of a load and recovery from indentation.
ResinsA polymeric material used for impregnating and bonding layers of laminate flooring.
SeamsA line of junction where panels are connected together.
Stain ResistanceThe degree which a material resists permanent discoloration form exposure to household items.
SubFloorA pre-existing supporting surface in a structure, over which the finished floor will be installed; generally wood or concrete. See installation instructions for subfloor preparation.
Surface LayerThe outermost layer of laminate flooring designed to be the visible side when installed (i.e. wear layer).
TileA panel of geometric shapes (e.g. squares, rectangles, etc).
Thermosetting ResinsResins that cure by chemical reaction to form bonds and do not melt when exposed to heat.
ThermofusingA process where resins are consolidated under heat and pressure to create a permanent bonding.
UnderlaymentPad installed above the subfloor before laminate planks are installed. The underlayment pad provides sound dampening and levels out minor imperfections in the subfloor.
Vapor BarrierA polyethylene film used to prevent moisture damage from concrete subfloors.
WarpCrowning, cupping or crook
Wear ResistanceAbility of the flooring surface to resist wear through to the decor layer or wood surface.
Wear LayerSurface layer.