Laminate flooring is made to look like natural products such as wood flooring or natural stone, yet is made up of either synthetic materials (usually melamine resin) or of synthetic materials combined with natural and recycled ingredients then covered with an attached decorative applique including an aluminum oxide finish.
Laminate flooring has a dense inner core and a glued-on layer or fused layers of outer material. Many types of laminate flooring simulate wood, but some look like marble or granite. A popular alternative to other hard surface products, high-quality laminate flooring resists staining, wear, and fading much better than wood and natural stone while providing unique looks and appeal. It's durable (about 20 times stronger than a kitchen countertop) and is water-resistant, offering use in bathrooms and kitchens in addition to high traffic areas. Unlike most hardwoods, laminates are quite dent-resistant