What is Laminate Wood Flooring Made From

Laminate wood flooring is designed to look like traditional hardwood floors.  It is often a better option for many people as it is affordable, hygienic and is easy to install and maintain.  But as we become more aware of our environment and the damage we are doing to it, more people are asking the question, what is it actually made of and can it be recycled.

Laminate wood flooring is constructed using four layers, each with its own purpose.  The four layers are bonded together creating a durable board that looks like real wood.

Top Layer
To keep laminate flooring looking great, the board is coated with aluminium oxide that makes the floor incredibly resistant to stains and fading.

Second Layer
The 'design layer' makes the laminate look authentic.  It uses detailed photographic imaging and printing to capture the grains and colour of a hardwood floor.

Inner Layer
The inner core makes the board strong.  It is made of high-density fiberboard, this is made of wood fibers that are bonded with resin.  The inner core gives laminate the density, stability, hardness and durability needed to create boards that will last for many years.

Backing
The backing blocks moisture.

Is laminate flooring recyclable
Thanks to new technological processes, laminate flooring is recyclable.  Up to 85 percent of the mass of the laminate flooring can be put back into the manufacturing process in the form of wood chips or fibers.  As usual this depends on your local councils ability to provide recycling facilities.

Even though laminate flooring consists of 80 percent wood, they cannot be safely incinerated before the aluminum oxide coating is removed.