The Laminate flooring surface is a hard as nails film, normally made of aluminum oxide. Right underneath the surface film is a photographic image or decor paper, to give the flooring the look of a natural wood floor. The core of laminate flooring is made of various materials, most often high density fiberboard, or wood particle board. The final layer of laminate flooring is the backing, made of various materials.
Backings made of laminate material are superior as far as water or moisture damage is concerned. Laminate flooring may be installed over any kind of sub floor, as it is not directly attached to the sub floor, but is a “floating” floor. Many laminate flooring manufacturers use a “click system” on the tongue and groove joints, so you can just fit the joints together and you are ready to go.