Laminate planks usually consist of five main layers, with each one being a fusion of different materials such as sawdust, wood chips, cork or foam. But what makes it so appealing to buyers is the fact that its top layer can be printed to resemble the color and texture of almost any natural material.Laminate flooring has a separate decorative layer just underneath the transparent top wear layer.

Durability and Maintenance,Pros,Unlike wood, which can dent, laminate flooring is almost impervious to dents and scratches. Laminate flooring has a "wear layer" that protects the photographic layer underneath.

And if you do get a stain, it is easy to clean off.Cons,The inability to sand and refinish is one of the biggest disadvantages of laminate flooring. If laminate is heavily worn, deep scratched, or grooved, it cannot be sanded or refinished like solid hardwood: it must be replaced.

Laminate Flooring vs Vinyl Flooring. If your budget is limited, the best options for you are laminate and vinyl floorings.

These two options can both look like hardwood but at more affordable prices. Both Laminate and Vinyl flooring are made by a High Density Fiber (HDF), with a balancing melamine backing layer underneath and a unique decor layer on the top, covered by a transparent and clear wear layer on top. Vinyl flooring installed using a float, glue or loose lay methods while laminate flooring can only be installed using floating method.

Laminate flooring has a separate decorative layer just underneath the transparent top wear layer. A pattern or an image can be printed onto a paper-like material, which gets embossed in resin to ensure it stays intact.

Eventually all the water that absorbed will be stayed underneath the cement screed. The waterproofing layer underneath the cement screed will prevent the water leak to the concrete slab.

However, if the waterproofing layer has failed, the water will penetrate thru the waterproofing layer and pond at the concrete slab. If the concrete slab is solid and in good condition, the property owner may not experience the water leakage issue.