Laminate flooring is a type of synthetic flooring that simulates the look of natural materials such as wood, stone, or tile. It is made by fusing several layers of synthetic materials, including a photographic layer that mimics the appearance of the desired material, with a durable protective layer on top. The resulting flooring product is often referred to as a "floating floor" because it is not attached to the subfloor and is instead installed as a free-standing structure.
Laminate flooring is popular for several reasons. It is relatively easy to install, often requiring no adhesives or special tools, and can be installed over most existing flooring surfaces. Laminate flooring is also more affordable than many natural flooring materials and is generally more resistant to scratches, stains, and fading.