Laminate is a durable floor that offers photorealistic images and grain patterns to provide the look of hardwood floors and other premium materials such as slate and stone at a much more affordable cost. They resist dents better than hardwood flooring and are well suited to any area of the home except for wet areas such as full bathrooms. Laminate is made from four layers: a clear top layer infused with aluminum oxide to resist scratching and wear; a design layer, which features a photographic image of real wood flooring; a core, which gives the laminate its strength and structure; and a backing layer that provides additional support and stability. Laminate floors differ in three basic ways: thickness, warranties, and wear ratings.