Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together using a lamination process. This type of flooring can accurately simulate almost anything — wood, stone, even photographs or scans of anything imaginable. Laminate floors have grown in popularity since they were invented in Sweden in 1977 under the name "Pergo" and arrived in North America in 1994. Because of their durability, hygienic nature and ease of installation and maintenance, laminate floors have become a low cost alternative to hardwood, stone, and tile.

Glueless laminate (laminate planks locked together without gluing the tongue and grooves together) was invented in 1996, also in Sweden. However, a system for holding flooring panels together was developed by a competing Belgian company and released a year later.

Laminate flooring is typically packaged in a number of tongue and groove planks that can be clicked into one another.

It is vital to keep laminates clean. Dirt and other particles may scratch the surface in high traffic areas. It’s also important to keep them dry, as sitting water can warp or swell, though some brands come with water resistant coatings. Adhesive pads on the feet of furniture are also a good idea.