When inexperienced home owners think of laminate flooring, they often believe their only choices lie in the pattern and the type of installation to be employed. While it's true that those two choices are plentiful and varied, there is a third choice that comes into play. It is the choice of surface. In other words, just as real hard woods, ceramics, and stones, come in a variety of textures which can be seen and felt you can choose laminate surfaces with different textures as well. The five most common surface options are:
smooth
embossed
distressed
wood grain
patina
Smooth Surface
The most commonly thought of surface for laminate flooring is the smooth surface. Most people assume this is the only option due to the fact that laminates are a manufactured product. Smooth surface laminates come in three basic subcategories known as low-gloss, gloss, and high-gloss. Think of these categories in the same way you would think of paint. Low-gloss paint would present more of a flat looking surface while high-gloss paint gives a good shine. With a smooth surface laminate flooring, the idea of gloss works the same way.
Embossed Surface
The embossed surface is a raised surface which is manufactured by applying heat and pressure to the laminate material. This process is done by machine, and is tightly controlled to ensure that the underlying materials are not damaged. Embossed laminate provides a surface which has better grip and is less prone to creating slippery areas. Various patterns are available in the embossed surface depending on customer preferences and the varied options the manufacturer provides.
Distressed Surface
The distressed surface is one that gives the laminate product the appearance of ageing; it is usually applied only to wood products. This type of surface is sometimes called "hand scratched", taken from the method of applying age to natural wood floors. However, where laminate flooring is concerned, a distressed surface is always applied by machine.
Wood Grain
Wood grain surface is an embossed surface which is treated to mimic the natural grain of wood. With wood grain surfaces you can actually feel what appears to be fine grain in the floorboards. The combination of a wood grain surface and some amount of distress can produce a very authentic look in laminate flooring.
Patina
Patina is also a specific type of embossing technique which utilizes a thin layer of paint. The flooring is embossed as normal then painted with a thin layer which is wiped away before it's allowed to dry completely. The leftover paint that has found its way into the nooks and crannies of the embossing gives the appearance of natural patina.