Laminate flooring (also known as floating wood tile in the US) is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product that is bonded together through a lamination process. Laminate flooring is made to seem like wood (or occasionally stone) and has a photographic appliqué layer behind a transparent protection layer. The photo shows the wood grain pattern before it was printed. Laminate flooring is available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and textures. It is easy to install, durable, and attractive. It also functions well as both an indoor and outdoor flooring material. Its main disadvantage is its cost; however, there are budget options available. Wooden flooring is still the most popular type of flooring worldwide because of its durability, ease of maintenance, and unique look. However, modern floorings have emerged over time that compete with wooden flooring by being more affordable, offering similar looks, or performing better under certain conditions. Of these alternatives, vinyl flooring is the most common type used in home improvement projects because it is easy to clean, durable, and flexible. It doesn't smell when you burn it, and it doesn't damage paint if you get any on it. In fact, burning vinyl sheeting creates carbon dioxide, which is natural gas that can be burned off.