In your research into the world of laminate flooring, you've probably come across two terms that might not make immediate sense: High Pressure Laminate Flooring (HPL) and Direct Pressure Laminate Flooring (DPL). These are the two main methods of manufacturing laminate floors - and there's a great deal of difference between the two.

Both HPL and DPL flooring consist of multiple layers. However, while direct pressure laminate is comprised of 4 layers, high pressure laminate flooring is made up of at least five. Each of the layers which make up HPL are treated separately and then fused together directly to the core layer. The result is a more stable and more dent-resistant floor surface. HPL floors come with a higher price tag, but they're able to stand up to much heavier foot traffic and will hold up much longer than DPL floors. If you intend to live in your home for several years, or you want to install laminate flooring in hallways, entryways, kitchens or other busy areas, HPL is your best bet.

So when can you afford to go with direct pressure laminate flooring instead? Made of only four layers, DPL flooring is the most popular and more economical option. The layers which make up DPL include the following: overlay layer, decorative layer, core layer and backing layer. These layers are combined together between 300 and 600 pounds per inch of pressure and around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, DPL can handle low-to-moderate traffic in a home with less risk of damage.

Be sure to talk to your flooring retailer about your particular needs and home environment, to get a better idea as to which type of laminate flooring will serve you best.