Abstract: A flooring plank includes a decorative upper surface, a core layer providing support and stability to the flooring plank and a backing layer secured to the underside of the core layer. The core layer includes a plurality of edges adapted for engagement with adjacent flooring planks during the installation of flooring planks in accordance with the present invention. In addition, the backing layer includes at least one sheet of resin impregnated paper and an antimicrobial agent acting upon unwanted biological organisms so as to inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria or other unwanted biological agents adjacent the underside of the flooring plank.

Abstract: A laminate panel having desired characteristics even though the materials having these desired characteristics are not compatible in at least one aspect is disclosed. One of the substances having the desired characteristics may be adapted to be compatible with the other substance, and the two substances placed adjacent to each other. For example, the laminate panel includes a liquid impermeable layer that substantially prevents the penetration of moisture. The panel also includes a layer of a balancing substance disposed adjacent to the liquid impermeable layer to balance another layer of the laminate panel. The balancing substance is adapted to provide a desired bonding between the liquid impermeable layer and the layer of the balancing substance.

Abstract: A waterproof laminate panel is disclosed. The panel includes a decorative layer and a backing layer. The backing layer is composed of at least one resin impregnated layer bound to a waterproofing layer which substantially prevents the penetration and release of moisture from the panel so as to maintain a constant moisture content within the decorative panel. The resin impregnated layer faces the decorative layer and the waterproofing layer is exposed to an external environment.