Sound absorbing or attenuating laminate flooring materials are provided, which are directed to be used in the production of
floor covering, floor panels, furniture panels, cabinets, counter-tops and wall panels. As well, the methods for producing such products are provided. In particular, abrasion resistant panels, with a laminated structure, created by forming an
assembly which consists of laminating a heat-activated resin impregnated paper wear layer, a decorative layer with printed
graphics or a
wood veneer decorative layer, a
medium density (MDF) or high-density (HDF)
natural fiber-based core and a resin impregnated paper balancing layer. To achieve sound absorbing and / or attenuating properties, any or all paper
layers may be pre coated with an additional flexible elastomeric
coating, film or material prior to
assembly of the panel, or the
natural fiber core panel may be coated with a flexible elastomeric
coating, film or material prior to
assembly with the papers. The flexible elastomeric
coating, film or material acts to absorb, reduce, and / or ameliorate the sound transmissions inherent in laminated panels.