## Common ground
All options describe materials used to make laminated boards or flooring, categorized by their primary constituent.
## Options at a glance
**3918,3921,3926.90 – Plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from synthetic polymers like PVC or polyethylene.
- **Typical examples:** Vinyl flooring, plastic laminate (PL) boards.
- **Best fit when:** The product is waterproof, flexible, and commonly used in kitchens or bathrooms.
**4008,4016 – Rubber**
- **Defining trait:** Derived from natural or synthetic rubber; elastic and shock-absorbing.
- **Typical examples:** Rubber tiles, gym flooring.
- **Best fit when:** High durability and cushioning are needed (e.g., sports floors).
**4303.90 – Furskin**
- **Defining trait:** Made from animal hides or fur; rare and non-standard for laminated flooring.
- **Typical examples:** Decorative floor panels using fur (not common).
- **Best fit when:** Artistic or luxury design with animal skin, but not practical for standard use.
**4411 – Wood**
- **Defining trait:** Solid or veneered wood; natural grain and traditional appearance.
- **Typical examples:** Hardwood flooring, solid wood laminate.
- **Best fit when:** Natural wood look and feel are desired.
**4504.10 – Cork**
- **Defining trait:** Made from cork oak bark; lightweight, insulating, and eco-friendly.
- **Typical examples:** Cork tiles, floating floors.
- **Best fit when:** Comfort underfoot and thermal insulation are priorities.
**4601.2X – Plaiting materials**
- **Defining trait:** Woven plant fibers (e.g., rattan); not typically used in laminated boards.
- **Typical examples:** Wicker panels, decorative mats.
- **Best fit when:** Decorative, non-structural use; not standard for flooring.
**4811.5X,4811.90,4823.90 – Paper/paperboard**
- **Defining trait:** Made from paper layers under pressure; often used as backing or surface layer.
- **Typical examples:** Paper-faced laminates, decorative panels.
- **Best fit when:** Surface finish is paper-based, common in budget or decorative laminates.
**5602.10 – Needleloom felt**
- **Defining trait:** Non-woven fabric made from fibers; used as underlayment or insulation.
- **Typical examples:** Felt underlay for flooring.
- **Best fit when:** Used as a base layer, not the primary surface.
**5701–5905.00 – Textile material**
- **Defining trait:** Made from woven or tufted fibers; soft and carpet-like.
- **Typical examples:** Carpet tiles, textile-backed flooring.
- **Best fit when:** Soft, flexible surface with textile appearance.
**6808.00 – Wood cement**
- **Defining trait:** Composite of wood particles and cement binder; durable and moisture-resistant.
- **Typical examples:** Cement-bonded wood flooring.
- **Best fit when:** High strength and water resistance needed (e.g., industrial use).
**6809.1X – Plasters**
- **Defining trait:** Gypsum or cement-based plaster; not typical for laminated boards.
- **Typical examples:** Wall plasters, not flooring.
- **Best fit when:** Wall finishes, not applicable to flooring.
**6811.82 – Asbestos/cellulose fiber cement**
- **Defining trait:** Cement-based with reinforcing fibers; high fire resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Fireproof panels (asbestos banned in most regions).
- **Best fit when:** Industrial or safety-critical applications (avoid if asbestos is present).
**7019.69 – Glass fibers/fiberglass**
- **Defining trait:** Reinforced with glass fibers; strong and heat-resistant.
- **Typical examples:** Fiberglass-reinforced panels.
- **Best fit when:** High strength or fire resistance required.
**7020.00 – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Made entirely of glass; transparent or reflective surface.
- **Typical examples:** Glass tiles, mirrored flooring.
- **Best fit when:** Aesthetic transparency or mirror finish is desired.
## Key differences
| Option | Primary Material | Flexibility | Moisture Resistance | Common Use |
|-------|------------------|-------------|---------------------|------------|
| Plastic | Synthetic polymer | High | Very high | Indoor, wet areas |
| Rubber | Natural/synthetic rubber | High | High | Gym, industrial |
| Wood | Timber | Low | Medium | Residential, natural look |
| Cork | Plant bark | Moderate | High | Comfort, insulation |
| Paperboard | Paper layers | Low | Low | Surface layer |
| Textile | Fibers | High | Low | Carpet-like feel |
## How to choose
- Is the material primarily plastic or vinyl? → 3918,3921,3926.90
- Is it rubber-based and cushioned? → 4008,4016
- Does it look like natural wood? → 4411
- Is it made from cork bark? → 4504.10
- Is it paper-like or decorative surface? → 4811.5X,4811.90,4823.90
- Is it soft and carpet-like? → 5701–5905.00
- Is it cement-based with wood particles? → 6808.00
- Is it glass or fiberglass-reinforced? → 7019.69, 7020.00
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Plastic (3918)** and **paperboard (4811)** may overlap in laminated surfaces (e.g., paper-backed plastic). Choose based on the *main structural material*.
- **Cork (4504.10)** and **rubber (4008)** both offer cushioning—choose by material origin.
- **Textile (5701–5905)** and **felt (5602.10)** may overlap in underlay use; distinguish by surface vs. backing.
- **Glass (7020.00)** and **fiberglass (7019.69)** both are rigid—choose by material composition.
- If no context is given, **do not assume** a priority. Use the product’s main function or dominant material to decide