Liquid resistant laminate with strong backer

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.