It is a really good question and please read patiently. If you couldn't understand, I would like to explain for you.
Actually, it is an obvious difference between Chinese and English. In Chinese, the words like 个,只,支,头 and also as you mentioned above 层. They are all called count word/classifier (量词 in Chinese)
For example, in English I can just say 'three people', 'two ducks', 'a pen', 'three cows' and ' a cover of this book' directly. However in Chinese, when you are trying to describe these things, you should always with your count words in your sentence. The translations of examples are below.
三个人, 两只鸭子,一支笔,三头牛,一层封面
Now, do you see the differences?
I hope you can fully understand and I 'd like to explain for you if you 've got further questions.