What does an ordinary person, far from construction and decoration, pay attention to when choosing a laminate? First of all, the design and cost. But only these criteria cannot be dispensed with - it is necessary to evaluate the quality of the material so that the floor covering does not lose its appearance after a few months. About which laminate is better to choose for an apartment, and we'll talk in this article.
A good floor covering must meet many requirements. These include wear resistance, durability, undemanding maintenance, moisture resistance, beauty, environmental friendliness, etc. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a laminate according to the parameters that are most important to you.
And so that you can more easily navigate in a huge number of proposals and be able to distinguish quality material from obvious hack-work, carefully read the information below and watch the video.
Everyone knows that laminate flooring is divided into classes according to its wear resistance. If the laminate brand starts with the number 2 (21, 22, 23), it is considered suitable for domestic use, and if it starts with the number 3 (31, 32, 33, 34), then for commercial use.
However, almost no one today buys household laminate for their home, preferring to pay more, but not change the flooring after a couple of years. Yes, and in stores there are products mainly for commercial purposes, which are in great demand.
But is it worth relying only on the labeling indicated on the packaging, or do you need to pay attention to other criteria? Of course you do. In addition to high wear resistance, the laminate must be scratch resistant, durable, and moisture resistant.
To determine the class of a laminate, its top layer is subjected to a special test: abraded with sandpaper until it collapses. The more turns required for this, the class of the protective layer is considered higher.
When deciding which class to choose, preference should be given, of course, to a higher one, especially if the laminate will be laid in high traffic areas. But for a bedroom or living room, you can choose a laminate of 31-32 classes.
However, when you come to the store, you will find that the laminate of the same class, produced by one manufacturer, may cost differently. What's the catch?
It's all about the protective film.
With all this, a higher price also cannot be a guarantee of good quality, but we will talk about this a little later.
Note.
When deciding which class of laminate to choose, you should be guided by what load the coating will experience.
Laminate of 33 and 34 classes is designed for rooms with very high traffic, and in residential buildings it is enough to lay a coating of 31 or 32 classes.
This indicator does not depend on the class of the laminate, but on the presence of a protective film of corundum in the composition. For example, a Grade 32 laminate has a thinner protective layer than a Grade 33 laminate.
But if it is reinforced with corundum, then there will be much less scratches on it. Accordingly, the cost of a laminate with a lower class may be higher.
Conclusion. If you need a laminate with a durable surface that can withstand kids scooter racing and dancing in heels, look for a floor with a more durable protective layer for your apartment.
We are talking about the mechanical strength of the laminate panel itself.
As you know, it consists of several layers:
When deciding what thickness to choose a laminate, you should not save on it: a few millimeters will not affect the height of the room, but the coating will withstand any load.
As for density, this indicator is even more important. The higher it is, the stronger will be the locking connection of the panels to each other, and the less the risk of gaps between them.
For reference. A high-quality laminate must have a density of at least 900 kg/cu.m.
You are mistaken if you think that moisture resistance is important only for those coatings that are used in rooms with high humidity. serve as concrete floors or cement screed.
Condensation forms on these surfaces in humid weather or sudden changes in temperature, which is detrimental to any floor coverings containing wood.
If you choose a laminate for a dacha that is not heated in winter, or for a bathroom, then it should no longer be moisture resistant, but waterproof, and withstand water for 3-6 hours.
What makes laminate flooring moisture resistant?
Important!
Unscrupulous manufacturers sometimes apply wax to the ends of the laminate only to mask errors. interlock connections.
Such a laminate is difficult to install, and over time it may begin to creak.
What else to pay attention to?
For reference.
The most plausible is the laminated coating of European manufacturers: the minimum repeatability of the pattern is 1/7.
While the Chinese laminate may not have any differences between different panels at all, or have a repeatability of 1/3.
Note.
Which laminate to choose - glossy and smooth or with decorative embossing - is a matter of your taste.
But the latter is more practical, since footprints and water stains are not so noticeable on it, and the embossed surface has an anti-slip effect.
For reference.
The chamfer can be located only along the long sides or along the entire perimeter of the panel and have different depths and widths.
But even the deepest grooves do not make cleaning difficult - dirt and dust are removed from them without problems.
We have an opinion that the products of popular brands are not much different from similar products of little-known manufacturers, but at the same time they are unreasonably expensive.
This is not entirely true. These brands become popular for a reason, but because they easily withstand competition, releasing only high-quality and safe products for people's health. And it is not a pity to pay for it.
If you are thinking about which brand of laminate is better to choose, then first of all ask about the country of manufacture and whether the manufacturer is a member of EPLF - the European Association of Laminate Manufacturers.
The fact is that in Europe there are more stringent standards regarding the environmental friendliness and safety of floor coverings, the use of phenol-formaldehyde resins that are harmful to health in their production. These substances are used to reduce the cost of production not only of laminate, but also of furniture, chipboard, various plastics and other products.
In countries with lower requirements, manufacturers take advantage of this opportunity, so their products are different. affordable price. Often the quality of such a laminate is at a very decent level.
What can not be said about its safety, since the release of formaldehyde gas into the environment causes various diseases, including cancerous tumors.
Important!
A laminate that has class E1 according to European standards is considered safe. The content of formaldehyde in it is not higher than in a high-quality parquet board.
You can't go wrong if you choose laminate by manufacturer.
Quality and safety are guaranteed by the following companies:
But even this approach to choosing a floor covering can let you down.
Firstly, fakes are often found on the construction markets, and secondly, even manufacturers of the listed brands of laminate can produce products in which the content of formaldehydes is exceeded.
This laminate is not sold in European countries, but it is perfectly sold out in Russia and other less developed countries with low requirements for the composition of floor coverings. It is produced at factories of joint production and must have the appropriate marking indicating the possibility of sale only in these countries.
How can you tell if a laminate does not meet the safety requirements listed above?
We hope that our advice on choosing a laminate will be useful to you now or in the future, when you want to make repairs in your apartment. After all, comfort in the house depends not only on the positive visual perception of the interior, but also on how safe it is to be in it and how easy it is to maintain in its original form.
Recently, all over the world, it has been gaining more and more popularity among.
First of all, at the expense of their quality characteristics. If a dozen more were mainly bought for the sake of economy, today this is one of the secondary conditions. Previously, the laminate was easily wiped and was not very reliable; today, only stone or ceramic tiles can compete with it in terms of wear resistance.
is not an easy task. There are many points to be taken into account. For example, various designations and classifications, which, at the very least, need to be understood.
Laminate is a laminated floor covering, at a price much lower than parquet, but imitating it very well. Such material consists of several layers: chipboard or fiberboard, several layers of paper, a laminated film made of melamine or acrylic resin. It is the latter that protects the drawing from mechanical damage, dust and dirt.
Also read articles:
Should be carefully considered. It must be resistant to weights and scratches.
To buy the best option for the room being prepared, you need to pay attention to the first digit of the laminate class. 3 - indicates that the lamellas are intended for commercial premises, 2 - for residential.
There is an opinion that class 32 will fit equally well into an office space and into a living room. In addition, this option has an optimal quality / price ratio. Material of the 31st class is also suitable for the house, since it is also famous for its service life.
A high level of wear resistance is useful only if the flooring is made in a room with intensive traffic: in shops, trading floors, offices, etc. Here you will need the most durable laminate - 33 or 34 classes, able to withstand a large load on the floor. For such premises, a laminate of simple classic colors is usually chosen, because. most often it is purchased by commercial organizations. And for them, the main thing is a simple design and high performance. Manufacturers pay special attention to the appearance of the thirty-second class of laminate, which is more often used in small offices and apartments.
As practice shows, the service life of the material of classes 32 and 33 in a residential building is the same.
In addition, other equally important properties of the laminate coincide here.
For an apartment, such a parameter as scratch resistance is important. So, for comparison, there are much fewer scratches on the material of class 32 than on the cheaper price option - class 33. It's all about a decent portion of additives Corundum, which class 32 has in its composition. In the 33rd, there are much fewer such additives or not at all. Here, only the top melamine layer is thicker, which is easy to scratch and wipe.
However, sometimes a situation arises when, it would seem, a high-quality laminate of class 32 also becomes bald. Often it is the negligence of the manufacturer. Most likely, it is not included in the Association of European Manufacturers of Laminate Flooring (EPFL), which means that the class declared on the package, and a solid list of its properties, can be nothing more than tricky marketing ploy. As a result, the laminate declared as class 32 does not even reach the 21st. Such a fake is often made in Russia and China. Usually, it attracts with a low cost - the price does not exceed one and a half thousand per square meter.
Here is a short list of brands participating in the association:
As a rule, the warranty period for major manufacturers is at least twenty years. Only cheap coatings are less guaranteed because they can wear out faster.
In Russia, there is no GOST for laminate, as a result, all domestic manufacturers produce products according to specifications. Imported material, in turn, is certified according to GOST.
When choosing a laminate, also pay attention to the following factors:
There are two main types of panel connection:
Substrate type. Do not forget about it when installing a product such as laminate. The underlayment is a special material that is between the base and the laminate. Before laying it, the base must be leveled and all dirt and debris removed. The underlay provides heat and sound insulation. Allocate the following types building pads:
- excellent thermal insulator. It keeps its shape perfectly for a long time. However, condensation may form on such a substrate. But it doesn't get stuck.
Polyethylene foam substrate is used more often than others. One of its main advantages is low price, ease of use, resistance to moisture. But she does not keep her shape well, sagging over time. She does not like sunlight either - direct sunlight has a detrimental effect on her.
A special substrate will allow you to carry out installation many times faster, provide excellent sound and heat insulation, and you will never see condensation on it. And yet such material did not remain without drawbacks - this is a high price.
Phenolic-formaldehyde resin is used for chipboard manufacturing, fiberboard, HDF, MDF, plastics and other products. Thanks to this, the product becomes cheaper at times, but it emits a harmful substance with a pungent odor - formaldehyde. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has proven that there is a direct link between an increased risk of the occurrence and development of cancerous tumors and formaldehyde.
According to EN 14041:2004, the formaldehyde content of laminate flooring is closely monitored in Europe. If, for example, we compare the standard parquet board and European laminate class E1, no difference in the content of harmful substances will be found.
Therefore, when choosing a laminate, pay attention to its smell. If it is sharp enough when opening the package, then it is better to refuse this option. A barely perceptible smell of sawdust is allowed, but not the smell of glue, paint, etc.
Another way to test the quality of a laminate is to soak it in water for twenty minutes. If after the specified time a sharp unpleasant odor appears, it means that non-harmful substances were used to make the material.
It happens that the characteristics of the laminate you like are significantly lower than the most minimal requirements. There is an opinion that construction hypermarkets do not sell such products. Don't hope for it. Often stores take laminate for sale and prescribe in the contract that it is the supplier who bears all responsibility for the quality of the product to the end buyer. Hypermarkets are not legally required to verify the authenticity of the certificates they provide.
Even well-known brands turn out to be high in formaldehyde. These fakes are produced in third world countries. In the Russian markets, such goods appear from factories with joint production and with conditions, only for sale in Russia. So check the quality of the material yourself.
You can find the following classes of laminate, which differ in the level of wear resistance: 31, 32, 33, 34. 31 - is used in rooms with very low traffic. Class 32 is suitable in rooms with slightly higher traffic. The remaining two classes will become more relevant in the office. This approach is one of the most common and not entirely correct, since the concept of a lamella class is much deeper.
The test sample is fixed in a special device, where, by turning on the abrasive disk, it is calculated how many revolutions are necessary for the first, albeit barely noticeable, scratches to appear on the lamella.
The obtained values are summarized and the arithmetic mean is derived - an indicator of the wear resistance of the material, measured in revolutions. So scratches can form already at the three hundredth revolution, and the top layer can be overcome at the 5000th. In this case, the average will be equal to 2,650 revolutions. It may also happen that the first scratches are formed only after one and a half thousandth revolution of the disc, and the protective layer is cut through at 3,800 revolutions. And in this case, the arithmetic mean will be 2,650. Therefore, both options have the same wear resistance class. At the same time, the second test subject will be more resistant to scratches than the first one. Why so? You should know that scratch resistance is achieved by the proportions of adding corundum, and an increase in abrasion by increasing the thickness of the melamine layer. However, adding corundum to the composition greatly increases the cost of the laminate. As a result, even a material of a solid class 33 in the first year of operation runs the risk of being covered with potholes and scratches, but since its top layer has not been rubbed, it is believed that it can be used.
Therefore, for residential premises, a laminate of the 32nd class will be quite enough. Wipe it at home is almost impossible. At least it will take at least 15-20 years.
For reference: the laminate class is determined not only by the degree of wear resistance. Criteria such as impact resistance, heat resistance, moisture resistance, etc. are also important here. However, European rules do not apply to Russia and China. In these countries, there are no such strict standards, so the indication of the class of manufactured products remains entirely at the discretion of the manufacturer.
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Operating class |
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wear resistance |
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impact resistance |
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Susceptibility to household chemicals |
5 (groups 1 and 2); |
5 (groups 1 and 2); |
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Heat resistance |
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Scratch resistance |
at the discretion of the manufacturer |
at the discretion of the manufacturer |
at the discretion of the manufacturer |
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Water resistance |
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The leaders in this category are individual collections of the following brands: Faus, Wineo, Pergo, Norwegian BerryAlloc. Their main mine is that such material is intended for commercial use. It is manufactured using complex and expensive technology. In this case, the high price per square meter is understandable.
The laminate consists of four layers:
Undoubtedly, one of the most important layers in a laminate is its base, i. HDF board.
It is on it that a pattern with a melamine protective layer is applied, it is on it that locks are installed. The higher the density of such a plate, the less the board is afraid of moisture, the more durable and stronger its locks.
Nothing less than HDF makes up the lion's share of the cost of laminate flooring.
An important indicator is the geometry of the plate. The more accurate it is, the easier it will be to lay the boards, the longer cracks will not appear on the floor. It also significantly affects the price. Often in the store between different brands you can find a huge difference in cost, despite the coincidence of the class.
It is widely believed that if the locking system of lamellas is treated with wax, the moisture resistance of the floor increases significantly. Unfortunately, this is not true. Yes, extra impregnation actually benefits. And yet they only increase the time of penetration of moisture inside, and do not save from it completely. Also, one should not forget that quite often, during installation, the laminate is sawn, and the cut places are not protected from moisture.
In fact, wax should be applied to the ends of the boards to hide the faults of the lock and facilitate installation. Without it, the floorboards will creak.
Now, as regards moisture resistant laminate. This is all the same HDV-plate with a special water-repellent composition and increased density. If you are seriously thinking about purchasing just this type of flooring, then first of all you need to see if the manufacturer you have chosen is a member of the EPLF association, because it is she who puts forward the most stringent requirements for the moisture resistance of the plates. The members of this association are: Yildiz Sunta, Kronotex, LaminatPark, Parador, Pergo, MeisterWerke, BerryAlloc, Balterio, Quick Step, Alsapan Parkelam, Haro, Faus, HDM, Kaindl, Vario Clic, Wineo, Tarkett.
Laminate can be a copy of a natural board. Drawing natural material is easy to copy. But, as you know, not a single parquet gloss is similar to another. Therefore, in order for the laminate to look like its more noble prototype after installation, it is necessary that the pattern minimally repeats the sample.
European manufacturers are best suited in this regard. Their minimum is 1:6.
However, some of our compatriots are repelled by the presence of knots and the natural variegation of a natural floorboard. It has long been a stereotype that the board should be beige or Brown, i.e. "sexual". In this case, there should not be any knots, and the pattern should be as even as possible.
Such requests correspond to the products of Chinese manufacturers. For a number of reasons, in particular due to the lack of necessary technologies, they cannot get enough of the image repeatability to be more than 1:3. In addition, because it is quite difficult to take a photo of a real floorboard, the manufacturers just “draw”. All over the world, this is considered a big minus, and only in Russia is it in enviable demand. Although recently interest in products with the maximum imitation of natural materials has increased dramatically.
Decorative embossing is another design refinement. What is embossing anyway? This is giving the upper layer of the lamella some bulge, relief, due to which it is possible to copy the structure of a tile, wood or any other material with greater plausibility. Such embossing has not only aesthetic merit, but also practicality - it is difficult to slip on a embossed floor. On its surface, there are also no stains after washing or traces of bare feet.
Currently, most options have relief. Only the cheapest models leave the surface smooth. The only exception is the glossy laminate, since a flat surface is its main advantage.
Chamfer is the bevel of the end edge of the board. After that, small grooves form at the junctions. Chamfers were conceived for both practical and decorative purposes.
The chamfer of the laminate is the bevel of the end edge of the laminate board, so after it is laid, small grooves are formed at the junction of the boards. Chamfers are designed for both decorative and practical purposes. Its depth is different: from slightly small to 3-4 millimeters.
Most often, chamfers are located on each of the four sides of the board (i.e. around the entire perimeter), but there are also lamellas on which chamfers are placed only on two sides, which creates a deck effect - the effect of the longest board.
Since, in addition to the pattern, the laminate also imitates the surface texture, almost any massive board has a chamfer. The bevel neatly hides the fact that the wood is subject to shrinkage and expansion. Moreover, a floor with a bevel retains its original attractive appearance three times longer than without it.
Laminate tolerates moisture well, but with very wet cleaning or sudden changes in humidity, the material without chamfers appears “swollen” at the joints. The floor with chamfers is protected from this. Even after the flood, the chamfered laminate took on its original shape. The latter is possible if the HDF board has a high density.
Another important advantage of bevelled laminate is the ability to prepare the base for installation at a relatively low cost. According to the instructions, laying is recommended to be done on a smooth surface - a difference of two millimeters is allowed on two meters of the floor. It will be difficult for a non-specialist to prepare the surface at this level. But thanks to a special leveling substrate and beveled laminate, their difficulties can be overcome. The thing is that the lamellas eventually take the form of a floor, and if they do not have a chamfer, then after some period microcracks do not form.
But the trick with chamfers will work only if the drop on one square meter base does not exceed four millimeters. Otherwise, be sure to level the floor.
There is a widespread prejudice that debris can clog the bevel. There will always be dirt. This is far from true. Do not give in to prejudices.
1) Laminate Kaindl (Austria) - is very popular in the US and Europe. The company is a member of the most authoritative organizations in the field of woodworking and laminated coatings.
Laminate, produced by this company, has distinctive features due to which it is so recognizable:
2) Quick-Step laminate is made in Belgium. It is very popular not only in Europe, but also in Russia. From the range of the company, you can choose the right coating for any interior of a room or office. Their products will satisfy even the most sophisticated taste. Quick Step laminate perfectly imitates solid and parquet boards both in terms of texture and color. In the production of products, the company uses only the most advanced technologies, which allows for quick and high-quality installation of the floor, even for non-professionals. It is noteworthy that, for example, a scratch can only be left with a very sharp object. By purchasing goods manufactured by Quick Step, you get very high quality products, which serve as an example for many manufacturers.
The laminate has very high technical characteristics, being a standard in Europe. One of its main advantages is design. Quick Step has the most hits compared to the competition. For residential premises, this brand is an ideal option.
The service life of any product of this manufacturer is at least twenty years, and the warranty is 25 years.
3) Pergo laminate - Swiss made. The company was founded in 1977 with the invention of laminate flooring. As is known from history, it quickly gained popularity because it had high technical characteristics. Due to the small selection of colors and relatively high price, this laminate was more often used for commercial purposes, but later became widely used due to its simplification. technological process and the appearance of interlocks. More recently, laminate was made in Switzerland. However, since 2005 the main factory has been located in Belgium as mohawk industries bought the company.
Pergo produces products in three classes: 32, 33, 34. The service life of class 33 laminate in a residential area exceeds thirty years. The original appearance has been preserved for twenty years.
4) Berry Alloc laminate is a Belgian-Norwegian manufacturer, one of the leaders in innovative technologies in the USA and Europe. For each consumer class, the company has its own product group. There are even specialized inexpensive moisture-resistant collections of Riviera class 32 and Titanium class 33. The Commercial Class 34 collection, made using HPL technology, enjoys special love among buyers - the laminate is pressed under a pressure of two and a half million kilograms. Such material is absolutely not afraid of moisture. Almost every Berry Alloc series is a technical breakthrough.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Service life: Berry Alloc products (grade 32) retain their presentation for fifteen years. At the same time, a lifetime warranty is released on any of the products. Class 34 laminate, which is used in high-traffic areas, will also please the buyer for fifteen years. The guarantee of operation makes five years.
The Belgian company Balterio is a member of the EPLF association and specializes in the production of premium products. According to its main characteristics, the manufacturer is on the same position as Kaindl and Quick-Step, but it costs a little more.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
5) "Haro" - a German manufacturer that produces premium laminate. The collection, in which the length of the board exceeds two meters, enjoys special love. So, for example, there is such a series as the Tritty 100 Gran Via 4V. Boards (parameters: length - 2.2 m, width - 0.24 m) perfectly imitate noble wood floors.
6) French laminate Alsapan due to such qualities as low price, attractive design, high performance, is one of the most popular among this type of flooring. The pricing policy is such that Alsapan will compete with many Russian and Chinese manufacturers. In this case, you will get a beautiful material of class E1. The assortment of the company includes collections of 32 and 33 classes, with a board thickness of 7 to 12 mm, with and without a chamfer. And yet, with all the delights, this laminate has a standard moisture protection and an average density of HDF-board.
7) The Parador brand is considered very popular among designers and creative people. The assortment of the company includes collections with breathtaking design. And there are a great many of them. Uniqueness is the main advantage of the company. Well-known European designers are working on the development of each model. Specifications allow the product of this company to maintain its presentation for ten years.
8) Kronotex (Germany) is a well-known and recognizable brand. The products of this company are available in many specialized hypermarkets. Low price, characteristics, observed with German pedantry make the laminate desirable and increase the dispute on it. And this
9) Another German representative is Egger. Among all products, economy class collections are more popular.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
10) Among Russian companies, Tarkett is the most advertised. However, it is inferior to foreign competitors both in design and technical characteristics.
If you decide to decorate your home with laminate flooring, then the first thing you need to do is choose the right laminate For this you need to know what to pay attention to so as not to become a victim of low-quality products.
Read also:
What to choose a laminate? First of all, you need to know for which room the laminate will be intended. The loads on it can be drastically different if, for example, the laminate is used at home or in the office. That is why the laminate is divided for commercial and household.
The main parameter that determines wear resistance is laminate class, which in turn is determined by special tests. The following classes are distinguished: 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33. There is also a class with index 34, which can last 25 years. The higher the class, the more laminate wear resistant.
Classes for laminate are created for only one purpose: saving.
Commercial Laminate is mainly used where there is a mass congestion of people: these are shops, various public buildings, enterprises and others. Although, of course, no one will forbid you to put such a floor in your apartment.
It should be noted that some brands of laminate flooring not moisture resistant. High grade laminates (23, 31, 32 and 33) can withstand water exposure, but only for as long as several hours.
Required for certain areas specific laminate. There are rooms in the apartment for which the main criterion is moisture resistance, and there are those in which the main thing is strength. Somewhere you need a light tone, in other places - a dark one.
Can even be installed in the same room different types laminate, but in this case it is necessary to remember about board thickness, as it may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Even a difference of a few millimeters can cause big laying problems, so it is recommended to buy such products from the same manufacturer.
There are the following parameters for laminate:
Laminate is preferred for the kitchen due to its simple and practical care. However, a lot of moisture can get on the floor of such a room. That is why for the kitchen it is recommended to choose moisture resistant laminate, it is recommended to cover the joints special mastic.
It is also better to choose textured laminate, so that its surface, firstly, is not slippery, and secondly, it hides various spots.
In view of the constant load on the kitchen floor, choose 33 class laminate.
Used for bathroom waterproof laminate(not to be confused with moisture resistant), which can withstand exposure to moisture for a long time without warping, without losing its appearance. High-quality waterproof laminate is not inferior in characteristics to ceramic tiles.
Sound absorbing laminate this is the main characteristic that is important for the children's room, living room, bedroom. Responsible for this feature resin quality, with which the laminate is impregnated, as well as the quality substrates, which is used as an additional layer of sound insulation.
There are manufacturers that produce a soundproofing layer on a laminated board. However, even in this case, it is recommended to lay out a substrate under the laminate.
Perfect for rooms 31 or 32 laminate grades because these rooms are used sparingly.
The hallway is the room with high permeability in which the floor is often washed due to dust and dirt. That is why the laminate for the hallway is necessary moisture resistant with wear resistance class 33 or 34.
Note! I would like to point out an important thing. Currently, almost all cheap laminate flooring is made in China, and such a product is usually of extremely low quality and of questionable safety. In addition, often this product does not have any quality certificates.
Concerning premium, here the Belgian and Swiss laminate manufacturers hold a confident leadership. By the way, premium laminate manufacturers often give lifetime warranty for your products.
What about places of production, then this is a criterion that significantly affects pricing. The price of such a laminate includes transportation (including various import duties), as well as compliance with strict international standards.
The price may include the popularity of some expensive brand. However, you should be well versed in the laminate to know that some little-known manufacturers are in no way inferior in quality to expensive brands.
Also design is of no small importance, being for someone the determining criterion for choosing a laminate.
Regarding color selection, then you need to take into account your own preferences and general color scheme the whole apartment.
It is worth paying attention to board thickness. Standard laminate thicknesses are 12, 10, 8, 7 and 6 mm. depends on the thickness of the laminate impact strength and sound absorption.
For a house (apartment), it is better to choose a thickness of 6.7 mm. However, if under certain conditions you need a very durable laminate, you can choose thicker boards. The thicker the laminate floor, the easier it is to install.
To choose the right laminate, you need to consider the ratio of its thickness to the area of the room. If the laminate is not thick enough, a clicking sound will occur. There will be no sound if you walk on such a floor in soft slippers or barefoot.
By maintaining the correct ratio between the thickness of the laminate and the area of the room, the sound will be significantly less.
You should also be aware that the thicker the laminated board, the slower it will heat up (in case electric floor heating is planned). In this case, you should not buy a laminate with a large thickness.
If you find unpleasant creak when walking on a laminate, this means that you have installed it incorrectly, or the panels themselves have the wrong geometry.
Pay attention to quantity formaldehyde(toxic gas), which is contained in the laminate for the apartment. Its quantity is indicated on the package. The amount of formaldehyde should not exceed the established norm, otherwise this toxin can significantly harm health.
The fact is that this harmful substance is contained in ordinary wood, and when it is pressed, it can turn out high concentration of formaldehyde, what happens in the manufacture of laminate.
The sign "E1" indicated on the package indicates the normal content of formaldehyde. You can also see the "EN 13329" badge on the box, which means that the laminate meets the European standard for formaldehyde content.
It is important to pay attention to guarantee favorite laminate. The average warranty period is 3-6 years.
Typically, the laminate flooring factory provides the following: warranty obligations:
However, one should take into account conditions under which the guarantee will apply:
It can be said right away that caring for laminate not very difficult, but necessary. Laminate flooring is wood, so excess moisture for him it can turn disaster.
This floor must be cleaned with damp cloth and vacuum cleaner. However, in no case should excessive moisture be allowed to enter the laminate. You should also avoid standing water containers on the floor for a long time.
Wet cleaning it is recommended to carry out with ordinary water, liquid laundry soap or special means that are recommended to care for the laminate. Such funds can be found in the line of manufacturers of laminated floors themselves.
Forbidden! Use alkaline solutions, various cleaning powders, silicone-based or wax-based compounds.
Laminate is a modern floor covering. It is widely believed that this artificial substitute for natural parquet is very expensive and unreliable. In addition, many believe that he is afraid of moisture, and six years after installation, he will need to be replaced. Until recently, this was the case. However, today the leading manufacturers of building materials offer their customers high quality laminate. Its service life is within twenty years or more. How can a buyer determine the best quality laminate? To do this, you need to clarify its wear resistance class. This parameter of the flooring is affixed only after the so-called taber test. Belonging to one class or another will indicate the quality of the coating.
What is a laminate? This is a panel consisting of several layers. Let's consider them in more detail. The topmost layer of an artificial parquet panel is a hardened mass of acrylic or melamine resin. Which laminate is the highest quality and least wear-resistant? The one in which this layer has the greatest thickness.
By production, this coating is made of acrylic with corundum. Such a surface not only shines, but also wears out a little. This ability is given to the laminate by corundum, which in its hardness does not lag behind diamond.
The second layer of artificial parquet is considered decorative. It is made from paper with a specific pattern. Thanks to this layer, the floor panel acquires its appearance. Here, the possibilities of manufacturers are not limited. The laminate can have a wood structure, look like sand, stone, marble, etc. That is why the second, decorative layer of the laminate is important when developing the design of the room. And this is fifty percent of the success of the repair work.
As for the third, next layer, this is nothing more than a stabilizer waterproofing. It is a waterproof film. Thanks to this layer, the artificial parquet does not swell when water gets on it. Some varieties of laminate can even hold a puddle on their surface for three days without harming the panel.
The next, fourth layer is the thickest. This is a stabilizing board made of high-strength fiberboard. This layer determines the dimensions of the laminate itself, which is 6, 8, 10 and 12 millimeters thick. The larger these dimensions are, the best quality there will be a lock embedded around the perimeter.
And the last, the bottom layer is kraft paper. This is the protection of the stabilizing plate from moisture. In some brands of laminate, a substrate is additionally glued to the bottom layer. This increases the price of artificial parquet.
Laminate, like all types of building materials, is divided into certain types. According to this classification, artificial parquet is:
Each of the listed types is divided into classes that indicate the density of the panel, its wear resistance and reliability. Choosing a quality laminate should begin by looking at these characteristics. If the class of the panel you are considering is in the range from 21 to 23, then this coating is suitable for home use. At the same time, it is worth remembering that a larger number indicates a greater wear resistance of artificial parquet. Thus, the highest quality laminate for an apartment corresponds to class 23. A coating with a high value for residential buildings is not worth looking for.
And for offices, shops and other premises with high traffic, which laminate is of the highest quality? Reviews of experts and users give an unequivocal answer to this question. related to 31-33 class. Industrial and office premises need more durable floor through which more than one thousand feet pass. When using in such cases a lower class of panels, the coating will quickly fail.
But some manufacturers have gone further. To date, they offer 34 grade laminate. This type of artificial parquet is available from Aloc. However, if you compare this laminate with the class 33 panels manufactured by Tarkett, you will notice that the accompanying documentation in both cases guarantees up to twenty-five years of operation under the same conditions.
How does a manufacturer determine quality, good laminate? To do this, the panels undergo a taber test for wear resistance. It consists in checking the laminate with a rotating abrasive wheel. This or that number of revolutions will indicate the class of the material and the degree of its wear resistance. The disk is rotated until the top transparent layer of the panel is completely erased. For a commercial line, which laminate is the best quality? Reviews of experts indicate that these are panels that have passed the number of revolutions from 6 to 20 thousand (depending on their class).
The parameters of such testing are indicated in the accompanying documents of each batch. Their designation is as follows:
Each of the classes of artificial parquet has its own minimum wear resistance value (IP) and maximum wear resistance (FP). According to the parameters, what is the best quality laminate? Reviews of experts indicate that these values \u200b\u200bshould be close to optimal. However, this does not mean at all that each of the buyers should strive to buy a laminate of 33 or even 34 classes. It is necessary to purchase those panels that are designed for the load falling on the floor covering in the room for a specific purpose.
How to choose a quality laminate for an apartment? To do this, first of all, you need to pay attention to the class of panels. An important factor will be the appointment of a particular room. As mentioned above, for apartments it is recommended to purchase a laminate of 21, 22 and 23 classes. At the same time, the least wear-resistant is suitable for a bedroom and an office. Panels assigned to class 22 will be a good floor covering for the living room and nursery. A higher category of material is recommended for hallways, loggias and kitchens. It should be borne in mind that for apartments and private houses, panels from class 21 to 23 are inexpensive, but high-quality laminate. After all, it is used in rooms with low traffic.
Laminate, starting from 31 and ending with a rare class 34 (it is produced in small batches due to the high cost), is used in in public places and offices. That is, where daily passes a large number of of people. What class of artificial parquet is used in a particular room? So, it is recommended to apply:
It is worth mentioning that some owners, when deciding how to choose a high-quality laminate for an apartment, buy panels of a commercial type. Of course, if the necessary financial resources are available, this can be quite expedient. It will be possible to walk on such a laminate in heels, besides, it will not be damaged if a heavy object falls on it, and it will not sag under the load of heavy furniture. And the service life of commercial artificial parquet of class 31-34 will be approximately two decades, while the period of using a cheaper coating will not exceed 5-10 years.
There is another criterion that will help answer the question of which laminate is of the highest quality. Reviews of experts advise choosing artificial parquet according to its thickness. In this case, you will need to remember some basic rules that are directly related to this indicator. The thickness of the main layer made of fiberboard determines the tightness of the panels to each other. The larger these dimensions, the stronger the joint.
In addition, the requirements for the surface on which the thin laminate is applied are more stringent. It must be perfectly smooth and flawlessly even, and this complicates the construction work.
Directly affects its sound-absorbing properties. The price of artificial parquet also depends on this parameter. How to choose a quality laminate according to this characteristic? Here again, one should take into account the room where it will be placed. Thus, panels from classes 21 to 23 are produced with a thickness of 6-8 mm, and the values \u200b\u200bof this indicator for panels with greater wear resistance are in the range of 10-12 millimeters.
How to choose a high-quality laminate that would not deteriorate from washing with a damp cloth? To do this, choose the right type of floor panel. As mentioned above, the laminate is moisture resistant and ordinary. So, the second of these types of artificial parquet is afraid of water. It is not intended for use in rooms with high humidity. In addition, such panels are able to swell with prolonged contact with water. That is why in rooms where a conventional laminate is used, it is possible to carry out wet cleaning with only a slight contact of the floor surface with water.
Another thing is moisture resistant panels. They are not afraid of wet daily cleaning. In addition, they will not deteriorate even if someone spills something on the floor. That is why this material can be safely laid in the kitchen or in the hallway.
How to choose a quality laminate? The panels offered in the store are worth smelling. A strong smell indicates a bad product. What is the quality laminate? One that has no odor.
Experts also recommend comparing the proposed instances of panels by weight. What is the highest quality professionals recommend purchasing panels of greater weight. lightweight laminate is made from boards of low density and thickness. And this is confirmation of its worst quality.
Also, in order to determine which laminate is of the highest quality, it is necessary to consider it from the side of the long end. The product must be perfectly straight. The presence of any bends on it is evidence of an incorrect or very long-term storage. It is especially harmful to keep ordinary panels in stock. But for a moisture-resistant laminate, a long shelf life is not a reason for deterioration in quality.
If, as a result of a long stay in a warehouse, an ordinary laminate has absorbed moisture, then after laying such boards dry out. Their surface swells and becomes covered with ugly spots, and cracks appear at the joints.
What is the best quality laminate? When buying artificial parquet, it is recommended to inquire about the country where this product was produced. construction material. And here it is worth bearing in mind that almost all brands of high-quality laminate are produced in Europe. Domestic materials, as a rule, delight buyers only with prices. As for their quality, it disappoints most of our compatriots.
Unfortunately, a third of the Russian laminate market is occupied by cheap Chinese goods. Moreover, the problem here lies not at all in the producing country, but in the importers. In China, there are a large number of factories producing the highest quality laminate. However, our customers, in order to maximize profits, bring artificial parquet produced in factories engaged in handicraft production. Of course, the price of such panels is low, which allows sellers to earn large sums. But it is worth bearing in mind that such panels can be made from MDF, and not from high density. In addition, they do not correspond to the class declared in the accompanying documents. To attract buyers, such a product is placed in a beautiful package, on which high indicators that do not correspond to these plates are placed.
How to get the best quality laminate? The manufacturer of building material must be large and have already established itself in the consumer market. The floor covering can also be produced by a little-known brand, but it must be from a factory with a good reputation. Only in this case you will definitely buy a quality laminate.
You are doing repairs in an apartment or in a country house and have already decided that the flooring will be laminate. Then, in order not to be disappointed in the choice made, you need to know how to choose the right laminate.
Laminate is a modern and high-quality flooring that can imitate both parquet and other types of natural finishing materials.
After reading the article, you will learn the main characteristics of the laminate by which you need to choose it so that it is suitable for your apartment and at the same time not overpay.
The laminate class is one of the main parameters that you need to decide first. It depends on the life of the floor covering and its price.
The class is selected depending on the room in which the laminate will be laid. The greater the load on the floor, the higher the class should be.
The laminate class is indicated by a two-digit number. The first digit initially showed what kind of premises it was intended for: residential or commercial.
The number 2 corresponded to the living quarters. But due to low demand due to a very short service life (up to 4 years), classes 21, 22 and 23 are no longer produced on the Russian market.
Now in apartments, masters advise using laminate class 31, 32 and 33, which was originally intended for commercial premises.
Class 31 is suitable for a room with a small load, these are bedrooms, pantries or an office. Such a laminate will last 10-12 years. AT commercial premises(office, conference room) about 3 years.
Class 32 is suitable for almost any living space where there is no high humidity. The term of operation in a residential area is 12-15 years. In a public place with medium traffic (office, classroom, reception, etc.) for about 5 years.
Class 33 laminate is usually supplied with reinforced locks for assembly and has a water-repellent impregnation. Due to this, it is more water-resistant and can be used in rooms with a high load and high humidity (rest room in a bathhouse, bathroom, etc.). Such a laminate will last in an apartment for 15-20 years. In a public place (shop, cafe, gym, etc.) for about 12 years.
34 class is the highest quality laminate. It has the largest number of layers, a special moisture-resistant layer on top, the plate has increased strength and special impregnation, and there is usually a sound-absorbing substrate on the bottom. Thanks to this, it will serve not only you, but also your children. It will get bored faster than it will fall into disrepair.
The only disadvantage of class 34 laminate is its price. In the apartment, he will last at least 30 years. In public places (restaurant, train station, airport, etc.) for about 15 years.
So let's sum it up. The best option for the apartment there will be a 32 class laminate. It is quite durable and affordable. In rarely visited premises (pantry, guest room), the requirements can be reduced to class 31. In rooms with high humidity (entrance hall and kitchen), you can lay a class 33 laminate.
The thickness of the laminate can be from 6 to 12 mm. The thicker it is, the stronger it is, it has greater sound absorption and thermal insulation.
The best thickness of a laminate for an apartment is 8-12 mm.
If you use underfloor heating, then the thicker the laminate, the more difficult it is for it to transfer heat to the room from the heating elements, increasing energy consumption. You will have to choose what is more important for you: the strength of the flooring or the finances spent on additional electricity.
Another of the characteristics that affect the strength of the laminate is the density of the MDF board, which forms its basis. The density must be at least 850 kg / m 3, otherwise it will be brittle regardless of the thickness.
Laminate differs in the type of assembly:
Glue assembly is used less and less, although it has its advantages. Adhesive laminate is cheaper, glue in the joints prevents the penetration of liquid, so it is more moisture resistant.
Cons of adhesive laminate:
Lock connection is more simple and convenient way laying laminate flooring that even a non-professional can handle.
The principle of connecting the laminate is based on the fact that there are special locks from the ends of the boards, with the help of which the installation of the flooring takes place.
There are two types of lock connections:
lock these are locks. When installing a laminate with Lock locks, you need to be very careful, because to fix the lock, the panels must be knocked out with a hammer.
Another disadvantage of a laminate with lock-locks is the need for careful preparation of the base, since at the slightest unevenness the locks may not snap into place or gaps will appear between the boards.
The fixing parts of the lock-lock can wear out over time, which will lead to the appearance of cracks. Laminate with lock-locks is more suitable for rooms with low traffic.
Click these are collapsible locks, they are located at an angle of 45 ° and are the most reliable and durable.
For the non-specialist, this is the most the best way, because click-lock laminate is easy to assemble and does not require a perfectly level base (3 mm difference per linear meter is possible).
In the future, during the operation of a laminate floor with click-locks, it is possible to repair and replace individual damaged boards, since it is easily dismantled.
The cost of coverage with click locks is higher than with lock locks, but the benefits it has are well worth it.
A chamfer is a beveled edge on a lamella. It can only pass along the long side of the boards or around the entire perimeter.
We must say right away that in most cases it is worth giving preference to a laminate with a chamfer, and not without it.
Advantages of a laminate floor with a chamfer:
So, the advice of the masters: if you want to extend the service life, simplify installation, give the flooring a more expensive and sophisticated look, then your choice is a chamfered laminate.
Laminate is a building material that is worth buying only from trusted, well-known manufacturers.
A cheap laminate from an unknown manufacturer may look quite respectable upon visual inspection. But during operation, hidden defects or simply poor-quality manufacturing may be revealed, as they saved on some processing or impregnation processes.
All this will lead to a decrease in the service life and, accordingly, to premature repairs and additional consumption of material resources.
These manufacturers are enough to make right choice laminate with suitable characteristics and price.
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