Laminate is a modern floor material characterized by durability, a variety of colors, ease of installation and repair. It is distinguished from linoleum by ecological cleanliness, a noble appearance, from parquet - an affordable price, the absence of the need for careful care. Therefore, laminate flooring is a universal solution for an apartment.
In order not to experience disappointment from premature damage to the coating, you need to get acquainted with the properties of the material, learn about its types and labeling, manufacturers, as well as average market prices.
In order to obtain a certificate of conformity of products to a certain class, in Europe, the laminate undergoes numerous tests, there are about two dozen of them.
Basic strength criteria
- Abrasion resistance. This parameter demonstrates how many times you can walk through the laminate in shoes so that distinct traces of abrasion appear on its upper layer. During the test, the board is placed in a rubbing device that simulates friction while walking. The number of such rubbing cycles determines the wear resistance of the laminated board.
According to this indicator, household and commercial laminate are distinguished. The latter is designed for more intensive use, walking on the cover in shoes, constant hydration, and the ingress of chemicals. The most durable types of coating are coated with a transparent protective layer that increases the life of the board.
- Moisture protection. Despite the efforts of manufacturers, along with parquet, the laminate deteriorates from regular intensive moisturizing. Therefore, it is not profitable to choose it for wet rooms, especially inexpensive, not additionally protected species.
- The most vulnerable to moisture is the castle connection of the boards. Waxing does not always protect it from moisture. The technology of giving the laminate full waterproofness makes it quite expensive.
- The ability to withstand shock. Impact resistance - the quality desired for any floor covering on which objects are dropped, subjected to stresses from the movement of furniture, sharp claws of animals and shoes with thin heels. The indicator depends on the thickness of the axial plate: the denser and thicker, the less susceptible to shock loads the laminate. Of the two types of boards used, HDF and MDF are stronger than the first. It guarantees high reliability of lock joints.
- Among the parameters that allow to determine the quality, there are two more: a neat appearance and the absence of an intense unpleasant odor. A board with poor quality may peel off the coating, weak latches do not cause trust, the product emits a sharp smell of paint, varnish or acetone.
- A quality board cannot be frankly cheap. Its cost includes development to achieve the best indicators of strength, decorativeness, the use of quality materials for gluing and staining.
Laminate Class Specifications
Existing dimensions of the laminated board:
- Width: from 90 mm to 330 mm (imitation of ceramic tiles);
- Standard: 180 - 200 mm;
- Length: 1260-1400 mm;
- Height: 5 to 12 mm.
The most commonly used grades are 31, 32 and 33. Let us dwell on their properties in more detail.
31st grade
Suitable for living quarters. The budget option of flooring is quite acceptable in cases where the main requirement of choice is profitability.
- Medium strength;
- Board thickness: 6 - 8 mm;
- Surface without relief;
- Texture with blurry outlines;
- Requires a layer of sound insulation under the substrate to reduce echo;
- The term of operation in residential premises is 8 - 10 years, in public only 2 years;
- Manufacturers: Tarkett, Alloc, Classen, Floorwood;
- Price: from 150 to 300 p. per m2
32 class
Suitable for rooms with medium traffic. It has a higher quality, is in the average price range. 32 class is widespread and applied much wider than 31.
- High strength
- Board thickness: from 7 to 12 mm;
- A relief surface imitating a natural tree;
- Slightly inferior in terms of sound insulation to class 33;
- Has an additional protective layer in the structure;
- Service life is up to 5 years in places with high traffic and up to 15 years in residential premises;
- The manufacturers we choose: Alloc, Balterio, Kronotex, Pergo;
- Price: from 700 to 2000 r per m2.
33 class (premium)
It is used in rooms with high traffic: shops, gyms, catering establishments. It is the most high-quality and beautiful. Designers are engaged in the development of the decorative layer.
- Maximum strength;
- Board thickness: 12 mm;
- High noise and thermal insulation due to the thickness and the substrate integrated into the structure of the board;
- Resistant to scratches and deformations;
- Does not lose color when exposed to the sun;
- Moisture resistant (due to waxing and impregnation of castle joints);
- Suitable for kitchen facilities;
- Not combustible, not subject to decay and mold;
- Does not cause allergic reactions;
- Service life 5 - 6 years in places of cross-country ability and up to 20 years at home;
- The ability to remove and lay the coating up to 5 times again without loss of strength;
- The length and width of the boards coincides with 32 class;
- Manufacturers you should trust: Tarkett, Alloc, Unistep, Imperial, Balterio, Pergo.
- Price: from 1500 r per m2
Prices
- The Belgian laminate Quik Step is considered an elite floor material. The manufacturer's warranty on it is 25 years. A square meter of laminated board will cost 550-1000 rubles.
- The Belgian Berry Allok offers a board with high thickness and strength, the brand's collections are extremely interesting, the warranty is 15 years. The cost per square meter - from 850 rubles.
- The German company Haro has been engaged in woodworking since the end of the 19th century and uses only the best wood. The price of its products is from 900 rubles.
- The German PARADOR laminate is suitable for the most interesting design options; a high-quality laminated board will cost from 1050 rubles per m2.
- Laminate Tarkett launches a joint Swedish-Serbian-German venture. With good quality, its products are available at a price of 545-767 rubles per m2.
- German laminate Kronotex is sold at a price of a square meter of 390 - 600 rubles.
- Kronostar LLC is constantly improving product quality, releasing new collections with an interesting design. The laminate of this company costs from 250 rubles per m2.
Which color to choose?
Similarly to a wooden board, a laminate is divided by color into light and dark. Imitation of light species - maple, birch, ash, oak. Small rooms will visually expand, light will be added to dark rooms using a light laminate. This is a good background for any design, the main thing is not to allow too obvious color polarity, if it is not one of the main design ideas.
Elegant contrast of light furniture and dark floor is considered beautiful. Mahogany, dark oak, rosewood, walnut are especially appropriate in the classic interior.
Original collections - vintage “aged” board, imitation of stone and concrete. Buying an expensive laminate, you should rely on your own taste, but to get the support of a designer will be useful.
Professional Tips
- The acquisition of a cheap laminate is a benefit that will not please for long. And the shortcomings will become an annoying splinter, forcing to change the coating.
- When buying, be sure to find out the class of the laminate and the thickness of the board.
Remember, if the packaging indicates a thickness that does not coincide with the class of material, then this is most likely a fake or a hoax.
- A small number of boards, bought in excess of the necessary, will quickly replace the elements accidentally damaged during installation.
- The presence of a certificate and guarantee is a prerequisite for the purchase.
Laminate with good quality indicators, harmoniously fitting into the interior - the right investment and an excellent choice for an apartment.
Watch the video with the recommendations of a specialist in flooring: