Why is laminate so popular? From a design point of view, it has no equal in imitating natural patterns and reliefs or stone. And many are familiar with the consumer qualities of this flooring first-hand. It can be found in most new buildings with finished finishing. And in the old housing stock, block parquet and modular parquet boards are being actively replaced with more durable and practical materials. However, on the sales floor, among a huge number of collections, choosing several samples and determining which one is better is not easy. We tell you which laminate to choose for your apartment and what to pay attention to.

Choosing a laminate floor for an apartment

What is laminate?

Look at the plank diagram:

1 - transparent wear-resistant layer for protection;

2 - decorative layer, reproduces the pattern of natural wood, stone or ceramic tiles;

3 - the base made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) is responsible for the stability of the plank and stability;

4 - stabilizing layer, prevents deformation of the strip.

Where can I lay it?

This is a truly universal material. It can be installed in bedrooms, living rooms, children's rooms, hallways and kitchens.

They also began to actively lay in, including seasonal residence. But this is risky, since the guarantee only applies to finishing in residential areas with a constant temperature and slight fluctuations in humidity: from 30% in winter to 60% in summer.

A seasonal country house is not heated for most of the cold season, and, naturally, the floors in it either heat up or cool down. Such climatic disasters are not useful for finishing.

Today, the material can also serve as an original wall design. The planks are fixed directly to the base using silicone glue and pins (nails without heads) or to a wooden sheathing. Of course, such cladding should not be used near water sources, as a kitchen apron or as wall decoration in the bathroom.

What laminate thickness should I choose for my apartment? If heavy furniture and equipment will be installed in the room, it is better not to use a coating thinner than 10 mm, otherwise it will not withstand long-term static loads. However, if you plan to install slats on a heated floor, choose thinner boards as they will transmit heat better.

3. Inappropriate shade

In order for the room to look harmonious and not visually “break up” into separate parts, all finishing materials must be in the same color scheme - warm or cold, even if they are in contrasting shades, for example, a dark floor and light doors.

If you want to visually expand a small room, use light, cool colors in the decoration, and if you want to make a very large space more cozy, choose a warm color scheme.

4. Moisture-resistant laminate is confused with water-resistant

Humidity is one of the main enemies of this material: if water gets into a joint, the boards easily absorb it and swell, causing unevenness to appear and the decorative coating to come off. Manufacturers have taken this feature into account and offer waterproof options that can be installed in rooms such as the kitchen and even the bathroom. If you decide to do such an experiment, the main thing is not to confuse moisture- and water-resistant laminate.

What's the difference? The moisture-resistant board is based on high-strength fiberboard; it is treated with paraffin and other compounds that can protect the board from moisture only temporarily. This coating will withstand various stains, wet cleaning, and fungus. But if you do not immediately wipe the water from the surface, it will penetrate into the joint, the finish will begin to deform and lift, as a result, the floor will become uneven. Moisture-resistant laminate changes volume with temperature changes, therefore. But it is no longer suitable for a bathroom, sauna, balcony or veranda.

Only the waterproof type can survive direct contact with water. It is able to withstand prolonged exposure to water, does not deform due to temperature changes and practically does not wear out. All joints of a waterproof floor are treated with heated wax, and the surface is made non-slippery and given antistatic properties so that dust does not settle on it.

5. Ill-considered savings on the substrate

Another typical situation is when, when drawing up an estimate for repairs, they forget to include the substrate. As a result, you have to waste time on additional trips to the store. Or they take the cheapest one if the entire budget has been spent, and then they greatly regret it. After all, a high-quality underlay not only levels the concrete surface, but also provides additional noise and heat insulation, softens impact loads and extends the service life of the floor covering up to 5 years.

A cheap substrate has a big, but not obvious, disadvantage - the smell. Of course, the unpleasant aroma will disappear, but this will not stop the substrate from releasing chemicals that can be toxic and cause allergies. Therefore, we recommend not to save money and choose options made from natural materials, for example, cork or pine substrate.

Technical equipment is not electrified, which means it does not attract dust, does not absorb foreign odors, is hypoallergenic and contributes to the natural regulation of the internal climate in the room. The coniferous substrate is made from 100% natural materials - coniferous wood. It significantly reduces “impact” noise, and the room will become noticeably warmer due to the low thermal conductivity of the material. The density of the coniferous underlay is selected in such a way as to smooth out small unevenness of the “sub-floor” and protect the locks from excessive pressure.

The final elements include various heights, widths, configurations, as well as linings for the inlet openings of the heating system elements and thresholds.

How to choose a quality laminate

• Choose manufacturer's products with a guarantee.
• Don’t go after cheap prices, as there are no products that are too cheap and of high quality.
• Pay attention to the type of connection. There is a distinction between the so-called “click”, when the slats are connected using locks, and “lock” - when the elements seem to be driven into each other. The first one is, of course, more convenient.
• Don't buy a product with a strong smell.
• Manufacturers offer a wide variety of colors and textures. There are also types with a pattern, when a pattern or marks are applied to the top layer. The choice is yours, but a universal solution is an imitation of a wooden surface.

Price

As for the price range, it is very wide: from 288 rubles/m² to 2940 rubles/m². And the buyer’s natural desire to minimize material costs is understandable. Some manufacturers attract attention precisely because of this. They save on the quality of the top protective coating or HDF base. But all this negatively affects the consumer qualities of the floor and, accordingly, its service life.

How to care

In order for the floor to look the same after several years as it did on the first day after installation, it needs to be properly cared for. We hope everyone already knows about rugs in the hallway and felt pads on furniture legs. It is advisable for owners of mobile chairs to replace hard casters with soft rubber ones.

The floor of laminate planks with chamfers is first cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, then wet cleaned, and then wiped with microfiber.

Ordinary slightly damp cloth. Make sure that the fabric is damp, not wet.

Specialized cleaning products are usually added to a bucket of clean water in the amount indicated on the package. Then wipe the floor with a cloth soaked in this solution and well wrung out. To remove stubborn stains, use a small amount of undiluted cleaner or leave it on heavily soiled areas for a few minutes. After finishing cleaning, it is important to check whether there are any traces or stains left, since poorly removed cleaners attract dirt. Cleaning compositions based on . They cannot penetrate deep into the coating and form a film on the surface. They do not need to be used for cleaning.

Water protection

The weak point of the laminate is the moisture-sensitive end joints of the planks. If water often gets on the floor and, even worse, stagnates, then, gradually penetrating through the ends into the main slab, it can cause deformation. Because of this, it is recommended to coat the upper parts of the lock joint with a sealing agent. For example, compositions made from polyurethane or silicone resins in an organic solvent or more environmentally friendly wax ones. All of them effectively protect the floor covering from the negative effects of water, but they eliminate the important technological quality of the material - quick and easy installation.

Moisture-resistant laminate differs from ordinary laminate only in the rate of moisture absorption due to the presence of water-repellent impregnations in the base, so puddles should not be left on its surface either.

To overcome hydrophobia, some manufacturers increase the density of the base and reduce its absorbency, others add water-repellent impregnations to the load-bearing slab, and all of them treat the ends of the planks with a protective compound. Among these collections: Classic Aqua+ (Egger), Sensation (Pergo), Impressive Ultra (Quick-Step).

Do not allow large amounts of water to appear or accumulate on the floor near window sills with flower pots and water taps.

Mistakes that will shorten the life of the laminate

It is important to strictly follow the installation technology. We pay attention to typical situations. They can significantly reduce the service life of the floor and do not apply to warranty cases:

• laying the material without acclimatization indoors for 48 hours;
• laying on a screed with a moisture content of more than 2.5%;
• laying on an uneven base with height differences of more than 2 mm over a length of 1 m;
• lack of waterproofing film and substrate;
• absence of small gaps around the perimeter of the room (8-10 mm) and along the line of the doorway;
• use of film electric heated floors (infrared heating mats). If the laminate is laid on, then a vapor barrier must be used. It is placed under a substrate. During operation of the heating system, the temperature on the surface of the floor covering should not be higher than 27–28 ˚C.

By the way, when moving, a characteristic clicking sound is often heard. This is evidence that there is a small gap between the finish coat and the base. It works as a kind of resonator, amplifying the sounds of heels and causing irritation among the inhabitants of the apartment, and especially among the neighbors below.

It is not difficult to neutralize the unwanted effect. Place a substrate between the decorative coating and the base, which will act as a shock absorber and effectively dampen impact noise. Moreover, the underlay will increase the “thermal comfort” on the floor surface and smooth out minor unevenness of the base if they do not exceed 2 mm over a 2 m long section. Otherwise, the base of the floor must first be leveled.

Do not use substrates that are too thick: 4–5 mm. Then, when walking on the floor or installing heavy furniture, the planks will sag greatly and create additional load on the locking connection. As a result, in the worst case, the locks may be damaged. Substrates that are too thin (less than 2 mm) will not provide acoustic comfort. Experts consider the optimal thickness to be 2 to 3 mm.

Laminate flooring is always laid floating on the floor so that it can expand freely and return to its original state with changes in temperature and humidity. Small gaps (5–8 mm) are left around the perimeter of the room near walls, steps, pipes, etc., as well as along the line of the doorway. They are necessary for the natural movement of the coating. You cannot attach the planks to the base with nails, screws, or glue. This can cause creaking, cracks between individual elements, or, conversely, their warping.

We understand the variety of types and categories of laminate from well-known manufacturers

Selecting a coating is quite difficult. This is due to the wide range of finishing materials and a significant number of its manufacturers not only in our country, but also abroad.

Laminate classes

Laminate flooring can be divided into commercial and residential. The cost of the commercial option is quite affordable, and the service life exceeds its household counterparts:

• 31st grade. Used in commercial premises with light loads. The average service life in offices is three years, but for domestic use it can exceed ten years.
• 32nd grade. Used in commercial premises with medium load levels. The average service life in offices does not exceed five years; when used at home, the service life reaches fifteen years.
• 33rd grade. Used in commercial premises with intense loads. The average service life in office premises reaches seven years. When used in domestic conditions, the coating can last twenty years.
• 34th grade. The lamellas have the highest technical parameters and quality characteristics. This allows the material to be used in commercial premises with maximum loads.
• 43rd grade. This less common type of laminate material falls into the "premium" category. Produced by manufacturers to order.

Laminate design

Laminated boards can have different types of surface:

• Smooth slats. The surface has a smoother finish, including a glossy one. This laminate is quite slippery, and almost any traces from hands or feet are visible on it.
• Matte elements. They are more popular because they have significant naturalness, low slip and no marks.
• Laminate with texture. This is a modern development with a brushing effect or artificial irregularities. It gives the coating the most natural look.
• Laminate with chamfers. They have bevels or roundings at the edges of the boards. This gives a natural appearance and increases practicality in use.

Also read materials:

Variety in thickness

Modern laminates can have different thicknesses. The most common sizes include:

• laminates with a thickness of 7 mm;
• laminates with a thickness of 8 mm;
• laminates with a thickness of 9 mm;
• laminates with a thickness of 10 mm;
• laminates with a thickness of 12 mm.

The thickness of the laminate has a positive effect on the strength of the locking system and reduces the negative impact of external loads. Thick ones have less sonority.

Types of lock connections

The principle of connecting laminated boards allows us to divide them into the following types of systems:

• Lock-lock system involves assembling the coating in horizontal planes.
• Click-lock system involves performing both horizontal and corner assembly.

A significant part of laminate locks currently belong to the “click” category. They are distinguished by their reliability and assembly efficiency.

Review of laminate locks (video)

Household laminate options

For flooring in residential premises, the following types of household laminate flooring can be used.

Cork laminate

The lamellas have a different texture of the face layer, which varies from lamellar to fine-grained type. Classic versions are represented by warm shades of yellow, brown and ocher coloring. Exotic lovers choose the option with a splash of color. The material is harmless and has high dirt-repellent properties.

Vinyl laminate

It is a relatively new variety on the market of construction and finishing materials. It has structural features and consists of two layers combined into strips. The front part is made of aluminum oxide or polyurethane with a pattern that imitates the natural surfaces of expensive wood species. The basis is vinyl, which increases the rigidity and strength of floors, as well as extends the service life.

Glossy laminate

It is characterized by an attractive mirror shine and a large number of advantages, including durability, aesthetics and reliability. Gloss helps to reflect light and disperse it throughout the room. This visually expands the space.

Types of pictograms

Particularly noteworthy are the so-called pictograms, which can indicate the material’s compliance with international standards and clarify its advantages:

• icons EN 13893 And EN 14041 characterize the slipperiness classes of the laminate surface;
• icon DIN EN 12664 characterizes the thermal stability of laminates and their ability to be combined with heated floors;
• icon DIN EN 14041 characterizes the emission of formaldehyde in laminated boards;
• icons DN 4102 T1 And EN 13501-1 characterize the relationship of the laminated coating to the fire safety class;
• icon EN 438-2 characterizes the resistance of laminates and other types to the effects of unextinguished cigarettes;
• icons EN ISO 105 – B02, EN 20105 – A02 characterize the resistance of laminated boards to fading from sunlight;
• icon EN 438-2 characterizes the resistance of laminates to the formation of stains on the surface;
• icon DIN EN 1815 characterizes the antistatic parameters of laminated boards;
• icon EN 13329 with Appendix F characterizes the impact resistance of laminates and the absence of deformation as a result of mechanical stress.

You should definitely use the information content of the above icons or pictograms when choosing a floor covering.

Famous manufacturers

The selection of laminate coating must be made taking into account the well-known manufacturers of this material. A well-established brand often becomes a guarantee of quality and durability. Here are some examples:

• The absolute world leader is represented by a Belgian company Quick-Step. The design features and quality characteristics of this laminate suggest installation in a residential area. The popularity due to the high quality of the material has made the laminate of this company quite expensive.
• Laminate from the most famous and popular European flooring manufacturer in Russia Tarkett. Mid-price class laminate has a standard set of quality characteristics and an affordable price.
• Prestigious coating of a European brand Berry Alloc. It has improved qualities of moisture and wear resistance. This allows the material to be used as flooring in the kitchen and bathroom. The high cost fully corresponds to the quality characteristics.
• Laminate from a German manufacturer that produces products under the brand Parador. The material has the best characteristics, as well as an absolutely unique design, which is developed individually by the company.

Consumers should be wary of laminate flooring from Chinese manufacturers.

Widely represented in our country, such flooring material not only belongs to the budget category, but also does not have sufficient quality. Problems often accompany this laminate already at the installation stage.

How to choose a quality laminate (video)

When renovating a house, any owner strives to create a beautiful and high-quality interior for minimal money. When carrying out floor repairs, laminate comes to the rescue, as it successfully imitates the surfaces of more expensive flooring. This material will highlight what types of laminate are currently available.

What does laminate consist of?

Translated into Russian, it literally means layered material. The structure of the laminated coating is a “puff”, which consists of kraft paper, fiberboard, a layer with a pattern and a resin layer.

The main component is high-density fiberboard. The quality and durability of the product directly depends on the thickness of this layer.

Kraft paper serves as a moisture barrier and is located on the back of the plank.

A layer of decorative paper with an applied ornament is fixed on top of the base.

The top of this pie is a layer of polymer coating, which protects the entire product from all external influences.

It is this “pie” that allows you to create all kinds of laminate flooring.

Varieties by class

To select the right product, you should know the types of laminate according to wear resistance class:

• 21, 22, 23. These numbers indicate that this product has a low degree of abrasion. Its use is undesirable in places where there is constantly a large flow of people, as well as where there is high humidity. These types of laminate can be installed in bedrooms and rooms where the load on the floor is very low.
• 31 – 33. This code informs the buyer that such a product can be installed in rooms with increased load and high traffic volumes.
• 34th grade. A particularly durable type of laminate that can withstand prolonged contact with water. This laminated panel has the highest degree of wear resistance. This material is actively used in the halls of organizations, hospitals, and conference rooms.
• 42, 43 are special types of laminate that are produced exclusively to order. This material has found application in air terminals, railway stations or rooms where a particularly durable floor is needed. In domestic conditions, this type of product is not used due to the very high cost and the impossibility of creating work loads for the surface.

Type of laminate for moisture resistance

According to this criterion, the following types of laminate are distinguished:

1. Moisture resistant. This product is usually used in dining rooms, showers and similar areas. The presented material is not susceptible to moisture due to surface treatment with resins and wax.
2. Water resistant. This type of laminate can withstand direct contact with water for quite a long time. And the treatment of the interlocking joints prevents water from penetrating under the coating.

Differences in material depending on the installation method

Manufacturers of laminated flooring produce types of laminate installation with three possible connection methods: adhesive, Lock system and. The glue method is practically no longer used, so we will consider the next two in detail.

Lock connection

This type of laminate installation has a simple design. There is a groove on one side of the panel, and a special tenon on the other. When installing in this way, the tenon is driven into the groove using a rubber hammer.

When choosing this type of laminate installation, you should be careful, as the locking connection can easily be damaged.

Click lock

This type is the latest development and is considered the best. The complicated design eliminated all the disadvantages of the connection described above. Even a beginner can handle this type of laminate installation. To connect, just bring the bar at an angle of 45 degrees to the lock of the other sheet and, pressing slightly, lower it to a horizontal position. A slight click will indicate that the panels are connected.

This assembly makes it easy to disassemble the floor and move it to other rooms. The only drawback of this design is its cost.

These are all technical differences, but in addition to them there are also aesthetic differences, which we will describe below.

Designer types of coating

Artists show miracles of ingenuity and come up with new types of laminate in terms of design. The panels are made with original parameters and the texture details are changed. Of all the splendor, several main directions can be distinguished.

Wood imitation

In fact, laminate is a wood-look variety and was created to create the illusion of a more expensive parquet flooring. The imitation turned out to be excellent; the laminated board became similar to maple, oak, birch and other tree species due to the precise reproduction of the fiber structure.

Leather and luxury

Aesthetes who value unusual combinations will appreciate the crocodile skin laminate that will be installed in the office. If, in addition to the floor, the walls of the room are also decorated with similar material, this will create an extremely unusual interior. However, the cost of such coverage can reach impressive prices, so it is simply impossible to call it budget.

Metal and shine

Fans of cyberpunk and connoisseurs of high-tech style, who love a large abundance of metal parts in the design of the room, will appreciate laminate varieties that imitate metal. Such a product will organically fit into the design of a night dance floor or a themed club.

Stone and warmth

To imitate a surface that has the appearance of stone, but at the same time retains warmth and comfort without additional effort, a natural stone laminate was created. This surface is excellent for rooms where there is a fireplace.

Type of laminate according to surface type

Types of laminate also differ in the outer layer, and there are also many variations in design:

• Classic surface. The imitation wood laminate has small notches and grooves that create a wood structure that is visible to the naked eye.
• Old tree. By leaving the treated boards in the open air, we will soon get aged planks. To imitate such a coating, significant smoothed irregularities are created on the laminate.
• Glossy finish. Perfectly accentuates with a shiny surface. Such a covering resembles a plank floor, rubbed and opened with plenty of wood.
• Texture performance. Panels on which wood fibers are clearly visible create the complete impression that this is natural wood.
• Relief design. Small recesses along the entire surface of the plank are designed to easily imitate natural wood. This type of laminate is usually made with.
• Oily surface. On such a coating, the pores or fibers of the wood are not visible; it is completely smooth and even. This product resembles wood, which has previously been generously coated with drying oil.
• Waxed coating. Waxing the surface gives the base a warm shine. This type of laminate creates additional comfort and a warm atmosphere in the bedrooms.
• Country style. Laminated tiles, which create the effect of rough-hewn wood, are excellent for country houses.

Difference in product shape

The bulk of the manufactured product is sold in rectangular strips. This design is very convenient for installation in large rooms. Installation is quick, and if the Click connection is used, the speed and ease of installation increases even more.

But manufacturers also produce square laminated panels. They allow you to create complex compositions and ornaments. Such products do not require the use of a substrate, but are much more expensive than the planks described above. Such planks are easy to install, but they are more difficult to dismantle.

This article covered the main types of laminate. Familiarization with the material will make it easier for you to choose a product.

Laminate for construction work

For the average person, the expression “construction laminate” sounds rather strange, but it still exists. This technical laminate is used for constructing formwork, making temporary partitions, and sometimes for creating designer decorative elements in the interior.

Note: The advantages of this material include high moisture resistance, resistance to mechanical loads, lower fire hazard (compared to wood) and lower price than other materials with similar technical characteristics.

Typically, such laminate slabs are used in construction, in contrast to interior finishing work, where laminate boards are used.

Material for furniture production

Furniture laminate, or laminated chipboard, is a sheet of chipboard coated on both sides with a special film. Its high resistance to moisture allows it to be used for making furniture not only for the office, but also for rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom.

Laminate for furniture is easy to process, so it is used not only in industrial production, but also in the construction of structures at home.

Laminate flooring

This is the most popular floor covering nowadays, which is multilayer slabs of wood fibers (stabilizing, load-bearing, decorative), covered on top with a protective melamine layer, otherwise known as natural laminate.

Laminate flooring is classified according to the following criteria:

• wear resistance;
• thickness;
• type of locks;
• design.

Wear resistance class

The main thing that distinguishes laminate from each other is its wear resistance. The following classes are distinguished:

• 21, 22 and 23 are types of household laminate. This coating has low wear resistance (serves in residential premises from 2 to 6 years) and is currently practically not produced;
• 31 – refers to semi-commercial. In a small office or meeting room it can last up to 3 years; when used in a residential area, the service life is 9-10 years;
• 32 – commercial laminate, intended for rooms with medium load on the flooring (boutiques, reception areas, offices with low traffic). The service life is up to 5 years, and when used in domestic conditions - 12 years;
• 33 - this coating can withstand heavy loads of restaurants and large stores. Manufacturers claim that when used at full strength, this coating will last up to 6-7 years, and at home the period increases to 20 years;
• Class 34 is quite controversial. It is not officially approved, but some manufacturers label their products this way, which means the laminated panels are extremely durable and can withstand enormous loads, for example, in bars, airports, etc.

In addition to wear resistance, there is such a thing as abrasion resistance, denoted by the letters AC. It is checked using the “taber test”, in which the laminate is sanded with special paper. The abrasion resistance of the coating depends on the number of revolutions made by the grinding wheels until scratches appear on the upper protective layer of the panels and until it is destroyed by 95%.

As a rule, the abrasion resistance of the top coating and the load resistance of the base of the laminated panel itself are the same: class 31 – AC3, 32 – AC4, 33 – AC5 and AC6. However, there are cases when a laminate of a lower class has greater abrasion resistance, for example class 32 (AC5).

When choosing a floor covering, laminate markings can help, from which you can find out not only the class, but also resistance to various influences (for example, moisture, ultraviolet radiation or household chemicals) or care recommendations (for example, the use of soft legs for furniture).

The marking is usually indicated on the packaging of the material; an example can be seen in the photo.

Panel thickness

The thickness of laminated boards varies from 6 to 12 mm in 1 mm increments. Moreover, this indicator affects not only the wear resistance class, but also such characteristics as sound insulation and thermal insulation. This is also reflected in the assembly of the laminate: the thicker the material, the easier it is to install.

Panel size

There is no single standard for laminated boards, so each manufacturer sets the dimensions independently. Moreover, they can vary from one company to another depending on the collection. There are both rectangular and square laminate options.

However, assembly of long boards is easier and faster. It should also be noted that when using square panels there are more joints, which may become visible over time. Photos of floors assembled from laminates of various configurations are presented below.

Lock type

Another important difference between laminates is the type of connection. With regard to this criterion, the following types of laminate can be distinguished:

• laminate with Lock;
• laminate with Click lock.

Lock lock is an earlier invention. It is a fixing tenon on one side of the panel and a groove for it on the opposite side. Laminate with this type of locks is more economical, but labor-intensive and requires special care in assembly. Installation must be carried out using a wooden mallet or an ordinary hammer, but using a small wooden beam, as in the photo.

Click lock differs from the previous one in the shape of a spike, which in cross section resembles a hook. The panels are assembled quite easily: attach a second one to a board lying on the floor, inserting the hook into the groove at an angle of 45 degrees, and then lower it. A characteristic click will indicate that the docking took place correctly and the hook is hooked. Laminate flooring with a similar locking system is collapsible. That is. During its installation, the already mounted panels can be swapped, or if there is a need after the time of its use, for example, in the event of flooding.

Important! So, the main differences between laminate according to the type of locks: the possibility or lack thereof of re-installing the panel, the quality of assembly of the coating (in the second case it is better) and the need to use special tools (absent for Click-locks).

Cover design

According to the surface structure, laminate can be:

• Glossy. Often such surfaces are slippery, which is not advisable for families with elderly people and small children, as the risk of falling increases. Also, marks from children's feet and hands are very visible on it;
• Matte.
• They gained their popularity, firstly, due to their practicality (footprints or stains from a rag are not visible). And secondly, they look more natural, natural and do not slip;

Based on color they are distinguished:

• Laminate imitating natural boards. Standard colors: oak, bleached oak, walnut, alder, beech, cherry, rosewood, etc.;
• Laminate imitating ceramic tiles. Almost every manufacturer has collections of this type (mostly 32 and 33 classes). They are usually used for domestic purposes in the kitchen and living room;
• Laminate imitating leather. Original, extravagant, but not suitable for every room.

All listed types can be either with or without a chamfer. Beveled panels have a rounded or straight bevel along the edge. When you walk barefoot on a floor made of such material, you get the feeling of joints between each board.

Our article will be incomplete if we do not mention this type of self-adhesive laminate. This is a new type of PVC coating, characterized by its flexibility, which greatly simplifies the installation process. Also, the adhesive laminate is incredibly resistant to moisture, or rather, it is not at all afraid of water. It can be freely used in rooms such as the bathroom, toilet and kitchen.

There are constant debates around laminate about how durable it is, what its quality is, and how long it lasts. And the big difference in opinions is easily explained by the fact that laminate comes in different varieties. It cannot be assumed that this coating, produced by various manufacturers, always has certain characteristics. And, based on the fact that one store can sell materials of completely different quality, the question arises - how to choose the right laminate? And the point here is not only in the color scheme, but in a large number of characteristics.

Laminate is a long laminated board (hence the name laminate), which consists of four layers firmly connected to each other, each of which has a specific function.

1. The lowest layer is called balancing or compensating. Due to it, the lamella receives a certain strength and rigidity, as well as a certain level of moisture resistance.
2. Then comes the so-called load-bearing layer, which is most often made from fiberboard or HDF, a material that is a high-density fiberboard. It is this layer that is able to cope with the main mechanical loads experienced by the coating. The very locks that connect several lamellas into one sheet are located on this layer.
3. Decorative layer is responsible for the attractive appearance of the laminate. It is plain paper with a pattern printed on it. Thanks to this method of decoration, the laminate can have any color or imitate stone, wood and other materials.

On a note! Paper is typically impregnated with melamine to enhance its performance.

1. Upper layer Each lamella has a protective film made of melamine or acrylate resin. It protects the remaining layers of the laminate from moisture and the negative effects of other external factors. The layer is responsible for the wear resistance of the coating.

Laminate is one of the best options among all types of flooring, guaranteeing optimal value for money. It is valued and used in buildings for various purposes and, of course, is most often installed in apartments and private houses.

Pros and cons of laminate flooring

It is not surprising that the material is very popular. It has many advantages over other types of coatings. Positive features of laminate:

• large selection of colors. Laminate flooring is easy to match to any type of interior;
• installation is simple and done quite quickly. The coating is easy to lay even alone;
• for its price (and depending on the class) the material copes quite well with external influences;
• the coating is easy to clean and does not require additional treatment after installation. Depending on the type of installation, you can start using the floor almost immediately.

Installation of laminate (in this case, diagonally)

However, laminate is not an ideal coating; it has its drawbacks:

• the material doesn't like water. It is not recommended to install it in a room where the air humidity level is quite high;

On a note! There are certain classes of laminate, and lamellas belonging to them can also be used in damp rooms.

• laminate in general is not dangerous to health, but still it is not environmentally friendly coating;
• compared to linoleum, carpet, laminate has low noise insulation.

Types of laminate

Depending on the manufacturing technology and the type of top protective layer, two types of laminate can be distinguished.

1. Laminate made using direct pressing technology, is created immediately along with the top layer. Most often, this material is made for domestic use.
2. Laminate made using high pressure technology or HPL, has a top layer consisting of kraft cardboard and a protective coating. During pressing, the top part of the coatings is exposed to high temperature (+140 degrees) and pressure of 2.5 million kg. The connection with the base occurs only at the second stage of production. This coating has high strength, is not prone to abrasion, and can withstand strong mechanical stress.

On a note! High pressure laminate is produced by only two companies - Alloc and Pergo.

In general, there are two types of laminate - commercial (or industrial) and household.

Household classes - main differences

Laminate, classified as household grade, has lower performance characteristics than industrial material. The average service life (warranty) is about 5 years. That is why such coating is not in demand in Russia, because its wear resistance is low, as a result of which the service life of the coating is reduced. Basically, these are classes 21, 22, 23.

Household laminate does not have a high degree of protection against moisture. Or rather, he almost never has it. This fact narrows the possibilities of its use in certain types of premises.

Industrial laminate grades

The service life of this material is much longer than that of household materials. It is 8 years or more. The category is represented by classes 31, 32, 33, 34. Despite the fact that this laminate is recommended for use in offices and conference rooms, it is also quite often purchased for laying flooring in houses and apartments. The explanation for this phenomenon is simple - a longer service life and the desire to reduce the cost of repairing the floor in the future.

Commercial laminate is much more reliable and durable than household laminate. Despite the higher price, its characteristics completely justify the investment.

Basic information about the class of use of laminate

Above we talked about laminate classes. This flooring has a lot of them. The class is indicated on the packaging with lamellas and is represented by two numbers, where the first indicates the type of room in which the coating can be installed, and the second indicates wear resistance. Thus, the first number 2 indicates that the material can only be used in residential premises, and the number 3 states that the material is suitable for public premises. Depending on the degree of stability, there are three categories of material, designated by numbers 1, 2, 3.

On a note! The higher the number indicating the class, the stronger the laminate. Based on this, you can choose the most durable coating from those offered.

Table. Main classes of laminate.

Table: laminate wear resistance classes according to GOST and EN

Laminate is classified according to the European system EN13329. And in Europe, only laminates are now produced commercially, that is, those belonging to classes 31-34. But from manufacturers from Asia you can find more budget-friendly coating options. It is also worth remembering that laminate classes are a relative concept, since regardless of the marking, there may be lamellas that have too thin a protective coating. As a result, the coatings will serve differently. That is why you should make your choice only in favor of products from trusted manufacturers.

The presence of formaldehyde in the composition

Despite the fact that laminate is always and everywhere presented as an environmentally friendly material, it is not 100% environmentally friendly. This is especially true for cheap types of coating. They contain a fairly large amount of formaldehyde, a substance hazardous to human health. When the floor is installed and in use, the slats begin to release formaldehyde into the air. And a high concentration of this substance negatively affects the human condition.

Laminate, which does not pose a health hazard, always has the appropriate marking - E1. This designation tells the buyer that the coating complies with European standards regarding the content of carcinogens.

In general, the components of the laminate are chemically quite harmless. Chipboard as the base of the coating consists of wood waste. It turns out that the “naturalness” of the laminate is more than 90%.

On a note! Laminate marked E2 and E3 has a higher formaldehyde content - 3 and 6 times more than in E1, respectively. The most environmentally friendly type of laminate is labeled E0. But its cost is quite high.

Laminate of categories E2 and E3 can be used in apartments and houses, but on the condition that there are no more products in the room that could emit formaldehyde. Unfortunately, both furniture and some types of wallpaper contain this substance.

Types of connection of laminate panels

Each lamella has its own type of connection with another lamella, this allows you to create a durable and reliable coating on the floor that will not move apart and “walk.”

There are two types of connections.

Special glue can also be used to connect the lamellas. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to disassemble such a floor without problems.

Leading brands in laminate production

Since demand creates supply, there are now a great many laminate manufacturers on the market for this material. The undisputed leaders are Quick-Step, Haro, Tarkett, Kaindl, Pergo. The products of these brands are not cheap, but they are of high quality and reliability. There is no need to be afraid of overpaying for a well-known name when choosing laminate flooring. This will save the buyer from the problems associated with the need for early repairs.

Prices for Quick-Step brand laminate

Quick-Step laminate

In general, by country of origin, the best laminate is made in Belgium and Sweden. But you can buy economy coating made in Russia or Germany.

Prices for Tarkett laminate flooring

Tarquette laminate

When choosing a laminate, you should always pay attention to a number of characteristics - mechanical and chemical resistance, resistance to temperature changes. Also, the material should be non-slip, not fade in the sun, and easy to install. And, of course, match the color and class to a specific interior design or style.

In a bedroom or children's room, where the load on the floor is small, a low class coating can be used - 21 or 22. In the corridor, you should not lay a coating lower than class 23. To ensure that the life of the floor is as long as possible, it is worth choosing a material of at least class 31.

Only materials that are protected from moisture can be installed in the kitchen. The same applies to the bathroom. These rooms have high humidity, and cheap laminate flooring here will simply bulge and deteriorate. The ideal option is class 33.

How to choose laminate for your home?

Step 1. First of all, it is important to decide on the color of the material and select those options that are ideal for a particular interior style. This takes into account the geometric features of the rooms and the level of illumination.

Step 2. Among all the deferred color variations, you should choose the most suitable type of laminate that will have the required characteristics. First of all, you should decide on the brand. Slats from little-known and unreliable manufacturers are immediately swept aside. It is better to take more expensive material, but be confident in its quality, than to then change the coating ahead of schedule. Yes, and with the classification in this case it will be easier.

Step 3. Next, attention is drawn to the dimensions of the laminate planks. If the floor in the room is under significant load, then the lamellas are purchased thicker. The reliability of the floor covering and its durability will depend on this. If the floors are under heavy load, lamellas are purchased within the range of 9-12 mm in thickness; for lower loads, it is permissible to use panels 6-9 mm thick. Considerable importance is attached to the width and length of the lamellas - the speed of installation will depend on this. The optimal width is 17-20 cm to imitate a plank floor and about 9 cm to create the appearance of parquet. The largest width of an individual laminate plank is 33 cm. In terms of length, the choice is usually made in favor of boards 128-136 cm. These are the optimal dimensions.

Step 4. The type of locking connection is selected. For beginning craftsmen, it is recommended to opt for click locks. It is easier to assemble such a floor, and in case of an error or the need for rework, it is easy to disassemble.

Step 5. Moisture resistance is an important factor, especially if you plan to lay the coating in the bathroom or kitchen. Depending on the operating conditions, the appropriate class of material is selected. By the way, moisture resistance can be checked - to do this, a piece of laminate is soaked in water for 8 hours, and then its swelling is assessed. If the piece has increased in volume by a maximum of 18%, then the coating is of high quality and reliable.

On a note! When installing even moisture-resistant material, the ends of the lamellas must be coated with a special protective mastic. The fact is that these parts of each plank are usually not protected from moisture.

Step 6. The material must be environmentally friendly. Here the availability of a certificate of conformity from the seller and the marking of the coating are assessed. A laminate marked E1 or E0 is selected.

Step 7 The density of the laminate is also important. It should be within 850 kg/m3. Density is rarely indicated on packages, but you can find it out yourself from the data on the packages. To do this, the total area of ​​all lamellas is multiplied by their thickness, after which the value is converted to cubic meters. Next, the total mass of the laminate is divided by the resulting value - the density is obtained.

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The choice of laminate should be taken very seriously. The right choice is the key to a beautiful floor that won’t cause any trouble to the owner. However, if you listen to all the above tips, buying a good laminate flooring will not be difficult.