Laminated parquet. Which is better - parquet boards or laminate flooring? What is the difference between parquet boards and laminate flooring? What is laminate

Laminate parquet, according to experts, accounts for about 10% of sales on the flooring market, which is not so little. What attracts potential buyers to laminate is its ease of installation and operation, as well as its low cost and wide variety of designs.

Laminate parquet – is it parquet?

It’s hard to figure out where the termite “laminated parquet” came from. However, this phrase misleads many consumers. Firstly, real parquet is not laminated; there is varnish, mastic and oil to protect it, and secondly, laminated flooring has nothing in common with real parquet except appearance. And that one is just a skillful fake - the top one, decorative layer, creating beautiful picture, often made of special paper or furniture foil, which is given the desired look.

Real parquet flooring is made entirely from solid pieces of wood, each floorboard is cut and planed in accordance with the right size. The drawing we see is a real drawing of a tree. When choosing parquet or laminate, keep in mind that the former can be scraped and sanded, coated with varnish or mastic, which cannot be done with laminate.

The fact is that laminate consists of 4 layers. The top one protective layer, consists of high-strength resins, melamine or acrylic. This lamination gives the coating its name. The protection is transparent, so many people, out of ignorance, confuse it with varnishing, but the membrane varnish coating much less durable. Besides, protective covering on a laminate can be composite - consist of several elements, each of which will be responsible for a specific task: moisture repellence, wear resistance, resistance to ultraviolet radiation and pollution.

Under the protective layer is the same decorative layer that we wrote about above. By the way, manufacturers reproduce not only wood patterns, but also many other, more original ones, for example, the colors of a chessboard or a sandy coast. Most thick layer, the core of the laminate is a load-bearing layer made of high-strength chipboard or fiberboard. And already under it is located bottom cover, resin-impregnated paper that protects the core from moisture.

Considering that chipboard is made from the same wood, the content of this natural material in laminate can reach 95% for US and European manufacturers and about 50% for Chinese products. But, nevertheless, this does not make the laminate a parquet - it is most correct to call it laminated flooring, or simply laminate.

If you are looking for something between parquet and laminate, pay attention to parquet boards - not to be confused with parquet made from solid wood.

In the second case we are dealing with expensive coating, the creation of which takes a lot of wood - the floorboards have big sizes and fully reflect the pattern of the wood core. The production of parquet boards requires much less wood. The fact is that it consists of three layers: the bottom and middle layers are made of inexpensive coniferous species, but the top one is made of valuable wood.

Its thickness is only 3-4 mm, so repairing it using standard methods You can only do it once. Well, if it lasts at least 20 years, it won’t be enough for more. But it is as easy to install as laminate, and can even be moved to another location. This is convenient if you decide to do minor repairs V rented apartment– when you move out, you can take the cover with you.

Parquet – how is strength determined?

In addition to mobility, laminate has other advantages. It does not need to be scraped, sanded or varnished - after installation, the surface is immediately ready for use. High-quality laminate does not fade in the sun, and any stains are removed with a solvent. It is impossible to give an unambiguous assessment of environmental friendliness and safety, since different manufacturers use different technologies and components. However, if you wish, you can find a hypoallergenic laminate that is completely harmless to sensitive organisms.

Of course, for such a type of product as laminated parquet, there is GOST 4598-86, but it poorly reflects the truly important standards, and besides, certification of laminate flooring is considered voluntary. It is much more correct to focus on the European system for determining the quality of laminated floors, which was adopted in 1999. According to this system, each class of coating is tested according to 18 tests for abrasion, resistance to scratches, resistance to aggressive substances, impact resistance, etc. According to the results, a verdict is made about belonging to one or another strength class.

However, most consumers know about only one such test - the Taber test. The question that is asked to the seller to find out about the results of this test is usually “How many revolutions?” The announced figure is for many an indicator of the strength of the laminate. How are these very revolutions determined and what is meant? The test consists of pressing an abrasive wheel with special parameters to the front side of the product, which simulates wear conditions. Depending on how many revolutions of the circle the laminate can withstand before complete wear, the degree of its wear resistance is determined - usually the resulting figure ranges from 6,000 to 20,000 revolutions.

However, there are many “buts” in this test. Firstly, there is no universal grinding wheel and tool - each manufacturer uses the equipment that it considers correct (or profitable). That is, a Taber test of the same product different manufacturers may surprise you with completely different results.

In addition, during the test, the initial phase is first assessed in the form of an IP value (initial phase) - the resulting figure indicates the number of revolutions that lead to the appearance of the first signs of abrasion. Then the FP (final phase) value is determined - this is the final phase of the study, when the degree of wear has reached 95%. From these two values, the arithmetic mean (AT, TT or simply T) is calculated.

What exactly manufacturers indicate on price tags or price lists, one can only guess, since in most cases it is just a number without any letter designations. You have to rely only on honesty, because it will not be difficult for the manufacturer to correct the data, and it will be impossible to catch him in deception. For example, instead of the average value, the company will indicate the number of revolutions that fell in the final phase. It seems that she didn’t lie, but the information is no longer accurate.

Laminated parquet – strength classes

For ease of understanding and convenience, European manufacturers introduced a classification of laminate flooring, which was adopted all over the world. The class indicates the degree of wear resistance determined by test results.

Thus, classes from 21 to 23 are intended for premises with low and medium traffic. For example, you can easily place class 21 in the bedroom, class 22 in the nursery, and class 23 in the kitchen or hallway. For office or shop premises there are classes from 31 to 33. Class 31 is suitable for rooms with relatively low traffic volume, for example, for a presentation room or assembly hall. Classes 32 and 33 should be laid where laminated parquet will be subject to special loads.

In addition to the class, you should also pay attention to the warranty period, which can tell a lot. For example, if a manufacturer gives only 5 years for 31 classes, while a competing company gives all 10, this suggests that in the first case the parquet only performs minimum requirements for class 31, so the company is not too confident in its strength and durability.

Laying laminated parquet - simple precautions

Laying laminate flooring is no more difficult than assembling a children's construction set - the panels are quickly and accurately connected to each other. It is much more difficult to prepare the base for the laminate so that it is as even as possible. Traditional concrete screed Only at first glance it is smooth, but when laying it, a lot of tubercles and pits will be revealed.

In such cases, it is recommended to lay a material under the laminate that could smooth out minor defects, for example, sheets of technical cork. The larger the defects, the thicker the sheets should be. If this does not help, self-leveling self-leveling floors will help level the surface. If the surface does not have a slope, then a layer of 2-3 millimeters is enough to smooth out the unevenness.

Don't be afraid to spend time preparing the surface, then you will save it on the simplicity and installation of the laminate itself. It is not recommended to lay it on an uneven floor - if separate part will fluctuate due to a tubercle or fall into a hole, this will lead to breakage of the locks and compromised strength.

It is best to make such a coating floating, that is, not attach it to the base. Like any wood material, laminate also reacts to changes in humidity and temperature, so it can shrink or expand. Therefore it is important to leave small space between walls, pipes and end strips, at least 5 mm. If you want to lay the same fabric in all rooms, in any case, make transitional thresholds to avoid swelling of the floor.

For real beautiful interior can be created in the house only if there is good sex. Currently there are many various types floor covering. Among all this abundance, laminated parquet boards stand out.

It can be varnished or matte, imitating not only wood, but also marble or granite. It is possible that such a floor will have a chamfer-groove, as when laying a conventional wooden board. What type of this material to choose for housing and how to do it correctly? This is what this article will discuss.

What is laminated parquet?

The birthplace of this type of flooring is Sweden. It was in this Scandinavian country that laminate flooring was first manufactured. Now this material occupies a worthy place in the international market.

Laminated parquet structurally resembles layered cake. The top layer is protective and is made of a high-strength film that is formed after processing the material acrylic resin. The process of applying a protective layer, which gives such products their name, is called lamination.

Let's watch a video about what laminated parquet is:

The coating can be either single-layer or multi-layer; it is also called composite. The top layer performs protective function– prevents aggressive effects environment on the material. It is resistant to moisture and is not afraid of Sun rays, it is resistant to abrasion, withstands dirt and is indestructible various substances household chemicals.

The importance of this layer is indicated by the fact that its quality determines the cost of the entire product. Even the hardest and valuable wood without protection it will become unusable in a couple of years. Under the film there is a decorative layer of special paper. It imitates certain tree species and wood structure.

Or displays the texture and color of some building materials:

• White stone
• Sand
• Graphite
• Diamond

It can resemble a chessboard or look like rusty iron, or anything, it depends on the imagination of the manufacturer.

Laminated parquet boards are very durable. Its basis is a supporting layer, which is made of fiberboard or chipboard. Fiberboards have extremely high density, due to which they have special strength and rigidity. They are able to withstand moisture and maintain their characteristics under significant temperature fluctuations.

The bottom layer of the laminate is paper impregnated with resins. Its main purpose is to protect the base layer from moisture and stabilize the entire board.

Main advantages

This flooring has many advantages over others, including over conventional solid wood or piece parquet. The most important difference is that laminated boards do not require a tedious and dusty sanding procedure. There is no need for additional sanding or subsequent varnishing of the floor.

Unlike natural parquet, laminate does not fade in the sun; protective surface does not become disfigured by cracks over time. Any stain can be easily removed from it without leaving any traces behind.

Classification and standards

Back in 1999, quality assessment standards for this type of flooring were created in Europe, which are still in effect today and are used in the production of laminate floors. All types of this material undergo mandatory tests for strength, wear resistance, sound insulation, ability to withstand mechanical damage and more, using a total of 18 tests. Based on their results, the laminate parquet board is assigned a certain class of use. It is usually indicated by a two-digit number.

Watch the video on how to choose the right coating classes:

According to the classification used in Europe, laminated parquet is divided into several classes, and this depends primarily on wear resistance. They can be divided into two groups: used for residential buildings and used in commercial premises.

The first includes:

• 21 – for the bedroom
• 22 – for a children's room
• 23 – for the kitchen, hallway, living room

The second group consists of:

• 31 – for low intensity use
• 32 – for medium intensity level
• 33 – with increased load

But when assessing the real quality of the flooring, you should also look at other parameters. Both the warranty period and the manufacturer play an important role here. So, for example, the floor of any Scandinavian manufacturer, belonging to class 31, will have guarantee period 10 years or even more, but those made in Poland or Russia are designed for only 5.

As practice shows, class 33 laminated parquet can withstand direct contact with water for a long time. But there are also products that can warp due to excess moisture. And in some cases, laminate flooring is cared for only with the use of special products.

Laminate thickness

This indicator indicates the strength of the product and allows you to determine the possibility of combination with the doors installed in the room. For living rooms It is advisable to choose a laminate with a thickness of 7-8 mm, but not less than 6 mm.

Floor lined with thin parquet board, will feel like a cold surface and in this case it will need to be heated. But thick laminated parquet has only good reviews. It is wear-resistant, durable and is not afraid of prolonged loads from furniture.

Cutting the material

Each manufacturer himself determines what width and length his products will be. This explains that the laminated board has different sizes. And if you lay the flooring yourself, then you should choose not long and wide boards, but standard. It's much easier to work with them. If the floor installation is carried out by professionals, then the size of the parquet will not cause any difficulties for them.

Many people are interested in how long it will last laminate parquet. This depends on many factors, and first of all, on its characteristics, room traffic and warranty period.

For example, the most popular is considered to be 31 classes, laid in a room where there are high loads, and can last more than 3 years. And in ordinary apartment will please the owners for more than 10 years.

Laminated parquet of class 32 in an office will last about 5 years, and in a residential building it will withstand loads for 15 years. This kind of floor is excellent option both for private housing and commercial premises.

When choosing a floor covering, it is very important to pay attention to the warranty period. And never buy laminate without a guarantee or with a period of only a couple of weeks. Even if it will be offered practically free of charge. In a very short time, this advantage can turn into at great expense to purchase other flooring material.

High-quality laminated parquet, the price of which is higher than the market average, will last you a long time, and caring for it will not cause significant trouble. In order to navigate prices, just look them up on the Internet on specialized websites or on the official pages of manufacturers.

Many companies, in addition to several main collections, also produce several minor ones under the same brand. Their cost is lower than the main products, but the quality also leaves much to be desired. It is better to choose laminate from the main one model range manufacturer, this will ensure high quality coating and its long service life.

Conclusion

Don't be tempted to buy cheap laminate flooring. Remember that it's too low cost indicates the same low quality. When making a choice, pay attention to the nuances highlighted above, and then, installed in your home new material for the floor will not only be reliable, but also attractive, and for a very long time.

Before arranging the interior of a room in which it is preferable to make a wooden floor as a floor covering, you should familiarize yourself with the options for this type of covering. What is better - a parquet board or a parquet laminate - the characteristics of each of them will help you decide. By comparing the qualities of each material, it will be easy to make a choice. Knowing the requirements for the floor covering, extending its service life is quite simple.

Laminate and its structure

Choosing what kind of coverage would be better suited For a specific room - parquet boards or parquet laminate - their characteristics should be fully assessed.

Laminate is a layered system consisting of 4 types of material. The total thickness is rarely more than 1.5 cm. The main layer consists of chipboards or fiberboard. It gives rigidity to the product. The bottom of the laminate is made of paper impregnated with a water-repellent substance. Sometimes plastic is used for these purposes. The bottom layer reliably protects the slab from moisture. The decorative layer has a color that imitates the color of the main tree species. There are also other types of textures. The top layer of the product is a thin, transparent film, which protects it from moisture penetration and mechanical damage.

When choosing which is better - parquet boards or parquet laminate - you must take into account that laminate is durable, durable material. Corundum grain is added to expensive building materials for strength.

Advantages of laminate

Laminate has a number positive qualities. Thanks to them, according to consumer reviews, this type The coating will last about 10 years. This should be taken into account when choosing between it and a parquet board.

The main advantages of laminate include environmental friendliness. It can even be placed in a nursery. What distinguishes laminate from parquet boards is the ability to install it in rooms with elevated temperatures. It is able to repel dirt and does not slip. The coating is abrasion resistant, mechanical damage and loads. Laminate is resistant to rising temperatures. Withstands overheating.

One of the positive qualities that distinguishes laminate from parquet boards is the lack of need for maintenance special methods coating. It is enough to carry out regularly wet cleaning surfaces.

Parquet board or laminate - which is better? Consumer reviews also make it clear that laminate is a little easier to install. Its cost is less than that of parquet boards.

Disadvantages of laminate

When considering whether to choose parquet boards or laminate, you need to familiarize yourself with the disadvantages of the latter.

This material cannot withstand high humidity. Therefore, it is better not to use it in the bathroom or kitchen. Among the disadvantages of laminate, it is also worth noting the impossibility of restoration by polishing. Serious scratches will be very difficult to remove. Choosing high class strength, it will be possible to avoid negative manifestations.

Laminate or What to choose is, of course, up to you. The main thing that good quality was present in each type of material. Laminate Low quality It will only last 2-3 years. And the good high-quality coating The presented type is comparable in cost to parquet.

Parquet board

It is also a layered structure. However, its overall thickness is slightly greater than that of laminate. Usually it reaches 2 cm. The top layer is made from various valuable types of wood. That is why such coverage is quite expensive.

The difference between parquet and laminate is that its structure consists of 3 layers. The wood and plywood included in the composition are located perpendicular to each other. This system allows you to increase the strength of the product and also avoid deformation. The top decorative layer, which is durable wood, additionally protects the product.

Parquet board texture

By studying how laminate differs from parquet boards, we can come to the conclusion that both types of material are quite rich in the spectrum of texture diversity. The surface of the parquet board is sometimes additionally painted. However, even without this, creating a real work of art on the surface of the material will not be difficult.

Using brushing technology, it is possible to artificially age the appearance of wood. The material is colored using toner. This helps give desired shade wood.

The surface of the parquet board can be bleached, steamed and other manipulations can be performed. If desired, the texture is not used at all. The surface will be simply smooth and shiny. But thanks to the characteristics inherent in each type of wood, choose an interesting, unique style flooring is very simple. Texture can add luxury to the interior. The main thing is to correlate the design style of the room with the choice of pattern on the surface of the wood.

parquet board

Parquet board or laminate - which is better? User reviews highlight the following: positive features wooden floor, as environmentally friendly and hygienic. Thanks to the properties of wood, dirt is simply pushed out of the material. With proper use, the durability of such coating exceeds 30 years. This is also facilitated by the possibility of sanding the parquet board. It is being restored to remove scratches and traces of mechanical damage.

This material can be easily combined with other types of flooring. For example, in the kitchen, near work surface, can be laid ceramic tiles, and cover the rest of the space with a wooden covering.

When deciding which is better - parquet boards or parquet laminate - you should take into account that natural wood is considered warm material. Therefore, in a room with laminate or parquet boards, the temperature difference will be noticeable.

When using a locking connection, the parquet board is easily and quickly assembled.

Disadvantages of parquet boards

• The natural wood included in the product does not like temperature changes and high humidity.
• This material also reacts poorly to ultraviolet rays.
• Wood has the property of absorbing odors, which can be irritating in a residential environment.
• On top layer Dents and scratches appear easily.
• The cost of purchase and installation is quite high.

Laminate or parquet boards, the pros and cons of which were discussed above, are chosen at the discretion of the consumer. The disadvantages inherent in the latter also include the change in the size of floor elements in summer and winter due to the ability to absorb and release water.

What do parquet boards and laminate have in common?

In or parquet boards, you need to be guided not only by their pros and cons. You should also pay attention to the general qualities of the materials. The similarity of the coatings lies in the wide range of their colors and textures. This will allow you to create a wide variety of interiors.

Parquet boards are produced using the deck method. The ease of installation of both systems is ensured by the technology of their connection. When laying laminate or parquet boards, you do not need to use glue or mastic. This assembly method will also help you easily replace a damaged coating element.

What to choose?

The difference between laminate and parquet boards should be taken into account when the consumer chooses the necessary building material. In different situations, any of the following will be better suited:

• If the room is a walk-through room, or the flooring will be subject to heavy loads, it is better to give preference to laminate. It is more resistant to abrasion.
• If there are animals in the house, it is better to choose laminate.
• For luxurious interior design, parquet boards are definitely better suited.
• The difference between laminate and parquet boards is thermal conductivity. If you need to create additional insulation floor, you need to give preference to parquet boards.
• When there is no good ventilation in the room, it is better to cover the floor with laminate.
• Laminate and parquet boards differ in noise transmission. When using laminate, for example, running around the apartment Small child will create discomfort for neighbors below.
• Many consumers pay initial attention to the price of coverage. Laminate is cheaper, but will have to be replaced more often.

How to choose a laminate?

To choose a laminate wisely, you need to pay attention to the wear resistance class. Even for residential premises it is better to choose strength class 31-33. This will significantly extend the life of the flooring.

The thickness of the laminate, like the parquet board, has different meaning. It should be from 8 to 12 mm. For this type of coverage this is quite enough.

The thickness of laminate and parquet boards is different. The first option is much more subtle. It does not raise the floor level noticeably. This is true for people doing renovations in one room. With laminate, there will be no step between rooms.

When committing self-installation It is better to choose a lock type connection for wooden flooring.

How to choose the color of a parquet board?

When making a purchase, you should also pay attention to the quality, cost and color of the flooring wood covering.

As for the color of the parquet board, it is selected to match front door. They don't have to match in color. The main thing is that their tandem is harmonious.

The contrasting combination of parquet with a door looks very interesting. It is best to choose the color directly in the store. Shades may be distorted in the photo.

When choosing the color of the floor covering, you should take into account that the difference between laminate and parquet boards is the preservation of color artificial version. Natural wood will lighten over time. This must be taken into account when choosing the color of the floor covering and door.

The shade of wood even depends on the type of cut and production location, as well as processing technology. Lighting plays an important role in the process of choosing the color of a parquet board.

It is better not to select the same texture of the door and wooden covering. Otherwise, there will be little harmony in such a combination.

How to choose a parquet board?

A good parquet board is usually up to 2 cm thick. You should also pay attention to the hardness of the material. Moreover, this indicator should be correlated with the moisture resistance index of the tree.

When selecting a parquet board as a floor covering, you should ensure that the humidity in the room is not lower than 45 and not higher than 60%. IN heating season if there is a lack of moisture, the floor covering is made of natural wood may crack. Therefore, asking the question: “Laminate or parquet boards - what to choose?” - it is necessary to measure the humidity in the apartment. If the level of this indicator is insufficient, it is necessary to give preference to laminate.

Cost of parquet boards

Parquet board is an expensive coating. The cost depends directly on its thickness, processing method, as well as the brand of production. The better the quality of the flooring, the more expensive its price. A good laminate costs as much as a parquet board.

The most expensive materials For natural coating Exotic wood species such as cherry and walnut are considered. This is due to the thinness of plant trunks. Good processing, high-quality sanding also makes the final product more expensive.

Products produced by popular manufacturers have more high cost. Although a big name and a high price are not always a guarantee of quality. The appearance of the product, its locks, thickness and quality of processing should play a decisive role in the process of selecting flooring.

Having familiarized yourself with the main characteristics, types and their features, it will be easy to decide which is better - parquet boards or laminate flooring. Depending on the requirements for the floor covering, everyone chooses the best option for themselves.

Knowing the basic parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing an artificial or natural wooden floor, it will not be difficult to determine the best quality product at an affordable price.

When a serious renovation is underway in an apartment, the owner inevitably faces the question of choosing a floor covering, and most often this question is - which is better, parquet or laminate? The tree is the oldest building material, people have long appreciated its practicality, and for last century began to pay more and more attention to the environmental friendliness of wood. But before solving the dilemma, parquet or laminate - what to choose, of course, you need to understand the difference between their properties, compare the advantages and disadvantages.

• Variety of types of wood flooring
• Design differences
• Price
• Advantages and disadvantages of parquet and laminate
• Installation
• Appearance
• Exploitation

Variety of types of wood flooring

Humanity has come up with quite a lot of floor coverings, the names of which contain the words “parquet” or “laminate”:

• laminated parquet;
• parquet board;
• laminated flooring, etc.

So that the ignorant buyer does not get confused in this variety, we will describe the main ones.

“Laminate flooring”, “laminated parquet” and simply “laminate” are the same thing.

And the variety in names is explained by the constant improvement of the manufacturing technology of this coating, the quality characteristics of which are constantly growing, and it itself looks more and more like natural parquet. That is, laminated parquet is the same laminate, but more reminiscent of natural dies.

As for parquet and parquet boards, these are completely different things:

• Classic parquet consists exclusively of hardwood. There are many types of parquet.
• Parquet boards appeared much later and are a material made from glued wooden planks in several layers. At the beginning, parquet boards were made from parquet production waste.

Design differences

Comparing laminate and parquet should start with something in common - both of them finishing materials are made of wood, and the parquet consists entirely of it.

Here lies the main difference between parquet and laminate, since in the manufacture of the latter, other materials are used along with wood.

Moreover, if European manufacturers' laminate consists of 90-95% wood, then Chinese products may contain no more than half of it.

Laminate is like a layered cake: the main layer is made of wood fiber, similar in structure to plywood or fiberboard, and the other layers are artificial materials- paper and resins. The front side of the laminate is made of very durable and wear-resistant plastic, which is used to laminate the product, hence its name. Under the layer of this transparent plastic there is also a film that has a pattern that imitates the texture of wood - it is this that determines the appearance of the laminate. The same technology is used to produce low pressure laminate.

Video about the differences between manufacturing and performance characteristics for parquet and laminate:

Price

Listing the characteristics that demonstrate the difference between parquet and laminate, one cannot fail to note the price, which is several times higher for parquet than for any laminate.

The difference is significantly influenced by both the type of wood and the quality of the laminate. The most expensive brands of laminate are not much cheaper than parquet. But if the buyer already has enough money for an expensive laminate, then it is better to add a little more and buy parquet that will have whole line benefits.

If financial issue doesn’t matter at all, then you definitely need to go with a solid parquet board, or even better - with piece parquet.

Advantages and disadvantages of parquet and laminate

For the consumer, of course not. more important than the issue, which material will perform better during operation.

Advantages of parquet

• parquet can be restored many times;
• good thermal insulation makes parquet floors warm;
• good sound insulation;
• durability (with high-quality installation, material and adequate operating conditions, the service life of parquet will be tens of years);
• hypoallergenic;
• dust is not attracted to the wood.

Cons of parquet

• dents and scratches easily appear on the parquet;
• caring for parquet is troublesome and expensive - every few years it needs to be sanded and varnished, and this requires a special sanding tool and specialist skills;
• The procedure for restoring parquet is very lengthy (almost like a full renovation) and involves moving all the furniture.
• very sensitive to fluctuations in humidity and temperature, which causes it to dry out, crack or swell;
  high price.

Advantages of laminate

• the operation of the laminate does not involve too much troublesome maintenance;
• with average intensity of use, laminate can last quite a long time - a couple of decades;
• the cost is cheaper than parquet.

Cons of laminate

• laminate is less durable than parquet;
• it cannot be restored.

A general limitation for both parquet and laminate is that both of these coatings cannot be used in rooms with regular high humidity(bathrooms, kitchens), this also needs to be taken into account when washing parquet and laminate flooring.

You should know that both coatings are quite suitable even for daily wet cleaning, but the rag must be thoroughly wrung out, preventing excess water from getting onto the surface.

Video about the differences between parquet and laminate:

Installation

As for laying these coverings, in the case of laminate it looks much simpler. Inviting specialists to install it will cost much less than laying block parquet.

Modern laminate flooring is a little more difficult to install children's construction set, and no expensive or specific tools are required.

Special locks are made on the laminate strips, with the help of which they are easily, smoothly and reliably connected, and the final coating looks monolithic.

The advantage of laminate in installation time is also obvious, because the area of ​​an average-sized room can be covered with it in one to two hours. If piece parquet is laid in the same room, the job will take a day, or even two.

In this sense, the Solomonic solution may be the use of parquet boards. The technology for installing it is closer to installing laminate than block parquet, which is very reminiscent of assembling a mosaic.

Appearance

There is no doubt that well-maintained natural parquet will look much more refined and luxurious than laminate. Although, with the development of technology, not every consumer can distinguish a modern laminate floor from a parquet floor. It’s not without reason that manufacturers spent a lot of effort to model on a laminated board wood pattern, which has already become practically indistinguishable from natural wood, so in many cases replacing parquet with laminate can go unnoticed.

Traditional parquet is strongly associated in the imagination with strict classical interiors of residential premises or formal halls. Laminate flooring can fit perfectly into either classic interior, and in modern times. This is facilitated by the huge variety of textures and shades that manufacturers have learned to impart to laminate flooring.

Laminate can imitate not only wood itself, but also tiles, marble, granite and a whole range of artificial and natural materials.

Exploitation

When comparing the behavior of parquet and laminate, it quickly becomes clear that the latter is colder and especially noisy, although the latter disadvantage can be quite successfully combated with the help of sound-absorbing substrates. And if you combine it with a heated floor system, this disadvantage will turn into an advantage - heat will easily flow into the room.

But bought quality laminate is not afraid of scratches from sharp ladies' heels or moving furniture, it will not fade in the sun and will not retain traces of indentation or static loads. Modern laminate is difficult to ignite and is quite moisture resistant.

When comparing the care of laminate and parquet, it should be borne in mind that the appearance of the latter is difficult to maintain if the owners often like to rearrange furniture, are used to walking around the house in heels, or have pets.

Wood is sensitive to indelicate external influences, and in the absence of careful handling, its surface is noticeably damaged.

Therefore, it is necessary to scrape natural parquet every few years in order to remove the thin damaged layer from it.

If the microclimate in the room changes, the parquet begins to dry out and deform, causing unpleasant creaking. Soft and hygroscopic wood does not like sudden temperature changes. Lacquered parquet may lose its attractiveness in terms of environmental friendliness, since toxic components may be released from the varnish.

Neither parquet nor laminate can surpass each other in every characteristic; each has its own strengths and weak. So the choice is between these two floor coverings should be based on the financial capabilities of the buyer, operating conditions and the owner’s willingness to regularly monitor appearance coverings.

What would you choose – parquet or laminate, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments and explain them - other readers will be interested!