In this article you will learn rules for choosing laminate and what are his varieties presented on the market today.

The flooring in any room can be figuratively compared to the foundation of a house. First of all, it must be durable and reliable, that is, have a long service life. In addition, the flooring should look attractive, consist of materials that are safe for human health and be affordable. Such flooring materials as laminate satisfy many criteria. Let's consider its varieties and the basic rules for choosing for a particular type of premises. It is important to remember that any high-quality material can become unusable only due to its use in unsuitable conditions.

Types of laminate

Dividing laminate by appearance

The simplest and most basic division of laminate into types occurs depending on its appearance. It, in turn, depends on the color of the surface and on the layer of protection applied to it (protects it from external influences - moisture, abrasion, fading, impacts, etc.).

• Ordinary laminate, as a rule, is externally stylized as wood and is one of the cheapest. Often does not have particularly good characteristics and is short-lived.
• The glossy look is more expensive, but its characteristics are better and its appearance is more respectable - a beautiful imitation of a varnish surface.
• The matte surface looks like oiled wood and creates the effect of a “warm” floor. It is pleasant to walk on such a surface and there are no visible marks left on it afterwards.
• Textured laminate is the most attractive in appearance. Gives the impression of an expensive floor made of wood, ceramic tiles or natural stone (granite, marble), etc.

The appearance of this flooring is very diverse. That is why laminate is the No. 1 floor covering for creating bold and impressive interiors.

Separation of laminate according to installation method

• Glue look. In this case, the components are fastened by gluing their end parts to each other. This laminate tolerates excess moisture well. This is a solid mount.
• Castle view. Fastening is carried out without glue, joining the laminate board together - a “floating” fastening (does not connect to the floor). Very popular and convenient.

Division of laminate according to loads and wear resistance

The loads can be insignificant, as, for example, in the bedroom - a minimum of movement. Or significant loads - in rooms where heavy furniture and equipment are installed. Flooring is divided into types intended for small, medium and heavy loads.

Also, the conditions of use require different degrees of exposure to moisture, so laminate can be regular or moisture-resistant.

According to the area of ​​use, laminate is divided into household - used in residential premises and industrial. Accordingly, all the qualities of an industrial look are an order of magnitude higher than those of household laminate.

Laminate classes

For ease of orientation in the variety of laminates presented to the consumer, they are usually divided into classes. They show the scope of application of a certain type based on its wear resistance. Each type of laminate undergoes a special Taber test. It is very simple and is carried out using a Taber device. The top layer of the laminate is exposed to the abrasive wheel. Then experts calculate how many revolutions of the circle were made before the protective layer of the coating was completely abraded. Based on a special table, they assign a certain class to a given laminate sample, and this is where its wear resistance identification ends.

Understanding the classes is very easy. They are indicated by two numbers, the first one can be represented as “2” or “3”:

• “2” is a laminate intended for home use.
• “3” is a laminate for other needs, that is, stronger and more durable.

The second number indicates the level of resistance to external influences (mechanical damage): “1” - low, “2” - medium, “3” - high. Thus, looking at the class indicated on the packaging, you can “read” the area of ​​​​use of this laminate

• “21”, “22”, “23” - classes of laminate for home use, the service life of which is up to 4 years. Today, such laminate is not available for sale; most factories have discontinued it.
• “31”, “32”, “33” - classes of so-called commercial use. Despite the historical name, they are intended for use both in office premises and at home. Most types of laminate flooring on sale today have a class of 31 to 33. When used at home, these types of laminate flooring last more than 10 years. The differences between these types are as follows: 31 class is intended for floors with low intensity of walking on them, 32 - medium intensity, 33 - high intensity.

Also on sale are classes marked with numbers 34 or more. They have not been tested by time and generally accepted standards have not been developed for them, so it is difficult to judge their characteristics.

Laminate of different classes differs from each other in the top layer - namely in its thickness; the thicker the layer, the better the protection. So, let's take, for example, 33rd grade. This is a material designed for floors in busy public places. This laminate can last up to 8 years, and if you use it at home, this period will double!

Rules for choosing a laminate

In this section we will not touch on the rules for choosing a laminate based on appearance - this is the area of ​​interior and design. We will turn to the technical side of the matter.

It has already been mentioned that the flooring will last a long time, provided that it is designed for use in the chosen room.

When choosing between adhesive and interlocking laminate, you should consider the following features.

The advantages of the adhesive type are a hard, solid, moisture-resistant coating. But if such a coating is damaged, then repairing it becomes much more difficult. The interlocking type is more convenient and quicker to install - there is no cost for glue. And in case of damage, you can quickly dismantle the damaged board and replace it with a new one. If necessary, it also happens that the laid floor covering can be disassembled and used for its intended purpose in another room.

Turning to the reviews of people who have used both types of laminate, you can see that the adhesive type is no longer in demand and it’s clear why.

Moisture resistant laminate is better

Even if you are going to use your flooring in the most gentle way, it is best to choose a moisture-resistant type of laminate. Constant wet cleaning and various unforeseen incidents can negatively affect your floor. It’s better to play it safe in advance and, as they say, sleep well.

No moisture-resistant laminate of the highest strength class is designed for constant contact with moisture. So it is preferable to use tiles for the bathroom - it is more reliable.

Choosing a laminate manufacturer

We decide on the manufacturer and price. Based on consumer reviews, it is best to choose products from European manufacturers, regardless of the type of laminate. Chinese laminate flooring is often found in very good quality and at an affordable price, but there is a possibility of buying flooring with a high content of substances harmful to human health. In order to exclude such a situation, it is necessary to immediately familiarize yourself with the certificates of quality and conformity on the spot, if, of course, such are available.

What to do with classes

Let's start with the fact that the important point is that laminate is designed for different types of loads. The more weight it can support without damage to itself (including sagging), the better. This option will cost more than the usual one.

You should not always choose class 33 laminate for your living room. Why? Yes, because consumer reviews say that buying and using laminate, whose service life of 20 years with an excellent appearance, may be excessive. This period may be significantly longer than it will take until the next repair.

Simple advice. If people wear shoes at home, then it makes sense to choose a higher class of laminate. If you go without shoes, then you can safely take class 31.

And finally.

If all the stages of choosing a laminate have been completed, then all that remains is to inspect the components for consistency in color and size. You can try the assembly right on the spot - errors in the joining of parts will be immediately visible.

There is one more point that you may encounter in the store. There is an opinion that the base of laminate tiles is green and not brown - this is guaranteed high quality. This is wrong. Quality must be determined based on the characteristics stated in the attached documentation.

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 them to be divided 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 impact.

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 manufacturer of flooring brand 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)

Laminate is a relatively cheap imitation of parquet. It is made from pressed wood fiber and is gaining more and more popularity every year. This inexpensive modern material allows you to quickly decorate the floor in a room. On the market you can find various types of laminate that will satisfy the needs of the most capricious buyer.

It is difficult to choose the right product among a huge assortment if you have little idea about it. Therefore, it is necessary to know what laminate is and what types it comes in.

What is laminate

The English word “laminate” means multilayer material. The structure of such a floor covering is similar to a puff paste, where the functions of the layers are performed by kraft paper, fiberboard, patterned paper and a resin layer.

The basis of the laminated plate is high-density fibreboard (fibreboard). It is also the main component of the coating. The thicker and denser it is, the stronger the flooring itself will be.

Special kraft paper prevents moisture from entering from below.

A decorative layer is applied on top of the base, which is paper processed in a special way, with a picture or pattern drawn on it.

The top is covered with a thin but fairly strong polymer film, which protects the plate from abrasion and other external influences.

This “layered” manufacturing technology makes it possible to produce laminate in a huge variety.

Material classification

Laminate coating can be divided into several classes. There are seven of them in total - grades 21,22,23 and 31,32,33,34. Each of them has its own strength characteristics. Laminate of classes 21–23 is no longer produced, as it does not withstand the test of time and stress, and material of classes 31–34 has been put into mass production.

Load classes

Another classification is designated by the letters AC and numbers 1 – 6. This designation shows the strength of the uppermost, transparent coating of the lamellas. AC1 and AC2 were discontinued because their coating turned out to be weak to abrasion.

The combination of strength and mechanical resistance classes is as follows:

• class 31 AC3;
• class 32 AC4;
• class 33 AC5-AC6;
• class 34 AC6.

The higher the class, the stronger the material; the higher the AC number, the more resistant the coating is to external influences.

Another coating class is 43. It is not easy to find in hardware stores; it is easier to order it directly from the manufacturer. This is a vinyl laminate that can withstand the weight of a passenger car. Its main advantage is ideal water resistance, because vinyl is not afraid of water.

The manufacturer gives a guarantee of 25 - 50 years for class 43 vinyl laminate(depending on the installation method - floating or adhesive) for commercial use. In a house or apartment, its service life can be called endless. Therefore, its high price is completely justified. In addition, the coating can withstand 3 disassembly/assembly cycles, which cannot be said about collections based on fiberboard.

Types of material according to decorative qualities

Decorative laminated panels are divided into:

• glossy/silky-glossy;
• natural;
• waxed;
• textured/embossed;
• matte;
• country;
• "wood painted with oil paint."

The name of each group speaks for itself.

Natural oak

Gloss/silky-gloss laminate has a polished, shiny surface. Its significant drawback is that it is quite slippery, and bare foot prints always remain on it. This is a traditional type of material.

Natural laminated floorboards are more similar to wood. All knots and wood pores are drawn with high quality. There is a silky shine.

Waxed slats resemble wood that has been well impregnated with wax. A slight shine is a sign of high quality.

Textured boards imitate natural wood well. The unevenness of the coating coincides with the unevenness of the pattern, which makes the material’s resemblance to a parquet board maximum. In embossed laminate, the irregularities are symmetrical and do not coincide with the pattern. Another variety is lamellas with a chamfer. The floor they laid imitates wide wooden boards well.

The matte finish does not leave traces of bare feet, so it is more preferable than glossy.

Country oak

Country laminate can be classified as relief coatings. Each plank resembles a hand-crafted piece of wood. One of the varieties of style is aged laminate. It shows bulges and chips, skillfully sanded and hidden with varnish.

Wood painted with oil paint is an imitation of natural wood coated with ordinary oil enamel based on drying oil. The surface of the lamellas has no shine and looks natural.

Types of floorboard joints

According to the method of attaching the plates, laminate can be adhesive or “locking”. Laying with adhesive is a labor-intensive process. It takes a lot of time. The finished coating is difficult to repair, since if one of the floorboards is damaged, it will be quite difficult to replace it.

Currently, laminate manufacturers have abandoned glue, preferring “locks” as a faster and more economical installation method. “Lock” structures are assembled using a special fastening located along the edge of each plate.

Types of castles

By design, all types of laminate locks are divided into two main groups:

• Lock-lock;
• Click-lock.

A lock lock or latch lock is a fairly simple design. On one side of the panel a specially shaped “tenon” is machined, and on the other side there is a “groove” for it. During the process of assembling the laminate, the “tenon” from one plate is driven into the “groove” of the other with a rubber hammer and snaps into place there.

It is forbidden to hit the lamella itself with a hammer. To use it, place a wooden block against the end of the board and do not hit it too hard with a hammer. This will help avoid damage to the material.

It is better to entrust the assembly of such a coating to knowledgeable specialists, because:

• without knowing the peculiarities of connecting locks of this type, they are very easy to damage;
• You will not be able to move the coating to another location or replace a damaged fragment on your own.

Laying options

The click-lock or prefabricated connection is a more recent development in the laminate industry. Having a more complex design, such a lock does not have all the disadvantages of Lock-locks. Even a non-professional can assemble a covering with panels fastened in this way. The boards connect at an angle of 45 degrees without any additional effort.

This installation method allows you to disassemble the coating without damage and lay it in another place. Another advantage is that, due to its design, laminate flooring does not deform over time, thereby preventing the formation of gaps between the panels.

If you do not use glue when laying the laminate, treat the locks and joints with a special sealant. This will protect the boards from moisture penetration and from dry air in the room.

Conclusion

Different types of laminate locks allow you to choose the material that is convenient for you. The variety of patterns and textures makes it possible to decorate the room in accordance with your understanding of style. Before purchasing, it is better to consult a specialist in order to select the material with the best price/quality ratio.

Publications on the topic

Laminate flooring in apartments is becoming more and more popular every year, and many homeowners prefer it when carrying out renovations. At relatively low costs and ease of installation, which you can do yourself, you can get a floor surface that is not much inferior to natural wood - both in terms of decorative design and performance.

However, when going to the store to purchase the necessary covering, inexperienced buyers are often faced with a problem - which will be optimal for flooring in a particular room? If everything is more or less clear with decorative qualities, everyone has landlord your preferences and your own vision of the design of the future room, then you can easily get confused in the operational classification of the material due to the abundance of icons and pictograms on the packaging. However, everything is not so complicated - the class of laminate will tell you a lot about how to choose which one for specific conditions and will be outlined in this publication.

What is laminate, its advantages and disadvantages

The term “laminate” most often refers to prefabricated panels of a certain size based on a wood composite for laying flooring. They can be decorated in different ways - the vast majority of them are made with an imitation of natural wood texture (floorboards, solid boards, parquet or cork), although there are collections in which the external design is made to resemble natural stone or ceramic tiles or even a more original texture , for example, rusty metal. The thickness of laminated panels can vary from 4 to 12 mm.

The basic structure of the laminate is a four-layer structure, each layer of which performs its own specific functions:

1 – external protective coating (overlay) - in fact, this is the laminating layer of the panel. It is a transparent polymer high-strength film based on acrylic or melamine resins. The quality and thickness of this layer largely determine the wear resistance of the material and its ability to withstand abrasive and impact loads. It performs the most important function of protecting all underlying layers from penetration of moisture, dirt, aggressive chemicals and ultraviolet rays. The quality of this coating also determines the hygiene of the floor, ease of care, and environmental friendliness of the material.

2 – decorative layer. A design is applied to a paper or foil base, which shines through the top transparent overlay. In fact, these two top layers give the incomplete coating the necessary textured decorative effect.

3 – the base layer on which the overall strength of laminated panels depends. This is the thickest layer of the overall “pie”. It is made from a wood composite, close to what we commonly call fiberboard. However, the differences from conventional fiberboards are quite significant.

If MDF sheets are more often used in furniture production ( Medium Density Fiberboard– literally from English “medium-density fiber board”), then the practice of using laminated flooring has shown that the strength of such a material is clearly not enough for such operating conditions. Therefore, at present, all reputable companies have abandoned the use of MDF in favor of HDF (High Density Fiberboard - high density). The specific gravity of such a composite can reach 850 – 900 kg/m³. This material is characterized by excellent rigidity, strength, excellent retention of a given shape, and low hygroscopicity.

• The adhesive laminate is equipped with conventional tongue-and-groove locks without latches. Installation is carried out by gluing the ends of the panels using a special glue.

When assembled correctly, you get a continuous monolithic surface, which, in principle, is very good for use in rooms with high levels of humidity (for example, in the kitchen). However, laying this requires advanced qualifications, and it is unlikely that it can be done independently. In addition, the coating is non-removable and cannot be dismantled or repaired.

Currently, the production of this type of laminate has practically ceased, and it is not easy to find it, even if desired.

• Laminated panels with “Lock” type locks are also becoming less and less common these days - manufacturers are abandoning them due to low connection reliability.

Diagram of the design and operation of a “Lock” type lock

The assembly of such a laminate requires the mandatory application of a translational impact force so that the figured tenon enters the groove and is fixed in it. This causes certain difficulties during installation, and during operation, when temperature or humidity conditions change, cracks may appear at the joints. Dismantling the coating without damaging it is also very problematic, since the tenon most often breaks off.

• The most advanced is the “Click” lock system. The complex shaped design of grooves and tenons allows the connection to be made only at a certain angle. Then, when the panels are rotated in one plane, complete reliable closure occurs, accompanied by a characteristic sound - a click, which, in essence, gave the name to the lock.

The most reliable are “Click” type locking connections.

The figure shows one configuration option for such a lock, but there are many different types with varying levels of complexity. In a high-quality laminate, the locking part is treated with hot wax at the production stage, which gives it strength and the elasticity necessary for connection.

Such a lock ensures reliable mating of the panels, without the risk of cracks. Another advantage is that, if necessary, such a covering can be disassembled in order, for example, to replace one of the boards.

Some high-end laminate models have a “Click” locking part, additionally reinforced with a metal profile.

Video: types of locking connections of laminated panels

A lot of information about the quality and operational features of the laminate can be gleaned from the pictograms printed on its packaging. Some of them are presented in the diagram:

a) This icon indicates that the coating has pronounced antistatic properties.

b) Laminate is easy to clean and does not require special care care

c) A pictogram indicating the resistance of the laminate to abrasion and point loads.

d) Degree of fire hazard. Class B 1 will be optimal for a home - such a laminate is classified as a low-flammable material.

e) A lit cigarette falling on the floor should not cause damage to the laminate surface.

e) Laminate flooring is highly hygienic.

g) An icon indicating the resistance of the coating to ultraviolet rays, in particular to fading in the sun.

h) Food and household chemicals spilled on the floor will not leave stains.

j) Such a laminate can be safely used for the system. This icon may vary slightly, for example, indicating the type of floor heating system - electric or water.

There is also an icon indicating the presence of a V-shaped chamfer on laminated panels. This improvement has a number of advantages:

• The chamfer gives a special look to the flooring, almost completely simulating a natural board.
• Possible defects in connections at the joints are hidden and become invisible.
• A compensating gap is formed that will smooth out the expansion of the material due to temperature changes.
• This laminate has the highest moisture resistance. Even in the event of a seemingly catastrophic flooding of the floor, it can be disassembled, dried and reassembled without losing the quality of the coating.

When choosing a laminate for your own apartment, skimping on trifles and skimping on quality is by no means the most correct approach. A penny win can result in the need to replace the coating after just a few years. A solid, high-quality laminated floor of the appropriate class should last at least 15 - 20 years. And some manufacturers are not afraid to give their models even a lifetime, unlimited warranty.

But in order not to run into a fake, you should not show unnecessary modesty and be embarrassed to ask the seller for a certificate for the laminate you are purchasing. According to federal law, this document must be presented upon the consumer's first request.

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 versatile 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 warm 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 splashback 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 estimates 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 marks 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 locking 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.