Types of laminate flooring - an overview of the main characteristics: classes, joints and markings. Laminate - what are these and types Types of material by decorative qualities

The popularity of the laminate is due to its high aesthetic properties and wear resistance. Some of its types can be stacked even in rooms with high traffic: trade enterprises, offices and even industrial workshops.

Laminate flooring is a decorative flooring imitating parquet, stone or ceramic tiles. This is a special layered material, the lower part of which consists of a fiberboard or chipboard of special density. To protect against deformation from below, it is additionally reinforced with a stabilizing layer. The laminate is glued on top with paper, finished in a special way, with a pattern.

The quality and wear resistance of this material largely depends on the strength of the topmost layer - melamine or acrylic resin coatings. In the lower part of some types of laminate, a soundproofing substrate can be located, providing additional damping of sounds.

Classification

According to the degree of wear resistance, the laminate board is divided into the following classes:

The thickness of the laminate can vary from 6 to 12 mm. Too thin lamellas for off-road premises should not be purchased - they will quickly fail.

Laminate Lock Connections

According to the connection methods, the laminate board is divided into several types:

• glue: joins with glue like "liquid nails"; can be combined with click or sheet pile.

Click connections, in turn, are divided into locks of the type:

• click: the most advanced system that provides a reliable connection, does not form gaps; in some cases, the lock is reinforced with a metal profile; grooves and ridges have a special shape, when connected, the board starts at the second at a slight angle, then lowers down until it clicks;
• lock: a cheaper option, less reliable, unlike the sheet pile, the grooves and ridges are curved, to carefully connect the boards, carefully knock each other with a hammer.

The adhesive installation method is used mainly to protect the joints from moisture. However, in this case, if only one board is damaged, it will not be so easy to replace it - you will have to reposition the entire coating.

Types of Coatings

According to the type of cladding, the laminated board is divided into:

• imitates floorboards painted with oil paint; for the decoration of the premises "antique".

If you are in doubt about choosing the type and class of laminate flooring, we suggest that you watch a video that details the main characteristics of this material.

Advantages and disadvantages of each type

A quality laminate is quite expensive material. In order not to overpay the excess, for each room you should choose a coating of a certain class. So, in rooms with the lowest passability (for example, bedrooms), it makes no sense to use extra-strong laminate - it is enough to lay there material of 31-32 classes.

Most types of laminate have the following characteristics:

• resistance to high temperatures: even a small candle or a match that accidentally falls does not leave marks on it; unlike linoleum, it can also be used in the "warm floors" system;
• sufficient mechanical strength and wear resistance, of course, the better the laminate and the higher the class, the stronger it is, the material of classes 33-34 can be laid even on dance floors - it is not afraid of heels and scratches;
• unlike parquet, it does not require varnishing and scraping;
• antistatic;
• environmental friendliness: the laminate does not emit harmful substances;
• this material does not fade in the sun;
• a wide variety of various textures and shades;
• simplicity of installation: it is possible to assemble a "floating" floor with the help of slats having locking joints in a couple of evenings;
• maintainability: in the absence of an adhesive connection, one or two strips can be quickly replaced without damaging the others.

The laminate has several drawbacks. Unfortunately he afraid of water therefore it is not necessary to wash it - after plentiful wetting the boards immediately warp. However, manufacturers have already begun to produce a special moisture-resistant laminate.

Its second significant drawback is the need to perfectly prepare the rough floor - the laminate only requires flat surface . Otherwise, it will creak, crackle or even swell. In the event of damage to the lock joints and subsequent violation of the integrity of the floors, the manufacturer may refuse to guarantee due to non-compliance with the installation technology. Do not lay laminate in private homes without additional thermal insulation, since lamellas have high thermal conductivity .

Before laying the laminate, be sure to keep it in the room for at least 24 hours so that it adapts to its microclimate (temperature and humidity). In this case, the board will lie perfectly evenly and will not warp.

Laminate flooring

Since the laminate does not like water, it is undesirable to lay it in bathrooms, baths and saunas. In other rooms, subject to the installation rules, it is able to last from 10 to 15 years (and some manufacturers give a longer warranty period) without replacement.

In conclusion, I want to give some brief tips on choosing a laminate:

• choose the class of laminate boards in accordance with the intensity of exploitation of the floor covering;
• so that the floor does not bend over time, for rooms with heavy furniture, the thickest and most durable laminate should be purchased;
• an immutable rule has been adopted in design: the color of floors should not merge with the color of furniture and doorways, the flooring is selected a couple of tones lighter, or, conversely, darker;
• by laying the laminate diagonally, you can visually expand the space, but the material consumption will increase.

Laminate can be used not only as a flooring. The walls decorated with this material look very unusual and stylish.

Modern technology, often used in the manufacturing process of laminated flooring, helps to create the most durable, reliable, beautiful and diverse lamellas. But, here's the main catch which laminate to choose: cheaper or more expensive, European brands, domestic or Chinese, with or without chamfer? A series of articles will help you figure out what's what.

Laminate Classes

It is known that all products are divided into 2 types: commercial options and household. We advise you to pay attention to commercial ones. In principle, their cost is low, but the lifetime is several times greater than household items:

• floors can be used in commercial premises with a characteristic light load. On average, the service life is from 2 to 3 years. In everyday life - from 10 to 12;
• stacked in commercial premises with a characteristic average level of load. Service life in the office is up to 5 years, at home - up to 15 years. 32 wear class - the best option. It is he who chooses the majority of buyers, both for their apartments, and for shops, offices, cafes, etc .;
• Suitable for heavy duty commercial establishments. The service life at the enterprise is up to 7 years, in everyday life - up to 20 years. Many take into account such a long life in everyday life. A definite plus is that such floors do not lose their appearance over a long period;
• : lamellas with the highest technical indicators and characteristics. They are intended for commercial premises with a maximum load. Although, today such flooring can also be found in the homes of many families;
• this is not a widespread version of the laminated coating. It belongs to, which is made to order.

! If you are interested in high-quality products, we advise you to pay attention to. This is where quality is always above everything!

Chinese laminate: check, and then trust

If you have already dealt with the wear resistance class of panels and you are not afraid of moisture, you can choose moisture-resistant lamellas or the option. The advantage of the latter option is visual imitation: after installation, the coating will have an excellent appearance, plus it is moisture resistant, which means it will not deteriorate over a long period of operation. Can there be anything better?

Today there are several types of lamellas for the kitchen. When buying, pay special attention to:

• grade: start choosing from grade 32 wear resistance. Only such models are suitable for the kitchen;
• moisture / water resistance indicators. Do not confuse them. Moisture-resistant are protected only from moisture, and waterproof are able to withstand even a flood.

! Such material is much more expensive than usual, but it also serves an order of magnitude longer.

Today, the most famous manufacturers of such panels are European companies, especially German and Belgian. Among the huge number of brands, the following deserve trust: Tarkett, Pergo, Eco Flooring, Egger, Kronotex, Classen, Witex, Alloc, Kronospan and Kronostar.

• Suberic

The texture of the front layer of lamellas is diverse. It can vary from lamellar to fine-grained. A more classic version includes warm shades of yellow, brown and ocher. For fans of exotic coatings, options with colored splashes are available. In more detail you can.

The advantage of such finishing bases is that they do not accumulate static electricity and do not emit harmful substances. They are also characterized by high dirt-repellent properties: there will be no trace of oil stains or ink.

! In general, the production of such material is well established. Thanks to modern technology, such flooring can last up to 30 years in the house and up to 10 years in a public place.

• Vinyl

This variety has appeared on the market recently. The structure of the board is different from the layers of a conventional lamella. It consists of only two layers, which are combined among themselves in a bar for arranging the subfloor:

1. The front layer is aluminum oxide or polyurethane. A drawing is applied to its surface, which imitates the natural surface of expensive wood;
2. basis - vinyl, characterized by resistance to moisture. It is he who increases the rigidity and strength of the floor, prolonging the life of the entire flooring.

! The main ones are resistance to mechanical damage, wear resistance and durability.

• Glossy

Everyone, sooner or later, is thinking about buying. We are attracted by its mirror shine. Yes, such a coating has many advantages, but do not forget about its disadvantages.

Therefore, before you decide on a purchase, analyze the pros and cons. Then you will understand what will be better for the house / apartment. Externally attractive material will fit into any interior and any design. Gloss will reflect light, scatter it throughout the room, making it brighter and larger. The undoubted plus is that all dust, dirt and stains are removed more easily than with a matte structure.

• Under the parquet

Lamels are a completely new trend. Special innovative technologies used in the production process make it possible to give the panel any appearance, including the appearance of a parquet board. So, you pay less, but you get almost the same gender.

! You can also buy any option with or without it. Typically, a thick panel option is especially popular.

The question of the difference between these two lamella options is particularly acute. So what is the difference?

It tolerates increased humidity in the room. Such boards are not afraid of short-term contacts with water, so they are ideal for those who are thinking about repairing in the kitchen.

It is able to withstand even prolonged contact with water, so it is suitable even for bathrooms and saunas.

What is the main difference? As you probably already understood, the difference in the ability of these two types of coatings to withstand the effects of moisture, moisture and water. Water-resistant panels got their primary properties through the use of special production technology: high-pressure apparatuses act on a stove at high temperature. So, it is compressed and becomes especially durable. All cracks that remain after pressing are poured with heated wax. The most high-quality products today are considered to be a German-made Witex laminate.

! Based on this, you can decide which version of the lamellas is suitable in your particular case.

Although, at first glance, everything seems quite simple, the choice of a laminated coating for many of us has been and remains a real problem. We tried to help you find the right solution among the many brands, classes and options presented on the modern market.

No matter what they say to you, no matter how they convince, no matter what they prove, or whatever they incline to, you now have a reliable source of all the necessary information. Use it to turn your home into a combination of a variety of design trends and fashionable interiors at a reasonable price and in a short time. Go for it!

All known types of laminate flooring fully comply with the basic requirements for a modern floor covering. Durability, strength, resistance to damage and abrasion are characteristic for office and home materials, regardless of its class and type.

Among the many designs created for the finish coating of floors in residential and industrial premises, it is the laminated board that enjoys increased and well-deserved popularity among consumers and sellers. This is not easy board impregnated with special compounds, but a multilayer material that can withstand not only mechanical stresses, but also moisture.

What is laminate flooring?

Before you make a choice and purchase any material to create a finish flooring, you need to find out what kind of laminate is and what is the main distinguishing feature of a particular type of coating.

This is a multilayer product created from pressed sawdust and wood chips and having reliable and high-quality protection in the form of a special film deposited on its surface.

Considering the laminate in the context, it is possible to note the presence of several layers, regardless of the type and class of material:

• main carrier layer;
• lower protective;
• kraft paper or fixing layer;
• decorative;
• protective film.

The carrier layer or base of the laminated board is made of chipboard or fiberboard. The strength and rigidity of the laminate depends on its thickness. Kraft paper protects the board from moisture. The decorative layer guarantees the uniqueness of one or another designer product and helps the authors to achieve the similarity of the material for flooring with natural aged wood, parquet or even leather and metal.

A special film is applied to protect the decorative layer from all kinds of negative factors. This polymer film does not allow to destroy the laminated material not only by mechanical action, but also when cleaning and cleaning using various means, which include chemicals.

The manufacturer can add a substrate or use natural veneer made of wood, and also use not only a moisture-proof sheath, but also a corundum coating. This affects the thickness of each individual board, its weight and, of course, cost.

Belonging to a certain type of laminate allows you to determine the degree of its endurance, stability, moisture resistance.

Variety of products

Laminate flooring can be domestic and commercial. These are two main types of this product, but in addition to the variety presented, there is a wider classification by:

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

In any case, each product has several layers (supporting or main, stabilizing and decorative) and is a plate material, for the creation of which wood fibers are used.

The main difference and advantage of some classes of laminated coating is their wear resistance.

The modern classification contains several main classes and types of laminate:

1. 21-23 - household laminate, which is characterized by a rather low wear resistance. It is used to create a decorative flooring in those rooms where it will not be subject to heavy loads. It can be a bedroom or an office.
2. Grade 31 is used in the construction of the finish floor in small offices and residential areas with low traffic.
3. The 32nd class of a laminate can last for 7 years if it is laid on the floor in a store, and up to 15-18 years if used in a residential building.
4. The 33rd wear resistance class is assigned to a laminated board, which is placed in rooms with increased traffic and heavy loads. These are dance and sports halls, trade pavilions, restaurants and cafes.

Abrasion resistance is indicated by the letters AC and can be determined after the material passes the test, during which it is subjected to processing with special paper located on grinding wheels.

To indicate the degree of resistance to abrasion, the marking AC3, AC4 and others are used.

Each type of laminated board has its own marking, corresponding to its main qualities.

With the help of marking, the manufacturer informs the buyer about the qualities of various types of laminate, such as resistance to ultraviolet rays and all kinds of chemicals.

Types of surfaces and locks

Types of laminate flooring differ not only in their physical qualities. They are very diverse and in the pattern applied to the exploited surface. This pattern imitates the structure of wood, ceramic tiles, aged wood, leather and even metal. The surface can be either matte or glossy. The choice entirely depends on the preferences of the consumer and the interior of the room. For more information on types and types of coverage, see this video:

The classification includes products:

• single-lane, with the help of which they create a laminated floor in large areas;
• two-lane made in the form of short floorboards;
• three-way, very similar to piece parquet and which are a worthy decoration of any room.

Due to their practicality, lamellas with a dull surface have become the most popular and in demand. They are easy to care for, do not slip, do not store footprints from shoes and stains from a floor rag. The texture coating imitates natural wood, while the glossy one looks great in living rooms, but it is dangerous for small children and elderly people because of the slippery surface.

Choosing the most suitable type of laminate with which to create the final floor layer, you need to pay special attention to the castle with which the product is equipped.

The type of connection is important in order to obtain a strong reliable bond of the lamellas, to ensure easy assembly and, if necessary, the ability to dismantle the floor. The very first invention is Lock. Its components are a fixing spike on one side of the lamella and a groove on the other. All about the locks in the laminate, see this video:

Assembly is carried out with great care. The slightest rudeness of movements leads to a breakdown of the spike, and the product becomes unusable.

The Click lock was invented later and gained well-deserved popularity among consumers. Products with such a lock are in high demand. Assembly takes place quite quickly without the use of a construction tool.

Each subsequent board is inserted into the groove of the castle of the previous one and, lowering, latches. The connection is quite strong and reliable, allowing, if necessary, the possibility of dismantling and reassembly.

Around the laminate there is constant debate about how strong it is, what quality and durability it has. And the big difference in opinions is easily explained by the fact that the laminate is different. It can not be considered that this coating, produced by various manufacturers, always has certain characteristics. And, based on the fact that a completely different quality material can be sold in one store, the question arises - how to choose the right laminate? And the point here is not only the color scheme, but 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 bottommost 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 bearing layer, which is most often made of fiberboard or HDF (HDF) - a material that is a high-density fiberboard. It is this layer that is able to cope with the basic mechanical stresses that the coating experiences. The same locks, due to which several lamellae are connected into one canvas, are on this layer.
3. Decorative layer responsible for the attractive appearance of the laminate. It is a plain paper with a pattern printed on it. Thanks to this method of decoration, the laminate can be of any color or imitate stone, wood and other materials.

On a note! Paper is usually impregnated with melamine to increase its performance.

1. Upper layer each lamella is 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 flooring is one of the best options among all types of floor coverings, guaranteeing an optimal price-quality ratio. It is valued and used in buildings for various purposes and, of course, most often laid in apartments and private houses.

Pros and cons of laminate flooring

It is not surprising that the material is very popular. It has a lot of advantages over other types of coatings. The positive features of the laminate:

• large selection of colors. Laminate is easy to choose for any type of interior;
• installation is simple and fairly quick. The coating is easy to lay even alone;
• for its price (and depending on the class) the material copes quite well with environmental factors;
• the coating is easy to clean and does not need additional processing after installation. Use the floor, depending on the type of installation, you can start almost immediately.

Laminate installation (in this case - diagonally)

However, the laminate - the coating is not perfect, it has its drawbacks:

• stuff doesn't like water. It is not recommended to be placed in a room where the level of humidity is quite high;

On a note! There are certain classes of laminate flooring, and the lamellas related to them can also be used in a humid room.

• the laminate as a whole is not dangerous to health, but nevertheless it is - not environmentally friendly coating;
• in comparison with linoleum, carpet, the laminate has a low sound insulation.

Types of Laminate

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

1. Laminate made using direct compression technology, is created immediately with the top layer. Most often, such material is made for domestic use.
2. Laminate made using high pressure technology or HPLhas a top layer consisting of kraft cardboard and a protective coating. During pressing, the upper part of the coatings is exposed to high temperature (+140 degrees) and a pressure of 2.5 million kg. Connection with the base occurs only at the second stage of production. Such a coating has high strength, is not prone to abrasion, is able to withstand strong mechanical stresses.

On a note! Only two companies produce high pressure laminate - Alloc and Pergo.

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

Home classes - the main differences

Laminate, belonging to household classes, has lower performance characteristics than industrial material. The average service life (warranty) is about 5 years. That is why in Russia such a coating is not in demand, 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. Rather, he almost never has it. This fact narrows the possibilities of its use in certain types of premises.

Industrial Laminate Classes

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

Commercial laminate is much more reliable and durable than household. Despite the higher price, due to its characteristics, it fully justifies all investments.

Laminate Class Usage Basics

Above we are talking 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 laid, 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 says that the material is suitable for public premises. Depending on the degree of stability, there are three categories of material, indicated by the numbers 1, 2, 3.

On a note! The higher the value of the class number, the stronger the laminate. Guided by this, you can choose the most durable coating offered.

Table. The main classes of laminate flooring.

Table: wear resistance classes of the laminate according to GOST and EN

Laminate is classified according to the European system EN13329. And in Europe now only commercial laminate is produced, that is, belonging to classes 31-34. But manufacturers from Asia can find more budget options for coverage. It is also worth remembering that laminate classes are a relative concept, since irrespective of the marking, lamellas having too thin a protective coating can be found. As a result, coatings will serve in different ways. That is why it is worth making your choice only in favor of products from trusted manufacturers.

The presence of formaldehyde in the composition

Despite the fact that the laminate is always and everywhere presented as an environmentally friendly material, it is not 100% such. This is especially true for cheap types of coverage. They contain a fairly large amount of formaldehyde - a substance hazardous to human health. When the floor is laid and maintained, the lamellas 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, is always labeled - E1. This label indicates to the buyer that the coating is carcinogenic in accordance with European standards.

In general, the constituents of the laminate are chemically quite harmless. Particleboard as the basis of the coating consists of woodworking waste. It turns out that the "naturalness" of the laminate is more than 90%.

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

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

Types of joining laminate panels

Each lamella has its own type of connection with another lamella, and this allows you to create a strong and reliable coating on the floor, which will not go around and "walk".

Two types of compounds are distinguished.

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

Laminate Leading Brands

Since demand creates supply, a great variety of laminate manufacturers have now appeared 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 are of high quality and reliability. You should not be afraid to overpay for a well-known name when choosing a laminate. This will save the buyer from problems associated with the need for early repair.

Quick-Step brand laminate prices

Laminate Quick-Step

In general, in the manufacturing countries, the best laminate is made in Belgium and Sweden. But economy coverage can be bought in Russian or German production.

Prices for Tarkett laminate flooring

laminate tarquette

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

In a bedroom or a children's room, where the floor load is low, low-grade coatings of 21 or 22 may be used. In the corridor, do not lay the cover below 23rd class. In order for the floor to be used as long as possible, it is worth choosing a material of at least 31 classes.

In the kitchen, only one that has moisture protection can be laid. The same goes for the bathroom. In these rooms there is high humidity, and a cheap laminate here simply goes knolls and deteriorates. Ideal option - 33 class.

How to choose a laminate for home?

Step 1. First of all, it is important to determine the color of the material and choose those options that are ideal for a particular interior style. At the same time, the geometric features of the rooms and the level of illumination are taken into account.

Step 2 Among all the deferred color variations, one should choose the most suitable type of laminate that will have the required characteristics. First of all, you should decide on the brand. Immediately swept towards the lamella of little-known and unreliable manufacturers. It is better to take the material more expensive, but be sure of its quality than to change the coating later than the due date. And with classification in this case it will be easier.

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

Step 4 The type of lock connection is selected. For beginners, it is recommended that you opt for click locks. It is easier to assemble such a floor, and in case of an error or the need for alteration it is easy to disassemble.

Step 5 Moisture resistance is an important factor, especially if it is planned to lay the coating in the bathroom or kitchen. Depending on the operating conditions, the appropriate material class is selected. By the way, moisture resistance can be checked - for this, a piece of laminate is soaked for 8 hours in water, and then its swelling is evaluated. 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 are necessarily coated with special protective mastic. The fact is that these parts of each bar usually do not have moisture protection.

Step 6 The material must be environmentally friendly. Here, the seller’s certificate of conformity and coverage marking are assessed. Choose a laminate labeled E1 or E0.

Step 7 Laminate density is also important. It should be within 850 kg / m 3. Density is rarely indicated on packages, but it can be determined independently from the data that are available on the packages. For this, the total area of \u200b\u200ball lamellas is multiplied by their thickness, after which the value is converted into cubic meters. Further, the total mass of the laminate is divided by the obtained value - the density is obtained.

Video - Which laminate flooring is best for home?

Video - How to distinguish a good laminate from Chinese

The choice of laminate flooring is very responsible. The right choice is the key to a beautiful floor that does not cause trouble to the owner. However, if you listen to all the above tips, buy a good laminate is not difficult.