How to choose a laminate for an apartment in quality - reviews of specialists

When repairing and replacing floors, most families choose laminate. It has a presentable appearance, similar to a natural tree, but costs much less. Unlike linoleum, it is not immediately possible to understand what kind of coating is underfoot. The versatility of the material allows you to lay it over a warm floor or on concrete slabs using a special substrate. Laminate is well suited for a bedroom and a hall, a children's room where there is a lot of time on the floor, and kitchens. Often it is stolut in offices and offices. Laminate is also used for decoration of the door leaf. But in order to correctly choose this practical material, it is necessary to understand its main parameters and their impact on operation. The article below will help to become a mini laminate expert and talk to sellers on an equal footing, and also to buy suitable flooring for certain conditions.

The best laminate manufacturers - which firm to choose

Of course, when buying a laminate, I want to purchase a coating that will serve20 years and will keep a beautiful view throughout the term. To do this, you need to carefully examine the criteria and varieties of flooring. If you study these features laziness, then you can buy the products of the leaders of this industry.

The following companies are among the most popular manufacturers of this segment:

1. Alloc

2. Egger

3. Kaindl

4. Balterio

5. Kronostar

For more detailed information,manufacturers of laminate. But for the most demanding, who, perhaps, not only will choose, but also lay this material, information is provided below with the features and parameters of the products.

Structure and use of laminate

Laminate are rectangular plates 6-12 mm thick, which are laid one to one and form a continuous seamless coating. The wooden base allows to keep heat, and the protective layer protects the appearance of the product from abrasion and scratches. As a decor, use a printed drawing on paper, which is laid in the middle of the structure. As for the type of image, there is a great freedom of imagination, allowing you to choose as strict drawings( oak, pine rings, bark), and arbitrary divorces and lines( abstractions, marbles, scuffs, monotonous colors).

Laminate is widely used as a floor covering of the middle price category. It is stewed in houses and apartments, kindergartens, hotels, offices and offices. Depending on the parameters, the cost of the goods also varies, which makes it possible to purchase it both for expensive finishing of premises, and in case of economical repairs in the apartment. Products are sold in a package, where the panels are located one on one in an amount of 6-10 pcs. All key parameters are registered on the box, and the product is accompanied by a certificate of environmental safety.

The structure of the laminate contains several layers that are arranged from the bottom up in the following sequence:

1. Waterproof layer

This is a material that does not allow moisture from the floor. It directly comes into contact with the substrate, but without its use, with the concrete itself. Thanks to the dense structure, this element introduces stabilization and protects the entire panel from deformations. Can be combined with noise insulation, but it depends on the manufacturer.

2. Main layer

It is made of chipboard or fiberboard, in other cases of PVC, and represents the main constituent part of the laminate. Wood fiber has a significant hardness, which gives stiffness to the slab. In this element locks are placed to connect the cover in a single row. The quality of impregnation determines the resistance to moisture and the preservation of geometry.

3. Waterproof interlayer

This line in the laminate structure is made of paper impregnated with wood tar. The material is designed to further protect the top of the plate directly from the penetration of moisture from the concrete floor.

4. Decorative layer

Represents a paper with a printed pattern that can be similar to a wood, stone or arbitrary divorce.

5. Protective film

Performed by their acrylic or melamine resin. Responsible for the safety of the drawing. It is classified by the degree of wear resistance, which determines the places of use of the laminate.

This floor covering is very popular due to its easy installation. To fasten the panels together, there is a locking system for the grooves and mating parts at the ends of the tile. The insertion of the elements is very quick and the laying of the area of ​​one room can take about two hours. On the floor, it is required to lay a substrate, which will smooth the irregularities and additionally insulate the concrete overlap. The substrates themselves are cork and foamed polyurethane. Some homeowners dare to lay laminate on their own, which saves the family's money on repairs. But even in the case of hiring a master, the work does not take several days, and in two hours you can put things and furniture into the room.

The only enemy of laminate flooring is moisture. To protect the material, two layers are provided in the composition, which protect the base plate and the paper with a pattern from impregnation with water molecules emanating from the substrate( concrete screed, concrete slab).But the moisture from above( spilled liquid, high fumes in the room), can cause swelling of the panels and deform the floor. This makes it unsuitable to use material with a wooden component in the bathroom and bathrooms. But already developed types of laminate with a vinyl insert, which is not subject to moisture.

The laminate is popular because of simple maintenance - it can be washed, swept, vacuumed and rubed. Matte or shiny coating allows you to choose products for every taste. If there is a large leak of water( flooded from neighbors, the hose of the washing machine has come off), then the panels can be dismantled, all the moisture is removed by a vacuum cleaner, the floor is allowed to dry and the material is re-laid. For kitchen designed waterproof versions, but the spilled liquid must be quickly wiped, otherwise the coating will deteriorate.

laminate types Although the entire laminate has a similar structure and a base layer of chipboard with a stabilization substrate from below, there are two categories of coating for different operating conditions. The use of one group is allowed everywhere, and the laying of another group will result in rapid material damage and overexpenditure.

Laminate for household use

After manufacturing floor covering, manufacturers conduct about 18 tests to determine how long the material will last under specific loads. This highlights two specific categories of laminate, one of which is designed for use in homes and apartments. It can be placed in a bedroom, a hall, an entrance hall, a balcony, a kitchen. In such conditions, the coating retains its beautiful appearance for 5-7 years, depending on the number of people living, the accuracy of handling the surface and the degree of patency( for example, in the hallway they walk more often than in the bedroom).Such products are cheaper than another type of laminate, which makes the replacement of the floor insignificant for the budget.

Pluses:

• reasonable price;
• large variety of colors;
• possibility of self-assembly;
• impact strength;
• natural appearance;
• hypoallergenicity;
• possibility to combine with warm floor.

Disadvantages:

• after 7 years, there may be abrasions in the figure in places with frequent patency, and the other part of the coating will remain as new;
• swelling from spilled water deforms the floor.

Laminate for commercial use

If laminate flooring is rubbed from walking 3-5 people and playing children, then in offices it would not last six months. This gave impetus to the development of flooring for commercial use with high traffic. Such products are designed for conference rooms, stages, dance schools, offices. The service life of a similar sex, according to which dozens of people will pass or jump per day, is 3-5 years. Accordingly, if you put him in an apartment, he will serve about 15-20 years.

Other laminate models are used in buildings where the load is even more intense: car dealerships, clubs, gyms. In these conditions, the product is able to maintain its appearance from 7 to 15 years, which prolongs its life in the home to 30 years.

Advantages:

• resistance to point loads;
• is flame retardant;
• does not burn out in the sun;
• continuous operation;
• high docking accuracy;
• resistance to knocks and pressure;
• long-term guarantee( perpetual in case of household use).

Disadvantages:

• high cost;
• exposure to moisture.

Laminate selection parameters

To properly select a laminate, it is not enough to define the color. It is necessary to clearly understand the place of exploitation of flooring material and the types of loads to which it will be exposed( pressure from furniture, people, stroller, children's toys, humidity).It is important to take into account the design features and the method of installation. Here are the main parameters for the selection of this product.

Endurance class

According to European standards, the product is required to pass 18 tests to assign a class. The procedures are designed to reproduce a variety of loads of friction, pinch, slip, temperature and light effects that the product will undergo during actual operation. The time spent during which the product retains its dignified appearance is decisive for the estimated service life, according to which the laminate is assigned a wear class.

One test is the Taber test, which involves rotating the head with abrasive material over the surface of the floor covering. How long the top layer of the panel is able to resist such an effect is called the "turns" of the laminate. This indicator is prescribed as an AU and is accompanied by a figure. Household models with the AC3 index will last 5-6 years in the bedroom or hall. AC4 is better to take for the hallway. AC5 is more suitable for offices.

The second designation of class 31 to 34 refers to the density of the substrate - the slab of the fiberboard. The overall integrity of the panel structure depends on this parameter of the wood. But most manufacturers designate these figures as the sum of all wear-resistant indicators. Therefore, we can distinguish the following: for an apartment it is required to buy a laminate of 31-32 class, depending on the number of tenants and their habits, and for the conference rooms it is necessary to class 33.In the case of dance studios or sports facilities, a maximum score of 34 is needed. But if we lay the laminate of the 33rd class in private housing, then it will last for 20 years.

Panel thickness

This parameter corresponds to the main layer - fiberboard, which forms the structure of the product and attaches to itself all other components. The value of the protective coating of resin and a layer of paper adds only 10% of the total thickness. Laminate is from 6 to 12 mm. Thin plate models are no longer used. The value of the flooring layer affects two factors: sound insulation and protection against cold.

The thicker the panel, the less sound will be heard from footsteps or running to neighbors. High segments of laminate in combination with a competently chosen substrate will allow children to play on the floor without fear of catching a cold. Therefore, in the case of children or the need for additional insulation( private house, first floor), it is worth purchasing 8-10 mm thick products. For the parent bedroom, 6 mm is enough. In the store or production room( sewing workshop with cars, jewelery workshop at the salon) it is worth buying more solid panels of 12 mm, capable of high loads on the base.

But here there is a downside: if the house plans to use a warm floor, then the high panels will delay the heat transfer from the heater to the room, so in such situations, laminate flooring with a minimum thickness of 6 mm.

Shock resistance

In addition to the stable abrasion to which the top layer of the laminate is exposed, objects( scissors, mug, flower pot) can fall to the floor periodically. This can cause a crack or dent in the material, as well as damage the locking lock. To properly choose a cover, in view of the probability of falling various objects on it, a classification for impact resistance has been developed. Ic4 is suitable for private housing and offices with little traffic. Ic5 is better for placing in reception rooms and classes of educational institutions. Ic6 are designed for gyms and cafes.

Density

Modern manufacturers offer a density of laminate from 844 to 979 kg / m3.This determines the endurance of the material under static loads. If the room is a bed, chairs and TV, then the figure is 850 kg / m3.For a kitchen with a large refrigerator or washing machine you need to buy a laminate of 901 kg / m3.And in the case of production with sewing machines or a store with freezers and showcases, a maximum of 979 kg / m3 is required. If you buy an inappropriate density, then from the heavy objects will remain dents.

Connection method

This parameter depends on the evenness of the floors and the skill of the laying man. There are three types of connection:

1. Click

Assumes the presence of a groove and a return insert, for the interaction of which it is necessary to set the long edges of the panels at 45 degrees relative to each other. This allows you to make a ledge, connect the halves and bend the product to an even state.

2. Lock

Requires a flat arrangement of the two long edges of the panels and the insert to the click, which means the closure of the ribbed coupling mechanism.

3. Adhesive

Comes in a lubricant to the sealants of both the joints and the lower part of the plate for permanent abutment with the floor.

Click is suitable for those who want to try to collect the cover themselves. It will be simple and quick. This type of lock should be chosen and there, where there is a difference of the floor more than 2 mm per meter. The unevenness will not interfere with the installation and will partially flatten out.

Lock requires additional leveling of the floor, otherwise the lock just will not close until the end. Inserting response parts before clicking implies a certain skill and is hard to give the first time( you can ruin the lock).This kind of grip panels is best for an ideally leveled floor with professional styling.

The adhesive method of laminate planting has a disadvantage in the case of emergency dismantling and replacement of one panel( damaged), so it is used now less and less. But if there is no moisture in the room, and the laminate class will allow using it for many years, you can resort to laying on the adhesive( not only sealing the joints, but also gluing the bottom of the panels).

Chamfer

This parameter affects the appearance of the coating after several years of operation. Panels without V-shaped chamfers on the edges create a kind of solid floor( without strips and segments).If the edges of the laminate board are chamfered by several millimeters, the borders are clearly visible. It looks more like a natural tree and looks more solid. Monolithic coating immediately suggests the idea of ​​artificiality. The chamfer helps to smooth out some of the differences in the floor visually. Over time, the wooden component of the laminate will begin to crumble, which will lead to the formation of cracks. If the whole floor was monolithic, then the appearance of the border will immediately become noticeable. In the case of a chamfer, it will take longer to keep the overall beautiful view.

But the presence of a groove between the joints allows the spilled liquid to flow more quickly and more to the wood, which leads to swelling. Even in the cut out decorative bevels clogged with garbage. In view of this, the facet is convenient for dry and clean rooms( hall, bedroom, study).In all other cases, solid laminate types are practical.

Water resistance

In rooms with a high probability of spillage of liquids, the laminate with the base of the fiberboard will quickly become unusable. In such situations, a new kind of floor covering with PVC core is laid, which is absolutely not subject to moisture. Polyvinylchloride does not absorb water and does not deform. Locks for the coupling in it are made of the same shape as in the woody version. This laminate is very practical for kitchen and bathroom.

Concentration of formaldehyde

Resins are used to protect the upper layer from abrasion. Acrylic and melamine natural components do not have sufficient adhesion for quality adhesion to wood and paper, so formaldehyde is added to their composition. The latter are able to evaporate and act on the respiratory system. Buying a laminate for living rooms, it is worth to be convinced of the designation of ecological compatibility "Е1", which is considered harmless for health. It is suitable for bedrooms, kitchens and offices. Children's rooms are better equipped with a laminate with zero emission class "E0".For storerooms and balconies enough "E2".

Design

The decoration of the upper layer of the laminate can be very different and everything here depends on the taste and preferences of the buyer. But there are several well-known rules that are useful to consider. Small rooms should not be covered with dark tones - this further contributes to the visual reduction of the room. The floor and walls should contrast from the opposite: brown walls - beige laminate, etc. For office and cabinet, strict dark tones with a pattern for the array are suitable. For a children's room, abstractions and divorces are acceptable. On the non-slick side, it is better to lay a glossy material that reflects more light.

Which laminate to choose

In view of the above criteria, it is possible to single out a laminate for a specific application for the following factors:

1. For the bedroom and hall, panels of 31 classes, 6 mm, Ic4, with a density of 850 kg / m3 and V-shaped facings are suitable. Emission class "E1".

2. In the hallway and kitchen you need a laminate of 32 classes, 8 mm, Ic5, density of 900 kg / m3.For a bath similar parameters are possible, but with a base of vinyl.

3. The office will require a 33 grade floor covering with a thickness of 10 mm and Ic5.V-shaped cutting will give the appearance of a wooden massif and emphasize the solidity of the cabinet. If attendance is low, then enough density of 850 kgm3.

4. Dance and sports hall, as well as a cafe, it is necessary to cover with laminate of 34 class, 12 mm of thickness, Ic6 index for impact resistance and density of 979 kg / m3.

How much does the laminate flooring cost?

Floor coverings are sold per one square meter. Depending on the quality, the value of the product is also determined. A large run-up of prices is due to the availability of various manufacturers on the market.

Laminate for different needs will have the following range for the cost:

1. The bedroom and the hall cover will cost 400-600 rubles / m2.

2. For the hallway and kitchen with high loads, the product will cost 400-1500 rubles / m2.

3. Laminate with a thicker coating in the cabin is sold at 600-1600 rubles / m2.

4. For commercial use with a high class of wear resistance( gym, dance club) panels will have a price from 960-1200 rub / m2.