Which class of laminate is better?

In recent years, laminate has gained momentum in popularity. In recent years, this flooring has been improved, and now due to its durability and other characteristics competes with ceramic tiles, stone and other coatings. On his side such an important plus, as the low cost price. But laminate is different, what grade of laminate is better? To make the right choice, it is important to understand the features and characteristics of this coating.

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Laminate structure

Let's start by looking at what the laminate itself is:

• The lowest layer consists of waterproof melamine. This layer protects the coating from deformation.
• The base of the laminate is a panel made of fiberboard or chipboard.
• Then comes the decorative layer. It is represented by a paper on which a pattern imitating a tree, skin or other material is applied.
• On top is a laminated film. It is made of melamine or acrylic resin.

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Selection of coating according to

Class of laminate is designated by the number from 21 to 34. This indicator will tell you everything about wear resistance, moisture resistance, fire safety and resistance to getting dents. What is the best laminate class? The higher the figure, the higher its characteristics, and, accordingly, the price.

The most popular classes are 31, 32, 33 and 34, what is the best laminate?

• For rooms with not very high cross-country capacity, for example, a bedroom, class 31 is suitable.
• For rooms with a medium passability it is better to use class 32.
• Class 33 withstands high cross-country ability, therefore suitable for both an apartment and a commercial premise. If you are selecting material for a bathroom or a hallway, this option is suitable.
• The best is class 34. The service life of the apartment is almost unlimited. Suitable for sports clubs and public institutions.

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Laminate thickness

The noise insulation, floor heat and clutch strength depend on this index. The larger the thickness, the better, but, correspondingly, the higher the price. The most common thickness is 8 mm.

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Panel connection type

There are two types of connection - adhesive and lock.

Adhesive connection

Such connection at the cheapest types of laminate. The panels are glued together. The glue is applied along the perimeter of each panel.

Important! The disadvantage is the impossibility of dismantling. Laying such a floor itself is quite problematic, will have to call for the help of professionals.

Locking connection

This is the most popular type of connection. There are two types of locks:

• Click locking is made at an angle of 45 degrees by snapping. It is a strong and reliable connection, moreover, the laminate with this type of locks can be laid even unprofessional.
• When connecting the panel, the panels must be hammered together to fix them. The surface of the floor must be level. It is better to entrust such an installation to a specialist.

Important! The minus of this locking connection is that over time the locking parts of the lock are erased. This option is suitable for low-traffic areas.

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Substrate for laminate

The correct substrate selection allows to significantly increase the service life of the laminate. The substrate is intended for leveling the floor and provides additional noise insulation. There are several types of substrate.

Cork

Resistant to deformation, environmentally friendly, not exposed to mold, fungi or rotting, has good thermal insulation properties. It has an increased cost and is not suitable for rooms with high humidity.

Composite

Successfully hides all the unevenness of the floor. Prevents the formation of mold, rot, has good sound insulation, durable. Has a high cost.

Foam polyethylene

The most common and affordable. Not afraid of moisture, mold or rot. It has good sound insulation, but is short-lived.

Styrofoam

Hides minor ground defects, has good soundproofing properties, is available at a price. But just like foamed polyethylene, it eventually loses its original shape.

Foiled

It has excellent heat and sound insulation properties. Suitable for rooms with a warm floor. Has a high cost.

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Manufacturer's choice

When choosing a laminate for an apartment, you need to consider which manufacturer has proved to be the best. The entire laminate is the same in its structure, but here the quality of coatings from different manufacturers is different.

Among the reliable and affordable laminate coatings, one can distinguish the best laminate brands:

• The Egger brand( Germany) uses an improved system of click locks. This ensures easy installation. The coating from this manufacturer is distinguished by its high strength.
• Manufacturer Tarkett has achieved laminate service for more than 15 years.
• The maximum durability is also different from the Belgian manufacturer Quick Step.
• Swiss company Pergo has developed and introduced into production special locks such as smart lok.
• The products from the Belgian company Balterio are gaining popularity. It is distinguished by its quality and reliability, coupled with a relatively low price.

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Size and shape

Laminate is produced mainly in the form of rectangular panels, imitating wooden, leather or any other surface. Standard dimensions do not exist:

• minimum parameters of the laminate board - length 300-400 mm;
• width - 90 mm;
• thickness - 6 mm.

Maximum, respectively: 1845, 330, 12 mm.

Important! Shorter boards are easier to stack. Thick coating is more durable, but it costs more.

There is a laminate of a square shape. This coating most often simulates ceramic tiles. It easily fits and does not require a substrate, but it has a high cost.

Important! When buying, you need to consider the cost of pruning. With direct laying, this is 7%, and for diagonal - the indicator varies from 10 to 15%.

The selected shape and size of the laminate flooring should be in harmony with the geometry of the room:

• for larger rooms the slats need to be chosen longer and wider;
• for a small room will be more appropriate narrow panels.

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Laminate care

Laminate flooring is not only beautiful, but also care not capricious. But it does not have high moisture resistance, so it is undesirable to wash it. This can lead to swelling of the top layer. To clean the laminate it is better to use special tools.

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To sum up the

To find out which laminate is best in your case, you need to answer the following questions:

• How long do you plan to use the coating? If you have a removable housing or you often make repairs, then there is no point in buying expensive laminate. If you are planning to do long-term repairs and want the floor to last you long, choose a high-class laminate and a large thickness
• For which room do you choose the flooring? The kitchen, the hallway and the nursery are the rooms where the floors are most exposed to mechanical influences and contact with water. Here you need a laminate with high moisture-proof, heat-resistant and shockproof performance.
• What design tasks will your flooring solve? For a visual increase in space, you need to choose a laminate of light shades. Which laminate to choose for the hall?- For the living room are more suitable glossy cover, they give the room a solemnity and gloss.

Important! Buy laminate is better in a store with a good reputation. There you can get help when choosing from experienced consultants who will help you choose the best laminate for your home.

Now we figured out which class of laminate is better and what other characteristics should be taken into consideration when choosing such a floor covering. So - you are ready for an easy purchase, which will help you to transform the interior in the style in which you thought.