Choosing a laminate Automatic translate

Laminate flooring has conquered the market thanks to its easy installation. It quite accurately imitates a wooden floor covering, but several times cheaper than parquet. A practical and durable floor can be obtained at no extra cost by choosing the right laminate.

Board structure

Laminate gets its name from the multi-layer coating applied to the fiberboard. Chipboard is produced by the dense pressing method. The raw material is wood chips - waste of the main production of woodworking enterprises. The strongest and densest fiberboard boards are produced under high pressure.

There are several ways to produce laminate flooring. On the main board, by cold or hot pressing, decorative and protective layers are applied on top and a layer of paraffin-impregnated paper from below. The protective face layer is waterproof.

Most of the laminate on the market is produced by direct compression molding. All decorative and protective layers are applied to the fiberboard at the same time. If the technology is observed, the laminate meets the declared quality and price.

The effect of moisture on the laminate

Fibreboard absorbs moisture, as it consists of wood particles. The top of the board is covered with a water-repellent protective layer. Water seeps through the joints. Depending on the protective layer at the ends, the laminate is labeled as Moisture Resistant or Waterproof.

The moisture resistant material cannot be used in rooms with constant high humidity, in kitchens and bathrooms. Wet cleaning of the surface is acceptable, but spilled water must be wiped up immediately.

When water gets into the cracks at the joints, the laminate is deformed and does not restore its shape after drying.

The waterproof laminate is treated at the joints with water-repellent compounds. When moisture gets between the joints, the laminate does not collapse. Water must not be allowed to enter the substrate. Water can stagnate and mold can form under the laminate flooring.

Waterproof laminate should be labeled with the word “aqua” or a drop image.

Wear resistance indicators

There is a 31-34 class laminate on the market. This figure shows where you can use it depending on the load. The highest class is intended for public areas with high traffic.

Resistance to wear is marked with the letters AC and numbers from 3 to 6. This indicator is obtained from the test results. Determine the number of load cycles before the destruction of the protective layer.

In a wear-resistant laminate, all layers must be of the appropriate quality. For irresponsible manufacturers, a thin protective layer may be on a durable fiberboard. It happens on the contrary, a high-quality film protects a loose board. Due to these inconsistencies, the laminate is destroyed before the warranty period.

Experts recommend paying attention to the manufacturer. For laminates from Europe, the country of origin will be indicated on each board.

Board thickness

Laminate class 31 is laid in living rooms with low traffic. High strength and abrasion resistance is not required, so its price is lower. A 6–8 mm board is enough. The laminate must be laid on a flat surface so that no creases are formed on irregularities.

Class 32 laminate will withstand increased mechanical stress: children’s scooters and pets’ claws. The thickness of 10 mm is close to the thickness of parquet strips. With a solid substrate, the coating lasts for at least 10 years.

Laminate class 33 has a thickness of 12 mm. Manufacturers recommend it even for bathrooms. In practice, it is more suitable for offices and shops with high traffic. It should be borne in mind that it is the most expensive.

Laminate of a higher class and with the first number 4 in the marking is intended for public spaces.

Buying laminate

Experts recommend contacting specialized flooring stores. It is advisable to immediately buy a sound-insulating substrate, because the laminate is a good resonator of sounds. If you have any doubts about the quality, you must ask for a certificate of conformity.

Choice of design

An embossed laminate that imitates the structure of wood looks best. The choice of shade depends on the color scheme and style of the interior.

It is worth paying attention to the laminate with imitation of parquet tiles, leather, natural stone. For loft-style interiors, coatings are offered that imitate used boards with picturesque defects. Laminate with contrasting ends that look like gaps between boards from a distance is in fashion.