Laminate - production, class, installation

For several decades now, the concept of repair, high-quality and quick finishing of floors has included the use of laminated parquet. Laminate flooring is especially popular among housing developers - almost all apartments sold ready-to-renovate have laminate floors. Although it is difficult to call it parquet, because it is a completely artificial material that does not have common characteristic features with parquet boards or block parquet, and in terms of wear resistance and appearance, a good laminate is not inferior to solid wood. One of the good examples of a successful relationship between high quality and affordable prices is Haro. You can buy Haro laminate in Moscow , for example, in the ZFloor online store ) zfloor.ru ).

What does laminate consist of?

Firstly, it is made up of several layers:

The top layer is a thin film of melamine or acrylic resin. This layer has the main function of protecting the floor from dirt, water, all kinds of chemicals and some mechanical damage. Depending on the quality of the laminate and its price, one can judge whether multilayer or single-layer film was used in production;

Decorative layer - in fact, because of this layer the laminate acquired the name laminated parquet. This layer is made from special paper or furniture foil, which imitates various valuable types of wood and other decorative materials;

A layer that is made from particle boards or fiberboards (chipboard, fiberboard) is a material that performs the main load-bearing function;

The bottom layer or back sheet is made of paper, which is impregnated with a special resin and which protects the entire slab from moisture and dirt and is responsible for the geometric stabilization of the entire slab.

Laminate properties

Laminate has a number of undeniable advantages. In addition to the price, it does not require additional varnishing, scraping or sanding. Laminate does not fade in the sun; any dirt can be easily removed with solvents. This is an environmentally friendly material, as it does not emit anything harmful to humans. Laminate is made by different manufacturers, but the strength characteristics of individual classes are the same or almost the same for all.

Laminate classes

The most popular laminate is intended for use in commercial premises and can be:

31 class - used for installation in offices, meeting rooms and reception rooms. Initially, laminate of this class is designed to last 2-3 years. When installed in apartments and houses, it can last from 10 to 12 years. The most convenient type of laminate in terms of service life - quality - price;

32 classes - used for installation in rooms where traffic intensity corresponds to an average level, and is designed for 3-5 years of service. Using a laminate of this class in an apartment or house ensures a service life of up to 15 years;

33 classes - used for installation in rooms with high traffic intensity, and can last from 5 to 6 years, five to six years. In an apartment or house it provides a service life of 15-20 years.

We also produce laminate oriented specifically for use in residential premises - 21st class, 22nd class, 23rd class. However, it is so impractical that it is not popular.

Choosing a laminate

Laminate flooring, which was laid using special glue and tightened with special tightening belts, has long lost popularity. Modern manufacturers are focused on producing laminates with interlocking joints that eliminate the use of glue. Therefore, when choosing, you need to pay attention to the thickness of the purchased material.

The thicker the laminate, the more reliable the locking connection will be and the longer the service life of the floor. The thickness of laminated parquet has a positive effect on the sound absorption coefficient - the thicker it is, the better it absorbs sound and the less the floor rattles when walked on. Installation of laminate with a thickness of 8–12mm is easier than installation of 6–7mm.

In addition to simple laminate, you can turn your attention to moisture-resistant laminate of class 33. Its surface is also covered with melamine film, but with the addition of corundum, and it is also produced with special locks that allow it to be used in wet rooms, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and washrooms.

Laying laminate

You need to start laying laminate flooring by preparing the floor surface, that is, by checking how even it is. For this purpose, an aluminum rule 2.5 m long is used, which checks the evenness of the floor. The curvature should not exceed 3mm. For curvatures exceeding 3mm, it is recommended to level the floor. If the base of the floor is wooden and it creaks, you can get rid of this using an underlying layer of multi-layer ten-millimeter plywood.

The prepared floor is covered with a 2-4mm thick underlay, on which the laminate is laid. The underlay should be laid perpendicular to the direction of laying the laminate, and the laminate itself should be laid perpendicular to the window opening. The laminate is laid staggered, the seam moves at least 40cm. Laying must begin from the wall and a gap of 7mm is left between the wall and the laminate.

Laminate floor care

Proper care of laminate flooring involves following certain rules. After laying the laminate, it can be treated with special water-repellent agents. Wet cleaning is done using products that do not contain abrasive ingredients or solvents. Special plastic transparent mats can be placed under the legs of chairs and armchairs to protect the floor from damage. You can also use special felt heels for furniture legs, and when buying furniture, choose ones with special wheels that protect the floor.