How to choose a laminate

During the repair and replacement of floors, more families choose laminate. It has a presentable appearance that is similar to natural wood, but it will cost much less. Unlike linoleum, it is not immediately possible to find out what kind of coating is underfoot. The versatility of the laminate makes it possible to lay it on top of an insulated floor or on concrete slabs using a special substrate. The material is perfect for bedrooms and halls, children's rooms, where a lot of time will be spent on the floor, and kitchens. Often he spreads in the office and study. Laminate is also used to decorate the doors. To know which laminate to choose, you need to know its key characteristics and their impact on operation.

Laminate structure and application

The question often arises of how to choose a laminate. Such material is rectangular slabs 0.6-1.2 cm thick, stacked against each other and forming a monolithic coating without seams. The base made of wood makes it possible to retain heat, and a layer of protection will protect the laminate from abrasion and damage. As a decor, a print on paper is used, laid in the middle. Regarding the type of picture, then there is a great flight for imagination, which makes it possible to choose strict drawings and various stains and lines (abstractness, marble, rubbing, monotonous shades).

This material is widely used as a floor covering in the middle price range. He spreads in the house and apartment, kindergarten, hotel, study and office. Taking into account the characteristics, the price of the product differs, which will make it possible to purchase it for expensive decoration of the premises and for economical repairs in the home. The products are sold in packages where the panels are stacked on top of each other up to 6-10 pieces. Each key indicator is prescribed on boxes, and the laminate is accompanied by an eco-friendly certificate.

The structure of the material includes the presence of several layers located from bottom to top in a certain order:

• Waterproof. A material that does not allow moisture to pass from the coating. It will come into contact with the substrate, and without using it, with the concrete. Due to its dense structure, such an element will stabilize and protect the panel from deformation. Sometimes combined with soundproofing, however, this will depend on the developer.
• Main. It is made of chipboard or fiberboard, in other situations from PVC, and is the main element of the material. The wood fiber has significant hardness, which will add rigidity to the board. Such a component contains locks in order to join the coating in a single row. The quality of the impregnation is determined by the resistance to water and the integrity of the geometry.
• Waterproof interlayer. This line in the laminate is made of paper, which is impregnated with wood resin. Laminate additionally protects the top element of the slab from the ingress of water from the concrete floor.
• Decorative.It is a paper with a print that is similar to wood, stone or arbitrary stains.
• Protective film. Made from acrylic or melamine resin. Will be responsible for the integrity of the picture. Can be classified by wear resistance, which will determine the place of application of the laminate.

This type of flooring is very common due to its easy installation. For fastening the panels to each other, a locking system of grooves and mating parts is provided. The insertion of the components will take place extremely quickly and the laying of the area of ​​1 room will take approximately 2 hours. It is necessary to lay a substrate on the surface in advance, smoothing out roughness and auxiliary insulating concrete floor. The substrates themselves can be cork and polyurethane foam. Some homeowners install the material themselves, which will save the family's budget. However, even when hiring a specialist, the work will not take several days, after 2 hours it is possible to bring furniture into the room.

The main enemy of the laminate will be water. In order to protect the material, 2 layers are provided to protect the base plate and printed paper from absorbing moisture emanating from the base. However, water penetrating on top (strong dampness in the home) can cause the panel to swell and deform the coating. This will make the use of a material with a wooden base in the bathroom and toilet unusable. However, varieties of laminate with vinyl inserts are made.

The prevalence of laminate flooring is due to simple maintenance - it can be washed, swept and rubbed. A matte or glossy finish will make it possible to select the material for any user. When a significant water leak occurs, it is possible to disassemble the panels, remove moisture with a washing vacuum cleaner, let the floor dry and re-lay the laminate. Moisture-resistant modifications are being developed for kitchens, however, the spilled liquid must be quickly wiped up, otherwise the laminate deteriorates.

Laminate selection options

Often, buyers ask themselves which laminate is the best choice for an apartment. For the appropriate choice of material, it is not enough to match the color. It is required to clearly define the place where the laminate will be used and the type of load to which it is subject. It is important to consider the characteristics of the assembly and the installation method.

Wear class

In accordance with international standards, laminates must pass more than 15 tests in order to obtain a category. The procedures should reproduce the various friction, load, slip, temperature and UV loads that the material will experience during actual use. The time taken to keep the laminate looking good is considered key in terms of its potential useful life, which is why the laminate is assigned a durability category.

One of the tests is considered the Taber test, which involves the rotation of the head with an abrasive material over the surface of the laminate. How long the top of the panel will resist this kind of influence is called the “turnover” of the material. This parameter is prescribed as AC and accompanied by a number. Home appliances with an AC3 index can last 5 years. AC4 is best purchased in the hallway. AC5 is largely suitable for office environments.

The second designation of category 30-34 refers to the density of the base - fiberboard. The integrity of the panel assembly will depend on such an indicator of the tree. However, most developers designate a set of wear resistance characteristics with such indicators. Therefore, it is possible to note the following recommendations: for a dwelling, you will need to purchase material of 31-32 categories, taking into account the number of residents, 33 category will be required for a conference hall. For dance studios or sports facilities, the largest parameter is 34.However, when the material of the 33rd category is laid in a private room, then it lasts for 20 years.

Panel thickness

Fiberboard will be responsible for such an indicator, which forms the structure of the laminate and attaches other components to itself. The dimensions of the protective resin coating and paper layer will only add 10% of the total thickness. The material can be 0.6-1.2 cm. Thinner slabs are not used today. The dimensions of the flooring interlayer will affect 2 factors: sound insulation and protection from low temperatures.

The higher the thickness of the laminate, the less noise comes from footsteps or running. High elements of the coating in combination with a properly selected substrate will enable the child to play on the floor surface without fear of a cold. Therefore, if there are children, or there is a need for auxiliary insulation (private dwelling, 1st floor), you should purchase a laminate 0.8-1 cm in thickness. For the sleeping quarters of adults, 0.6 cm will be necessary.In the market or industrial premises, you should buy more reliable panels of 1.2 cm that can withstand the increased load.

However, there is another side here: when it is planned to use a warm floor in a dwelling, then high panels will be able to delay the exchange of heat from the heaters to the room, therefore, in this case, material with the smallest thickness of 0.6 cm is spread.

Impact resistance

In addition to the constant abrasion to which the upper part of the laminate is subject, objects occasionally fall on the coating. This can provoke the appearance of cracks or dents in the laminate, cause damage. In order to properly select the panel due to the likely fall of various objects, a special classification is provided. Ic4 is suitable for private residences and offices with low traffic. Ic5 is best used in reception rooms, schools and institutes. Ic6 are provided for gyms and cafes.

Density

Current developers can offer material density in the range of 845-980 kg per cubic meter. m. This determines the endurance of the laminate under static loads. When there is furniture in the room, then a sufficient parameter of 850 kg per cubic meter. m. For kitchens with a large refrigerator or washing machine, you need to purchase material 900 kg per cubic meter. m. And in a situation of production or a store with freezers and showcases, the highest characteristics of 980 kg per cubic meter will be needed. m. When an inappropriate density is purchased, dents may remain from a heavy object.

Connection method

This indicator will depend on the evenness of the coatings and the qualifications of the person who is laying. There are 3 types of connection:

• It assumes the presence of a groove and a mating insert, in order to interact with which it is required to install the long edges of the panel at 45 degrees in relation to each other. This will make it possible to start a ledge, connect the halves and bend the products until they are even.
• You will need to align the 2 long edges of the panels and insert until it clicks into place to close the clutch mechanism.
• Kleeva. Provides lubrication of sealants as the joint and the bottom of the slab for continuous abutment to the floor.

Click is suitable for those who are trying to assemble a coating on their own. This will not be difficult and will not take a lot of time. This type of lock is chosen where there is a difference in coverage of more than 0.2 cm per 1 m. Roughness does not create problems during installation and is partially smoothed out.

Lock needs an auxiliary leveling of the floor, otherwise the lock will not close completely. Inserting the counterparts before clicking suggests the presence of some skills and it will be difficult to give in at once (it is possible to break the lock). This type of adhesion of the panels is optimal for even surfaces with professional installation.

The glue method of planting the material has a drawback in the emergency dismantling and replacement of one panel, therefore it is used less and less today. However, when there is no moisture inside the room, and the category of material will make it possible to use it for a long time, then it is possible to lay on glue (seal the joints, and also glue the lower part of the panel).

Substrate type

When laying the laminate, remember about the underlay - a special material that insulates the material from the surface. Before installation, you will need to properly clean the floor from various debris with a vacuum cleaner. The underlay will provide sound and thermal insulation. There is a laminate already containing a backing, mostly 32 categories and more. The following types of substrates are distinguished, taking into account materials:

• Polyethylene foam. Used more often than others. The advantages of this type will be moisture resistance, adequate cost and simple application. The downsides are poor shape retention and sagging over time. In addition, it is not recommended to expose the substrate to ultraviolet radiation.
• Cork. It will be an excellent heat insulator. Effectively holds its shape and is highly durable. However, condensation sometimes forms on such a substrate. This disadvantage is absent in substrates that are made of cork with bitumen or rubber. They will not be fooled and have good shock absorption.
• Special. It will make it possible to install panels much faster. It will provide good noise and heat insulation, condensation will not form on it. The only drawback would be the overpricing.

Chamfer

This indicator will affect the appearance of the laminate after a certain period of use. Panels without a V-chamfer at the edges will create a solid surface appearance (no stripes or fragments). When the edges are slightly chamfered, the borders are clearly visible. This is more similar to natural wood and looks more convincing.

The monolithic coating immediately creates a feeling of artificiality. The chamfer will make it possible to smooth out certain differences in the coating externally. Over time, the wooden element of the material dries up, which leads to the formation of cracks. When the entire surface is monolithic, the appearance of boundaries will be noticeable. Chamfering gives more time to maintain its proper appearance.

However, the presence of a deepening between the joints will make it possible for the spilled liquid to make contact with the tree faster and longer, which leads to swelling. In addition, debris will be hammered into the cut decorative bevels. As a result, the bevel is comfortable for dry and clean rooms. In other situations, solid laminates will become more practical.

Water resistance

In a room with a high risk of spills, the fiberboard coating will become unusable faster. In such a situation, a new type of floor covering is laid with a PVC core that is completely resistant to moisture. PVC will not absorb moisture and will not deform. Locks for hitching purposes are made in the same shape as in the timber version. This material is extremely suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.

Formaldehyde concentration

Resins are used to protect the outer layer from abrasion. Acrylic and melamine do not have the necessary adhesion for high-quality adhesion to wood and paper substrates, therefore formaldehydes are added to them. They can evaporate and affect the respiratory tract. When buying material for living quarters, you should make sure of the environmental designations “E1”, which is safe for health. Laminate is suitable for bedroom, kitchen and study. It is optimal to equip children's rooms with materials with zero emission category “E0”.

Design

The decor of the outer layer of the material can be varied and here a lot will depend on the wishes of the consumer. However, there are certain well-known guidelines that need to be taken into account.Small rooms should not be covered with dark shades - this will more contribute to the external reduction of the room. The covering and walls contrast with the opposite: brown walls - light laminate, etc. Strict dark shades from prints are suitable for office space. For children, abstractions and divorces are suitable. On the dark side, it is optimal to use a glossy laminate that reflects the light.

The best laminate manufacturers - which company to choose

The question often arises of how to choose a quality laminate. Of course, when purchasing a material, the user wants to buy a coating that lasts about 20 years and retains its appearance throughout the entire period. For these purposes, it is required to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the criteria and types of coverage. When there is no time to research these characteristics, it is possible to purchase products from the best manufacturing companies. The most popular developers in this segment include the following:

• Alloc.
• Egger.
• Kaindl.
• Balterio.
• Kronostar.

To know which laminate company to choose, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the manufacturers' products.

Types of laminate

Often, buyers wonder what color laminate flooring to choose for their home. Although all material has a similar structure and the main chipboard layer with the stabilizing underlay at the bottom, there are 2 categories for different operating conditions. The use of group 1 is permissible everywhere, and laying 2 leads to an early deterioration of the laminate and excessive spending.

Home laminate

After the manufacture of the laminate, the developers do more than 15 tests in order to determine the durability of the material under a particular load. This will highlight 2 specific coverage classes, one of which is intended for use in a house and apartment. In such conditions, the coating will retain its bright appearance for 6 years, taking into account the number of residents, caution in using the coating and passability. Such products will cost less than other types of flooring, making replacing the floor almost imperceptible on the budget.

Pros:

• adequate cost;
• variety of colors;
• it is possible to assemble it yourself;
• reliability;
• natural appearance;
• hypoallergenic materials;
• it is possible to combine with a warm cover.

Minuses:

• after 7 years, erasures appear in the figure in areas with frequent traffic, and part 2 of the laminate will be like new;
• swelling from spilled liquid provokes deformation of the floor.

Laminate for commercial use

When the coating in the room is worn away by the movement of several people and the play of a child, then in offices it will deteriorate within six months. This fact prompted the developers to create coverage for commercial use. Such products are intended for stages, studios, office premises. The service life of such a coating, on which people walk or jump per day, will be 4 years. Of course, when you put it in your own home, then it will be able to serve for about 15 years.

Other products are used in a building where the loads are more intense: car dealerships, clubs. In such a situation, products can retain their own appearance for 8-14 years, which will extend the service life in domestic use for about 30 years.

Pros:

• load resistance;
• difficult to ignite;
• will not fade in the sun;
• long-term use;
• precise joints;
• pressure resistance;
• long warranty period (unlimited for domestic use).

Minuses:

• overcharge;
• subject to moisture.

Which laminate to choose

Taking into account the above recommendations, it is possible to select coatings for a specific use according to the following factors:

• For bedrooms, panels of 31 categories are suitable, 0.6 cm, with a density of 850 kg per cubic meter. m. Emission category “E1”.
• In the kitchen, a material of category 32 is required, 0.8 cm, with a density of 900 kg per cubic meter. m. For the bathroom, similar characteristics are suitable, but with a PVC base.
• The office needs to cover 33 categories with a thickness of 1 cm. The bevel creates a solid wood feel and emphasizes the solidity of the room.When the attendance is small, then a density of 850 kg per cubic meter is sufficient. m.
• In the studio and gym, it is required to lay material of 34 categories, 1.2 cm in thickness, with a density of 980 kg per cubic meter. m.

Laminate price

Such coatings are sold per 1 sq. m. Taking into account the quality, the cost of the product is determined. A significant price variety is due to the presence of different developers on the market. Coverage for various needs has the following price range:

• For a bedroom, laminate flooring costs 500 rubles. per sq. m.
• In the hallway and kitchen with excessive load, the coating has a price in the range of 500-1500 rubles. per sq. m.
• A more massive covering for offices is sold for 500-1500 rubles. per sq. m.
• For commercial use with increased wear resistance, the panels differ in cost in the range of 950-1200 rubles. per sq. m.

Often they ask themselves how to choose the right laminate. To find out how to purchase a quality product, you should read these recommendations.