Best laminate flooring in 2020

Less than 20 years ago, there was no alternative to wood or concrete. However, today, when repairing or erecting a structure, some kind of coating is mandatory. Owners often prefer laminate flooring. This material has a pleasant appearance and high strength. When choosing a high-quality laminate, you can safely have pets - the coating does not scratch from their claws. Such a surface has anti-slip properties, which is also extremely important. Laminate is produced by a large number of companies in the world. To choose a good laminate in 2020, this rating was compiled.

The main criteria for choosing a laminate

The question often arises as to which laminate is preferable. The best class of laminate is the one that fully suits the conditions of use. Key selection criteria:

• Wear resistance class. It is one of the key quality and strength parameters. The number 31 will indicate that the laminated panels are intended for use in a heated dry room. With proper care, the coating can last approximately 10 years. Class 34 will last up to about 30 years in a residential building.
• The weak point in this coating is water resistance. The accepted standard is considered to be 18%, but most premium materials have a water permeability range of 8-12%, which makes it possible to lay panels in the bathroom or in the kitchen.
• Structure and decor. The smooth surface is slightly inferior to an embossed product or a natural leather finish. But the grooved surface looks ergonomic.
• At the ends of certain types of laminate, there is a slight depression called a chamfer. During the laying of the material, the borders of the boards will be drawn. This makes it possible to externally smooth out the roughness of the coating. A smooth floor surface fits better on a flat surface.

To know what a good laminate flooring for an apartment to buy, you need to take these recommendations into account.

The best European laminate manufacturers

Often the question arises, which laminate from European manufacturers is better to choose for an apartment. Today German, Belgian, Swedish, Austrian, Norwegian developers are leaders in the international market. Experts identify a number of brands common on the domestic market.

Balterio

Products from a Belgian manufacturer entered the market in 2001. Since its inception, the company has set goals - the creation of promising and modern floor coverings from laminated panels. Thanks to the increased quality and unique developments, it is possible in the shortest possible time to gain popularity among consumers and expand production. However, the quality of these products attracted the attention of certain unscrupulous entrepreneurs from Asia, who established the production of counterfeit products and flooded the domestic market with them.

In accordance with the opinion of experts, Belgian products are distinguished by their strength and durability.Both qualified installers and home specialists cope with the installation.

Pros:

• a special coating makes the product durable, which increases the shelf life;
• differs in impact resistance - is not afraid of heavy falls or heels;
• a burning cigarette that has lain for 5 seconds will not leave marks on the coating;
• a number of models of coatings are distinguished by an anti-slip coating;
• the laminate board is highly water resistant;
• stain resistance will prevent coffee or sauce from leaving marks;
• the manufacturer provides a wide range.

Minuses:

• overpriced;
• not too large selection of accessories.

Kronotex

The German manufacturer has been actively producing wood fiber panels since the 1990s. The developer has a wide dealer network in 80 countries. Experts condition the brand's finding in this rating by the full production cycle. The developer himself grows the wood, processes it and sells it to the consumer. In addition to laminate, HDF boards, MDF, OSB, etc. are offered.

A characteristic feature of such coatings is the presence of a large spectrum of monotone colors (200 variations). Thanks to such panels, it will be possible to create an unusual and creative style in various rooms.

Pros:

• big choice;
• laminate is produced in Germany;
• wide range of accessories;
• most models have a 30-year warranty period;
• there are no harmful substances in the composition;
• the products are shockproof and waterproof.

Minuses:

• overpriced;
• not available in all stores.

Haro

This brand from a developer from Europe is confidently included in the rating. Floor coverings made from laminated panels, parquet boards and cork have been on the international market for over 30 years. The products are popular with users all over the world. High quality laminate flooring and striking style are considered essential to success.

The developers of the manufacturer in question have a large number of exclusive models. Some of them can be found in the floor surfaces of other companies. Specialists distinguish aquaShield protective products, Silent Pro acoustic underlay, permaDur and bioTec coatings. The laminate is equipped with 2 types of locks.

Pros:

• most of the products are manufactured in Germany;
• the laminate meets all international environmental safety standards;
• a fairly wide selection;
• duration of use;
• resistance to stains and scratches;
• most flooring products are impact-resistant.

Minuses:

• most items are expensive.

Berry alloc

The production of laminate flooring is considered to be the main activity of the joint Belgian-Norwegian manufacturer. The firms are united into one whole by large industrial facilities, vast experience and research base. As a result, HPL flooring or high pressure laminate has been introduced to the market. It has fundamental differences, first of all, in the production technology (the top layer is pressed). This innovation enables the brand to take leading positions in this rating. HPL laminated panels will outperform traditional DPL (direct pressure) models in terms of quality and resistance to adverse influences.

Pros:

• wide range of designs;
• increased wear resistance;
• safe use.

Minuses:

• a large number of forgeries without certification;
• overpriced.

Pergo

The best laminate flooring for an apartment according to the opinion of experts and users. The manufacturer is the founder of a similar type of flooring. Today, products are manufactured in various countries. Laminate is characterized by high manufacturability, which determines the quality of products.

The flooring line has 12 collections in the 32-34 class. In addition to laminate flooring, parquet boards and vinyl flooring are in demand.All products have an international environmental certificate, which confirms the safe use of the material.

Pros:

• a fairly large selection;
• increased shock resistance and water protection;
• long-term use;
• application in the production of patented technologies.

Minuses:

• overpriced.

The best domestic producers or joint ventures

To take their place in the domestic market, foreign developers had to solve the cost issue. In order to reduce the price of products, joint firms are created in the domestic market.

Quick-Step

The Belgian-Russian manufacturer is popular for its glueless flooring that has appeared since the 1990s. During the period of its existence, its technological developments have been introduced. For example, a V-shaped chamfer. The first collection was made in 2001. The laminate imitated a plank floor, which caused the prevalence of such a volumetric coating.

Pros:

• patented snapping system, which makes it possible not to use glue;
• long-term use;
• quite an extensive selection, constantly updated by series of products;
• adequate cost;
• increased strength and immunity to liquids and cigarette ash.

Minuses:

• not installed.

Egger

A manufacturing company from Austria has been supplying products to the international market since the middle of the 20th century. The concern with modern factories produces high-quality products, other materials from chipboard. Experts estimate the scope of laminate flooring on the domestic market.

Laminated panels are produced under the Egger brand, as well as on order for large enterprises and trade organizations. To install the floor coverings, the developer's line contains the required accessories (decor items and care products).

Pros:

• has increased strength;
• a large selection makes it possible to choose a coating for a specific interior;
• long-term use;
• the floor covering has high water resistance;
• most of the products are made in Germany;
• a large number of accessories;
• adequate cost.

Minuses:

• not installed.

Ritter

The emergence of the brand in question happened relatively recently. Experts highly appreciate the uniqueness of the manufacturer's developments and unusual style. The brand takes leading positions in the rating due to its unusual embossing under the leather, as well as for the high quality of the laminate. Thanks to the use of modern German technology, the domestic developer manages to achieve stability in dimensions and precise designs of locks.

Laminate in a short time has won its own niche in the domestic market. Experts tend to associate such progress with the use of high-quality raw materials, in-house developments and the presence of a production laboratory.

Pros:

• unusual developments;
• adequate cost;
• long service life.

Minuses:

• a small selection of decor;
• there are no smooth coatings in the range.

Kronostar

A good laminate flooring under the brand in question is produced by domestic manufacturers, but controlled by a large international concern. Due to the availability of European technology and the use of modern technologies, floor coverings, wall panels, MDF and other high-quality materials are produced.

The manufacturer confidently enters this rating due to the solution of complex tasks set by the developer. Efforts are made to produce high quality as well as safe laminate flooring. This approach makes it possible to gain international recognition. Most experts consider the products to be the most environmentally friendly.

Pros:

• environmental friendliness;
• adequate cost;
• high-tech indicators.

Minuses:

• small assortment of designs;
• collections are of the same size.

Tarkett

The appearance of this developer is dated 1987. The main activity for the manufacturer will be the production of soft floor coverings.Later the company expanded its own product line and now produces laminated coatings.

Experts consider this developer to be the leader for high quality products and affordable cost for the user. The floor covering is distinguished by long-term operation (20 years), which is sufficient until the next repair work. Using simple but effective locks makes it possible to install the flooring yourself.

Pros:

• high quality products;
• adequate cost;
• long-term operation;
• wear resistance.

Minuses:

• there are cases of defective products.

Best Chinese manufacturers or joint ventures

Developers from China have recently improved the quality of their products, while maintaining an adequate cost. Most of the models are created by well-known European concerns that control the production process.

Goodway

The manufacturer in question is confidently included in this rating due to its own originality. The developer's innovation is that each country has its own laminate line. The most luxurious and rich flooring is considered to be for Arab countries. Each product is made with a special U-shaped chamfer. 8 collections were made, taking into account the flavor of the countries.

The products under consideration are distinguished by their high strength and durability. The flooring is available in grades 33 and 34 and the product has a 25-year warranty. To make products more accessible to domestic consumers, 2 collections are made by Russian specialists.

Pros:

• originality;
• comply with international standards;
• long warranty period.

Minuses:

• you can find locks of low quality.

Floorwood

The manufacturer in question from Germany makes high-quality coatings that are affordable for any consumer. Laminate with a long warranty period is produced in various countries, but most of the products are manufactured in China. German quality ensures strict control, however, achieving it is not difficult due to the most advanced technology and high quality wood.

The products in question are ranked due to a rich set of shades and structures. The model line is updated all the time. The user is offered wide panels and shortened tapered strips. The comfortable lock makes it possible to install the laminate with your own hands.

Pros:

• a large number of collections;
• long warranty;
• volumetric 5g fixation.

Minuses:

• overpriced.

The question often arises as to which laminate is better to choose. To know which class of laminate is best, this list was compiled. The list includes the best models. They are characterized by efficiency and quality.