Laminate - a popular finishing floor covering.Laminate looks very stylish, it is environmentally friendly and relatively inexpensive. These criteria determine the incredible consumer demand for this material. Today, many manufacturers offer so many varieties of laminate. How to choose it and not make a mistake? Let's figure it out together.
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate outwardly is to some extent imitationfloorboard. This is a multi-layered material. One of its layers is a hardboard or chipboard, another layer is paper on which a drawing is applied and the last layer is a laminated film that protects other layers of material from dirt, water and mechanical effects. The laminated layer is made of acrylic or melamine resin.
Laminate for a long time "came" to Russia.For some reason, in our country this floor covering did not cause a long time trust from the buyer. One of the possible reasons is the low quality of the material from domestic producers. Now we know what kind of flooring it is and it's time to start exploring how to choose laminate flooring.
Laminate grade
This indicator says about durabilitymaterial. The higher the class of laminate, the more it is wear-resistant and, accordingly, durable. For assignment and verification of laminate grade, there is a special test; during this study, the material is polished until its integrity is broken.
Next, take the data on the number of impacts onmaterial. If this number is less than 11,000, then the laminate class corresponds to 21-22. If the material has withstood up to 15,000 impacts, then its classiness corresponds to 23-31 class, if more than 15,000 impacts were required for damage, then this material is 32-33 classes. Which laminate is better to choose for an apartment? Experts recommend for themselves to take only material 32 or 33 class, but not lower. If finances allow, then take class 33, if you are trying to optimize your expenses for finishing materials, then look at options for class 32. There is an opinion that class 23 is already suitable for the house, but we repeat that we need to consider options from class 32. Do not risk and take with a margin on wear, especially the manufacturer manufacturer rozn.
Laminate thickness
According to current regulations, the thickness of the laminate shouldbe at least 6 mm, the top mark, which manufacturers are limited to - is 12 mm. It's all very simple. The thickest material is the highest quality, but also the most expensive. Also, experts say that thick laminate easier to lay. What laminate to choose for an apartment? When buying, pay attention to the material thickness of 8-12 mm. It should also be noted soundproof properties. Large thickness - an additional sound absorber, it may be important to choose flooring in your private house not on the first floor. But the difference in terms of sound absorption is not pronounced, you need to take this into account too.
Laminate manufacturers
Most existing manufacturers givewarranty on their products, it ranges from 5 to 15 years (sometimes more). What company choose laminate? Take laminate only from reputable manufacturers. In our country, unfortunately, there is no GOST for this material. For this reason, domestic manufacturers produce laminate on TU.
All imported laminate is certified strictly byGOST. Therefore, the quality of imported products is guaranteed, but our domestic is not. Which laminate is better to choose for an apartment? Reviews praise manufacturers such as Alloc, Tarkett and Pergo. Serious manufacturers give a guarantee for their products for at least 20 years. Only cheap and low-quality coatings can wear out quickly. When you produce a quality product, then you have nothing to fear. The simple truth that is relevant here. By the way, the laminate company Alloc is given a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
Type of connection of laminate panels
Today there are two main types forpanel connections. The first option is an adhesive bond. This laminate is cheaper. But for its installation you will need the help of specialists, you will not be able to cope with this task on your own. The laminate panels are connected by their ends to each other with the help of professional quick-drying glue. Glue eliminates the gaps between the panels. The disadvantage is the impossibility of repairing individual panels if necessary. Plus, this option laminate - it is considered more waterproof.
Laminate with locking type mounton the floor without the use of glue, using a special design of the panels. This coating is amenable to repair, if necessary. The disadvantages and advantages of this type are the mirror image of the laminate just considered with adhesive type of fastening.
There are two types of locking system:These are collapsible locks, which are called click and locks-latches, which are called lock. Click-locks are very easy to install, their design is double and they are located at an angle of 45 degrees. For them, the curvature of the base of the floor is not more than 3 millimeters per linear meter.
Lock panels with locks are even easier to install.But for such laminate panels requires a perfectly flat floor covering without any irregularities. Which laminate to choose? Reviews of buyers and professionals on the side of the laminate with the click click type.
Substrate
When laying laminate must necessarilyuse the backing. This is a special material that isolates your laminate by itself from the coating under it. Before laying the substrate, the coating is carefully cleaned, on which the panels are then laid. This is done with a vacuum cleaner (professional or household).
Substrate is also an additional soundproofing.floor. It should be noted that there is a laminate, which already has a substrate on its base. This is an expensive high-grade material from world leaders in production.
Some people do not use the substrate at all.laying laminate. In fact, this is a violation of technology. It is impossible to say for sure that everything will be in perfect order, for example, 5-8 years after laying the coating not according to technology. If manufacturers claim that the substrate is necessarily needed, then why not to follow this simple recommendation? The substrate does not play a role in the overall pricing of your flooring installation.
Substrates for laminate
Foam substrate most oftenused by The advantages of such a substrate is moisture resistance, low market price and ease of use. There is only one drawback - it does not keep its shape and sags a little with time. This substrate is afraid of direct sunlight, it should be stored in dark rooms, without direct exposure to sunlight.
Cork underlay is best in terms ofthermal insulation. It keeps its shape and is durable. But it is worth remembering that condensate can form and accumulate on the cork material. This disadvantage lack cork substrate with the addition of bitumen or rubber. Substrates from such materials, except for protection against condensate, are not stacked over time and are well absorbed. Which laminate is better to choose, or rather what kind of substrate for it? Cheaper to take polyethylene foam, the cons are not too critical.
Laminate drawing
Most often the pattern on the laminate panels imitatesa pattern on wood. There are many different shades of patterns on the laminate, ranging from the lightest tones to the darkest, including the classic woody tones and stylish gray solutions.
It is considered to be warm in the bedroomcolors, closer to the natural wood. But this is a common opinion for ordinary design. An experienced professional designer can beat your home with a variety of colors and will put a laminate in a color that you have not even paid attention to before in the interior. What laminate to choose for an apartment? Reviews will not tell you the option of drawing on the panel of material or its shade. Here the decision is yours.
Laminate or linoleum?
Sometimes there is such a question.Which is better to choose laminate? Reviews on a website, for example, praise linoleum and downplay laminate. This situation can cause some confusion in your head. But it should be understood that such reviews are left by people who save a lot, bought the cheapest laminate and paid for their stinginess. Poor quality coating quickly fell into disrepair, and now they curse absolutely all manufacturers and are in favor of linoleum, because their old linoleum served twice as long as the cheapest laminate from a dubious manufacturer.
From the above it can be concluded that suchresonance reviews are very subjective. Do you pay attention to them? Not worth it, although this is your business. But just need to say that linoleum, with all its practicality - is a relic of the past. Also, we add that linoleum is made of chemical components. Do you need such coverage at home, or is it better to figure out how to choose a laminate, and buy it?
The result
We completely discussed the question of how to chooselaminate and what it is worth to focus on in this matter. Will this material be your flooring? To decide only you. If we talk about floor coverings from environmentally friendly materials, then the laminate simply does not have competition. The parquet board and the massif are materials from a completely different price category. A linoleum is made from chemical components that do not have any negative impact on the environment. It is a completely environmentally friendly material.
It is for you and your family to live for many years in yourapartment or house. It would be nice if your home would be filled with clean air and materials that nature itself gives us. Laminate is just such a material.
