The contents
Laminate is often used in various types of premises the flooring. Its popularity stems from the large number of advantages, including:
- environmentally friendly;
- large selection of colors and textures;
- simplicity and ease of installation (easy locking connection the opportunity to lay a new surface without removing the old);
- high speed paving and an opportunity for him to move around;
- good performance of heat and sound insulation.
Composition ↑
Laminate is a kind of layer cake, where each piece performs its function.
At the bottom is a compressed paper impregnated with resin, which protects the wood from moisture and compensates for small variations in height. The thickest portion consists of wood panels, which gives the flooring strength and stiffness. Scarf joint is also located in this layer. Plates are covered with moisture-resistant decorative films with different patterns, which define the appearance of the laminate. Finish – laminated film of acrylic or melamine resin. The thickness and quality of this layer mainly depends on the wear resistance of floor covering.
Ready laminate Board production undergoes a series of tests, including checking:
- abrasion;
- moisture resistance;
- indicators of thermal and sound insulation;
- immutability color when exposed to sunlight;
- resistance to detergents;
- the degree of slip;
- Flammability (quality laminate should not catch fire from cigarette butt or falling on the floor matches);
- impact resistance.
Although laminate is not designed for areas with high humidity, very high quality finish can withstand wet cleaning, but also a stronger contact with water for a short time.
What is the class of the laminate ↑
Among other characteristics of the laminate floor plays an important role in class. What does that mean? This indicator shows how strong and resistant the coating is, and how much it will lie on the floor, maintaining a pleasant appearance without fading, fading.
The first digit in the numeric coefficient of the class of the laminate indicates the field of application. Marking 2 – coverage for home use, 3 – for public premises, 4 – material high strength. Of course, nobody forbids to put the house more durable laminate class 3, but on the contrary should not do. In public spaces the level of traffic is much higher, and therefore the laminate home quickly come into complete disrepair due to abrasion.
The second digit represents the degree of durability of the coating, the higher it is, the laminate is more durable.
In practice laminate for home use is calculated based on 6-7 years of service. Very few people want to change the flooring as often, so in residential areas is also mainly used laminate 31 to 33 class.
Classes of laminate ↑
- Coating 21-22 classes intended for 5-6 years of service in maloprohodimye room, for example, the bedroom. This is a good option for a budget repair, but do not hope that this floor will last a long time without losing an attractive appearance and operational characteristics.
- The laminate 23 class a bit more durable, in addition, has good water resistance, allowing him no consequences to worry about wet cleaning or accidentally spilled water.
- Class 31 can be operated in an office space of about two years, and in housing, this period increases to decades.
- 32 class designed for an average load in a public place for 4-5 years. At home he is calm will last 15 years, not hysteresis and not really changing the appearance.
- Class 33 –robust floor capable of withstanding high loads. In a busy office, it is in the last 10 years, but for home use, many manufacturers promise a lifetime warranty.
- 34 class and above laminate flooring is designed for areas with a very significant cross – bars, restaurants, dancing, shops.
- 42 class and then have the basis of natural wood and high-strength very resistant to abrasion and other effects of the coating. Such a laminate suitable places to host a huge number of people, for example, airports or sports arenas.
Low grade laminate does not mean it is of poor quality. It is impossible to judge which laminate flooring is better, and some worse, only class. All products undergo quality control and various tests, and no self-respecting company will not release a bad product. Lowest class shows only that the coating does not withstand heavy load and, therefore, cannot be used in premises with high traffic of people.
Each of the classes of the laminate has its digital performance on major tests and characteristics of the coating. However, an inexperienced person, they have little say. So how do you choose? Focus is on the class of the laminate, the manufacturer and special features (e.g., compatibility with Underfloor heating or high moisture).
Of course, the material cost is directly dependent on its type and class. The more durable and high-quality coverage, the more expensive it will cost. When choosing floor coverings, do not skimp. Lower quality cheap laminate questionable manufacturers will quickly negate all the savings.
Types of laminate flooring ↑
Design ↑
The floor surface may be different. Degree of gloss ranging from matte to glossy. Possible imitation wood with all of its fancy patterns and irregularities, solid surface or diffused shades of the same color.
Quality laminate «under the tree» sometimes it is really difficult to distinguish from wood flooring or natural flooring.
In the line expensive products «Suite» very common flooring under the skin. Mostly popular designs under the skins of reptiles, especially the crocodile.
Stone floors look luxurious and attractive, but have many shortcomings – they are very cold to the touch, are expensive and weigh a lot. Laminate is also devoid of these shortcomings. And apparently the difference will be completely unnoticeable.
Laminate flooring can be perfectly coupled with a simple and cold style «hi-tech». The flooring will have a color and type of metal.
The variety of types of laminate flooring ends. On this floor can be implemented in absolutely any design, even the most exotic. Here, bar codes, and cave paintings, and the pages of printed editions, and drawings of appliances in the style of Leonardo da Vinci. There are special children’s collection with the heroes of fairy tales and cartoons.
Most types of laminate are available in the form of rectangular plates with a locking connection. But there are also square tiles with more intricate designs. Working with the tiles a bit more complicated – you need to try to find this her size to the length and width of a premise fit an integer number of elements, because the cut pattern looks much less beautiful.
The texture ↑
As for the texture of the laminate flooring, it is also very diverse.
The surface under «natural wood» has notches, dashes and holes that mimic the natural wood surface. These details will be visible to view without a magnifying glass, as well as tangible to the touch.
The laminate can be specially made uneven for the look of an old and ravaged wood. Such a surface will have uneven color – from the light shade of the wood to dark tones stubborn plaque.
Smooth glossy floor is intended to mimic the lacquered Board.
By way of attaching ↑
Initially, the individual laminated plates were joined using an adhesive, but this method was time consuming and inconvenient, and manufacturers switched to different joint compounds.
Now comes a laminate with the two main types of locks:
- Lock-lock. On the one hand, the plate is hollow, and on the other ledge. This connection is not very convenient for installation, quickly wears out, and in the case of uneven sub-floor immediately fails.
- Click-lock has a more complex geometric form, which in practice is much safer. In addition, acting on the floor load these mounts are not only not destroyed, but on the contrary, are connected even more firmly.
The choice of color and texture of the laminate depends on the individual preferences of the buyer and the overall style and colors in the interior.
If the laminate you plan to use the top of the system warm floor, you should choose specifically labeled material that will not crack from temperature exposure and it will be good to conduct heat.
