Choosing a laminate Automatic translate

Laminate has conquered the market thanks to its simple installation. It quite accurately imitates wooden flooring, but is several times cheaper than parquet. A practical and durable floor can be obtained without extra costs if you choose the right laminate.

Board structure

Laminate gets its name from the multi-layer coating applied to fiberboard. Chipboard is produced using the dense pressing method. The raw material is wood chips - waste from the main production of woodworking enterprises. The strongest and densest fiberboard boards are produced under high pressure.

There are several ways to produce laminate. Decorative and protective layers are applied to the main board using cold or hot pressing on top and a layer of paraffin-impregnated paper on the bottom. The protective face layer is waterproof.

Most of the laminate flooring on the market is produced using the direct heat pressing method. All decorative and protective layers are applied to the fiberboard board at the same time. If the technology is followed, the laminate corresponds to the declared quality and price.

The effect of moisture on laminate

The fiberboard board absorbs moisture as it consists of wood particles. The board is covered with a water-repellent protective layer on top. Water penetrates through the joints. Depending on the protective layer at the ends, the laminate is labeled as Moisture-resistant or Water-resistant.

Moisture-resistant material cannot be used in rooms with constant high humidity, in kitchens and bathrooms. Wet cleaning of the surface is acceptable, but spilled water must be wiped up immediately.

When water gets into the cracks at the joints, the laminate becomes deformed and does not restore its shape after drying.

The waterproof laminate is treated at the joints with water-repellent compounds. If moisture gets between the joints, the laminate does not collapse. Water should not be allowed to penetrate into the substrate. Water can stagnate and mold can form under the laminate.

The waterproof laminate must be labeled with the word “aqua” or an image of drops.

Wear resistance indicators

Laminates of class 31-34 are available on the market. This figure shows where it can be used depending on the load. The highest class is intended for public spaces with high traffic.

Wear resistance is marked with the letters AC and numbers from 3 to 6. This indicator is obtained from test results. The number of load cycles before destruction of the protective layer is determined.

For a wear-resistant laminate, all layers must be of appropriate quality. Irresponsible manufacturers may have a thin protective layer on a durable fiberboard board. It happens the other way around: a high-quality film protects a loose board. Due to these inconsistencies, the laminate is destroyed before the warranty period.

Experts recommend paying attention to the manufacturer. Laminates from Europe will have the country of origin marked on each board.

Board thickness

Class 31 laminate is installed in living rooms with low traffic. High strength and abrasion resistance are not required, so its price is lower. A 6–8 mm board is sufficient. Laminate flooring must be laid on a flat surface to prevent creases from forming on uneven surfaces.

Class 32 laminate will withstand increased mechanical loads: children’s scooters and pets’ claws. The thickness of 10 mm is close to the thickness of parquet blocks. With a good-quality substrate, the coating lasts at least 10 years.

Laminate 33 class has a thickness of 12 mm. Manufacturers even recommend it for bathrooms. In practice, it is more suitable for offices and shops with high traffic. Please note that it is the most expensive.

Laminate of a higher class and with the first number 4 in the marking is intended for public spaces.

Buying laminate

Experts recommend contacting specialized flooring stores. It is advisable to immediately buy a soundproofing substrate, because laminate is a good sound resonator. If you have any doubts about the quality, you should ask for a certificate of conformity.

Design selection

Laminate looks best with embossing that imitates the structure of wood. The choice of shade depends on the color scheme and style of the interior.

It is worth paying attention to laminate flooring with imitation parquet tiles, leather, and natural stone. For interiors in the loft style, coatings are offered that imitate used boards with picturesque defects. Laminate flooring with contrasting ends, which from a distance look like gaps between boards, is in fashion.