Which class of laminate flooring is better?

In recent years, the laminate is gaining momentum in popularity. In recent years, this flooring has been improved, and now, due to its wear resistance and other characteristics, it competes with ceramic tiles, stone and other coatings. On his side is such an important plus, as low cost. But the laminate is different, which class of laminate is better? To make the right choice, it is important to understand the features and characteristics of this coating.

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Laminate structure

Let's first see what the laminate itself is:

• The lowest layer consists of waterproof melamine. This layer protects the coating from deformation.
• The basis of the laminate is a panel of fiberboard or particleboard.
• Then comes the decorative layer. It is represented by paper on which a drawing imitating wood, leather or other material is applied.
• On top is a laminated film. It is made from melamine or acrylic resin.

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Coating selection by class

The class of the laminate is indicated by a number from 21 to 34. This indicator will tell you all about wear resistance, moisture resistance, fire safety and resistance to dents. Which laminate class is the best? The larger the number, the higher its characteristics, and accordingly - the price.

The most popular classes are 31, 32, 33 and 34, which laminate is better?

• For rooms with not very high traffic, for example, a bedroom, class 31 is suitable.
• For rooms with medium traffic it is better to use class 32.
• Class 33 withstands high traffic, so it is suitable for both apartments and commercial premises. If you select material for the bathroom or hallway, this option is suitable.
• The best is class 34. Its service life in the apartment is practically unlimited. Suitable for sports classes and public institutions.

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Laminate thickness

Sound insulation, floor heat and adhesive force of locks depend on this indicator. The greater the thickness, the better, but accordingly - the higher the price. The most common thickness is 8 mm.

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Panel Connection Type

There are two types of joints - adhesive and castle.

Adhesive joint

This connection is the cheapest types of laminate. The panels are glued together. Glue is applied around the perimeter of each panel.

Important! The disadvantage is the inability to dismantle. It is quite problematic to lay such a floor yourself; you have to call for help from professionals.

Castle connection

This is the most popular type of mix. There are two types of locks:

• Click locks are connected at an angle of 45 degrees by snap. This is a strong and reliable connection, in addition, even a layman can lay a laminate with this type of locks.
• When connecting the Lock panel, it is necessary to hammer with each other to fix it. The surface of the floor should be flat. Such installation is best to entrust to a specialist.

Important! The disadvantage of this castle connection is that over time, the locking parts of the castle are erased. This option is suitable for inaccessible rooms.

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Laminate flooring

The right choice of substrate can significantly increase the life of the laminate. The substrate is designed to level the floor and provides additional sound insulation. There are several types of substrate.

Cork

Resistant to deformation, environmentally friendly, not susceptible to mold, fungi or rot, has good heat-insulating properties. It has an increased cost and is not suitable for rooms with high humidity.

Composite

Successfully hides all the unevenness of the floor. Prevents the formation of mold, rot, has good sound insulation, durable. It has a high cost.

Polyethylene foam

The most common and affordable. Not afraid of moisture, mold or rot. It has good sound insulation, but is short-lived.

Polystyrene foam

It hides minor base defects, has good soundproofing properties, and is affordable. But just like polyethylene foam, it loses its original form over time.

Foil

It has excellent heat and sound insulating properties. Suitable for rooms with underfloor heating. It has a high cost.

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Manufacturer's choice

When choosing a laminate for an apartment, you need to consider which manufacturer has recommended itself better. The entire laminate is identical in structure, but the quality of coatings from different manufacturers is different.

Among the reliable and affordable laminate coatings, the best brands of laminate can be distinguished:

• The Egger brand (Germany) uses an improved system of click locks. This ensures ease of installation. The coatings from this manufacturer are highly durable.
• Manufacturer Tarkett has achieved laminate service for over 15 years.
• The maximum durability is different and the coating from the Belgian manufacturer Quick Step.
• The Swiss company Pergo has developed and introduced into production special locks such as smart locks.
• Products from the Belgian company Balterio are gaining popularity. It is distinguished by its quality and reliability, coupled with a relatively low price.

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Size and shape

Laminate is produced mainly in the form of rectangular panels that imitate wood, leather or any other surface. There are no standard sizes:

• minimum laminate board parameters - length 300-400 mm;
• width - 90 mm;
• thickness - 6 mm.

Maximum, respectively: 1845, 330, 12 mm.

Important! Shorter boards are easier to stack. Thicker coating is tighter, but more expensive.

There is a laminate of square shape. Such a coating most often imitates ceramic tiles. It fits easily and does not require a substrate, but at the same time it has a high cost.

Important! When buying, you need to consider the cost of trimming. With direct laying - this is 7%, and with a diagonal - the indicator varies from 10 to 15%.

The selected shape and size of the laminate flooring should be in harmony with the geometry of the room:

• for large rooms, the planks must be chosen longer and wider;
• narrow panels will be more appropriate for a small room.

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Laminate Care

Laminate flooring is not only beautiful, but also not capricious in care. But it does not have high moisture resistance, so it is undesirable to wash it. This can lead to swelling of the top layer. To clean the laminate, it is better to use special tools.

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To summarize

To find out which laminate will be the best in your case, you need to answer the following questions:

• How long do you plan to use the coating? If you have rental housing or you often make repairs, then it makes no sense to buy an expensive laminate. If you plan to make a long-term repair and want the floor to serve you for a long time, choose a high-class and large-thickness laminate
• For which room do you choose the flooring? The kitchen, the hallway and the nursery are rooms where floors are most susceptible to mechanical stress and contact with water. Here you need a laminate with high moisture resistant, heat resistant and shockproof indicators.
• What design tasks will your floor cover? To visually increase the space, you need to choose a laminate of light shades.Which laminate to choose for the hall? - For the living room, glossy coatings are more suitable, they give the room a solemnity and gloss.

Important! It is better to buy laminate in a store with a good reputation. There you can get help when choosing from experienced consultants who will help you choose the best laminate for your home.

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Stock footage

Now we figured out which class of laminate is better and what other characteristics should be paid attention to when choosing such a floor covering. So - you are ready for an easy purchase, which will help you transform the interior in the style in which you thought out.