Advantages and disadvantages of laminate, the rules for choosing a material, taking into account its technical characteristics and decorative design, an overview of manufacturers of flooring. When choosing this material, you should also remember about the features of its styling. The floor surface on which the laminate will be installed must be dry and not have large differences. Therefore, laying on an old wooden floor or linoleum is not done.
In addition, old parquet boards will creak under the new floor. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the old material before installing the laminate. This complicates the task of surface finishing somewhat.
If the laminate is installed in a "floating method", then swelling or bubbles may appear. So that the planks do not creak, they must be laid on an underlying layer with a thickness of 2-4 mm. The purchase of this material will also entail considerable costs.
To select the material that best suits your needs, there are certain factors to consider. First of all, when buying, pay attention to the structure, wear class, the shape of the planks, the connection locks and the color of the laminate.
Laminate board structure
Laminate is a strip, most often of a rectangular shape, which consists of chipboard and paper, pressed under high pressure. A pattern is applied to the top paper layer, which is covered with a layer of melamine or acrylate resin. Thus, the material is protected from external moisture and other negative factors.
The underside is also treated with special compounds. This allows you to maintain the shape of the plank and prevent the penetration of water into the structure.
The structure of this material has a direct impact on its service life and use in interior decoration. Today manufacturers offer types of laminate flooring with the following top layers:
- Traditional … This material resembles a familiar wooden floor, which was varnished on top. The surface has a flat and smooth structure.
- Natural … This version of the laminate imitates wood. The workmanship is much higher than traditional. The surface has a silky sheen, very similar to natural wood.
- Glossy … This type of laminate resembles parquet that has been varnished. The difference from the first two types is the absence of "wood pores", which enhance the similarity with wood.
- Waxed … This type is similar to a hardwood floor that has been heavily waxed.
- Textured … Fully imitates wood. The surface roughness is preserved on it, "pores" are always present. Most often, a symmetry of the pattern is observed on such a laminate. One of the varieties of this type is embossed. The pattern is not repeated in this material.
- Wooden "under oil" … It is a complete imitation of wood heavily impregnated with oil. That is why such a laminate has an absolutely smooth and even surface, but without shine.
- Country style … This type imitates a wooden floor made from poorly processed planks. Sometimes this laminate is called "artificially aged". Looking at this floor, it seems that there are irregularities in it. But this is a visual deception. The surface is flat and smooth to the touch.
The choice of a laminate surface for an apartment or a house depends entirely on the interior design and financial possibilities. After all, the more unusual the finish, the more expensive it is.
Wear resistance classes of laminate
This material is divided into several classes according to the degree of strength. They determine the duration of its operation. Laminate can be used both in public places and at home. However, the planks for the nursery should not be laid on the floor of a cafe or office.
The most durable material is considered to be 33. Such a coating can easily withstand prolonged exposure to water, pressure and friction. Among all types of laminate, this one is considered the most reliable and resistant to external factors. Boards with this indicator are used in public institutions and offices.
Classes 31 and 32 are considered next in terms of resistance to wear. In domestic conditions, such a laminate is rarely used. Its flooring can be found in small offices.
For home interiors, it is recommended to choose class 21-23. Laminate with the lowest strength index is laid in bedrooms and offices. These rooms have low traffic and low floor pressure. Laminate class 23 is suitable for kitchens and corridors.
Material with an indicator of 22 is used in living rooms and children's rooms. However, if you know that your child loves to jump and run, you should choose a higher grade laminate for his room or give preference to another material.
In order for the coating to serve you for more than one year, it is recommended to choose a strength class with a margin.
Laminate flooring colors
In addition to the texture, strength of the laminate, its color is of no small importance. There is an opinion that the color of the floor does not matter - it is enough to choose the usual shade of brown. However, this is not the case.
Physicians and psychologists have proven that a correctly chosen floor tone creates an atmosphere of peace and comfort in the room. A lighter or darker shade will make significant adjustments to the interior of the room and set the appropriate accents.
Before opting for a laminate of a certain color, pay attention to the parameters of the room being decorated:
- Appointment … If you want your living room to be cozy, then give preference to golden brown or light brown tones. If you are looking for a formal and formal atmosphere, then the reddish brown is the best option. Laminate of the same color will be appropriate in the office. If your living room is the official meeting place for guests, then decorate the floor in dark brown tones.
- The size … When choosing the color of the laminate for the floor, it is imperative to take into account the individual characteristics of each room. If it is not large in size and has low ceilings, then a dark shade will enhance all imperfections and make the room visually even smaller. Choose lighter tones of brown or gray. This solution will visually enlarge the room and make it more spacious. If the windows of the room face north, then the color of the laminate must be chosen from a warm palette. Yellow and red shades will be appropriate. If your room is constantly flooded with sunlight and is large, then you can safely choose dark tones for the floor. When doing this, take into account the light intensity. The brighter it is, the darker your floor will look.
- Interior Design … This is another detail to consider when choosing the color and structure of the laminate. If the room is finished in a classic style, then a material matching the tone of natural wood would be an ideal option for flooring. Fans of fashion trends (high-tech) should give preference to a laminate that imitates granite, stone, metal. Your room is decorated in the style of a country or a country house, then feel free to choose for yourself "aged" laminate in light or brown tones. When finishing in the avant-garde style, material with non-standard colors and textures will be optimal.
It should be noted that designers regularly release designer laminate collections, which have various original and non-standard designs. For example, there is a floor covering with a map of the Earth, drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, rock paintings, abstract drawings of acid shades, hand and foot prints, bar codes and other unique patterns.
Laminate plank shape
Laminate board can have different shapes. On the modern market, there are two main types: rectangular planks and laminate for tiles in the form of squares.
In most cases, laminated long rectangles (1, 2-2 meters) are used. Such a coating is very popular, since it is quite convenient and quick to lay it. Especially if you need to lay the floor in a large room. High-quality and simple locks simplify the work.
If you want to create a more exclusive interior design, then it is recommended to choose a laminate in the form of square tiles. Such material will cost more for the price than rectangular. In addition, the installation of the coating is rather complicated, since it requires careful joining and cutting of the tiles.
Laminate Joint Locks
Initially, the laminate was installed on the floor using glue. Subsequently, a more convenient method was invented - the castle method. Nowadays it is used in most cases.
There are two types of locks:
- Lock (push-in) … This method was invented first. At the end of the strip there is a figured ledge, on the other there is a recess of the corresponding shape. During installation, these parts are interconnected and tapped with a hammer. Also on the ledge there are combs that do not allow the locks to disperse. Laminate with this mounting method is relatively inexpensive, but has several disadvantages. If a heavy load on the floor is expected, then it will not be able to serve for a long time. Gaps will form on the coating. With existing irregularities on the subfloor, such a lock will also quickly break.
- Click … Even a beginner can handle the installation of a laminate with such locks. Installation is very simple: the strips are joined at an angle of 45 degrees and the lock is lightly pressed. After a faint click, the boards stand still. You do not need to tap on them. With additional mechanical loads, the laminate not only does not loosen, but also strengthens, since in this case a compressive force acts on the structure. In addition, this cover is collapsible. Therefore, in a situation of moving, it is quite possible to collect it and take it with you. Of the minuses, only a relatively high cost can be distinguished.
Laminate flooring manufacturers
Currently, this material has become so popular and in demand all over the world that it is being produced in many countries. The following brands of laminate have proven themselves excellent:
- Tarkett (Germany) … This is a classic "German" quality floor covering. The company produces laminate flooring in various shades of wood, with a smooth and textured surface. The brand positions itself as environmentally friendly, as it produces hypoallergenic materials from natural ingredients. Six laminate collections are especially popular.
- Kronotex (Germany) … This company has established itself as the most productive brand. It produces huge volumes of laminate flooring (50 million square meters) annually, ahead of all competitors in the market. The planks contain up to 80% natural raw materials. The entire laminate of the brand is four-layer and is equipped with a special innovative clic-2-clic locking system. Has eight collections.
- Classen (Germany, Poland) … A European joint venture that produces flooring in an optimal price-performance ratio. This laminate is predominantly chosen for installation in medical and sanitary facilities, since the planks are coated with a special antibacterial composition Microban. In addition, the material is treated with a water-repellent impregnation that protects it from moisture.
- Kaindl (Austria) … This manufacturer gives the maximum possible warranty for its coverage - up to 30 years. The planks of the laminate are 98% alpine pine. The remaining two percent is spent on impregnation and decorative layer. The brand undergoes a special treatment of its material, thanks to which you will never slip, even on a wet floor.
Useful tips when choosing a laminate
In addition to the class, structure, shape and type of the lock connection, additional characteristics of the material are of great importance. Their manufacturer indicates on the packaging with special icons. Study them carefully before choosing your laminate flooring.
The information provided in them will allow you to find out:
- Is the type you have chosen suitable for installation on a warm floor;
- Is it moisture resistant;
- Does this material provide resistance to ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, high temperatures, etc.;
- What is the degree of wear resistance of this laminate, whether it is worthwhile to provide for the presence of special rollers or rubber pads in the furniture for installation on the material.
How to choose a laminate - watch the video:
Among experts, there is no exact answer to the question of which laminate flooring is better. The final decision is made directly by the owner and depends entirely on his personal preferences and financial capabilities. And our given tips will help you make the right choice.
