Building Laminate

For the average layman, the expression "building laminate" sounds rather strange, but still it exists. Such a technical laminate is used for the construction of formwork, the manufacture of temporary partitions, and sometimes for the creation of designer decorative elements in the interior.

For your information: The advantages of this material include high moisture resistance, resistance to mechanical stress, less fire hazard (compared to wood) and a lower price than other materials with similar technical characteristics.

Typically, in construction, such a laminate is used with plates, in contrast to interior finishing work, where a laminate board is used.

Material for furniture production

Furniture laminate, or laminated chipboard, is a chipboard sheet coated on both sides with a special film. High resistance to moisture allows it to be used for the manufacture of furniture not only in the office, but also for such premises as the kitchen and bathroom.

Laminate for furniture is easy to process, therefore it is used not only in industrial production, but also in the construction of structures at home.

floor laminate

This is the most popular flooring in our time, which is a multi-layered wood fiber boards (stabilizing, load-bearing, decorative), covered with a protective melamine layer on top, otherwise natural laminate.

Laminate is classified according to the following criteria:

• wear resistance;
• thickness;
• lock type;
• design.

Wear class

The main thing that distinguishes a laminate from each other is its wear resistance. The following classes are distinguished:

• 21, 22 and 23 are varieties of household laminate. Such a coating has low wear resistance (serves in residential premises from 2 to 6 years) and is currently practically not produced;
• 31 - refers to semi-commercial. In a small office or meeting room, it can last up to 3 years, when used in a residential area, the service life is 9-10 years;
• 32 is a commercial laminate designed for rooms with medium flooring loads (boutiques, receptions, offices with low traffic). The service life is up to 5 years, and when used in domestic conditions - 12 years;
• 33 - this coating is able to withstand the heavy loads of restaurants and large stores. Manufacturers claim that when used in full force, such a coating will last up to 6-7 years, and at home, the period increases to 20 years;
• Grade 34 is quite controversial. It is not officially approved, however, some manufacturers label their products in this way, which means the super strength of laminated panels and the ability to withstand huge loads, for example, in bars, airports, etc.

In addition to wear resistance, there is such a thing as abrasion resistance, denoted by the letters AC. It is checked using the “taber test”, in which the laminate is sanded with special paper. From the number of revolutions made by the grinding wheels until scratches appear on the upper protective layer of the panels and until it is destroyed by 95%, the abrasion resistance of the coating depends.

As a rule, the abrasion resistance of the top coating and the load resistance of the very base of the laminated panel are the same: 31 class - AC3, 32 - AC4, 33 - AC5 and AC6. However, there are times when a lower grade laminate has greater abrasion resistance, such as grade 32 (AC5).

When choosing a flooring, laminate marking can help, from which you can find out not only the class, but also resistance to various influences (for example, moisture, ultraviolet radiation or household chemicals) or care recommendations (for example, the use of soft furniture legs).

Marking is usually indicated on the packaging of the material, an example can be seen in the photo.

Panel thickness

The thickness of laminated boards varies from 6 to 12 mm in 1 mm increments. Moreover, this indicator affects not only the wear resistance class, but also such characteristics as sound insulation and heat insulation. This is also reflected in the assembly of the laminate: the thicker the material, the easier it is to mount it.

Panel size

There is no single standard for a laminated board, so each manufacturer sets its own dimensions. Moreover, they can vary from one company depending on the collection. There are both rectangular laminate options and square ones.

However, the assembly of long boards is easier and faster. It should also be noted that when using square panels, there are more joints, which over time can manifest themselves. Photos of floors assembled from laminate of various configurations are presented below.

Type of locks

Another important difference between laminate is the type of connection. In relation to this criterion, the following types of laminate can be distinguished:

• laminate with lock;
• Laminate with Click lock.

Lock lock is an earlier invention. It is a fixing spike on one side of the panel and a groove for it on the opposite side. Laminate with this type of locks is more economical, but laborious and requires special care in assembly. In this case, installation must be carried out using a wooden mallet or an ordinary hammer, but using a small wooden beam, as in the photo.

Click lock differs from the previous one in the form of a spike, which in cross section resembles a hook. The panels are assembled quite easily: a second board is attached to the board lying on the floor, leading the hook into the groove at an angle of 45 degrees, and then lowering it. The fact that the docking has occurred correctly, and the hook has been hooked, will be indicated by a characteristic click. Laminate with a similar system of locks is collapsible. That is. in the process of laying it, already mounted panels can be swapped, or if there is a need after the time of its use, for example, in case of flooding.

Important! So, the main differences between laminate by type of locks: the possibility or lack of re-installation of the panel, the assembly quality of the coating (in the second case it is better) and the need to use special tools (not available for Click-locks).

Cover design

According to the surface structure, the laminate is:

• Glossy. Often this surface is slippery, which is not desirable for families with the elderly and small children, as the risk of falling increases. Also on it are very clearly visible footprints and children's hands;
• Matte. They gained their popularity, firstly, thanks to practicality (no traces of feet, stains from a rag are visible). And secondly, they look more natural, natural and do not slip;
• With texture. A very interesting coating that imitates natural brushed wood.

By color distinguish:

• Laminate imitating a natural board. Standard colors: oak, bleached oak, walnut, alder, beech, cherry, rosewood, etc.;
• Laminate imitating ceramic tiles. Almost every manufacturer has collections of this type (mainly 32 and 33 classes). They are usually used for domestic purposes for the kitchen and hall;
• Leather-look laminate. Original, extravagant, but not suitable for every room.

All of these types can be both with a chamfer and without. Chamfered panels have a rounded or straight beveled edge. When you walk barefoot on a floor made of such material, there is a feeling of joints between each board.

Our article will be incomplete if we do not mention such a type as self-adhesive laminate. This is a new type of PVC covering, characterized by its flexibility, which greatly simplifies the installation process. Also, the adhesive laminate is incredibly resistant to moisture, or rather, it is not at all afraid of water. It can be freely used in areas such as bathroom, toilet and kitchen.

We understand the variety of types and categories of laminate from well-known manufacturers

Picking up a cover is quite difficult. This is due to a wide range of finishing materials and a significant number of its manufacturers not only in our country but also abroad.

Laminate classes

Laminate flooring can be divided into commercial and domestic. The cost of the commercial option is quite affordable, and the service life exceeds domestic counterparts:

• 31 class. Used in commercial premises with low loads. The average service life in offices is three years, with domestic use it can exceed ten years.
• 32 class. Used in commercial premises with medium load levels. The average service life in offices does not exceed five years, when used at home, the period of operation reaches fifteen years.
• 33 class. It is used in commercial premises with intensive loads. Average service life in office premises reaches seven years. When used in a domestic environment, the coating can last twenty years.
• 34 class. Lamels have the highest technical parameters and quality characteristics. This allows the material to be used in commercial premises with maximum loads.
• 43 class. This less common type of laminate falls into the "premium" category. Produced by manufacturers under the order.

Laminate design

Laminated boards can have different types of surface:

• Smooth slats. The surface has a smoother finish, including glossy. This laminate is quite slippery, and almost any hand or footprints are visible on it.
• Matte elements. More popular because they have a significant naturalness, low slip and no marks.
• Textured laminate. This is a modern development with the effect of brushing or artificial irregularities. It gives the coating the most natural look.
• Bevelled laminate. They have bevels or roundings at the edges of the boards. This gives a natural appearance and increases practicality in operation.

Also read articles:

Variety in thickness

Modern laminates can have different thicknesses. The most common sizes include:

• laminates with a thickness of 7 mm;
• laminates with a thickness of 8 mm;
• laminates with a thickness of 9 mm;
• laminates with a thickness of 10 mm;
• laminates with a thickness of 12 mm.

The thickness of the laminate has a positive effect on the strength of the locking system and reduces the negative impact of external loads. Thick ones have less sonority.

Types of interlocks

The principle of connecting laminated boards allows them to be divided into the following types of systems:

• Lock-lock system involves the assembly of the coating in horizontal planes.
• Click-lock system involves both horizontal and corner assembly.

A significant part of laminate locks are currently classified as "clickable". They differ in reliability and efficiency of assembly.

Overview of laminate locks (video)

Residential laminate options

For flooring in residential premises, the following options for a household type of laminate can be used.

Cork laminate

The lamellas have a different texture of the front layer, which varies from lamellar to fine-grained type. Classic versions are represented by warm shades of yellow, brown and ocher. Exotic lovers choose the option with color interspersed. The material is harmless and has high dirt-repellent properties.

Vinyl laminate

It is a relatively new variety in the market of building and finishing materials. It has structural features and consists of two layers combined into planks. The front part is represented by aluminum oxide or polyurethane with a pattern that imitates the natural surfaces of expensive woods. The basis is vinyl, which increases the rigidity and strength of the floors, as well as extending the service life.

Glossy laminate

It is characterized by an attractive mirror shine and a large number of advantages, including durability, aesthetics and reliability. Gloss contributes to the reflection of light, scattering it around the room. This visually expands the space.

Pictogram types

Particularly noteworthy are the so-called pictograms, which are able to indicate the compliance of the material with international standards and clarify its advantages:

• icons EN 13893 and EN 14041 characterize the classes according to the slipperiness of the laminate surface;
• icon DIN EN 12664 characterizes the thermal stability of laminates and their ability to combine with underfloor heating;
• icon DIN EN 14041 characterizes the emission of formaldehydes in a laminated board;
• icons DN 4102 T1 and EN 13501-1 characterize the ratio of the laminated coating to the fire safety class;
• icon EN 438-2 characterizes the resistance of laminates and other types to the effects of unextinguished cigarettes;
• icons EN ISO 105-B02, EN 20105-A02 characterize the indicators of resistance of a laminated board to fading from sunlight;
• icon EN 438-2 characterizes the resistance of laminates to the formation of stains on the surface;
• icon DIN EN 1815 characterizes the parameters of antistatic laminated boards;
• icon EN 13329 with appendix F characterizes the impact resistance of laminates and the absence of deformation as a result of mechanical stress.

Be sure to use the information content of the above icons or pictograms when choosing a floor covering.

Notable Manufacturers

The selection of a laminate coating is required to be made taking into account the popularity of the manufacturers of this material. A well-established brand often becomes a guarantee of quality and durability. Here are some examples:

• The absolute world leader is represented by the Belgian company Quick step. The design features and quality characteristics of this laminate suggest laying in a residential area. Due to the high quality of the material, the popularity made the laminate of this company quite expensive.
• Laminate from the most famous and popular in Russia European manufacturer of flooring brand Tarkett. Laminate middle price class has a standard set of quality characteristics and reasonable cost.
• Prestigious coverage of the European brand Berry Alloc. It has improved qualities in terms of moisture and wear resistance. This allows the material to be used as flooring in the kitchen and bathroom. The high cost is fully consistent with the quality characteristics.
• Laminate from a German manufacturer that produces products under the brand name Parador. The material has the best characteristics, as well as an absolutely unique design, which is developed by the company individually.

Consumers should be wary of laminate from Chinese manufacturers.

Widely represented in our country, such floor material not only belongs to the budget category, but also does not have sufficient quality. Often problems accompany this laminate already at the installation stage.

How to choose a quality laminate (video)

A number of strict requirements are imposed on modern flooring. Such a material should be resistant to abrasion and other mechanical stress, easily tolerate exposure to direct sunlight and moisture, and also have a pleasant appearance. But even within the same type of flooring, there are differences in these parameters. So, the laminate classification is used all over the world. Depending on the properties, the material can be classified into one or another category.

Principles of classification

In many countries of the world, the European classification of laminate has been adopted. According to these requirements, the material passes eighteen various checks. Based on their results, the flooring receives its class. There are two main types of laminate:

• commercial;
• domestic.

Within each of them there are three classes, each of which differs in wear resistance, quality and other parameters. Each manufacturer independently conducts tests and determines whether their products belong to a particular class. Therefore, the same type of material from different companies may differ slightly in its properties. In total, as already mentioned, 18 tests are carried out. Here is some of them:

• abrasion resistance. Laminate is a floor covering, so it must withstand the "shuffling" of a large number of feet;
• resistance to various loads (from installed furniture and other items);
• shock resistance (must withstand the fall of various objects);
• fire resistance;
• for delamination of the material;
• the ability to tolerate exposure to direct sunlight;
• resistance to household chemicals;
• anti-slip effect;
• resistance to moisture;
• the level of emission of harmful substances (formaldehyde).

After conducting all these tests on their products, the manufacturer determines the class of the laminate.

For commercial premises

Commercial laminate is distributed in grades 31, 32 and 33. The former are the cheapest. But this does not mean that it has bad characteristics. Laminate class 31 tolerates light loads well, it is laid in small office spaces. It's pretty durable. When installing such material in rooms with low traffic (for example, in a bedroom), its service life will be ten years or more.

The next class of laminate is the most popular - its designation is 32. It is these models that are used in schools, shops, offices. This flooring is characterized by a combination of decorative qualities and abrasion resistance. In addition, such material is often moisture resistant, treated with special impregnations.

The service life of class 32 laminate is more than 15 years. Of course, this figure will decrease significantly when using laminate in commercial premises with a large number of customers.

Class 33 laminate has a longer service life, and the most expensive class 34 laminate can be laid in bars and shops, even there it will withstand a ten-year service life. And if you use it in residential premises, then it will last forever. But this class of laminate is rarely used in everyday life. Such a floor covering is quite expensive, if a major overhaul is started with the replacement of floors, then it will be a pity and irrational to throw out a laminate that is still usable.

For residential premises

To decorate the floor in living rooms, a laminate is used, the classification of which begins with the number 2. Such a floor covering is intended for use in rooms with lower loads. It is characterized by less moisture resistance; softer wood-shaving material is used for production. In this regard, the overall service life is also reduced.

Note! The most budget option is grade 21 material. This coating will last 3-5 years. After the laminate will lose its decorative qualities, scuffs and other defects will appear. Such material is used in utility rooms where few people walk.

More resistant to mechanical stress, and therefore having a longer service life, laminate of the 22nd class. This coating is used in bedrooms and other rooms with low or medium traffic. It will not lose its qualities and appearance within 5-7 years. To prolong the service life, it is recommended to cover the floor with soft materials (for example, carpets or rugs).

Class 23 laminate can endure mechanical stress for a long time, as well as exposure to direct sunlight and moisture, if it is made in a moisture-resistant design. You can even lay it in the bathroom and in the kitchen, however, in these rooms it is unlikely to last longer than 7 years. In rooms with less traffic and without exposure to moisture, the coating can be used (with proper care) for up to 10 years.

Thanks to modern technologies, it has become a wonderful opportunity to replace an expensive parquet board with an analog material, the price of which is lower, but visually it looks the same. Laminate has confidently won a high position in the global construction market and, thanks to its properties, does not lose its relevance.

The operational classification of the laminate allows you to determine the period during which it will not lose its properties and will not change outwardly.

The main classes of laminate

Today, active work is underway to improve the top layer of laminate flooring, and various types of decor are being developed. Outwardly, many types of laminate have long been difficult to distinguish from natural wooden boards and parquet.

There are two main groups of laminate flooring:

1. Home Use Laminate. The service life of this coating is no more than 5-6 years. The cost of laminate for the home is lower.
2. Laminate for commercial use. The service life of this coating is 3-6 years in commercial premises.
   Such a coating can also be used at home, in which case its service life can increase to 10 years or more. The price of commercial laminate is higher.

According to European standards, these two large groups also include several. If you use a floor covering in accordance with its class, then it will last a long time.

Home laminate

• 21 class. This floor covering has the shortest service life, about 1-2 years. Cheaper materials are used for its production.
  mainly in areas with low loads - pantries, bedrooms, etc.
• 22 class. Laminate with a service life of not more than 2-4 years. For production, more durable and high-quality materials are taken.
  Therefore, it is preferable to use such a laminate in rooms with a small load on the floor, such as a dressing room, pantry, bedroom, nursery, etc.
• 23 class. Such a floor will last about 4-6 years. It is very popular, mainly used in kitchens, dining rooms, corridors, guest rooms and other rooms where the operation of the floor is higher.

commercial laminate

• 31 class. It is used in rooms with low load on the floor. It fits mainly in meeting rooms, reception rooms, small offices and so on.
  This coating lasts about 2-3 years. However, if you use this laminate at home, then its service life increases to 10-12 years.
• 32 class. Suitable for use in rooms with an average load on the floor. Most often it is always laid in office premises, where they serve perfectly for about 3-5 years.
  However, this type of laminate is often used at home. Where its service life is at least 12-15 years.
• 33 class. Ideal for rooms where there is constantly an intense load on the floor. Such coating serves in commercial premises for about 5-6 years.
  If at home, then it will lie for at least 15, or even 20 years. Manufacturers, without exaggerating, give such a coating a lifetime warranty.
  The main advantage of class 33 laminate, in addition to excellent performance, is the appearance, which remains unchanged for a very long time.

Advice!
When buying, check the accompanying documentation. It must contain images corresponding to the class.
Laminate, which is intended for residential sectors, is indicated by a house. The little people with numbers below them indicate the intensity of the load that the laminate can withstand.

Pros and cons of laminate flooring

The main advantages are the following

• Laminate is a great alternative to parquet.
• Laminate flooring is easy to care for. It is easy enough to wash it in time, it does not require polishing or sanding.
• Laying laminate is not difficult, you can do it yourself. When selling a laminate, a special instruction is attached, which will help in the matter of laying. When assembled, such a floor looks like parquet, but it costs an order of magnitude cheaper.
• Laminate flooring is environmentally friendly and therefore suitable for people with allergies.
• Laminate is lighter than board and much stronger than it. Any stains can be easily removed from the laminate. Having spilled paint or nail polish on it, the stain is easily removed with ordinary acetone, without causing any harm to the coating.
• Laminate flooring can be laid on any surface, be it tile, linoleum of any hardness, wood flooring or short haired flooring.
• It is wear-resistant and durable material. The floor is covered with a special film that can withstand any load for 15-20 years. The coating is not scratched, there are no dents from studs or furniture on the laminate. If something heavy falls on the floor, there will be no trace left on it. The coating is resistant to high temperatures, cigarette butts or ashes from the fireplace will not cause any harm to the floor. You can even roller skate or draw on laminate flooring.
• The wood fiber base provides the laminate with high strength and good rigidity. The top layer imitates precious wood, outwardly it looks very high quality, so it is quite difficult to distinguish a laminate from a natural floor. In addition to wood species, granite, marble, tiles and even carpeting are successfully imitated.

Of the shortcomings, the following qualities of a laminate are distinguished

• Laminate coating is relatively short-lived. With active use, the laminate will last no more than 4-5 years, despite the fact that manufacturers promise excellent service for at least 15-20 years.
• Laminate flooring is ideal for those who like to experiment and often change the interior design of their home.
• It is impossible to recycle and then cover the laminated floor with a new layer of varnish; after the service life has expired, it has to be completely replaced with a new coating.
• And no less important minus is that no matter how high-quality the laminate is, it only imitates natural parquet.

Advice!
When choosing a laminate, start from its characteristics. It is not enough just to look at a photo of the finished floor or a video of how the laminate is laid and how it looks good.
The classification of the laminate into classes allows you to determine how durable the laminate is and how long it will last. When buying, be sure to check which class the laminate you have chosen belongs to.

Laminate is a commonly used floor covering in various types of premises. Its popularity is associated with a large number of its advantages, including:

• environmental friendliness;
• a large selection of colors and textures;
• simplicity and ease of installation (convenient locking connections, the ability to lay a new coating without dismantling the old one);
• high speed of laying the coating and the ability to immediately move along it;
• good indicators of heat and sound insulation.

Compound

Laminate is a kind of layer cake, where each part performs its function.

At the bottom there is a compressed paper impregnated with resins, which protects the wood from moisture and compensates for small height differences. The thickest part consists of wood boards, which give the flooring strength and rigidity. Lock connections are also located in this layer. The plates are covered with moisture-resistant decorative films with various patterns that determine the appearance of the laminate. Finishing coating - laminated film of acrylic or melamine resins. The wear resistance of the flooring mainly depends on the thickness and quality of this layer.

A ready-made laminate board in production is subjected to a number of tests, including checking:

• abrasion;
• moisture resistance;
• indicators of heat and sound insulation;
• invariability of color when exposed to sunlight;
• resistance to detergents;
• degree of slip;
• flammability (high-quality laminate should not catch fire from a cigarette butt or a match that has fallen to the floor);
• impact resistance.

Although laminate flooring is not designed for high humidity areas, a quality flooring can withstand not only wet cleaning, but also stronger contact with water for a short time.

What is laminate grade

Among other characteristics of a laminate floor, its class plays an important role. What does this even mean? This indicator indicates how durable and resistant the coating is, and how long it will lie on the floor, while maintaining a pleasant appearance without scuffs or fading.

The first digit in the numerical coefficient of the laminate class indicates the scope of application. Marking 2 - coating for home use, 3 - for public spaces, 4 - high-strength material. Of course, no one forbids putting a more durable class 3 laminate at home, but you should not do the opposite. In public areas, the permeability of people is much higher, which means that home laminate will quickly become completely unusable due to abrasion.

The second digit displays the degree of wear resistance of the coating, the higher it is, the more durable the laminate.

In practice, a laminate for home use is calculated for 6-7 years of service. Few people want to change the flooring so often, so in residential areas, laminate from class 31 to 33 is also mainly used.

Laminate classes

1. Coatings of 21-22 classes are designed for 5-6 years of service in a poorly passable room, for example, a bedroom. This is a good option for budget repairs, but you should not hope that such a floor will last a long time without losing its attractive appearance and performance.
2. Class 23 laminate is a little more durable, in addition, it has good moisture resistance, allowing it to survive wet cleaning or accidentally spilled water without consequences.
3. Class 31 can be used in office premises for about a year or two, and in housing this period increases to a decade.
4. Class 32 is designed for an average load in a public place for 4-5 years. At home, he will quietly serve for 15 years, without getting worn out and not really changing his appearance.
5. Class 33 is a durable floor that can withstand high loads. In a crowded office, it will serve perfectly for 10 years, and for home use, many manufacturers promise a lifetime warranty on it.
6. Class 34 and above laminate is designed for rooms with not just high, but very significant traffic - bars, restaurants, dance floors, shops.
7. Class 42 and beyond are based on natural high-strength wood and coatings that are especially resistant to abrasion and other influences. Such a laminate is suitable for places that receive a huge number of people, for example, airports or sports arenas.

The low class of the laminate does not mean its poor quality. It is impossible to judge which laminate is better and which is worse, only by class. All products pass quality control and various tests, and no self-respecting company will launch a bad product on the market. A low class only shows that the coating does not withstand a large load, which means that it cannot be used in a room with high traffic of people.

Each of the laminate classes has its own digital indicators for the main tests and characteristics of this coating. However, to an unprepared person, they will say little. So how do you choose? It is worth focusing on the laminate class itself, on the manufacturer and special characteristics (for example, compatibility with underfloor heating or increased moisture resistance).

Naturally, the cost of the material is directly dependent on its type and class. The more durable and high-quality coating, the more expensive it will cost. When choosing flooring, do not skimp. The lower quality of cheap laminate from dubious manufacturers will quickly wipe out all the savings.

Types of laminate

By design

The surface of the floor covering may be different. The degree of gloss varies from matte to glossy. It is possible to imitate wood with all its bizarre patterns and irregularities, plain surfaces or blurry shades of the same color.

A high-quality "wood-like" laminate is sometimes really difficult to distinguish from a parquet board or a natural plank floor.

In the line of expensive luxury products are very common under the skin. Mostly reptile skin designs, especially crocodile skins, are popular.

Stone floors look luxurious and attractive, but they have many drawbacks - they are very cold to the touch, expensive and weigh a lot. Laminate is devoid of these shortcomings. Outwardly, the difference will be completely invisible.

Laminate flooring can be perfectly combined with a strict and cool high-tech style. The floor covering will have the color and appearance of the metal.

The variety of types of laminate does not end there. On such a floor, absolutely any design, even the most exotic, can be realized. Here are barcodes, and rock art, and pages of printed publications, and drawings of instruments in the style of Leonardo da Vinci. There are also special children's collections with characters from fairy tales and cartoons.

Most types of laminate are available in the form of rectangular planks with a locking connection. But there are also square tiles with more intricate patterns. Working with such a tile is somewhat more difficult - you need to try to choose its size so that an integer number of elements fit along the length and width of the room, because the cut pattern looks much less beautiful.

By invoice

As for the texture of the laminated floor, it is also very diverse.

The surface under "natural wood" has notches, dashes and pits imitating a natural wooden surface. These details will be noticeable to the eye even without a magnifying glass, and also tangible to the touch.