Or simply - it is nothing more than an artificial substitute for parquet. He possesses the smallest number disadvantages compared to other types parquet flooring, if you do not take into account the artificiality of its origin. Laminate is heat resistant. If a lit cigarette falls on the floor, not the slightest speck will remain on the laminate. Easily removes stains from coffee, wine or nail polish. You can put heavy furniture on it without fear that characteristic dents will appear on the floor over time. Laminate does not fade in the sun and perfectly imitates almost any kind of floor covering: parquet, ceramic tiles, abstract pattern. And most importantly - its flooring does not require special skills and is produced in a matter of hours. From this point of view, laminate - "a real breakthrough into the future." However, it is worth adding that all of the above benefits apply to quality and above.
Despite the external similarity, the laminate has a more complex structure than the usual one. plastic panel. The laminated parquet plate consists of four layers. The bottom layer is a melamine base impregnated with resin and covered with polymeric material. It keeps the floor dry. The middle layer, or core, is made of fibreboard. It bears the main load and is responsible for the durability of the coating. A decorative layer is applied over it - a printed pattern, which will determine the "species" and "color of the wood". And finally, on top, a structure pressed at high temperature and high pressure, covered with a layer durable laminate. It protects against scratches and mechanical impact.
The basis of the laminate is a carrier board with water-repellent impregnation, which can be of three types: MDF - medium pressure fibreboard; HDF - a plate of the same structure, but with a higher degree of compaction; and the third connection, the most durable, is a composite of a wood-shaving structure, which in Russian is most often referred to as chipboard. The bottom layer of the laminate serves to compensate for the stress that occurs on the plate after the application of subsequent layers.
As for the colors, the most popular imitation of wood or ceramic tiles. Firms that produce, as a rule, offer the buyer three or four color plates. Larger decor manufacturers may have several dozen.
When comparing laminate with natural parquet, in addition to increased wear resistance, it is worth noting the ease of installation of the first. When laying laminate flooring, there is no need to free up the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe room, since the work can be carried out in stages. The laminate is laid by the so-called floating floor method, when the plates are not fixed tightly to the surface, but, tightly butted together, are laid on a special one, which, among other things, provides cushioning and dampens the noise from steps.
There are two ways of articulating laminate plates: adhesive and lock ("click"). The first way is more traditional. And it has an undeniable advantage - the glue that envelops the parts to be joined creates a guaranteed waterproofing of the floor. The castle method is now the most popular. Its main advantage lies in the possibility of easy replacement of a damaged floorboard (however, in fairness it should be noted that after 2-3 replacements a gap may appear between the plates and then the floor insulation will be broken). Considering all the nuances, many duplicate collections, releasing them with two different systems installation.
Installing laminate flooring is very simple, all operations are available even to a non-professional, especially since the entire process is described in detail in the instructions. But sellers still recommend contacting specialized organizations. First, you don't have to spend money on specialized tools. And, secondly, with a professional installation on a laminated floor, they give a guarantee.
Laminated parquet, according to experts, has about 10% of sales on the flooring market, which is not so little. What attracts laminate potential buyers, so it is easy to install and operate, as well as low cost and great variety drawings.
Where did the termite "laminated parquet" come from? However, this phrase misleads many consumers. Firstly, real parquet is not laminated, there is varnish, mastics and oils to protect it, and secondly, the laminated coating has nothing in common with real parquet, except appearance. Yes, and that is only a skillful fake - the top, decorative layer that creates beautiful picture, often made of special paper or furniture foil, which is given the desired look.
Real parquet is made entirely from solid pieces of wood, each floorboard is cut and planed to match. the right size. The pattern we see is a real tree pattern. When choosing, keep in mind that the first one can be scraped and sanded, varnished or varnished, which cannot be done with a laminate.
The fact is that the laminate consists of 4 layers. topmost, protective layer, consists of high-strength resins, melamine or acrylic. This lamination gave the coating its name. The protection is transparent, so many unknowingly confuse it with varnishing, but the varnish coating membrane is much less durable. Besides, protective covering on a laminate can be composite - consist of several elements, each of which will be responsible for a specific task: moisture repellent, wear resistance, UV and dirt resistance.
Under the protective layer is the same decorative layer that we wrote about above. By the way, manufacturers reproduce not only wood drawings, but also many other, more original ones, for example, the colors of a chessboard or a sandy coast. The thickest layer, the core of the laminate, is the carrier layer of high-strength chipboard or fiberboard. And already under it is the bottom coating, resin-impregnated paper, which protects the core from moisture.
Given that chipboard is made from the same wood, the content of this natural material in a laminate can reach 95% for US and European manufacturers and about 50% for Chinese products. But, nevertheless, this does not make laminate parquet - it is most correct to call it laminate flooring, or simply laminate.
If you are looking for something in between parquet and laminate, pay attention to the parquet board - not to be confused with solid parquet.
In the second case, we are dealing with expensive coating, the creation of which takes a lot of wood - the floorboards have big sizes and fully reflect the pattern of the core of the wood. It takes several times less to produce a wood parquet board. The fact is that it consists of three layers: the lower and middle layers are made of inexpensive conifers, but the top one is made of precious wood.
Its thickness is only 3-4 mm, so repairing it in standard ways only 1 time is possible. Well, if it lasts at least 20 years, it will not be enough for more. But it is just as easy to install as a laminate, and can even be moved to another place. This is handy if you decide to minor repairs in rented apartment- When you move out, you can take the cover with you.
In addition to mobility, the laminate has enough other advantages. It does not need to be sanded, sanded or varnished - after laying the surface is immediately ready for use. Quality laminate does not fade in the sun, and any stains are removed with a solvent. It is impossible to give an unambiguous assessment of environmental friendliness and safety, since different manufacturers use different technologies and components. However, if you wish, you can find a hypoallergenic laminate that is completely harmless to a sensitive body.
Of course, for such a type of product as laminated parquet, there is GOST 4598-86, but it poorly reflects really important standards, moreover, laminate certification is considered a voluntary matter. Where it is more correct to focus on the European system for determining the quality of laminated floors, which was adopted in 1999. According to this system, each coating class is tested in 18 tests for abrasion, scratch resistance, aggressive substances, impact resistance, etc. According to the results, a verdict is made about belonging to one or another strength class.
However, most consumers are aware of only one such test - the taber test. The question that is asked to the seller to find out about the results of this test usually sounds like this - “How many revolutions?”. The announced figure is for many an indicator of the strength of the laminate. How are these same turnovers determined and what is meant? The test consists in the fact that an abrasive wheel with special parameters is pressed against the front side of the product, which simulates wear conditions. Depending on how many revolutions of the circle the laminate can withstand until it is completely worn out, the degree of its wear resistance is determined - usually the figure obtained is in the range from 6,000 to 20,000 revolutions.
However, there are many "buts" in this test. First, universal grinding wheel and the tool does not exist - each manufacturer uses the equipment that he considers correct (or profitable). That is, a taber test of the same product at different manufacturers may surprise you with completely different results.
In addition, during the test, the initial phase is first evaluated in the form of IP (initial phase) - the resulting figure indicates the number of revolutions that lead to the first signs of wear. Then the value of FP (final phase) is determined - this is the final phase of the study, when the degree of wear has reached 95%. From these two values, the arithmetic mean (AT, TT or simply T) is calculated.
What exactly manufacturers indicate on price tags or price lists, one can only guess, since in most cases it is just a number without any letters. We have to rely only on honesty, because it will not be difficult for the manufacturer to correct the data, and it will be impossible to convict him of deceit. For example, instead of the average value, the company will indicate the number of revolutions that fell on the final phase. It seems that she did not lie, but the information is no longer accurate.
For ease of understanding and convenience, European manufacturers have introduced a classification of laminate flooring, which has been picked up all over the world. The class indicates the degree of wear resistance determined by the test results.
So, classes from 21 to 23 are intended for rooms with a low and medium degree of walking. For example, you can safely place class 21 in the bedroom, bed 22 in the nursery, and class 23 in the kitchen or in the hallway. For offices or shops, there are classes from 31 to 33. Class 31 is suitable for rooms with relatively low traffic, such as a presentation room or an assembly hall. Class 32 and 33 should be laid where laminated parquet will be subject to special loads.
In addition to the class, you should also pay attention to the warranty period, which can tell a lot. For example, if a manufacturer gives only 5 years for class 31, while a competitor gives all 10, this indicates that in the first case the parquet meets only the minimum requirements for class 31, so the company is not too confident in its strength and durability.
Don't be afraid to spend time prepping the surface, then you'll save it on the simplicity and installation of the laminate itself. It is not recommended to lay it on an uneven floor - if a separate part oscillates due to a tubercle or falls into a hole, this will lead to breakage of the locks and violations of strength.
It is best to make such a coating floating, that is, do not attach it to the base. Like any wood material, laminate also reacts to changes in humidity and temperature, so it can contract or expand. Therefore, it is important to leave small space between walls, pipes and edge strips, at least 5 mm. If you want to lay the same canvas in all rooms, in any case, make transitional thresholds to avoid swelling of the floor.
Laminated parquet, according to experts, has about 10% of sales on the flooring market, which is not so little. What attracts potential buyers of laminate is the ease of installation and operation, as well as low cost and a wide variety of patterns.
Laminate parquet - is it parquet?
Where did the termite "laminated parquet" come from? However, this phrase misleads many consumers. Firstly, real parquet is not laminated, there are varnishes, mastics and oils to protect it, and secondly, the laminated coating has nothing in common with real parquet, except for its appearance. Yes, and that is only a skillful fake - the top, decorative layer that creates a beautiful picture is often made of special paper or furniture foil, which is given the desired look.
Real parquet is made entirely from solid pieces of wood, each floorboard is cut and planed to size. The pattern we see is a real tree pattern. When choosing parquet or laminate, keep in mind that the first one can be scraped and sanded, varnished or varnished, which cannot be done with a laminate.
The fact is that the laminate consists of 4 layers. The topmost, protective layer, consists of high-strength resins, melamine or acrylic. This lamination gave the coating its name. The protection is transparent, so many unknowingly confuse it with varnishing, but the varnish coating membrane is much less durable. In addition, the protective coating on the laminate can be composite - consist of several elements, each of which will be responsible for a specific task: moisture repellency, wear resistance, resistance to ultraviolet radiation and pollution.
Under the protective layer is the same decorative layer that we wrote about above. By the way, manufacturers reproduce not only wood drawings, but also many other, more original ones, for example, the colors of a chessboard or a sandy coast. The thickest layer, the core of the laminate, is the carrier layer of high-strength chipboard or fiberboard. And already under it is the bottom coating, resin-impregnated paper, which protects the core from moisture.
Given that chipboard is made from the same wood, the content of this natural material in a laminate can reach 95% for US and European manufacturers and about 50% for Chinese products. But, nevertheless, this does not make laminate parquet - it is most correct to call it laminate flooring, or simply laminate.
If you are looking for something in between parquet and laminate, pay attention to the parquet board - not to be confused with solid parquet.
In the second case, we are dealing with an expensive coating, the creation of which takes a lot of wood - the floorboards are large and fully reflect the pattern of the wood core. It takes several times less to produce a wood parquet board. The fact is that it consists of three layers: the lower and middle layers are made of inexpensive coniferous species, but the upper one is made of precious wood.
Its thickness is only 3-4 mm, so it can be repaired by standard methods only 1 time. Well, if it lasts at least 20 years, it will not be enough for more. But it is just as easy to install as a laminate, and can even be moved to another place. This is convenient if you decide to make a small repair in a rented apartment - when you move out, you can take the cover with you.
Parquet - how is strength determined?
In addition to mobility, the laminate has enough other advantages. It does not need to be sanded, sanded or varnished - after laying the surface is immediately ready for use. High-quality laminate does not fade in the sun, and any stains are removed with a solvent. It is impossible to give an unambiguous assessment of environmental friendliness and safety, since different manufacturers use different technologies and components. However, if you wish, you can find a hypoallergenic laminate that is completely harmless to a sensitive body.
Of course, for such a type of product as laminated parquet, there is GOST 4598-86, but it poorly reflects really important standards, moreover, laminate certification is considered a voluntary matter. Where it is more correct to focus on the European system for determining the quality of laminated floors, which was adopted in 1999. According to this system, each coating class is tested in 18 tests for abrasion, scratch resistance, aggressive substances, impact resistance, etc. According to the results, a verdict is made about belonging to one or another strength class.
However, most consumers are aware of only one such test - the taber test. The question that is asked to the seller to find out about the results of this test usually sounds like this - "How many revolutions?". The announced figure is for many an indicator of the strength of the laminate. How are these same turnovers determined and what is meant? The test consists in the fact that an abrasive wheel with special parameters is pressed against the front side of the product, which simulates wear conditions. Depending on how many revolutions of the circle the laminate can withstand until it is completely worn out, the degree of its wear resistance is determined - usually the figure obtained is in the range from 6,000 to 20,000 revolutions.
However, there are many "buts" in this test. Firstly, there is no universal grinding wheel and tool - each manufacturer uses the equipment that he considers correct (or profitable). That is, a taber test of the same product from different manufacturers can stun you with completely different results.
In addition, during the test, the initial phase is first evaluated in the form of IP (initial phase) - the resulting figure indicates the number of revolutions that lead to the first signs of wear. Then the value of FP (final phase) is determined - this is the final phase of the study, when the degree of wear has reached 95%. From these two values, the arithmetic mean (AT, TT or simply T) is calculated.
One can only guess what exactly manufacturers indicate on price tags or price lists, since in most cases it is just a number without any letter designations. We have to rely only on honesty, because it will not be difficult for the manufacturer to correct the data, and it will be impossible to convict him of deceit. For example, instead of the average value, the company will indicate the number of revolutions that fell on the final phase. It seems that she did not lie, but the information is no longer accurate.
Laminated parquet - strength classes
For ease of understanding and convenience, European manufacturers have introduced a classification of laminate flooring, which has been picked up all over the world. The class indicates the degree of wear resistance determined by the test results.
So, classes from 21 to 23 are intended for rooms with a low and medium degree of walking. For example, you can safely place class 21 in the bedroom, bed 22 in the nursery, and class 23 in the kitchen or in the hallway. For offices or shops, there are classes from 31 to 33. Class 31 is suitable for rooms with relatively low traffic, such as a presentation room or an assembly hall. Class 32 and 33 should be laid where laminated parquet will be subject to special loads.
In addition to the class, you should also pay attention to the warranty period, which can tell a lot. For example, if a manufacturer gives only 5 years for class 31, while a competitor gives all 10, this indicates that in the first case the parquet meets only the minimum requirements for class 31, so the company is not too confident in its strength and durability.
Laying laminate flooring - simple precautions
Installing laminate flooring is no more difficult than assembling the children's designer– the panels are quickly and accurately connected to each other. It is much more difficult to prepare the base for the laminate so that it is as even as possible. Traditional concrete screed only at first glance it is even, but when laying, a mass of tubercles and pits will be found.
In such cases, it is recommended to lay a material under the laminate that could smooth out minor defects, for example, technical cork sheets. The larger the defects, the thicker the sheets should be. If this does not help, self-leveling self-leveling floors will help level the surface. If the surface does not have a slope, then a layer of 2-3 millimeters is enough to smooth out the bumps.
Don't be afraid to spend time prepping the surface, then you'll save it on the simplicity and installation of the laminate itself. It is not recommended to lay it on an uneven floor - if a separate part oscillates due to a tubercle or falls into a hole, this will lead to breakage of the locks and violations of strength.
It is best to make such a coating floating, that is, do not attach it to the base. Like any wood material, laminate also reacts to changes in humidity and temperature, so it can contract or expand. Therefore, it is important to leave a small space between walls, pipes and edge strips, at least 5 mm. If you want to lay the same canvas in all rooms, in any case, make transitional thresholds to avoid swelling of the floor.
Laminated parquet
Classic laminated parquet made to look like wood, but there are also brands that imitate stone - marble, granite, or carpeting, tiles, as well as ornaments, patterns and abstract paintings.It turned out to be a worthy analogue of parquet, retaining its main positive traits- ecological cleanliness and characteristic pattern, but characterized by a lower price, increased strength, resistance to scratches and dents. And, importantly, it can be washed (although remember - laminated parquet, especially cheap, just like parquet does not like water and does not need to be flooded!).
The main properties of laminated parquet:
- abrasion resistance (abrasion resistance);
- impact resistance;
- resistance to scratches and cracks;
- immunity to stains;
- resistance to chemicals;
- resistance to ultraviolet, fading (light fastness);
- heat resistance (heat resistance, resistance to the action of a burning cigarette);
- environmental Safety;
- hygiene (ease of cleaning);
- ease of installation (assembly);
- thermal conductivity (the possibility of laying on a heated floor).
Laminated parquet and its advantages
Laminated parquet is easy to maintain. There are no scratches or dents left on it from the wheels of furniture and ladies' hairpins (if this still happened, the disadvantage can be easily corrected with special means). Even if a heavy object accidentally falls on it, it will not leave a mark. On the laminate you can draw and even roller skate. This is a waterproof, very warm and completely harmless coating, which is important for allergy sufferers. High temperatures also do not pose a threat to him - fallen ashes or cigarette butts, as well as heating devices, will not harm him. Laminate stains are not terrible. Even spilled paint or nail polish can be washed off with acetone without harming the laminate. Laminate parquet is easy to care for, it does not need to be sanded and polished, just wipe it with a damp cloth.The advantage of laminate flooring is that it is very easy to install. Large plates are easily and without gaps adjusted to each other by "floating" laying, that is, they are fastened together according to the "thorn in the groove" principle. The high quality of the butt joints of the boards ensures a tight, almost seamless fit to each other, and in ready-made the floor looks like a monolithic surface. But no matter how tightly the panels fit together, you need to create protection from moisture: for this, the edges must be treated with a waterproof coating. Laminate parquet does not like water. Edges - weakness laminate. If there was a manufacturing defect technological requirements, then the edges will crumble. To protect yourself from buying a marriage, opt for products from well-known companies (for example, Quick Step laminate or Egger laminate). Another disadvantage of laminate flooring is that it is not durable. Manufacturers determine the life of such a floor as 15-20 years, but with intensive use it will last less. Laminate parquet cannot be scraped off and varnished again, it must be replaced with a new one.
Advice: when buying, pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations and the warranty period for the laminate.
For production cheap laminate apply cheap materials and it will only last a few years. More expensive laminate lasts longer. Lifespan of a laminate high class wear resistance - 15-20 years. Therefore, it is more profitable to buy this particular laminate. When choosing a laminate for a particular room, remember its "classiness" and do not use a laminate in the kitchen designed for the bedroom. Laminate is more suitable for people who like to frequently change the appearance of housing or the housing itself. But no matter what best quality there was no laminate, you must always remember that this is a laminate and it has little in common with parquet - except perhaps the appearance.
If you try to take a look at the Russian market of floor laminated parquets, the picture will appear very colorful. Dozens of manufacturers offer endless combinations of names, colors, sizes, classes, not to mention prices. We will not try to describe all the unimaginable variety of colors and textures of hundreds of collections from dozens of manufacturers. It seems that there is no wood species in nature that manufacturers would not imitate. floor laminate. But there is also an imitation of stone, metal, cork and even fabrics, not to mention absolutely incredible abstract patterns, textures and combinations. Choose what you really like!
For real beautiful interior in the house can be created only if there is good sex. There are currently many various kinds floor covering. Among all this abundance, the laminated parquet board stands out.
It can be lacquered or matte, imitate not only wood, but also marble or granite. There may be a chamfer-groove on such a floor, as when laying a conventional wooden board. What type of this material to choose for housing and how to do it right? This will be discussed in this article.
What is laminate flooring?
Sweden is the birthplace of this type of flooring. It was in this Scandinavian country that laminate was first made. Now this material occupies a worthy place in the international market.
Laminated parquet structurally resembles a layer cake. Upper layer is protective and is made of a high-strength film, which is formed after processing the material acrylic resin. The process of applying a protective layer, which gave the name to such products, is called lamination.
Watch a video about laminated parquet:
The coating can be either single-layer or multi-layer, it is also called composite. The top layer performs a protective function - prevents aggressive effects environment on the material. It is resistant to moisture, it is not afraid Sun rays, it is resistant to abrasion, withstands pollution and is not susceptible to various substances household chemicals.
The importance of this layer is evidenced by the fact that its quality determines the cost of the entire product. Even the hardest and valuable wood without protection, it will become unusable in a couple of years. There is a decorative layer of special paper under the film. It imitates certain types of trees, wood structure.
Or displays the texture and color of some building materials:
- white stone
- sand
- graphite
- Diamond
It can be reminiscent of a chessboard or have the appearance of rusty iron, or anything, it depends on the manufacturer's imagination.
The parquet laminated board is very durable. Its basis is the carrier layer, which is made of fiberboard or chipboard. Fibreboards are extremely high density owing to which they have special strength and rigidity. They are able to withstand moisture and maintain their characteristics with significant temperature fluctuations.
The bottom layer of the laminate is resin impregnated paper. Its main purpose is to protect the base layer from moisture and stabilize the entire board.
Main advantages
This flooring has many advantages over others, including over regular board from an array or block parquet. The most important difference is that the laminated board does not need a tedious and dusty scraping procedure. There is no need for additional sanding and subsequent varnishing of the floor.
Unlike natural parquet, laminate does not fade in the sun, its protective surface does not become disfigured by cracks over time. Any stain is easily removed from it, leaving no traces behind.
Classification and standards
Back in 1999, European standards for assessing the quality of this type of flooring were created, which are still valid and are used in the production of laminated floors. All types of this material undergo mandatory tests for strength, wear resistance, sound insulation, ability to withstand mechanical damage and others, for a total of 18 tests. According to their results, a certain class of use is assigned to the laminated parquet board. It is usually denoted by a two-digit number.
We watch a video on how to choose the right coating classes:
According to the classification used in Europe, laminated parquet is divided into several classes, and this primarily depends on wear resistance. They can be divided into two groups: used for residential buildings and used in commercial premises.
The first one includes:
- 21 - for the bedroom
- 22 - for a children's room
- 23 - for the kitchen, hallway, living room
The second group consists of:
- 31 - for low intensity use
- 32 - for medium intensity level
- 33 - with increased load
But, evaluating the true quality of the flooring, you should look at other parameters. Both the warranty period and the manufacturer play an important role here. So, for example, the floor of any Scandinavian manufacturer, belonging to class 31, will have a warranty period of 10 years or even more, but made in Poland or Russia is designed for only 5.
As practice shows, laminated parquet of the 33rd class withstands direct contact with water for a long time. But there are also products that can warp from excess moisture. And in some cases, the care of the laminate is carried out only with the use of special tools.
Laminate thickness
This indicator indicates the strength of the product and allows you to determine the possibility of combining with the doors installed in the room. For living rooms it is desirable to choose a laminate with a thickness of 7-8 mm, but not less than 6 mm.
Floor lined with thin parquet board, will be felt as a cold surface and in this case it is required to equip it with heating. But thick laminated parquet has only good reviews. It is wear-resistant, durable and is not afraid of prolonged loads from furniture.
cutting material
Each manufacturer himself determines what width and length his products will be. This explains why the laminated board has different sizes. And if you lay the flooring yourself, then you should choose not long and wide boards, but standard ones. They are much easier to work with. If the installation of the floor will be carried out by professionals, then the dimensions of the parquet will not cause difficulties for them.
Many are interested in how long it will last laminate parquet. It depends on many factors, and first of all, on its characteristics, the patency of the premises and the warranty period.
So, for example, the 31st class is considered the most popular, laid in a room where high loads may last more than 3 years. And in ordinary apartment will delight the owners for more than 10 years.
Laminated parquet of the 32nd class in an office will last about 5 years, and in a residential building it will withstand loads for 15 years. Such a floor is great option both for private housing and for commercial premises.
When choosing a floor covering, it is very important to pay attention to the warranty period. And never buy a laminate without a guarantee or with a period of only a couple of weeks. Even if it will be offered almost for free. In a very short time, this advantage can turn into at great expense for the purchase of other flooring material.
High-quality laminated parquet, the price of which is higher than the average market price, will serve you for a long time, and caring for it will not cause much trouble. In order to navigate the prices, just look at them on the Internet on specialized sites or on the official pages of manufacturers.
Many companies, in addition to several main collections, also produce several secondary ones under the same brand. Their cost is lower than in the main products, but the quality also leaves much to be desired. It is better to choose a laminate from the main model range manufacturer, this will provide high quality coating and its long service life.
Conclusion
Don't be tempted to buy cheap laminate flooring. Remember that too low cost indicates the same low quality. When making a choice, pay attention to the nuances highlighted above, and then, laid in your home new material for the floor will be not only reliable, but also attractive, and for a very long time.
