Laminate prices vary over a very wide range. At the same time, products from different brands may look the same, and there is a temptation to buy cheaper flooring. Such savings are not always justified, since during operation the shortcomings of a budget laminate are quickly revealed. But even among economy category products there are products with quite decent quality. To make the right choice, it is useful to study the ratings of laminate manufacturers.
What criteria are used to form the rating?
The following laminate characteristics are important for consumers:
- Durability, which largely depends on wear resistance
- Impact resistance, related to the thickness of the base and its density
- Resistant to point impacts, scratches, contact with hot objects, color fastness due to the thickness and composition of the protective coating
- Ease of installation associated with the design of the locking connection
- Aesthetic appeal, sufficient, rich colors
- - depends on a number of factors, such as the composition of the MDF (HDF) board, the structure of the panel, the technology for processing the side edges and interlocking joints
- Environmental friendliness, depends on the composition of the resins and their percentage content in the slab
- Price. There are buyers who try to purchase the most expensive goods, considering them to be of the highest quality, and also for reasons of prestige. Others try to find a compromise between affordable price and decent quality
Laminate quality rating
Ratings of laminate manufacturers are compiled according to different principles, but if we take into account the quality of the product and its performance characteristics, then for the Russian market the list usually looks like this:
- Quick Step(Belgium)
- Balterio(Belgium)
- Tarkett(international European concern)
- Pergo(Sweden)
- Egger(Germany)
- Kronostar(Germany, more precisely, Russian TM and German production)
- Kronotex(Germany)
- Kronospan(Russia)
- Classen(Germany)
- KronoFloring(Germany)
The first 5 positions in the list are premium products; the Tarkett brand also produces mid-price laminate. The KronoFloring and Classen brands are mid-price and economy class products; everything else is budget solutions, but with decent quality.
TIP: If the task is to purchase a good floor covering at low financial costs, you should pay attention to Kronostar and Kronospan or products of famous brands such as Egger, manufactured in Russia using European technologies.
Let's take a closer look at the advantages of the products of each of these brands.
Advantages of laminate from the rating list
Quick Step- universal laminate, suitable for different rooms, warranty period is 25 years. Durable, waterproof, resistant to various damages. It is environmentally friendly. A large selection of colors and shades is available, the range is constantly expanding.
One of the main advantages of this Belgian laminate is Patented Uniclick locking system ensures a secure connection with easy installation. More budget products, which are produced in Russia using Belgian technology, can be purchased at a price of 540 rubles. per m². The price of some collections is 10 times higher.
Laminate Balterio- one of the most durable, the warranty period for some products reaches 30 years. In addition, it is considered the best in design; the decorative layer is made using a special technology that allows it to believably reproduce the texture of natural wood.
Performance characteristics, strength and wear resistance are also at the same level. In Europe, this laminate is very popular, but in Russia it is not particularly in demand due to insufficient advertising and high prices (starts at 820 rubles per m²).
Tarkett- high-quality laminate, service life, depending on the class, is 15-25 years, unique T-lock or 2-lock locking systems ensure moisture resistance of the coating. The assortment is varied, the color palette is rich, class 33 laminate can be purchased at a price of 220 rubles. per m². The price of laminate from exclusive collections reaches 3,000 rubles. per m².
Company Pergo was one of the first in the world to master the production of laminate and has been among its best manufacturers for 40 years. In terms of strength and durability, the products of this brand are not inferior to competitors, and in terms of hygienic characteristics they confidently win the palm.
Pergo laminate is famous for its unique antiseptic coating, which makes it recommended for use in healthcare institutions. It also features a variety of decor. Perhaps the only drawback of this product is its impressive price, from 1020 rubles. per m².
Eggerequips its laminate with the patented LocTec improved latch design, in combination with the resin impregnation of the high-strength board, this factor determines the water resistance of the laminate. Another advantage of this brand’s products is excellent acoustic characteristics provided by the sound-absorbing substrate.
In addition to a wide range of laminate flooring, the manufacturer produces a variety of accessories for it. Egger production facilities today operate in different countries, including Russia, the price of such laminate is low, from 150 rubles. German laminate class 33, 11 mm thick, costs more than 2,200 rubles. per m².
Kronostar, perhaps the most popular laminate in Russia, combining decent quality with an affordable price (from 132 to 1500 rubles per m²). The coating provides protection from scratches, and the treatment of locks and edges provides protection from moisture.. The range is quite diverse, the service life is 15 years.
Kronotex is an absolutely environmentally friendly, high-strength, moisture and ultraviolet resistant laminate. Service life - 20 years, and individual products - 30 years. Although it is classified as an economy category, even the minimum price is about 560 rubles. per m² - for most Russians it is by no means low, and many models cost 4 times more. One of the reasons for the popularity of the brand is a large selection of collections, which, in addition to the traditional wood pattern, include imitations of natural stone and ceramic tiles.
Domestic laminate Kronospan- not the most budget option, the price of 1 m² ranges from 305-1665 rubles. In terms of a number of performance characteristics, laminate is not inferior to European analogues.
Classen is highly resistant to a variety of adverse influences, which allows it to be used not only in residential but also in technical premises; it is also an excellent solution for country houses. The service life is up to 20 years, the laminate is easy to maintain and retains its visual appeal throughout its entire service life. Price per m² from 550 to 2250 rubles.
Kronoflooring- stylish laminate that imitates various materials. It is highly durable, easy to clean, and resists stains well thanks to its antibacterial coating. An excellent solution for children's rooms and hospitals. The price of laminate from some collections is 380 rubles. per m², there are also more expensive solutions, 1865 rubles each.
Video
Review of laminate brands that are produced in Russia, prices and quality
Advantages of Pergo laminate. Wear resistance test.
Balterio laminate - high quality flooring
Bottom line
When compiling a rating of laminate manufacturers, the performance characteristics and aesthetic appeal of their products, breadth of assortment, environmental friendliness and hygiene, ease of installation and maintenance are taken into account. Price is also an important factor, so separate ratings are sometimes compiled for different price segments.
I went to a construction hypermarket for detailed advice on the types of laminate flooring. Do you think you were satisfied? No, but we did our own research and did a review.
How to choose a good laminate for an apartment?
The main material from which a good laminate is made is fiberboard, which provides flexibility and strength, allowing the glue to penetrate deeply and easily into the structure of the material.
It consists of four layers:
- upper protective;
- decorative;
- HDF-slab;
- kraft paper.
Basic parameters that will help you choose a good laminate for your home:
- Class;
- thickness;
- connection of locks;
- firm;
- design.
Types of laminate and its characteristics
- Question No. 1: how to distinguish a safe material from a toxic one?
Answer: a good laminate is 90% natural material, since it contains wood components. 10% is toxic formaldehyde, so laminate is determined by emission classes. There are four classes: E1, E2, E3, E0.
E2 and E3 are considered the most dangerous.
E0 is an environmentally friendly and harmless class of laminate.
- Question No. 2: how are laminates differentiated based on wear resistance and loads?
Answer: they are distinguished by classes:
- class 21 - laminate is suitable for places where people do not walk, for example, in the bedroom (under the bed) or in the closet;
- class 22 – laminate is more durable;
- class 23 - durable laminate, service life - from 4 to 6 years.
Laminate from Pergo (Russia). On the left - natural oak laminate of the Living Expression 832 L1301-01731 series (33 class); on the right - dark walnut from the Living Expression 832 L1301-03441 series (grade 33) - Question No. 3: what is the class of office laminate?
The simplest is 31 laminate classes: board thickness – from 6 to 10 mm; The thickness of the protective layer is up to 0.2 mm. Laminate is used for installation in rooms with low load: for apartments - children's rooms, bedrooms, storage rooms. Service life – no more than 5 years.
Laminate from Balterio (Belgium). On the left is 307 Tennessee Oak (grade 32); right - 619 White oak oiled (grade 32) The most popular among consumers is class 32 laminate: the thickness of the board at the lamella is from 8 to 12 mm; The thickness of the protective layer is from 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. Laminate flooring is used in apartments and offices. Service life – up to 10 years.
Class 33 has higher characteristics: board thickness - from 10 to 12 mm; The thickness of the protective layer is at least 0.4 mm.
Manufacturers offer class 33 laminate (8 mm board thickness). Almost all material of this class undergoes mandatory treatment with water-repellent impregnation, which is why class 33 has better technical characteristics. Service life up to 20 years.
It can be installed in rooms with high humidity - in the kitchen or bathroom.
If you select according to the strength criterion, the best is class 34 laminate, which is characterized by a lamella thickness of 12 mm (high), with a protective layer thickness of 0.6 mm. Production includes mandatory impregnation with antiseptic and water-repellent compounds.
They are installed in places with high traffic intensity - at airports, train stations, public reception areas and high-traffic stores. Service life - at least a quarter of a century.
- Question No. 4: if you need laminate flooring for a bedroom, which class is preferable?
Answer: 31 and 32.
Laminate from Quick-step (Belgium). Left - UF1157 Wall-mounted natural oiled oak (grade 32); right - UF915 White lacquered oak (grade 32) - Question No. 5: what class of laminate should I choose for my (private) home?
Answer: 31 or 32 class laminate would be optimal.
- Question No. 6: how thick should the laminate flooring in an apartment be?
Answer: standard thickness is 6, 7, 8, 10, 12 mm.
IMPORTANT! Impact strength and sound absorption depend on the thickness of the laminate.
- Question No. 7: what thickness of laminate is best to choose for an apartment?
Answer: better – 6-7 mm. It is possible and thicker, but when purchasing and further installation, you should correlate the thickness of the laminate with the area of the room.
IMPORTANT! The thicker the laminated board, the slower it will heat up.
- Question No. 8: how to choose high-quality laminate for a private home?
Answer: laminate is selected for all rooms in the house with different properties. For example, for the bathroom and kitchen - with increased moisture resistance (class 33), for the nursery, for the living room and bedroom - with increased strength 31 or 32 class, it is advisable to add a layer of sound insulation.
Laminate from Witex (Germany). On the left - EI265P Salted oak (grade 33); right - EI315P Coastal Oak (grade 33) In the corridor and hallway - 33 and 34 class laminate, which are characterized by the highest wear resistance.
- Question No. 9: how to choose laminate flooring for your home (moisture-resistant)?
Answer: a moisture-resistant laminate is a HDW board with a special moisture-repellent composition and increased density. When purchasing, you must check whether the manufacturer is a member of the EPLF association. Its participants are:
- Yildiz Sunta;
- Vario Clic;
- Question No. 10: what type of laminate is available for connection locks?
- Lock type locks (drive-in);
- Click type;
- adhesive.
Rating 2017: the best laminate for an apartment
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
 |
Feature: variety of textures and geometry of panels. |
 |
The company provides the longest warranty period, and the products are characterized by high quality, durability, increased wear resistance, light resistance, moisture resistance, and different types of locks. Feature: Patented Uniclick lock. |
 Pergo |
Elite class of materials. The company produces moisture-resistant durable products. Feature: convenient Smart-Lock locks. |
 |
Feature: stylish models. |
 Egger |
Feature: resin impregnation and soundproofing substrate. |
Types and varieties - which is the best laminate to choose?
Stylistic options (classification by design):
- classic wood (in the form of parquet/herringbone);
- imitation leather;
- with a metallic sheen (in the form of tiles);
- imitation of natural stone (+ with a glossy surface;
- with designer prints.
- Question #11: What is the standard laminate size?
Answer: from 126 cm to 138 cm.
By surface type:
- textured;
- standard;
- embossed;
- natural;
- aged;
- waxed;
- country;
- wood under oil;
- glossy.
- Question No. 12: what is the quality laminate? How to determine?
Answer: each batch of laminate is determined according to the following parameters:
- water resistance;
- wear resistance;
- indentation resistance;
- immunity to pollution;
- resistance of the coating to smoldering cigarettes;
- immunity to moving furniture (on casters, including).
IMPORTANT! The best laminate is not the one that is in fashion, but the one that is moisture resistant, strong and durable. This is the one that is best suited for heated floors.
Laminate - which color is better?
Dark wood laminate in the kitchen interior from Capital Building - Question No. 13: how to choose the right laminate color? What are the most popular models?
Answer: The choice of laminate color depends on the following factors:
- degree of illumination of the room: dark colors are not suitable for light rooms; dirt and dust will always be visible on the surface;
- laminate cannot be selected in color to match the wallpaper and baseboard;
- types of light wallpaper imply a laminate that is several tones darker;
- in small apartments you cannot use laminate of different colors;
- The color of the interior doors should match the color of the floor, but if you don't want to make them the same, try a darker color scheme.
Light wood laminate in a bedroom interior from Best Buy Flooring and Granite Suitable for oak flooring. Types of patterns:
- antique oak;
- castell oak;
- old oak;
- smoked oak;
- smoky oak;
- select oak;
- oak cognac;
- oak topaz;
- kokua oak;
- milky oak;
- champagne oak;
- chateau oak;
- oak diamond.
Bright board in the kitchen interior by Danny Broe Architect Laminate: how to choose a functional coating?
- Question No. 14: how to choose laminate for a room?
Answer: when choosing, we evaluate:
- room parameters;
- style;
- color palette of the room;
- illumination
Classic laminate board in the interior - Question No. 15: what is the best way to choose laminate flooring for your interior?
Answer: There are two main criteria:
- quality characteristics;
- decorative properties.
- Question No. 16: which laminate to choose for the bedroom and what thickness?
- it is better to choose class 31 or 32 laminate, which will last a long time and has thermal insulation properties;
- choose thicker panels;
- decorative embossing not only plays a decorative role in the interior, but also has an anti-slip effect;
- From drawings and prints, it is better to choose laminate with imitation of wood cuts.
- Question No. 17: which laminate to choose for the kitchen and hallway?
Answer: a high-class laminate is suitable for the hallway, but not lower than 33. You can also consider a combination with tiles.
Glossy laminate board in the interior of the hall - Question No. 18: which laminate is better for the kitchen?
Answer: the best in class, which involves assembly without a locking connection, that is, joint to joint. It must have increased resistance to rubbing, intense loads, mechanical damage and moisture.
Dark Wood Laminate by Unique Spaces When choosing laminate flooring for the kitchen, pay attention to tile models. The service life of the tiles is at least 10 years. Laying method: from the window, from the wall, diagonally. A combination of styles and styling is possible.
- Question No. 19: which class of laminate is best for the kitchen?
Answer: 33rd grade.
- Question No. 20: how to choose a moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen?
Answer: choose grades 33 and 34.
- Question No. 21: laminate for the corridor - which is better?
Answer: 32, 33 and 34 grades.
- Question No. 22: which laminate to choose for the hall?
Answer: 32 and 33 class with a thickness of at least 8 mm.
Light laminate board in the living room interior by Chris Snook - Question No. 23: which laminate to choose for the living room?
Answer: The best choice for the living room is 31 and 32 classes. When installing, be sure to take into account the sound insulation layer. The flooring should be compatible in design with other interior elements: the color of window frames and trim for interior doors.
- Question No. 24: how to choose laminate flooring for a small living room?
Answer: three-strip laminate.
- Question No. 25: how to choose laminate flooring for a nursery?
Answer: laminate must be safe. Class 32 and 33 are suitable, which will even withstand cycling. The coating should be easy to wash and not slip. We recommend laminate from Tarkett, Egger, Classen.
Classic wood in the interior of a nursery - Question No. 26: laminate for a summer house - which one to choose?
Answer: choose an easy-to-care material that is definitely wear-resistant.
- Question No. 27: how to choose laminate flooring for an office?
Answer: the main quality of a laminated floor for an office is its resistance to:
- abrasion;
- crumpled;
- mechanical influences;
- exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
- aggressive chemicals;
- the appearance of scratches, cracks, stains;
- pressure.
| Manufacturer name | Country | Specifications and Features |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Step | Belgium | High quality and durability; the base is made of polyurethane, which increases resistance to moisture; withstands heavy loads; It is resistant to damage and has a protective top decorative layer. Feature: unique Uniclic lock. |
| Tarkett | Germany | High wear resistance and strength due to special HDF plates; T-Lock lock system, which resists chemical, abrasive, and mechanical influences; Each layer is treated with a special moisture-repellent impregnation. Feature: meets international standards EN 13329, EN 14041(CE). |
| Kastamonu Floorpan | Russia | Environmental safety; wide range of colors and coating grades; ease of installation; high resistance to abrasion and damage. Feature: possibility of installation on a warm floor. |
| Egger | Germany | High wear resistance and strength; ease of installation; practicality. Feature: subsequent installation in another room is possible. |
| Decorstep | Russia | Waterproof; manufactured in the form of a homogeneous polymer product; has a porous structure; Inside there are air layers, which provide weight reduction, noise insulation, and thermal insulation. Feature: used in rooms with high humidity, even at the bottom of the pool. |
| Kronopol | Poland | High strength and sound insulation; easy installation; durability; environmental friendliness; ease of care; resistance to fading and scratches. Feature: does not cause allergies. |
| Imagine Flooring | Germany | High wear resistance, resistance to mechanical damage and frequent friction; ease of installation; resistance to burnout; ease of care. Feature: wide range of colors. |
| Taiga larch for flooring | Russia | High strength class; difficult to ignite; resistant to low temperatures and moisture, scratches, chemical exposure, sunlight; Suitable for installation of heated floors. Feature: convenient click clasp. |
When laying a new floor covering, owners do not always know which laminate is best to choose for an apartment or private house, or which company to give preference to. When purchasing a suitable type of laminate, you need to choose materials with a reasonable price-quality ratio. Expensive materials do not always meet the requirements and operating conditions. The type of coating chosen depends on: the comfort of staying in the room, service life, and the aesthetic appearance of the floor. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the rating of the best floor coverings, compiled based on reviews from numerous users. The top 10 included products from various companies producing high-quality laminate.
Thanks to the excellent characteristics and beautiful appearance of the laminate, the floor in the apartment acquires the best qualities: an ideal flat surface, comfortable temperature, resistance to stress, harmonious combination with furniture, wall decoration, etc.
Flooring - laminate is classified according to a certain scale. Based on the class of the laminate, you can determine the thickness of the protective layer, which affects the durability indicator. Marking with an index from 21 to 43 indicates the degree of resistance of the material to wear and abrasion.
Tip: Buyers often wonder which laminate is best for an apartment. When choosing the coating that is most suitable for a particular room, we recommend giving preference to products belonging to class no lower than 31. The higher the category of the laminate, the longer the selected material will last, even under intense loads.
The best laminate for an apartment with a thickness of 8 mm
The Belgian company Balterio has developed a line of Xpert Pro Better Narrow flooring. This sample refers to the type of single-strip parts with a four-sided chamfer. The texture of the laminate is brown mystic oak. The material is supplied to the retail chain in packs of 12 pieces. The dimensions of each plate are 1263x134x8 mm. The main purpose is residential and office premises. Xpert Pro Better Narrow laminate belongs to class 32 and is designed to last for three to five years.
- Affordable price.
- Aesthetic appearance.
- Durability.
- Easy to assemble and install.
- Versatility.
- There are no disadvantages.
Classen Wiparquet Authentic 8 Narrow
Single-strip laminate Classen Wiparquet Authentic 8 Narrow with a four-sided chamfer is produced in Germany. The material has wear resistance corresponding to class 32, the company provides a 15-year warranty on the product. Individual parts measuring 1286x160x8 mm are packed in packs of 10 pieces. This amount is enough to cover an area of 2,057 square meters.
- High reliability of connections using MegaLoc type locks.
- Large selection of single-strip plate colors.
- Easy installation of narrow parts thanks to a neat 4-sided chamfer.
- Beautiful appearance of synchronous embossing.
- The material gives the visual effect of a more spacious room.
- Durability, long warranty from the manufacturer.
- No backing for laminate.
Russian-made laminate KronoStar SymBio is made using the latest Swiss technologies. This flooring is intended for installation in living rooms, as well as industrial premises. Strength class – 33. The plates are supplied to the retail chain in packs of 8 pieces. The dimensions of one element are 1380x193x8 mm. The total area of one pack is designed for 2,131 m² of floor covering.
- Reasonable price.
- Practicality.
- Aesthetic execution, beautiful texture of a single-strip board.
- Fast easy installation.
- No visible joints.
- Low durability.
- Unreliable locks.
- Scratches and characteristic abrasions quickly appear on the surface.
- Afraid of water and high humidity.
Environmentally friendly flooring - Egger Kingsize V0 laminate made in Germany is a high-strength, wear-resistant material. The main application of this coating is the design of floors in hallways, corridors, bedrooms, kitchens, children's rooms, and office spaces with average traffic. In the manufacture of Egger Kingsize V0, natural wood fiber raw materials are used. In order to prevent possible deformations, a special layer of high-strength paper has been introduced into the laminate. Laying method – floating, fixation of joints – UNI fit locking click system.
- Environmental safety of the product.
- Anti-slip surface (corresponds to R10).
- Relief matte structure imitating natural wood.
- Tightness, resistance to dirt and moisture.
- Strength of the outer layer (wear resistance class 32).
- Easy installation.
- Unpleasant smell of adhesives.
The best laminate for an apartment with a thickness of 12 mm
Quick-Step Impressive Ultra (Belgium)
Flooring from the Quick-Step brand has a well-thought-out design and creates the visual effect of increased room space. The surface of the Quick-Step Impressive Ultra laminate is reliably protected from external influences, mechanical shocks, and scratches (class 33). During the production process, each element of the floor covering is treated with an antistatic agent, as a result of which the floor does not attract dust. The plates are connected to each other using the Uniclic locking system.
- The texture of the material is close to its natural appearance.
- Durability, high quality workmanship.
- Manufacturer's warranty is at least 20 years.
- Easy installation even in hard-to-reach places.
- Compatible with heated floors.
- Resistant to high humidity, laminate is not afraid of water.
- High cost.
Laminate flooring of domestic production is produced under the Tarkett brand. The laying technology involves installing slabs using a unique method called “floating floors”. At the same time, instead of nails, glue, and screws, a special X’traLoc locking system is provided for fixing parts.
- Possibility of repeated use (assembly/disassembly).
- Easy to install.
- Resistant to high humidity.
- Antistatic, soundproofing properties.
- A large selection of original patterns, designs with imitation of natural wood.
- Adequate cost.
- The strength of the top layer corresponds to category 33.
- Unusually slippery surface.
Kronotex Mammut floor covering is produced in Germany. In its production, innovative technologies and modern high-precision equipment are used. This brand of laminate is distinguished by high quality workmanship, a large selection of colors, and environmental safety. The maximum strength of the top layer of coating meets the requirements of class 33, the thickness of long tapered boards is 12 mm.
- Noble colors like natural stone and wood.
- Laminate can withstand increased loads.
- Versatility of use in different operating conditions (residential, office, industrial premises).
- Resistant to temperature changes, high humidity, and aggressive environments.
- The product is environmentally friendly without releasing unpleasant pungent odors and other harmful substances into the atmosphere.
- Durability.
- Reliability of 5G locking locks.
- Expensive coverage.
The reliable laminated floor KronoStar De Facto has a unique structure, deep rustic embossing, reliably reproducing the unevenness of natural boards and oak patterns. This material is ideal for installation in high-rise apartments, country cottages, office premises, public buildings, etc. The flooring elements are equipped with reliable Double Clic locking systems.
- Aesthetic appearance of laminated coverings.
- Ease of installation.
- Practicality.
- Ease of care and maintenance.
- Long service life of at least 25 years.
- Multi-year warranty from the manufacturer.
- Improved density characteristics (class 33).
- During operation, the boards do not swell or deform due to high humidity.
- Increased fragility of the material, frequent chipping during transportation and installation.
The best laminate for an apartment - price-quality
Laminate flooring RichManS STRONG has gained popularity among builders and numerous users due to its reliability, impeccable quality, and aesthetic appearance. Wear resistance class of the material is 33.
- Optimal price.
- Nice surface texture.
- Convenient board dimensions – 1387x193x12 mm.
- The surface is resistant to mechanical damage (impacts, scratches, abrasions).
- Antistatic.
- Long service life.
- Large selection of colors and designs.
- Some difficulties during installation due to the increased hardness of the material.
Villeroy&Boch Country
Laminate from the Country collection is designed to meet the requirements of the most demanding customers. The material is made in the form of an irregular structure of various interweaving branches. All pieces are distinguished from each other by their original, raw design. Panels with a thickness of 12mm are stable, durable, and correspond to class 33. Most often, such floors are popular with owners of luxury country houses decorated in a rustic style.
- Creativity of design.
- The strength of CLIC locking connections.
- High quality workmanship.
- The panels are compatible with the “warm floor” system.
- Long service life.
- Long-term warranty from the manufacturer (30 years).
- Easy care.
- Increased resistance to ultraviolet radiation, mechanical stress, abrasion, pressure, wear, and staining.
- The material does not support combustion.
- Comfort, ease of use.
- The high cost of the material is fully compensated by its excellent quality and durability.
German flooring Parador Edition 1 is produced by HULS Coesfeld. The strength class of the coating is 32. The dimensions of each sheet are 1285 x 400 x 8 mm. The individual fragments are securely connected to each other using the original Safe-Lock Profil locking system. Laminate is sold in single packages of 5 pieces each. This number of sheets is enough to cover a floor area of 2.57 square meters.
- Increased moisture resistance thanks to active protection AQUA-PROOF with thorough impregnation of edges.
- Long-term operation for at least 25 years.
- High resistance to wear and open fire.
- The pattern on the floor does not fade from daylight, maintaining its original brightness.
- 5 year warranty
- Compatible with heated floors.
- There are no disadvantages.
Norwegian laminate Berry Alloc Original has a beautiful appearance. The collection includes floor coverings of various colors and patterns (at least 30 options). The Original color palette is dominated by airy white shades. Along with a beautiful design, laminate from Scandinavian manufacturers is characterized by high quality workmanship. The real pride of the developers is the original aluminum locking connection, which ensures tight connections and easy installation.
Interesting: Berry Alloc Original was used on the floor in the check-in department at London Heathrow Airport.
- Large selection of laminate colors.
- Easy to install.
- Reliability of locks.
- Durability of the coating.
- Excellent performance.
- There are no disadvantages.
Which is better to choose laminate for an apartment?
When choosing the most suitable flooring for their home, many buyers are faced with a large number of offers. In order not to make a mistake and buy the best laminate for your apartment, it is recommended to take into account a number of important factors:
- Purpose of the room (corridor, hall, bedroom, children's room, kitchen).
- Load intensity.
- Room humidity level.
- Manufacturer of laminate flooring.
- Material cost.
- Technical and operational characteristics of the laminate.
- Flooring design.
- Amount of material for each room.
- Installation difficulty level.
Which laminate is best suited for your apartment, which company to choose, the decision is made by the owner himself. The correct choice and purchase of laminate flooring are important steps in the renovation. We hope this review article with rating positions and a description of the advantages and disadvantages in each specific case will help you decide on the best option for your home.
Having decided to change the floors at home, many people are inclined to use laminate flooring. Durability, beauty, good performance properties - today this is truly the best flooring in houses and apartments. Our laminate quality rating will introduce you to companies whose products will meet any expectations.
Berry Alloc
A Norwegian-Belgian company that has combined its capabilities to produce a unique high-pressure laminate (HPL). The scheme itself is simple: a compressed top layer with protective properties, decor and several layers of high-strength paper.
The resulting layer turns out to be much harder than a conventional laminate created by direct pressure. It is able to withstand almost all types of impacts.
Berry Alloc offers more than 18 laminate series, each with about 20 types of decor. This is one of the largest ranges of collections in existence. Among them there are with the effect of infinity, sound-diffusing, “Christmas tree” and very wide panels for large areas (up to 2.41 m). The cross-section of the laminate ranges from 8 to 11 mm.
The warranty is 20 years for commercial flooring and 30 years for residential use.
Pergo
A company from Sweden, the founder of the entire world of laminate. The beginning was made back in 1979 and since then, careful control at all stages of production allows Pergo to be considered the standard among this type of floor coverings. Upon request, the buyer is provided with all certificates, including environmental ones.
Pergo has a wide range of products, including not only class 32 – 34 laminate, but also parquet and vinyl coverings. The range of colors is very wide, with imitation wood, stone, etc.
The width of the laminate starts from 12 to 21 cm, length from 120 cm to 2 m. The density of the slab is 790 kg/m3, so the moisture resistance of the floor is very good.
Pergo has a service life of at least 25 years. The only disadvantage of this laminate is its high price.
Kaindl
An Austrian family company that has been processing wood for over 100 years. Today, the plant carries out all stages of production - from processing wood from its own alpine lands and ending with the sale of finished products.
Kindle laminate is known for its density - 950g/m3. The coating almost perfectly imitates natural textures, as it is applied using an ultra-precise laser and synchronous embossing.
The company has patented a locking coupling with rounded edges and additionally treated with wax. Therefore, the joints are waterproof and the service life of the laminate is increased (up to 30 years). Thanks to all this, the products have been repeatedly recognized as the best on the European continent.
Haro
A German brand that has been producing cork flooring and parquet for over 30 years. Their motto is “maximum approximation to natural textures.” Laminate class 31-33, up to 10 mm thick, is sold in almost all countries of the world. And a special research bureau has developed aquaShield protective layer, noise-insulating substrate, and special coatings permaDur and bioTec.
Haro laminate is really quiet, and the connection systems consist of 2 types: 4G connection (with an additional reinforcing insert) and a classic lock, which is understandable even for beginners.
Service life (from 15 to 30 years). The downside, besides the European cost, is that you won’t find bright newfangled colors in Haro, only classics.
Quick-Step
A product of joint Russian-Belgian production, which did a lot to make modern laminate what it is today. V-shaped chamfer, glueless connection, plank floor texture - all these are inventions of the company.
Since 2011, Kwik-Step products have been produced in Russia and have become cheaper. Pros: there is a protective layer against sunlight and static voltage; locks that allow you to assemble panels at an angle and on any plane. Additionally, a wonderful series for bathrooms (Laguna) is produced, with waterproofing impregnation.
The guarantee is a quarter of a century.
Egger
A joint venture (Austrian-German), which over half a century has grown from a small company into a giant concern, currently numbering 17 plants. They create furniture and everything needed for the wooden decoration of a house. The plant also works on individual orders.
Egger laminate (class 31-33) comes in one-, two- and three-strip. The manufacturer offers several types of locks: simple for quick installation and the UNI Fit system (connecting lamellas at all possible angles).
Egger has a special series of waterproof laminate for any premises where there is contact with water. Special connections of the lamellas make such a surface absolutely impenetrable.
The service life of the laminate, depending on the series, ranges from 12 to 25 years.
HDM
Holz Dammers Moers, a German manufacturer that was the first to appear on the Russian market. Over the half-century of its existence, the company has launched the production of a wide range, ranging from wall and ceiling panels to acoustic systems.
Their know-how is mirror-glossy laminate using ELESGO technology. The lamellas are almost impossible to distinguish from parquet, they do not stain, and do not appear chipped or scratched. The polyacrylic surface does not contain any toxic substances and is safe for people with lung problems. And on the reverse side there is a noise-absorbing layer, which will be completely useful in apartment buildings.
The only thing is that laminate is produced in the range of 31-32 load classes, with a thickness of 7 to 9 mm. The price of such products is not cheap, but the service life is 25 years.
Ritter
A Russian company that stands out among other manufacturers in that it produces laminate with embossing and leather-like finishes. They don’t have standard smooth slats, but snakeskin, rough cut boards, silkscreen and craquelure are welcome.
The products are in constant demand, and Ritter's assortment is increasing every year. The locks are treated with wax, which ensures moisture resistance of the coating.
Warranty within 30 years. A disadvantage can be considered the fact that dust and dirt accumulate on the embossed surface much more often.
Floorwood
A German corporation that began production in its native country for 10 years, and then transferred its capacity to Russia and China.
Products of class 32-34 can amaze the buyer with the widest range of surfaces (16 collections in total). There are shortened and very long planks, of various widths, for porcelain stoneware and parquet.
Connections - simple (with wax treatment) and 5G (volumetric fixation).
The products comply with Russian GOST. Service life - 25 years. The price, as for a Chinese product, is a little high.
Goodway
Laminate from China burst onto the Russian market in 2009, making a name for itself with unusual colors that match the cultural traditions of different countries. Arabic, English series - each model will successfully fit into the existing interior. Also in their collections there is 3D embossing, highlighting each element, which creates a volume effect.
This laminate uses 2 types of glueless assembly (wax finish and SuperLock), which allows you to assemble and disassemble the floors very quickly.
The laminate is certified according to Russian GOST and its service life is 30 years. Disadvantages - there is a chemical smell.
Laminate Berry Alloc (Belgium-Norway)
0 (from 950 RUR/m2)
The huge transnational corporation Beaulieu International Group includes a group that is rightfully considered one of the most important areas. This is a production complex producing laminated finishing materials under the Berry Allok brand.
The association of the Belgian Berry Floor plant and the Norwegian company Alloc has combined huge production capacities, a serious research base and accumulated experience. As a result, the production of parquet using the unique HPL (High Pressure laminate) technology has been launched. The principle is that the top layer is pressed first:
- Protective overlay;
- Decorative paper;
- Several layers of kraft paper.
The result is a layer whose characteristics significantly exceed those of conventional DPL (Direct Pressure Laminate). Accordingly, HPL coatings are of high quality and excellent inertness to various types of influences on the surface.
Main advantages:
1) Huge selection of designs - one of the largest sets of collections.
BerryAllok produce more than 18 lines of laminate of 32-34 wear resistance classes, each with up to 20 different decors: classic, modern, art nouveau, eclectic, chamfered and smooth, concrete, slate, standard parquet or marble.
The cross-section of the laminate is from 8 to 11 mm. The range includes interesting solutions, such as:
- Narrow herringbone parquet with Best Loc® X-Treme locking system;
- Planks with integrated sound-diffusing PVC gasket;
- Long boards with infinity effect Extra-long Planks;
- Extra-wide slats for large rooms 2410x236 mm;
2) The best laminate performance in terms of wear resistance.
BerryAlloc guarantees:
- 10 years for commercial coatings. Applies to such indicators as resistance to abrasion and moisture, staining, fading;
- 30 years for floors used in residential areas.
3) Reliable lock.
- Aluminum Lock System - the famous aluminum Alloc lock used in the High-Tech series;
- Best Loc® X-Treme - three-way connection for other products.
4) Easy to operate.
Laminate flooring is easy to keep clean using a vacuum cleaner or a damp soft cloth. No special cleaners or household chemicals are required.
5) Security for users.
Laminate Berry Allok is certified in accordance with:
- PEFC;
- DOP 170 DL3113 1 (Declaration of Performance).
It should be noted that according to the latest document, laminated parquet has been assigned the highest classes for such parameters as fire safety, antistatic, and anti-slip. There are certificates confirming the low level of emission of toxic substances (formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol).
- High cost;
- You can often purchase a fake of unknown manufacture (without certificates and other documents).
