Choosing the best laminate

Choosing a laminate flooring requires a serious approach. It is one of the most durable materials used as floor covering. Laminate flooring differs from everything else in its improved performance, resistance to damage, ease of installation and a good price.

Despite everything, many people remain disappointed after their purchase. And the problem lies in one main reason - the choice in appearance and price. Not everyone delves into the characteristics, because it is not very easy to understand them. Let's take a look at how to choose the best laminate flooring.

Criterias of choice

There are several basic criteria based on which you can select the best laminate flooring. Each indicator should be evaluated, as they mean a lot. First, let's look at those that affect quality.

The first criterion is the operating class

Any buyer should first of all look at the designation of the class of operation. Usually this figure is indicated on the front of the package as a two-digit figure. This will allow evaluating the resistance of the coating to mechanical stress and the shelf life. Indicators range from 21 to 33.

The table above roughly explains the notation. As you can see, load classes 21-23 are usually used in residential buildings where there is no particular pressure on the laminate. Such material can last from 1 to 5 years. It is not recommended to buy such a coating, as it will quickly deteriorate, even if you are very careful.

Laminate class 31-33 is designed for rooms with increased stress. It is recommended to use just such a material, even if it is installed in a residential area. At home, it should last from 20 to 25 years, after which it can begin to deteriorate - creak, deteriorate, and so on.

The second criterion is sheet thickness

The ideal thickness for laminated planks is 8 mm. If this option is too expensive, you can reduce the thickness to 7 mm, but nothing less. This is one of the factors that affects load resistance.

If you use too thin material in a place where there is a high load (for example, there is heavy furniture or a lot of people), then the floor will easily break. To avoid such situations, it is recommended not to skimp on this criterion.

Thickness also affects thermal conductivity. A floor that is too thin can be a source of cold. If a special heating system is used, then everything is exactly the opposite.

The third criterion is density

The density is measured in kg / m3. The basis of the laminate is an MDF board, which stands for finely dispersed fraction. These are compressed wood fibers, according to which the parameter of interest in this paragraph is determined. A polymer film is applied to the surface of the board.

If the density is too low, even a good thickness will not help keep the material in use. The best option is considered to be 850 kg / m3, no less.

The fourth criterion is a chamfer

On old laminate, cracks widen over time. The presence of a chamfer (beveled edge) allows you to hide such a defect, hiding the gaps.This seemingly small detail also helps to save the laminate from moisture ingress - in the absence of a chamfer, the material will swell.

As you can see, this detail not only helps to preserve the visual state of the floor, but also protects it. Even if flooding occurs, in most cases it will be enough to dry the laminate and move it without replacement.

The fifth criterion is the type of connection

There are two types of connection - adhesive and locking. The first option is used very rarely, moreover, it requires additional glue for installation. Finding it in stores is quite problematic.

The locking type of connection is also called "Quick Step" due to its ease of installation. The use of this technology does not require a wizard, you can even cope with it yourself. It is worth paying attention to this detail if there is no desire to spend additional funds. However, this type of connection is divided into two more types:

• Click - collapsible locks;
• Lock-latches.

In the first version, the latches are installed at an angle of 45 ° and do not require any installation skills at all. An additional advantage is the ability to install such a laminate even on an uneven surface - curvatures up to 3 mm per linear meter are allowed. However, Click connections are more expensive.

The Lock subspecies are installed on a perfectly flat surface, so before installation you will have to double-check and prepare everything. Not recommended for self-styling without a master. Lock connections are cheaper but require skill.

Other criteria

After getting acquainted with the technical characteristics, you can safely proceed to the following key factors - appearance and price.

The most popular type of laminate is imitation wood flooring, parquet and the like. At first glance, it is difficult to distinguish it from a real tree. This coating is very easy to wash, as streaks do not remain. However, in terms of cost, this type will cost more.

No less popular are the types that imitate stone surfaces. Modern design solutions are able to recreate any atmosphere at an appropriate price.

The best is the embossed laminate. Different subspecies are also distinguished here:

• Structural surface.

The use of this embossing gives the coating a slight roughness. Most often found in cheap models. This material is rather slippery, but due to its low price it remains quite popular.

• Embossing in register.

It is considered the most expensive, but at the same time the most luxurious type of coverage. The expressiveness of the surface is exactly the same as wood, stone and any other natural material. You can understand "deception" only by holding the stove in your hands or being an expert in this area.

• Hand-crafted effect.

Most often found in vintage designs. The bottom line is saw marks, scars on the "tree" itself.

• Aged tree.

Suitable for most designs - classic, vintage and others. To enhance the "obsolescence" effect, paints, decorative compounds, dents and scratches are used.

• Endless board effect.

Laying laminate flooring with this effect requires a fair amount of work. The bottom line is to hide the joints and seams. In this case, it is important that the boards are directed in one direction, and the room is spacious enough.

• Optical bevel.

In this type of embossing, the boards are darkened at the edges to recreate the illusory presence of a chamfer. In this case, the chamfer itself is not used.

The room in which it will be used

An important point is the environment in which the surface will be exploited. We have already discussed the classes of operation above, but other factors should be taken into account.

For rooms with high humidity, it is recommended to buy a waterproof laminate with a bevel. An example of such a room would be a kitchen or bathroom. Even if water spills, it cannot penetrate under the cover.

The level of moisture resistance mainly depends on the density of the material - it should be at least 900 kg / m3.In this case, the laminate can easily withstand the presence of moisture for three hours, after which it will begin to deteriorate. If the density level is too low, you can completely forget about moisture resistance.

Design, color, decoration

To be pleasant to be in the room, every detail must be harmoniously connected. Laminate with flashy colors is not suitable for a classic interior. Consider the style of the room.

Choosing a manufacturer - 6 best companies

You can find many offers on the market, but it is best to play it safe and get acquainted with the leading manufacturers in this industry. Let's consider some of the most popular brands.

Quick-Step

Belgian company offering laminate flooring for every taste. The assortment includes a wide variety of shades, styles and proposals. At the same time, Quick-Step has proven to be of good quality.

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Kaindl

An Austrian manufacturer that leads the European market for sustainability and exterior design. The visiting card is also the durability of the laminate sold - from 15 to 20 years without replacement. Basically, the installation of all models is very easy and does not require any special skills. The locks are easy to connect, the joints are almost invisible.

An additional advantage is the water resistance of most materials. The edges of the planks are treated with wax, which increases the waterproofing performance. It is worth highlighting the strength of the laminate - after mechanical action, dents and scratches do not remain on it. After washing, streaks and other marks do not remain, which greatly facilitates floor care.

All models can easily withstand heating. If cheap materials start to give off unpleasant odors, you won't find this here.

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Balterio

A Belgian manufacturer that sells its products all over the world. Despite its "youth", the company was able to quickly recommend its products. Balterio's own development - Click Xpres is used, which provides a durable seamless connection of the planks.

The laminate of this company can live from 15 years. A variety of patterns and design styles makes it possible to choose a unique design for the room. Most models have chamfers on all sides, which guarantee not only the durability of the material, but also increased moisture resistance.

Dust and dirt are very noticeable on dark colors. This is not specific to this firm, as the problem is common. These shades are not recommended for use in small rooms.

Scratches are very noticeable. Laminate is not the most durable, therefore it cannot withstand strong mechanical stress. It all depends on how you use it. For example, an ordinary office chair on wheels does not leave marks, but a rocking chair will chafe the laminate.

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Egger

The German manufacturer that pays most attention to the exterior design of the laminate. In terms of technical characteristics, the laminate flooring varies greatly, but we can say with confidence that all the specified data are true.

The coating is not "afraid" of a washing vacuum cleaner and tolerates wet cleaning without problems. The joints are not fragile, there is no creaking at all. After reading the instructions, anyone could independently lay such a laminate at home.

The price is quite adequate and not overpriced. The material is resistant to mechanical stress, there are no traces of impacts or scratches. It is very difficult to distinguish it from a real tree, even when walking barefoot.

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Tarkett

European manufacturer that is very popular in the Russian market. Tarkett products are used in both residential buildings and public spaces. The huge variety of laminates produced allows you to choose something suitable for any interior.

At first glance, the quality is very high here. However, many buyers were faced with the fact that in one room the laminate remained in excellent condition after years, and in another it deteriorated very quickly.

This is the only company in the Russian Federation that received the label "Leaf of Life" for environmental friendliness. The T-Lock technology is used for a better connection of the planks to each other. But there are problems with moisture resistance - even the smallest amount of moisture can cause the coating to swell.

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Pergo

A Swedish company renowned for its innovative design coatings. A great choice for modern designs.

Basically, three classes of exploitation are used. The main feature is the TitanX surface treatment technology. It significantly extends the durability of the laminate. Also used is a personal development of the locking system - PerfectFold 3.0, which is designed to further facilitate the installation of the coating.

It is also worth noting the environmental safety of such floors - the manufacturer has taken care of this. True, you will have to fork out a little for everything, since the price is quite high.

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Outcome

Laying the floor requires attention to calculations. It must be a durable material, since repairs are often not always affordable, and floor replacement is the most problematic.

When choosing, you need to pay attention to key factors:

• Service class;
• The room in which it will be used;
• Plank thickness;
• Moisture resistance level;
• How well it tolerates mechanical stress;
• Design;
• Cost.

Above we have listed the 6 best manufacturers - this should help you decide on the choice of floor covering. Do not forget to read customer reviews, because they often help prevent negative moments.

Therefore, do not spare money to buy quality laminate flooring. Saving on some characteristics will certainly affect the future. Think back to the well-known adage “The miser pays twice,” and consider whether you need additional problems.