What does laminate 34 class mean?

Laminate is one of the most popular types of flooring. This is due to its ability to imitate various textures, even parquet, while it has a high resistance to mechanical and chemical influences.

The main feature of the laminate of this class is increased wear resistance. In residential buildings or apartments there is no need to use it, because it is so durable that it does not have to be changed for decades. For residential premises it is more rational to use laminate of class 33, it is also durable and fully satisfies the requirements for flooring and is also cheaper than class 34.

Main advantages:

• does not cause allergies;
• excellent wear resistance;
• fire resistance;
• waterproof coating;
• ease of installation and the ability to use the system "warm floor".

These advantages suggest that the surface of the laminate can withstand almost any kind of load, is resistant to abrasion and water, does not fade and does not deteriorate. Also, the material is quite easy to use, has antistatic properties, stains and dirt are easily removed from it. Good resistance to chemicals is also noted.

Manufacturers provide 34 classes for laminate with a warranty period of at least 25 years.

Before entering the market laminate passes several tests for strength, hardness, resistance to ultraviolet radiation, fire and water. The abbreviation AC denotes the wear resistance index. Laminate class 34 has the highest level of resistance to damage. Such excellent technical characteristics are achieved due to the strong pressing of laminate layers.

Laminate structure:

• waterproof layer;
• carrier base;
• decorative coating;
• protective covering.

The topmost layer is a protective coating consisting of paper with pergumin and treated with melamine. For grade 34, this coating is manufactured using high-pressure thermal pressing separately from other layers.

The technical characteristics of the coating depend on the specific manufacturer, but if there are differences, they are insignificant.

Main factors:

• panel thickness;
• degree of wear resistance;
• water and fire resistance;
• lifetime;
• surface type.

The thickness of the laminate can be 5, 8, 10, 12 or 14 mm. The thickness of the protective layer 0.6 mm. A large thickness is appropriate in frequently visited rooms, as well as on the condition of low-quality floor surface. The degree of wear resistance of speakers for different types of laminate is marked with indicators from 3 to 6, for class 34 speakers it is 6.

The fire resistance category should be at least KM-3otherwise the coating will be flammable. But class 34 is characterized not only by resistance to flame, but also by the fact that it is unlikely to leave a mark on the coating.

There are such types of laminate surface:

• glossy;
• matt under oil;
• semi-gloss under a varnish;
• natural;
• relief;
• waxed

The color of the coating is very diverse. There is a wide range of quality imitations for wood, metal, stone. They are made so well that they are almost indistinguishable from natural material. One of the popular textures are imitations of oak oak, beech, cherry, marble, artistic parquet.

According to the European qualification material has E-1 safety class. This means that the content of harmful substances in 100 g of material is up to 10 mg, that is, they are practically absent.

The best laminate is durable, waterproof and durable coating.Of course, the design also plays an important role, but if the coating turns out to be of poor quality, it is quickly erased, then beautiful color and texture will not help.

Therefore, when buying a laminate, first of all, you need to be based on its characteristics, and the appropriate color depends on standard factors:

• so that the dust on the floor in the well-lit rooms is not very visible, you should look at the dark shades of the coating;
• the color of the laminate should be combined with the color of the walls, doors, baseboards, while the laminate should be darker. Also, do not make out the room in the same color.

In general, any laminate will look advantageous indoors if its design is combined with the overall design of the room and furniture.

Popular manufacturers of this material are:

• Quick step - The laminate of this Belgian brand has a high moisture resistance;
• Tarkett - The German manufacturer, whose products meet international standards, is equipped with a T-Lock system, resistant to mechanical damage;
• Kastamonu Floorpan - The laminate from this Russian brand can be laid on the “warm floor” system, it is environmentally safe and resistant to damage;

• Alloc (Norway) - the main feature is a special lock connection of aluminum;
• Pergo - this Swedish company has a wide range of coatings with imitation of wood, minerals, stone;
• Imagine Flooring - The main advantage of this German manufacturer is a large color range. The material has a high wear resistance, ease of installation and cleaning.

The wear resistance of the AC 6 is a bit relative, it all depends on the specific manufacturer and method of manufacturing the coating. The upper protective layer affects the strength and durability. Sometimes it happens that the main layer of the low class is covered with the top layer of the high class and vice versa. This is often the case with Asian manufacturers. Because of this inconsistency, the quality of the laminate suffers and it does not cope well with its functions, so it is better to choose a coating from European manufacturers (for example, Pergo or Alloc).

Yet 34 grade laminate is a more commercial option. Its parameters are well suited for offices, shops, fitness centers and other public places. For residential buildings and apartments of the most durable types most often used 33 class laminate. But if there are pets or just want to give a home a presentable look, then you can use the 34 class.

So:

• Durable 34 class laminate is best suited for the kitchen, living room, hallway. It is very important indicators of resistance to mechanical stress, because these rooms - the most visited in the apartment or house. For the kitchen and hallway, simplicity of cleaning is also important, since these rooms often have to be cleaned. It is undesirable to choose a glossy laminate due to the fact that it is very easily soiled.
• For bedrooms and children's rooms, it is desirable to choose a laminate with a relief surface, so as not to slip.

• This moment is also important for the bathroom. For the bathroom there are two types of coating: waterproof and moisture resistant.Their difference lies in the material of manufacture. For this room with high humidity you need to pay attention to the laminate with a non-smooth surface and good water-repellent properties.
• When finishing the living room is also necessary to purchase a laminate with sound insulation. A special noise insulating layer, also called the substrate, is responsible for this property. Most often, the laminate is produced with the substrate, but if it is not, then you should buy it separately. First, a substrate is placed on the floor surface, and a laminate is being installed on it.

There are two types of joining laminate panels:

• gluing;
• castle method.

In the first case, the coating is obtained without joints because they are sealed with glue. This allows you to not pass water and retain pollution, but in case of need it will not be possible to replace one damaged panel.

In the second case, thanks to the special “locks”, the laying time of the coating is reduced, the accuracy of the work is increased. You can also replace unnecessary panels, they are easily disassembled. True, these panels are a bit more expensive.

Buyers leave only positive feedback on this class of laminate and mark the implementation of all declared by the manufacturer.functions. It is advised to choose light shades under the tree, so that the dust is not very noticeable, as on dark shades. The only drawback is the high price, but customers also note that it is justified, given the fact that the laminate will last a very long time.

How to choose the right laminate, see the next video.