Laminate class: characteristics and features

An important characteristic of the modern interior is the correctly chosen flooring. Not so long ago, the choice of coverage was rather scant, so decisions were made, depending on the materials offered by the market. Recently, along with traditional flooring, modern materials have appeared that meet the quality and environmental standards. This flooring is laminate.

The most popular in modern times flooring - laminate. When choosing a floor for home renovation, most people prefer laminate flooring. This coating is nothing like laminated parquet. Although, in fact, it is not parquet. This is just a budget alternative to natural wood flooring.

Making office space, also prefer laminate.It is durable and easy to fit. In addition, manufacturers offer a wide selection of color palettes.

Without a doubt, the wooden floor has the warmth and comfort for the home, but if the family budget does not allow to lay such a floor, then it is preferable to opt for the laminate. Laminate floor will never disappoint you.

In order to have an idea about the laminate, it is necessary to study the structure of the proposed flooring:

• Technical layer. The lower polymer layer of the laminate serves as a waterproofing and elasticity for all lamellae. Its moisture resistance and sound insulation are due to the fact that the layers of a special paper backing are glued, which does not allow floorboards to creak.
• The main layer of laminate consists of MDF or fiberboard.. This layer should be of high density, since the main load falls on it. On the sides of the cut special grooves (locking locks), with which the lamellae are attached to each other. Docking is done without additional fastening elements, such as wood glue and screws.
• Decorative layer. In essence, this layer is formed from a decorative paper that imitates any natural surface (marble, stone, wood). The surface imitating the texture of wood is in the greatest demand. Many types of laminate look so natural that it is often impossible to distinguish them from natural material.
• And finally, the top layer is protective.. The top layer is covered with melamine, the composition of high resistance to abrasion. Melamine not only protects the surface from shocks and loads, but also performs a decorative function. Depending on the thickness, the class of the laminate is also determined.

For the convenience of consumers, a classification of laminate coating has been developed, thereby allowing the choice of a suitable laminate for each room individually. Next, you need to understand the classification of laminate, to identify its differences and features:

Classic cover. Laminate board class 31 is mainly chosen for flooring in living rooms, bedrooms, children's rooms and offices. Since this coating is thinner, it does not withstand heavy loads, so it is not recommended to move furniture and drop heavy items.Otherwise it is fraught with damage to the protective coating. The thickness of the board 31 classes varies from 0.6 to 0.8 cm.

With careful handling and proper care, such a surface can last up to 10 years. It is not recommended to lay such a floor in the kitchen and bathroom, as the laminate of this class does not have moisture-resistant characteristics.

Budget and practical option for residential premises. Lamellae of this class are the leader in the world market, it is safely purchased both for home and for commercial premises. These floors are designed for average permeability. The thickness of the board is determined from 0.8 to 1.2 cm.

Laminate class 32 has waterproof properties. With proper care, laminated floors can last up to 15 years.

This cover is a commercial type. Basically, these panels are used in areas where the effects of high mechanical loads are assumed. Choose it mainly for flooring in office and commercial premises, restaurants. Lamels have high technical characteristics.

The floor covering necessarily passes water-repellent processing, thereby allowing to use it both in the kitchen and in the bathroom.The main characteristics are similar to laminate 32 classes, the thickness of the panels is 1.0-1.2 cm. The operating time is 15-20 years. If you have any doubts which laminate class to choose, no doubt choose the 33 grade coating, as it is unpretentious in maintenance, withstands heavy loads and does not lose its appearance for many years.

The highest strength is laminate 34 classes. Use it for industrial purposes. The technical characteristics of this coating is designed for a high, intense load. In addition to waterproof insulation qualities, laminate also has noise insulation. The thickness of the lamella range from 1.0 to 1.2 cm.

If the 34 grade laminate is chosen for living rooms, then the operational period will not be less than 25 years, which means that in industrial premises with a large load the period will not be more than 15 years.

Among the large range of floor coverings, the leading place rightfully belongs to laminated flooring. These consumer preferences depend mainly on the ease of installation, quality of production and high presentable type of flooring.From a budgetary point of view, this type of material is different from the natural relatively affordable price.

Modern manufacturers of laminated coatings successfully introduce new technologies into production, thereby improving the characteristics and quality of the laminate.

Laminated coatings are manufactured using several technologies:

• DPL - This is a direct type pressing. This production is fixed by GOST, as it is the ancestor of the production of laminate. A characteristic feature is the primary creation of the base, and this is the pressing of wood materials into a sheet of hardboard or MDF. Next, a decorative upper layer is applied and the bottom stabilizing base, which is glued and treated with resins. Sizing layers takes about 1 minute.
• HPL - production at high pressure, thus it is possible to achieve the most durable coating. In production, the upper base of the coating is initially formed in several fixing layers.Then everything happens as in DPL technology.
• DPR - production without sticking a decorative layer. Imitation of natural material is applied directly to the main layer of fiberboard or MDF. Such production is more economical than others. The main condition is the proper storage of products, excluding ingress of moisture and dust.

Having examined the main features of production, we are convinced that this is a very high-tech process. Also, the production process includes storage in special warehouses where a certain temperature and humidity are maintained.

Preferring such a flooring as a laminate, it is necessary to carefully study its structure and properties. Your comfortable stay in this room will depend on it.

In fact, the laminate consists of 4 components:

• Acrylic or melamine overlay. The resin coating can be single-layer or multi-layered. This protection keeps the floor from moisture penetration, abrasion and mechanical damage. Often the price of laminate depends on the quality of the top coating.
• Paper layer performs a decorative coating function.Imitating the natural characteristics of wood or stone, allows you to create a laminate that is closest to natural materials.
• Important and basic coating layerformed from a wood-pressed plate. Depending on the density of this laminate layer, the surface retains its structure and rigidity during operation.
• Reverse bottom layer impregnated with moisture resistant components, thereby protecting the main layer of the laminate.

The main characteristic of a laminate is its classification, which is why its strength and durability are determined. The classification designation determines how long the floor will last and what loads it is designed for.

Manufacturers indicate a guaranteed lifetime based on the following characteristics:

• Durability. This characteristic is directly dependent on the class of laminate, the material will not be erased and will not wear out before the specified period.
• UV protection. This means that the laminate will not fade and will not lose the decorative color.
• Exposure to chemical treatments will not affect the flooring.

To date, the consumer market is replete with a wide range of different kinds of flooring. Previously, the laminate treated with great skepticism, this is due to the fact that the inflated price did not meet the technical specifications. Laminate was quickly abraded and lost its presentable appearance.

Therefore, deciding to opt for laminate, maximize the characteristics and characteristics of the selected coating. It is a mistake to rely only on external perception; it is important to contact a specialist who will explain and help you make the right choice based on your preferences and the conditions of the room in which it will fit. The difference in characteristics will serve as the main criterion in the choice for an individual room.

There is a classification of laminate in three types:

• Domestic.
• Commercial.
• Industrial.

Accordingly, the decoding in numerical designation is 2, 3, 4. Further, the type of surface abrasion is indicated.Defining the type of premises by patency, we distinguish them as 1, 2, 3, 4.

Buying a laminate floor is a matter of responsibility. The flooring is bought not for one year, but with the expectation that by choosing once, you will save yourself from the “headache” for about ten years. When deciding on a choice, it is better to focus on some of the characteristics listed below:

• Manufacturer Firm. Undoubtedly, most consumers prefer to buy the products of branded companies, since these manufacturers guarantee the quality and environmental friendliness of their product.
• Wear resistance. By choosing a higher grade coating, you ensure your reliability and comfort. Laminate 31, 32, 33 class will last a long time.
• Moisture resistance. High-quality flooring is treated with water-repellent impregnations that keep it from swelling. Allowing it to be laid even in such premises as kitchen and bathroom.
• Combustibility. Due to the fact that the laminate is not a natural material, but only qualitatively imitates wood, then the criteria for ignition are reduced.
• Strength. The described characteristic is determined by the coverage class.Accordingly, the higher the class, the greater the strength.

There are also less popular varieties of laminate classes, their differences will be discussed below:

• Laminate 21 class. The most fragile floor of all classes presented. The lifetime of this coating does not exceed 4 years. The most fragile of all kinds, it is easily injured and becomes unusable. Today it is rare to find it on sale, as it is not in demand.
• Laminate 35 and 36 class. Some manufacturers offer class 35, 36 and 37, whereas officially such a description of the classification of numbers does not exist. However, such coverage is still there. Wear resistance characteristics are distinguished by the fact that the base is coated with several layers of protective resin. It is used mainly in large commercial premises, on dance floors and in large halls, where a large number of visitors is involved.
• Laminate 43 class. This type of flooring appeared relatively recently. Laminate coating of this class has the highest degree of strength and durability. This floor is made exclusively to order, because the price is very high.

To determine the correct choice of flooring, first understand the basic characteristics:

• Classification of laminate for durability.
• Castle connections models and installation method.
• Model design.
• Water resistance.
• Fire hazard.

External influences affect the coating of the board, and to what extent it will be stable, determine the thickness and quality of the applied protective layer. These criteria determine the use of laminate classification. The established European standards are derived after numerous surface testing. After which the laminate is assigned a certain class.

The wide popularity of laminate coatings consists in the following advantages:

• The choice of a different decorative material will satisfy any ambitious taste. With the choice of design and structure there will be no difficulty.
• On the strength of such a coating exceeds the simulated natural materials.
• Simplicity in care of a floor. For such a floor will not require extra cleaning agents, enough water and a soft cloth.
• Lamellae are protected from the penetration of ultraviolet rays, which over time will not affect the appearance.
• Laminate coating is protected from mold and mildew.

The disadvantages include the following characteristics:

• Since the laminate is not a natural material, it is still a “cold” floor for thermal insulation.
• To eliminate antistatic properties, the surface should be treated with special means.
• Laminate flooring is not always used for the installation of "warm" floor. When buying, be sure to look at the label on the package.

Since the material is produced by pressing wood sawdust with the addition of resinous substances, it burns weakly. However, it is worth noting that there is a high probability of strong smoke, because the production includes substances from the formaldehyde group, which provides persistent asphyxiated smoke. Cheap laminate from unverified manufacturers, as a rule, fire hazard. Buying low-quality floor, you save on the health and safety of their loved ones.

Also it is necessary to give preference to the floor covering made from acrylic resins. Such a varnished floor is many times more expensive than its "brothers". Laminate, though expensive, but eco-friendly. At its installation the weakly woody smell is preserved.

Choosing a floor for an apartment, you should pay attention to the classes of the proposed coatings. To do this, carefully study the markings on the packaging of the material, a few numbers will help to understand what type of dwelling is suitable for this type of coating. The first figure indicates the thickness, the second indicates the strength and resistance to mechanical damage.

Having defined the family budget and design, purchase products with an “allowance”.

For the living room, bedroom and children's room fit laminate 31 and 32 class. It is suitable for built-in "warm" floors. The characteristics of the coating include heat and sound insulation. There is no need to purchase a higher class laminate for the home, since there is no heavy load.

For public spaces, commercial grade coatings are predominantly used. Commercial laminate is designed for installation and use in offices, shops, government agencies.

Laminate 33 and 34 class is designed for rooms with high traffic, strong protective layer reliably protects the surface from mechanical damage. This laminate coating can be laid at home, however, its price is much higher than the cost of domestic counterpart.

Laminate flooring choose, focusing on the class of thermal conductivity and technical characteristics. Usually the manufacturer indicates this in the instructions. Since there are different types of floor heating, respectively, a certain type of laminate is selected for each type:

• Water heating. Panels for such a floor must be high density with moisture resistance. Condensation may occur due to temperature changes, resulting in a change in the size of the web. According to the characteristics of this type of heating are suitable slats 33, 34 class, however, it is still better to use water-resistant ceramic tiles as a floor covering.
• Electric heating. Laminate flooring with electric heating, choose also 33, 34 class. The manufacturer indicates this marking on the packaging.
• For infrared heating. The bar must be at least 8 mm thick. The manufacturer marks on the packaging a technical view of infrared heating.

Laminate flooring is an excellent alternative to replacing parquet. It will look great light, textured floor in the interior of the kitchen. The moisture resistant coating is resistant to numerous cleaning, does not leave stains and stains.

The loft-style living room looks great on a dark floor imitating a natural wood base. In combination with natural brick wall cladding, the laminate will perfectly fit into the overall image of the dwelling.

For a bedroom in white colors, laminate can become the only color accent, bringing a deep, cozy atmosphere to the interior.

Glossy laminated coating of rich cinnamon color with imitation “under the parquet” will perfectly fit into the atmosphere of the combined kitchen and living room.

The textured floor of a light shade is perfectly combined with the decoration of the walls “under the tree” of a darker color in the interior of a modern living room.

You will learn more about laminate classes and their characteristics in the following video.