How to choose the right laminate?

Resistant to scratches and chips, easy to install and operate laminate - an excellent solution for your home. Low on laminate flooring makes the materials the most profitable acquisition in the flooring segment! Choose the right laminate to suit your needs and room features.

Wear-resistant

The laminate consists of 4 layers. The top is impregnated with melamine resin, which prevents abrasion, the appearance of stains, fading. The central one is made of compacted natural wood fibers - MDF sheets (Medium Density Fiberboard). High density Fiberboard sheets can be used as fillings: they are stronger than MDF, as high pressure conditions are created during production. The lower layer is called stabilizing: its main function is to keep the inner layers of material immobile.

All floor coverings are tested for durability. The total number of test actions for the laminate is 18 samples. During the Taber test, the top layer is mechanically subjected to a grinding wheel. The rate of the first signs of damage on the surface determines the level of wear resistance of the upper layer (norm E438 / Initial phase), in other words, the correct laminate in front of us or not.

The price depends on the class of wear resistance on laminate flooring. For residential premises there are 21, 22, 23 classes. 21 grade is suitable for places with a low degree of load (bedrooms, rooms, offices), characterized by a small operating period (1-2 years). 22 - designed for finishing rooms with an average degree of patency (children, rooms for guests). The service life of this type of coating is 2-4 years. The correct laminate of the 23rd wear resistance is used in hallways and kitchens - places with a high degree of stress. Products retain their appearance and quality performance for 4-6 years.

As a rule, the price for laminate flooring is higher if the material is intended for use in public places. Levels of wear resistance are graded from 31 to 33. Laminate with an index of 31 can withstand low loads - it is used in meeting rooms, conference rooms. The operational period is limited to 1-3 years. However, in residential premises it lies 8-10 years. A wear index of 32 means that the product is suitable for use in offices, reception rooms. Materials of the 32 level retain their characteristics for 3-5 years. At home - 10-12 years. The correct laminate for shops, restaurants has a wear index of 33. In places with a high degree of stress this type of material will last 5-6 years. In residential areas, it retains the basic properties of 15-20 years. The indicators of Class 33 exceed only the indicators of 34, although officially the latter is absent in the classification of EN13329. On such a laminate the price is the highest. It is found only in the assortment of elite producers.

Moisture resistance

The correct laminate, according to some, should meet the requirements of moisture resistance. If the probability of liquids entering the floor is high, the coating must be treated with waterproofing agents (especially in the area of edges and cuts). In addition to protection from moisture, they impart an additional antibacterial effect to the laminate: they prevent the formation of fungi, mold. The base of the moisture-resistant coating is additionally treated with a water-repellent impregnation based on waxes.

Cost

On the laminate the price takes into account all possible indicators of the quality of products. The pricing is influenced not only by the parameters of wear and moisture resistance: some types of coatings are characterized by a reduced level of formaldehyde release (0.12 mg / m3), assumes installation of underfloor heating, etc. If it is difficult to choose, ask for help only to professionals. Experts will tell you what level of laminate is right for you and how to lay it yourself.