Laminate types and features

In the construction market, laminate is presented in a huge assortment, which is a positive thing, but at the same time it is very difficult for uninformed consumers to make the right choice. The main criterion for flooring is wear resistance and durability, since few people want to spend money on the floor, which will last no more than 1-2 years. Before deciding to purchase a laminate, it is necessary to evaluate each type by comparing all the advantages and disadvantages, but the main condition in the search for a quality product is the correct choice of flooring according to its purpose and operating conditions.

Distinctive features and features

When buying a laminate, the following factors must be considered:

material;
the class on which the indicators of wear resistance, moisture resistance and impact resistance of the floor covering directly depend;
cost;
design and color solutions.

Brand and country of origin are also important indicators for selection. For example, on the market are products of the Tarkett brand (Serbia), which meets all the requirements for a laminate.

Classification by main features

The flooring is presented in 7 main classes:

Household group 21, 22, 23 - marking, where the first number 2, indicates that the material can be used in residential premises with different traffic. Boards of 21 classes are placed in rooms with the lowest passability (bedrooms, living rooms), 22 - used in nurseries, 23 - suitable for the kitchen and corridor. The disadvantage of such coatings is the minimum guarantee and low life of 6 years, which is the main reason for low demand.
Commercial group 31, 32, 33, 34 - marking, where the first number 3, is an indicator for use in commercial, public buildings. Grade 31 is suitable for conference rooms, 32 - fits in offices, 33 - is used in shopping centers and sports clubs, 33 - the most durable coating for rooms with maximum human flow. The guarantee of this floor is from 10 to 20 years or more, if the installation is carried out in a residential building.

The best option for apartments is class 32, but with a lot of people it is better to use 33.

According to the manufacturing method

The production of laminated coatings is carried out according to three technologies:

DPL is a direct compression method that serves as the basis for other techniques. The process involves the impregnation and pressing of lumber into a chipboard sheet under a pressure of 2000-3000 kg / m2 and a high temperature of 200 ° C, resulting in a board with a solid base. The decorative paper layer is covered with protective layers - epoxy or melamine resins.
HPL is a method based on pressing and high pressure. The base coating is formed of 3 layers - kraft paper, decorative and protective, on which the finish layer is glued. The disadvantage is the high cost of the material.
DPR is the most efficient way to produce laminate flooring. The base has an additional reinforcing element from a layer of kraft paper, while there is no decorative paper layer. The decor is carried out by direct application to the baseboard of the fiberboard and can have any color in different color combinations, drawings and 3D images. Simplified technology allows the production of laminate in small batches, which is very important when performing an exclusive order.

Increased requirements are placed on packaging, storage conditions and transportation. The finished material is hermetically packed in packs of 9-12 lamellas.

By scope and place of application

Kitchen

Such a laminate should be exposed to moisture, for example, it can be spilled liquid, drops from washing dishes and the floor itself. Laminated coating is presented in two types:

Moisture-resistant - the surface is treated with a protective composition, there is an additional coating that withstands splashes and a short period of direct contact with water. The disadvantage is the need to process the joints with waterproof glue and the inability to replace one lamella.
Water resistant - the surface is water resistant, but exposure for more than 24 hours is not desirable. No joint processing required.

Industrial

The basis of the laminate is fiberboard of a high level of strength. The advantages of flooring are noise reduction, high water repellency and durability.

For bathroom

The basis of the floor material consists of chipboard with impregnation of the surface and seams, but the most waterproof is the coating of a PVC plastic plate, which is not subject to wear, mechanical stress.

Execution options

Laminate is produced in a wide variety of designs and colors. The range of colors varies from white to black, wenge is popular. The coating is matte and glossy. Laminate is matched to any style, be it classic, loft, hi-tech, minimalism, modern, retro, etc.