To choose a laminate for a floor, it is necessary to be well oriented in its properties. This material, one of the most popular as a flooring, is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- class,
- structure,
- Colour,
- thickness,
- chamfer,
- water resistance.
Depending on in which room the laminate is supposed to be used, it is necessary to select the appropriate material characteristics.
How to choose a class of laminate?
The class of laminate determines its resistance to wear (abrasion). The higher it is - the longer the floor will serve, and the more expensive the material will cost. Accordingly, for a room with a large throughput load, the class must be high, where passability is low, it may be lower.
Resistance classes:
- 21 class - you can choose for residential premises. Suitable for rarely used rooms. For example, a dressing room, pantry, balcony, bedroom or home office. Service life up to two years.
- 22 - for residential premises. This class can be chosen for the bedroom, nursery, living room. Service life 2-4 years.
- 23 - for residential premises. Suitable for hallway, living room, kitchen. Service life 4-6 years.
- 31 - for residential and commercial premises. Serves in a small office or conference room from 2-3 years old, in living rooms - up to 10.
- 32 class can be chosen for residential and commercial premises. Can serve in the office up to 3-5 years, at home - up to 12.
- 33 - for residential and commercial premises. Withstand 5-6 years of office "service", but at home it can be used for up to 20 years.
- 34 - for commercial premises with a high load, its service life without replacement is up to 15 years, at home the same material will retain its appearance and properties up to 30 years.
The choice of laminate class is dictated by the space in which you are going to use it, and by how long you plan to replace it.
In the photo table with which you can choose laminate on the class of resistance.
Structure
Laminate is a rectangular slats, having special “locks” on the sides, with the help of which the slats are connected into a single floor covering. Each plank-board consists of the following layers:
- The bottom layer - balancing, provides protection against deformation and the necessary rigidity of the structure.
- The middle layer is a carrier, usually it is a hardboard plate into which a connecting lock is embedded.
- The top layer is decorative, it is a film on which a drawing is imitating various types of wood, types of stone, marble, ceramic tile or other materials.
- The coating is a wear-resistant layer consisting of acrylic resin, designed to protect against abrasion of the upper layer, as well as from the action of moisture.
The photo shows the structure of the laminate in the section.
Colour
The color scale of the laminate is determined by the color of the upper decorative layer, it can be chosen by almost anyone. Most often he repeats the colors of natural materials - various types of wood, types of stone, marble, etc.
Thickness
To choose the right thickness of the laminate, it is necessary to consider what the load will fall on the floor. In those rooms where it is planned to put heavy cabinets, for example, bookshelves, or household appliances, it is necessary to choose a laminate of increased thickness, not less than 10-12 mm. He does not "sell" and will not change their qualities in such conditions. Of course, such material will cost more, but it also has additional positive qualities - the best thermal and noise insulation. Inexpensive laminate has a thickness of 6-7 mm. The optimal ratio of price and quality is a thickness of 8-10 mm.
Chamfer
A facet is a recess at the junction of two laminate “boards”. Deepening can go on two sides or on four. If you choose a facet coating, it will look more interesting, and more like a floorboard, besides, you can even put it on an uneven floor - the gaps that form between the individual boards will not be very noticeable.
What type of lock to choose?
The main types of locks are click and lock systems.
Moisture resistance
Ordinary laminate is afraid of moisture. It can be wiped with a damp cloth, but when it hits the floor in a noticeable amount, water seeps into the cracks and falls on the middle layer, which swells. The material "swells", and it has to be replaced.
If for the bedroom the usual laminate is a completely acceptable solution, then for the kitchen it is necessary to choose a special moisture-proof option. Such a material differs from the usual one in that in the middle layer a hardboard is used that is resistant to moisture, moreover, from the sides and in the castle part each plate is additionally protected from water. Of course, the resistance of laminate is significantly inferior to this indicator in ceramic tiles.
Number of lanes
By type of drawing laminate is single-, two-, three-and multiband.
Related materials
In addition to the exact choice of the class of laminate, the selection of other basic characteristics, it is also necessary to pay attention to the accompanying materials used in laying floors. You will need:
- Substrate
- Plinth
- Rapids
Substrate - material that fits under the "board" laminate. The substrate evens out small unevenness of the floor, enhances sound and heat insulation.
The plinth performs decorative functions, closing the gap between the flooring and the wall. The color is recommended to choose under the color scale of the laminate. Sometimes additional wiring is made in the plinths.
Thresholds - strips that are attached to the floor in the doorways, separating the floor covering of the neighboring rooms and covering the gap between them.
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