Laminate with increased wear resistance. How to choose a laminate, selection criteria - pros and cons of different types
We understand the variety of types and categories of laminate from famous manufacturers
Selecting a coating is quite difficult. This is due to the wide range of finishing materials and a significant number of its manufacturers not only in our country, but also abroad.
Laminate classes
Laminate flooring can be divided into commercial and residential. The cost of the commercial option is quite affordable, and the service life exceeds its household counterparts:
- 31st grade. Used in commercial premises with light loads. Average term service in offices - three years, with household use may exceed ten years.
- 32nd grade. Used in commercial premises with medium load levels. The average service life in offices does not exceed five years; when used at home, the service life reaches fifteen years.
- 33rd grade. Used in commercial premises with intense loads. The average service life in office premises reaches seven years. When used in domestic conditions, the coating can last twenty years.
- 34th grade. The lamellas have the highest technical parameters and quality characteristics. This allows the material to be used in commercial premises with maximum loads.
- 43rd grade. This less common type of laminate material falls into the "premium" category. Produced by manufacturers to order.
Laminate design
Laminated boards can have various types surfaces:
- Smooth slats. The surface has a smoother finish, including a glossy one. This laminate is quite slippery, and almost any traces from hands or feet are visible on it.
- Matte elements. They are more popular because they have significant naturalness, low slip and no marks.
- Laminate with texture. This is a modern development with a brushing effect or artificial irregularities. It gives the coating the most natural look.
- Laminate with chamfers. They have bevels or roundings at the edges of the boards. This gives naturalness appearance and increases practicality in operation.
Also read materials:
Variety of thicknesses
Modern laminates can have different thicknesses. The most common sizes include:
- laminates with a thickness of 7 mm;
- laminates with a thickness of 8 mm;
- laminates with a thickness of 9 mm;
- laminates with a thickness of 10 mm;
- laminates with a thickness of 12 mm.
The thickness of the laminate has a positive effect on the strength of the locking system and reduces negative impact from external loads. Thick ones have less sonority.
Types of lock connections
The principle of connecting laminated boards allows them to be divided into following types systems:
- Lock-lock system involves assembling the coating in horizontal planes.
- Click-lock system involves performing both horizontal and corner assembly.
A significant part of laminate locks currently belongs to the “click” category. They are distinguished by their reliability and assembly efficiency.
Review of laminate locks (video)
Household laminate options
For flooring in residential premises, the following types of household laminate flooring can be used.
Cork laminate
The lamellas have a different texture of the face layer, which varies from lamellar to fine-grained type. Classic options designs are presented in warm shades of yellow, brown colors and ocher-type staining. Exotic lovers choose the option with a splash of color. The material is harmless and has high dirt-repellent properties.
Vinyl laminate
It is a relatively new variety on the construction and construction market. finishing materials. It has structural features and consists of two layers combined into strips. Front part presented in aluminum oxide or polyurethane with a pattern that imitates the natural surfaces of expensive wood species. The basis is vinyl, which increases the rigidity and strength of floors, as well as extends the service life.
Glossy laminate
It is characterized by an attractive mirror shine and a large number of advantages, including durability, aesthetics and reliability. Gloss helps to reflect light and disperse it throughout the room. This visually expands the space.
Types of pictograms
Particularly noteworthy are the so-called pictograms, which can indicate the material’s compliance with international standards and clarify its advantages:
- icons EN 13893 And EN 14041 characterize the slipperiness classes of the laminate surface;
- icon DIN EN 12664 characterizes the thermal stability of laminates and their ability to be combined with heated floors;
- icon DIN EN 14041 characterizes the emission of formaldehyde in laminated boards;
- icons DN 4102 T1 And EN 13501-1 characterize the relationship of the laminated coating to the fire safety class;
- icon EN 438-2 characterizes the resistance of laminates and other types to the effects of unextinguished cigarettes;
- icons EN ISO 105 – B02, EN 20105 – A02 characterize the resistance of laminated boards to fading from sunlight;
- icon EN 438-2 characterizes the resistance of laminates to the formation of stains on the surface;
- icon DIN EN 1815 characterizes the antistatic parameters of laminated boards;
- icon EN 13329 with Appendix F characterizes the impact resistance of laminates and the absence of deformation as a result of mechanical impact.
You should definitely use the information content of the above icons or pictograms when choosing a floor covering.
Famous manufacturers
The selection of laminate coating must be made taking into account the well-known manufacturers of this material. A well-established brand often becomes a guarantee of quality and durability. Here are some examples:
- The absolute world leader is represented by a Belgian company Quick-Step. The design features and quality characteristics of this laminate suggest installation in a residential area. Conditional high quality The popularity of the material has made the laminate of this company quite expensive.
- Laminate from the most famous and popular European manufacturer of flooring brand in Russia Tarkett. Mid-price class laminate has standard set quality characteristics and reasonable cost.
- Prestigious coating of a European brand Berry Alloc. It has improved qualities of moisture and wear resistance. This allows the material to be used as flooring in the kitchen and bathroom. The high cost fully corresponds to the quality characteristics.
- Laminate from a German manufacturer that produces products under the brand Parador. The material has best characteristics, and also absolutely unique design, which is developed individually by the company.
Consumers should be wary of laminate flooring from Chinese manufacturers.
Widely represented in our country, such flooring material not only belongs to the budget category, but also does not have sufficient quality. Problems often accompany this laminate already at the installation stage.
How to choose a quality laminate (video)
Laminate – has become a universal floor covering, so it is used absolutely different conditions. It is well suited for both domestic and commercial use. And all due to the fact that its varieties, although not a great many, but they have different characteristics. Therefore, this flooring has become universal.
It differs not only in the manufacturer, color and size of the board, but also in the classes that contain abrasion characteristics, moisture resistance, impact resistance and others. Now let's find out how to chooselaminate wear resistance class and which one is better to use in which rooms.
Knowing the main features of these characteristics, you can easily select a floor covering that will meet your requirements and significantly save on unnecessary properties that are not essential for use in this type premises. If all the conditions are chosen correctly, the flooring will delight you with its chic appearance for many years.
Why are they divided into classes?
Since laminate has firmly entered into sexual life, companies producing it and people buying it have begun to grow exponentially. Therefore, a control organization was created that prevented the flooding of the market with products not of proper quality. And with the introduction of certain standards and norms, it has become much easier for the consumer to navigate when choosing these products. In the distant 1999 Western Manufacturers of laminate flooring have formed an association (EPLF). In turn, this membership in this association is an indicator of the quality of this company. In our homeland, of course, the quality control is not the same as in the West, and for this reason the products produced domestic producers classified according to abrasion tests.
Why choose laminate?
Very easy to install. The planks are simply connected to each other using locking connections: Click ( which snap into place), this type of connection is considered more reliable and Lock ( which are driven in).
Does not require special attention in cleaning. Basically, going through a vacuum cleaner once a week is enough.
Very durable (depends on class). Stilettos from ladies' heels, claws of pets, burns from cigarettes, furniture wheels - all this is nothing to sneeze on laminate!
Wide selection of styles and colors. You can easily choose exactly the pattern and size that suits your design solution.
Environmentally friendly (only quality models). Will never cause allergies or other skin and asthmatic diseases.
Not flammable. Easy to carry high temperatures and does not support combustion.
Starts at a low price. Thanks to the low pricing policy(again depending on the class and manufacturer) is in good demand.
Therefore, having weighed all the advantages of laminate, some people use it not only as a floor covering, but also for finishing walls and sometimes ceilings.
Testing
European classification laminate standard EN 13329 includes 18 different tasks. The laminate is marked at the output depending on the result of this testing.
Research results different types of the same class may vary, since each manufacturer itself tests its products.
We list the tests that are carried out:
- Abrasion resistance.
- Resistance to
- Impact resistance.
- High temperature tolerance.
- Delamination test.
- Fade resistant.
- Testing resistance to household chemicals.
- Slip resistance.
- Water swelling test.
- Test n emitted substances.
In fact, there are a lot of tests, this is only a part of the most basic ones.
To test manufactured products, the following actions are carried out in the laboratory: a special device is attached to the front side(Taber abrasimeter) with a grinding wheel, in the end, how many revolutions will it take to erase protective covering will be the determining factorlaminate wear resistance class.
I would like to note that according to new technique, measurement standards have changed. According to the old measurement tradition, the abrasive paper of a special wheel was changed every 500 laps, and according to new technology it needs to be changed every 200 laps, this leads to more intense abrasion with each new laminate die. And due to these innovations, manufacturers often indicate both parameters at once, both old scheme, and again.
table of correspondence
| Designation symbols | Load level when using | Application area | Abrasion coefficient | |
| According to EN 438 | According to EN 13329 | |||
| Living spaces | ||||
| 21 | light | office, bedroom, storage room | ≥2000 | ≥900 |
| 22 | average | children's room, living room | ≥2000 | ≥900 |
| 23 | high | kitchen, corridor, hallway | ≥6000 | ≥2500 |
| Public premises | ||||
| 31 | light | The meeting room | ≥6000 | ≥2500 |
| 32 | average | Office, boutique, reception | ≥10000 | ≥4000 |
| 33 | high | Gym, bar, cafe, shop | ≥15000 | ≥6500 |
Classification
An important criterion when choosing any finishing floor covering is to understand what functions it will perform. After this, it will become clear which laminate is better for a particular room. It would seem so? - take the strongest one and sculpt it everywhere. But no, prices for different types of laminate vary significantly. And sometimes it makes no sense to overpay for the most wear-resistant laminate, laying it, for example, in the bedroom, where in fact there is not much load.
All laminate is divided into 6 wear resistance classes. Half is for residential use and half for commercial use.
Surely you are not going to live your whole life without repairs. If we take an average calculation, floor coverings are replaced every five years, for one reason or another. Some people get tired of the color, while others wear it out due to careless use. Yes, lots of options. If If you do not plan to use this coating for many years, then the models will probably suit you 21, 22 or 23 classes. They are endowed with average technical characteristics and are ideal for flooring in both the hallway and bedrooms. On the other hand, if the design project plans to use laminate in the kitchen or bathroom, then you should pay attention to a laminate of at least class 31. Which will last longer in such conditions.
If you purchase a coating for use, for example, in an office or small store, the laminate must also have improved characteristics. In this case, choosing which laminate is better directly depends on the wear resistance class. The best solution there will be a laminate with the number 33.
Due to reorientation potential buyers For laminated coatings of increased strength, in the production of laminate they began to increasingly use coatings of the 31st class or 33rd class. In production today wood panels Protective coatings of class 31 and more are increasingly being used. Therefore, the most common type of laminate wear resistance has become class 32. With him correct operation service life reaches about 20 years.
Both commercial and household laminates should always have a pictogram on the box that depicts a drawing that defines the class of this laminate. (see picture below). Once you remember these pictures, you will be able to understand them easily.
Household laminate
Laminate with wear resistance classes 21, 22, 23 falls into this category. Price category- average. TOIt’s up to you to decide which class of laminate is the best from this category, just don’t forget thatdurability at proper care from two years.
21st grade
Term wear resistance, subject to operating rules, fluctuates around 2 years. The main reason this was due to the lack of quality protective layer. Recommended for use in utility rooms or storage rooms.
22nd grade
Slightly more reliable protective layer. Recommended for use in rooms with low traffic (bedroom, toilet). The service life, subject to operating rules, does not exceed 2-3 years.
Cunning!
To extend the life of this class of laminate, you can use a trick! Laying a carpet on top of it or an original carpet in the middle of the room.
23rd grade
It is a modernized version of the previous class. Wear resistance is slightly increased. Focused on average cross-country ability. Service life does not exceed 4 years. So it turns out that there are differentIt’s up to you to decide the classes of laminate and which one is better to choose.
Commercial laminate
31st grade
Is the cheapest in this category. Mainly applicable in commercial premises with low traffic. At commercial exploitation will last no more than 3-4 years, and if used for household purposes, sometimes the service life reaches 10 years. starting price square meter 31st class laminate is equal to 200 rubles.
32nd grade
The most popular class of laminate in Russia. It will go like optimal solution in the price-quality ratio. In the office, this coating will last in its original condition, subject to operating rules, for no more than 5 years, and when used in domestic conditions, the service life reaches 12-15 years. ON this type laminate prices start at 700 rubles per square meter.
33rd grade
Proven for excellent durability. Unless, of course, you take into account class 34, which does not exist officially. This coating is suitable for hotels, dance floors, or restaurants where the traffic load is very high.
It owes its durability to the thickened lamella (10-12mm), despite the fact that it is designed for commercial use; the service life of this coating will be more than 6 years. And if you decide to install such a covering at home, it will serve you for more than 20 years, and some manufacturers even give a lifetime guarantee. Accordingly, if you take care of it correctly. The cost per square meter of such laminate is around 1,500 rubles.
Cunning!
Class 33 laminate with a parquet-like texture in appearance is sometimes confused with real parquet.
Class 34
Recognized in the world as the most durable and wear-resistant type of laminate. Capable of taking on the loads of a gym, car showroom or airport waiting room. Rarely does anyone buy this type of home, due to its high cost, which starts at 1,800 rubles. The most wear-resistant class. Withstands the loads typical of gyms, car showrooms, and airport halls. Few people decide to buy class 34 laminate for their home, since its price starts at 1,800 rubles per sq. m. m. But when using it at home, the manufacturers Alloc and Pergo give a lifetime guarantee. By the way, they are manopolists in the market for the production of this class of laminated flooring.
In laboratory tests, this laminate with the number 34 shows results that are even better than those provided by the EPLF association, therefore it is considered a top-class laminate.
So the answer to the question isWhich laminate is better to lay in an apartment? Class 33, again depending on how long you plan not to do another renovation and what the current budget is.
Conclusion
It is not always necessary to purchase top-class laminate. An important criterion To make such a decision, the trafficability of the covered area will be taken into account. In an apartment, it is better to lay laminate flooring numbered 31 and 32; due to the moderate load and low traffic, this will be sufficient. In this case, it is worth taking into account the moisture resistance parameters (if you plan to cover the bathroom or kitchen). Laminated dies class 33 Perfect for both home and commercial use. And if the planned loads on the floor are very high, a laminate with the number 34 is recommended.
Moisture-resistant laminate 33 classes
Video instruction
The wealth of materials for flooring gives greater freedom of choice. However, most users prefer laminate. Indeed, it is very convenient, high quality and relatively inexpensive. Technical characteristics of laminate flooring such as wear resistance and impact resistance are known to anyone, even those not directly involved in construction work.
Laminate flooring is classified according to several performance characteristics. It directly depends on them how long it will last without losing its attractive appearance. The class of laminate is determined based on the level of wear resistance and, accordingly, the area of application - it is obvious that the laminate in an apartment may differ in its wear resistance from that in an office. In fact, if you don’t know exactly what wear resistance class of the material is required, you can overdo it and spend extra money or buy a floor that will last two or three years.
Laminate structure
Using a laminated board will help you better understand the wear resistance class. It can be described as a kind of “sandwich” that has the following layers:
Classification: wear-resistant laminate
The classification is carried out on the basis of testing 18 different parameters in accordance with the EN 13329 standard adopted in Europe. Usually the material is divided into two types:
- commercial use (class 31–34) and
- household (grades 21–23).
However, today the latter are practically out of use.
Let us note some of the tests carried out:
- Wear resistance. Abrasion resistance is determined by treatment with abrasives. It is performed over a certain period of time. To check, use a machine equipped with an abrasive wheel. It is installed on it and pressure is applied from above, comparable to the weight of the average human body. The degree of abrasion is recorded using a Taber device by the number of revolutions made by the abrasive wheel per unit of time.
- First degree – IP. There are deep scratches clearly visible on the surface, violating its integrity;
- The second is FP, when fixed, the protective layer is abraded by half;
- The third is AT. Complete wear of the protective layer is observed.
- Resistance to mechanical loads exposed for a long time.
- Impact resistance.
- Resistance to elevated temperature loads. For example, the ability to resist the effects of a burning cigarette can be determined by the absence of smoldering.
- No delamination.
- UV resistance.
- No visible marks on the coating when using chemicals used in everyday life. Degree of slip resistance.
- Hygroscopicity and ability to swell when absorbing water.
- Level of formaldehyde emissions.
What is a laminate class
Class 32: characteristics
This is the best laminate for an apartment. It is suitable for finishing the floor of any premises, including public ones with average traffic. The only difference is in the service life: if for public it is 3–5 years, then for an apartment it is 12–15. It is worth noting that if abrasions occur in the future, the floor remains quite reliable.
Its features in relation to class 31:
- large thickness – 7 or 12 mm;
- less "boominess". Although in this case a substrate is needed.
- many manufacturers use wax to treat board locks and thus protect the joints from liquid penetration;
- the relief surface of the board is more impressive and looks more natural, slips less;
- wider choice of decorative coatings;
- This coating is easier to care for, as it is resistant to chemical cleaning agents used in everyday life;
- Impact-resistant and will not be damaged when heavy objects fall on the floor.
On a note
In terms of price, class 23 laminate is cheaper than class 32, so we’ll leave it to the owners themselves to decide which laminate is best to choose for a particular apartment. It is important to take into account the purpose of the room that is to be finished: with a reasonable approach, you can save money.
Class 33: features
He is able to cope with even greater loads. In an office, its service life without abrasion is 6 years, for an apartment it is already 15 or even 20 years, although the thickness of the class 33 laminate is 12 mm, the same as that of the previous sample.
Its advantages also include:
- aesthetic appearance;
- resistance to all kinds of influences, including temperature and mechanical, humidity and light. There are practically no scratches or chips on the surface, the material does not crack;
- it is equipped with a soundproofing backing, which allows you to lay the coating directly on a leveled base;
- antistatic qualities make it possible to use it in rooms where many electronic devices are concentrated, say, computer classes;
- precise geometry of locks;
- easy care;
- large selection of textures and colors.
Laminate 34
This is the most durable laminated coating, which is used in industrial and sports facilities. The uniqueness of the flooring is ensured by the innovative technologies used in its production.
The supporting layer is made of HDF, and the finishing layer is made of several layers of melamine resin, saturated with special additives. This explains the increased wear resistance and durability of the material. The boards are 10 or 12 mm thick. The presence of a soundproofing substrate limits the penetration of extraneous noise and eliminates the occurrence of squeaking.
Which class of laminate is better?
It is not always necessary. When choosing a coating, an important factor is the room's permeability. Here are some examples of choosing a material class:
- living space with moderate load - 31 or 32; for some rooms, say, a kitchen, moisture resistance indicators are also taken into account;
- room with extremely high loads on the floor covering - 34.
Taking into account the price, quality of the laminate, its service life and reviews about it, you will probably succeed in one that best suits your conditions and will delight everyone with its appearance for many years.
A number of strict requirements are imposed on modern flooring. Such material must be resistant to abrasion and other mechanical stress, easily tolerate exposure to direct sunlight and moisture, and also have a pleasant appearance. But even within the same type of flooring there are differences in these parameters. Thus, the laminate classification is used all over the world. Depending on the properties, the material can be classified into one category or another.
Principles of classification
Many countries around the world have adopted the European laminate classification. According to these requirements, the material undergoes eighteen different tests. Based on their results, the flooring receives its own class. There are two main types of laminate:
- commercial;
- domestic.
Within each of them there are three classes, each of which differs in wear resistance, quality and other parameters. Each manufacturer independently conducts tests and determines whether their products belong to a particular class. Therefore, the same type of material from different companies may differ slightly in its properties. In total, as already mentioned, 18 tests are carried out. Here are some of them:
- abrasion resistance. Laminate is a floor covering, so it must withstand the “shuffling” of a large number of feet;
- resistance to various loads (from installed furniture and other objects);
- impact resistance (must withstand falling of various objects);
- flame resistance;
- for material delamination;
- ability to tolerate exposure to direct sunlight;
- resistance to household chemicals;
- anti-slip effect;
- resistance to moisture;
- level of release of harmful substances (formaldehyde).
After conducting all these tests on their products, the manufacturer determines the class of the laminate.
For commercial premises
Commercial laminate is divided into classes 31, 32 and 33. The first of them is the cheapest. But this does not mean that it has bad characteristics. Class 31 laminate can withstand light loads well and is installed in small office spaces. It is quite durable. When installing such material in rooms with low traffic (for example, in a bedroom), its service life will be ten years or more.
The next class of laminate is the most popular - its designation is 32. These are the models that are used in schools, shops, and offices. This type of flooring is characterized by a combination of decorative qualities and abrasion resistance. In addition, such material is often moisture resistant, treated with special impregnations.
The service life of class 32 laminate is more than 15 years. Of course, this figure will decrease significantly when using laminate in commercial premises with a large number of clients.
Class 33 laminate has a longer service life, and the most expensive class 34 laminate can be installed in bars and shops, even there it will withstand a ten-year service life. And if you use it in residential areas, it will last forever. But this class of laminate is rarely used in everyday life. Such flooring is quite expensive; if a major renovation is undertaken with the replacement of floors, then it will be a pity and irrational to throw away the still usable laminate.
For residential premises
To decorate the floor in living rooms, laminate is used, the classification of which begins with the number 2. This flooring is intended for use in rooms with less load. It is characterized by lower moisture resistance; softer wood-based material is used for production. In this regard, the overall service life is reduced.
Note! Most a budget option- 21st grade material. This coating will last 3–5 years. Afterwards, the laminate will lose its decorative qualities, abrasions and other defects will appear. This material is used in utility rooms where few people walk.
Class 22 laminate is more resistant to mechanical stress, and therefore has a longer service life. This coating is used in bedrooms and other rooms with low or medium traffic. It will not lose its quality and appearance for 5–7 years. To extend its service life, it is recommended to cover the floor with soft materials (for example, carpets or rugs).
Class 23 laminate can withstand mechanical loads for a long time, as well as exposure to direct sunlight and moisture, if it is made in a moisture-resistant design. You can even lay it in the bathroom and kitchen, however, in these rooms it is unlikely to last longer than 7 years. In rooms with less traffic and without exposure to moisture, the coating can be used (with proper care) for up to 10 years.