In comparison with parquet, laminate is much cheaper, does not require cycling and is not so much afraid of moisture. At the same time, it does not look any worse, it is just as strong and durable. But when choosing it, you need to pay attention to several important points.
Price
Artificial materials used in the production of laminate allow designers to use any color and texture. The surface of the coating can imitate not only wood, but also ceramic tiles, cork, stone, sand, and even crocodile skin. Of course, the more interesting the slats look, the more expensive they are
The cost also depends on the additional properties. This is, for example, increased moisture resistance, the absence of harmful substances in the composition, the presence of locks covered with wax. In addition, the top layer of the panel may include a special graphite-containing component that helps to remove static stress from a person.
Moisture Resistance
Some types of laminate manufacturers impregnate with water-repellent substances. This allows you to use it in the kitchen, where the floor is often washed, where water, chemically active detergents, hot food get on it. However, despite the water-repellent properties, spilled water should still be wiped off as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the joints will swell and the coating will lose its attractive appearance.
Water resistant
Boards that are not afraid of water can not be called a real laminate, because they are made not of wood-fiber boards, but of vinyl. These panels are used even in swimming pools. Accordingly, when buying slats made of wood, it is important not to confuse them with plastic products.
Laminate classes
The wear resistance class of the material depends on the strength and thickness of the top layer. There are several such classes, each of them provides for a certain level of intensity of operation. When choosing a laminate, you should take into account the room in which it will be laid. For example, it is not advisable to buy the highest-class coating in the pantry, because the owner visits there once a week, and even then in house slippers.
Non-commercial
21-laminate of this class can be used in rooms with low traffic, for example, in the bedroom.
22-this coating can be used in the dining room, children’s room, living room — that is, where the average operating load.
23 – laminate for the home with excellent wear resistance. It is used in places where people go often and a lot — in the kitchen or in the hallway.
Commercial
31 — the most common class, suitable for use in rooms with a relatively low load — in the same bedroom or storage room.
32-coating for rooms with high load. This means that it is better to choose it for the hallway or living room. It will last at least 15 years.
33-due to its good strength characteristics, this laminate is also used in offices. At home, it will retain a presentable appearance for 20 years.
34 — the most durable, used in gyms, schools, cinemas. The apartment will last up to 30 years.
Locks
Laminate is laid in a floating way, that is, it is not attached to the floor. Between themselves, the boards are fastened with lock joints — shaped grooves and protrusions at the ends. There are two main types of locks: “LOCK” and “CLICK” in various modifications.
Lock is a typical tenon — groove connection, with a locking comb provided in the groove. With long-term use, the lock comb wears out, causing noticeable cracks to appear between the laminate boards.
Laminate with Click locks does not have the disadvantages of a lock connection. Ease of installation and safety of fastening are the main advantages of products with such a lock: they can be assembled and disassembled several times. The click connection can be reinforced with aluminum. This lock is mounted in the same way as a regular Click, but the aluminum fasteners can withstand a much greater load. This is the most reliable connection option, which ensures that the floor will never part. And if necessary, the damaged element can be replaced.
Laminate strips
Single-strip laminate is the most expensive. This is due to the peculiarities of its production, in which large-format materials are used to create a single strip. This allows you to create products with a unique design, amazingly accurately imitating a wide variety of materials.
The two-lane surface is similar to a piece parquet of increased width.The three-strip material is the cheapest. Having no chamfer, it perfectly imitates the parquet laid by the “deck” method.
Thickness
Yes, laminate comes in different thicknesses. Thin, 6 mm thick, used only on a perfectly flat surface. A thick, 12-millimeter one is used for less even floors. The thickness does not allow it to bend much on small irregularities, which means that the locks will last longer. Thus, the better prepared the base, the thinner the laminate can be laid.
Calculating the quantity
Like other building materials, laminate should be purchased with a small margin. When laying in a direct way, the coating is taken from the calculation: the area of the room + 5-10%. With the diagonal method — the area of the room + 10-15%.
How to care for
If you want the laminate to serve you faithfully for many years, follow some recommendations:
- do not be lazy to carry out daily “water procedures” – wipe the floor surface with a damp cloth to remove dirt and sand particles that can damage the surface and thereby reduce its service life;
- do not use hard metal brushes or hard sponges that scratch the surface for washing;
- for cleaning, you can use a steam cleaner or a vacuum cleaner with a soft cloth nozzle that prevents damage to the laminate;
- if you are going to use any cleaning agent, try it first on a small area, so as not to spoil the surface;
- to remove stains, it is enough to use an alcohol-based window cleaner.
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