How to choose laminate flooring for your apartment - 7 basic parameters

In this kind of coating combines good quality and reasonable price.But the end result of finishing laminate floors can please only in the case of correct identification of the optimal variant of the board, as its performance depends on several factors.Choose a laminate for a city apartment is somewhat simpler than the premises of the office building or private home, although there are some nuances that have to be taken into account.

Questions such as, "Is it hard to put yourself" "Does the board in the overall design of the room fit", "by what technique is best to do, and that it will take" leave aside.It's - some topics about which we wrote here and here.But with the technical parameters (characteristics), to which it is desirable to pay attention before buying this type of coverage, it is necessary to understand in more detail.Otherwise, even a professional will not be able to finish the floors so that they served for the entire period declared by the manufacturer.

Manufacturer

no secret that good thing always costs more.But at the same time it is not a mystery, and that in many cases we are trite overpay for the mere name.Laminate - a rare exception, as applied to the floor covering "name" is a guarantee that the money will not be wasted.At least, experts say, the practice, to the products under the brands «Quick Step», «HDM», «LaminatPark», «Yildiz Sunta», «Parkelam», «Kronotex», «Kaindl» claims after even a few yearsjust will not.Although it is not a complete list of really high-quality products.No less is known laminate, sold under the brand names «Balterio», «Wineo», «MeisterWerke» and a number of others.

Yes, this product is more expensive counterparts, which supply less well-known manufacturers.But when you consider all the difficulties encountered in the repair of the sexes (which alone is dragging furniture worth), in this case, cash investments are justified.

Class

This parameter characterizes the degree of wear-resistant material.Naturally, the higher the numerical expression, the durability of the coating.With regard to the apartment is recommended in areas with intense movement of people (entrance hall, kitchen, living room) to stack the board 23th class.In others - 21 or 22. For details, read our article on choosing a laminate class.

But now, experts say, release of products, "the 20" class (for domestic use) terminated.If the decoration materials sales point of this category is not present, it is necessary to focus on the samples with the notation from 31 to 33. These products are considered to be commercial type.It is more resistant to mechanical shocks, but is correspondingly expensive.

If you think about it, perhaps it makes sense to pay attention to the board was given classes.At least, it will be possible to forget for a long time after their installation to repair.For instance, cheaper model "20" category operated to 5 - 6 years, "thirty" does not require replacement for 10 - 15 (of course, subject to the stacking technology).

structural composition

This can tell a lot, because the number of layers and materials used for them from different manufacturers differ, even in a class of samples.Here we should pay attention to indicators such as resistance to liquids.If the laminate will get off the premises, characterized by a high degree of humidity, you should choose a waterproof laminate.The difference - in the material serving as the basis for the entire multilayer structure.For conventional products is particleboard, and for water resistant - plastic.

Taking into account that in the same bathroom but the moisture also periodically increase in temperature is observed, then the miasma of low-grade plastics will be guaranteed.

connection method laminate

There are 2 methods - and sticking with the "lock" (the slots at the ends of the boards).The latter option is much better. First , any adhesive composition contains a proportion of synthetic (chemical), and for this reason it is not necessary to speak about ecology. Second , if you need to replace a damaged board, then glued sample have pretty tricky.

thickness

It is necessary to focus not only on the expected load, but also to look at the basis on which the installation will be carried out.Thicker boards are more expensive, but they are stronger.Do not forget that the more massive the sample, the better it sounds muffles and retains heat.It follows that the selection board determined by the specifics of finishing works, the location of the premises in the building (floors) and its destination.

Compliant Standards ecology

products to which the claims in this regard no, marked "E1" symbol.This label is to look for on the packaging.

warranty period

This figure is for any type of product - one of the main.But with respect to the laminate hardly makes sense to pay attention to it.Why? First , after a certain time, making claims and seeking replacement board will have to prove that it carried out the installation of a pro, and all manufacturer requirements have been met. Second , that operation was carried out without breaking the floor.Will it, given that only high-quality lawyers who perfectly know their business work in large companies?

But before you start packing, should carefully examine the recommendations of the installation.And no need to delay this.If in the process identifies faulty product, which is not found in the store, according to the law there 2 weeks, during which the product can be exchanged without unnecessary hassle.