How to choose laminate.Types of laminate

laminate as a floor covering has received tremendous prevalence worldwide.Of course, all this is due to the low cost of the material, as well as excellent quality.Externally, the laminate is not much different from the expensive and high-end parquet, but has a number of internal differences.In the first place - this structure.Parquet is made of solid wood, while the laminate - a fiberboard.The density of this product allows you to completely forget about all the problems that have taken place in outdoor products, based on the fibrous material.

In addition, the laminate has a protective top layer, which is notIt allows the material to actively wear out over time.No, of course, some wear is still there, it is going incredibly slowly.

It is worth mentioning that in the laminate is very easy to look after.It is sufficient to ensure that the coating surface is not exposed to moisture.The rest is nothing special in terms of leaving the material does not matter.This is much more practical in this aspect of the material than the same wood parquet.

Many believe that it is because of its fiber structure laminate is not able to serve the owners of more than a few years.However, practice shows that this product even after 15 years of use is in perfect condition, so we have every reason to say that the best laminate flooring.

main features laminate

It is said that the fibrous component of the laminate - this is not a drawback.The interesting thing is that the wood fiber provides a high level of flexibility of outdoor products.Accordingly, it is increasing the reliability of the coating, as well as a certain level of density.Bends material will not lead to the fact that the laminate would be damaged or even slightly deformed.

Today laminate production deal with hundreds of Russian companies.Consequently, competition in this market simply colossal.For the average consumer this is definitely good, as the prices for this product at all times are reduced, though not as fast as we would like.Can be found on the market various types of laminate, which are respectively located in different price niches.

should be noted that it is advisable to use a laminate exclusively at home.These are the places where flooring wear very slowly.At the same time, the market can find a laminate, which is designed for industrial environments, as well as offices.In such cases, the life of the coating rarely reaches 5-6 years.However, many manufacturers have boldly assert that their material will last for at least 10 years.In such cases, we are talking about the use of the laminate exclusively in private homes or small stores, where human foot rarely steps.

More recently, it was possible to find for sale a wide variety of color options for laminate.Of course, if you try, then and now, you can find a lot of different variations on this theme, but the number of laminate with the original color scheme has dropped dramatically in recent years.Consumers have come to make a choice in favor of the natural color variations.Of course, many want to laminate, parquet-like way.With the naked eye to distinguish these two types of coatings is incredibly difficult.

types of laminate surfaces

Again, the market can find a huge range of coatings, laminate name.However, in this case, it goes on the color coat color of the material, and on the types of surfaces.

great popularity received a glossy laminate.It looks bright and attractive.This solution is perfect for the kitchen and storage rooms.Also, a solid gloss is combined with an extravagant and classic interiors.Practically the mirror surface of the laminate is incredibly easy to clean and wash.

can detect and matt laminate in DIY stores.He has no less attractive than the glossy version.At the same time, the matte surface looks neutral, so this type of material can be used in the kitchen and the main room dwelling, and in the bedroom.

Classic type of surface - laminate called "natural wood".This material is almost similar to the classic parquet, but we can find the surface that will fit in some tree species.In this regard, there is a huge choice.

Furthermore, the laminate can be found in the form of tiles.This product may also have a glossy or matte surface.Probably, in certain cases, the shape and dimensions of the tiles are more practical solutions.

laminate Classification

As already stated, the market can find a laminate that can wear out as fast and very slow.Accordingly, the established classification, which allows you to determine how durable and wear-resistant material is.Next, consider the very classification.

• 33th grade.This is, without exaggeration, the most durable option that can be used not only in homes but also in industrial buildings, shops and municipal offices.Despite this, a cover (when used in locations where there is a lot of people) can not last for more than 5-6 years.If the 33rd class laminate used in an apartment, it is perfectly serve 10, 15 or even 20 years.Furthermore, the coating easily contacted with water and loses its initial characteristics.
• 32 th and 31 th grades.Again, these classes and laminate surfaces are widely used in commercial applications.It again comes to the shops and other establishments where there is great cross-country people, and they are constantly exposed to the surface of the floor.In contrast to the last class, covering the data will last somewhat less.Therefore, it is desirable to choose 32 and 31 laminate classes for offices and shops, where zahazhivaet not a lot of people.
• 23 rd and 22 th grades.Such coatings are the most common in modern conditions.The thing is, it's the best options for accommodation, in which several people.Do not think that such a laminate would be too little time, as within the small apartment he definitely loses its initial properties for 10 years.Laminate 22 class is often used in living rooms, and 23 minutes - in the hallways.
• 21st laminate class in modern conditions is rarely used.Of course, such coverage look just gorgeous, but they wear out too quickly.Thus, the laminate of this class should be used in the bedrooms and a small storage room.These are the places where the inhabitants of the house spend too little time.Accordingly, the laminate should last for a long time.

It is worth noting that there are lower laminate classes, but in recent years their market almost impossible to find.Because of its low service times consumers have ceased to give them preference.Nevertheless, the order of such a laminate is produced, and it is cheaper than other variations and looks just as solid.

analysis of the characteristics of the laminate

If there is a need for the acquisition of the laminate in the first place should pay attention to the characteristics of the material.The thing is that each manufacturer indicates a special mark of its products, which correspond to a particular positive characteristics of the product.Next, we will discuss the most common options laminate:

• resistance to UV light.In this case we are talking about the fact that under the influence of sunlight the laminate will not fade.Accordingly, for many years the material will be a bright and juicy texture.Unfortunately, this feature may boast, not all of the materials, but gradually the resistance to UV becoming one of the main demands of the consumer.
• resistant strains.If the laminate is used in industrial buildings or in retail outlets, should pay attention to the tendency to deformation of the material.Of course, any object that has fallen onto the laminate, can damage it.To avoid such troubles, you should purchase products with exactly the above characteristics.It is obvious that the material in certain circumstances, still be deformed, but it will not be very noticeable.This step allows you to save money, which is usually deposited on all of the same repairs.
• flame retardant.In some areas the issue of fire safety is paramount.It may be, for example, industrial buildings, hospitals and other places where fire is a tremendous danger to others.Flammability laminate - to cancel the decision, which certainly looks attractive classical laminate.Also, the name of this feature it is clear that ignite laminate can still, however, the likelihood of such incidents is very small.Moreover, extinguish emerged inflammation could be in a matter of seconds.
• Low durability.Many believe that this characteristic means that for many years the laminate will be in the initial state.However, this is not quite true.The majority of this factor depends on this class of products, which we mentioned earlier.A low wear resistance often means that such a laminate is best used in offices where there is a lot of chairs with soft casters.Accordingly, such products are designed with the expectation of the chairs movement, which often wear out the surface.
• use along with the "warm floor".Recently floor heating has become almost an integral part of most private homes and offices.It's a great thing that is so relevant in the winter.Accordingly, this condition, if it is listed on the product, allows the use of the laminate as a base coat.If this feature is not provided, you may encounter some problems.For example, the laminate is not the best way to conduct heat.
• Hygienic and easy to clean.I'm sure many have heard that the laminate is very easy to wash and clean.Often, it is true, given the smoothness of the surface.However, there are exceptions, so you should pay attention to the information provided on the product itself.As for hygiene, it is clearly an important aspect of which involves the use of a laminate in medical institutions.

types of laminate connections

Of course, when choosing a laminate should pay attention to the types of bands and joints.It is obvious that in certain cases the question could be very important.It is also worth knowing that in some cases one or another type of connection may not be applicable.

• This is likely the most common connection laminate strips, which has been used successfully for many years.Themselves experts in the repair actually say that it «Click» is the most practical and safe way to connect.In this case, the need for powerful bonding strip installed to bring the laminate material one another at a certain angle (usually - 45 °).Next, a band advanced to the slot, slowly making a smaller angle.After that, you can hear a click, which indicates a successful connection.
• This compound is more like a normal lock, which has a relatively simple mechanism.To apply you must have a laminate strip exclusively horizontally.In this case, the panel is simply hammered into each other.This is already installed panel expands when there is a new installation strips.In this process, no big deal, but it is worth paying attention to the fact that negligence can lead to significant deformation of the laminate.