Selecting and laying laminate

What is laminate?

Do not be surprised, but the laminate - the cheapest method of registration "sex" of the interior.The name translates from Latin as "layer" that completely defines the type of structure of the coating.Laminant board consists of four layers:

• bottom - stabilizing, tightens and protects against deformation of the entire system.Experts advise to stick to this layer sound insulation tape for extra sound insulation, which is especially useful in the flats high-rise buildings;

• main or carrier, which is mostly made of particleboard, MDF or other wood-thick tiles.This layer is the most important becauseis it carved a special "lock" with which the sealed laminate structure.It was from him and depend on moisture level of thermal insulation of floors.It is appropriate to treat it a special waterproof impregnation;
• paper, which performs a decorative function.This layer is deposited pattern imitating wood, stone, tiles or other surface;
• top - melamine or acrylic transparent film, due to which the laminate is protected from abrasion and other stresses.Some manufacturers offer laminate, where the top layer also performs the function of registration due to rough texture, enhancing the simulation of natural material.

Laminate in section 1 - the top layer;2 - a decorative layer;3 - the carrier layer;4 - the bottom layer.

In the construction market, you can also find a laminate consisting of five layers.Between the decorative paving and major fixing, made of kraft paper.This greatly extends the life of the flooring.

laminate consisting of five layers.

laminate How to choose?Many

when selecting flooring was originally faced with a dilemma: parquet or laminate?Remember that it is absolutely two diametrically opposite material!Laminated coating can only simulate parquet, which is always made from natural wood without additional synthetic layers.Wood treated with oil and varnish, which are completely safe for health.Methods of stacking these two coatings are also largely different.Firstly, the sound-insulating flooring does not require a substrate, and secondly, it is adhered to the floor plate, unlike the laminate - "floating" design in which only the strips are attached to each other.

Select laminate will not be particularly difficult if you know precisely to what room it will be used.All types of laminate are divided into classes.Each class defines the degree of load factor and abrasion resistance, and impact resistance.All these data are given in the instructions to the cover that comes with it complete the purchase.Currently, there are four main classes: two for domestic use (class 31 and 32), for commercial high-load (class 33) and stronger for sports facilities (Class 34).

Installing laminate

Installing laminate flooring - the process time-consuming and delicate.But it is quite realistic to carry out the installation yourself.Generally a selected laminate boards or squares.As mentioned above, the laminate panels are not attached to the floor, as it were "floating" on the surface, and are connected to each other using locks.

Before laying the necessary to eliminate all the bumps in the genital plate.The surface must be absolutely smooth!Its flattened by the screed or poured cement and after plaster.But the base laminate floor can be ceramic tile, linoleum, floor boards.On top of the base substrate trail moisture-proof, as that could serve as a common plastic film and the noise absorbing layer to enhance the elasticity of the surface.Next set himself laminate.

laminate panels are beginning to install the lock to the wall, retreating with 8-10 mm to avoid further strain as a consequence of seasonal changes in temperature and humidity.Then with a small offset attach the rest of the laminate panel.

Thus, armed with the necessary knowledge about laminated flooring can safely try to install it yourself.