Content
- 1 Compound
- 2 Classification
- 3 Method for determining class
- 4 Panel selection by class and purpose of rooms
- 5 Panel selection by thickness
- 6 Selection by moisture resistance
- 7 Visual assessment
- 8 Country of origin selection
- 9 How not to be deceived?
- 10 Manufacturer's choice
- 11 Conclusion
- 12 The best laminate manufacturers from EU countries
- 13 The best manufacturers of laminate from the Russian Federation and together with the Russian Federation
- 14 The best laminate manufacturers from the PRC and together with the PRC
- 15 Pros and cons
- 16 Material structure
- 17 Classification
- 18 Base for laminate
- 19 Connection methods
- 20 Manufacturers and brands
- 21 Photo
Laminate is a modern flooring. It is widely believed that this artificial substitute for natural parquet is very expensive and unreliable. In addition, many believe that it is afraid of moisture, and will require replacement within six years after installation. Until recently, it was like that. However, today the leading manufacturers of building materials offer their customers high quality laminate flooring. Its service life is within twenty years or more. How can a buyer determine the best quality laminate flooring? To do this, you will need to clarify its wear resistance class. This parameter of the flooring is affixed only after the so-called taber test. Belonging to one class or another will indicate the quality of the coating.
Compound
What is laminate flooring? It is a panel made up of several layers. Let's consider them in more detail. The uppermost layer of the artificial parquet panel is a solidified mass of acrylic or melamine resin. What is the best quality and least wear-resistant laminate? The one with this layer has the greatest thickness.
In the production of glossy laminates, this coating is made of acrylic with corundum. Such a surface not only shines, but also little abrades. This ability is given to the laminate by corundum, which in its hardness does not lag behind diamond.
The second layer of artificial parquet is considered decorative. It is carried out from paper that has a certain pattern. This layer gives the floor panel its own appearance. Here, the possibilities of manufacturers are not limited. Laminate can have the structure of wood, be similar to sand, stone, marble, etc. That is why the second, decorative layer of the laminate is important when developing the design of the room. And this is fifty percent of the success of the renovation work.
As for the third, next layer, this is nothing more than a waterproofing stabilizer. It is a moisture-proof film. Thanks to this layer, the artificial parquet does not swell when water gets on it. Some varieties of laminate are able to keep the formed puddle on their surface even for three days without harm to the panel.
The next, fourth layer, is the thickest. This is a stabilizing board made of high strength fiberboard. This layer determines the dimensions of the laminate itself, which is 6, 8, 10 and 12 millimeters thick. The larger these dimensions are, the better the quality of the lock, which is cut along the perimeter.
And the last, very bottom layer is kraft paper. This is to protect the stabilizing board from moisture. In some brands of laminate, a backing is additionally glued to the bottom layer. This increases the price of artificial parquet.
Classification
Laminate, like all types of building materials, is divided into certain types. According to this classification, artificial parquet is:
- moisture resistant (for rooms with high humidity);
- ordinary.
Each of the listed types is subdivided into classes that indicate the density of the panel, its durability and reliability. The choice of a quality laminate should begin by considering these characteristics.If the class of the panel you are considering is in the range from 21 to 23, then this coating is suitable for home use. It should be remembered that a higher number indicates a greater wear resistance of the artificial parquet. Thus, the highest quality laminate flooring for an apartment corresponds to class 23. There is no need to look for a coating with a high value for residential buildings.
And for offices, shops and other premises with high traffic, which laminate is the best quality? Feedback from experts and users give an unequivocal answer to this question. This is a laminate belonging to the 31-33 class. Manufacturing and office spaces need a more durable floor that can accommodate thousands of feet. When used in such cases, a lower grade of panels, the coating will quickly fail.
But some manufacturers have gone further. Today they offer 34 class laminate flooring. This type of artificial parquet is available from Aloc. However, if we compare this laminate with the 33 class panels produced by Tarkett, you will notice that the accompanying documentation in either case guarantees up to twenty-five years of operation under the same conditions.
Classification method
How does a manufacturer define a quality, good laminate? For this, the panels undergo a taber test for durability. It consists in checking the laminate with a rotating abrasive wheel. This or that number of revolutions will indicate the class of material and the degree of its wear resistance. The disk is rotated until the top transparent layer of the panel is completely erased. Which is the best quality laminate for the commercial line? Experts' reviews indicate that these are panels that have passed the number of revolutions from 6 to 20 thousand (depending on their class).
The parameters of such testing are indicated in the accompanying documents for each batch. Their designation is as follows:
- IP - gives an indication of the number of revolutions that the abrasive wheel made before any visible damage appeared on the panel.
- FP - denotes the phase in which ninety-five percent abrasion of the top layer occurs;
- AT is the average.
Each of the classes of artificial parquet has its own minimum wear resistance (IP) and maximum (FP). According to these parameters, which laminate is the best quality? Experts' comments indicate that these values should be close to optimal. However, this does not mean at all that each of the buyers should strive to buy a 33 or even 34 class laminate. It is necessary to purchase those panels that are designed for the load on the floor covering in the room for a specific purpose.
Panel selection by class and purpose of rooms
How to choose a quality laminate for an apartment? To do this, first of all, you need to pay attention to the class of panels. An important factor will be the purpose of this or that room. As mentioned above, it is recommended to purchase class 21, 22 and 23 laminate for apartments. At the same time, the least wear-resistant is suitable for a bedroom and an office. Panels belonging to the 22nd class will be a good floor covering for the living room and nursery. A higher category of material is recommended for hallways, loggias and kitchens. It should be borne in mind that for apartments and private houses, panels from class 21 to 23 are inexpensive, but high-quality laminate. After all, it is used in rooms with low traffic.
Laminate, from 31 to the rare 34 class (it is produced in small batches due to its high cost), is used in public places and offices. That is, where a large number of people pass every day. What class of artificial parquet is used in a particular room? So, it is recommended to apply:
- Class 31 - for offices and lounges;
- Class 32 - in offices, offices and reception rooms;
- Grade 33 - for shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, gyms, hospitals and reception rooms.
It is worth mentioning that some owners, when deciding how to choose a high-quality laminate for an apartment, buy panels of a commercial type. Of course, given the availability of the necessary financial resources, this may be quite advisable. It will be possible to walk on such a laminate in heels, moreover, it will not be damaged if a heavy object falls on it, and it will not be sold under the load of heavy furniture. And the service life of commercial artificial parquet of class 31-34 will be approximately two decades, while the period of using a cheaper coating will not exceed 5-10 years.
Panel selection by thickness
There is one more criterion that will help answer the question of which laminate is the best quality. Reviews of experts are advised to choose artificial parquet according to its thickness. In this case, you will need to remember some basic rules that are directly related to this indicator. The density of adhesion of the panels to each other depends on the thickness of the main layer made of fiberboard. The larger these dimensions, the stronger the joint is.
In addition, more stringent requirements are imposed on the surface on which the thin laminate is applied. It must be perfectly smooth and perfectly flat, and this complicates construction work.
The thickness of the laminate directly affects its sound absorption properties. The price of artificial parquet also depends on this parameter. How to choose a quality laminate for this characteristic? Here, again, you should take into account the room where it will be located. So, panels from 21 to 23 classes are produced with a thickness of 6-8 mm, and the values of this indicator for panels with greater wear resistance are in the range of 10-12 millimeters.
Selection by moisture resistance
How to choose a quality laminate that will not deteriorate from washing with a damp cloth? To do this, choose the right type of floor panel. As mentioned above, the laminate is moisture resistant and ordinary. So, the second of these types of artificial parquet is afraid of water. It is not intended for use in high humidity areas. In addition, such panels are capable of swelling upon prolonged contact with water. That is why in rooms where ordinary laminate is used, it is possible to perform wet cleaning with only a slight contact of the floor surface with water.
Another thing is moisture-resistant panels. They are not afraid of wet daily cleaning. In addition, they will not deteriorate even if someone spills something on the floor. That is why this material can be safely laid in the kitchen or in the hallway.
Visual assessment
How to choose a quality laminate flooring? The panels offered in the store are well worth a sniff. A strong smell will indicate a bad product. What quality laminate flooring? One that has no smell.
Experts also recommend comparing the proposed samples of panels by weight. What's the best quality laminate flooring? Reviews of professionals recommend purchasing panels of greater weight. Without a doubt, lightweight laminate is made from a board of low density and thickness. And this is a confirmation of its worst quality.
Also, in order to determine which laminate is of the highest quality, it is necessary to consider it from the side of the long end. The product must be perfectly straight. The presence of any bends on it is evidence of improper or very long storage. It is especially harmful to overexpose conventional panels in a warehouse. But for a moisture-resistant laminate, a long shelf life is not a reason for a deterioration in quality.
If, as a result of a long stay in the warehouse, an ordinary laminate has absorbed moisture, then after laying such boards will dry out. Their surface swells up and becomes covered with ugly spots, and cracks appear at the joints.
Country of origin selection
What is the best quality laminate flooring? When buying an artificial parquet, it is recommended to inquire about the country where this building material was produced.And here it should be borne in mind that almost all brands of high-quality laminate are produced in Europe. Domestic materials, as a rule, delight buyers only with prices. As for their quality, it disappoints most of our compatriots.
Unfortunately, one third of the Russian laminate market is occupied by cheap Chinese goods. Moreover, the problem here lies not at all in the producing country, but in the importers. In China, there are a large number of factories producing the highest quality laminate flooring. However, our customers bring in artificial parquet from handicraft factories for maximum profit. Of course, the price of such panels is low, which allows sellers to earn large sums. But it should be borne in mind that such panels can be made from MDF, and not from high density fiberboards. In addition, they do not correspond to the class declared in the accompanying documents. To attract buyers, such a product is placed in a beautiful package, on which high indicators are placed that do not correspond to these plates.
How not to be deceived?
How to get the best quality laminate flooring? The manufacturer of building materials must be large and have already established themselves in the consumer market. The floor covering can be produced by a little-known brand, but always at a factory with a good reputation. Only in this case, you will definitely buy a high-quality laminate.
Reviews of those who have already purchased and use laminate flooring recommend not to rush to purchase. It is better to find out more about the advantages and disadvantages of the brand you like, as well as ask the opinion of other people. It is advisable to go to the manufacturer's website. If the company is engaged in the production of laminate, starting with the manufacture of plates, then this option will be the best.
If the purchase is carried out by you in a store, then pay attention to the packaging. She can also tell about the quality of the product. A good product is packaged conscientiously. Moreover, there is no pretentious design and catchy colors. Such packaging is intended only to protect the laminate during its transportation.
Manufacturer's choice
In order to know for sure that the laminate you bought is of high quality, purchase goods only from the best manufacturer of this material. But even in this case, it is worth remembering that such companies release sub-brands. These are cheaper panels, which retain the external signs of quality. In order to choose a really good laminate, you should study the price range of the product of your chosen company before buying. This will help distinguish the original panels from the cheaper counterparts.
When choosing a laminate, you should also remember that there are a number of companies included in the register formed by the Association of European Manufacturers. This list will allow you to make the right choice. So, the officially registered trade brands include: Tarkett and Quick Step, Aqua Step and Pergo, Egger and some others.
Which manufacturer's laminate flooring do experts recommend paying attention to? Many professionals prefer Tarkett products. The quality of the flooring produced by it is at the highest level. In addition, the well-known European company offers its customers diverse collections, consisting of panels of any color and with various technical characteristics. All parties of the artificial parquet of this company undergo technological processing in the process of creation. This makes them impervious to moisture and chemicals.
For more than a century, the German company Aberhof has been producing its products. Today, it has modern equipment in its arsenal. Thanks to this, the laminate is produced using the most modern technologies. The products of the German company undergo thorough control, which is carried out at all stages of the technological process.This makes it possible to produce a very durable panel with an optimal quality / price ratio.
Slip-resistant laminate from another German manufacturer - Eurofloor. These quality panels are ideal for covering floors in shops, kitchens and bathrooms.
There is a company that gives a lifetime warranty on their laminate flooring. This is the Norwegian company Alloc, whose products are distinguished not only by excellent quality or reasonable prices. The panels are equipped with a system of aluminum locks that can withstand significant loads on the coating (up to 1220 kilograms per square meter).
Laminate, the surface of which imitates natural wood in the best quality, is produced under the Maestro Club brand (Belgian or German version). It is a very hard and highly durable material, made in cherry, oak, boxwood, beech and sandalwood.
Conclusion
Of course, there is no single recipe for purchasing a really high-quality laminate flooring. When choosing, use only those recommendations that are obtained from reliable sources. Don't rely on the store clerk to give you truthful, comprehensive, and helpful advice. When making a decision, you need to take full responsibility for yourself. And in order not to make a mistake and purchase a really high-quality product, it is necessary to analyze the available information and compare it with the conditions in which the floor covering will be used in the future. Only in this case it will be possible to find for yourself a product that has an optimal combination of quality and price, which will serve you for many years.
Overview of manufacturers of the most popular flooring
A huge assortment of laminates of both European and Russian and Chinese production poses a difficult question of choice for the buyer. A variety of brands can confuse anyone, so we offer you to get acquainted with the best laminate manufacturers in 2016-2017, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of their products. We hope our rating will help you choose the best and highest quality laminate flooring.
Rating of the 16 best laminate manufacturers
The best laminate manufacturers from EU countries
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The first place in our ranking of the best laminate manufacturers is held by Pergo. This company is the pioneer of laminate flooring. It has been making them since 1979, to this day it is considered a benchmark not only in the EU, but throughout the world. A distinctive feature of the company is careful control of the entire production cycle, which allows Pergo to offer customers the best finishing materials from wood and its derivatives. The assortment is wide, including not only 32-34 grade laminate in 12 collections under the Pergo brand, but also specialized vinyl products and parquet boards. Main pluses: 1) Interesting designs and textures, a wide variety of sizes. Pergo laminate has decors with beautiful imitation of natural wood, stone, etc. A special texture is given to the assembled floor by a V-shaped bevel on two or four sides. Dimensions vary in:
Thanks to the variety of formats, the buyer can choose the coating for his type of premises with a minimum amount of waste. 2) High degree of resistance to wear, abrasion, fading, impact, stubborn stains. This is the merit of the most durable overlay, as well as the TitanX ™ surface protection system (PATENTED). 3) Set of PerfectFold ™ 3.0 locks. Provides easy assembly and disassembly of Pergo laminate flooring. 4) Ease of maintenance and operation:
5) Environmental friendliness. Pergo is certified for:
6) Service life - 25 years. Minuses:
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 10 / 10 Rating Reviews I took Pergo for the nursery on the recommendation of the seller after they showed me a whole package of certificates, including environmental ones. I have never regretted it for 4 years. The laminate is very good, perfect in assembly, not static, resistant to scratches and cot wheels, the color is still saturated.
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Laminate Berry Alloc (Belgium-Norway) The huge transnational corporation Beaulieu International Group includes a group that is rightfully considered one of the most important areas. This is a production complex that produces laminated finishing materials under the Berry Allock brand. The association of the Belgian plant Berry Floor and the Norwegian company Alloc has combined huge production capacity, a strong research base and accumulated experience. As a result, the production of parquet flooring using the unique HPL technology (High Pressure laminate) was launched. The principle is that the top layer is pressed first:
The result is a layer that significantly exceeds the parameters of a conventional DPL (Direct Pressure Laminate) in terms of characteristics. Accordingly, HPL coatings are of high quality and excellent inertness to various types of surface influences. Main pluses: 1) Huge selection of designs - one of the largest sets of collections. BerriAllok produces more than 18 lines of 32-34 wear resistance class laminates, each with up to 20 different decors: classic, modern, art nouveau, eclectic, beveled and smooth, like concrete, slate, typical parquet or marble. The section of the laminate is from 8 to 11 mm. The assortment includes interesting solutions, such as:
2) The best indicators of the laminate in terms of wear resistance. BerryAlloc guarantees:
3) Reliable lock.
4) Easy to operate. Laminate is easy to keep clean with a vacuum cleaner or a damp soft cloth. Special cleaners and household chemicals are not required. 5) Security for users. Berry Allock laminate is certified according to:
It should be noted that according to the last document, the highest classes were assigned to laminated parquet in terms of such parameters as fire safety, antistaticity, and anti-slip. There are certificates confirming the low level of emission of toxic substances (formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol). Minuses:
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 9.9 / 10 Rating Reviews When the laminate was taken, it was not possible to perfectly align the screed. They hoped for the quality of the slab and took 11 mm 33 class. A year has passed, and there are no regrets. Nothing creaks anywhere, easy to clean, looks beautiful.
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The German family-owned company Kaindl Flooring GmbH boasts nearly 120 years of history in the woodworking industry. This is a full-cycle plant engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of products under the brand of the same name. In the USA, Canada, the countries of South America and the European Union, the Kindl brand is associated with such a concept as quality.In 2009, the company's products were recognized as the best in Europe, and the conclusion is based on numerous studies and multiple customer surveys. Main pluses: 1) The densest core board. The company produces HDF base for laminate with a density of 950 kg / m3 from alpine wood from its own land. At the same time, the water absorption rate of Kainl laminated parquet is up to 7% with the permitted 18%. 2) Diverse designs for all types of interior solutions. Almost perfect imitation of natural wood is ensured by the use of ultra-precise laser printing Digital Print and synchronous embossing system. The assortment includes decors for classic deck boards and parquet, extravagant products with graffiti prints, fantasy, scratchboard and much more. 3) Developed by our own research bureau, a set of lock hitch. Kaindl LOC favorably differs from analogs with rounded edges of the connecting edges, a painted lock in the color of the surface and wax treatment of the lock part. Thanks to such solutions, the laminate is difficult to break during installation, the adhesion is tight, waterproof and durable. 4) A huge set of related products You can match the baseboards and thresholds to the floor to match the color, purchase repair kits and detergents. 5) Certification:
6) Service life - up to 30 years. Minuses:
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 9.9 / 10 Rating Reviews Immediately after installation, gaps appeared between the planks. We turned to the dealer - it turned out that the master did not connect the locks tightly during installation. They sent their team, rebuilt it - we are very happy with the result. Excellent laminate flooring, nice and comfortable, no complaints.
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Laminate, parquet board and cork flooring under the Haro brand have been produced by the German concern Hamberger Flooring GmbH & Co for over 30 years. The company supplies products to 90 countries of the world and enjoys success, and all thanks to the high quality of products and the company's desire to comply with fashion trends in decoration. Laminate flooring of 31-33 load classes, 7-10 mm thick, are especially popular due to the perfect imitation of the natural texture of wood and durability. Haro boasts many innovative developments from its own research bureau. Including permaDur coatings, bioTec, Silent Pro underlay, aquaShield protection and more. Main pluses: 1) Spectacular designs with natural wood grain. More than 6 collections include from 12 to 30 decors in various shades with bevelling, synchronous embossing and a combination of narrow and wide lamellas. 2) Integration of the TRITTY Silent CT sound insulation system into the production process. Thanks to this innovative development, Haro laminate flooring is truly quiet. Now neighbors below will not complain about constant knocks and sounds of movement. 3) Connection systems that ensure the solidity of the joints. Haro laminate floor planks are equipped with two types of locks:
4) Simple operation and maintenance. Clean surface - a vacuum cleaner or dry soft cloth is sufficient to achieve this effect. Wet cleaning does not form streaks and stains. 5) Availability of certificates:
6) Service life - 15-30 years (depending on the class). Minuses:
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 9.9 / 10 Rating Reviews In the laminate, Haro immediately liked the fact that it looks like a natural board. I chose a light, calm one. Very good laminate, easy to clean, dropped cigarettes, books don't leave a trace.
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The Kronotex company has been producing high quality fiberboard products since 1993. As a structural division of the huge corporation Swiss Krono Group, today this plant is considered one of the largest and most sustainable among laminate manufacturers and exports it to more than 80 countries around the world. Kronotex is a full-cycle factory complex. That is, it deals with absolutely all stages independently: from growing forests to supplying products to end customers. And the full range includes:
Thanks to this, Kronotex is the only supplier of laminate and other products in monochromatic decors (200 colors), selected from the catalog. The best laminate flooring for bright, creative designs in any space. Main pluses: 1) Solid assortment of 32-33 grade laminated parquet. 2) Excellent performance properties, allowing to mark the product with the famous label "Made in Germany". 3) Classic Lock Click. The innovative department of the company did not reinvent the wheel, but used the most successful development of Velinge - a locking snap connection, which allows the strips to be assembled into a single canvas without gaps and drops. 4) Laminate Kronotex - certified products according to:
5) Service life - from 18 to 30 years. Minuses:
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 9.8 / 10 Rating Reviews I chose the best and safest laminate, as it was laid in the nursery. It is easy to mount, it was cut without chips and breaks. I especially liked the fact that there is no smell from it, the furniture does not leave scratches.
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Concern Holz Dammers Moers (HDM) GmbH is probably one of the very first to start deliveries to the territory of the Russian Federation. The organization with 50 years of history has always been famous for its high quality products and innovative approach. It produces a wide range of wood-based panel products: wall and ceiling panels, furniture chipboards, acoustic systems, and since 1995 - high-quality laminate under the HDM brand. It was this company that first offered customers more than 20 years ago, mirror-gloss laminated floors using the patented ELESGO technology. Main pluses: 1) A decent selection of decors with a silky matt or glossy surface. The buyer can choose for himself the best laminate from 9 collections of laminate of 31-32 load classes in thicknesses from 7 to 8.7 mm. But don't be disappointed. The planks don't just look like wood, they imitate wood almost perfectly. It will be difficult for an untrained person to distinguish the mirror shine of the laminate from the varnished coating of natural parquet. 2) Unique wear resistant surface protection. Overlay (top layer) is formed using a special technology from polyacrylate resins that do not contain formaldehyde, phenol, solvents and other toxic substances. Therefore, laminate flooring is safe for children, allergy sufferers and asthma patients. In addition, the polyacrylic protective coating is resistant to heels, animal claws, light, and does not fade when exposed to direct sunlight. The reverse side of the laminate is equipped with an integrated Laminopax sound-absorbing layer, which is very convenient for apartment buildings. 3) Certification:
4) Service life - up to 25 years. Minuses:
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 9.7 / 10 Rating Reviews We did not expect it, but the glossy surface of HDM laminate is generally indestructible. It has been lying for 3 years now - not a single chip, cloudiness or scratches. The only inconvenience is that you can see the dust, you need to clean it up often.
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In 2001, one of the largest corporations, Spanolux SA, founded the Balterio Laminate Floors. Its mission is to produce trendy and future-proof laminate flooring under the now well-known Balterio brand. Things quickly went uphill. And all thanks to the high quality of the goods, our own unique developments and the establishment of a full production cycle (from growing industrial wood to logistics). Balterio laminated parquet is available in 32, 33 and 34 wear resistance classes, 7-12 mm thick, deservedly has the status of one of the most durable and reliable finishing materials. Main pluses: 1) Beautiful decorative and finishing material with a special texture for a natural board. 2) Wide range of sizes. Sizes in length vary from 1192 to 2039 mm, in width - from 134 to 392.5 mm. Thanks to this solution, the buyer can always choose the best laminate flooring for any premises, commercial or residential: 3) Excellent technical characteristics. 4) Various connection systems for any level of installation complexity:
5) Certification:
6) Service life - up to 30 years. Minuses:
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 9.7 / 10 Rating Reviews We chose a laminate not only because of the quality, but also because of the shade - I liked it very much, it's just dark chocolate. But we live in an area where there is active traffic, respectively, there is a lot of dust in the apartment, it is visible on the dark floor. It is good that the floor is moisture resistant, daily cleaning does not matter to him.
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Laminate Classen (Germany) Concern CLASSEN Gruppe declared itself back in 1963 as a small wood processing plant. Since then, the small-town enterprise has grown into a group of companies that includes factories for the production of laminated coatings located in Germany and Poland, as well as the manufacture of doors (Germany and the Russian Federation). The concern is committed to providing customers with not only modern and safe, but also highly practical products. As the holder of numerous patents for its own developments, the Klassen company produces a very good laminate with excellent wear characteristics of 32-33 grades in a thickness of 7 to 12 mm. Main pluses: 1) The widest range of formats, decors and structures. Laminate Klassen is 30 collections, 6 formats, more than 20 embossing options and a huge range of colors. Any buyer will choose the floor to his taste, for the interior, furniture or room. Available in both glossy and matt rulers, with either U- or V-beveled edges. 2) Outstanding performance characteristics. Based on the results of multiple tests and numerous customer reviews, laminated parquet from the Klassen Group is distinguished by a high degree of resistance to mechanical shock, abrasion, compression and fading. Anyone can familiarize themselves with the test results and protocols on the company's website. The manufacturer is especially proud of the Microban antibacterial surface laminate. This is an excellent solution for children's and medical institutions. 3) Locking design for ease of installation. The collections, equipped with the patented EasyConnect hitch, are characterized by micro-movement, due to which the floor is not afraid of seasonal changes in humidity and temperature. Series with Megaloc lock are designed for simplified assembly and disassembly of the coating. And the Isowaxx wax treatment seals the joint, protecting it from water. 4) Safety certifications and permits for residential use:
5) Service life - from 10 to 30 years. Minuses:
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 8.5 / 10 Rating Reviews We chose laminate flooring because of its manufacturer and did not regret it. Handsome, resistant to heels and cigarettes, has been standing for the third year - like new. But the neighbors bought the Polish Klassen and were dissatisfied - the coating was weak, there were defective boards in the packs.
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The best manufacturers of laminate from the Russian Federation and together with the Russian Federation
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The Quick-Step brand is owned by the UNILIN group of companies, which includes the factories of the Quick-Step Floor Designers division. The products have been known since 1990, and the glueless joining system was introduced back in 1997. In addition, the V-shaped chamfer is an invention of the Quick-Step. In 2001, the company presented the first collection with the self-explanatory name Perspective. This initiative was quickly picked up by their competitors, as this design technique allowed creating beautiful volumetric coatings with a texture to match a spectacular plank floor. In 2011, the Quick-Step plant was opened in Dzerzhinsk (Nizhny Novgorod Region), which immediately began producing some of the collections most demanded by Russian buyers. Since that moment, the products have become much more affordable, and the range of laminates has expanded significantly. Main pluses: 1) A wide selection of all kinds of decors. 2) Continuous protection against static electricity build-up and fading. 3) Locking systems of our own design Uniclic and Uniclic Multifit. Both types allow you to form a tight connection, while you can assemble the floor both by snapping it in at an angle of 10-30 °, or by sliding it in a horizontal or vertical plane. 4) Series of laminated parquet for bathrooms and wet rooms Impressive and Impressive Ultra (Laguna). The collection is distinguished by the presence of waterproofing impregnation of HDF-boards, which guarantees the absolute water resistance of the product. 5) A wide range of finishing profiles and related products. Includes baseboards and corners to match the color of the base floor, standard and noise-insulating underlays, universal textured products and much more. 6) Certified in accordance with the requirements:
7) Guaranteed service life - up to 25 years. Minuses:
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 8.1 / 10 Rating Reviews He himself laid the laminate in the nursery for 18 square meters. m. I found in the packs two planks with oblique corners - unpleasant, but not fatal. The pungent smell was a little alarming, but it disappeared after about a week of intensive ventilation. Otherwise very good laminate.
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Laminate Tarkett / Sinteros (Germany-Russia) In fact, as a company and brand Tarkett appeared back in 1987. The main areas of work are the production of vinyl and carpets for floors and walls. After 10 years of development, the development of new directions, a huge concern Tarkett Sommer AG appears. Today it is the largest enterprise in the field of floor and wall finishing materials of various series: household, commercial and specialized (sports, health care, education). In 1995, affordable products under the Sinteros brand appeared for Russian buyers, and in 2010 a plant for the production of laminate under both trademarks was launched in Mytishchi (Moscow Region). Today Tarkett and Sinteros are well-known laminate floors of 32-33 wear resistance classes in more than 30 collections.And despite some drawbacks, Tarkett laminate flooring remains very popular and one of the best inexpensive on the market. Main pluses: 1) A wide range of designs with smooth, textured or authentic textures. Laminate Tarket is known primarily as a product with a varied texture: chrome, deep relief, register embossing, hand-crafted effect, etc. In addition, the assortment includes plates of both standard thickness 8-12 mm, and extra-large - 14 mm. 2) Simple but effective connection system.
3) High quality boards. The degree of water absorption of the plates, proven by tests, is up to 12% at a rate of 18%. This means that the laminate is moisture resistant. To protect the locking part, a layer of mineral wax (Tech3S) is additionally applied to the ends in production conditions, which, when joining the plates, seals the joint, making it completely waterproof. 4) Certification of Tarket products:
5) Service life - 15-25 years. Minuses:
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 8.0 / 10 Rating Reviews We bought the floor on the advice of friends. When assembling, several tiles were set aside - there were curves. But we are satisfied with the result: the laminate is really beautiful, durable, does not react to spilled water in any way. The only negative is slippery, we try not to walk barefoot.
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Laminate Kronostar (Russia-Germany) The Kronostar trademark, like Kronotex (Germany) or Kronospan (Belarus-Russia), belongs to one of the largest concerns “Swiss Krono Group”. This organization specializes in the woodworking industry, therefore it produces a whole range of products, from chipboard panels to laminated coatings for walls, floors and ceilings. In Russia, the plant was launched in 2002, in the Kostroma region. Laminate class 31-33, wall and ceiling MDF panels, plinths and finishing profiles under the Kronostar brand are produced. Main pluses: 1) A good selection of designs with a varied surface structure for collections of soothing classic shades. The thickness of the slab varies from 7 to 12 mm. Laminate from Krono differs in a classic set of shades without signs of eccentricity and aggression. Quite the opposite - these are calm tones with rare blotches of rich dark like Wenge or bog oak. The thickness of the products varies from 7 to 12 mm, but the size of the plates is standard - 1380 * 193 mm. 2) Classic locks for easy assembly:
3) Specifications correspond to the declared ones. Products from Kronostar differ in moisture resistance, resistance to foot traffic and burnout in accordance with Russian quality and safety standards. 4) Service life - up to 15 years. Minuses:
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 7.4 / 10 Rating Reviews Chose Kronostar laminate in the bedroom because of the price. The color is calm, it is assembled quickly, although one must be careful - after all, 7 mm is not 8 mm. The difference is felt, and defective trims are sometimes found. The rest of the laminate is inexpensive and good, there are no complaints about the floor.
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More than 8 years ago, the Russian concern RBK launched a unique investment project - the construction of a plant for the production of laminate flooring with traditional decors, but unusual structural embossing - like natural leather. For almost 6 years now, exotic laminate has been confidently in demand, and the line is constantly expanding. Main pluses: 1) 9 bright, extravagant collections of classic and rich shades. Laminate Ritter is produced exclusively in the 33rd and 34th class, the thickness of the products is 8.4-12.1 mm. At the same time, the buyer can choose embossing under the skin of reptiles or craquelure, with silk-screen printing or the effect of a planed tree. 2) Master Lock system; Thanks to the hitch, quick assembly is ensured, and the additional wax treatment of the locks ensures the moisture resistance of the joints. 3) Availability of certificates of conformity to GOST R. 4) Guarantee - up to 30 years. Minuses:
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 7.0 / 10 Rating Reviews We chose a snakeskin-like laminate - the assembly looks elegant, albeit somewhat unusual. But on a dark surface, the joints are still visible, and the dust appears quickly, a little slippery, otherwise not bad.
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The history of the Fritz Egger GmbH & Co. is more than half a century old. During this time, a small chipboard company has grown into a concern that includes 17 factories in Austria, Germany, Great Britain, France, Romania and Russia. Almost everything necessary for the manufacture of furniture, interior decoration and, of course, laminate is produced - from paper-laminated plastics to wood-based panels. The company produces laminated flooring of 31-33 classes both under its own brand Egger, and by order of some large enterprises and trade and commercial organizations. The main assortment includes a whole range of accessories for floor coverings, from decorative profiles to cleaning agents. Main pluses: 1) Decent selection of formats and designs for one-, two- and three-strip boards. 2) Creative from Egger - waterproof wood board. Egger Aqua + is one of the first coatings designed for baths and other wet areas. Thanks to special additives, an ultra-dense board and a special installation system, a waterproof floor is obtained. 3) Locking systems for better styling (patented).
4) Installation both on the floor and on the wall. Egger laminate flooring can be floated on the floor or fixed to the wall using thin studs. This is a good alternative to the classic pine or larch lining. 5) Certified for:
6) The warranty period is from 12 to 25 years. Minuses:
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 7.0 / 10 Rating Reviews We bought again Egger laminate (Russia), because in the old apartment it served without problems for almost 8 years. But this floor turned out to be worse - during the sawing, chips formed, locks exfoliated. When snapping in, it was necessary to additionally knock out the strips in order to seal the connection. Although I liked the design - after installation, the joints are not visible at all, the surface is rough, non-slip.
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Laminate Kastamonu (Russia-Turkey) In 2012, in the river. Tatarstan holding HAYAT (Turkey) has launched the construction of one of the largest factories in the region - an enterprise for the production of laminated floor coverings under the Kastamonu Florpan trademark. In 2014the first trial batch was released, and since then inexpensive laminate has been in steady demand. Main pluses: 1) 7 collections in classic colors. The assortment includes laminate of 31-33 classes with a thickness of 6-8 mm. The budget product is available in over 60 decors with a smooth and textured surface. The dimensions are standard 1380 * 193 mm. 2) Uniclic lock system (Quick-Step patent); The ease of assembly and tightness of the connections is ensured by a simple but effective click format coupling. 3) Affordable price. 4) Guarantee - up to 15 years. Minuses:
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 6.0 / 10 Rating Reviews I bought a laminate because of the price, but it turned out that the shades are slightly different in different batches. I took it back, chose from one series. The master assembled it quickly, in 1 day, but said that the floor would not last long, 6 mm is too little for a floor covering.
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The best laminate manufacturers from the PRC and together with the PRC
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Laminate Floorwood (China-Belarus-Russia-Belgium) The German concern Floorwood MF-group GmbH launched the production of laminate flooring under the brand of the same name more than 10 years ago. Initially, all products were manufactured at factories in Belgium and Germany, then factories were opened in Belarus and Russia. But in the past few years, almost all orders have shifted to Chinese factories, where strict quality control is still exercised. The Belgian plant produces 2 collections, 3 more - at the Russian one. Main pluses: 1) More than 16 constantly updated collections. Florwood laminate flooring 32-34 grades, 8-12 mm thick, boasts one of the richest sets of shades, structural solutions and surface options. The range includes both shortened planks and long or extra-wide boards, with and without bevels. Of particular interest are designs for artistic parquet and porcelain stoneware. 2) Connection kits:
3) Certification in accordance with Russian quality and safety standards (GOST R and others). 4) Warranty - up to 25 years. Minuses:
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 8.0 / 10 Rating Reviews The best laminate and insanely beautiful, rich color plus a convenient lock - I assembled it myself quickly and without any difficulties. The chamfer looks great, but the wife complains that it is difficult to clean.
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Laminate Goodway (China-Russia) Chinese-made laminate flooring made a big splash in 2009. It was something new and interesting - the collections are timed to the traditional styles of different countries. For example, the English series is composed of soothing shades and a classic single-strip board with a slight embossing. On the contrary, the Arabic line is a rich palette in a luxurious inlaid parquet, where each element is highlighted with the help of an extruded U-shaped chamfer. Several years ago, in order to make products more accessible, two collections began to be produced in the Russian Federation - these are Norway and Russia. Main pluses: 1) 7 collections of 5-12 designs each. Laminated parquet Goodway of 33-34 classes is produced in a thickness of 8-12 mm. Buyers can choose from both standard planks and art parquet imitation. A characteristic feature of the entire laminate is 3D embossing, which creates the effect of a volumetric floor. 2) Glueless assembly joint system:
Both types allow you to quickly form a "floating type" floor, and if necessary, dismantle and reassemble. 3) Certification according to Russian GOST R. 4) Guarantee - up to 30 years. Minuses:
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 6.5 / 10 Rating Reviews I bought it because of the class, but I'm afraid it won't last for the declared 30 years. When assembling, not all the planks fit tightly, because the slabs are not cut quite evenly, there are deviations in size.
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The laminate of the presented manufacturers is popular with Russians, but everyone will choose for himself such a floor covering that will meet his requirements for quality, price and appearance. We hope that the manufacturer's rating and a short overview of the best products will help you with your laminate purchase. Remember that in addition to this article, you can always take advantage of the advice of specialists in the store where you decide to purchase laminate flooring.
Happy shopping!
Attention! The reliability of the information and the results of the ratings is subjective and does not constitute advertising.
In order to objectively judge which laminate is better to choose for an apartment, it is important to understand the features of the structure and characteristics of this floor covering, as well as its classification. The reason for complaints about the durability and reliability of this material is often the wrong choice, as a result of which the laminate wears out and loses its attractive appearance faster. Another important point affecting the functionality of the laminate is the quality of the installation, so it should also be given due attention.
Pros and cons
The choice of a laminate for an apartment as a floor covering is often due to the fact that, despite the visual similarity (for boards of good quality from well-known manufacturers, there are virtually no external differences) with parquet, this covering costs much less and does not require as much maintenance as is necessary for an elite wooden floor. class.
The advantages of laminate flooring include:
- ease of installation,
- ease of repairing damage from mechanical impact (scratches, dents, etc.),
- duration of operation,
- environmental friendliness (E1 marking must be present),
- hygiene (the material does not allow bacteria to accumulate and actively multiply on the surface),
- hypoallergenic,
- a wide range of applications.
Laminate in the kitchen
Important: Only with the right choice of coating, taking into account all the nuances of operation, can we expect it to meet the declared qualities.
Cons of laminate:
- susceptibility to moisture, the ability to deform when water enters the coating,
- swelling and blistering of the surface due to improper installation,
- the appearance of a squeak when laying boards on an uneven surface.
It is recommended to wipe up liquid spilled on the laminate immediately, although there is now an assortment of moisture-resistant coating of this type
A significant part of the shortcomings is the result of violations of the laying technology. Some disadvantages can be made less noticeable by choosing the appropriate type of material and providing it with the right care. For example, adhesive laminate is more resistant to moisture, and it is possible to reduce the susceptibility to moisture of any kind of floor covering of this type by using special impregnations and mastics.
Material structure
Which laminate to choose for an apartment is determined by many factors. The structure of the material of all classes is practically the same.
- The basis of each board is a fibreboard, in the production of which wood-based materials are mixed with a bonding composite and pressed with simultaneous heating. The result is a high density and durability of laminate boards.
- A decorative layer is applied on top of the base - a film or special moisture-resistant paper with an image imitating the texture of wood, marble, other natural materials, or with a fantasy pattern.Thanks to this layer, the laminate (photos in the interior of the apartment can be easily found on specialized sites) can be anything, which makes it possible to accurately select the color and pattern of the floor covering in accordance with the overall design.
- The topmost layer is a protective laminated coating that increases resistance to wear and other external influences.
- On the other side of the base, the lowest stabilizing layer is placed to protect against moisture that may emerge from the floor slabs. This layer also protects the laminate from deformation and increases its rigidity.
Laminate structure
Panel thickness
The commercially available laminate boards are 6-12 mm thick. When deciding how to choose a high-quality laminate for an apartment, take into account that the cost of boards with a greater thickness is higher, all other things being equal. At the same time, thick laminate boards have more reliable locks, and their installation is more convenient and easier. The insulating properties of the coating also increase in proportion to the increase in panel thickness.
Classification
Each class of laminate meets certain technical characteristics and is assigned after an 18-step test. The class designation can be numerical or alphanumeric.
- Until recently, class 21, 22 and 23 coverings were popular. They were the most affordable and were produced for rooms with low traffic (minimum load on laminate boards). Now such a laminate is not produced due to its low strength and wear resistance.
- Today, when discussing which laminate to choose for an apartment, reviews note an affordable cost, combined with a fairly good quality for class 31 (or AC3) coatings. It is only important to remember that such boards are not suitable for offices and other premises with high traffic. For boards of this type to serve for a long time (up to 12 years), they need proper care.
- The coating of class 32 (AC4) can be considered universal, which can be used in premises for various purposes. The service life of such a laminate under different operating conditions differs significantly: in living rooms - up to 15 years, in offices - up to 5 years.
- For the repair of commercial premises, class 33 (AC5-AC6), recognized as extra durable, is often chosen. If you are considering class 33 as a solution to the question of which laminate would be better to choose for an apartment, you should know that in residential premises its service life reaches 20 years.
- Class 34 materials are expensive and built to withstand heavy use. Such coverings can be installed in dance and sports halls.
Dark laminate flooring in stone
What class of laminate to choose for an apartment is chosen individually, taking into account the nuances (the purpose of a particular room, the number of people living, the presence of pets, whose claws can damage the coatings of a low class).
Base for laminate
For those who do not know how to choose a laminate for an apartment, it will be interesting to know that the operational characteristics of the coating depend not only on the class of the selected board, but also on the installation method, including the presence of the base and its type.
The underlay is intended for leveling the floor in the presence of minor surface defects and provides additional sound insulation. When laying laminate, all types of substrates are laid end-to-end over the entire surface of the floor of the room, with the exception of gaps at the edges (a width of 1 cm is sufficient). The fixation of the substrate can be performed using construction staples, but their use in most cases is not justified, it is enough to use a special adhesive tape.
Distinguish between substrates of different materials:
- The most expensive option is natural cork sheets. They are environmentally friendly, have the best sound and noise insulation properties.
- A budget type of substrate is polyethylene foam, the advantages of which are biological resistance (mold does not appear, does not contribute to the growth of bacteria) and moisture resistance. The insulating qualities of polyethylene foam also meet the requirements. Due to such a combination of qualities, polyethylene foam substrates are popular, but their disadvantage is crushing under mechanical stress, and such a deformed and compacted polyethylene foam partially loses its advantages.
- Composite substrates are made in combination, in which natural cork is combined with bitumen or rubber. Such an improvement made it possible to obtain a material of the middle class, which applies to both its qualities and cost.
Laying laminate on natural cork backing
Connection methods
There are two types of laminate panels according to the connection method.
Adhesive coating
For the installation of such boards, special adhesives with a short drying time are used. Adhesive is applied around the perimeter of each panel. Such a laminate is cheaper, which, however, in most cases does not imply a reduction in the total cost of installation. The installation of adhesive laminate requires skills, therefore, in order to avoid the risk of deterioration in the quality of the coating due to installation errors, it is advisable to use the services of professionals. In addition, the purchase of glue is required. All this leads to increased costs, negating the savings in the purchase of material.
At the same time, adhesive panels have certain advantages. If you are deciding how to choose the right laminate flooring for an apartment without gaps, this kind of coating will be the best option. The disadvantage of adhesive panels is the impossibility of dismantling. In the presence of such a floor covering, it is difficult to repair the "warm floor" systems; it is almost impossible to replace the damaged section of the laminate.
Glueless laminate
The panels of such a coating are interconnected without the help of glue, due to the special design of the boards, depending on the type of which they are divided into two types:
- Lock panels have locks, the elements of which are driven into each other during installation. This coating is recommended for laying on perfectly aligned surfaces.
- Click panels allow slight unevenness of the base and are connected using snap locks. Click panels are more expensive, but they are easier to install and much more convenient.
Lock laminate on polyethylene foam backing
All glueless laminate flooring can be dismantled if it is necessary to transfer the coating to another room, repair the "warm floor" systems or replace damaged boards. The disadvantage of snap-joint laminates is the higher sensitivity to moisture due to the permeability of the joints. When moistened and then dried, the boards change in size, due to which the size of the gaps increases. As a result, the performance of the coating decreases, its appearance deteriorates.
Thus, the best laminate flooring for an apartment can be both glued and glueless - each type has its own advantages. It is important that the quality of the materials matches the requirements as much as possible in a particular case.
Manufacturers and brands
Among the reliable, but affordable laminate coverings, panels of brands are noted:
- Kronostar,
- Klassen,
- Kronospan,
- Kronotex.
When determining which laminate flooring company is better to choose for an apartment, you should know that the products of many well-known manufacturers have their own characteristics:
- The Egger brand (Germany) uses an improved click-lock system, providing maximum ease of installation. Plates from this manufacturer are highly durable.
- Thanks to improved production technology, the manufacturer Tarkett has achieved a laminate life of 15 years or more.
- Quick Step laminate (Belgium) has maximum durability in moderate use. Pergo (Sweden) has developed and introduced into production special convenient smart-lock locks for joining laminate panels.
- Experts recommend when choosing to pay attention to Balterio brand products from a manufacturer from Belgium. The brand is not very well known, so the materials are affordable (there is no “markup” for the brand), but they are of high quality and reliability.
Considering all the above information, information about the structure, classification, pros and cons of flooring, you can understand how to choose the right laminate floor for an apartment, which factors are considered decisive and which are secondary.
Photo
Here we have selected several photos of laminate flooring in the interiors of apartments and private houses.
