Laminate classification

14-04-2018

Laminate

To modern flooring impose a number of stringent requirements. Such a material should be resistant to abrasion and other mechanical stress, it is easy to tolerate exposure to direct sunlight and moisture, and also to have a pleasant appearance. But even within the same type of flooring there are differences in these parameters. So, worldwide laminate classification is applied. Depending on the properties of the material can be attributed to one category or another.

Principles of classification

Laminate Classes

In many countries of the world adopted the European classification of laminate. According to these requirements, the material passes eighteen various checks. According to their results, the floor gets its class. In total there are two main types of laminate:

commercial;
domestic.

Abrasion coefficient

Inside each of them there are three classes, each of which differs in durability, quality and other parameters. Each manufacturer independently conducts tests and determines whether its products belong to a particular class. Therefore, the same type of material from different companies may differ slightly in their properties. In total, as already mentioned, conduct 18 tests. Here are some of them:

abrasion resistance. Laminate flooring is the flooring, so it must withstand the "shuffling" of a large number of legs;
resistance to various loads (from installed furniture and other items);
impact resistance (must withstand the fall of various objects);
resistance to ignition;
on the delamination of the material;
the ability to transfer exposure to direct sunlight;
resistance to household chemicals;
anti-slip effect;
resistance to moisture;
the level of emission of harmful substances (formaldehyde).

After conducting all these tests on their products, the manufacturer determines the class of laminate.

For commercial premises

Commercial laminate is divided into classes 31, 32 and 33. The first of these are the cheapest. But this does not mean that it has poor characteristics. Laminate class 31 tolerates light load, it is placed in small office spaces. It is quite durable. When installing such material in rooms with low attendance (for example, in the bedroom), its service life will be ten years or more.

Additional properties

The next class of laminate is the most popular - its designation is 32. It is these models that are used in schools, shops, offices. For such a floor is characterized by a combination of decorative qualities and resistance to abrasion. In addition, this material is often moisture-resistant, treated with special impregnations.

The service life of laminate 32 classes over 15 years. Of course, this figure will significantly decrease when using laminate in commercial premises with a large number of customers.

Material used in commercial premises

The laminate of the 33 class differs in longer service life, and the most expensive laminate of the 34 class can be laid in bars and shops, even there it will withstand a ten-year service life. And if it is used in residential premises, it will last forever. But this class of laminate in the home is rarely used. Such a flooring is quite expensive, if it is the start of a major overhaul with the replacement of floors, then it would be a pity to throw out a still-usable laminate floor.

For residential premises

To decorate the floor in living rooms use laminate, the classification of which begins with the number 2. This flooring is intended for use in rooms with lower loads. It is characterized by less moisture resistance; a softer chipboard material is used for production. In connection with this, the overall lifetime is also reduced.

Laminate 21 class laid in the bedroom

Note! The most budget option is material of the 21st class. Such coverage will last 3-5 years. After the laminate will lose its decorative qualities, scuffs and other defects will appear. Such material is used in utility rooms where there are few people walking.

More resistant to mechanical stress, and hence, having a longer service life, laminate of the 22nd class. This coating is used in bedrooms and other rooms with low or medium permeability. He will not lose his qualities and appearance for 5–7 years. To extend the service life, it is recommended to cover the floor with soft materials (for example, carpets or carpets).

Laminate class 23 can take a long time mechanical loads, as well as exposure to direct sunlight and moisture, if it is made in a moisture-resistant design. You can even lay in the bathroom and in the kitchen, however, in these rooms it is unlikely to last longer than 7 years. In rooms with less traffic and without moisture, the coating can be used (with proper care) for up to 10 years.

Video

For more information about the classification of laminate and useful tips you can get by watching the video: