What class of laminate is better for an apartment?

Laminate is a new material widely used as a floor covering. In the process of its manufacture, impregnated compacted chips are coated with a special coating. Over time, potential buyers begin to wonder, and what class of laminate to choose for an apartment or other residential area? First of all, the choice of this material depends on the expected load and features of the room.

Based on the above criteria, the coating is divided into classes according to operational features. According to modern standards, a quality product must pass a series of tests on:

• strength;
• resistance to various loads;
• the appearance of spots of various kinds;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• антистатичность;
• interaction with moisture;
• quality of adhesion of coating layers;
• susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation;
• glide;
• lack of formaldehyde emissions.

Classes

Today in the construction market laminated coatings of several categories are more in demand.

Class 31. Этот тип профессионалы рекомендуют для комнат с небольшой общей нагрузкой, например, рабочий кабинет.

Class 32. Данная категория ламината подходит для помещений с увеличенной нагрузкой – гостиная, детская комната.

Class 33. Лучше использовать данный тип покрытия для помещений с высокой проходимостью. Его применяют в столовой или кухне.

Class 34. This is the most reliable type of laminate among all its varieties. It is ideal for the bathroom, bathroom and corridor.

Criteria

When buying a laminated material, it must be remembered that the wear resistance of low-cost counterparts is much lower than the products of well-known world companies. This is due to the fact that in both cases, different methods of phased verification of the material are used.

When purchasing laminate for your home, you need to be guided by one rule: the strength of the floor covering is calculated depending on the strength of the load in people / kg. It is also important negative impact of the external environment of the room.

Everyone understands that the load in the main room or in the corridor is much more than, for example, than in the bedroom or office. Also, the choice of the class of laminated coating is of course affected by the proximity of the room to the bathroom or sink. If water starts flowing at any breakage, the inexpensive laminate will swell and begin to deform, as it is not waterproof enough because of the cheap components it contains. After the class of the laminated coating is chosen, it is possible to determine its shade.

Note! An important factor when buying is the manufacturer and its reputation - this is the first indicator of the quality of any building material. The choice of laminate is not a race for cheap goods, which is sold with discounts and promotions. Buying inexpensive coverage, you can pay twice. Let's determine which class of laminate is better for an apartment. Consider them in order.

Class 31

Class 31 laminated flooring is a delicate material that will last you 10–11 years with proper care. It is used in rooms with low load.

Laminate of the 31st grade of transitional quality, because it can be laid both in offices and in apartments. Due to its attractive price, it is gaining popularity and crowding out other coatings from the market, for example, linoleum.

Technical features of this type of coating are:

• resistance to abrasion, except for the impact of office chair rollers;
• fire resistance and, accordingly, heat resistance. For example, a fallen cigarette or the cigarette itself will not leave a stain or trace, but you can completely forget about the fire;
• durability to scratches and various damages. Category 31 is characterized by low density, but resistance to loads and pressures.

You can use the laminating coating of the 31st class:

• in the bedroom or children's room;
• You can stack this type of laminate in areas with more traffic, but it will not last as long as it could.

Class 31 material is not protected from moisture, and therefore, it can not be used in the bathroom and other wet areas, where cleaning is constantly carried out.

Popular class 31 laminate manufacturers:

• Prime Line Evolution and Europe Line - Russia;
• Kronospan and Komfort Clic - Russia;
• Classen - Germany;
• Quick Step - Belgium.

Classical decors for ash, walnut, cherry, oak, wenge and merbau are ideal for the apartment.

Class 32

The laminated floor of the 32nd category is especially popular among potential buyers, because it meets all the requirements. This type of coating is designed for rooms with an average load, for example, dining, living room and will serve its owner with good care for about 15 years. If you lay him in the kitchen or in the hallway, he will lie less than 10 years.

Characteristics:

• good material strength (thickness from 7.5 to 9 mm);
• acceptable cost, which increases the popularity of this flooring;
• the assortment will surprise every buyer; the choice will be made by the most capricious customer;
• high-quality floor in the apartment;
• perfect resistance to abrasion and wear.

The laminate of the 32nd class is improved, processed by additional impregnation, equipped with locks, water-resistant and has a long service life. It can be safely compared with high-quality wooden parquet.

The main advantages of laminate:

• high noise and sound insulation, which creates a special comfort in the room;
• attractive appearance;
• resistant to various thermal and chemical influences;
• special film and impregnation does not allow dust to accumulate on the surface;
• affordable price;
• resistance to abrasion, wear and burnout on the sunny side of the room; cat's claws, cigarette and sharp heels will not leave scratches and stains on the surface;
• easy installation You can install such a floor yourself without the involvement of specialists.

Note! The leading manufacturer of the class 32 laminated product is Germany. The most famous world companies: Classen and Tarkett - №1 among other well-known companies. But it should be borne in mind that this product will cost much more than the Belgian and Russian material.

Class 33

Laminating flooring of the 33rd class is a reliable and strong floor for any room. Experts recommend using it for rooms with heavy loads, for example, in the hallway or kitchen. In this case, this type of laminate will last from 10 to 15 years. If you apply this type of coverage in other rooms, the service life may increase to 35 years. Famous companies provide a guarantee of quality with consistently attractive appearance.

Top quality laminate flooring is designed for heavy duty floors. It can even be used in gyms and fitness clubs, restaurants, cafes. The price of such a product is slightly higher than the coverage of the 32nd class, but at the same time each customer can be sure of the excellent strength and extraordinary beauty of the selected products.

Note! Class 33 laminate has good performance with an appropriate load, frequent washing, the effects of different temperatures, the effects of animal claws, sharp heels, furniture legs, etc.

The advantages of this type of laminate for an apartment:

• acceptable cost, which corresponds to product quality;
• floor strength and increased noise insulation due to the thickness of the material - up to 12 mm;
• recent resin treatment technologies with the addition of corundum;
• does not react to ultraviolet radiation;
• excellent anti-slip properties and fire resistance;
• the ability to use the material in bathrooms and in rooms of high humidity;
• reliable locks are covered with resin structures, which eliminates the swelling of the product in the area of ​​the seams.

Famous manufacturers of laminate class 33:

• Ritter and Tarkett - jointly Germany and Russia;
• Belgium - Berry Alloc;
• Russia - Sinteros and Kronostar;
• Germany - Classen;
• Germany and Norway - Maestro Clab.

Class 34

Class 34 laminate is a revolution in the production of this material. This type of lamination is designed for rooms with a high level of humidity and the largest load. Included components emphasize the moisture-resistant qualities of this type of laminate. With maximum exploitation, manufacturers give their customers about 50 years warranty.

The latest technology has led to the manufacture of super-durable coating, which is the benchmark for maximum durability and durability. Such parameters can be compared only with durable natural stone. The floor covered with laminate class 34, pleases its customers with its softness and lightness, but at the same time it can withstand heavy loads, while remaining beautiful, intact and durable.

What class of laminate is better for an apartment? It all depends on the preferences of the owner of the house. This type of flooring can withstand about 1000 people per day. And this is compared with the premises of the airport, train station, cinema, dance clubs and shopping centers.

The main advantages of laminate class 34:

• high anti-slip qualities;
• maximum strength;
• environmental friendliness, safety, antibacterial;
• service life is 50 years;
• moisture resistance of the material and locks;
• resistance to tremendous stress and scratches;
• fatigue and durability;
• ease of installation;
• ease of cleaning;
• resistance to temperature extremes and burning.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the laminate of each of the classes, you can safely choose the material depending on the type of loads in this room. The correct and balanced decision will bring comfort and warmth to your home.