Which laminate is best to choose
Recently, consumers are increasingly choosing laminate flooring. He is known in the construction market for over 40 years. During the entire existence of the laminate has undergone significant changes. So, the modern laminate made on the latest technologies, surpasses natural materials in the qualities. It is strong enough, reliable and durable.
The modern market of products is represented by a very wide range of laminate, so it is quite natural that the consumer is interested in which laminate is better to choose.
Coverage Features
- Easy assembly and ease of installation.
- Simple enough to care.
- It has a high level of protection against external damage.
- Does not pass moisture.
- It has a high level of thermal conductivity.
- It is presented by a wide model range.
Choosing a laminate
To select the best coverage option, you need to pay attention to the following nuances of the product:
- The mechanism of connection and latch panels.
- Marking of the product.
- Manufacturing firm.
- Degree of protection against moisture.
- Panel thickness
We connect laminate panels
Modern construction technology implies the absence of adhesive work when installing coating panels.
The connecting structure is represented by 3 types:
- The use of special additional structures for connecting panels.
- Whipping. Laminate panels are driven into each other. Many manufacturers refuse to use this method. Connecting parts in this way can break the panel and damage its surface.
- Castle connection. At a certain angle, the panels are inserted into each other and snap into place.
Coverage classification
There are several brands of products. The standard classification implies the following marking of the coating:
- For home use, you can purchase laminate with marking 21 or 23. It is quite tough and durable.
- Classification ranging from 31 to 32 involves the use of laminate at home, taking into account the increased loads.
- Marking 33 on the cover means that it can be used in office spaces and in crowded places.
- Classification 34 indicates a coating designed for use in rooms with increased loads (for example, sports facilities)
Choosing which brand to buy laminate, you need to familiarize yourself with its classification and choose the most suitable.
Main coverage categories
The flooring is subdivided according to the degree of its resistance to wet environments. To select the most appropriate type of coverage, you should consider its classification:
- resistant to moisture
- leaky.
When choosing a laminate category, it is necessary to determine in which room it will be used. So, in rooms with high levels of pollution and moisture (toilet or bathroom), a moisture resistant type of laminate is required. Rooms that are not exposed to moisture can be equipped with a non-waterproof laminate.
Main coating manufacturers
Which laminate manufacturer is recommended by leading experts?
There is its own hierarchy of coatings manufacturers:
- World market leaders.
- Manufacturers offering quality materials at affordable prices.
- Popular brands.
World leaders in production
There is a certain rating of world leaders - manufacturers of laminate flooring.
- Top-class coating from the Belgian manufacturer Quick Step. The highest European quality. High level of strength and durability. High price.
- Coverage from the Austrian company Kaindl Flooring. Environmentally friendly equipment. The covering completely copies a natural tree. The service life of the laminate is more than 30 years.
- Berry alloc. Country of origin - Belgium. The use of high technology in construction. High degree of resistance to moisture.
- Parador - German laminate. A wide variety of color solutions and design panels. The average lifetime is about 10 years.
- Balterio. Laminate high level. Modern characteristics. High price.
- Haro. Produced by a German company. It features a variety of models with different lengths of panels. Use imitation of massive wood.
Available and high quality coatings
If you do not know which company to choose laminate flooring, you should pay attention to middle-class manufacturers. They offer a wide range of quality products at an affordable price.
- EPI. Manufacturer - France. Aesthetic appearance. Does not affect the environment.
- Kronotex. Laminate from the German manufacturer. It is in a low price category. However, the coating is of high quality. Low level of moisture resistance and thermal conductivity.
Popular Laminate Brands
It is available to consumers of any class. Differ acceptable quality.
- Egger. German quality. Low price category. A limited number of colors and design solutions.
- Tarkett. Manufacturer - Russia.
The choice of material in terms of thickness
The degree of its thermal conductivity depends on the correctly chosen coating thickness. Laminate with a small thickness (6–7 mm) does not have soundproof properties.
Note! The average value of the coating thickness should vary between 11–12 mm.
Laminate with a large thickness is easy to use. The process of its installation does not require additional manipulations. Laminate of sufficient thickness has the highest characteristics of sound insulation.
When choosing a floor covering, it is necessary to take into account its main characteristics. Laminate, manufactured by European companies, meets international standards. When choosing a product should take into account the ratio of price and quality of products offered.