Laminate parquet, according to experts, accounts for about 10% of sales on the flooring market, which is not so little. What attracts potential buyers to laminate is its ease of installation and operation, as well as its low cost and wide variety of designs.
Laminate parquet – is it parquet?
It’s hard to figure out where the termite “laminated parquet” came from. However, this phrase misleads many consumers. Firstly, real parquet is not laminated; to protect it there is varnish, mastics and oils, and secondly, with real parquet you laminated coating there is nothing in common except appearance. And even that is only a skillful fake - the top, decorative layer, creating a beautiful picture, is often made of special paper or furniture foil, which is given the desired look.
Real parquet flooring is made entirely from solid pieces of wood, each floorboard is cut and planed in accordance with the right size. The drawing we see is a real drawing of a tree. When choosing parquet or laminate, keep in mind that the former can be scraped and sanded, coated with varnish or mastic, which cannot be done with laminate.
The fact is that laminate consists of 4 layers. The top one protective layer, consists of high-strength resins, melamine or acrylic. This lamination gives the coating its name. The protection is transparent, so many people ignorantly confuse it with varnishing, but the varnish coating membrane is much less durable. Besides, protective covering on a laminate can be composite - consist of several elements, each of which will be responsible for specific task: moisture repellent, wear resistance, resistance to ultraviolet radiation and dirt.
Under the protective layer is the same decorative layer that we wrote about above. By the way, manufacturers reproduce not only wood patterns, but also many other, more original ones, for example, the colors of a chessboard or a sandy coast. The thickest layer, the core of the laminate, is a supporting layer of high-strength chipboard or fiberboard. And underneath there is a bottom covering, paper impregnated with resins, which protects the core from moisture.
Taking into account the fact that chipboard is made from the same wood, the content of this natural material in the laminate can reach 95% for US and European manufacturers and about 50% for Chinese products. But, nevertheless, this does not make the laminate a parquet - it is most correct to call it laminated flooring, or simply laminate.
If you are looking for something between parquet and laminate, pay attention to parquet boards - not to be confused with parquet made from solid wood.
In the second case we are dealing with expensive coating, the creation of which takes a lot of wood - the floorboards have big sizes and fully reflect the pattern of the wood core. The production of parquet boards requires much less wood. The fact is that it consists of three layers: the bottom and middle layers are made of inexpensive coniferous species, but the top one is made of valuable wood.
Its thickness is only 3-4 mm, so it can be repaired using standard methods only once. Well, if it lasts at least 20 years, it won’t be enough for more. But it is as easy to install as laminate, and can even be moved to another location. This is convenient if you decide to do minor repairs V rented apartment– when you move out, you can take the cover with you.
Parquet – how is strength determined?
In addition to mobility, laminate has other advantages. It does not need to be scraped, sanded or varnished - after installation, the surface is immediately ready for use. High quality laminate does not fade in the sun, and any stains are removed with a solvent. It is impossible to give an unambiguous assessment of environmental friendliness and safety, since different manufacturers use different technologies and components. However, if you wish, you can find a hypoallergenic laminate that is completely harmless to sensitive organisms.
Of course, for such a type of product as laminated parquet, there is GOST 4598-86, but it poorly reflects the truly important standards, and besides, certification of laminate flooring is considered voluntary. It is much more correct to focus on European system definition of the quality of laminated floors, which was adopted in 1999. According to this system, each class of coating is tested according to 18 tests for abrasion, resistance to scratches, resistance to aggressive substances, impact resistance, etc. According to the results, a verdict is made about belonging to one or another strength class.
However, most consumers know about only one such test - the Taber test. The question that is asked to the seller to find out about the results of this test is usually “How many revolutions?” The announced figure is for many an indicator of the strength of the laminate. How are these very revolutions determined and what is meant? The test is that front side The products are pressed against an abrasive wheel with special parameters that simulates wear conditions. Depending on how many revolutions of the circle the laminate can withstand before complete wear, the degree of its wear resistance is determined - usually the resulting figure ranges from 6,000 to 20,000 revolutions.
However, there are many “buts” in this test. Firstly, there is no universal grinding wheel and tool - each manufacturer uses the equipment that it considers correct (or profitable). That is, a Taber test of the same product different manufacturers may surprise you with completely different results.
In addition, during the test, the initial phase is first assessed in the form of an IP value (initial phase) - the resulting figure indicates the number of revolutions that lead to the appearance of the first signs of abrasion. Then the FP (final phase) value is determined - this is the final phase of the study, when the degree of wear has reached 95%. From these two values, the arithmetic mean (AT, TT or simply T) is calculated.
What exactly manufacturers indicate on price tags or price lists, one can only guess, since in most cases it is just a number without any letter designations. You have to rely only on honesty, because it will not be difficult for the manufacturer to correct the data, and it will be impossible to catch him in deception. For example, instead of the average value, the company will indicate the number of revolutions that fell during the final phase. It seems that she didn’t lie, but the information is no longer accurate.
Laminated parquet – strength classes
For ease of understanding and convenience European manufacturers introduced a classification of laminate flooring, which was adopted all over the world. The class indicates the degree of wear resistance determined by test results.
Thus, classes from 21 to 23 are intended for premises with low and medium traffic. For example, you can easily place class 21 in the bedroom, class 22 in the nursery, and class 23 in the kitchen or hallway. For office or retail premises, there are classes from 31 to 33. Class 31 is suitable for rooms with relatively low traffic volume, for example, a presentation room or assembly hall. Class 32 and 33 should be laid where laminated parquet will be subject to special loads.
In addition to the class, you should also pay attention to the warranty period, which can tell a lot. For example, if a manufacturer gives only 5 years for 31 classes, while a competing company gives all 10, this suggests that in the first case the parquet only performs minimum requirements for class 31, so the company is not too confident in its strength and durability.
Laying laminated parquet - simple precautions
Laying laminate flooring is no more difficult than assembling it the children's designer– panels are quickly and accurately connected to each other. It is much more difficult to prepare the base for the laminate so that it is as level as possible. Traditional concrete screed Only at first glance it is smooth, but when laying it, a lot of tubercles and pits will be revealed.
In such cases, it is recommended to lay a material under the laminate that could smooth out minor defects, for example, sheets of technical cork. The larger the defects, the thicker the sheets should be. If this does not help, self-leveling self-leveling floors will help level the surface. If the surface does not have a slope, then a layer of 2-3 millimeters is enough to smooth out the unevenness.
Don't be afraid to spend time preparing the surface, then you will save it on the simplicity and installation of the laminate itself. It is not recommended to lay it on an uneven floor - if a separate part vibrates due to a bump or falls into a hole, this will lead to breakage of the locks and compromised strength.
It is best to make such a coating floating, that is, not attach it to the base. Like any wood material, laminate also reacts to changes in humidity and temperature, so it can shrink or expand. Therefore it is important to leave small space between walls, pipes and end strips, at least 5 mm. If you want to lay the same fabric in all rooms, in any case, make transitional thresholds to avoid swelling of the floor.
Laminated parquet
Classic laminated parquet made to look like wood, but there are also brands that imitate stone - marble, granite, or carpets, tiles, as well as ornaments, patterns and abstract paintings.The result is a worthy analogue of parquet, preserving its main positive traits- environmentally friendly and distinctive pattern, but characterized by a lower price, increased strength, resistance to scratches and dents. And, importantly, it can be washed (although remember - laminated parquet, especially cheap ones, just like parquet, does not like water and does not need to be filled!).
Main properties of laminated parquet:
- abrasion resistance (abrasion resistance);
- impact resistance;
- resistance to scratches and cracks;
- immunity to stains;
- resistance to chemicals;
- resistance to ultraviolet radiation, fading (light fastness);
- heat resistance (heat resistance, resistance to the effects of a burning cigarette);
- environmental Safety;
- hygiene (ease of cleaning);
- ease of installation (assembly);
- thermal conductivity (possibility of laying on a heated floor).
Laminated parquet and its advantages
Laminate parquet is easy to maintain. There are no scratches or dents left on it from furniture wheels and ladies' stilettos (if this does happen, the defect can be easily corrected with special means). Even if a heavy object accidentally falls on it, it will not leave a mark. You can draw on the laminate and even roller skate. This is a waterproof, very warm and completely harmless coating, which is important for allergy sufferers. High temperatures also do not pose a threat to it - fallen ashes or cigarette butts, as well as heating devices will not harm him. Laminate is not afraid of stains. Even spilled paint or nail polish can be washed off with acetone without harming the laminate. Laminated parquet is easy to care for; it does not need to be sanded or polished; you just need to wipe it with a damp cloth.The advantage of laminated parquet is that it is very easy to install. Large plates are easily and without gaps adjusted to each other by “floating” laying, that is, they are fastened together using the “tenon in groove” principle. The high quality of the board joints ensures a tight, almost seamless fit to each other, and finished form the floor looks like a monolithic surface. But no matter how tightly the panels fit together, it is necessary to create protection from moisture: for this, the edges must be treated with a waterproof coating. Laminate parquet does not like water. Edges are the weak point of laminate. If there were violations of technological requirements during manufacturing, the edges will crumble. To protect yourself from buying defective products, opt for products from well-known companies (for example, laminate from Quick Step or laminate from Egger). Another disadvantage of laminate flooring is its fragility. Manufacturers estimate the lifespan of such a floor to be 15-20 years, but with intensive use it will last less. It is impossible to scrape off and re-varnish laminated parquet; it must be replaced with a new one.
Advice: When purchasing, pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations and the warranty period for the laminate.
For production cheap laminate apply cheap materials, and it will only last a few years. More expensive laminate lasts longer. The service life of a high-class wear resistance laminate is 15-20 years. Therefore, it is more profitable to buy this particular laminate. When choosing laminate for a particular room, remember its “classiness” and do not use laminate intended for the bedroom in the kitchen. Laminate flooring is more suitable for people who like to frequently change the appearance of their home or the home itself. But no matter what best quality there was no laminate, you must always remember that this is a laminate and it has little in common with parquet - except perhaps in appearance.
If you try to look Russian market laminated parquet flooring, the picture will be very colorful. Dozens of manufacturers offer endless combinations of names, colors, sizes, classes, not to mention prices. We will not try to describe all the unimaginable variety of colors and textures of hundreds of collections from dozens of manufacturers. It seems that there is no wood species in nature that manufacturers have not imitated laminate flooring. But there is also imitation of stone, metal, cork and even fabrics, not to mention absolutely incredible abstract designs, textures and combinations. Choose what you really like!
Or simply - it is nothing more than an artificial parquet substitute. He has the smallest number disadvantages compared to other types of parquet flooring, if you do not take into account the artificiality of its origin. Laminate is heat resistant. If a lit cigarette falls on the floor, not the slightest stain will remain on the laminate. It removes stains from coffee, wine or nail polish with ease. You can place heavy furniture on it without fear that characteristic dents will appear on the floor over time. Laminate does not fade in the sun and perfectly imitates almost any type of flooring: parquet, ceramic tiles, abstract patterns. And most importantly, its flooring does not require special skills and can be done in a matter of hours. From this point of view, laminate is “a real breakthrough into the future.” However, it is worth adding that all of the above advantages relate to quality and higher.
Despite the external similarity, laminate has a more complex structure than conventional plastic panel. A slab of laminated parquet consists of four layers. The bottom layer is a melamine base impregnated with resin and coated polymer material. It protects the floor from moisture. The middle layer, or core, is made of fiberboard. It bears the main load and is responsible for the durability of the coating. A decorative layer is applied on top of it - a printed pattern that determines the “species” and “color of the wood.” And finally, on top of the structure, pressed with high temperature And high blood pressure, covered with a layer of durable laminate. It protects against scratches and mechanical impact.
The basis of the laminate is load-bearing slab with water-repellent impregnation, which comes in three types: MDF - medium-pressed fiberboard; HDF - a board of the same structure, but with a higher degree of compaction; and the third connection, the most durable, is a composite of wood-shaving structure, which in Russian is most often referred to as chipboard. The bottom layer of the laminate serves to compensate for the stress that occurs on the slab after applying subsequent layers.
As for colors, the most popular are imitation wood or ceramic tiles. Companies that produce, as a rule, offer the buyer three or four color plates. Larger decor manufacturers may have several dozen.
When comparing laminate with natural parquet, except increased wear resistance It is worth noting the ease of installation of the first one. When laying laminate flooring, there is no need to free up the entire area of the room, since the work can be carried out in stages. Laminate flooring is laid using the so-called floating floor method, when the plates are not firmly attached to the surface, but, tightly joined to each other, are laid on a special floor, which, among other things, provides shock absorption and muffles the noise from footsteps.
There are two ways of joining laminate plates: adhesive and locking (“click”). The first method is more traditional. And it has an undeniable advantage - the glue that envelops the parts to be joined creates a guaranteed waterproofing of the floor. The castle method is now the most popular. Its main advantage is the ability to easily replace a damaged floorboard (though, in fairness, it should be noted that after 2-3 replacements, a gap may appear between the plates and then the floor insulation will be compromised). Taking into account all the nuances, many duplicate collections, releasing them with two different systems installation
Installing laminate flooring is very simple; all operations are accessible even to a non-professional, especially since the entire process is described in detail in the instructions. But sellers still recommend contacting specialized organizations. Firstly, you don’t have to spend money on specialized tools. And, secondly, with professional installation on a laminate floor, they provide a guarantee.
For real beautiful interior can be created in the house only if there is a good floor. Currently there are many various types floor covering. Among all this abundance, laminated parquet boards stand out.
It can be varnished or matte, imitating not only wood, but also marble or granite. It is possible that such a floor will have a chamfer-groove, as when laying a conventional wooden board. What type of this material to choose for housing and how to do it correctly? This is what this article will discuss.
What is laminated parquet?
The birthplace of this type of flooring is Sweden. It was in this Scandinavian country that laminate flooring was first manufactured. Now this material occupies a worthy place in the international market.
Laminate parquet is structurally reminiscent of a layer cake. The top layer is protective and is made of a high-strength film that is formed after processing the material acrylic resin. The process of applying a protective layer, which gives such products their name, is called lamination.
Let's watch a video about what laminated parquet is:
The coating can be either single-layer or multi-layer; it is also called composite. The top layer performs protective function– prevents aggressive effects environment on the material. It is resistant to moisture, it is not afraid of the sun's rays, it is resistant to abrasion, withstands pollution and is indestructible various substances household chemicals.
The importance of this layer is indicated by the fact that its quality determines the cost of the entire product. Even the hardest and valuable wood without protection it will become unusable in a couple of years. Under the film there is a decorative layer of special paper. It imitates certain tree species and wood structure.
Or displays the texture and color of some building materials:
- White stone
- Sand
- Graphite
- Diamond
It can resemble a chessboard or look like rusty iron, or anything, it depends on the imagination of the manufacturer.
Laminated parquet boards are very durable. Its basis is a supporting layer, which is made of fiberboard or chipboard. Fiberboards have extremely high density, due to which they have special strength and rigidity. They are able to withstand moisture and maintain their characteristics under significant temperature fluctuations.
The bottom layer of the laminate is paper impregnated with resins. Its main purpose is to protect the base layer from moisture and stabilize the entire board.
Main advantages
This flooring has many advantages over others, including over conventional solid wood or piece parquet. The most important difference is that laminated boards do not require a tedious and dusty sanding procedure. There is no need for additional sanding or subsequent varnishing of the floor.
Unlike natural parquet, laminate does not fade in the sun, and its protective surface does not become disfigured by cracks over time. Any stain can be easily removed from it without leaving any traces behind.
Classification and standards
Back in 1999, quality assessment standards for this type of flooring were created in Europe, which are still in effect today and are used in the production of laminate floors. All types of this material undergo mandatory tests for strength, wear resistance, sound insulation, ability to withstand mechanical damage and more, using a total of 18 tests. Based on their results, the laminate parquet board is assigned a certain class of use. It is usually indicated by a two-digit number.
Watch the video on how to choose the right coating classes:
According to the classification used in Europe, laminated parquet is divided into several classes, and this depends primarily on wear resistance. They can be divided into two groups: used for residential buildings and used in commercial premises.
The first includes:
- 21 – for the bedroom
- 22 – for a children's room
- 23 – for the kitchen, hallway, living room
The second group consists of:
- 31 – for low intensity use
- 32 – for medium intensity level
- 33 – with increased load
But when assessing the real quality of the flooring, you should also look at other parameters. Both the warranty period and the manufacturer play an important role here. So, for example, the floor of any Scandinavian manufacturer, belonging to class 31, will have guarantee period 10 years or even more, but those made in Poland or Russia are designed for only 5.
As practice shows, class 33 laminated parquet can withstand direct contact with water for a long time. But there are also products that can warp due to excess moisture. And in some cases, laminate flooring is cared for only with the use of special products.
Laminate thickness
This indicator indicates the strength of the product and allows you to determine the possibility of combination with the doors installed in the room. For living rooms It is advisable to choose a laminate with a thickness of 7-8 mm, but not less than 6 mm.
Floor lined with thin parquet board, will feel like a cold surface and in this case it is necessary to equip it with heating. But thick laminated parquet has only good reviews. It is wear-resistant, durable and is not afraid of prolonged loads from furniture.
Cutting the material
Each manufacturer himself determines what width and length his products will be. This explains that the laminated board has different sizes. And if you lay the flooring yourself, then you should choose not long and wide boards, but standard ones. It's much easier to work with them. If the floor installation is carried out by professionals, then the size of the parquet will not cause any difficulties for them.
Many people are interested in how long it will last laminate parquet. This depends on many factors, and first of all, on its characteristics, room traffic and warranty period.
For example, the most popular is considered to be 31 classes, laid in a room where there are high loads, and can last more than 3 years. And in ordinary apartment will please the owners for more than 10 years.
Laminated parquet of class 32 in an office will last about 5 years, and in a residential building it will withstand loads for 15 years. This flooring is an excellent option for both private homes and commercial premises.
When choosing a floor covering, it is very important to pay attention to the warranty period. And never buy laminate without a guarantee or with a period of only a couple of weeks. Even if it will be offered practically free of charge. In a very short time, such an advantage can turn into a large cost for the purchase of another flooring material.
High-quality laminated parquet, the price of which is higher than the market average, will serve you for a long time, and caring for it will not cause significant trouble. In order to navigate prices, just look them up on the Internet on specialized websites or on the official pages of manufacturers.
Many companies, in addition to several main collections, also produce several minor ones under the same brand. Their cost is lower than the main products, but the quality also leaves much to be desired. It is better to choose laminate from the main one model range manufacturer, this will ensure high quality coating and its long service life.
Conclusion
Don't be tempted to buy cheap laminate flooring. Remember that too low a price indicates an equally low quality. When making a choice, pay attention to the nuances highlighted above, and then, installed in your home new material for the floor will not only be reliable, but also attractive, and for a very long time.
Today there is a large selection of different floor coverings: linoleum, parquet and solid board, raised floor, carpet, corrugated flooring, laminated parquet, ceramic tile, various polymer and PVC coatings, etc. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the natural material of parquet floors has always attracted consumers more than others. Unfortunately, parquet has a significant disadvantage in the form of high cost and complexity of installation. Therefore, laminated parquet, which appeared about 25 years ago, has become a serious competitor to parquet flooring, thanks to affordable price and easy installation.
Modern flooring must be universal and inconspicuous, despite its importance, and meet the following requirements:
- strength;
- moisture resistance, non-flammability;
- durability;
- ease of installation and dismantling;
- smooth surface, without distortions or subsidence.
Also, specific requirements are imposed on coatings, depending on the purpose of the floor. For example, in the kitchen or bathroom the floor should have increased moisture resistance, and in the nursery it should be durable and warm. In addition to all this, any floor covering should be comfortable and pleasant in contact with the foot.
What is laminate?
Laminated parquet (in common parlance - laminate) is a coating made up of multi-layer panels. Each panel has a minimum of 4 layers:
- face covering, upper layer- this is tarred paper on which a decorative graphic image is applied;
- middle, which is the main layer, defining quality characteristics total coverage; as a rule, it is pressed wood;
- the balancing and moisture-resistant part is located under the main one and represents thin layer waxed cardboard or simply plastic, serves to balance the bending stress of the base;
- the bottom layer is soundproofing.
High-quality laminate consists almost entirely of natural materials, compressed wood, natural oils and resins, and has a glue-free design. The ease of installation is determined by the design of the panels in the form of a lock.
Advantages and disadvantages of laminate
In addition to the above, the advantages of this flooring include:
- abrasion resistance;
- resistance to crushing and pressure;
- resistance to impact, scratches;
- resistance to impact chemical substances and ultraviolet rays;
- resistance to thermal influences, non-flammability;
- ease of installation and further maintenance;
- environmental friendliness and thermal conductivity;
- large selection of textures;
- the ability to replace segments that have become unusable;
- relatively low price.
But, like any manifestation of this world, laminate has its drawbacks. The disadvantages of laminated coating are:
- low moisture resistance during prolonged exposure to moisture;
- disposability, lack of possibility of scraping and varnishing;
- lack of “warm floor” effect and sound insulation.
Types of surface layers of laminated parquet
In addition to the above, there are many combinations different types laminated parquet surfaces.
Laminated and classic parquet - what's the difference?
Classic parquet is natural coating floors with beauty and durability. In its production are used natural materials; wide choose different breeds wood, including valuable and expensive ones, meets any taste requirements. The luxury and “warmth” of the design give a special atmosphere; parquet flooring looks good in any room. The process of laying parquet is labor-intensive and requires skill; the coating requires careful care and attention, is subject to deformation and is afraid of moisture.
Laminated parquet differs from parquet in its ease of maintenance and installation, wear and moisture resistance. It's more a budget option floor covering.
What to pay attention to
Despite the noticeable difference in cost, you should not settle for too cheap laminate options, because, as we know, the miser pays twice. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the manufacturer's warranty. Lifespan of a good laminated parquet High Quality is 15 - 20 years.
If classic parquet installation does not tolerate non-professionals, then even an amateur can handle the laminated analogue. When choosing classic parquet it is necessary to focus on high-quality work, since a poorly laid coating can scare away not so much its high cost, but precisely its negligence and poor quality installation
Operation and care
As has already been noted more than once, laminated parquet is easy to maintain. You need to wash it with a well-wrung out damp cloth; after using specialized cleaning products, you need to wipe it dry. The best remedy For laminate flooring use a vacuum cleaner with a soft fluffy brush. Avoid prolonged contact of the coating with water, strong chemicals and scratching metal objects. The use of traditional wood care products, mastic and wax, is impossible for laminate, since the top layer impregnated with resin simply will not let them in. To restore damaged panels, it is recommended to replace them with similar ones from hard-to-reach places, for example, from under a wardrobe, or purchase new ones.
So, laminated parquet is a modern budget flooring option that has valuable qualities of strength and resistance to various external influences. Big choice textures and color options will provide the opportunity to realize the design of your dreams, and the ease of installation will allow you to participate in it personally.
