The right choice of flooring, or what the class of laminate means
INThe choice of laminate flooring is a responsible business. The market abounds in offers that differ in price and quality. It is important not to make a mistake and understand what the laminate class means, and in what conditions one or another can be used. This is what we decided to figure out today, because everything is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. Where you can save money, and where you shouldn't, we'll figure it out.
Laminate in the interior
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What is a laminate grade?
Laminate is a floor covering that consists of four layers:
- 1 - stabilizing;
- 2 - carrier;
- 3 - decorative;
- 4 - top layer, it can be melamine or acrylic resin.
The ability of the coating to withstand damage and all sorts of loads will depend on how high-quality, what type in general, and the thickness of the laminate. Although modern coating models imply the imposition of another important function on the top layer - it is to provide decorative coating. Increasingly, you can see laminate flooring in the assortment of manufacturers, which has characteristic irregularities under the cut of a tree.
Laminate layers
The class of the laminate means durability, and this is the main thing that you should pay attention to when choosing it. Having learned what the class of laminate means, you will be able to navigate what period it will delight you in the interior. The class of the laminate characterizes the period at which it will be able to maintain its appearance, despite the impact on it of various types of load.
It is determined by the method of conducting numerous tests, there are 18 of them in total, including compliance with European standards, according to which laminated coatings are divided into two groups, namely:
- Commercial flooring.
- Floor coverings for home use.
What do the markings on the laminate box mean?
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What is DPL and HPL
On the packaging, you may notice this designation: DPL or HPL are different technologies for the production of laminate. The type of protective layer will depend on them, which is of key importance in determining the class of the laminate.
DPL technology or direct pressing - this means that the top layer looks like a decorative, but protected coating, it is pressed simultaneously with the main and bottom. This technology is most often used in "home" laminates.
HPL or high pressure technology is the top two layers. The first is kraft cardboard and protective - decorative. The top is pressed separately, and this takes place at a high temperature. Only then is the connection to the base plate and the bottom layer. Such a laminate can resist abrasion much more efficiently than made using the first technology, and this is what it is called commercial.
21 and up
The first number will be 2 for a household or so-called home laminate. It is based on a 6-7 mm plate. Such a laminate is cheaper, there is a division into three groups: 21, 22, 23.
21 is a laminate that has the lowest wear resistance among all household products. Its service life is limited to two goals. It does not have a reliable protective layer. This means that its laminated qualities quickly deteriorate, that is, color is rapidly lost, and it is easy to see scuffs through the decorative layer. It can be installed in a place where the appearance of the floor covering does not really matter, for example, in a storage room or utility room.
22 - slightly stronger than the previous one. But if you have a large family or often have guests, then you should not choose it. It is suitable for bedroomsif it only serves as a place to spend a night's rest. Its appearance will last for two to three years, and if you put a carpet on it, then even longer.
Laminate in the bedroom
The 23rd class is suitable for laying in any premises in the house, but only if they have low traffic. Its service life is limited to four years, and it is able to withstand intense loads within a private house.
31 and up
In commercial conditions, a laminate with a 3 at the beginning can be used from 3 to 6 years, but manufacturers give a 10-year warranty on their product. It should also be understood that such a period is ready to provide only if it is used in a domestic environment, that is, for home.
31 is the most affordable commercial laminate and can handle light loads. It has average wear resistance and moisture resistance. In an office environment, it can be used for up to three years, but if you lay such a floor, for example, in a bedroom, then you are guaranteed at least 10 years without changing the coating.
Laminate in the kitchen
32 - has a high consumer performance and aesthetics. It can be installed in a commercial environment under moderate load conditions. Then the service life will vary from three to five years. This class is great for home use, and in high-traffic areas such as a kitchen, a corridor, hallway, in addition, it can be operated without loss of appearance for up to 15 years. It is the most popular solution for both home and office.
33 is the most durable and reliable. Its durability in a commercial environment with an intense load is 5-6 years, at home - up to 20. The appearance is beyond praise, it is an excellent choice. It is characterized by a high coefficient of wear resistance and a large lamella thickness, which makes it "quiet". Now you probably will not have the question "laminate 33 class what does this mean?"
Commercial use of laminate
34 - laminate phantom. This class has not yet been approved, it is under development. The scope of its use is supposedly planned exclusively for commercial purposes, since it will have the best indicators of wear resistance - this is the standard of the new century. It is assumed that it can be installed even in supermarkets, shopping centers, hotels and train stations.
The prospect of using the 34th grade laminate flooring
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Manufacturers decide everything
Finding out the class of laminate is not only choosing the correct numbers on the package, but choosing the right manufacturer. What does it mean? As we have already mentioned, the laminate must comply with European standards in terms of abrasion, impact resistance, moisture resistance, sound insulation and other important indicators. You already know what the numbers mean, but today European manufacturers are launching into production only the 31st, 32nd, 33rd classes. Here the designation of the upper protective layer is AC 3, 4, 5, 6.
But Asian manufacturers, as always, want to save money, and their 33 grade laminate flooring won't mean the same as European grade 33. Moreover, the situation may be absurd, that is, the budget laminate will have an AC 5 coating, and an expensive one on the basis - 32. For example, covered with a cheap layer.
How to use different classes of laminate
conclusions
What does the class of laminate mean, they told what else to pay attention to when choosing - too. Now it's up to you, but note that it is better to pay more straight away and buy a commercial laminate than to change your household one every two years.
Video: what is a laminate class?
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