Currently, the popularity of laminate is constantly growing. Many people use this material to cover the floor, which successfully replaces natural wood in appearance and performance, but at the same time much cheaper and easier to install.
Laminate has a number of significant advantages:
A small number of disadvantages include worse thermal insulation properties compared to natural wood, accumulation of static charge, requiring additional processing by special means and the impossibility of using some types for heated floors.
Laminate has four main layers, each of which is designed to perform a specific function:
Depending on the thickness of the layers and the materials from which they are made, the result is a laminate that differs from each other in technological and operational characteristics. For ease of selection, it is broken down into classes. To do this, testing is carried out using eighteen evaluation criteria. The main ones are:
The first digit of the class indicates the area of application of the laminate: 2 - for home use, 3 - for commercial organizations. The second, with an interval from one to four, characterizes the intensity of the load; the greater it is, the higher the wear resistance of the coating. The laminate class is indicated on the product packaging and makes it possible to make right choice depending on the necessary requirements.
Currently, all types of laminate are divided into seven main classes. The higher the class, the stronger and more durable the floor covering. When arranging a particular room, the question arises of how to choose the right laminate. First, you need to determine the possible attendance of the home and its purpose. For an apartment, you can use classes 21-23, but for offices with high traffic volumes and, therefore, increased loads, you should choose classes 31-34, which are more durable and wear-resistant.
The lowest classes 21 and 23 are designed for use in rooms with low traffic; they can be used for flooring in a bedroom or nursery. But their popularity, despite low price, becomes less and less every year due to its short service life. Class 23 is more suitable for the kitchen, as it has higher resistance to moisture and good abrasion resistance. IN modern apartment Preference is given to class 23 for all premises.
In the office visited a small amount people, class 31 coverage is applied. These could be reception areas or meeting rooms. This means that for medium and high load rooms you should use laminate of classes 32 and 33. They are usually used to lay floors in large stores and enterprises. Catering, in the corridors and halls of various institutions. Class 34, which appeared relatively recently, can also be used there, as well as its effective use on dance floors and other places with increased surface friction.
In addition to the class, you also need to pay attention to the thickness of the coating, the connection of the locks, the manufacturer and design. The thickness of the laminate is important indicator when choosing it for an apartment, as it determines not only strength, but also sound absorption. The complexity of the assembly depends on the type of lock, the quality of the product depends on the manufacturer, and the design determines the appearance of the floor and the entire apartment as a whole.
IN public spaces The floor covering is suitable for use for 3-6 years. Currently, for the production of all classes of laminate, including for commercial use, materials are used that do not harm human health, which means they can be used in an apartment or private house. The service life is increased to 10 years.
Let's consider four classes of laminate intended for public premises:
For home use laminates are used that have a shorter service life and lower cost.
There are three classes of household laminates:
Determining which class of laminate is best for a given space can only be done by carefully studying the available types of coating and their characteristics, as well as taking into account the purpose and functions of the room.
In addition to classes, laminate is divided into types according to the following characteristics:
The choice of color and texture depends on the wishes of the consumer and must correspond general style and room design. It should also be taken into account that if the laminate is used for heated floors, then a special type of coating should be selected that will facilitate the passage of heat and withstand elevated temperatures.
Modern finishing materials make it possible to make any room not only comfortable and practical, but also beautiful. At the moment, laminate is one of the best options for home.
But the presence of so-called wear resistance classes in this coating misleads many. Everyone is trying to buy coverage best quality(for example, class 33 laminate), without paying attention to expediency.
The classic structure of the laminate contains 4 main layers:
If we talk about a simple, classic definition, then the class of a laminate is an indicator of the wear resistance of its surface. The higher the class, the stronger and more durable the coating.
But let’s make a reservation right away: you don’t always need the most durable laminate. We'll talk more about this later in the article.
The class is determined using the Taber test. This is a device on which a square laminate die is installed and, using special attachments with abrasive material, in a circular motion wears off the top coat. Accordingly, the more revolutions the device makes before complete abrasion, the higher the class:
But high wear resistance is not always an advantage, because... high-quality coatings also have their disadvantages, for example, low environmental friendliness.
Of course, the most common type of premises in which laminate is used is residential (apartments, houses, cottages). Let's decide which class is worth paying attention to in this case.
For home use Class 32 is best suited, and there are a number of objective reasons for this:
Commercial premises include any premises where there are always a lot of people, everyone wears shoes, and any equipment or tools may fall on the floor. Laminate is excellent for “status” organizations, because... This coating perfectly imitates the most noble types of wood. This means that owners of shops, restaurants, hotels and various offices should pay more attention to the class of laminate flooring.
Typically, class 33 is suitable for most such purposes. However, there are nuances here: materials can be cheap and expensive. In more expensive panels, attention is paid not only to the top protective covering(which defines the class), but also on specifications and density inner plate. This greatly affects the resistance of the laminate to heels and chairs with thin legs. You also need to pay attention to moisture resistance - if the room will be walked in street shoes, it is better to choose the most protected coating.
Class 34 laminate is suitable for premises where there is some kind of production or in very crowded places. For example, in some airports you can find laminate of this class on the floor. The manufacturer is also very important here; European brands are considered to be of high quality ( for example Alloc from Norway). Chinese brands do not always objectively assess their quality, labeling their products with class 34, but not reaching this level.
As a result, when answering the question of which class of laminate to choose, we recommend that you do not chase the class and expensive price, evaluate the characteristics that you really need, read reviews about the selected brands and make the right purchase.
Choice flooring Experts strongly recommend starting with such a parameter as the wear resistance class of the laminate. Let's figure out what it is and how it affects the characteristics finishing material.
Laminated parquet is a multi-layer decorative finishing coating obtained by pressing under high pressure. Consists of (from top to bottom):
1. Overlay
This is a transparent layer of high-strength polymer resins (melamine, acrylic, etc.). The quality, thickness, hardness and impact resistance of the film determine laminate parameters such as hygiene, resistance to moisture, abrasion and impact loads, as well as service life flooring material. Depending on the design of the collection, the overlay can be:
It is a special paper with a pattern applied to it using high-precision printing. Decors can be very diverse: imitation parquet, solid boards, palace wood, ceramic tiles, natural stone, fabrics and much more.
European premium laminate manufacturers add another layer to this layer - kraft paper, which is pressed with a decorative layer and overlay. This technology significantly increases the strength characteristics of the finished lamellas. The technique is called HPL (High Pressure Laminate).
3. Carrier board
This is the basis of any laminated parquet. Standard thickness– from 6 to 14 mm. It consists of the plate itself and a tongue-and-groove locking set of the “Click” or “Lock” type. Thanks to this, the laminate quickly and easily assembles into a single, monolithic, even sheet without differences or cracks.
To increase the moisture and water resistance of joints, manufacturers treat locks with special polymer (AquaStop, AquaResist) or paraffin (Wax) compounds.
Such characteristics as the level of resistance to compression, bending, and tension loads depend on the density and cross-section of this layer. Simply put, this means what weight is acceptable for the coating, how long the laminate can withstand intense foot traffic, etc.
Available in two types of fiberboard:
4. Base or stabilization layer
It is formed from paper impregnated with synthetic thermosetting resins. Designed to protect the lower part from moisture and prevent deformation of the slats. In addition to the tread, it also has an informational function, since the base layer often indicates the production date and batch number, as well as the brand name and registered trademark.
According to the European standard DIN EN 13329, the laminate has a three-layer structure:
For the average person this information insignificant. However, professionals understand that this is a laminate of the DPL series (Direct Pressure Laminate - direct pressure laminated coating). The difference from HPL is that the top and bottom layers are immediately, directly pressed onto the supporting base. Most factories use this technology, including Chinese, Russian and inexpensive European brands.
For those wishing to install parquet in rooms with high levels of humidity (bathrooms, dining rooms, laundries, etc.) waterproof laminate PVC. The difference with the traditional one is that a slab of composite super-hard plastic acts as a supporting board. The cost of such a coating is high, but it can replace porcelain stoneware or floor ceramics and decorate the entire area of a house or cafe in the same style.
Waterproof laminate based on PVC composite.
Laminate flooring differs in two main parameters:
Let's take a closer look at the last criterion. The wear resistance class of a laminate is a quality category that determines the possibility of using a finishing material in commercial and domestic conditions, as well as its service life.
The European standard EN 13329 "Components with a surface layer based on aminoplast thermosetting resins - characteristics, requirements and test methods" contains full information about methods for determining and calculating the load class. This document almost corresponds to the Russian analogue of GOST 32304-2013 “Laminated floor coverings based on dry-process fiberboards. Technical conditions".
The European standard includes the following list of tests for samples:
Device for conducting Taber tests.
After all the tests have been carried out, the main characteristics of the laminate are determined and a load class is assigned to it. Moreover, preference is given to the lowest results, even if the difference is tenths. This means that if, according to the results of one inspection, the coverage corresponds to category 31, and according to the others - 32, then it is assigned a lower class.
The first test is taber-test or determining the degree of abrasion of the overlay. To carry it out, a special unit with a grinding wheel or friction rollers with a glued ring made of high-density rubber is used.
The results are determined by the number of revolutions and are divided into 7 groups or abrasion classes:
Table 1. Abrasion class of laminated floor coverings according to GOST 32304-2013.
The abrasion class determines where exactly the laminate can be used. More detailed information is given in the table below.
table 2. Areas of use of laminated coatings by class.
| Load class | Pictogram | Room type | Application intensity | Examples | Life time |
| 21 |  |
Residential | Moderate (occasionally) |
Bedrooms, guest rooms | 10 years |
| 22 |  |
Residential | Living rooms, dining rooms | 10 years | |
| 23 |  |
Residential | Intensive | Stairs, corridors, kitchens | 10-12 years |
| 31 |  |
Commercial | Moderate (occasionally) |
Hotel rooms, offices | 10-15 years |
| 32 |  |
Commercial | Normal (for frequent use) | Receptions, shops | 15-20 years |
| 33 |  |
Commercial | Intensive | Shopping centers, schools | 20-30 years |
| 34 |  |
Commercial | Reinforced (especially difficult conditions) | Industrial facilities | Up to 40 years old |
Let us explain why the abrasion criterion is most important for buyers. The floor covering must withstand not only foot traffic (including walking barefoot, in slippers, outdoor shoes with heels), but also abrasive loads: dust, small debris (sand, soil particles), animal claws, etc. Over time, under the influence of these factors, the overlay becomes thinner and the laminate becomes unusable. There is no need to be scared - the service life varies from 10 to 30 years and depends, of course, on many other parameters. For example, laid in front front door the dirt-proof mat of the “grass” series, as well as the presence of protective pads on furniture legs, increases this period for class 31 or 32 laminate by one and a half times. On the contrary, chairs with iron legs without protective rims accelerate abrasion and reduce the service life by almost half.
We will pay special attention to the second series of tests - impact resistance. Specialists from ANO TsSL Lessertika (Kronoshpan LLC and Kronostar LLC) participated in the development of the Russian standard for laminated coatings GOST 32304-2013. Unfortunately, they did not include two critical tests required to give a laminate a 34 grade. This:
According to EN 13329, a laminate floor of wear resistance class 34 must have the following indicators:
The first two indicators coincide with the Russian standard, but the last one is not provided for at all. Because of this small difference, class 33 laminate from any manufacturer (including Asian ones) can be certified in Russia as class 34. European standards are more demanding on the characteristics of the coating.
All other types of tests are carried out in a standard manner. The results are processed and the laminate floor is assigned a general wear resistance class.
Table 3. General class loads according to EN 13329.
Table 4. General load class according to GOST 32304-2013.
Since in the last 5-7 years there is practically no laminated coating 21-23 classes, priorities have shifted. Now both manufacturers and sellers offer:
All necessary information is on the box and on the insert, so when purchasing it will not be difficult for you to determine the class, service life and area of application of the flooring you like.
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Laminate – new material, widely used as flooring. During its manufacturing process, impregnated compressed shavings are combined with a special coating. Over time, potential buyers begin to wonder what class of laminate to choose for an apartment or other residential area? First of all, choice of this material depends on the expected load and characteristics of the room.
Based on the above criteria, the coverage is divided into classes according to operational features. According to modern standards, a quality product must pass a number of tests for:
Today on construction market Laminate coatings of several categories are more in demand.
Class 33. It is better to use this type of coating for high traffic areas. It is used in the dining room or kitchen.
Class 34. This is the most reliable type of laminate among all its varieties. It is ideal for the bathroom, bathroom and hallway.
When purchasing laminated material, you must remember that the wear resistance of inexpensive analogues is much lower than that of products from well-known global companies. This is due to the fact that in both cases they use various techniques step-by-step testing of the material.
When purchasing laminate flooring for your home, you need to be guided by one rule: the strength of the floor covering is calculated depending on the load force in person/kg. It is also important negative impact external environment premises.
Everyone understands that the load in the main room or hallway is much greater than, for example, in a bedroom or office. Also, the choice of the class of laminated coating is influenced, of course, by the proximity of the room to the bathroom or sink. If water begins to flow during any breakdown, the inexpensive laminate will swell and begin to deform, since it is not sufficiently moisture resistant due to the cheap components included in it. After choosing the class of laminated coating, you can decide on its shade.
Note! An important factor when purchasing is the manufacturer and its reputation - this is the first indicator of the quality of any building material. Choosing a laminate is not a race for a cheap product that is sold with discounts and promotions. When buying inexpensive coverage, you can pay twice. Let's decide which class of laminate is best for an apartment. Let's look at them in order.
Class 31 laminate flooring is a delicate material that will last you 10-11 years with proper care. It is used in rooms with low load.
Class 31 laminate is of transitional quality because it can be installed in both offices and apartments. Thanks to its attractive price, it is gaining popularity and is displacing other coatings, such as linoleum, from the market.
The technical features of this type of coating are:
You can use class 31 laminating coating:
Class 31 material is not protected from moisture, which means it cannot be used in the bathroom and other wet areas, where cleaning is carried out constantly.
Popular manufacturers of class 31 laminate:
Classic decors such as ash, walnut, cherry, oak, wenge and merbau are ideal for an apartment.
Laminate flooring category 32 is especially popular among potential buyers, because it meets all the requirements. This type of coating is intended for rooms with medium load, for example, a dining room, living room and will serve its owner for good care about 15 years. If you lay it in the kitchen or hallway, it will last less than 10 years.
Characteristics:
Class 32 laminate is improved, treated with additional impregnation, equipped with locks, waterproof and has a long service life. It can easily be compared with high-quality wooden parquet.
The main advantages of laminate:
Note! The leading manufacturer of laminated products of class 32 is Germany. The world's most famous companies: Classen and Tarkett - No. 1 among others well-known companies. But it should be borne in mind that these products will cost much more than Belgian and Russian material.
Class 33 laminate flooring is a reliable and durable 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 coating in other premises, the service life can increase to 35 years. Famous companies provide a guarantee of quality with a consistently attractive appearance.
Laminated coating highest quality designed for floors with significant loads. It can even be used in gyms and fitness clubs, restaurants, cafes. The price of such a product is slightly higher than the 32nd class coating, but each buyer can be confident in the excellent strength and extraordinary beauty of the chosen product.
Note! Class 33 laminate has good performance under appropriate loads, frequent washing, influence different temperatures, exposure to animal claws, sharp heels, furniture legs, etc.
Advantages of this type of laminate for an apartment:
Well-known manufacturers of class 33 laminate:
Class 34 laminate is a revolution in the production of this material. This type of laminate coating is intended for rooms with high level humidity and the heaviest load. The components included in the composition emphasize the moisture-resistant qualities of this type of laminate. With maximum use, manufacturers give their customers about 50 years of warranty.
The latest technologies have led to the production of ultra-durable coatings, which are the standard for maximum wear resistance and durability. Such parameters can only be compared with durable natural stone. A floor covered with class 34 laminate delights its customers with its softness and lightness, but at the same time it can withstand heavy loads, remaining beautiful, intact and durable.
Which class of laminate is best for an apartment? It all depends on the preferences of the home owner. This type of flooring can withstand about 1000 people per day. And this is compared to the premises of an airport, train station, cinema, dance clubs and shopping centers.
The main advantages of class 34 laminate:
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the laminate of each class, you can safely select the material depending on the type of load in a given room. A correct and balanced decision will bring comfort and warmth to your home.
