The popularity of laminate flooring in the finishing of the floor is gaining tremendous momentum, and a huge variety of colors and varieties presented decors of this material is able to please anyone, even the most exacting taste. Therefore, in order to answer the question of how to choose laminate requires some knowledge of its advantages over other materials, and the ability to understand the performance characteristics of the coating.
Advantages of the laminate
Laminate really has so many advantages: it does not fade in the sun, eco-friendly, spots of different origin can be easily removed from the surface by a conventional acetone. The laminate coating completely no harmful substances for man, so people with high allergenicity feel most comfortable in the rooms, the floor of which is decorated with this material.
Laminate flooring is typical very large margin, he was not afraid of any mechanical effects. On the floor with a laminate can walk on his heels, moving furniture, dropping cigarette butts - no trace at the same time it does not remain. Another undeniable advantage to the material such as flooring, is that it requires no special handling - no varnishing or polishing or tsiklevaniya.
The laminated cover is very easy to assemble, which is done by a simple click of panels interconnected by cutting the tongue and groove. This cover can easily be dismantled in the event of, for example, moving to a new residence.
The design of the laminate
In the method of production and the type of feedstock used laminate different manufacturers may vary somewhat, but in any case the structure of the laminate includes at least four layers: a base (plate-based fiberboard or particle board), the surface of which is covered with a decorative layer, a protective layer and a lowermost - stabilizing layer . Also possible to use various additional layers.
Depending on different specifications, the thickness of the upper layer and the amount of melamine resin in the composition varies considerably durability of the laminate and its scope.
Classes of operation
Choosing the right laminate is a snap if you have an idea of its classification performance. The laminate is subjected to various tests to 18 tests for abrasion resistance, scratch resistance, impact resistance, light resistance, water resistance, etc.
Based on the results of these tests laminate assigned a class operation. According to the type of application identified two main groups of laminate - for the public (commercial) and residential buildings.
For commercial use in places with high traffic of people used 31, 32 and 33 classes of operation. The highest wear class 33 of the laminate, it can be used in airports, shopping malls and other large public institutions. Laminate 31 class is quite suitable for rooms in hotels and small offices.
For residential uses the laminate 21, 22 and 23 classes, the operation of which must not exceed 5-6-year period. The greatest burden falls on the floor in such rooms as hallways and kitchens, so here it is advisable to use 23 grade. Less than passable and children are living so they can use laminate 22 classes. At the same offices, bedrooms and home libraries load floor is quite small, so you can apply the laminate 21 classes.
Meanwhile, to increase the life of the laminate professionals recommend use for home use cover a group of commercial premises. This is achieved by increasing the duration of its operation several times. The service life of the laminate under these conditions of use can be 15-20, and even 25 years. Therefore, some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on its products.
Laminate Thickness
When choosing a laminate is very important to consider its thickness, since it affects the behavior of the floor under load and thermal conductivity. The optimum thickness of 8 mm is considered to be, but if you want to save, you can choose a laminate thickness of not less than 7 mm. However, when using the laminated coating together with its heating systems require a smaller thickness and a smaller amount of heat for heating. But at the same time, it is worth considering that the thickness of a laminate of more than 8 mm, it is more resistant to various stresses.
Disadvantages of laminate
In fairness it should be noted and disadvantages of laminate, but in fact they are relatively few. Perhaps its main disadvantage can be called low water resistance, long-term contact with water covering laminate may undergo significant changes in appearance.
It should be noted that the important thing is not to mix with water resistance moisture resistance of this material, as provided relatively constant humidity it can last for quite a long time. The laminate may be subjected to wet cleaning, the only thing you need to be careful and use for this special fluid.
Another serious drawback is its gulkost laminate, which is associated with a large resonating ability chipboard panel on which it is based. When walking and falling objects may cause a loud enough sound, but what can fairly quickly get used to. To some extent, this inconvenience can save the noise insulating substrate, which produce many of the company supplying the laminate market.
Another drawback can be rather subjective call artificiality of finishing material. Laminate is difficult to compete with parquet flooring and solid wood planks of wood, but it is absolutely safe for health and environmentally friendly materials.
Selection laminate by color
How to choose laminate color? This issue is really important for those people who carry out repairs in the apartment without the help of a designer. Let's try together to deal with this problem.
From the correct color and texture laminate flooring depends largely on the perception of the interior as a whole. Therefore, take this to be a serious, premeditated all aspects related to its goals. Do not blindly follow fashion, and listen to the advice of many friends in the selection of cover for your own home.
Most often, the laminate is selected based on the color of the door that you plan to purchase. Also it is necessary to focus on the general concept of the interior, because the laminated coating, chosen in contrast to the furniture looks in the interior is also particularly advantageous.
Today, the most popular are the types of laminate simulating valuable breeds tree- beech, oak, walnut. Dark laminate is often bought for hallways and living rooms with bright furniture, but it should be borne in mind that on the surface is very noticeable dust and dirt. Bright, contrasting types of invoices are suitable for the living room and the children's registration, and the bedroom is more appropriate laminate with soft color transitions.