The laminate class: differences. What grade of laminate you choose and

Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings. More and more people decide to make it at home the company is used for decoration of offices. However, all buyers are faced with such characteristics as grade laminate. The differences for non-professionals are not visible, so it is difficult to choose a product suitable for certain conditions.

What is laminate flooring?

The Word "laminated" borrowed from Latin, and means “multilayer”. Boards of this material fully comply with this definition. They consist of several layers of fibreboard, and the top is covered with a protective decorative film that simulates the different drawings.

The Structure of the boards

Typically, slats consist of 4 or 5 layers, each of which is made of different materials. From their composition, method of connection and the used materials affect the operational characteristics of the coating: wear resistance, toughness, etc. each layer its own characteristics and functions.

1. Substrate. Her trail is usually extra, but sometimes glued directly to the Board to improve sound insulation properties.
2. Bottom layer performs the stabilizing function. Thanks to him, the laminate retains its shape in a variety of conditions and is not deformed by load. The bottom layer is called a stabilizing, balancing or compensating, because depend on stiffness, moisture resistance and other strength properties of the Board, he also takes on the roughness of the coating. It is made from special Kraft cardboard. To improve the performance properties it is processed synthetic resins.
3. Osnova consists of high density fiberboard. The carrier layer takes care of the bulk of the load: continuous static, dynamic and impact. This determines the class of the laminate. The differences are determined by the strength and outer layers. Also depending on it for heat and noise insulation properties. He also provides the strength and moisture resistance of the Board. This is the thickest layer in the machined locks, which connect the slats.
4. With a thin layer – Decorative. It consists of paper to which is applied the desired pattern. Print can simulate the texture of wood, stone or other texture. To extend the service life of the decorative layer is treated with a special impregnation.
5. Top layer of its strength and thickness, depends on the resistance to abrasion. It consists of acrylic or melamine resin. For greater similarity with the depicted texture on the top layer creates bumps. Due to this, the laminate 33 classes to the touch very similar to a tree.

Production Technology

There are 2 method of manufacturing floor coverings:

Recommended

The most effective methods of seed germination

Despite the fact that the method of seedling in vegetable production is a very time consuming process, it is used by most gardeners. Planting seeds in open ground is an easy and convenient method, but it is effective only in certain climatic zones. I...

Retro-reflective paint. The scope of

When the vehicle began to fill the road, their popularity began to gain reflective paint. Thanks to this paint, as drivers and pedestrians becomes much easier to avoid accidents in the dark. Purpose paint Reflective paint – paint material, whic...

How to make icon with your own hands - options izgotovleniya (simple and complex)

In Soviet times, many collecting badges, emblems, pennants. To get them was not easy. And today, thanks to technology, you can make them yourself. Knowing how to make icon with your own hands, and you can make original gifts to your friends, and make...

1. Laminate direct pressing is performed using the technology of DPL. In this case, the Board layers are pressed all together, at the same time. Due to the compression and they connection. This technology produces flooring for residential use and the lower commercial classes (up to 32).
2. Laminate produced according to the technology of HPL, has a reinforced top layer: decorative paper, added a Kraft carton (the same as in the basis). The slats are pressed in parts. Separate main and bottom plate separately – the top. Then they are joined into one Board. Thus produced high-strength material, which refers to the 33 and 34 classes, it is characterized by increased strength and durability.

What is proficiency and how it is determined?

To define the operating characteristics of the laminate are subjected to various tests. There are a total of 18 trials. Based on the results shown prototypes are assigned a grade laminate. The differences just lie in how to behave Board under varying load.

Currently, there are 2 large groups of coatings: for residential use and commercial (in various public places: offices, shops, etc.). The first digit indicates the class scope. 2 – home 3 – Commerce. Currently, however, specialized household material is removed from production, because it displaces 31 and 32 of the class.

Also on the packaging can meet the labeling of AC. This designation wear resistance of the upper protective layer. It varies from 3 to 6. The higher the number, the more resistant to abrasion coating. The most durable and wear-resistant laminate – 34 class. The protective layer is reinforced, marked АС6, so you can use at maximum load.

Laminate flooring class 31 (AC3)

Originally intended for commercial premises with a small load, for example, reception room, meeting room, and were designed for 2-5 years. However, due to the reasonable price and the high quality was often used in the home. In the home can last 6-10 years. However, it is not recommended to use it in corridors, hallways or kitchens. As long as possible use in bedrooms, storerooms, etc.

Laminate class 32 (AC4)

Another type of flooring that can be used both in public places and at home. In the first case, the premises with a small cross offices. Here it will last about 5 years. If you use at home, it can be laid in any room. However, it costs much more expensive. On the other hand, laminate "Oak" (32 class) perfectly simulates parquet flooring, and the price is much more accessible. The lifetime can reach 15 to 17 years.

Laminate class 33 (AC5)

High level of durability, designed for very high loads. Home is small, manufacturers offer a guarantee of 20-25 years of use. By the way, 33 – the class of waterproof laminate flooring, ideal for kitchens.

Very often resort to it when equipped with different places with high traffic: shops, restaurants. With such a load it will last 5-6 years, with less intense – twice as long.

Thanks to more thorough processing of the upper layer and the strengthening of protective coatings retains an attractive appearance throughout the period of operation.

Laminate class 34 (АС6)

The Most durable and resistant to various stresses in the material. Used for finishing the gym, train stations, dance clubs, etc., Even in such difficult conditions will last at least 10 years. The flooring of this level is made a few European manufacturers. For use at home are often given a lifetime warranty.

Where to stay

You Should consider especially when choosing the class of laminate. Differences in the characteristics are quite substantial.

Not always necessary to purchase the most durable materials. You need to consider in detail, how to use laminate. Class 33 – water-resistant, it is ideal for the kitchen, but for the bedrooms you can purchase something more simple, because there is no point in paying for extra features that are not useful in everyday use. For moderate load enough 31 class, for corridors and hallways – 32. And to buy for home coating used at airports, does not make sense, if only in the basement are not equipped for sports or dance hall.

As shown, the laminate is excellent, practical and affordable solution for finishing the apartment.