How is laminate classified? Types of laminate: categories, types, names, colors, well-known manufacturers, photos. Division into classes

Among the huge variety of flooring, a large number of people opt for laminate. It's true good material, which has excellent quality and relatively low cost. The owner of his own living space, who does not work in the construction industry, knows very well how wear-resistant laminate is.

You can independently choose the texture and pattern of the coating, calculate the required amount of material for a separate room or the entire apartment.

But not everyone knows what a laminate class is, how to choose it correctly and not spend extra money and at the same time not get something that will be erased in a few years. Next, we will talk about such a characteristic as a laminate class: what does it mean, what are they, how do they differ.

Laminate Wear Classes

The quality of the laminate is determined by class, that is, the higher the class, the better quality. And actually the class of a laminate that means? Laminate class indicates how long the laminate will retain its attractiveness appearance when subjected to different loads.

In residential and commercial premises, a laminate with characteristics suitable for this particular type of premises should be laid. Depending on how often they pass through it, the type is also selected.

Laminate in accordance with the level of wear resistance is divided into two large groups:

home;
commercial.

Within each group there is a classification of the laminate into classes that have their own abrasion coefficients (KI).

For use in apartments, there are different classes of laminate differences, which are in varying degrees of abrasion of the surface of the material:

21 class - used for rooms in which they walk a little (bedrooms, pantries), CI> 900;
class 22 - used for rooms with an average load (bedroom, nursery, living room), CI> 1800;
Class 23 - designed for rooms with a strong intensity of walking (kitchen), CI> 2500.

Commercial laminate is divided into the following classes:

31 - for rooms with a small load on the floors, KI≥2500;
32 - applicable for rooms with an average load (office), CI ≥ 4000;
33 - used for rooms with high intensity (corridor, shop), CI≥6500;
34 is the highest class of laminate. It is not formally recognized, but it exists and is intended for very serious loads (shopping center, hotel, hotel). It is the most wear-resistant laminate.

On the packaging, the class of laminate is indicated by the sign "little man". The more such signs, the higher the class of the laminate.

Household laminate

This laminate has a relatively low wear rate and a short period of use. Today it is quite difficult to find household laminate in stores. None of the manufacturers have a desire to supply the market with a product that will obviously not be in demand.

However, such a laminate, during normal use, is likely to retain its appearance until the time when you want to make repairs and change flooring. The cost for it is much lower than for commercial laminate.

21 class wear resistance of the laminate has a service life of approximately 2 years in those rooms where there is an increased intensity of walking, chairs are constantly moving, a dog is running around. Such a short period of use, because the material has a very weak protective layer.

If this coating is laid in the bedroom, then the floor will delight with its beautiful appearance for 10 years. Most often, a laminate of this class is used for pantries and utility rooms, that is, where they almost never go.

22 class has slightly more strength than 21. Can be laid in rooms with low traffic, for example, in the bedroom. The period of use is 2-3 years.

This period can be extended by laying a carpet on top of the floor. This solution for bedrooms is natural. We can assume that the 22 strength class of the laminate has a service life of 10 years.

23 class- this is an improved class 22, withstands medium-intensity loads and has greater wear resistance. According to manufacturers, the service life is from 4 years and above. It can be increased to 12-15 years if it is treated with care. When buying a material, check with the seller how much laminate is in the packageso that you can correctly calculate the required amount.

It is not recommended to carry out frequent and strong wet cleaning of any class of household laminate, especially to use all kinds of products for this, which include active chemical substances. In principle, in an ordinary apartment, you do not need to wash the floors every day.

The manual for such a laminate describes all the methods of cleaning and care. Household laminate can be used long time if you follow the recommendations for care and minimize the likelihood of mechanical damage.

For example, wear slippers with soft soles, do not get pets, do not often move furniture, do not ride on a chair with wheels. Household laminate is suitable for people leading a calm and measured life. There is an opinion that laminate is unhealthy, although, in fact, high-quality laminate does not harm human health.

commercial laminate

It is recommended to watch a video or photo of a commercial laminate application. It can be laid in shopping centers, offices and public institutions, but not in the children's room (read: ""). Consider commercial laminate by class: characteristics and properties.

Class 31- This is the cheapest laminate in this group. It is used in offices with relatively low traffic. It can serve in the office for 2-4 years, when used in an apartment it is much longer - 10-12 years. This is the most popular type of laminate, because many people choose just such a coating for an apartment in all rooms.

33 class laminate flooring has the longest lifespan, if you do not take into account the unofficial 34 class. It is used in hotels, restaurants, that is, in those rooms where there is a large load and high traffic.

Such a laminate is thicker, and with a sufficiently serious load, it will last about 6 years. If you lay it in an apartment, then the laminate will need to be changed after about 20 years. That is, all this time there will be no need to make repairs and change the flooring. Some may find this boring.

Wear resistance

IN professional field An important characteristic of a laminate is the degree of wear resistance. To check it, abrasives are used, which process the surface of the material for a certain time.

Such a test is carried out on a device that is equipped with a rotating abrasive wheel, and control is made over how many revolutions are made to a certain degree of abrasion.

Degrees of abrasion of the laminate:

IP - clear deep scratches and signs of wear appear;
FP - the protective layer is half erased;
AT - the protective layer is completely erased.

Test results are very rarely made public. But such data is indicated in the certificate, so it is worth asking the sellers in more detail about the results of such tests and find out how high-quality the products are.

taber test

The Taber device is designed to test the wear resistance of floor coverings. The material is fixed on a device with an abrasive wheel, the pressure is set equal to the body weight of an average adult.

Using the Taber device, the number of revolutions of the abrasive wheel for a certain time is fixed.

A circle is started and the abrasion of the flooring surface is monitored. When the protective layer is completely wiped under the abrasive, the device is turned off, the result is recorded and the coating is classified.

Depending on the class of the laminate, the layer can be completely erased in 900-20000 revolutions. The indicator "number of revolutions" - and there is a classification called Average Taber (AT). Category AC1 - AC5 is assigned.

This division is regulated by the European quality standard EN 13329. About 10 years ago there was a softer standard EN 438.

Laminate creak

No matter how the laminate spreads, it will still creak, even if you use very thick substrates. This cutting sound can only be reduced by purchasing thick panels. More expensive and thicker laminate creaks less.

In addition, expensive material has an additional sound-absorbing layer. The sound will be less if the laying of the laminate is done more precisely and the locks fit as tightly as possible. However, the complete absence of a creak cannot be achieved. Therefore, you should not assume that the builders did their job in bad faith.

Summarize

Choose the class of wear resistance of the laminate which is better? It should be taken into account in which room the floor covering will be laid and what load is expected on it. For example, for a quiet life in the apartment is suitable 22 or 23 grade laminate, supermarket need 33-34 high grade laminate.

The popularity of laminate is due to its high aesthetic properties and wear resistance. Some of its types can be laid even in rooms with high traffic: trade enterprises, offices and even industrial workshops.

Laminate board is called floor decorative coating imitating parquet, stone or ceramic tiles. This is a special layered material, the lower part of which consists of a fiberboard or special density chipboard. To protect against deformation from below, it is additionally reinforced with a stabilizing layer. From above, the laminate is glued with paper, finished in a special way, with a pattern.

The quality and wear resistance of this material largely depends on the strength of the topmost layer - a coating of melamine or acrylic resin. Some types of laminate flooring may have a soundproof underlay at the bottom to provide additional sound deadening.

Division into classes

According to the degree of wear resistance, the laminate board is divided into the following classes:

The thickness of the laminate can vary from 6 to 12 mm. Too thin slats for high-traffic areas should not be purchased - they will quickly fail.

Laminate interlocks

According to the connection methods, the laminate board is divided into several types:

adhesive: connected with glue such as "liquid nails"; can be combined with click or sheet pile.

Click connections, in turn, are divided into type locks:

click: the most advanced system that provides a reliable connection, does not form gaps; in some cases, the lock is reinforced with a metal profile; grooves and ridges have a special shape, when connected, the board starts at a second one at a slight angle, then goes down until it clicks;
lock: cheaper option, less reliable, unlike tongue and groove, the grooves and ridges have a curvilinear shape, to connect the board, you must carefully knock it out with a hammer to each other.

The adhesive method of installation is used mainly to protect the seams from moisture. However, in this case, if a single board is damaged, it will not be so easy to replace it - the entire coating will have to be redone.

Types of coatings

According to the type of cladding, the laminated board is divided into:

imitates floorboards painted oil paint; for the decoration of the premises "antique".

If you are in doubt about choosing the type and class of laminate, we suggest you watch a video that details the main characteristics of this material.

Advantages and disadvantages of each type

High-quality laminate is a rather expensive material. In order not to overpay, for each room you should select a coverage of a certain class. So, in rooms with the lowest traffic (for example, bedrooms) it makes no sense to use an extra-strong laminate - it is enough to lay material of 31-32 classes there.

Most types of laminate have the following characteristics:

resistance to high temperatures: even a small candle or match accidentally dropped does not leave marks on it; unlike linoleum, it can also be used in the "warm floors" system;
sufficient mechanical strength and wear resistance, of course, the better the laminate and the higher the class, the stronger it is, the material of classes 33-34 can be laid even on dance floors - it is not afraid of heels and scratches;
unlike parquet, it does not require varnishing and sanding;
antistatic;
environmental friendliness: the laminate does not emit harmful substances;
this material does not fade in the sun;
a wide variety of various textures and shades;
ease of installation: it is possible to assemble a “floating” floor using lamellas with locking joints in a couple of evenings;
maintainability: in the absence of an adhesive joint, one or two strips can be quickly replaced without damaging the rest.

There are several disadvantages to laminate flooring. Unfortunately he afraid of water , so you should not wash it - after abundant wetting, the boards will immediately warp. However, manufacturers have already begun to produce a special moisture-resistant laminate.

Its second significant drawback is the need to ideally prepare the subfloor - the laminate requires only flat surface . Otherwise, it will creak, crack, or even swell. In the event of damage to the interlocks and subsequent violation of the integrity of the floors, the manufacturer may refuse a guarantee due to non-compliance with the laying technology. Laminate should not be laid in private houses and without additional thermal insulation, since the lamellas have high thermal conductivity .

Before laying the laminate, be sure to keep it indoors for at least a day so that it adapts to its microclimate (temperature and humidity). In this case, the board will lie perfectly flat and will not warp.

Application of laminate

Since the laminate does not like water very much, it is undesirable to lay it in bathrooms, baths and saunas. In other rooms, subject to the installation rules, it can last from 10 to 15 years (and some manufacturers give a longer warranty period) without replacement.

In conclusion, I would like to give a few brief tips for choosing a laminate:

select the class of the laminate board in accordance with the intensity of use of the flooring;
so that the floor does not sag over time, for rooms with heavy furniture, you should purchase the thickest and most durable laminate;
in design, an immutable rule has been adopted: the color of the floors should not merge with the color of the furniture and doorways, flooring it is selected a couple of tones lighter, or, on the contrary, darker;
By laying the laminate diagonally, you can visually expand the space, but the material consumption will increase.

Laminate can be used for more than just flooring. Walls finished with this material look very unusual and stylish.

Developments modern technologies gave us the opportunity to purchase a high-quality analogue of a parquet board - this is a laminate. Its cost is lower, but the view is also worthy. Laminate has gained respect and demand among buyers around the world, which is not surprising, because it has excellent performance and properties.

The classification of operation makes it possible to accurately determine the period during which the laminate will not reduce its properties and will not lose its good appearance.

Laminate classification.

Today, manufacturing companies are actively working to create a more advanced laminate top layer, and new ones are also being developed. design solutions.

By external signs, the laminate flooring has long been no different from natural parquet boards.

There are two groups of laminate, which are the main ones:

Laminate flooring for home use. The term of its use does not exceed 5-6 years. The price of laminate flooring for the home is lower.
Laminate for commercial use . Its service life is from 3 to 6 years, when used in commercial premises. Commercial laminate can be used at home, then its service life can reach 10 years. The cost of such coverage is higher.

According to European standards, these two main types of coating are divided into additional classifications for wear resistance. The use of a laminated coating in accordance with its classification will help to significantly increase its service life.

Home laminate.

Class 21. This laminated coating has the shortest service life. It does not exceed 1-2 years. This is due to the fact that cheap Construction Materials. It finds its application in those areas where the load on the flooring is minimal (pantry, bedroom, etc.).
Class 22. The term of its operation does not exceed 2-4 years. It is manufactured using materials that are stronger and of a higher quality than class 21. It is also preferred in areas where the laminate is not heavily stressed. It could be Walk-in closet, room for children, bedroom.
Class 23. The floor covering of this class has a service life of about 4-6 years. It has gained great popularity among the population. Laminate of this class is placed in rooms where the load on the floor is higher: kitchen, corridor, living room, dining room and others.

Commercial laminate.

31 class. Floor covering is used in places where the load is minimal. As a rule, these are meeting rooms, reception rooms, small offices and so on. The service life of the coating is 2-3 years. But, if a laminated coating of this class is used at home, then it will last from 10 to 12 years.
Class 32. It is used in those places where the load on the flooring is medium. As a rule, it finds application in offices. There, the laminate can last for a period of 3-5 years. But often given class coatings can be found at home. There, its service life grows from 12 to 15 years.
Class 33. This type of coverage perfect solution for rooms where the load on the floor is very high. For commercial terms The service life of this type of laminate will be 5-6 years. In home use, this coating will last 15 years, and possibly all 20.

Manufacturers do not overestimate this species laminate, saying that it has an eternal guarantee. The main advantage of class 33 laminated coating is not only a long service life, but also an excellent appearance that will not change over the entire service life.

Advice! When purchasing a laminate, be sure to check all the documentation that accompanies it. It contains all the characteristics of this coating and image. Laminate for residential premises is designated in the form of a house.

The numbers and little men indicate to us the maximum load on this type of coating.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring.

Laminate is a good alternative parquet board.
Its care is very easy. All you need is to wash it on time, without polishing.
Laminate installation is quite simple. It can be done on your own. By purchasing this cover, you get to it detailed instructions with installation instructions.
In finished form, the laminate does not differ from parquet, only it costs much lower.
Laminate flooring is environmentally friendly. It is perfect for allergy sufferers.
Laminate is much stronger and lighter than boards.
Any pollution is removed very simply. If nail polish or paint has been spilled on the coating, then you can remove the stain with acetone without fear of damaging the surface.
Laying laminate flooring is possible on any type of flooring: linoleum, hard floor, tile, wood, as well as on short pile flooring.
The material is strong and wear resistant.
A special film on the laminate will easily withstand heavy loads for 15-20 years.
The laminated coating is not subject to scratches, dents from furniture or studs. If a heavy object falls on the floor, it will not leave a trace. Laminate is resistant to high temperature. If ash from a fireplace or a cigarette falls on it, they will not leave marks on the coating. The laminate will not suffer even if you roller skate on it. You can even draw.
The wood fiber backing gives the laminate increased strength and a rigid base.
Laminate is difficult to distinguish from a coating of natural materials. Externally, it completely imitates trees of valuable species. It is difficult to distinguish it. But laminate doesn't just mimic wood, it can be made into tile, stone, granite, carpet, and more.

Main disadvantages.

The main disadvantages of laminate are:

The cover is not very durable. If it is actively used, then the service life will not exceed 4-5 years. Although it was written on the packaging that the laminate will last from 15 to 20 years.
Laminate is suitable for those people who often change the interior in their apartment. It is impossible to make a new cycling or paint the coating with varnish or paint. When the service life has expired, the laminated coating will simply have to be replaced with a new one.
The most important disadvantage is that no matter how beautiful and high-quality the laminate looks, it will always remain only an imitation of a wooden floor.

Advice! When choosing a laminated coating, be sure to study its characteristics. Just looking at a photo of how the finished floor will look or a video of its installation will be far from enough.

A number of strict requirements are imposed on modern flooring. Such a material must be resistant to abrasion and other mechanical stress, easily withstand the impact of direct sun rays and moisture and also have a pleasant appearance. But even within the same type of flooring, there are differences in these parameters. So, the laminate classification is used all over the world. Depending on the properties, the material can be classified into one or another category.

Principles of classification

In many countries of the world, the European classification of laminate has been adopted. According to these requirements, the material passes eighteen various checks. Based on their results, the flooring receives its class. There are two main types of laminate:

commercial;
domestic.

Within each of them there are three classes, each of which differs in wear resistance, quality and other parameters. Each manufacturer independently conducts tests and determines whether their products belong to a particular class. Therefore, the same type of material from different companies may differ slightly in its properties. In total, as already mentioned, 18 tests are carried out. Here are some of them:

abrasion resistance. Laminate is a floor covering, so it must withstand the "shuffling" of a large number of feet;
resistance to various loads (from installed furniture and other items)
shock resistance (must withstand the fall of various objects);
fire resistance;
for delamination of the material;
the ability to tolerate exposure to direct sunlight;
resistance to household chemicals;
anti-slip effect;
resistance to moisture;
the level of emission of harmful substances (formaldehyde).

After conducting all these tests on their products, the manufacturer determines the class of the laminate.

For commercial premises

Commercial laminate is distributed in grades 31, 32 and 33. The former are the cheapest. But that doesn't mean he has poor performance. Laminate class 31 tolerates light loads well, it is laid in small office spaces. It's pretty durable. When installing such material in rooms with low traffic (for example, in a bedroom), its service life will be ten years or more.

The next class of laminate is the most popular - its designation is 32. It is these models that are used in schools, shops, offices. This flooring is characterized by a combination of decorative qualities and abrasion resistance. In addition, such material is often moisture resistant, treated with special impregnations.

The service life of class 32 laminate is more than 15 years. Of course, this figure will be significantly reduced when using laminate in commercial premises with big amount clients.

Grade 33 laminate has a longer service life, and the most expensive Grade 34 laminate can be laid in bars and shops, even there it will withstand a ten-year service life. And if you use it in residential premises, then it will last forever. But this class of laminate is rarely used in everyday life. Such flooring is quite expensive if it is started. overhaul with the replacement of floors, then it will be a pity and irrational to throw out a laminate that is still usable.

For residential premises

To decorate the floor in living rooms, a laminate is used, the classification of which begins with the number 2. Such a floor covering is intended for use in rooms with lower loads. It is characterized by less moisture resistance; softer wood-shaving material is used for production. As a result, it decreases general term operation.

Note! The most budget option is grade 21 material. This coating will last 3-5 years. After the laminate will lose its decorative qualities, scuffs and other defects will appear. Such material is used in utility rooms where few people walk.

More resistant to mechanical stress, and therefore having a longer service life, laminate of the 22nd class. This coating is used in bedrooms and other rooms with low or medium traffic. It will not lose its qualities and appearance within 5-7 years. To prolong the service life, it is recommended to cover the floor with soft materials (for example, carpets or rugs).

Class 23 laminate can endure mechanical stress for a long time, as well as exposure to direct sunlight and moisture, if it is made in a moisture-resistant design. You can even lay it in the bathroom and in the kitchen, however, in these rooms it is unlikely to last longer than 7 years. In rooms with less traffic and without exposure to moisture, the coating can be used (with proper care) for up to 10 years.