Laminate as an outdoor coating received a colossal prevalence around the world. Of course, all this is due to the low value of the material, as well as excellent quality. Externally, the laminate is not much different from expensive and elite parquet, however, has a number of internal differences. First of all, this is a structure. Parquet consists of solid wood, while laminate is a fiberboard. The density of this product allows you to fully forget about all the problems that we had to be in full-scale products based on fibrous material.
Content
In addition, the laminate has a protective top layer that does not allow the material to actively wear out over time. No, of course, a certain wear is still there, it happens incredibly slow.
It is worth mentioning that behind the laminate is very easy to care for. To do this, it is enough to ensure that the surface of the coating has not been exposed to moisture. Otherwise, no features in terms of departure has no material. This is much more practical in this aspect material than the same wood parquet.
Many believe that it is due to its fibrous structure of the laminate is not able to serve the owners of more than a few years. However, practice shows that this product even after 15 years of use is in perfect condition, so we have every reason to say that the best laminate flooring.
Main features of the laminate
It is said that the fibrous component of the laminate flooring - this is not a drawback. The interesting thing is that the wood fiber provides a high level of flexibility of outdoor products. Accordingly, this increase in reliability of the coating, as well as a certain level of density. Bends the material does not lead to the fact that the laminate is damaged or at least a little deformed.
To date, the production of the laminate are engaged in hundreds of Russian companies. Accordingly, competition on this market simply colossal. For the average consumer it is definitely good, as the prices for this product at all times down, although not as fast as we would like. In the market you can find different types of laminates, which are respectively located in different price segments.
It should be noted that it is advisable to use a laminate exclusively at home. These are the places where flooring wear very slowly. At the same time, the market can find a laminate, which is designed for industrial environments, as well as offices. In such cases, the life of the coating is rarely up to 5-6 years. However, many manufacturers have boldly assert that their material will last for at least 10 years. In such cases, we are talking about the use of the laminate exclusively in private homes or small stores, where human foot rarely steps.
More recently, it was possible to find in the sale of a variety of color options laminate. Of course, if you try, then we can find a lot of different variations on this theme, but the number of laminate with the original color scheme has dropped dramatically in recent years. Consumers have come to make a choice in favor of the natural color variations. Of course, many want a laminate-like expensive flooring. The naked eye to distinguish these two types of coatings is incredibly difficult.
Types laminate surfaces
Again, the market can find a huge range of coatings, laminate name. However, in this case, it goes on color coloration material, and on the types of surfaces.
Glossy laminate received great popularity. It looks bright and attractive. This solution is perfect for the kitchen, as well as storage rooms. Also, the solid shine is perfectly combined with extravagant and classic interiors. A practically a mirror surface of such a laminate is incredibly easily cleaned and washed.
Matte laminate can be detected in construction stores. It has no less attractive look than the glossy version. At the same time, the matte surface looks neutral, so this type of material can be used in the kitchen, and in the main room of the dwelling, and in the bedroom.
The classic type of surface is a laminate called "Natural Tree". Such material is almost similar to the classic parquet, but at the same time we can find the surfaces that will correspond to those or other rocks of the trees. In this regard, there is a huge selection.
In addition, you can find a laminate in the form of tiles. This product may also have a glossy or matte surface. Perhaps in certain cases, the shape and dimensions of the tile are more practical solutions.
Laminate classification
As already mentioned, you can find a laminate on sale, which can wear out both quickly and very slowly. Accordingly, a classification has been created that allows you to determine how durable and wear-resistant is the material. Next, consider the classification itself.
- 33th grade. This, without exaggeration, the most durable option that can be applied not only in housing, but also in industrial buildings, shops and municipal institutions. Despite this, such a coating (when used in places where many people are located) is able to serve no more than 5-6 years. If the 33 class laminate is used in a regular apartment, then it will be perfectly served 10, 15 or even 20 years. In addition, this coverage without problems contact with water and does not lose its initial properties.
- 32nd and 31st classes. Again, these classes of surfaces of the laminate are actively used in commercial premises. We are talking about stores and other establishments where there is a big passability of people, and they constantly affect the surface of the floor. In contrast to the last class, these coatings will serve slightly less. Therefore, it is desirable to choose 32 and 31 classes of laminate for office space, as well as stores where not a lot of people are cane.
- 23rd and 22nd classes. Such covers are the most common in modern conditions. The thing is that these are optimal options for residential premises in which several people live. It is not necessary to think that such a laminate will serve too a short time, since it will definitely lose its primary properties within 10 years within a small apartment. Laminate 22th grade is often used in the living rooms, and the 23rd - in the hallway.
- The 21st grade of laminate in modern conditions is extremely rare. Of course, such coatings look simply gorgeous, but they wear out too quickly. Thus, the laminate of this class is advisable to use in bedrooms, as well as small storage rooms. These are precisely those places where residents of the house spend too little time. Accordingly, the laminate must last long.
It is worth noting that there are lower laminate classes, but recently it is almost impossible to find them on the market. Due to its low duration of operation, consumers have ceased to give them preference. But still under the order, such a laminate is produced, and it is cheaper than the other variations, and it looks as much as solid.
Analysis of the characteristics of Laminate
If there is a need to purchase a laminate, first of all, attention should be paid to the characteristics of the material. The fact is that each manufacturer indicates its products special marks that correspond to a particular positive characteristic of products. Next, we will consider in detail the most common laminate parameters:
- Resistance to ultravioleti. In this case, it is that under the influence of sunlight laminate will not fade. Accordingly, over long years, the material will have a bright and juicy texture. Unfortunately, not all materials can boast this characteristic, but gradually resistance to ultraviolet becomes one of the main requirements of the consumer.
- Stability to deformities. If the laminate is used in industrial buildings or in retail outlets, attention should be paid to the propensity to the deformations of the material. Of course, any item that fell to the laminate can damage it. To avoid such troubles, products should be purchased from the above characteristic. Obviously, the material under certain conditions will still be deformed, but it will not be very noticeable. A similar step allows saving money, which usually postponed on all the same repair work.
- Claims. In certain rooms, the issue of fire safety is in the first place. It may be, for example, industrial buildings, hospitals, as well as other places where the fire means a tremendous danger to others. A rampant laminate is an excellent solution that probably looks more attractive than classic laminate. Also, from the name of this characteristic it is clear that the laminate can ignite themselves, but the likelihood of such an incident is extremely small. Moreover, it will be possible to put out the emerging ignition in counting seconds.
- Low wear resistance. Many believe that this characteristic means that during long years the laminate will be in the initial state. However, this is not quite true. For the most part, this factor depends on the class of products that we have said earlier. And low wear resistance often means that such a laminate is best used in office space, where there are a lot of chairs with soft rollers. Accordingly, such products were developed with the calculation of the movements of the chairs, which often wear the surface.
- Use with the "warm floor". Recently, the heated floor has become a practically an integral part of most private houses and offices. This is an excellent thing that is so relevant in the winter. Accordingly, this characteristic, if it is indicated on the product, allows the use of laminate as the main coating. If such a characteristic is not provided, you can encounter certain problems. For example, laminate will not be better in heat.
- Hygienic and ease of care. Surely many have heard that the laminate is very easy to wash and clean. Often it is true, given the smoothness of the surface. However, there are exceptions, so you should pay attention to the information presented on the products itself. As for hygienicness, it is definitely an important aspect that implies the use of laminate in medical institutions.
Types of Laminate compounds
Of course, when choosing a laminate, it is worth noticeing to the types of band connections. Obviously, in certain cases, this issue may be very important. It is also worth knowing that in some situations, one or another type of compounds may be inapplicable.
- This is most likely the most common connection of laminate bands, which has been successfully used for many years. Experts themselves are noted in repairing that it is "click" is the most practical and safe way of compound. In this case, for high-quality mounting, one more unit of material at a certain angle (most often is 45 °) is necessary for the high-quality attachment. Next, the installed strip is promoted to the groove, gradually making a smaller angle of inclination. After that, you can hear a characteristic click that means a successful connection.
- This connection is more like a regular lock, which has a fairly simple mechanism. To install, it is necessary to have laminate bands exclusively horizontally. In this case, the panel simply clogged into each other. At the same time, the installed panel expands when the new strip is installed. In this process there is nothing complicated, but it is worth paying attention to the fact that negligence can lead to substantial deformations of the laminate.
