Class of laminate

It is easy to determine the quality of the laminate will help its class of wear resistance, which directly depends on the layers from which the material is made. The lower layer is a rigid base, prevents deformation. In some rulers soundproofing is arranged. The main component is the middle layer. Its task is to heat and sound insulation, repel moisture. There are also locks for fixing with other panels. The penultimate layer is decorative. A pattern is applied to the paper substrate. The variety of textures and colors is enormous. It is possible to imitate wood, parquet, tile, stone. The top coat needs protection. Acrylic resins in steam with melamine "beat off" mechanical damage.

Choose a laminate - which class to choose?

By qualitative characteristics the laminate was divided into household (21, 22, 23) and commercial (31, 32, 33, 34). The higher the coating grade, the greater the thickness of the panel. Performance is also significantly different.

The household is suitable for styling for domestic purposes, however, strength and reliability are not up to par. This is a good option for technical rooms such as a pantry and a dressing room, for home use - not the best solution. The material has a small thickness, is afraid of moisture, locks often deform under loads, abrasion is high.

Commercial models excellently manifest themselves in domestic operation, as well as in public buildings with large cross-country traffic. And at home, and in crowded places you can use the 31 class. Qualitative characteristics are average. A distinctive feature is an indistinct pattern, the relief is usually absent, a slight gloss is observed. It is recommended to additionally use noise insulation and a roll-type substrate. The thickness of the panel itself is up to 8 mm, locks are glue-free. This class of durability of laminate in the house will last up to 10 years, in the office, cafe, conference hall with a small traffic - about 2 years.

32 class - this is what class of laminate is best suited for an apartment . The thickness of the panel reaches 12 mm, a reliable system of locks "spike-groove", colors more natural, a clear relief is visible. An anti-slip surface is provided, which makes this class of laminate suitable in the kitchen , corridor. You do not have to resort to floor repairs for about 15 years. As for rooms with high traffic (for example, a restaurant, assembly hall), then the flooring will last about 5 years.

For impressive areas with a large flow of people, 33 class is perfect. The thickness of the board is 12 mm. Locks are reliable, a special impregnation is provided to protect against moisture penetration. The decor is very high quality, a great variety of colors. In the home, the product, if properly maintained, will last for 20 years, in a technical plan with large cross-country (car showrooms) - up to 12-15 years. Class 34 is used under special conditions, for example, at airports, that is, special purpose premises, at home, it is not rational to apply it.

Features of moisture-resistant laminate

At high permeability, moisture resistance plays an important role in addition to wear resistance. In order to protect the coating from swelling, manufacturers use HDF base with increased density, the joints are treated with special resins, the upper part is impregnated with corundum particles.

Which class of laminate is best for rooms with high humidity? You will be 32, better 33 class. When buying, pay attention to the packaging, for increased moisture resistance you will be indicated by the mark "aqua" or the image of an umbrella, a drop. The higher the density of the HDF board, the more reliable the design. Important when choosing a class of waterproof laminate and swelling ratio, the optimal figure is 18% (the lower the better). To reduce the risk of injury when water enters the laminate floor, choose a cover with a structured relief.