Parquet or laminate - what is the best use, comparison of flooring

Thinking about the question of parquet or laminate to buy into an apartment, you have to take into account several nuances at once. The future floor covering should have an affordable price, fit perfectly in the interior and in its characteristics maximally fit for a particular room.

What is the difference between parquet and laminate?

Many people ask when buying laminate and parquet, what is the difference between these types of sex. Modern finishing coatings are becoming more and more perfect, so it is increasingly difficult to recognize them visually from each other. With regard to parquet and laminate, differences should be sought in the internal structure of the floorboard, made in each case from different components. In addition, there are other important points. The decorative pattern on the laminated surface is not of natural origin, but is an artificial imitation of the required beautiful picture.

Laminate structure:

1. The upper protective layer.
2. Decorative layer.
3. Plate MDF.
4. Lower water resistant layer.

Structure of the parquet board:

1. Protective coating of varnish.
2. The upper layer of solid wood.
3. Middle layer of coniferous wood.
4. The bottom layer is made of cheap wood up to 1.5 mm thick.

What is better than parquet or laminate?

Comparing the parquet or laminate in the disputes, you should take into account all the nuances - practicality, ease of maintenance, durability, design, type of used premises. In some cases, the natural origin of the material can play a negative role when a moderately waterproof, durable, but less expensive purchase is required. If the issue of choosing a laminate or a parquet board comes to the fore prestigious, ecological and noble appearance, then people should prefer to give a board of natural wood.

Advantages of laminate

The basis of laminated dies is made in the manufacture of different materials - HDF, MDF, waterproof plastic. The advantages and disadvantages of laminate in many respects depend on the class of products. Depending on this, you can purchase budget coverage for quiet home interiors or wear-resistant commercial floors for office buildings, shops, airports.

Pros of laminate:

1. Dies are not afraid of scratches, sharp heels, sun rays, they do not sag under the weight of household furniture.
2. The protective layer is difficult to ignite.
3. The cover is easy to lay.
4. Dirt from the laminate floor is simply cleaned with brushes or a damp cloth.
5. An important nuance that should be considered when comparing parquet or laminate - many types of this coating have high water-resistant qualities.
6. It is allowed to install floor heating systems.
7. Many laminate models serve more than 20 years.
8. The ability to skillfully imitate wooden floors, marble, stone or tile.
9. The cost of a budget laminate is much cheaper.

Laminates:

1. Laminate to the touch is cooler.
2. Without substrates, laminated floors make noise.
3. Budgetary types of floors accumulate a static discharge.
4. Laminate plates can not be repaired if damaged.

Advantages of parquet

Fans of real wood floors, describing the advantages of a parquet board in front of a laminate, always mention the inexpressible warmth that they radiate. Most of all, this quality is famous for the coating, treated not with lacquers, but with natural oil with wax. For aristocratic appearance and environmental friendliness it is necessary to pay a high price. Master amateur will not be able to make a qualitative laying of wooden slats, to produce a quality cycling, treatment of the floor with protective and decorative compounds.

Pros of parquet:

1. Elite and incredibly decorative look of the cover.
2. Pleasant to the touch surface.
3. Possibility to make local repairs.
4. Parquet flooring does not attract static electricity.
5. Durability with good care.
6. Ecological compatibility.
7. Good noise insulation.

Cons of the parquet floor:

1. Do not use in rooms with high humidity.
2. Requires a stable temperature in the room.
3. Parquet boards have less strength.
4. High price.
5. Low fire resistance.
6. Wood absorbs odors.
7. Parquet can burn out in the open sun.

What is cheaper laminate or parquet?

In the question that is more expensive laminate or parquet, the main role is played by the quality of the material. You can buy laminate 21-23 class, but it will not last long even in a home environment. Products class 32 and above is an order of magnitude more expensive, and the commercial version of the floor for rooms with high intensity at a price comparable to even expensive parquet floors. For parquet the role of a wood species plays, the exotic material can at times differ from a board from an oak and an ash tree.

You need to consider the type of laying the floor. With the standard method, the price of work with a laminate is 1.5-2 times lower, but when it is diagonal it is almost compared. A significant minus of parquet - the cost of coverage is affected by additional costs that will go to the preparation of the base of plywood shields. The average price of a 3-strip parquet board from oak or ash will be twice as expensive as the price of a laminate of medium quality, calculated per 1 m ² .