When performing renovation work in an apartment or country house, each user wants to create a unique interior. Here you need to carefully consider the design options for walls and flooring. Of course, the ideal option would be a natural flooring made of parquet or wood, but such products are characterized by high cost and certain difficulties in maintenance. When installing a new floor, many property owners wonder which laminate is better and how to choose the right one for their apartment, because such products are much cheaper than their natural counterparts and resemble the texture of wood. The material is selected for each specific room according to quality, with or without chamfer. Let's take a closer look at the nuances of choice.
Laminate classes
There are several classes of laminate, each of which has its own characteristics. Initially, two types of laminate were produced, household and commercial. Classes 21, 22, 23 and 24 belonged to household, and classes 31, 32, 33, 34 belonged to commercial. Recently, household laminate flooring is no longer produced, so at the moment four classes of laminate are available to buyers: 31, 32, 33, 34.
Each type of product is assigned a class after testing, based on several basic indicators:
- Water resistance.
- Wear resistance.
- Ability to withstand loads.
- Resistance to increased temperature (for example, to a burning cigarette).
- Anti-slip protection.
- Resistance to moving furniture.
The most popular laminate classes are 32 and 33.
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Differences between laminate 32 and 33 classes
However, despite all the seemingly similar characteristics of this flooring, there are a number of significant differences:
- The thickness of the topmost (protective) layer for class 32 laminate is 02.-04 mm, for class 33 it is more than 0.4 mm, respectively, the thickness of the board itself is also different.
- The presence of water-repellent impregnation. As a rule, class 33 laminate is covered with it. Even if a manufacturer makes a moisture-resistant class 32 laminate, class 33’s water resistance will still be many times higher. The latter type of product can be used even in rooms with high humidity, for example, in the kitchen or bathroom.
- The load and resistance to external influences of class 33 laminate are higher, and accordingly, the service life is longer. If a product of class 32 can last a maximum of 15 years, then class 33 can last over 20 years.
- A class 32 product is only suitable for residential premises and commercial areas with relatively low traffic; a class 33 laminate can also be used in those institutions that are visited by a large number of people per day.
- Price. Thanks to all of the above properties, class 33 laminate has a higher cost.
To summarize, we can say that class 32 laminate is perfect for apartments and private houses , it is affordable, can withstand intense loads, and is available in a wide range of colors. This type of laminate is the most in demand and popular among buyers. Class 33 laminate is a reliable and very durable material that is suitable for large commercial premises with a high degree of traffic. In addition, this laminate can be used in places with high humidity.
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Laminate manufacturer
All types of artificial flooring for the kitchen or any other room have the same structure, but different quality indicators. Domestic manufacturers have learned to make good products, but foreign companies occupy the leading positions. Let's look at the products of the most popular companies in more detail.
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Quick-step made in Belgium
The products of this company occupy a leading position in the laminate market. Construction materials are supplied to Russia, the USA and European countries. The company is constantly improving its products. The panels have a special lock, which simplifies their installation. The materials are manufactured in a wide range of colors and have good technical characteristics.
Quick-step products are highly expensive due to their excellent technical characteristics and sufficient wear resistance. Negative user reviews concern materials manufactured in domestic factories. Such products also have a high cost.
In addition, when choosing, you should also take into account the conditions of use of the room. For example, in the bathroom or kitchen, give preference to waterproof laminate. You can read more about moisture-resistant laminate
Balterio laminate made in Belgium
The products of this company appeared on the world market relatively recently, but are already in good demand among consumers. The products are connected to each other using click xpres technology, which makes it possible to obtain a monolithic, seamless floor covering. For the manufacture of the material, high-strength plates with improved wear resistance are used. The top decorative layer is produced by ultra-precise embossing; it is almost indistinguishable from the texture of natural wood.
Egger made in Germany
This type of laminate is made from natural raw materials, has a significant thickness of protective coating, an attractive appearance, and is hypoallergenic. Products of class 33 are often marked aqua+, which indicates high moisture resistance. Such materials can be used for installation in the kitchen or bathroom. German-made products are distinguished by a high level of environmental safety and good wear resistance.
European laminate Tarkett
This building material is manufactured at production facilities in Serbia, Sweden or Germany. Products of class 32 or 33 are supplied to the world market, which are used for use in residential and non-residential premises. The panels are connected using a locking system and are characterized by high strength and wear resistance. The products of the manufacturer Tarkett are supplied to stores in a wide range of colors and shades, which allows you to choose a coating for any room interior.
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Pergo laminate from a Swedish manufacturer
The products of this company have a unique design and are distinguished by a variety of textures, colors and shades. Not all users know how to properly lay laminated panels on a base. Installation of pergo flooring is quite simple. To facilitate installation work, the products have special locking connections. Laminate floors from this company are distinguished by a high level of environmental safety.
Commercial grades
This group starts with Class 31 expensive of the models for commercial use. It is already characterized by sufficient wear resistance and water resistance , which allows you to safely lay the panels in the kitchen , bathroom and hallway . And yet, the main purpose of such coverage is aimed at office facilities with average traffic, for example, conference rooms. In harsh operating conditions, class 21-23 laminate lasts no more than 5 years , but if class 31 is used, for example in the same bathroom or kitchen, this period can be up to 10 years , and even longer in the bedroom.
The most popular on the Russian market is the middle class of laminate - 32nd . It is distinguished by durable decorative qualities , high wear resistance , and good thermal and waterproofing properties. The use of models from this category is possible in schools, shops, offices and lounges . Models of such laminate are widely represented by different brands, including Tarkett, Kronotex and Quick Step . High strength allows the use of laminated panels of class 32 for a long time in residential premises - up to 15 years . However, the service life can be significantly reduced if its operation is intended in public institutions and facilities with increased floor loads.
The most reliable models are included in laminate classes 33 and 34. This is no longer just a durable laminate, characterized by rigidity, strength and reliability - in such models, manufacturers use the latest technologies for the production of floor coverings. These can be unique compositions of protective coatings, high-strength locking mechanisms and layers that provide a high degree of resistance to moisture and other unwanted external influences.
Thus, already class 33 can be safely used at home as a lifelong floor covering . This laminate can be used in bars, restaurants, and municipal institutions for up to 10 years. Increased wear resistance is guaranteed by the presence of a thick base with a hard protective layer. The special structure of HDF boards also eliminates unpleasant noise when walking, which also indicates the comfort of using high-class laminate.
These classes of laminate do not have any significant differences - these are high-quality and highly durable coatings . In addition, the highest class of wear resistance has not yet been officially registered , but some manufacturers position such collections as a new generation laminate . Class 34 products are designed exclusively for commercial use , as evidenced by their ability to withstand the highest mechanical stress . Thus, their operation is possible in airport terminals, train stations, hotel complexes and large shopping centers.
How to check or determine class 32 laminate?
Coming to the store and taking one of the exhibition samples without any labels or markings, it is not possible to determine either the class or the manufacturer. Unless you are an expert on laminate flooring market brands. But even if you are an expert, you can recognize a product by its lock or decor, but you still won’t be able to check compliance with the EN 13329 standard with your own hands. As we have already found out, this is done in special laboratories.
Therefore, we, as ordinary consumers, can only take the manufacturers’ word for it. It is usually supported by certificates of conformity, technical documentation on brochures and official websites, and there is information about this on the packaging at the end.
And in flooring stores there is a branded label on each sample indicating not only the class, but also the size of the board and the volume of packaging, as in the photo.
Reliable information can be obtained from the official website of the European Laminate Manufacturers Association. If you find the brand you are interested in there, then the product meets European standards. After all, it is this organization that conducts compliance tests.
Which class of laminate is better to choose?
If you decide to cover the floor with laminate in your apartment, many questions immediately arise related to the choice of which class of laminate is better. Laminate is a special coating made from pressed wood impregnated with special substances and a protective film.
Laminate is divided into classes and types according to the degree of wear resistance of the coating. What class of laminate is better to choose for an apartment? What is the best wear resistance class for laminate? It is important to know what exactly is suitable for solving your problem, so as not to buy an inappropriate or overly expensive option.
Let's look at each class in more detail.
When choosing a laminate you need to know its class
Structure and classification of laminate
Which class of laminate is better to choose?
On a note! Operation classes are divided according to the degree of load on the floor covering and the degree of traffic in the room in which it is decided to install the laminate.
Impact resistance and wear resistance are fundamental factors. Sound insulation, light tolerance, water resistance, and other loads are also important.
Laminate classes vary in strength, wear resistance and other parameters
The classification of laminate varies; many countries have their own method and type of classification.
Manufacturers must indicate the class of the laminate
In Russia, the European laminate classification is used. It involves passing the coating through almost 20 tests, according to the results of which the laminate is assigned a certain marking.
There are 7 types, each assigned its own number - from 21 to 23 and from 31 to 34. They belong to different tens, that is, the first numbers - 2 and 3 - indicate the rooms in which they are supposed to be used. 2 – these are residential premises, laminate flooring for apartments, for home use. 3 – commercial area of laminate application. The second numbers (1, 2, 3 and 4) indicate the degree of wear resistance of the laminate; a higher number means greater strength and wear resistance. No one can answer which class of laminate is better. It all depends on the specific case.
Laminate consists of several layers that have a specific function.
Laminate flooring consists of several layers. The very first and lowest layer is the technical layer. its task is to impart elasticity to the floor and impart the ability to insulate moisture. It is often made from specialized paper impregnated with polymer compounds.
The second layer is the main one and is made from high-density fiberboard panels. In fact, this layer is a laminate, and its thickness is more than 90% of the total thickness of all layers. He is assigned to perform all fixing and strength functions. The moisture resistance of the coating, strength, and resistance to stress depend on it.
The main layer is followed by a decorative layer. It practically does not affect the properties of the laminate; it is a common imitation of any image. Often this is an imitation of a wooden covering, but it can also be marble or the illusion of a stone floor.
The polymer layer protects the laminate from water
The last layer is the protection of the laminate - a transparent polymer layer. The degree of wear resistance of the coating, which in the classification is the second digit of each class, depends on its thickness.
It is worth noting that the strength of a laminate coating and its wear resistance are not the same thing. Strength depends on the boards included in the main coating layer. Whereas wear resistance depends on the thickness of the protective top layer.
Wear resistance of laminate is important in high traffic areas
There are several main parameters of a good laminate. First of all, this is, of course, wear resistance - the main parameter that everyone focuses on when purchasing and installing a coating.
Water resistance and excellent stain resistance are also important: a good laminate should be treated with special water-repellent and antiseptic solutions.
Its strength is resistance to indentation, this is especially important for rooms in which heavy furniture is installed, creating constant pressure on the floor covering. Resistance to damage from furniture movement, laminate resistance to dirt.
21, 22, 23 laminate classes
Class 23 should be used on stairs, in the hallway or kitchen
What is the best class of laminate for an apartment? These are just the laminates of these three classes. They have increased resistance to water and humid environments, which can be important for apartment conditions.
Therefore, it is clear which laminate class 23 is best to choose for the hallway, corridor and kitchen. These are the rooms where traffic is highest, and class 23 is the most resistant of the three, suitable for home use. And it will be ideal in these rooms.
You can use cheaper laminate in the bedroom
Good resistance to moisture also fits perfectly here - in the hallway, near the front door, you often have to deal with water from the street, for example, in the form of snow; There is high humidity in the kitchen due to cooking. The abrasion coefficient of this floor is about 2500 units.
In other rooms (bedrooms, offices, living rooms) the traffic is not so high, and for these rooms a laminate of class 21 or class 22 is suitable. These two classes last quite a long time, more than 5 years, and at the same time are the most inexpensive, budget option. The abrasion of these classes is equal to 900 and 1800 units, respectively.
31, 32, 33 laminate classes
The following three classes of laminate coating 31, 32, 33 are considered coatings intended for commercial enterprises and office premises.
It is necessary to install more wear-resistant laminate in the office
Which class of laminate is better among these types also depends on the level of wear and use of the room. Class number 31 (the wear level here is also 2500, like class 23) can be used in offices, office areas, meeting rooms, and conference rooms. In such premises, traffic is much higher than in ordinary apartments, therefore, by installing a commercial class laminate in your home, which differs in cost from class number 21 slightly, you can increase the service life of your laminate by 2 times - from 5-6 years to a whole decade and longer.
For office premises with high traffic and, therefore, faster wear and tear or gyms, which laminate is better - 33 class and 32 class. In the part of the store salons where visitors walk, it is better to install them in hairdressing salons. Class 32 is the most popular class on the laminate flooring market. Its market share is 60% due to its ideal price-quality ratio for office businesses. Class 33 is used on dance floors and in restaurants.
It is good to use class 34 laminate on the dance floor
Which laminate class is better - 32 or 33? The wear resistance level of these classes is 4000 and 6500, respectively. Therefore, depending on the purpose, finances that can be spent on flooring, trafficability, you need to determine for yourself which one is better suited. But by installing a more expensive option (in this case, class number 33), you increase its service life. Especially when installing it in a room with low levels of wear and tear. The service life, depending on cross-country ability, can vary from 5 to 10 years. This coating is also suitable for a country house.
Important! In any case, the coating should be treated with care.
Laminate 31 and 32 classes: differences
Initially, laminate from 21 to 23 classes was produced domestic use But now it is almost impossible to find it in construction stores. The whole point is that the technology for manufacturing a more durable and wear-resistant material has become more accessible. Thus, classes originally created for commercial use have become a suitable option for finishing the most ordinary apartments and houses. The differences between models of different classes may seem insignificant, but in reality the situation is completely different. Class 31 has a thin lamella thickness . This characteristic is both a disadvantage and an advantage. Seven millimeters is not enough for good sound insulation, however, the small thickness allows for excellent heated floors.
In addition, a serious problem of this class is low moisture resistance . It is better not to wash such floors, but to vacuum them. Accidentally spilled water can cause serious damage to your flooring. Therefore, class 31 laminate is strictly prohibited from being laid in rooms with high humidity , since it will soon swell and deform.
Otherwise, this material has slightly lower quality than its closest analogue in class. It is inferior to class 32 in all characteristics. The only good thing is the price of this type of laminate - it is affordable even for those who have a small budget and want to make an economy class renovation .
