Laminated panels are considered one of the most popular materials for flooring. The wide distribution of the material is due to a combination of high wear resistance, aesthetics of appearance and durability. There are disadvantages to this coating, but manufacturers are trying to minimize them. This is confirmed by the German laminate Kronotex, presented on the market in a wide range of design and structural variations.
Kronotex Laminate Features
Since the laminate is in some way a combination of artificial material and natural wood, the best products of this type are distinguished by the pronounced advantages of both types of coating. Like natural parquet, Kronotex laminate is environmentally friendly. The production technology does not include the inclusion of diethylhexylphthalate, so during operation you can not be afraid of the evaporation of harmful substances. At the same time, compared with parquet, panels of this brand are distinguished by their durability - the service life reaches 30 years.
Of course, according to the criteria of aesthetics of appearance, not a single synthetic material can be compared with the natural texture. Nevertheless, Kronotex developers carry out external patterns and drawings that are almost identical to natural ones. But these are not all the advantages that distinguish this laminate. The price of the material is on average 800-1000 rubles / m 2 . Cheaper products can also be found on the market, but in this case, quality indicators will not be comparable.
Varieties of texture
Traditionally, the appearance of decorative floor panels is divided into two types: with a matte and glossy surface. However, the manufacturer Kronotex offers a more complex classification, which provides: a matte-oil texture, chrome shiny finish, gloss with an electronic tint, etc. Of course, in the main versions, the Kronotex wood laminate is presented. Oak, maple, walnut and other species organically fit into the structural composition of the panels. In addition, other imitations are provided. In different families you can find surfaces that recreate embossing, stone, glass and many other coatings that have not only a pronounced texture, but also a corresponding pattern with color shades. The maximum detail with the addition of matte and glossy effects enhances the design filling of the lamellas, pushing into the background the artificiality of the origin of the materials used.
Types of Substrates
One of the main disadvantages of laminated panels is the noise impact that occurs during walking. As practice shows, to eliminate unwanted sounds helps a high-quality device of the substrate. The German manufacturer offers three main options for this: wood fiber products, polyurethane layers and foam. From the point of view of environmental safety, it is more advantageous to use wooden plates on which Kronotex laminate will organically lie. User reviews note that the use of such a combination normalizes acoustics, eliminating squeaking and other noises. The foam backing will be the best option for large areas where a low sound load is provided. As for materials made of polyurethane, they provide multilateral insulation, while maintaining both acoustic and thermal comfort.
Mammut line
Panels of this series are oriented on laying in country houses. These are massive slabs that not only mimic the wood structure, but also recreate the general concept of a plank floor. Mostly decors repeat the texture of oak, but there are other patterns with patterns. Interpretation refers not only to the appearance, but also to the characteristics of the structure. Like natural oak, Kronotex Mammut laminate is stiff, strong and durable. This coating is ideal for the living room, hallway or bedroom. Due to the ability to withstand heavy loads, such panels allow the possibility of operation in a terrace, but this installation option is possible only if the place of application is protected from water.
Exquisit line
In this case, the emphasis is on design advantages. The creators of the collection carefully worked with the decors, resulting in a set of lamellas with imitation of different breeds. Some modifications are distinguished by symmetrical embossing, others bring shades of nobility, and others combine a matte sheen and a natural texture. It is worth noting the variety of laying schemes that the Kronotex Exquisit laminate in all variations suggests. This can be a parallel configuration of the arrangement of plates, and the classic "Christmas tree", as well as various versions of the reconstruction of parquet masonry. Thanks to the milled V-shaped chamfer, the user can count on creating an exquisite coating with a hint of nobility and presentability.
Robusto line
Laminated panels can have different levels of hardness. So, for office premises the most wear-resistant lamellas are used, and for domestic needs - the most “soft” ones, but at the same time stylish and original. The Robusto series combines two features. These are panels with a thickness of 12 mm, which allows them to withstand almost any load in domestic use. The high strength that Kronotex laminate is endowed with is also supported by the fixation system. Usually, the joints become the most vulnerable place, so the development of compact, but strong castle joints is one of the most promising areas in the segment. Kronotex, in turn, offers a flange and tongue-and-groove docking system that is designed for peak loads.
Amazone line
Any modern laminate manufacturer contains in its collections a lot of options with textural and textured design. It is becoming increasingly difficult to come up with something fundamentally new within the framework of the classic wood theme, which is why many series from different brands are repeated. Nevertheless, the Amazone family brings its unique charm to the laminated panel segment due to its simplicity and naturalness. These are long lamellas, which are deprived of elaborate decors, but retaining the nobility of imitated breeds. By the standards of the Kronotex family, this is a rather expensive laminate. Its price in some versions exceeds 1200 rubles / m 2 . However, for this money, the owner receives not only a beautiful, but also a durable coating with a functional fastening system and a reliable structure.
Conclusion
Flooring develops in different segments, which leads to fierce competition between materials. Even outdated linoleum in modern versions can supplant solid wood-shaving panels. And this is true, since there are areas of use in which Kronotex laminate is inferior to competitive coatings. This, in particular, applies to places with high humidity. Although some modifications of the lamellas are equipped with protective water-repellent coatings, for full operation in the bathroom, for example, even manufacturers declare with serious reservations. However, Kronotex developers are also mastering this direction. Although in terms of texture and general stylization such a laminate most likely belongs to the category of coatings for the living room and bedroom, the expansion of model lines by introducing new textures is not excluded.