Laminate flooring is one of the most popular flooring. More and more people decide to lay it at home, companies use it to decorate offices. However, all buyers are faced with such a characteristic as a class of laminate. Differences for non-professionals are practically invisible, so it is difficult to choose a product that is suitable for certain conditions.
What is laminate flooring?
The word “laminated” is borrowed from Latin and means “layered” in translation. The boards of this material are fully consistent with this definition. They consist of several layers of fiberboard, and on top are covered with a protective decorative film that mimics various patterns.
Board structure
Typically, lamellas consist of 4 or 5 layers, each of which is made of different materials. The operational characteristics of the coating depend on their composition, method of connection and the materials used for this: wear resistance, strength, etc. Each layer has its own characteristics and functions.
- The substrate . It is usually laid additionally, but sometimes it is glued directly to the board in order to improve the noise insulation properties.
- The lower layer has a stabilizing function. Thanks to him, the laminate retains its shape well in various conditions and does not deform from load. The bottom layer is called differently: stabilizing, balancing or compensating, because the hardness, moisture resistance and other strength characteristics of the board depend on it, it also takes care of the unevenness of the coating. They make it from special kraft cardboard. To improve performance, it is processed with synthetic resins.
- The base consists of high density fiberboard. The bearing layer assumes the bulk of the load: long-term static, dynamic, shock. This determines the class of the laminate. Differences are determined by the strength of this and the outer layers. Also, heat and noise insulation properties depend on it. It also provides strength and moisture resistance to the board. This is the thickest layer; the locks are turned in it, with the help of which the lamellas are connected.
- The thinnest layer is decorative . It consists of paper on which the desired pattern is applied. A print can imitate a wood texture, stone or other texture. To extend the service life of the decorative layer, it is treated with special impregnations.
- Abrasion resistance depends on the top layer, its strength and thickness. It consists of acrylic or melamine resins. To give greater resemblance to the depicted texture, bumps are created on the top layer. Thanks to this, the 33rd class laminate feels very similar to wood.
Production technology
There are 2 ways to make flooring:
- Direct pressing laminate is made using DPL technology. In this case, the layers of the board are pressed all together at the same time. Due to compression, their connection occurs. This technology produces floor coverings for domestic use and lower commercial classes (no higher than 32).
- Laminate made using HPL technology has a reinforced top layer: kraft cardboard (the same as the base) is added to decorative paper. Lamellas are pressed in parts. Separately, the main and lower plates and separately - the upper. Then they are combined into one board. Thus, high-strength material is manufactured, which belongs to classes 33 and 34; it is characterized by increased strength and wear resistance.
What is classiness, and how is it defined?
To determine the performance characteristics of the laminate is subjected to various tests. There are 18 trials in total. Based on the results shown by the prototypes, a class of laminate is assigned. The differences are precisely in how the boards behave under this or that load.
Currently, there are 2 large groups of coatings: for domestic use and commercial (in various public places: offices, shops, etc.). The first digit of the class indicates the scope. 2 - for home, 3 - commerce. However, at present, specialized household material is being discontinued, because it is being supplanted by grades 31 and 32.
Also on the packaging you can find the marking of the speaker. This is the designation of the level of wear resistance of the upper protective layer. It varies from 3 to 6. The higher this indicator, the more resistant the coating to abrasion. The most durable and wear-resistant laminate - 34 class. The protective layer is reinforced, marked AC6, so it can be used at maximum loads.
Class 31 laminate (AC3)
It was originally intended for commercial premises with a small load, for example, a reception room, a meeting room, and was designed for 2-5 years. However, due to an affordable price and high quality, it has often been used in everyday life. At home, it can last 6-10 years. However, it is not recommended to use it in the corridors, hallways or kitchens. The longest possible life in bedrooms, pantries, etc.
Laminate 32 classes (AC4)
Another type of flooring that can be used both in public places and in everyday life. In the first case, these are premises with low traffic, offices. Here he will last about 5 years. If used at home, you can lay in any room. However, it costs much more. On the other hand, the laminate "Oak" (32 class) ideally imitates parquet flooring, and at a price much more affordable. The service life can reach 15-17 years.
Class 33 laminate (AC5)
High strength material for very high loads. Little is used at home, manufacturers give a guarantee for 20-25 years of use. By the way, 33 is a class of waterproof laminate, which is ideal for the kitchen.
Very often they resort to it when various places with high traffic are equipped: shops, restaurants. With such a load, it will last 5-6 years, with less intense, twice as long.
Thanks to a more thorough processing of the top layer and strengthening of the protective coating, it retains an attractive appearance throughout the entire life cycle.
Laminate 34 class (AC6)
The most durable and resistant to various loads material. It is used for decoration of gyms, train stations, dance clubs, etc. Even in such difficult conditions it will last at least 10 years. A flooring of this level is made by few European manufacturers. For home use, a lifetime warranty is often given.
What to stop at
Features should be considered when choosing a laminate class. Differences in performance are very significant.
Not always there is a need to purchase the most wear-resistant materials. It is necessary to think in detail how the laminate will be used. The 33rd class is waterproof, it is ideal for the kitchen, but for the bedroom you can buy something simpler, because there is no point in overpaying for extra functions that are not useful for domestic use. For moderate loads, 31 classes are quite enough, for corridors and hallways - 32. But it makes no sense to buy a cover used at airports for a house, unless there is a sports or dance hall in the basement.
As practice has shown, laminate flooring is an excellent, practical and quite affordable solution for decorating an apartment.