Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings. It was first launched by the Scandinavian company Perstorp Flooring AB in the 80s of the last century. Its products were not as durable as modern designs. The service life of the first laminate was not more than seven years. Now it has been extended to twenty. In this case, the laminate should retain its original appearance and characteristics.
Laminate Manufacturers
Like all products, laminate flooring can be expensive (and high-quality), mid-range and cheap (usually not very high-quality).
Laminate is produced by many companies. The high and middle price segments are represented by German, Swiss, Austrian, Belgian and French manufacturers.
Cheap low-quality laminate is usually made in China.
One of the most popular brands of laminate has become the Karelian Flor laminate. Reviews say that it is used very often. What caused this popularity? Where is the Karelian Flor laminate produced? Who is the manufacturer of this product?
Laminate or parquet?
Definitely a prestigious parquet. It can last much longer. Parquet can be restored, and more than once. A matte or embossed surface creates an atmosphere of comfort. The floor surface after laying the laminate is flat, smooth.
The advantage of the laminate is its low price with quite decent quality. Laminate is easier to install. It is well cleaned, spots are less likely to form on it.
It is increasingly used for flooring. Often this is the Karelian Flor laminate.
The manufacturer claims that they produce products according to European standards. But actually it is not. They produce Karelian Flor laminate, as well as a host of other products, in China. After all, only Chinese laminate manufacturers produce it with a thickness of 8.3 mm. While European standards provide 8 mm.
Specifications
Manufacturers claim that:
- The special coating makes the Karelian Flor laminate very durable. If you treat him carefully, then he can serve you up to 20 years.
- Its surface is even and smooth. Moisture-protected base prevents water penetration.
- Its easy to mount.
- It looks like natural parquet in appearance.
Range
In the trading network you can buy the laminate "Karelian Flor" of three basic collections. It:
- "Karelian Flor Peura" is a budget version of the strength class 32. It looks like an oak coating. The price of one square meter is about 500 rubles.
- "Karelian Flor Ilves" refers to strength class 33. The pattern imitates a cut of a natural tree. The matte finish makes it look like natural parquet. Under this brand are sold varieties "pear" and "oak." The price of one square meter is about 600 rubles.
- Karelian Flor Ketty also belongs to strength class 33. The surface is also matte. The basis is a plate with increased density. Decor - different varieties of oak. The price of one square meter is about 700 rubles.
The very positions of various natural colors and shades are about a hundred. In order to choose the one that best suits your interior, you need to consider all the colors that are in the same range. Then choose the most suitable one from them. It should be borne in mind that often photos taken in the store do not accurately convey the shade of the laminate you like. There are special programs that allow you to view it at home without leaving your computer or other transmitting device.
Karelian Flor produces single-lane, two-lane and three-lane coatings.
Laminate "Karelian Flor" fits well into any type of interior, complements it and creates a holistic picture of comfort and well-being.
Equipment
There are 8 panels in the package, each of them 121.5 cm long and 19.5 cm wide. The panel is 8.3 mm thick. The area of one is a little more than 1.89 square meters.
Floor preparation
In order for the laminate to serve the owners for a long time and reliably, you need to follow some rules:
- The surface under its laying needs to be leveled to an ideal state. The difference in height of the extreme points should not exceed 3 mm per linear meter.
- The quality of the substrate used when laying the laminate is of great importance. It should be uniform in thickness.
- It is necessary to strictly follow the rules of laying.
Laminate "Karelian Flor: natural oak"
This is one of the most popular varieties. What are the conclusions made by customers after they used the Karelian Flor: natural oak laminate for some time? Reviews indicate that it is fully consistent with the requirements of buyers. They say that they paid great attention to laying the laminate. For this, we used the services of professionals. As a result, after several years of use, the floor did not change color, did not deform. Buyers say it’s easy to care for the laminate.
Among the coatings of strength class 32, users pay attention to the laminate "Karelian Flor: oak cappuccino" (photo above). It looks like a real parquet, while it will cost you much cheaper. Its pleasant shade is well suited to the interior of any room, whether it be a kitchen or a living room.
Reviews
Not everyone likes the Karelian Flor laminate. Feedback from some customers suggests that soon after purchase and styling, it swelled and deformed. But experts believe that the main problems with the laminate are due to improper preparation of the floor for its installation.
There are complaints about the Ketty laminate. They say that when docked, it forms cracks one millimeter wide. They complain that the locks are not impregnated with anything.
Those who laid the Karelian Flor laminate themselves , left mostly positive reviews . They say that they coped with the task, even if there was no end saw at hand with which to cut off the excess parts. As an advantage, they call low price and ease of installation. Among the shortcomings, they note some unevenness of the base of the laminate.
Not all buyers think it is cheap. There are those who complain about the high cost of laminate flooring. But they also say that the quality of the Karelian Flor brand is not bad. Fake, not made at the factory, is also found, but in large construction stores getting on it is more difficult. Usually there is a real laminate "Karelian Flor" for sale.
The reviews say that creaking, bloating and other similar problems arise in developers when the laminate is not properly laid. If the gaps along the edges are small, then swelling of the laminate is almost inevitable.
All users claim that the laminate does not like water and any moisture. Especially if it gets in large quantities for a long time.
Experts warn that Chinese locks on the laminate are fragile. They are created in the form of a semicircle with a longitudinal chamfer or without it.