What is the difference between HDF laminate boards and ordinary MDF. Features of choosing a laminate that everyone should know Disadvantages of a laminated coating

Laminate is a popular floor covering, the scope of which was limited by its low moisture resistance. Even wet cleaning gradually led to swelling of the plates and deformation of the joints. The appearance on the market of products with increased moisture resistance made it possible to lay laminate in rooms with a high level of humidity - in kitchens, bathrooms, corridors - and frequent wet cleanings.

What is the difference between moisture resistant laminate and waterproof?

Which laminate is moisture resistant?

This type of flooring includes a laminate that can withstand moisture in the air and withstand direct exposure to water for a short time. The composition of moisture-resistant floor panels includes high-density fibreboard, to which is added:

• special resins- from 4% to 8%, their specific amount is determined by the percentage of hardwood and softwood in the raw material;
• pectol- designed to increase the strength characteristics, its presence allows to reduce the thickness of the panel without loss of strength;
• water repellents- rosin or paraffin - they increase moisture resistance;
• antiseptics- increase the resistance of the floor covering to the appearance of mold.

Moisture resistant should be not only the plates themselves, but also the seams between them. To do this, the lock joint is impregnated with paraffin or wax under high temperature conditions. Such a protective layer prevents the penetration of moisture to the wood fibers.

Moisture resistance of seams is an important detail.

Attention! If the plate is swollen as a result of exposure to moisture, it is useless to dry it. It is necessary to replace the entire coating or its section.

Which laminate is called waterproof?

This type of flooring can be divided into two groups: limited waterproof and waterproof. The first group includes panels, which, like moisture-resistant ones, are made on the basis of high-density fiberboard with a complex of additives of various functionality. Manufacturers clearly state the maximum allowable time for direct contact with water. Such a coating can be used, for example, when decorating a kitchen.

This waterproof laminate is made by extrusion from high density polyvinyl chloride. In addition to the water resistance that makes this flooring suitable for use in the bathroom, this waterproof laminate has other positive characteristics, including:

• environmental friendliness and compliance with hygienic requirements - even direct contact of such products with food products is allowed;
• the ability to withstand contact even with hot water without loss of performance;
• resistance to chemically aggressive detergents;
• good wear resistance;
• embossed anti-slip coating;
• relative incombustibility;
• reinforced locks;
• long operating period.

Structural components of a waterproof laminated panel:

• upper transparent anti-slip layer;
• decorative layer;
• polyvinyl chloride plate - a carrier layer in which there are air chambers;
• hydrophobic base;
• tarred paper that acts as a stabilizer.

Thanks to the carrier layer with air chambers, the waterproof material is characterized by:

• good soundproofing characteristics;
• high heat-saving properties;
• small mass.

Classification of laminate by moisture resistance

There is no clear classification of laminated panels according to moisture resistance. Manufacturers usually indicate the optimal areas of application on the packaging.

Manufacturers usually indicate the optimal areas of application.

An approximate division of laminated panels according to functionality, depending on the degree of their water absorption:

• The usual laminate, not intended for use in conditions of high humidity. Has water absorption in the range of 8-16%.
• Moisture-resistant material and coatings with limited water resistance are characterized by water absorption in the range of 2-8%. Such products can be used for corridors and kitchens. Time of direct contact with water - no more than three hours.
• Waterproof laminate is the best choice for bathrooms and unheated areas. It has a very low level of water absorption - less than 2%. Such material is quite suitable for laying in bathrooms, baths and other rooms, which are characterized not only by a high level of humidity, but also by the likelihood of direct contact of the floor covering with water, including hot water.

Let us consider in more detail the features of choosing moisture-resistant or waterproof products for premises of various functional purposes.

Which moisture-resistant laminate is better to choose for the kitchen, corridor, hallway?

For laying in the kitchen, a moisture-resistant material with a non-slip surface is chosen. The thickness of the plates must be at least 8 mm. The moisture resistance of the floor covering is increased by treating the seams with moisture-proof compounds. Therefore, for this purpose, it is recommended to purchase panels with a small chamfer along the edges - 1-2 mm. The chamfer holds moisture-resistant compounds well. The chamfer can be V-shaped or U-shaped, two- or four-sided. The U-shaped chamfer is visually more attractive.

How to choose the most waterproof bathroom laminate?

The bathroom requires a floor covering with the highest level of moisture resistance - waterproof PVC. A board with a supporting PVC layer, thanks to its honeycomb structure, has not only high moisture resistance, but also strength. Manufacturers offer finishing materials with a reinforcing layer of mineral chips, which have a uniquely high wear resistance. In terms of a variety of textures and colors, PVC-based laminate is not inferior to panels based on fibreboard. An additional advantage of such products is the absence of restrictions on the use with underfloor heating systems, regardless of the heat source.

The joints are impregnated with a special hydrophobic composition. A rich glossy color usually indicates deep impregnation. This product is perfect for bathrooms. A more transparent protective layer is a sign of surface treatment.

Advice! Glossy waterproof panels go well with ceramic tiles. You should choose laminated products that match not only in color, but also in shape.

Even high-quality waterproof laminate cannot be used under prolonged exposure to water. Even the highest quality waterproofing of the joints will not be able to prevent water from entering under the laminated boards, which will lead to the appearance of mold and an unpleasant smell in the room. The best option for a bathroom is a coating with detachable connections. In case of flooding of the floor with water, the panels can be disassembled, the base can be dried, and if necessary, individual sections can be replaced.

For a bathroom located in a multi-storey building above the ground floor, it is advisable to use only a laminate that is resistant to direct exposure to water. In case of accidents in heat or water supply systems, it will be able to fully or at least partially protect the lower floors from flooding.

How to distinguish moisture and water resistant laminate from ordinary when buying?

When buying panels for flooring, pre-determine the level of humidity in the room. Moisture-resistant panels can be used in the kitchen, hallway and corridor. In the bathroom and rooms with frequent and significant temperature changes (veranda, unheated room), it is recommended to install waterproof products.

How to determine if a laminate is moisture resistant or not? On the packaging of products with low water absorption, you will see the words Aquastop, Aqua+, Waterresist. Also, the level of resistance to moisture can be expressed by pictograms in the form of drops of water, an umbrella, a tap. The lack of moisture resistance is indicated by the “crossed-out bath” icon. On the box with panels, the base material may be indicated:

• HDF (HDF) - high-density fibreboard, are the carrier layer of moisture-resistant and partially water-resistant materials;
• PVC (PVC, polyvinyl chloride) - serves as the basis for waterproof products.

The swelling coefficient is important, characterizing the degree of decomposition of the material after its daily stay in water. For non-moisture resistant products, it is 18%. Pay attention to the warranty period that the manufacturer gives, subject to operating conditions. It is indicated on the packaging of the material or in the accompanying documentation.

Pay attention to the warranty period that the manufacturer gives, subject to operating conditions.

The best manufacturers of moisture and water resistant laminate

Companies producing high-quality and reliable panels with low water absorption:

• Egger is a powerful Austrian concern, whose production facilities operate in many European countries and in Russia. EggerAqua+ products are designed for use in bathrooms and other areas with high humidity.
• Vinyl flooring from the manufacturer Berry Alloc
• Panels brand Kronotex Robusto (Germany) - moisture-resistant products of guaranteed quality, made on the basis of high-pressure fibreboard. On the surface - various embossing options. Such products are well suited for rooms with high humidity. Due to the absence of phthalates in the boards, they can be laid in rooms where children are constantly present.
• All laminate manufactured by Kronospan has a maximum moisture resistance Aqua Stop

The price of a moisture-resistant laminate made from high-pressure fibreboard depends on the thickness of the board, the wear resistance class and the brand. And the cost of a waterproof plastic laminate is approximately 2 times higher than the price of products based on fiberboard - it ranges from 1.3-5.0 thousand rubles. for 1 m 2.

Flooring - laminate - is one of the most popular types of finishing materials. Laminate is made from fibreboard and consists of three layers. The lower one, impregnated with special resins, determines the stability of the entire slab and prevents the penetration of moisture. The middle layer is the load-bearing layer, and the top layer determines the aesthetic qualities of the laminate and its wear-resistant properties.

The main characteristic of a laminate board, which determines its service life, strength, wear resistance, is density.

Density is measured in kg / m3, and its value determines the durability of the coating, its resistance to stress, the ability to maintain the original properties, both consumer and decorative.

The density of the laminate depends on the quality of the material used for its production. The higher the density of fiberboard fiber pressing, the higher the density of the laminate plank and its interlocks. In addition to strength indicators, the density of fiberboard indirectly affects the degree of moisture resistance of the laminate, but this indicator is mainly determined by the quality of the resin impregnation of the fibers.

The density of the material is determined by conducting a series of tests, according to the results of which it is assigned a certain class. MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) of different density has different purposes and is classified into several types in accordance with European standards EN622:

• Ultralight MDF;
• Light MDF;

Ultralight MDF has a density of 450-550 kg/m3, while LightMDF has a density of 550-650 kg/m3. Medium density MDF board is 650-800kg/m3 and HDF board is 800kg/m3.

From the above density figures, it follows that HDF board has the highest performance and that is why it is used for the production of laminate.

Speaking about the density of the board - MDF or HDF - they mean the value corresponding to the arithmetic average of the density of the material on the surface and in the depth of the board.

For example, on the surface of an 18 mm MDF board, the density of the material is higher than 1000 kg/m3, and the density in its central part is no more than 500 kg/m3. Therefore, the average value of an MDF board is indicated as 650-800 kg/m3. It would seem that the average density is acceptable for using the material as a floor covering. But you need to understand that for milling a lock, which should be located exactly in the middle part of the slab, a density of 500 kg / m3 is not enough to ensure high reliability and strength of the connection. Such a lock will quickly collapse, most likely, even at the installation stage, and the laminate planks will “sink”. From plates with a low density index, a finish is made that is not subjected to heavy loads during operation.

For the production of high-quality laminate floors, HDF boards are used, the average density value on the surface and in the central part of which has a minimum difference. HDF has a density of more than 800 kg/m3, which indicates the material's ability to withstand high loads.

In 2017, at the international exhibition in Hannover in the FLOORING segment, a major Chinese manufacturing company, an exhibitor, presented a novelty that immediately attracted the attention of the expert community. The product was called SPC laminate, because externally, from the visible side, it had absolutely no differences from the traditional laminate, but exactly as long as someone did not pick it up. With standard board dimensions of 150*1230 mm, the lamella had a significantly higher weight, almost twice the weight of a classic HDF panel of 8 mm thickness.

Comparison of HDF laminate and SPC laminate

With external absolute similarity, these two products have radically different performance properties, primarily due to the fact that they have a radically different composition.

Composition of classic HDF laminate

Recall that the classic laminated panel 8-12 mm thick is a plate with several layers, where the base layer is HDF (H igh D ensity F ibra - crushed high density wood chips). The average board density of most world manufacturers varies from 700 to 1230 kg/m3. The lamella often has a chamfer, embossing and pattern of natural wood, a lock connection for self-installation.

The composition of the laminatenext generation SPC

The first difference of SPC laminate is its thickness, which is 4.5 mm without backing. The lamella also consists of several layers and sublayers, but the base layer is no longer HDF, but SPC (S tone P elastic C omposite - which means stone-plastic composite). More precisely, SPC is a composite base, where 75% is calcium carbonate, 24% is PVC, and 1% is a stabilizer. At the same time, the density of the laminateSPC is already 1900-2100 kg/m3, which is much higher than the density of the classicalHDF laminate and reaches the parameters of porcelain stoneware.

Another difference between the new generation coating and the previous one is that it is not paper that is used as a decorative decorative layer, but a PVC film 0.3 mm thick, protected by polymers from abrasion and UV.

The design of SPC is the same as HDF - the lamella can also be bevelled on 4 sides and have a locking system for laying.

Significant differences between SPC and HDF in operational parameters:

Operating parameters
Water resistance		no more than 65%
Sound absorption
Use with underfloor heating	optimal coverage	carefully
Seasonal stability: widening and narrowing of the lamellas, creaking and cracking
Ease of installation
Environmental friendliness
Non-threshold laying area
Optimum operating temperature	from -15 C° to + 55 C°	from 19 C° to + 32 C°
Lifetime	from 15 years and above	from 15 years and above

Despite the fact that SPC laminate performs much better, equals or exceeds most of the parameters of conventional laminate, most of the world's manufacturers do not yet predict its widespread use due to its higher market value. Compared to HDF, SPC laminate flooring costs about twice as much for a retail customer to purchase.

Distribution in the world

At present, SPC laminate is already widely represented and actively sold in all developed countries of the world with a high-income population. The most active markets for SPC are such countries as the USA, Canada, Australia. The countries of the Pacific region, where the humidity is traditionally high, have a very great potential. In Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, India, etc., SPC laminate is attractive to buyers because it does not react to moisture and has a high tile density. In Russia, this product is represented by a well-known Chinese manufacturer - the StoneFloor - SPC plant, whose production was one of the first to master the production of this innovative coating.

China is now considered the main supplier of SPC in the world. The products of this particular country are represented on almost all continents. However, it is expected that in the near future large European brands (mainly leaders in the production of laminated parquet) will enter the Russian market with a large assortment and variety of their products.

BUT today we will also talk about an important characteristic - the moisture resistance of the laminate. After all, not everyone is equally resistant to water (many do not withstand water at all). So how to choose the right kind, read on…

The first classes of laminate (grades 21, 22, 23) resisted water very poorly. Literally, if you spill a little water, then the laminate was impregnated and “swollen” then collapsed. Such classes of laminate could be laid only in rooms where there is no water, not in any manifestations. It was extremely inconvenient, because such premises of the apartment as the entrance hall, the kitchen, were no longer available, I am already silent about the bathrooms.

Therefore, manufacturers are seriously thinking about improving the performance of the laminate, including water resistance.

And you know, it didn’t work out right away, for a start, manufacturers increased wear-resistant characteristics, so class 31 appeared, and only then they thought about water resistance.

Differences between moisture resistant and conventional laminate

In their structure, they are almost the same, only the moisture-resistant laminate received the so-called HDF plate.

HDF plate – this is a technology for the production of a moisture-resistant laminate, obtained by sealing the canvas (especially joints and locks) with hot wax or a mixture of wax and silicone.

What does it mean in practice? After such treatment, on the weak points of the laminate, it seemed to have received a protective film (shell) that holds water for a decently long time. HDF board (base) can resist water from 3 to 6 hours when the board is fully immersed in water. Whereas a conventional laminate will not survive even a few minutes in water.

Moisture-resistant laminate can be laid both in the hallway and in the kitchen and even in bathrooms. According to many manufacturers, its service life in a moderately humid room is 15-20 years. I would like to note that it is also possible under a moisture-resistant laminate, so you can put it in the kitchen, for example, with a warm floor and replace the tiles, because installing the laminate is easier.

How to choose a moisture resistant laminate?

Of course, we start looking for special icons. As a rule, there are several types of badges on moisture-resistant options.

1) A tap with pouring water, there may be an inscription "water tightness", which means "moisture resistant" in translation

2) Or “three drops”, next to it is the inscription “WATERPROOF HDF” - a moisture-resistant plate.

These are the main icons that are currently used, but it is also possible to apply a water bath icon.

If the bathroom with water is crossed out, or there are no “faucet” and “three drops” icons, then the laminate is not moisture resistant! REMEMBER THIS!

As I wrote in two previous articles, you need to pay attention to the laminate manufacturer, for example, German manufacturers have achieved serious results, both in terms of moisture resistance and wear resistance, although the price is not small. Chinese manufacturers often overestimate their performance, but the cost is somewhat cheaper. So think for yourself, but remember the miser pays twice.