Laminate classification: designation of the class of wear resistance and physical strength. Laminate wear resistance class: which is better? Progress can't be stopped

Building Laminate

For the average layman, the expression "building laminate" sounds rather strange, but still it exists. Such a technical laminate is used for the construction of formwork, the manufacture of temporary partitions, and sometimes for the creation of designer decorative elements in the interior.

For your information: The advantages of this material include high moisture resistance, resistance to mechanical stress, less fire hazard (compared to wood) and a lower price than other materials with similar technical characteristics.

Typically, in construction, such a laminate is used with plates, in contrast to interior finishing work, where a laminate board is used.

Material for furniture production

Furniture laminate, or laminated chipboard, is a chipboard sheet coated on both sides with a special film. High resistance to moisture allows it to be used for the manufacture of furniture not only in the office, but also for such premises as the kitchen and bathroom.

Laminate for furniture is easy to process, therefore it is used not only in industrial production, but also in the construction of structures at home.

floor laminate

This is the most popular flooring in our time, which is a multi-layered wood fiber boards (stabilizing, load-bearing, decorative), covered on top with a protective melamine layer, otherwise natural laminate.

Laminate is classified according to the following criteria:

wear resistance;
thickness;
lock type;
design.

Wear class

The main thing that distinguishes a laminate from each other is its wear resistance. The following classes are distinguished:

21, 22 and 23 are varieties of household laminate. Such a coating has low wear resistance (serves in residential premises from 2 to 6 years) and is currently practically not produced;
31 - refers to semi-commercial. In a small office or meeting room, it can last up to 3 years, when used in a residential area, the service life is 9-10 years;
32 is a commercial laminate designed for rooms with medium flooring loads (boutiques, receptions, offices with low traffic). The service life is up to 5 years, and when used in domestic conditions - 12 years;
33 - this coating is able to withstand the heavy loads of restaurants and large stores. Manufacturers claim that when used in full force, such a coating will last up to 6-7 years, and at home, the period increases to 20 years;
Grade 34 is quite controversial. It is not officially approved, however, some manufacturers label their products in this way, which means the super strength of laminated panels and the ability to withstand huge loads, for example, in bars, airports, etc.

In addition to wear resistance, there is such a thing as abrasion resistance, denoted by the letters AC. It is checked using the “taber test”, in which the laminate is sanded with special paper. The abrasion resistance of the coating depends on the number of revolutions made by the grinding wheels until scratches appear on the upper protective layer of the panels and until it is destroyed by 95%.

As a rule, the abrasion resistance of the top coating and the load resistance of the very base of the laminated panel are the same: 31 class - AC3, 32 - AC4, 33 - AC5 and AC6. However, there are times when a lower grade laminate has greater abrasion resistance, such as grade 32 (AC5).

When choosing a flooring, laminate marking can help, from which you can find out not only the class, but also resistance to various influences (for example, moisture, ultraviolet radiation or household chemicals) or care recommendations (for example, the use of soft furniture legs).

Marking is usually indicated on the packaging of the material, an example can be seen in the photo.

Panel thickness

The thickness of laminated boards varies from 6 to 12 mm in 1 mm increments. Moreover, this indicator affects not only the wear resistance class, but also such characteristics as sound insulation and heat insulation. This is also reflected in the assembly of the laminate: the thicker the material, the easier it is to mount it.

Panel size

There is no single standard for a laminated board, so each manufacturer sets its own dimensions. Moreover, they can vary from one company depending on the collection. There are both rectangular laminate options and square ones.

However, the assembly of long boards is easier and faster. It should also be noted that when using square panels, there are more joints, which over time can manifest themselves. Photos of floors assembled from laminate of various configurations are presented below.

Type of locks

Another important difference between laminate is the type of connection. In relation to this criterion, the following types of laminate can be distinguished:

laminate with lock;
Laminate with Click lock.

Lock lock is an earlier invention. It is a fixing spike on one side of the panel and a groove for it on the opposite side. Laminate with this type of locks is more economical, but laborious and requires special care in assembly. In this case, installation must be carried out using a wooden mallet or an ordinary hammer, but using a small wooden beam, as in the photo.

Click lock differs from the previous one in the form of a spike, which in cross section resembles a hook. The panels are assembled quite easily: a second board is attached to the board lying on the floor, leading the hook into the groove at an angle of 45 degrees, and then lowering it. The fact that the docking has occurred correctly, and the hook has been hooked, will be indicated by a characteristic click. Laminate with a similar system of locks is collapsible. That is. in the process of laying it, already mounted panels can be swapped, or if there is a need after the time of its use, for example, in case of flooding.

Important! So, the main differences between laminate by type of locks: the possibility or lack of re-installation of the panel, the assembly quality of the coating (in the second case it is better) and the need to use special tools (not available for Click-locks).

Cover design

According to the surface structure, the laminate is:

Glossy. Often this surface is slippery, which is not desirable for families with the elderly and small children, as the risk of falling increases. Also on it are very clearly visible footprints and children's hands;
Matte. They gained their popularity, firstly, thanks to practicality (no traces of feet, stains from a rag are visible). And secondly, they look more natural, natural and do not slip;
With texture. A very interesting coating that imitates natural brushed wood.

By color distinguish:

Laminate imitating a natural board. Standard colors: oak, bleached oak, walnut, alder, beech, cherry, rosewood, etc.;
Laminate imitating ceramic tiles. Almost every manufacturer has collections of this type (mainly 32 and 33 classes). They are usually used for domestic purposes for the kitchen and hall;
Leather-look laminate. Original, extravagant, but not suitable for every room.

All of these types can be both with a chamfer and without. Chamfered panels have a rounded or straight beveled edge. When you walk barefoot on a floor made of such material, there is a feeling of joints between each board.

Our article will be incomplete if we do not mention such a type as self-adhesive laminate. This is a new type of PVC covering, characterized by its flexibility, which greatly simplifies the installation process. Also, the adhesive laminate is incredibly resistant to moisture, or rather, it is not at all afraid of water. It can be freely used in areas such as bathroom, toilet and kitchen.

We understand the variety of types and categories of laminate from well-known manufacturers

Picking up a cover is quite difficult. This is due to a wide range of finishing materials and a significant number of its manufacturers not only in our country but also abroad.

Laminate classes

Laminate flooring can be divided into commercial and domestic. The cost of the commercial option is quite affordable, and the service life exceeds domestic counterparts:

31 class. Used in commercial premises with low loads. The average service life in offices is three years, with domestic use it can exceed ten years.
32 class. Used in commercial premises with medium load levels. The average service life in offices does not exceed five years, when used at home, the period of operation reaches fifteen years.
33 class. It is used in commercial premises with intensive loads. Average service life in office premises reaches seven years. When used in a domestic environment, the coating can last twenty years.
34 class. Lamels have the highest technical parameters and quality characteristics. This allows the material to be used in commercial premises with maximum loads.
43 class. This less common type of laminate falls into the "premium" category. Produced by manufacturers under the order.

Laminate design

Laminated boards can have different types of surface:

Smooth slats. The surface has a smoother finish, including glossy. This laminate is quite slippery, and almost any hand or footprints are visible on it.
Matte elements. More popular because they have a significant naturalness, low slip and no marks.
Textured laminate. This is a modern development with the effect of brushing or artificial irregularities. It gives the coating the most natural look.
Bevelled laminate. They have bevels or roundings at the edges of the boards. This gives a natural appearance and increases practicality in operation.

Variety in thickness

Modern laminates can have different thicknesses. The most common sizes include:

laminates with a thickness of 7 mm;
laminates with a thickness of 8 mm;
laminates with a thickness of 9 mm;
laminates with a thickness of 10 mm;
laminates with a thickness of 12 mm.

The thickness of the laminate has a positive effect on the strength of the locking system and reduces the negative impact of external loads. Thick ones have less sonority.

Types of interlocks

The principle of connecting laminated boards allows them to be divided into the following types of systems:

Lock-lock system involves the assembly of the coating in horizontal planes.
Click-lock system involves both horizontal and corner assembly.

A significant part of laminate locks are currently classified as "clickable". They differ in reliability and efficiency of assembly.

Overview of laminate locks (video)

Residential laminate options

For flooring in residential premises, the following options for a household type of laminate can be used.

Cork laminate

The lamellas have a different texture of the front layer, which varies from lamellar to fine-grained type. Classic versions are represented by warm shades of yellow, brown and ocher. Exotic lovers choose the option with color interspersed. The material is harmless and has high dirt-repellent properties.

Vinyl laminate

It is a relatively new variety in the market of building and finishing materials. It has structural features and consists of two layers combined into planks. The front part is represented by aluminum oxide or polyurethane with a pattern that imitates the natural surfaces of expensive woods. The basis is vinyl, which increases the rigidity and strength of the floors, as well as extending the service life.

Glossy laminate

It is characterized by an attractive mirror shine and a large number of advantages, including durability, aesthetics and reliability. Gloss contributes to the reflection of light, scattering it around the room. This visually expands the space.

Pictogram types

The so-called pictograms deserve special attention, which are able to indicate the compliance of the material with international standards and clarify its advantages:

icons EN 13893 and EN 14041 characterize the classes according to the slipperiness of the laminate surface;
icon DIN EN 12664 characterizes the thermal stability of laminates and their ability to combine with underfloor heating;
icon DIN EN 14041 characterizes the emission of formaldehydes in a laminated board;
icons DN 4102 T1 and EN 13501-1 characterize the ratio of the laminated coating to the fire safety class;
icon EN 438-2 characterizes the resistance of laminates and other types to the effects of unextinguished cigarettes;
icons EN ISO 105-B02, EN 20105-A02 characterize the indicators of resistance of a laminated board to fading from sunlight;
icon EN 438-2 characterizes the resistance of laminates to the formation of stains on the surface;
icon DIN EN 1815 characterizes the parameters of antistatic laminated boards;
icon EN 13329 with appendix F characterizes the impact resistance of laminates and the absence of deformation as a result of mechanical stress.

Be sure to use the information content of the above icons or pictograms when choosing a floor covering.

Notable Manufacturers

The selection of a laminate coating is required to be made taking into account the popularity of the manufacturers of this material. A well-established brand often becomes a guarantee of quality and durability. Here are some examples:

The absolute world leader is represented by the Belgian company Quick step. The design features and quality characteristics of this laminate suggest laying in a residential area. Due to the high quality of the material, the popularity made the laminate of this company quite expensive.
Laminate from the most famous and popular in Russia European manufacturer of flooring brand Tarkett. Laminate middle price class has a standard set of quality characteristics and reasonable cost.
Prestigious coverage of the European brand Berry Alloc. It has improved qualities in terms of moisture and wear resistance. This allows the material to be used as flooring in the kitchen and bathroom. The high cost is fully consistent with the quality characteristics.
Laminate from a German manufacturer that produces products under the brand name Parador. The material has the best characteristics, as well as an absolutely unique design, which is developed by the company individually.

Consumers should be wary of laminate from Chinese manufacturers.

Widely represented in our country, such floor material not only belongs to the budget category, but also does not have sufficient quality. Often problems accompany this laminate already at the installation stage.

How to choose a quality laminate (video)

The development of modern technologies has given us the opportunity to purchase a high-quality analogue of a parquet board - this is a laminate. Its cost is lower, but the view is also worthy. Laminate has gained respect and demand among buyers around the world, which is not surprising, because it has excellent performance and properties.

The classification of operation makes it possible to accurately determine the period during which the laminate will not reduce its properties and will not lose its good appearance.

Laminate classification.

Nowadays, manufacturing companies are actively working to create a more perfect top layer of laminate, and new design solutions are also being developed.

By external signs, the laminate flooring has long been no different from natural parquet boards.

There are two groups of laminate, which are the main ones:

Laminate flooring for home use. The term of its use does not exceed 5-6 years. The price of laminate flooring for the home is lower.
Laminate for commercial use. Its service life is from 3 to 6 years, when used in commercial premises. Commercial laminate can be used at home, then its service life can reach 10 years. The cost of such coverage is higher.

According to European standards, these two main types of coating are divided into additional classifications for wear resistance. The use of a laminated coating in accordance with its classification will help to significantly increase its service life.

Home laminate.

Class 21. This laminated coating has the shortest service life. It does not exceed 1-2 years. This is due to the fact that cheap building materials are used in its production. It finds its application in those areas where the load on the flooring is minimal (pantry, bedroom, etc.).
Class 22. The term of its operation does not exceed 2-4 years. It is manufactured using materials that are stronger and of a higher quality than class 21. It is also preferred in areas where the laminate is not heavily stressed. It can be a dressing room, a room for children, a bedroom.
Class 23. The floor covering of this class has a service life of about 4-6 years. It has gained great popularity among the population. Laminate of this class is placed in rooms where the load on the floor is higher: kitchen, corridor, living room, dining room and others.

Commercial laminate.

31 class. Floor covering is used in places where the load is minimal. As a rule, these are meeting rooms, reception rooms, small offices and so on. The service life of the coating is 2-3 years. But, if a laminated coating of this class is used at home, then it will last from 10 to 12 years.
Class 32. It is used in those places where the load on the flooring is medium. As a rule, it finds application in offices. There, the laminate can last for a period of 3-5 years. But often this class of coverage can be found at home. There, its service life grows from 12 to 15 years.
Class 33. This type of coating is an ideal solution for rooms where the load on the floor is very high. For commercial conditions, the life of this type of laminate will be 5-6 years. In home use, this coating will last 15 years, and possibly all 20.

Manufacturers do not overestimate this type of laminate, saying that it has an eternal guarantee. The main advantage of class 33 laminated coating is not only a long service life, but also an excellent appearance that will not change over the entire service life.

Advice! When purchasing a laminate, be sure to check all the documentation that accompanies it. It contains all the characteristics of this coating and image. Laminate for residential premises is designated in the form of a house.

The numbers and little men indicate to us the maximum load on this type of coating.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring.

Laminate is a good alternative to hardwood flooring.
Its care is very easy. All you need is to wash it on time, without polishing.
Laminate installation is quite simple. It can be done on your own. By purchasing this coating, you will receive detailed instructions for it with recommendations for installation.
In finished form, the laminate does not differ from parquet, only it costs much lower.
Laminate flooring is environmentally friendly. It is perfect for allergy sufferers.
Laminate is much stronger and lighter than boards.
Any pollution is removed very simply. If nail polish or paint has been spilled on the coating, then you can remove the stain with acetone without fear of damaging the surface.
Laying laminate flooring is possible on any type of flooring: linoleum, hard floor, tile, wood, as well as on short pile flooring.
The material is strong and wear resistant.
A special film on the laminate will easily withstand heavy loads for 15-20 years.
The laminated coating is not subject to scratches, dents from furniture or studs. If a heavy object falls on the floor, it will not leave a trace. Laminate is resistant to high temperatures. If ash from a fireplace or a cigarette falls on it, they will not leave marks on the coating. The laminate will not suffer even if you roller skate on it. You can even draw.
The wood fiber backing gives the laminate increased strength and a rigid base.
Laminate is difficult to distinguish from natural materials. Externally, it completely imitates trees of valuable species. It is difficult to distinguish it. But laminate doesn't just mimic wood, it can be made into tile, stone, granite, carpet, and more.

Main disadvantages.

The main disadvantages of laminate are:

The cover is not very durable. If it is actively used, then the service life will not exceed 4-5 years. Although it was written on the packaging that the laminate will last from 15 to 20 years.
Laminate is suitable for those people who often change the interior in their apartment. It is impossible to make a new cycling or paint the coating with varnish or paint. When the service life has expired, the laminated coating will simply have to be replaced with a new one.
The most important disadvantage is that no matter how beautiful and high-quality the laminate looks, it will always remain only an imitation of a wooden floor.

Advice! When choosing a laminated coating, be sure to study its characteristics. Just looking at a photo of how the finished floor will look or a video of its installation will be far from enough.

Laminate flooring, more commonly referred to simply as laminate flooring, is the most popular way to finish floors today. The number of those who manufacture and sell laminate flooring is impressive. Therefore, for a competent choice, some important characteristics should be taken into account.

First of all, in the description of this product, the class of wear resistance of the laminate is indicated. Let's try to figure out what these numbers mean and how this should be taken into account when buying.

Laminate - multilayer material

Finishing in the form of separate plates-boards, which are laid on a special substrate and connected into a single whole with glue or by snapping into special grooves, appeared in the second half of the last century in Sweden. It takes its name from the Latin word laminate, meaning "layered". This word perfectly explains the design of each board.

Usually a laminate board consists of 4 layers glued under pressure with special resins. The main core of the structure, which gives it mechanical strength and correct geometry, is made of high density (HDF). Less high-quality grades of laminate are made from MDF and even hardboard. The density of these materials is lower. Their use lowers the wear resistance class of the laminate, because. in this part of the board there are lock joints of the plates. After some time, unacceptable backlashes may appear.

From below, the plate is protected from moisture by a layer of melamine resin. In premium grade laminate, this layer is supplemented with sound insulation made of porous polymer or cork.

On top is resin impregnated paper or artificial veneer. It is this layer that largely determines the appearance of the coating, its design. In addition to the usual imitation of various types of parquet, it can be fabric, metal, tile, stone and various decorative prints.

The upper part of the "pie" (overlay) takes on the main mechanical impact that occurs during the operation of the floor. A durable polymer film protects the laminate from abrasion, punctures, impacts, etc. Often this layer also has a decorative function, determining the texture, microrelief of the surface. It affects from the floor surface. But the main purpose of the overlay is protective. The wear resistance class of the laminate directly depends on the thickness and strength of the top coating.

Who determines the class of laminate

Since the invention of the laminate, the number of manufacturers and buyers has increased rapidly. There was a need to introduce norms and standards in order to protect the market from unscrupulous sellers and help the consumer with the choice of a worthy product.

In 1999, European flooring manufacturers formed an association (EPLF). Membership in this organization is one of the indicators of prestige for laminate manufacturers. In Russia, the norms and rules developed by the EPLF are also taken into account. We have an up-to-date classification of laminate by application, developed on the basis of abrasion tests.

Taber test

Laminate samples are installed in the device (Taber abrasimeter), where they are treated with discs with glued sandpaper. The number of revolutions of the disk is determined, during which the front surface is damaged to a certain extent. This number is an indicator of the quality of the coating. There are five abrasion classes: AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4 and AC5. In accordance with them, the wear resistance class of the laminate is assigned. AC4 in this case means, for example, that the coating withstands 4000 revolutions of the abrasive disc.

In addition to the Taber test, other laboratory tests are carried out on laminate samples. This is a reaction to impact resistance, resistance to household chemicals, tests using wheelchairs, etc.

Classification of laminates

According to the test results, the finishing material for the floor is assigned a wear resistance class suitable for a specific situation - you can understand from the summary table. The corresponding suffix and graphic symbol is affixed to every EPLF-certified laminate package.

This is the official classification from the EPLF. From it it can be seen, for example, that a laminate with a wear resistance class of 32 is intended for use in small offices and shops with an average traffic intensity.

Six categories, six classes

European standards have defined six main classes of laminate: 21, 22, 23, 31.32, 33. The class was assigned based on the results of tests conducted under strictly standardized conditions. Therefore, the labeling on the packaging was unconditionally trusted. Each category corresponded to a perfectly adequate quality laminate. Wear resistance class 33 was assigned to the most durable and expensive coating.

This classification has been adopted in Europe. American laminate manufacturers, which soon appeared overseas, developed their own regulations for their activities.

High school laminates

It is generally accepted that this classification is outdated. So the production of laminated coatings of classes 21, 22 and 23 was discontinued due to low performance. At the same time, those with higher quality indicators than the coating of class 33 appeared. Therefore, for the installation of floors in commercial and industrial premises, where a massive human flow is expected, it has become quite realistic to find a finishing material that is suitable in terms of properties. In this case, the laminate wear class 34 is not just a good marketing idea. This index is real and correct, it is recognized even among professional builders.

Laminate wear resistance class conditional

It's not always worth believing the numbers. Often unscrupulous manufacturers label their products on the basis of their own tests and tests. In this case, the class of wear resistance of the laminate, declared by them, raises reasonable doubts.

The recommendations of laminate flooring manufacturers on the use of their products, made on the basis of technical characteristics, are quite specific and justified. But practice has shown that even for professionals, other factors can be decisive when choosing a laminate grade. This is the brand of the manufacturer, the availability of a laminate of a specific design in stock and, of course, financial opportunities. Most often it is considered comfortable to have a margin of coating strength, and where minimal traffic intensity and gentle operating conditions are expected, a more expensive laminate is laid. Wear resistance class 33, for example, is unnecessarily high in such a situation and its use is not economically justified.

Progress can't be stopped

The search for ways to create building and finishing materials with previously inaccessible properties continues. Appear on the market new for the floor of various shapes and properties. They have unprecedented mechanical strength, high abrasion resistance, complete water resistance, chemical inertness, fire resistance and environmental friendliness.

We are talking about more complex composition of composites. The base material, which has a woody nature (HDF, MDF), is replaced in them with more modern vinyl and quartz-vinyl. Fiberglass and fiberglass are introduced into the composition of the "sandwich". Protective coatings are treated with UV radiation, which improves the quality of the front surface of the panels. Strictly speaking, this high-tech product can hardly be called a classic laminate floor, but the areas of application of such a coating are unattainable for the usual laminate, albeit of the highest class. Dance floors, supermarkets and airports are covered with "perfect laminate" and vinyl slabs. They successfully replace more expensive porcelain tiles and artificial stone. Therefore, the laminate wear resistance class 43 declared by the manufacturer is true.

Thus, the emergence of at least three more wear resistance classes becomes relevant: 41, 42, 43.

conclusions

The class of the laminate, of course, can affect the choice of a particular one. It is useful to remember that the first digit means the scope of this finishing material, the purpose of the room where this flooring is supposed to be used. The second digit indicates the operating conditions of the floor, the level of load on the laminate.

Information about the wear resistance class should not be the decisive argument when buying a laminate, but it can help you make the right choice.

Most consumers, when choosing a material for their flooring, opt for laminate. It has an affordable price for a fairly high quality.

Owners of their own homes value laminate flooring for its ease of maintenance and long service life, during which there is no need to invite craftsmen to replace or edit elements. Repair fades into the background for many years.

The choice of laminate comes down to the perfect combination of three characteristics:

design,
quantities,
wear class.

The drawing is subject only to the taste of the owner. The amount depends on the economy and thriftiness of the owner, the accuracy and experience of the master.

Choice error density will lead to unnecessary waste of money when buying material that is too expensive or when purchasing panels that will need to be replaced after three years.

The number of people walking on the floor every day determines the load on the laminated panels. Various characteristics of the premises: attendance, humidity, the possibility of frequent mechanical shocks, require the selection of the appropriate type of laminate. This rule is for all premises, not only for residential.

Laminate wear resistance classes require closer attention.

Miscellaneous purpose

Commercial and domestic floors have different strengths to withstand wear and tear. Each type has its own laminate classes with different CI abrasion coefficients.

Coverage for home use is divided into three classes

21 class— Ki>900. Laminate is suitable for low-traffic areas like a bedroom or pantry;
22 class— Ki>1800. For rooms with an average load and a high probability of mechanical damage. Suitable for nursery, living room.
23 class— Ki>2500. The high load inherent in the kitchen requires high quality laminate.

Commercial laminate is divided into four grades

31 class— Ki?2500. Designed for low traffic areas.
32 class— Ki?4000. Laminate flooring is suitable for rooms with medium traffic, such as offices.
33 class- Ki? 6500. Increased loads in shops or corridors require special attention to the flooring.
34 class- extra-strong laminate, designed to decorate the floors of hotels, hotels, supermarkets. Officially, class 34 laminate has not yet been recognized, but experts have already evaluated the properties of some brands.

The marking on the package in the form of a man determines the wear resistance class. Accordingly, the more such icons, the stronger the laminate.

Useful information! The Russian broad soul and thriftiness often play a cruel joke with the owners, forcing them to purchase class 31 laminate in an apartment. The money spent on extra density will not be justified even over the years.

This type of laminate has its own drawbacks - often manufacturers use not only environmentally friendly raw materials in its production. Now we consider each subtype in more detail.

Low resistance to abrasion and a minimum service life displace this category of product from the expanses of the domestic construction market.

Suppliers do not want to carry a position that, given the mentality, is guaranteed to be ignored. But no one looks at the situation from the other side. Household laminate has a very modest price.

Each new renovation that completely changes the interior of the room may include the replacement of the laminate. Not only commercial expensive options are able to hold out from one repair to another.

Class 21. The lack of a protective layer under conditions of active load in the form of moving furniture, the regular movement of a pet to hard claws (dog, rabbit, ferret) will turn the floor into an ugly surface in two years. Placing such a laminate in quiet impenetrable rooms in the form of a pantry or bedroom increases its service life up to 10 years.
Class 22. This type of laminate is distinguished by the presence of a small protective layer. It is able to resist only a small mechanical impact. Leaving it defenseless against hard shoes, scratching furniture in 2-3 years, you will have to think again about replacing the flooring. By creating a way to soften the blow and other impacts, for example, by laying carpet over the laminate, owners can safely forget about the problem of their floor for 10 years.
Class 23. He can resist medium-intensity loads due to improved wear resistance. Rough aggressive use allows you to admire the laminate for no more than 4 years, careful attitude provides the possibility of using up to 15 years.

For household laminated panels, frequent contact with moisture and cleaning agents is dangerous. This type of flooring is not recommended for use in rooms where active wet cleaning is carried out daily.

Important! When caring for these panels, remember that even small puddles can cause them to warp.

Manufacturers always include detailed instructions with their products on preferred care methods and cleaning features. Careful adherence to such recommendations, combined with a limited mechanical effect on the surface, increases the service life of type 21-23 lamin by several times.

Household laminate is simply created for people who surround themselves with peace and comfort at home. They walk on the floor in soft slippers, do not rearrange the furniture for several months or years. Their children have long been adults or have not yet been born to knock on the laminate with toys, scrape off pieces from it, tasting it.

commercial laminate

This category of product is designed to decorate office space, shopping centers. Nowhere, except in Russia, they tried to use it as a floor covering in a nursery. You can verify this by watching video clips and photos, kindly provided by the boundless Internet.

Class 31. One of the most affordable options. Commercial use leaves such a laminate no more than 4 years of service. Domestic use is limited to 12 years. Focusing on a modest price, most consumers seek to save money by installing this particular type of laminate in an apartment.
Class 32. The optimal ratio between price and quality provides a laminate of this type with increased interest from a potential consumer. In an office with medium traffic, the panels can last up to 5 years. In the apartment they "live" up to 15 years. Russian part-time buyers - owners of pets with large claws invariably prefer this particular material. Craftsmen have noticed that most attempts to lay laminated panels on their own are made with panels of this type.
Class 33. Intense loads typical for restaurants, hotels can render the structure of this laminate unusable in 6 years. at the moment, class 33 is the most durable and reliable, its use is permissible with high cross-country ability.

Laying class 33 laminate at home provides flooring with at least 20 years of service. During this time, he will definitely have time to get bored, he will want to be replaced with a new one, while the invested funds will remain unjustified.

More about scratches...

In a professional environment, the value of a laminate is determined by its resistance to wear and tear. The indicator is easily calculated when processing with abrasives. For a certain time, the abrasive wheel rotating on the machine acts on the surface of the panel. For data accuracy, the number of revolutions is controlled while controlling the degree of abrasion.

The results are formed into a specific marking:

IP is the first degree. When exposed to abrasives, the integrity of the surface is violated with the appearance of deep scratches.
FP - second degree Abrasives are capable of causing damage to no more than half of the protective layer.
AT - third degree. The protective layer is not able to withstand the effects of abrasives.

The test results are not publicized for the general public, but just look at the certification data to get the information you need.

Sellers may not necessarily be able to honestly answer questions about the quality of the products presented. Experienced consultants always answer the question about the degree awarded as a result of the tests.

taber test

The wear resistance of a modern material is studied using a special device called the Taber device. The surface of the laminated panel is exposed to a device with an abrasive wheel, simultaneously simulating a pressure similar to the mass of an average person.

Useful information! The task of the Taber device is to fix the revolutions made by the abrasive wheel for a certain period of time.

To classify the flooring (parquet board or laminate), an abrasive is launched, starting to erase the surface of the material. As soon as the process of destruction of the protective layer is completely completed, readings are taken. Based on the data obtained, the classification of the material is carried out.

The abrasive wheel has to make a different number of revolutions before abrasion of the layer, depending on the class of the laminate. The AverageTaber (AT) classification is based on the number of revolutions, assigning the surface one of the five possible categories AC1-AC5.

The EN 13329 grade has been developed in accordance with European quality standards for flooring. Even 10 years ago, this area was regulated by the EN 438 standard, which is characterized by softer requirements and rules.

Nuance! Many owners who have already experienced the happiness of replacing their flooring with laminate know very well that no substrates can save them from squeaking.

It is completely impossible to get rid of the squeak. There are two ways out of the situation - to accept and endure or to purchase panels of large thickness.

However, this is a double-edged sword. The thicker the laminate, the less squeaks and the more expensive it is. The price of many expensive panels is most often affected by the presence of a special sound-absorbing layer. The quality of the laminate installation also affects the volume of the squeak.

Useful information! The tighter the elements fit, the calmer it is to be in a room with such a coating on the floor.

However, one should not demand the impossible from builders - no one can fit the panels to each other absolutely tightly. This is not provided by the laminate structure itself.