Laminate and its types. Types of laminate: categories, types, names, colors, famous manufacturers, photos

All known types of laminate fully meet the basic requirements for modern flooring. Durability, strength, resistance to damage and abrasion are characteristic of both office and home material, regardless of its class and type.

Among the many designs created for finishing floors in residential and industrial premises, it is the laminated board that enjoys increased and well-deserved popularity among consumers and sellers. This is not just a board impregnated with special compounds, but a multilayer material that can withstand not only mechanical stress, but also the effects of moisture.

What is laminate flooring

Laminate is made by pressing sawdust and shavings

Before making a choice and purchasing any material for creating a finishing floor covering, you need to find out what kind of laminate is and what is the main distinguishing feature of this or that type of coating.

This is a multilayer product created from pressed sawdust and wood chips and has reliable and high-quality protection in the form of a special film applied to its surface.

Considering the laminate in section, it is possible to note the presence of several layers, regardless of the type and class of material:

main bearing layer;
lower protective;
kraft paper or fixing layer;
decorative;
protective film.

The carrier layer or base of the laminated board is made of chipboard or fiberboard. The strength and rigidity of the laminate depends on its thickness. Kraft paper protects the board from moisture. The decorative layer guarantees the uniqueness of this or that design product and helps the authors to achieve the similarity of the material for the floor covering with natural aged wood, parquet or even leather and metal.

The upper film protects the material from water and mechanical stress

A special film is applied to protect the decorative layer from all kinds of negative factors. This polymer film does not allow the laminated material to be destroyed not only by mechanical action, but also when cleaning and cleaning using various means, which include chemicals.

The manufacturer can add a backing or use a natural veneer made from wood, and also use not only a moisture-proof shell, but also a corundum coating. This affects the thickness of each individual board, its weight and, of course, cost.

Belonging to a certain type of laminate allows you to determine the degree of its endurance, stability, moisture resistance.

Variety of products

Laminate flooring can be residential and commercial. These are two main types of this product, but in addition to the variety presented, there is also a broader classification by:

wear resistance class;
thickness;
type of locks;
design.

In any case, each product has several layers (supporting or main, stabilizing and decorative) and is a board material, for the creation of which wood fibers are used.

The main difference and advantage of some classes of laminated flooring is their durability.

A household laminate is suitable for arranging apartments.

The modern classification contains several main classes and types of laminate:

21-23 - household laminate, which is characterized by a rather low wear resistance. It is used to create decorative flooring in those rooms where it will not be subject to heavy loads. This could be a bedroom or a study.
Class 31 is used in the construction of the finishing floor in small offices and residential premises with low traffic.
Class 32 laminate flooring can last for 7 years if laid on the floor in a store, and up to 15-18 years if used in a residential area.
The 33rd class of wear resistance is assigned to the laminated board, which is laid in rooms with high traffic and heavy loads. These are dance and sports halls, trade pavilions, restaurants and cafes.

Abrasion resistance is indicated by the letters AC and can be determined after the material has passed the test, during which it is subjected to processing with special paper located on the grinding wheels.

To indicate the degree of resistance to abrasion, the marking AC3, AC4 and others are used.

Each type of laminated board has its own markings, corresponding to its main qualities.

With the help of marking, the manufacturer informs the buyer about such qualities of various types of laminate as resistance to ultraviolet rays and all kinds of chemicals.

Types of surfaces and locks

Types of laminate flooring differ not only in their physical qualities. They are very diverse and in the pattern applied to the exploited surface. This pattern imitates the structure of wood, ceramic tiles, aged wood, leather and even metal. The surface can be either matte or glossy. The choice entirely depends on the preferences of the consumer and the interior of the room. For more information on the types and types of coverage, see this video:

The classification includes products:

single-strip, with the help of which they create a laminated floor in large rooms;
two-lane, made in the form of short plank floorboards;
three-lane, very similar to block parquet and are a worthy decoration for any room.

The most popular and demanded, due to their practicality, have become lamellas with a matte surface. They are easy to care for, do not slip, do not store shoe marks and stains from a doormat. The textured finish imitates natural wood, and the glossy finish looks great in living rooms, but is dangerous for young children and the elderly due to the slippery surface.

When choosing the most suitable type of laminate, with which the finishing floor layer will be created, it is necessary to pay special attention to the lock with which the product is equipped.

The type of connection is important in order to obtain a strong reliable fastening of the lamellas, to ensure easy assembly, and, if necessary, the ability to dismantle the floor. The very first invention was the Lock. Its components are a fixing spike on one side of the lamella and a groove on the other. All about the locks in the laminate, see this video:

The assembly is done with great care. The slightest roughness of movements leads to breakage of the spike, and the product becomes unusable.

The Click lock was invented later and gained well-deserved popularity among consumers. Products with such a lock are in high demand. The assembly takes place fairly quickly without the use of a construction tool.

Each subsequent board is inserted into the lock groove of the previous one and, when lowered, snaps into place. The connection is quite strong and reliable, allowing for the possibility of dismantling and reassembling if necessary.

Laminate is a finishing material that has long and firmly entered the life of, perhaps, every person, professional designers like to use it in their work, and for the ease of installation, it is "liked" by those who build a house / make repairs in an apartment on their own. There are several types of laminate, experts emphasize that this material has not only advantages, but also disadvantages - you need to have at least minimal information to correctly choose such a floor covering.

First of all, the surfaces of the laminate differ, which is why the classification of this flooring is carried out according to this parameter.

Types of laminate by type of surface:

The next classification of laminate is its classes. The fact is that the flooring in question is divided into only two categories.:

used in residential premises;
for use in commercial buildings.

Therefore, you need to know which grades of laminate are used in residential areas and which are suitable for commercial buildings.

Laminate flooring that can be used in residential areas:

Class 21 - in rooms where a heavy load on the flooring is not expected (for example, in a pantry or bedroom, office);
Class 22 - in rooms with medium traffic (living room, children's room);
23rd class - withstands high loads (kitchen, corridor).

It is interesting that consumers most often opt for the 23rd class of laminate, they install this flooring in absolutely all living quarters, regardless of the expected load.

Class 31 - will withstand small loads (office, small office);
Class 32 - can be used in rooms where average traffic is expected (office reception);
Grade 33 - can withstand just huge loads (supermarkets, boutiques).

To study in more depth the types of laminate flooring, its capabilities, you should familiarize yourself with the table below:

Many sellers assure that class 31-33 laminate can also be used for the arrangement of residential premises - this is indeed the case, especially since the life of the floor covering in this case will be almost lifelong. But it must be borne in mind that the higher the class of the laminate, the greater its cost. It may not be worth chasing fashionable tips / recommendations - for residential premises, the 23rd class of the material in question is still considered the best option.

Naturally, an ordinary consumer first of all pays attention to the quality characteristics of any material - building or finishing. Before going to a store or a construction base for a laminate, you should study all its advantages and disadvantages - this will help you make the right choice.

Benefits of laminate:

From the list of advantages, one should not exclude the adequate cost of the flooring in question - laminate is available to the majority of the population. And the simplicity of its installation attracts the attention of not only professional builders, but also absolute beginners in repair business.

Unfortunately, even the highest quality material has a number of disadvantages - laminate flooring is no exception.

Disadvantages of laminate:

If the class of the laminate is chosen incorrectly upon purchase, the service life of the floor covering will be automatically reduced. Even if the homeowner cannot yet calculate the expected load on the laminate in a particular room, then it is better to take the material a class higher.
Before laying the material, you will need to thoroughly prepare the surface - no drops of more than 3 mm per square meter are allowed.
There are always joints between laminate panels - they are "afraid" of moisture, so the flooring in question is not recommended to be laid in the kitchen (we are not talking about the bathroom at all!). But if, nevertheless, the decision on the laminate in the kitchen has been made, then experts strongly recommend treating the already laid floor covering with a special waterproof solution, and choosing the panels not with locks, but those that need to be glued.
If the laying technology is violated, then in the near future, swelling of the laminate will appear. There is only one way to correct the situation - to dismantle the coating and lay a new one.

And despite all the disadvantages of laminate, this type of flooring remains the most popular. A very important factor when choosing is the declared ease of installation of such a floor covering.

In order to lay the laminate with your own hands and get a really beautiful, perfect floor as a result, you need to know the basic rules of the process. Of course, the work of installing a laminate is somewhat difficult, but having studied all the details and nuances, you can count on the fact that the final goal will be achieved.

Basic rules for laying laminate installation:

It is necessary to prepare the surface - it must be absolutely flat, according to the technology, a difference of no more than 3 mm per square meter is allowed. It is not recommended to lay laminate on linoleum and wooden floor - distortions and creaks will inevitably appear.
Before laying the laminate, it is imperative to take care of the insulating layer - the material in question is made of wood, so any contact with moisture must be excluded. As such an insulating material, you can use a polyethylene film with a thickness of at least 2 mm, but it is worth knowing - such a layer is placed only on a concrete floor (and its "age" is not at all important), for wooden floors, chipboard or fiberboard, such work should not be done costs.
On top of the insulating material, a substrate must be laid. It performs the following functions:

provides sound insulation;
retains all the qualities of the seamy side of the laminate;
is able to level out some minimal irregularities and roughness on the floor;
additionally protects the floor covering from moisture.

There are several types of laminate substrates on the market, the following image will help you navigate their quality and availability:

Now you need to make a preliminary layout of the laminate in order to select the direction of each panel, designate those fragments that need to be cut, adjusted to size. Moreover, it should be taken into account that if the flooring in question is laid on a wooden floor, then each fragment of the laminate should be located "in a cross" to the floorboards. In more detail, an example of a preliminary layout of a laminate can be viewed in this image:

We proceed to the direct installation of the laminate - this is done simply also because a “lock” fastening is provided on each fragment, although there is also an adhesive look of the floor covering in question. Please note that you cannot even tap on the laminate with a rubber hammer - this is done only through the die. And when you lay out the first row of coverage, be sure to leave a small gap between the wall and the laminate - wedges can be inserted into it. This will get rid of squeaks when they occur and eliminate the likelihood that the coating will "lead".

Please note: each package of laminate flooring contains instructions for its installation. This document is drawn up, as a rule, very competently - exactly following the recommendations, everyone will cope with the work.

Laminate is recognized as the most popular type of flooring - practical, economical, meets all the requirements for this type of materials.

Laminate flooring is one of the most popular floor coverings. It attracts not only with a variety of textures and colors, but also with ease of installation, as well as high performance. There are a huge variety of types of laminated flooring on the market. In this regard, it is difficult for an ordinary buyer to make a choice. He will have to figure out what kind of laminate is in order not to make a mistake when choosing. In this article, we will analyze in detail what types of laminate flooring exist by class, design, surface, fastening, their distinctive features, positive and negative sides.

Varieties of laminate by surface type

When choosing a floor covering, we attach great importance to the tactile and visual sensations that we will experience when walking. In this regard, the surface of the floor will be of paramount importance. Only after studying all the varieties of laminate, their pros and cons, you can understand how to make the right choice of material.

Classic tree

This is the most common type of surface. The laminate feels like a smooth surface, but as an additional imitation, small pits and veins in the form of bark are depressed in it. The structure of the wood has a light relief, but at the same time it is clearly visible upon examination. In addition, the products are divided into two subtypes: glossy and matte.

Glossy surface

The glossy laminate has a smooth, almost mirror-like surface. It cleverly imitates antique floors that have been varnished with multiple coats for durability and shine. Such a coating looks very nice, but it glides quite hard, especially when water gets in. Be careful.

Matte coating

The matte version has a muted structure, roughness is felt to the touch. It is most in demand in interior design, in contrast to the glossy look, as it fits well into any style and does not require individual binding to other decorative elements. It is in this form that the largest selection of products on the market is presented.

Relief and texture

Floor coverings with a textured or corrugated surface look spectacular. If the entire plane of the texture has a thin, easily perceptible network of veins, depressions, then in the relief structure there is a deeper chamfer at the edges of each board. The texture creates an unobtrusive feeling of the naturalness of the wood, the tactile perception of the surface, like the bark of a tree. In the relief design, the arrangement of the grooves does not pretend to be a complete imitation of wood, but thanks to the roughness effect of the laminate, it fits well into the country style and is ideal for use in country design. In addition, due to the correct location of the chamfers, you can hide small inaccuracies in installation inherent in inexperienced craftsmen.

A thickly waxed laminate does not have a bright mirror-like sheen like a gloss, but a warm, inner glow. The latter gives the material softness and liveliness. Often the waxed look imitates a solid board in color and texture, as it is designed to create a cozy and soulful atmosphere in the house.

Suberic

Cork laminate looks very similar to natural cork, but has a smoother surface and less porosity. Such material is significantly lower at the price of a real cork covering. Therefore, it has found wide application in the design of various interiors. The colors are dominated by ocher and brown shades.

Parquet decor repeats the shape and size of classic parquet boards, but in a standard laminate size. After installation, the surface resembles a regular parquet floor. For greater similarity, they are monitored either in a staggered arrangement or in a herringbone.

Vinyl

Vinyl subspecies is a new option on the building materials market. Laminate is made on the basis of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Vinyl consists of two layers: a polyurethane film that creates a surface decoration, and a base - an artificial PVC material. The material is flexible and plastic. Additional elements can be added to the surface layer to protect and imitate natural coatings. This view has several variations:

lockless vinyl laminate is glued directly to the floor surface;
the lock is connected with a lock, which has adhesive tape for sealing;
roll vinyl spreads and, according to experts, requires gluing to the surface.

Vinyl laminate has increased performance properties (rigidity, moisture resistance and coating strength), but a very high price.

Composite

In appearance, the composite laminate does not differ from the usual one. However, it has a stronger topcoat consisting of several layers of paper or films that have been impregnated with resins and glued together by high pressure pressing. The thickness of the protective composite coating is 0.5-0.9 mm (0.2-0.3 mm for a conventional laminate). Often natural materials are applied to the MDF board (laminate base) to increase wear resistance and external design characteristics, after which the resulting product is covered with a protective layer against abrasion.

Designer varieties of laminate

In addition to the main operational characteristics, varieties of laminate are also divided according to their decorative qualities. Here is a small overview of the decor that designers like to choose for the floor when designing rooms.

Natural wood

In a classic-style interior, natural wood always looks spectacular. Manufacturers model it in the form of a certain type of wood with a full imitation in color, structure and depth of grooves. With a high-quality finish, such a floor can be easily confused with a real oak board.

Artificial aging

When additional mashing is added to the design imitating natural wood, several depressions in the form of cracks, large knots - a complete impression of artificial antiquity is created. This style is ideal for suburban and industrial style interiors.

Imitation leather

In a modern interior, a floor with a "leather" covering can look catchy and effective. Laminate boards with this design are usually inserted as decor in the main context of the design. However, many designers increasingly began to use the technique of decorating the entire floor with imitation of crocodile skin. Such coverage, as a rule, belongs to the “premium” segment and is very expensive.

Metal or stone

Laminate that repeats the appearance of a metal coating is an impeccable solution when creating an interior in the "Loft", urbanistic or high-tech style. Externally cold floor, soft and warm to the touch, easy to clean - becomes the favorite brainchild of decorators.

Laminated board in the form of masonry is suitable for use in covered verandas, in outbuildings of country houses, in the design of hallways, kitchens or living rooms. Such a coating goes well with other elements of the stone interior: open walls and fireplaces. Externally, the stone coating gives a sense of solidity and age-old reliability. Unlike ceramic tiles, "stone" laminate is a warmer coating.

Varieties of laminate by class

Laminate classes determine their operational properties, depending on this, the material is divided into two groups: commercial and household. The highest class is used in commercial premises or in rooms with high traffic. The higher the second digit in the class designation, the better the wear resistance of the material.
In fact, there are 7 classes of laminated board, but in the course of life, classes 21, 22 and 23, related to household flooring, have ceased to be popular due to low load carrying capacity and durability. Therefore, only grades 31, 32, 33 and 34 remained in mass production.

31 - light load level, recommended for use in children's rooms, bedrooms and offices.
32 - medium load, recommended for commercial (offices or corridors with low traffic) or domestic purposes (hallways, kitchens, living rooms).
33 - high load level. Such a coating is taken for flooring in cafes, bars, restaurants or small shops.
34 is the highest level of durability. It is industrial in nature and is used in municipal institutions, in places of high traffic that require very high wear resistance: hypermarkets, nightclubs, shopping centers, etc.

Laminate resistance to moisture

According to their susceptibility to moisture, laminate flooring is divided into two types: moisture-resistant and water-resistant. What is the difference or not at all?

Moisture resistant

The moisture resistant material is not much different from the usual one. It is based on MDF or fiberboard with the addition of certain composite materials that increase moisture resistance. The easiest way to determine this is in the section of the board: green blotches are visible on the cut, located along the entire inner surface. In addition, the locks are additionally treated with a special water-repellent impregnation. However, all this does not give a full guarantee against damage to the coating during prolonged contact with water. On the box, moisture resistant laminate flooring usually has a pictogram with one drop of water or an umbrella.

At the household level, the material is usually used in the kitchen or in the hallway as a floor covering. If you need to lay the floor in rooms with large temperature differences (country house, heated veranda) or high humidity (bathroom, bath, sauna), then it is better to use a waterproof laminate.

Water resistant

Moisture-resistant laminate panels have significant differences in water-repellent properties from conventional and moisture-resistant coatings. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used as a base, which is completely insensitive to moisture. Thus, when laying such material, even in very humid rooms, you can not be afraid of the surface swelling and deformation of the panels. The disadvantages are the high cost and small design range of laminate flooring. Waterproof laminate is marked with a two to three drop icon or the word “water resist”.

Difference in mounting method

An important aspect when choosing a coating is the way it is attached. According to this criterion, the following types of laminate are distinguished: lock and adhesive. They differ in the way they are installed:

castle - a so-called "floating covering" is created based on joining panels with locks along the edges without additional attachment to walls or floor;
glue - panels are directly glued to the floor or wall surface using a special compound applied during production to the back side.

In the construction environment, the most popular is the lock method. Unlike glue, it has a number of advantages:

quick installation;
the ability to replace one board without disassembling the entire floor;
there is no need to perfectly level the surface for installation.

In turn, there are two types of locks, different in design:

lock is a simple connection method: on one side a groove into which a tenon is inserted, turned on the other side of the second board;
click an improved view of the fasteners - when assembling, the boards are inserted into one another at an angle of 45 degrees and then lowered, emitting a characteristic click, signaling the closing of the lock.

Difference in product shape

According to the shape of the panels, the laminate is divided into rectangular and square. In this regard, there are slight differences in the methods of laying the coating.

Rectangular laminate

Rectangular plank flooring is most in demand on the market due to its ease of installation, ease of maintenance and a wide variety of colors.
The most common models are with a board from 1200 to 1400 mm. However, proposals with a board length of up to 2 meters have become increasingly common.

The width is usually 180 to 200 mm.

The thickness of the panels is 6-12 mm, depending on the class and technical characteristics of the coating.

To diversify the range of patterns and colors of flooring, many manufacturers began to produce laminate in the form of square tiles. The main size is 396 by 396 mm. Often such tiles are used as an imitation for parquet, or as an insert as a pattern in the main background. In the latter case, sizes from the same collection from the same manufacturer should be used to ensure correct docking. It is also worth paying attention to the shutter speed for the distance between the boards, recommended by the developers of the coating.

Other types of laminate

In the modern construction industry, new varieties appear every year, not only in color, texture, but also in the shape of the laminate. There are design types with natural veneer, imitating fur, lacquered acrylic and others. In Italian brands, you can find laminate with a wavy edge. Models with 35, 36 and 43 wear resistance classes, which are not in the official classification, began to appear on sale. This is how manufacturers try to show the higher characteristics of their products.

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

It is quite difficult to find a cover. 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 household. The cost of the commercial option is quite affordable, and the service life exceeds household counterparts:

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

Laminate design

Laminate boards can have different types of surfaces:

Smooth slats. The surface has a smoother finish, including a glossy finish. This laminate is quite slippery and will show almost any hand or foot marks.
Matte elements. They are more popular, as they have a significant naturalness, low slip and no traces.
Laminate with texture. This is a modern development with the presence of a brushing effect or artificial irregularities. It gives the coating the most natural look.
Laminate with bevels. They have bevels or curves at the edges of the boards. This gives a natural appearance and increases practicality in use.

Variety in thickness

Modern laminates come in a variety of thicknesses. The most common sizes are:

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. Fat ones have less sonority.

Types of lock connections

The principle of joining laminated boards allows them to be subdivided into the following types of systems:

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

A significant part of laminate locks are currently classified as "click". They are distinguished by their reliability and assembly efficiency.

Review of laminate locks (video)

Household laminate options

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

Cork laminate

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

Vinyl laminate

It is a relatively new variety on 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 wood species. The basis is vinyl, which increases the hardness and strength of the floors, as well as extends the service life.

Glossy laminate

It is characterized by an attractive mirror finish and many benefits, including durability, aesthetics and reliability. Gloss helps to reflect light, scattering it around the room. This visually expands the space.

Types of pictograms

Particularly noteworthy are the so-called pictograms that can indicate the compliance of the material with international standards and clarify its merits:

badges EN 13893 and EN 14041 characterize the slipperiness classes of the laminate surface;
badge DIN EN 12664 characterizes the indicators of thermal stability of laminates and their ability to combine with warm floors;
badge DIN EN 14041 characterizes the emission of formaldehyde in the laminated board;
badges DN 4102 T1 and EN 13501-1 characterize the ratio of the laminated coating to the fire safety class;
badge EN 438-2 characterizes indicators of resistance of laminates and other types to the effects of non-extinguished cigarettes;
badges EN ISO 105 - B02, EN 20105 - A02 characterize the indicators of resistance of the laminated board to fading from sunlight;
badge EN 438-2 characterizes the resistance of laminates to surface staining;
badge DIN EN 1815 characterizes the parameters of the antistatic properties of the laminated board;
badge EN 13329 with annex F characterizes the impact resistance of laminates and the absence of deformation as a result of mechanical stress.

It is imperative to use the information content of the above icons or pictograms when choosing a floor covering.

Famous manufacturers

The selection of laminate flooring is required 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 a Belgian company Quick-Step... The design features and quality characteristics of this laminate require installation in a residential area. The popularity due to the high quality of the material made the laminate of this company quite expensive.
Laminate from the most famous and popular European manufacturer of flooring brands in Russia Tarkett... Laminate of the middle price class has a standard set of quality characteristics and an acceptable cost.
Prestigious European brand coverage Berry alloc... Has improved qualities of moisture and wear resistance. This allows the material to be used as flooring in kitchens and bathrooms. 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 individually by the company.

Consumers should be wary of Chinese laminate flooring.

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