Laminate density HDF boards of all manufacturers. What is the difference between HDF laminate boards and conventional MDF
In the 90s of the last century, the Russian building materials markets were flooded with all kinds of new products, including in the field of flooring. At the same time, many of our fellow citizens first got acquainted with the laminate, which was created in order to replace parquet. It should be admitted that the new flooring coped with the task quickly, and soon surpassed parquet in many respects. In appearance, a high-quality laminate can only be distinguished from parquet by an experienced specialist.
And yet the materials from which the coatings are made are completely different, although the basis of both is wood. we recently reviewed and discussed in detail, and today we will pay attention to artificial laminated flooring.
Laminate construction
Of course, all manufacturing companies use their proprietary laminate technology. However, the general principle of its manufacture remains unchanged. Laminate parquet consists of the following layers (from bottom to top):- stabilizing- the bottom layer protects the coating from moisture and compensates for the stresses arising during manufacture;
- basic- the base layer of the coating bears the main loads. The base of most laminates is HDF(high density fiberboard), less common MDF(medium density fibreboard). The first is obtained at higher pressure, therefore it has better characteristics (higher strength, water resistance). HDF divided into moisture-resistant and non-moisture resistant. Usually the level of moisture resistance is not indicated on the package, but the price of the product increases;
- decorative- a decorative layer is located above, which resembles ordinary paper with a pattern. The images on it can be very diverse. The most popular "plot" is an imitation of a wood pattern of any shade and species. For kitchens and corridors, stone and tile prints are often used. There are drawings that create the effect of an old floor, depicting scratches, cracks, shoe marks;
- protective- the lower layers of the laminate are glued or pressed. Manufacturing technology depends on the manufacturer. And then they are laminated: in other words, they are covered with plastic. In fact, this is a layer of resin - acrylate or melamine (maybe with the addition of corundum particles). Such an artificial material can withstand high mechanical loads (shoes with stilettos, roller mechanisms), is resistant to many chemicals, and there will be no trace of a quickly lifted lighted cigarette on it. It was the resin layer that gave the name to the new product.
How laminate is checked
The top layer determines perhaps the most important characteristic of a laminate - durability. He answers for the durability of the coating, for how long the floor surface will remain free of scratches and damage. Wear resistance is determined using a Taber test (the sample is placed under a rotating circle, the "task" of which is to damage the upper layer of the laminate). However, this method of verification is gradually becoming out of practice.In the middle of the 2000s, the author of these lines had a chance to participate in a television discussion of the quality of laminate flooring. A test to check it, we must pay tribute to the organizers of the show, an original was invented. They made a spacious frame, which they filled with laminate samples from different manufacturers. And this frame was put on the floor at the entrance to the well-known Moscow store "Detsky Mir". And it was at the end of the year, on the street - sand, mud, "chemistry". After a week of testing, the frame with samples was returned to the studio and presented to experts for assessing the quality of the materials.
The same« Child's world» ... Photo by the author from 09.01.2018
In 1994, the Association of European Manufacturers of Laminate Flooring was founded in Germany. EPLF, which tried to standardize the quality check of laminate flooring. In addition to the abrasion resistance test, tests for lightfastness, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and so on are carried out.
According to the European standard EN 13329, laminate is divided into 6 classes (31, 32, 33, 21, 22, 23). The first number of the class indicates in which rooms it is desirable to use it. "Three" means that the laminate is intended for use in public buildings, "Two" - for home use.
Naturally, if the laminate intended for public premises (class 31, 32, 33) is laid at home, then its service life will increase. The second digit of the class is an indicator of the load experienced by the room: 1 - light load, 2 - medium, 3 - intense. Thus, we find that class 21 can be used in low-traffic home rooms (bedroom), and 33 - in high-traffic public buildings. Each class has a graphic designation, which is indicated on the package. But here, too, there are pitfalls: many firms indicate the class of laminate on the packaging without proper testing. Therefore, it is necessary to find out whether the company is included in the pan-European EPLF, or on what grounds it assigns a class to the laminate.
Advantages and disadvantages
Some special properties of the laminate are usually indicated by the manufacturer in the form of schematic pictures (sometimes with inscriptions). The special properties of the laminate include: noiselessness, increased resistance to mechanical stress, ease of cleaning, the possibility of using a coating for the installation of warm floors.
Silence is an important factor when choosing a floor covering. Nowadays, most manufacturers produce "silent" laminates, when there is no ringing sound when walking on it.
But not every laminate can be used for warm floors. Most laminate flooring is sensitive to temperature changes.
When laying, there is a glue and lock connection method. If glue is supposed, then the edges of the "planks" are smooth. If it is a lock, there should be a groove on one side, and a ledge on the other.
In this case, the elements are well and quickly connected to each other (while a small click is heard - the lock slammed). Most laminate floors are manufactured with locks. Therefore, another characteristic of the laminate has appeared - tensile strength. The connection must be able to withstand a load of about a ton.
Again recalling my own experience in operating a laminate, I want to focus your attention on one of its drawbacks of the connecting unit. The fact is that some of the joining planes are not laminated, so they are afraid of moisture. True, when installing lamellas, it is advised to glue them at least with PVC glue, but this is unreliable protection - "water will find a way." It is worth accidentally spilling water on the floor, and it rushes into the gaps between the slats and tries to penetrate them. I remember that my kitty decided to mark the boundaries of the property in her own way: the result is a swollen laminate in the place of leprosy of a domestic tiger.
Laminate is capable of expanding and contracting with changes in humidity and temperature, therefore it is installed in a floating way. At the same time, an expansion gap is necessarily left between the wall and the covering, and the floor is not attached to the base.
Undoubtedly, laminate is a durable, practical, economical, easy-to-install and pleasant-looking covering that can decorate your summer cottage.
Classic laminated parquet is a thin, tough finish for your floor. Due to sufficient wear resistance and unpretentiousness, it quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the most popular coatings for residential and commercial premises.
Characteristics of laminate flooring
Structurally, the finishing material consists of four layers:
Overlay is a thermopolymer layer that protects the facing material from damage, water, dirt. Depending on the hardness of this layer, the laminate is assigned a load class - from 21 to 43.
Decorative paper with the image of parquet, solid boards, textiles, leather, stone surfaces. Thanks to high-precision industrial printers, a completely realistic imitation is obtained.
Base plate with tongue-and-groove Click-lock at the ends. Manufactured from high density fiberboard - up to 1100 kg / m³. The thickness varies from 6 to 14 mm; it is possible to process the tool joints with hydrophobic compounds.
The bottom stabilizing layer, which is paper impregnated with synthetic resins. Protects the coating from residual moisture in the subfloor and significantly reduces the risk of deformation of the planks.
Advantages of PVC and HDF laminate
Laminate has many advantages. Including:
- the richest selection of decors and shades;
- excellent wear resistance;
- moderate moisture resistance;
- the possibility of replacing the damaged area;
- repair of minor local defects is allowed;
- good size range;
- compatibility with floor heating systems (water, infrared, electric from the "soft heat" series);
- prices for any budget - from 280 rubles / m² and more.
Disadvantages of laminated flooring
Let's note the disadvantages of the floor material. First of all, these are high requirements for the base, as well as the need for a full-fledged sound insulation under a concrete or dry screed (for apartment buildings from the 2nd floor and above).
In addition, the HDF floor is not waterproof, therefore, with prolonged interaction with liquids, the planks swell and deform.
The choice of laminate for an apartment or a private house is due to two indicators: the purpose of the room and the operational load.
The latter combines a number of damaging factors: the level of foot traffic, the presence of abrasives, the likely impact of the claws of dogs and cats, the risk of ingestion of cigarette ash, water, coloring and corrosive liquids, etc.
Choosing a laminate for a specific room
Based on the above, consultants recommend:
For bedrooms, children's rooms, guest rooms and other rooms with low traffic - the coating of 23 and 31 classes of wear resistance with a thickness of 7–8 mm.
For halls, offices, kitchens, hallways, loggias - laminated parquet of 31–32 load categories with a section of 8–10 mm with moisture-resistant impregnation of locks. In extreme cases, when laying, you can treat the joints with special compounds or sealing compounds.
Laminate is a popular floor covering, the scope of which was limited by its low moisture resistance. Even wet cleaning gradually led to the swelling of the slabs and deformation of the joints. The appearance on the market of products with increased moisture resistance provided the possibility of laying laminate in rooms with high levels of humidity - in kitchens, bathrooms, corridors - and frequent wet cleaning.
What is the difference between a moisture-resistant laminate and a waterproof one?
What type of laminate is the moisture resistant type?
This type of flooring is a laminate that can resist moisture in the air and withstand direct exposure to water for a short time. The composition of moisture-resistant floor panels includes high-density fiberboard, which is supplemented with:
- special resins- from 4% to 8%, their specific amount is determined by the percentage of deciduous and coniferous species in the raw material;
- pectol- designed to increase the strength characteristics, its presence allows you to reduce the thickness of the panel without losing strength;
- water repellents- rosin or paraffin - they increase moisture resistance;
- antiseptics- increase the resistance of the floor covering to mold.
Not only samiplites, but also the seams between them should be moisture resistant. For this, the lock joint is impregnated with paraffin or wax under high temperature conditions. This protective layer prevents moisture from penetrating the wood fibers.
The moisture resistance of the seams is an important detail.
Attention! If the board is swollen due to moisture, it is useless to dry it. All or part of the coating must be replaced.
What kind of laminate is called waterproof?
This type of flooring can be divided into two groups: limited waterproofing and waterproofing. 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 indicate the maximum permissible time of direct contact with water. Such a coating can be used, for example, when decorating a kitchen.
True waterproof laminate is extruded from high density polyvinyl chloride. In addition to being water resistant, which allows this flooring to be used in a bathroom, this waterproof laminate has other positive characteristics, including:
- environmental friendliness and compliance with hygienic requirements - even direct contact of such products with food is allowed;
- the ability to withstand, without loss of performance, contact even with hot water;
- resistance to chemically aggressive detergents;
- good wear resistance;
- embossed anti-slip coating;
- relative incombustibility;
- reinforced locks;
- long operational period.
Structural components of a waterproof laminated panel:
- upper transparent anti-slip layer;
- decorative layer;
- a polyvinyl chloride plate - a bearing layer in which air chambers are present;
- hydrophobic base;
- tar 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 in terms of 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 by functionality, depending on the degree of their water absorption:
- Regular laminate, not intended for use in high humidity conditions. Has a water absorption in the range of 8-16%.
- A moisture-resistant material and a coating with limited water resistance is characterized by water absorption in the range of 2-8%. Such products can be used for corridors and kitchens. The time of direct contact with water is no more than three hours.
- Waterproof laminate is the best choice for bathrooms and unheated rooms. Has a very low level of water absorption - less than 2%. Such material is quite suitable for laying in bathrooms, saunas and other rooms, which are characterized not only by a high level of humidity, but also by the likelihood of direct contact of the flooring with water, including hot water.
Let us consider in more detail the features of the choice of moisture-resistant or waterproof products for premises of various functional purposes.
What moisture-resistant laminate is better for the kitchen, corridor, hallway?
For laying in the kitchen, choose a moisture-resistant material with a non-slip surface. The thickness of the slabs 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 at 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-chamfer is visually more attractive.
How to choose the most waterproof laminate for your bathroom?
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 hardening layer of mineral chips, which have a uniquely high wear resistance. In terms of the variety of textures and colors, PVC-based laminate is not inferior to panels based on fiberboard. An additional advantage of such products is the absence of restrictions on their use with underfloor heating systems, regardless of the heat source.The joints are impregnated with a special hydrophobic compound. Saturated glossy color usually indicates deep impregnation. These products are ideal for bathroom installations. A more transparent protective layer is a sign of surface treatment.
Advice! Glossy waterproof panels work well with ceramic tiles. You should choose laminated products that match not only in color, but also in shape.
Even a high-quality waterproof laminate cannot be used under prolonged exposure to water. Even the highest quality waterproofing of joints will not be able to prevent water from entering under the laminated boards, which will lead to mold and unpleasant odors in the room. The best option for a bathroom is a cover with detachable connections. If the floor is flooded with water, the panels can be disassembled, the base can be dried, and individual sections can be replaced if necessary.
For a bathroom located in a multi-storey building above the first floor, it is advisable to use only 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 when buying a moisture- and water-resistant laminate from a regular one?
When purchasing panels for flooring, the level of humidity in the room is determined in advance. In the kitchen, hallway and corridor, moisture-resistant panels can be used. It is recommended to install waterproof products in the bathroom and rooms with frequent and significant temperature changes (veranda, unheated room).
How to tell if your 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. Lack of moisture resistance is indicated by the icon "crossed out bath". The box with panels may indicate the base material:
- HDF (HDF) - high-density fiberboards, are a load-bearing layer of moisture-resistant and limited waterproof materials;
- PVC (PVC, polyvinyl chloride) - serves as the basis for waterproof products.
The coefficient of swelling is important, which characterizes 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 period of the manufacturer's warranty provided that the operating conditions are observed. It is indicated on the packaging of the material or in the accompanying documentation.
Pay attention to the period of the manufacturer's warranty provided that the operating conditions are observed.
The best manufacturers of moisture and water resistant laminate
Companies that produce high quality and reliable panels with low water absorption:
- Egger is a powerful Austrian concern with production facilities operating 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 of the Kronotex Robusto brand (Germany) are 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 slabs, they can be installed in rooms where children are constantly present.
- All laminate produced by the Kronospan manufacturer has the 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 class and the brand. And the cost of a waterproof plastic laminate is about 2 times higher than the price of fiberboard-based products - it fluctuates between 1.3-5.0 thousand rubles. for 1 m 2.
Starting to make repairs in their apartment or private house, the owners often face the age-old problem of choice. And flooring is not uncommon here, especially against the backdrop of a huge selection of types and forms presented on the modern building materials market. So why has laminate flooring become a real leader in this segment, what are its advantages and how to choose it correctly, so as not to regret and not be disappointed in the future?
Laminate is a pressed fiberboard panel (aka HDF), where each lamella is equipped with a four-sided lock, which makes it easy to lay the material on the floor. Even an ordinary person without special skills and who is not a professional can handle such work.
The melamine resins used in the manufacture of the laminate provide it with high wear resistance and resistance to moisture. Unfortunately, cheap types of this coating cannot boast of such characteristics, but they also remain quite durable to mechanical stress, leaving no marks on themselves from the legs of heavy furniture or stripes from armchairs. And another big plus is that the laminate is laid on the floor using a dry method, and this avoids the already large amount of dirt and dust, which is inevitable in any repair.
The content of the article:
1. Introduction
Nowadays, a huge selection of goods is presented on the building materials market, and laminate is no exception. For an uninformed buyer, in this abundance and external similarity of samples, there is a high risk of stumbling upon outwardly attractive, but low-quality material. Therefore, the choice of coverage should begin, paying attention to some of the subtleties, which will be discussed below.
2. Texture and color
It's not a secret for anyone that many owners choose floor coverings based on color, as a result of which the design decisions and personal tastes of the buyer remain the decisive factor. However, the most practical color, on which neither small specks, nor dust, nor even small scratches will be visible, remain light tones. The "bleached (milk) oak" became the absolute leader among them.
The texture is also a matter of taste and aesthetic perception of the buyer and does not speak at all about the quality of the product. Any texture can be cleaned equally well, and, contrary to popular belief, a textured board does not collect more dust in any way - this is just a myth.
3. Cost
The second thing that is always customary to pay attention to after color and shape is the price of the product. As with the purchase of any product, you should know and remember that free cheese can only be found in mousetraps, and you should not expect high quality from a cheap, but beautiful-looking coating.
Products cheaper than 450 rubles per square meter will be short-lived and very quickly lose their marketable appearance. The average price for an economy-class laminate ranges from 450 to 700 rubles. When choosing, preference should be given to brands of European manufacturers or well-known Russian factories, remembering that, having saved on flooring, in the future you will have to spend money on carpet coverings to hide unsightly worn out and scratched lamellas.
It should be remembered that the floor has the maximum daily mechanical load, and trying to win a certain amount on the laminate means condemning yourself in a couple of years to contemplating an unsightly floor.
When the buyer has decided on the price category of the product, it is worth paying attention to such an important characteristic as the class of wear resistance, moisture resistance and the thickness of the laminate strips.
4. Laminate class
The laminate class is the main quality characteristic that an inexperienced buyer pays attention to. In order to understand in more detail the concept of a laminate class, we will study the device of this building material:
1. Protective layer- acrylate or melamine resin, can also include corundum (aluminum oxide) - a very durable material. Protects laminate flooring from scratches and abrasion.
2. Decorative layer- it is this layer that gives the laminate a certain color and pattern. Presented on paper with a pattern applied to it.
3. HDF board- is the basis of the laminate. HDF stands for High Density Fiberboards or high density fiberboard in Russian. It is this part of the laminate that is responsible for most of the quality characteristics: wear resistance, moisture resistance, noise insulation, the quality of the lock.
4. Bottom layer gives the laminate greater rigidity and stability, and also protects against moisture, mildew and mildew. Presented by plastic or cardboard impregnated with paraffins.
4.1 European standard EN 13329
The classification of laminate flooring according to wear resistance is carried out according to the European standard EN 13329. According to this standardization system, a laminate board must pass 18 tests, after which it is assigned the appropriate class. In total, according to this standard, there are six classes of laminate for wear resistance.
For residential premises, the 21st, 22nd and 23rd class of coverage are suitable, and for premises with immeasurably higher traffic (offices, various institutions), a coating is required that is more resistant to abrasion. For such cases, you can use the 31st, 32nd and 33rd class of laminate as the most durable and strong.
Separately, I would like to note that there is a 34th class on the building materials market, but it is not included in the European standard EN 13329
At the moment, "home" laminate class 21-23 has practically gone out of circulation. A "commercial" laminate - class 31-33 is widely used at home.
4.2 Class is a relative concept
That is, purely theoretically, the higher the class, the longer the lifespan of a given floor covering. In practice, however, it often turns out that a lower grade laminate retains its original appearance longer than a higher grade laminate.
There are two reasons why this happens:
1) For example, Belgian, German and Austrian laminate manufacturers, in addition to the class, use such an indicator as the wear resistance of the upper protective layer and designate it AC. And the laminate class itself from 31 to 34 characterizes the wear resistance of HDF boards. Thus, it may turn out that the laminate of the same class will have different wear resistance indicators of the upper layer - AC. And in practice, we will get that a laminate with a higher AC will be more resistant to scratches and abrasion and will retain its presentable appearance longer.
You need to pay attention not only to the class, but also to other indicators: wear resistance of the upper protective layer (AC), moisture resistance, country of origin, quality of the lock, as well as reviews from other buyers.
2) There is a European Association of Manufacturers of Laminate Flooring (EPFL), and if any manufacturer of laminate is not included in this organization, then he is not responsible for the class indicated on the package. Therefore, it may turn out that some Chinese laminate with the declared 32nd class does not even reach the 21st according to the European standard. In order to avoid such disappointments, you can check the manufacturer on the EFPL website.
The laminate class indicated on the package may not correspond to reality, beware of unscrupulous manufacturers!
4.3 Service life of laminate of different classes:
Since the "home" laminate of class 21-23 has practically gone out of circulation, it is worth assessing the service life and characteristics of the "commercial" laminate:
Class 31 - service life in commercial premises with low load 3-5 years, and at home 10-15 years.
Class 32 - service life in commercial premises with an average load of 6-7 years, at home about 20 years.
Class 33 - the service life in commercial premises with an intensive load is about 8 years, at home about 25 years.
Class 34 - service life in commercial premises with a higher intensive load up to 15 years, at home - up to 30 years.
4.4 The use of laminate of various classes at home
Class 31 laminate is perfect for bedrooms, wardrobes and closets (no need to overpay for the class)
Class 32 laminate is suitable for almost all rooms in your apartment, but if you want the maximum service life of the flooring, then for the kitchen and hallway you need to choose the highest quality and wear-resistant material, so you should pay attention to the 33 class laminate, from a trusted manufacturer.
Class 34 laminate is still more designed for commercial use in premises such as an airport, train station, nightclub, so its use at home is irrational, as it carries high financial costs.
5. Moisture resistance of the laminate
If manual or mechanical wet cleaning is periodically carried out in an apartment or office, then you should not neglect such an indicator as moisture resistance. In this case, it is recommended to purchase a laminate with increased moisture resistance. Manufacturers have not yet managed to achieve 100% moisture resistance for laminated parquet, and if the seller claims that the product is absolutely moisture resistant, this should alert the buyer.
For the bathroom, you must use a moisture-resistant or water-resistant laminate. These are two different materials that differ in their composition. The basis of the waterproof laminate is a high-strength PVC board, and the basis of the moisture-resistant laminate is an HDF board with special additives. On the packages of ordinary non-moisture-resistant laminate, you can find an icon that indicates that this laminate cannot be used in rooms with high humidity. (You can read about the icons on laminate packages below).
6. Board thickness
Finally, let's talk about the thickness of the product. This characteristic shows what kind of mechanical load the bar can withstand. The thickness of modern laminate flooring ranges from 6 to 16 mm, but for use in living quarters, 8 mm of coverage will be enough, capable of withstanding the weight of heavy solid wood furniture without any consequences.
7. Laminate locks
Many are worried about the question of how strong the locks are that will hold the laminate planks together. But, oddly enough it may seem to a non-professional, this point is the last thing that you should pay attention to when choosing a product. It is almost impossible to visually determine the quality of the castle, especially if the choice is not a professional master, but an amateur. But this does not mean that this issue does not need to be paid attention. In some products, the locks are deliberately fragile, peel off, break when touched by hands.
When choosing, you need to take two strips of the selected sample and connect them yourself. If the lock is of high quality, then the connection will take place without visible effort, and the seam between the planks will be practically invisible.
8. Environmental friendliness of the product
As mentioned above, the basis of the laminate is an HDF panel, and phenol-formaldehyde resin is included in its composition, as well as in the composition of fiberboard and MDF. Therefore, such materials emit a gas hazardous to health - formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde (CH2O) is a colorless gas with a pungent, unpleasant odor. The main danger is that this substance is associated with the onset and development of cancer.
Emission of formaldehyde is standardized by the emission class, which are designated as E1, E2, E3. For a standard laminate, an HDF panel with an E1 emission class (up to 10 mg of formaldehyde per 100 g of board) is used, this figure is indicated on the packaging of the laminate.
As you know, the indicators on the packaging do not always correspond to reality, so trust your nose. If there is a pungent smell when opening the packaging of the laminate, then it is worth discarding such material.
Also, each potential buyer should remember that the laminate should not be exposed to thermal effects, since with strong heating of the coating, harmful substances will be released into the environment in greater quantities.
9. Designations on laminate packaging
Some of the symbols used on laminate packaging
The designations of the same characteristics on the packaging of different brands of laminate may differ
The image below shows the icons on the packaging of Aberhof Victory laminate flooring. For example, the first icon on the top left indicates that this laminate cannot be used in a bathroom or in rooms with high humidity. And almost all other icons correspond to those discussed earlier.
10. In conclusion
Before you buy a laminate flooring, be sure to pay attention to some points that may mistakenly seem insignificant.
Firstly, you should carefully study the characteristics indicated on the packaging label and make sure that they fully correspond to reality. Also, the label must contain icons of the class of moisture resistance, wear resistance of the product and the thickness of the strip.
Secondly, it is necessary to demand from the seller a certificate of the quality of the purchased coating. Make sure the place of manufacture does not differ from the declared one. It will not be superfluous to study the hygienic certificate of the product to make sure that it can be used in residential premises.
I hope these tips will help you choose a truly quality laminate flooring.
BUT today we will also talk about an important characteristic is the moisture resistance of the laminate. After all, not all are equally resistant to water (many cannot withstand water at all). So how to choose the right look, read on ...
The first grades of laminate (grades 21, 22, 23) resisted water very poorly. Literally if you spill a little water, the laminate was soaked and "swelled" then collapsed. Such classes of laminate could be laid only in rooms where there is no water, not in any form. It was extremely inconvenient, because such premises of the apartment as the entrance hall, the kitchen disappeared, I am already silent about the bathrooms.
Therefore, manufacturers are seriously thinking to improve the performance of the laminate, including water resistance.
And you know, it didn't work out right away, for a start, manufacturers increased the wear-resistant characteristics, so the 31st class 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 has received the so-called HDF board.
HDF plate – This is a technology for the production of moisture-resistant laminate, obtained by sealing the canvas (and 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 seems to have received a protective film (shell) that holds water for a decent long time. HDF board (base) can resist water from 3 to 6 hours when the board is fully immersed in water. Whereas an ordinary laminate will not live even a few minutes in water.
Moisture-resistant laminate can be laid in the hallway, in the kitchen and even in the 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 the installation of 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 icons on moisture-resistant versions.
1) A faucet with pouring water, there may be an inscription "water tightness", which means - "moisture resistant"
2) Or "three drops", next to the inscription "WATERPROOF HDF" - a moisture-resistant plate.
These are the main icons that are currently in use, but it is also possible to apply the icon of a bath with water.
If the bathroom with water is crossed out, or there are no “tap” and “three drops” icons, then the laminate is not moisture resistant! IT IS NECESSARY TO REMEMBER THIS!
As I wrote in the two previous articles, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer of the laminate, for example, German manufacturers have achieved serious results, both in moisture resistance and in wear resistance, although the price is not low. Chinese manufacturers often overestimate their performance, but the cost is somewhat cheaper. So think for yourself, but remember the miser pays twice.
