How to choose a laminate for an apartment

It is important to approach the choice of materials for updating the old base as seriously and responsibly as possible, because the floors are laid for at least a year, or even for whole decades. The palm of the championship among the current flooring is deservedly holding a laminate. It is a budget, but at the same time no less high -quality, an alternative to expensive parquet made of natural wood. At the same time, choosing a “right” laminate is not as simple as it seems at first glance. We will tell you what characteristics, parameters and criteria should be taken into account when buying a laminated coating for an apartment.

1
Wear resistance class

One of the main criteria for choosing a laminate is its wear resistance class - it depends on this parameter how long the flooring will last, without losing its original appearance. According to European standards, the entire household laminate, designed for flooring in residential premises, is divided into grades 21, 22 and 23. Each of them is distinguished by certain operational characteristics and, accordingly, the level of quality and cost. The higher the class of the material, the more resistant to such external factors as mechanical loads, pollution, moisture, light rays and temperature changes:

it is advisable to use 21 class laminate exclusively in rooms with low cross -country ability, for example, in bedrooms, pantries and dressing rooms;
it is recommended to lay products of grade 22 in children's and living rooms;
the coating of the 23rd class is intended for rooms with increased walking intensity - corridors, hallways and kitchens.

2
The density of the bearing base

This indicator directly depends on the material from which laminate panels are made. For their production, chipboard, MDF or CDF plates are traditionally used. Products from the last sheet material are considered the highest quality and durable. In contrast to the first two analogues of the CDF, the plate undergoes mandatory thermal pressing under a high -level pressure, as a result of which it acquires maximum density and strength. It is important, this product of wood is not only reliable in terms of operation, but also environmentally friendly.

3
Laminate thickness

The next criterion that should be taken into account when choosing a material for finishing the floor is its thickness. Authoritative manufacturers of household laminate produce panels with a thickness of 8-9 mm. Such a coating perfectly withstands both shock and dynamic loads and, in addition to the main function, acts as a reliable heat and sound insulation.

An important nuance! A separate case is the laying of the laminate over the “warm floor” system. In this situation, the installation of thinner panels with a special marking indicating the compatibility of the coating with underground heating structures is advisable.

4
Connection type

Depending on the method of fixing individual panels, laminate is castle or adhesive. If an independent laying of the coating is provided, it is better to give preference to products of the first type. Thanks to a convenient key Click system, the boards quickly and reliably “click” among themselves and form into a single “puzzle”. If necessary, damaged floorboards can be easily extracted and replaced with new ones. Products of the second type - adhesive - more complex and fastidious in terms of installation. In addition, it is almost impossible to repair fragments planted on glue without spoiling the nearby panels.

On a note! Determining the type of panel connection, take into account the nature of the room for which they are intended. So, the adhesive laminate is ideal for flooring in rooms with high humidity, since the adhesive layer will prevent moisture from entering interpanel seams and protect the coating from deformation. Besecleic laminate is recommended to be laid exclusively in dry rooms.

5
External design

The most successful is the embossed “knotted” laminate design imitating the texture of a natural tree. When choosing the color of the flooring, focus on the following rule: the floor should be darker than walls, walls - darker than the ceiling surface. Such a color scheme is considered classic and suitable for premises of various areas and layout. Thanks to the smooth gradient stretching of colors, a small room will be filled with light and visually become more spacious. A more contrasting gradient is appropriate within the framework of the overall room - it will make it more comfortable and comfortable.