During the repair carried out in an apartment or in a private house, it is very important to choose the right flooring. One of the cheapest and most durable materials is laminate. It is characterized by an acceptable cost and is able to last with proper care up to 20 years. Another positive point associated with this coating is its ease of installation - it can be laid on any foundation - concrete, wood, PVC, on underfloor heating. It is environmentally friendly, does not contribute to the growth of bacteria. However, before you purchase such coverage, you should know by what criteria it should be chosen. Therefore, we decided, before moving on to a direct review of such products, to give key points to which you should pay attention.
Summary of the rating:
How to choose a laminate?
First of all, they look at the product class. He is able to report how well the material resists wear. This parameter is determined depending on how often it will be subject to dynamic loads - in other words, with what frequency people will walk on it and in what quantity.
Class 31 laminate is best suited for rooms with low traffic, for example, for bedrooms or home offices. Products belonging to class 32 are universal, that is, they are suitable for most rooms in a residential building, they are designed for medium traffic. Material classified as class 33 can be used not only in residential, but also in commercial premises with a decent level of traffic. The 34 class has the longest service life: in domestic conditions it can last as long as possible, it is also allowed to lay in gyms and public institutions.
In addition to wear resistance, this material also has a number of other important characteristics - this includes resistance to moisture, various kinds of chemical compounds, ultraviolet rays, mechanical stress, and so on. All this information is indicated on the packaging of the material.
To make the heat and noise insulation characteristics of the room as high as possible, it is possible to purchase a laminate with an increased thickness, especially since there are materials on sale whose thickness can reach 12 mm.
Another important point that you will have to pay attention to is environmental friendliness. Natural materials are usually used as the base, although the upper part is made of resins and impregnations, some of which may contain formaldehyde. It is best to give preference to certified European products, which have the appropriate safety class and have documentation confirming belonging to certain quality standards.
When developing our rating of the best laminate, we took into account user reviews, price-quality ratio of products. The review includes only the most famous brands that are in great demand among consumers. Now is the time to start looking at specific products.
The best European products
5. Kronotex
This is one of the highest quality floor coverings of this kind, it has been produced in Germany over the past 20 years.All products on the market belong to class 32 or 33, so people can choose the right laminate for themselves without too much difficulty. In the process of panel production exclusively natural raw materials are used, including all impregnations. The modern Overlay film acts as the first layer, thanks to which a reliable degree of protection against moisture penetration into the structure is provided, and damage to the decorative surface is not allowed. The composition of the film includes all sorts of resins and polymers, characterized by high environmental characteristics.
The second layer is decorative. In its manufacture, special paper is used, processed according to the latest technology, with a pattern applied to it, styling a natural wood, stone or ceramic tile coating. The paper is resistant to fading over time or when exposed to sunlight. The main layer here is HDF wood-fiber board with a density of 900 kg / cu. m. The last layer is stabilization, which is intended to ensure that the entire panel is as resistant as possible to wear.
Benefits:
- The panels have very easy to use, but rather reliable locks, providing ease of installation;
- High quality workmanship;
- Excellent wear resistance.
Disadvantages:
- Although the material is positioned as moisture resistant, it is better not to use it in rooms with high humidity.
4. Haro
Another German-made product, and this company has been on the market for over 150 years. The company produces not only laminate, but also parquet and linoleum. The laminate itself is characterized by high environmental characteristics. The cost of production is not very high, since all production is carried out using modern equipment and the latest technological developments. Externally, it is almost impossible to distinguish products from real wood. The format of the panels is quite convenient for working in absolutely any room.
In the production process, Aqua Resist technology is involved, which can significantly increase the water-resistant quality of the products. Another Aqua Tech System technology allows you to reliably protect from moisture not only the front surface of the coating, but also the entire structure of the laminate. The material perfectly resists direct exposure to ultraviolet rays. In addition, it easily tolerates even sharp and significant temperature changes, is not sensitive to moisture. Such panels will not be afraid of fallen matches, smoldering cigarettes and so on. In a fire, it does not begin to burn for a long time and does not emit gases that poison the human body.
Benefits:
- Universal products perfectly suitable for any kind of premises;
- Beautiful appearance, stylized as natural wood;
- There is an antistatic treatment that does not allow dust to accumulate;
- Convenient locking system;
- Increased sound insulation performance.
Disadvantages:
- The material is stylized exclusively for wood.
3. Kaindl
These are high-quality and durable products, which are distinguished by many positive reviews. Laminate belongs to class 34, has a very long service life, there are quite a few varieties - you can choose the most suitable products for the interior. There is practically no formaldehyde in the materials - it is contained about 20 times less in comparison with the maximum permissible norm. For the production of coatings, only high-quality wood is used, as a rule, it is alpine spruce.
The manufacturer provides a fairly long warranty on their products - up to 30 years. At production only the latest technologies and the latest equipment are used.This allows you to protect the laminate from the damaging effects of moisture, it is also allowed to lay in any room, even in those where constantly increased humidity. The material perfectly resists mechanical loads - it perfectly withstands a lot of passing people, even the most heavy furniture will not leave marks on it. External resin coating does not allow the occurrence of defects in contact with any kind of chemical compounds.
Benefits:
- The longest warranty period is the longest among all products included in our review;
- Laminate has all the certificates of compliance with the world level of quality;
- The absorption coefficient of water is almost zero;
- The packaging contains all the information most necessary for the user.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
2. Berry Alloc
This brand of laminate has been on the Russian market of finishing materials for more than 10 years and enjoys well-deserved popularity among consumers. It is manufactured by a joint Norwegian-Belgian enterprise. All products have a lifetime warranty. Laminate resists well even significant physical exertion. The basis here is the HDF plate, which has an increased density. This material perfectly resists moisture. All panel locks are quite easy to use and very reliable. Thanks to this feature, installation can be done independently. The fixture here is the Best Lock Xtreme system. The panels are adjacent to each other as tightly as possible, the seams after installation are almost invisible, moreover, dust, dirt and liquid will not accumulate between them. This moment also allows you to provide a sufficiently high resistance to changes in humidity.
The top layer is made using HydroPlus technology, it is not sensitive to various loads, both constant and dynamic. Such a laminate can be laid in any room, regardless of the level of patency. It has high environmental characteristics: no harmful or toxic compounds and materials are used in the manufacturing process.
Benefits:
- Even a new coating does not have a specific smell;
- High quality workmanship;
- Attractive appearance that will be maintained throughout the entire period of operation.
Disadvantages:
- Fairly expensive products.
1. Pergo
This Swedish company is the creator of such flooring as laminate flooring. It was developed by specialists of this enterprise back in 1977. This finishing material deservedly came in first place in the rating. Its top coating consists of three layers, each of which contains interspersed particles of corundum, due to which the strength and abrasion resistance are even higher. The products are equipped with a special Smart Loc locking system, it has two spikes and is additionally treated with special water-repellent materials. Also, the laminate has special Compact Sound Bloc substrates, which significantly increase the level of sound insulation. To protect against abrasion under high dynamic loads, products are treated with Professional Performance Sound Bloc. The front side is covered with an antibacterial layer containing silver ions.
On sale you can find products belonging to the 32, 33 and 34 wear resistance class. Warranty period is 20 years. Products are available in various thicknesses - 8, 10, 6 mm, the length of the panels can also be different - depending on what material the laminate is styled on.
Benefits:
- High level of reliability;
- Good value for money;
- High level of strength;
- Long period of operation.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
The best products of Russian production
5. Egger
These products have been presented on the Russian and European markets for over 15 years.The company produces a laminate belonging to 32 and 33 wear resistance classes, it is excellent for home use, but it can also be laid in commercial premises with medium dynamic loads and not very high traffic. Technology involves the use of exclusively environmentally friendly raw materials. Guaranteed service life is 15 years. The manufacturer claims that the laminate is characterized by increased resistance to moisture, both on the front and on the back. The coating is absolutely safe in terms of operation, hygienic, fully complies with all quality standards imposed on the coating. The manufacturing technology of the laminate is kept a strict secret, so only original products are on sale, which is simply unrealistic to fake.
All panels are precisely and tightly adjusted to each other, they can be easily laid independently. Locks strong and reliable - JUSTclic. They are not subject to physical influences of various kinds, the joints between the panels are practically invisible. After installation is complete, this product cannot be distinguished from the material under which it was stylized. The top layer has some corrugation, due to which the imitation of wood becomes even more natural. Here, the HDF plate acts as the main layer, the density index of which is about 800 kg / cu. m
Benefits:
- High product reliability;
- A large number of different colors and shades;
- Long service life;
- Reasonable cost.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
4. Ritter
This is a fairly popular domestic brand, which is characterized by not too high price and long service life. The company is independently engaged in the development of flooring production technologies, so that the products are quite original and are in great demand among consumers. Products on the market not too long ago - only 9 years. The panels produced are 8.4 and 12.1 mm thick. The structure is very original - the coating can be stylized as crocodile skin, snake skin, silk, artificially aged material and so on.
Laminate perfectly resists the effects of ultraviolet rays - it does not fade, does not begin to fade, and so on. It is allowed to lay on a warm floor. Products are well resistant to the effects of high temperatures, humidity, extremes of these indicators. Laminate meets all quality standards in the field of the period of operation, environmental friendliness and safety of use. Even with direct exposure to high temperatures, it will not emit harmful gases.
Benefits:
- Looks great in any room interior;
- Interesting texture;
- Many varieties of flowers;
- Allows you to smooth out uneven floors.
Disadvantages:
- No antistatic coating is provided.
3. Kronostar
Such floor coverings have been on the market for quite some time - they have been on sale for about 12 years. All products are made exclusively from domestic raw materials. There are a lot of collections and decors; they can differ from each other in thickness, class of resistance to wear, appearance and so on. The structure of all products is the same.
The working surface is reliably protected by a special OVERLAY polymer film, which allows for the highest abrasion performance. Immediately below it there is a layer of decorative paper with a corresponding image applied to it. The outer surface is very pleasant to the touch and looks beautiful. In addition, she perfectly resists various kinds of physical activity. As with most laminate options included in our rating of the best products, the function of the bearing layer is performed by a special HDF fiberboard of increased density - this figure is 900 kg / cubic meter. mA special film acts here as the bottom layer, which also reliably protects products from moisture.
The panels are interconnected using the Double Clic locking mechanism. There is a lock on all four sides, so the installation process becomes simpler - you do not have to align or adjust anything. Laminate flooring is perfect for both spacious and small rooms.
Benefits:
- Quick and easy installation;
- Not too high cost of material;
- Beautiful appearance;
- The joints are completely invisible;
- Fully protected against moisture.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
2. Tarkett / Sinteros
This brand went on sale 8 years ago and still continues to hold a leading position in the ratings of the best laminates of the year. The cost of production is quite acceptable - the coverage will be affordable even for people with a low income level. Production is conducted on German equipment of the latest generation, exclusively domestic raw materials are used for manufacturing. Caring for the coating is quite simple: it is enough to periodically produce wet cleaning. The basis here is the HDF plate, which provides a high level of resistance to various kinds of mechanical stresses. Thanks to it, all panels have the same shape, which facilitates installation work.
All available products are characterized by minimal water absorption, but it is not recommended to use them in rooms where there is constantly high humidity - in bathrooms, showers and so on. Laminate has all the necessary quality certificates confirming its compliance with European and world standards. The front side is resistant to scratches and other surface defects. The color remains the same throughout the life of the product.
Benefits:
- Huge selection of textures and colors;
- Easy to install and operate, does not require special care;
- Superior surface finish
- Long period of operation.
Disadvantages:
- Not too good indicators in terms of moisture resistance.
1. Quick-Step
This is the most famous brand of domestic laminate today. It is characterized by a high level of strength, resistance to wear, abrasion, color loss and so on. The cost is also quite reasonable. The declared service life of the coating is about 25 years. Laminate is made using the latest technology. The coating is perfectly smooth, there are no gaps. The outer layer of the laminate allows for a high degree of impact resistance. It contains melamine, which is compressed with fiberboard, and it is also covered with a protective layer using nanotechnology. The decorative texture resembles wood or tile. In general, the material is made on the basis of high-quality fiberboards. They are characterized by homogeneity, which cannot but affect its performance.
Laminate has a high density, due to which moisture resistance is at a height. Melamine backing. It is allowed to be laid on a warm floor system, regardless of its nature - electric or water.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- Good moisture resistance;
- Resists physical influences.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
In conclusion, the video
Our review of the best laminate has come to an end, we hope that the information provided will be enough for you to choose the best products for you in terms of quality, price, durability and appearance. If you still have any questions, then we will always be happy to answer you in the comments.
(3 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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