Laminated flooring based on HDF tiles. Features of choosing a laminate that everyone should know. Moisture-resistant does not mean waterproof

Laminate is a popular flooring, the applications of which limited its low moisture resistance. Even wet cleaning gradually led to the swelling of the plates and deformation of the seams. The appearance of products on the market with increased moisture resistance provided the possibility of laying laminate in rooms with elevated levels of humidity - in kitchens, bathrooms, corridors - and frequent wet cleaning.

What is the difference in moisture-proof laminate from waterproof?

What laminate refers to moisture-resistant type?

This kind of flooring includes laminate, capable of resisting moisture in the air and briefly withstand direct exposure to water. The composition of moisture-resistant floor panels includes a high-density fibreboard, which add:

• special resins - from 4% to 8%, their specific amount is determined by the percentage ratio of deciduous and coniferous breeds in the commodity material;
• petech - designed to increase the strength characteristics, its presence reduces the thickness of the panel without loss of strength;
• hydropobizers - rosin or paraffin - they increase moisture resistance;
• antiseptics - increase the stability of the outdoor coating to the appearance of mold.

Moistproof must not only be smplifts, but also the seams between them. For this, the castle compound is impregnated with paraffin or wax in high-temperature conditions. Such a protective layer prevents the penetration of moisture into wood fibers.

Moisture resistance of seams is an important detail.

Attention! If the slab sweeps as a result of moisture, it is useless to dry it. It is necessary to replace all the coating or its plot.

What laminate is called waterproof?

This type of flooring can be divided into two groups: limited waterproof and waterproof. The first group includes panels that, like moisture-resistant, are made on the basis of high density Feds with a complex of additives of various functionality. Manufacturers clearly indicate the maximum allowable time of direct contact with water. Such a coating can be used, for example, when designing a kitchen.

A real waterproof laminate is made by extrusion from high density polyvinyl chloride. In addition to the waterproof, allowing to use this flooring in the bathroom, this waterproof laminate has other positive characteristics, including:

• ecology and compliance with hygienic requirements - even direct contact of such products with food products is allowed;
• the ability to withstand without loss of operating characteristics contact even with hot water;
• resistance to chemically aggressive washing and detergent;
• good wear resistance;
• relief anti-slip coating;
• relative sociorate;
• reinforced locks;
• long operational period.

Structural components of the waterproof laminated panel:

• top transparent anti-slip layer;
• decorative layer;
• plate of polyvinyl chloride - carrier layer in which there are aircases;
• hydrophobic basis;
• scroll paper that performs the functions of the stabilizer.

Due to the bearing layer with air chambers, for waterproof material is characteristic:

• good soundproofing characteristics;
• high heat-saving properties;
• small mass.

Moisture resistance laminate classification

A clear classification of laminated panels in moisture resistance does not exist. Manufacturers usually indicate the optimal applications on the package.

Manufacturers usually indicate the optimal applications.

Approximate separation of laminated panels for functionality, depending on the degree of water absorption:

• An ordinary laminate, not intended for operation in conditions of high humidity. It has water absorption in the range of 8-16%.
• For moisture-proof material and coating with limited water resistance, water absorption is characterized in the range of 2-8%. Such products can be used for corridors and kitchens. The time of direct contact with water is not more than three hours.
• Waterproof laminate is the best option for laying in bathrooms and unheated rooms. It has a very low level of water absorption - less than 2%. Such a material is quite suitable for laying in bathrooms, bathrooms and other rooms for which not only a high level of humidity is characterized, but also the likelihood of direct contact of the floor covering with water, including hot.

Consider in more detail the features of the choice of moisture-proof or waterproof products for the premises of various functional purposes.

What moisture-proof laminate is better to choose for a kitchen, corridor, hallway?

For laying in the kitchen, moisture-proof material with a non-slip surface is chosen. Plate thickness should be at least 8 mm. The moisture resistance of the floor covering is raised by processing the seams by moisture-proof compositions. Therefore, for this purpose it is recommended to purchase panels with a small chamfer around the edges - 1-2 mm. The chamfer retains moisture-resistant compositions. The chamfer may be a V-shaped or U-shaped, two or four-way. The U-shaped chamfer is visually more attractive.

How to choose the waterproof laminate for the bathroom?

The bathroom requires an outdoor coating with the highest moisture resistance - waterproof from polyvinyl chloride. The board with the supporting PVC layer, due to the cellular structure, has not only high moisture resistance, but also in durability. Manufacturers offer finishing materials with a hardening layer of mineral crumbs with a uniquely high wear resistance. According to a variety of textures and colors, PVC-based laminate is not inferior to panels based on fibreboard. An additional advantage of such products is the lack of restrictions on the use with warm floor systems, regardless of the heat source.

Compound nodes are impregnated with a special hydrophobic composition. A saturated glossy color usually indicates a deep impregnation. Such products are optimal for styling in the bathroom. A more transparent protective layer - a sign of surface treatment.

Tip! Glossy waterproof panels are well combined with ceramic tiles. Laminated products should be chosen, which are combined not only in color, but also form.

Even a high-quality waterproof laminate cannot be used under the prolonged water exposure. Even the highest quality waterproofing of seams will not be able to prevent water from entering the laminated plates, which will lead to the appearance of mold and unpleasant odor. The optimal option for the bathroom is the coating with detachable connections. In the case of flooding floor with water, the panel can be disassembled, dry the base, if necessary, replace individual sections.

For the bathroom, located in a high-rise building above the first floor, it is desirable to use only laminate, steady to direct water. In case of accidents in heat or water systems, it will be able to fully or at least partially protect the lower floors from flooding.

How to distinguish with the purchase of moisture and waterproof laminate from the usual?

When buying panels for flooring, the level of humidity in the room is predetermined. In the kitchen, hallway and corridor you can use moisture-resistant panels. In the bathroom and rooms with frequent and significant temperature differences (veranda, unheated room), it is recommended to lay waterproof products.

How to determine moisture-proof laminate or not? On the packaging of low water absorption products, you will see the words Aquastop, Aqua +, Waterresist. Also, the level of resistance to moisture can be expressed by pictograms in the form of droplets of water, umbrella, crane. Estimation of moisture resistance is indicated by the "Lugged bath" icon. On the box with panels may indicate the material of the base:

• HDF (HDF) - high-density tree fiber plates are the carrier layer of moisture-resistant and limited waterproof materials;
• PVC (PVC, polyvinyl chloride) - serves as the basis of waterproof products.

The swelling coefficient is important, which characterizes the degree of decomposition of the material after its daily stay in water. In non-fatty products, it is 18%. Pay attention for the warranty period that the manufacturer gives when performing operational conditions. It is indicated on the packaging of the material or in the accompanying documentation.

Pay attention for the warranty period that the manufacturer gives when performing operational conditions.

The best manufacturers of moisture and waterproof laminate

Companies manufacturing high-quality and reliable low water absorption panels:

• Egger is a powerful Austrian concern, whose production facilities work in many European countries and in Russia. EGGERAQUA + products are designed for use in bathrooms and other rooms with high humidity.
• Vinyl coatings from the manufacturer BERRY ALLOC
• Kronotex Robusto brand panels (Germany) -Valuctive quality 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. Thanks to the absence of phthalates in the plates, they can be laid in rooms in which children are constantly located.
• The entire laminate produced by the manufacturer Kronospan has the maximum moisture resistance Aqua Stop

The price of moisture-proof laminate produced from a high-pressure fibreboard depends on the thickness of the board, the class of wear resistance and brand. And the cost of waterproof plastic laminate is about 2 times higher than the price of products based on DVP - it varies within 1.3-5.0 thousand rubles. for 1 m 2.

Outdoor coating - laminate - is one of the most popular types of finishing materials. Laminate is made from a fibrous plate and consists of three layers. The lower, impregnated with special resins, determines the stability of the entire plate and warns the penetration of moisture. The middle layer is carrier, and the upper defines the aesthetic qualities of the laminate and its wear-resistant properties.

The main characteristic of the laminate plate, which defines its service life, strength, wear resistance, is the density.

The density is measured in kg / m3, and its value determines the durability of the coating, its stability resistance, the ability to maintain initial properties, both consumer and decorative.

The density of laminate depends on the quality of the material used for its production. The higher the density of pressing fibers of the fibrous plate, the higher the density indicators of the laminate plank and its locking compounds. In addition to strength indicators, the DVP density indirectly affects the degree of moisture resistance of the laminate, but mainly this indicator is determined by the quality of resin impregnation of fibers.

The density of the material is determined by conducting a series of tests, according to the results of which it is assigned a certain class. MDF (medium density fibreboard) of different density has a different purpose and is classified for several types in accordance with European standards EN622:

• Ultra Light MDF;
• Light MDF;

Ultra-light plate Ultralight MDF has a density of 450-550 kg / m3, and LightMDF - 550-650 kg / m3. The MDF medium density plate corresponds to the 650-800 kg / m3 indicator, and the HDF plate indicates the value of 800 kg / m3.

From the above density indicators it follows that the HDF plate has the highest characteristics and that is why it is used to produce laminate.

Speaking of plate density - MDF or HDF, - mean the value corresponding to the average arithmetic value of the density of the material on the surface and in the depths of the plate.

For example, on the surface of the 18 mm MDF plate, the material density is above 1000 kg / m3, and the density indicators in its central part are not more than 500 kg / m3. Therefore, the average value of the MDF plate is indicated equal to 650-800 kg / m3. It would seem that the average density indicators are permissible to use the material as an outdoor coating. But it is necessary to understand that for milling the castle, which should be located in the middle part of the plate, the density of 500 kg / m3 is not enough to ensure high reliability and strength compound. Such a castle will quickly destroy, most likely, at the installation stage, and the laminate planks will "ask." From the slabs with a low density indicator, a finish is manufactured, which is not subjected to large loads during operation.

HDF plates are used to produce high-quality laminated floors, the average density value on the surface and in the central part of which has a minimum difference. HDF has a density of more than 800 kg / m3, which indicates the body's ability to withstand high loads.

The high performance characteristics of the laminated floor covering make the increasingly demanded laminate for the floor finish. Beautiful, easy-to-install and caring material, is distinguished by high wear resistance and variety of decor. The versatility of the application of laminate was limited only by one significant disadvantage - sensitivity to moisture. With the development of technologies, the problem was solved - a moisture-resistant laminate appeared, which can be used in previously inaccessible places.

Moisture-resistant does not mean waterproof

Moisture-resistant laminate significantly expands the scope of application. Choosing a material for certain rooms, you should know how to react to the coating for contact with the liquid and can it be used in wet rooms.
Water for laminated board (lamella) Wednesday is aggressive, movable, capable of penetrating into any gaps and irregularities and stay there. The water resistance shows the ability of the material to resist the action of water and maintain all its properties with long-term contact with it.
Moisture, on the contrary, almost fixed and evaporates well from open surfaces. Moisture resistance - the ability of laminate to withstand a high level of humidity for a long time.
Resistance to water or moisture, in the multilayer structure of the laminated board, depends on the material and characteristics of the bearing base.

Laminate structure

Obviously, if the basis is a fiberboard, which absorbs water well and swells, then such a panel cannot be waterproof. It means that it is necessary to exclude long-term contact with water for such a coating.
For premises in which waterproof floor is required, it is better to use other materials that do not absorb liquids. For example, ceramic tiles, porcelain stonewares, etc.

Manufacturing technology

Moisture-resistant laminate

Moisture-resistant laminate is at the heart of HDF - a high density plate, which is obtained by pressing the solid fibers of wood at high temperature and using a large pressure. To increase moisture resistance and eliminating the development of mold and fungi, special antiseptic and water-repellent additives are added to the stove in production. The lock compound is impregnated with special wax-based compositions to eliminate the penetration of wet air into the coating.
At the final stage of production, the finished strips are processed by a special composition of mold and fungi and make a special coating based on resin and wax, to increase the properties of water repulsion.
The flooring obtained from such lamellas effectively opposes moisture and without consequences withstands a short-term direct contact with water.

Indicators moisture resistance

There is no clear classification by moisture resistance. If the manufacturer admits the impact of a wet environment for a particular collection, then there are special designations on the package.

Conventions of the moisture resistance level

The indirect indicator of the moisture resistance of the laminate is the characteristic of the density of HDF - plates lying at the base. The figure is higher, the greater the resistance to the external influence of moisture, reliable and stronger fixing the panels, which is important when creating moisture-resistant gender.
Thus, the moisture-resistant properties of the material are made up of three components:
. The density of the HDF-slab is the more denser, the more difficult to impregnate with water.
. Wax impregnation of locks - prevents the penetration of moisture deep into the coating. There are two types of processing - deep or superficial. Deep impregnation will protect the slab reliable.
. Special processing and adding water-repellent mixtures into the framework at the pressing stage.
Most modern manufacturers have a collection of moisture-resistant laminate. Trading stamps are used in production Modern technologies in order to improve the moisture-resistant properties of products and expand the scope of application.

Tarkett.

The company applies innovative methods for creating high-quality laminate.
The use of high density HDF-slab provides a high level of panel stability to moisture. In the factory conditions, each layer of the board is impregnated with a water-repellent basis.
The use of special tech3s technology to cover the edge of panels with a wax containing, allows to reliably protect the joints of the joints from the penetration of moisture under the floor covering.
An important value in the creation of moisture-resistant flooring has a patented T-LOCK lock system, creating high-quality lamella mounting.

Classen.

The company uses ISOWAXX technology, providing high protection of the laminated coating seams from moisture penetration using the "mobile" impregnation from the wax-based substance mixture. In production, using specialized equipment, the laminated board from all sides is treated with paraffin compositions, which reduces the level of negative impact of moisture on the material to a minimum, or completely excludes it.
The HDF-High Density HDF plate is used, and the patented EasyConnect Face Connection Technology provides reliable mounting of the lamellas.

Kronospan.

Using the AQUA STOP system, special impregnation of HDF-Plates of high density, allows you to improve the moisture resistance of the panels. Application DPL technology, simultaneous direct pressing of all layers, eliminates the appearance of chips and cracks and means the possibility of penetrating moisture. A high-quality lock connection creates a coating without cracks.

Kronopol

At the heart of the laminated boards moisture-resistant HDF stove and stabilizing and at the same time moisture protection layer from a special film. The four-sided chamfer is covered with special paint for additional protection, and the junction of the locking compound is impregnated with moisture-resistant composition, due to which moisture penetration is excluded.

Use and care

Moisture-resistant laminate has high resistance to the intensive effects of the wet environment. It is able to withstand a short direct contact with any liquid, will not swell and not deform. Quietly tolerates wet cleaning.

Clean the spilled liquid in a timely manner

The appearance of material with such characteristics has significantly expanded the scope of using a popular coating. Now you can lay the laminate in the premises where frequent cleaning is required or there is a chance of shedding anything - a kitchen, a corridor, and the like. The main thing is to choose the brand and appropriate care, the installation of high quality and protect the floor from large volumes of water, to inhibit the spilled fluid in a timely manner, periodically carry out the prophylactic handling of the joints and then the laminated coating will last long.

Building yard

Moisture-resistant laminate

Starting to do in your apartment or private house repair, the hosts are often found with the eternal problem of choice. And the floor covering here is not uncommon, especially against the background of a huge selection of species and forms presented in the modern building materials market. So why did the laminate become a real leader in this segment, what is his advantages and how to choose him to choose to not register and not be disappointed?

The laminate is the pressed DVP panel (it is HDF), where each lamella is equipped with a four-sided lock, which makes it possible to lay material on the floor without much difficulty. Even an ordinary person without special skills and not a professional can cope with such work.

The melamine resins used in the manufacture of laminate provide it with high wear resistance and resistance to moisture. Unfortunately, cheap species of this coating cannot boast of such characteristics, but they also remain quite strong to mechanical effects, without leaving for themselves traces from the legs of heavy furniture or strips from the chairs. And one more large plus is that the laminate is placed on the floor by dry method, and this avoids the already large amount of dirt and dust, inevitable at any repair.

The content of the article:

1. Introduction

Nowadays, the construction materials market presents a huge selection of goods, and laminate is not an exception. For an intense buyer, in this abundance and external similarity of the samples, the risk is hung on an externally attractive, but low-quality material. Therefore, the choice of coating should be started, paying attention to some subtleties, which will be discussed below.

2. texture and color

It's no secret that many owners choose flooring, based on color, as a result of which design solutions and personal tastes of the buyer remain a decisive factor. However, the most practical color on which neither small sorts, neither dust, nor even small scratches remain light tones. The absolute leader among them was the "bleached (milk) oak."

The texture is also a matter of taste and aesthetic perception of the buyer and does not speak absolutely about the quality of products. Any texture is equally well subjected to cleaning, and, contrary to the well-minded opinion, the textured board does not collect more dust - it is just a myth.

3. Cost

The second, to which it is always customary to pay attention after color and form is the price of the product. As with the purchase of any product, you should know and remember that free cheese can only be in mousetra, and wait for high quality from the cheap, but not worth the surface of the coating.

Products are cheaper than 450 rubles per square meter will be short-lived and very quickly lose their commodity appearance. The average price for economy class laminate ranges in the range from 450 to 700 rubles. When choosing, preference should be given to brands of European manufacturers or famous Russian factories, remembering that, saving on the floor covering, in the future it will have to spend money on carpet covers to hide unsightly stunned and scratched slats.

It should be remembered that the floor accounts for the maximum daily mechanical load, and try to win some amount on the laminate - it means to obrace yourself in a couple of years to see the urgent sex.

When the buyer decided on the price category, it is worth paying attention to such an important characteristic as the class of wear resistance, moisture resistance and the thickness of the laminate slats.

4. Laminate class

Laminate class is the main qualitative characteristic that an inexperienced buyer pays attention to. In order to deal with more detail with the concept of a class of laminate, we study the device of this building material:

1. Protective layer - acrylate or melamine resin, may also include corundum (aluminum oxide) - very durable material. Protects laminate from scratches and abrasion.

2. Decorative layer - It is this layer that gives the laminate a certain color and pattern. Presented paper with drawing applied on it.

3. HDF-stove - It is the basis of laminate. HDF is deciphered as high density fiberboards or a high density wood-fibrous stove. It is this part of the laminate that most of the quality characteristics are responsible: wear resistance, moisture resistance, noise insulation, castle quality.

4. Nizhny layer It gives laminate greater rigidity and stability, and also protects against moisture, fungus and mold. Replaced with plastic or cardboard impregnated with paraffins.

4.1 European Standard EN 13329

The classification of wear-resistance laminate is made according to the European standard EN 13329. On this standardization system, the laminate board must pass 18 tests, after which it is assigned the corresponding class. In total, this standard allocate six classes of wear resistance laminate.

For residential premises, the 21st, 22nd and 23rd class of coating are suitable, and for premises with immeasurably larger crossings (offices, various institutions), a coating is required, which is more resistant to abrasion. For such cases, you can use the 31st, 32nd and 33th grade of laminate as the most durable and durable.

Separately, I would like to note that there are 34th grade in the building materials market, but it is not included in the European standard EN 13329

At the moment, the "home" laminate 21-23 of the class was almost out of turnover. And the "commercial" laminate - 31-33 grade is widely used at home.

4.2 Class - Relative Concept

That is, purely theoretically, the higher the class, the longer the life of this floor covering. But in practice it often turns out that laminate with a smaller class retains its initial look longer than a higher class 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 denote its AC. And the class of laminate itself from 31 to 34 characterizes the resistance to the wear of the HDF-slab. Thus, it may turn out that the laminate of the same class will have different indicators of the wear resistance of the upper layer - the AC. And in practice, we will get that laminate with a higher AC will be more resistant to scratches and abrasion and will retain a presentable look.

It is necessary 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 manufacturer, castle quality, as well as reviews of other buyers.

2) There is a European Association of manufacturers of laminated flooring (EPFL), and if any manufacturer of laminate is not included in this organization, it is not responsible for the class specified on the package. Therefore, it may turn out that some Chinese laminate with the above-mentioned 32nd class does not reach even the 21st on the European standard. In order to avoid such disappointments, you can check the manufacturer on the EFPL website.

The class of laminate specified on the package may not fit true, beware of unfair manufacturers!

4.3 Laminate service life of different classes:

Since "homemade" laminate 21-23 grades has been practically out of turnover, it is worthwhile to grant the service life and characteristics of the "commercial" laminate:

Grade 31 - service life in commercial premises with a weak load of 3-5 years, and at home is 10-15 years old.

32 class - service life in commercial premises with an average load of 6-7 years, at home is about 20 years.

33 class - service life in commercial premises with intensive load for about 8 years, at home about 25 years.

Grade 34 - service life in commercial premises with a load above intense up to 15 years, at home - up to 30 years.

4.4 Application of laminate of various classes at home

Grade 31 laminate is perfect for bedrooms, wardrobes and storage rooms (no need to overpay for class)

Laminate 32 class will suit almost all the premises in your apartment, but if you want the service life of the floor covering to maximize, then for the kitchen and hallway it is necessary to choose the highest quality and wear-resistant material, so it is worth paying attention to the class 33 laminate, a proven manufacturer.

Laminate 34 class is still more designed for commercial use in such premises, like the airport, station, nightclub, so its use at home is irrational, as it carries large financial costs.

5. Laminate moisture resistance

If a manual or mechanical wet cleaning is performed in the apartment or office, then you should not neglect such an indicator as moisture resistance. In this case, it is recommended to purchase a laminate of increased moisture resistance. One hundred percent moisture resistance for laminated parquet manufacturers have not yet been able to achieve, and if the seller argues that the product is absolutely moisture-resistant, it should alert the buyer.

For the bathroom it is necessary to use moisture-resistant or waterproof laminate. These are two different materials that differ in their composition. At the heart of waterproof laminate - high-strength PVC plate, and an HDF-stove with special additives is based on moisture-proof laminate. On the packages of ordinary non-fatty laminate, you can find an icon that says that this laminate cannot be used in rooms with high humidity. (You can read the icons on the laminate packages below).

6. Board thickness

Finally, let's talk about the thickness of the product. This characteristic shows what mechanical load can withstand a strap. The thickness of modern laminate varies from 6 to 16 mm, but for use 8 mm coverage will be enough in residential premisescapable of withstanding the weight of heavy furniture from the massif.

7. Laminate castles

Many concerns the question how strong the locks that will hold the laminate planks among themselves. But, oddly enough, this will seem a non-professional, this item is the last thing to pay attention to when choosing a product. Visually determine the quality of the lock is almost impossible, especially if you do not choose a professional master, but an amateur. But this does not mean that this issue does not need to pay attention. Some products have lock connections are obviously fragile, peeling, breaking when they feel hands.

When choosing, you need to take two slats of the selected sample and connect them yourself. If the castle is high-quality, the compound will occur without visible effort, and the seam between the planks will be practically invisible.

8. Ecology of the product

As stated above the basis of the laminate is the HDF panel, and its composition, as well as the composition of the FED and MDF, the phenol formaldehyde resin is included. Therefore, such materials allocate dangerous gas - formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde (CH2O) is a colorless gas with a sharp unpleasant odor. The main danger is that this substance is associated with the occurrence and development of oncological diseases.

Formaldehyde isolated is normalized by the emission class, which are indicated as E1, E2, E3. For standard laminate, an HDF panel is used with an E1 emission class (up to 10 mg of formaldehyde per 100 g of the plate), this indicator is indicated on the laminate packaging.

As is known, the parameters on the package are not always true, so trust your nose. If, when opening the packaging of the laminate, there is a sharp smell, then it is necessary to abandon such a material.

Also, each potential buyer needs to be remembered that the laminate should not be subjected to thermal exposure, since with a strong heating of the coating, harmful substances will be thrown into the environment in more larger.

9. Designations on the packaging of laminate

Some used designations on laminate packaging

Designations of the same characteristics on the packaging of various laminate brands may differ

The image below shows icons on the laminate packaging Aberhof Victory. For example, the first icon on the left above indicates that this laminate cannot be used in the bathroom and indoors with high humidity. And almost all other pictograms correspond to previously discussed.

10. In conclusion

Before you purchase a laminate, you must pay attention to some points that may erroneously seem insignificant.

First, it is worth carefully studying the characteristics specified on the packaging label and make sure that they fully correspond to reality. Also, the label must contain the moisture resistance, wear resistance and the thickness of the plank must be contained.

Secondly, it is necessary to require the seller the quality certificate of the acquired coating. Make sure that the manufacturer does not differ from the claimed. It will not be superfluous to explore the hygienic certificate of goods to make sure that it can be used in residential premises.

I hope these tips will help you choose a truly high-quality laminate.

In 2017, a new Chinese company, which immediately attracted the attention of the expert community, was presented at the international exhibition in Hannover in the "flooring" segment of the floor coverings. The product got the name of the SPC laminate, as externally, with the visible side, he did not have absolutely no differences from the traditional laminate, but even until someone had taken him in his hands. With standard dimensions of the board 150 * 1230 mm, the lamella had a much larger weight almost twice the weight of the classic HDF panel 8 mm thick.

Comparison of HDF laminate and SPC laminate

With an external absolute similarity, these two products have drastically different operational properties, primarily associated with the fact that they have a fundamentally different composition.

The composition of the classic HDF laminate

Recall that the classical laminated panel of 8-12 mm thickness is a plate with several layers, where the base layer is HDF. (H.igh. D.ensity F.iBRA - chopped wood chips of high density). The average density of the slab in most world manufacturers varies from 700 to 1230 kg / m3. The lamel often has a chamfer, embossing and pattern of natural wood, a lock connection for self-laying.

Laminate compositionSPC new generation

The first difference between SPC laminate is its thickness that is 4.5 mm without a substrate. Lamella also consists of several layers and sublayers, but the base layer is no longer HDF, but SPC. (S.tone. P.lastic C.omposite - which means the stone-plastic composite). More precisely, SPC is a composite basis, where 75% calcium carbonate, 24% - PVC, 1% is a stabilizer. At the same time the density of laminateSPC is already 1900-2100 kg / m3, which is much higher than the density of the classicHDF laminate and reaches parameters of porcelain.

Another difference in the coating of a new generation from the previous one also lies in the fact that not paper is used as a decorating decorative layer, but PVC film is 0.3 mm thick, protected by polymers from abrasion and UV.

The design of the SPC does not differ from HDF - lamella can also have a 4-side chamfer and locking system for laying.

Significant differences in SPC and HDF in operational parameters:

Operational parameters
Water resistance		no more than 65%
Sound absorption
Use with a "warm floor" system	optimal coating	carefully
Seasonal stability: expansion and narrowing of lamellas, creaking and string
Easy laying
Ecology
Unborn area laying
Optimal operational T °	from -15 C ° to + 55 c °	from 19 c ° to + 32 c °
Lifetime	from 15 years and above	from 15 years and above

Despite the fact that the SPC laminate for operational characteristics is much better equal to or exceeds most of the parameters of ordinary laminate, most of the world manufacturers have not yet predict its widespread due to higher market value. Compared to HDF, buying a SPC laminate for a retail buyer is about twice more than more cost.

Distribution in the world

Currently, the SPC laminate is already widely represented and is actively implemented in all developed countries of the world with a population in high income. The most active markets of sales SPC are countries such as, USA, Canada, Australia. Very big potential among the countries of the Pacific region, where traditionally high humidity. In Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, India, etc., SPC laminate is attractive to buyers in that it does not respond to humidity and has a high tile density. In Russia, this product is represented by the famous Chinese manufacturer - the STONEFLOOR - SPC plant producing the production of this innovative coating one of the first.

The main supplier SPC in the world is now considered the PRC. The products of this particular country are presented by almost all continents. However, it is expected that in the near future, large European brands will come to the Russian market (mainly leaders in the production of laminated parquet) with a large range and variety of their products.