Laminate of good quality to buy. What laminate is better: the rating of manufacturers. Rating not only assesses the quality of the material, but also helps in choosing

Laminated parquet is known since 1977. Its popularity is explained by the ability to withstand significant loads, practicality, incredible variety of decors, formats and surface designs. A huge number of companies around the world produces this product. In this article you will find complete, reliable information about what laminate is better and how to check its quality.

It is known that the lamination technology of floor coverings was introduced for the first time by Perstorp AB (in the future, Perego) in 1979. To this day, the standard of quality is considered a product produced in the EU.

To ensure full control of production processes, the Association of Laminated EPLF Coatings was created. Its members can be those companies that offer customers only the best laminate. Such as the:

PERGO (Sweden)

Since 2000, PERSTIP FLOORINGS has been transformed into a widely known concern PERGO. Full cycle factories were opened in Sweden, Belgium (based on UniLin BVBA), USA. It is not surprising that almost all laminate manufacturers until recently focused on this leader of the flooring market. The assortment presents laminated, vinyl and parquet products under the brand name of the same name. The production process includes all the steps, starting the procurement of raw materials and ending with the shipment of the finite goods to the final buyer.

Advantages of Pergo laminate:

• PEFC (PROGRAMME FOR THE ENDORSEMENT OF FOREST CERTIFICATION SCHEMES);
• EPD (EMISSION DANS L'Air Interieur) - products assigned to the emission class A +;
• standard 3029.0001 Nordic Ecolabel Floors.

Berry Alloc (Belgium Norway)

In the BEAULIEU International Group Corporation, a special status has a unit for the production of laminated floor coverings Berry Alqua. The company is formed as a result of the merge of the Belgian company Berry Floor and the Norwegian Factory of Alloc. The outcome of the unification of huge production capacity, research base and developed decades of experience - the release of laminate for the unique HPL technology (High Pressure Laminate) 32-34 class of wear resistance. The coatings produced according to this technique belong to the category of semi-commercial and commercial, as they differ in the highest quality and resistance of the surface to all sorts of loads.

The advantages of Berry Alloc laminate:

Balterio (Belgium)

In 2001, one of the largest SPANOLUX SA concerns founded the Balterio Laminate Floors Floor Coatings Division, producing products under the brand name Baltery. High quality goods, own unique developments, full manufacturer's cycle provided a rapid growth and popularity.

Today, Laminate Balterio 32-34 wear resistance classes are known as one of the most durable, resistant to various loads of flooring. It should be purchased if you are important:

Designers recommend using large-format lamella widths from 22 cm and more than 1.8 m long for large rooms from 80 m 2 (shopping centers, conference rooms, hotel halls). Small rooms are preferred standard or shortened strips.

Haro (Germany)

The company Hamberger Flooring GmbH & Co, a manufacturer with more than a half-time history, offers laminated parquet under the brand name Haro 31-33 classes. The main emphasis is on the perfect reproduction of the natural texture and high quality coating.

Laminate Haro worth give preference because it is:

The warranty service life of HARO flooring is 12-30 years, depending on the areas of use.

QUICK-STEP (Belgium Russia)

Since 1990, Unilin Group of Companies has been supplied to the laminate finishing materials under the Kvik-Step brand. In 2011, the molding production of some collections was launched in Dzerzhinsk (Nizhny Novgorod region).

Since the motto of the company is "Attention to small things", the laminated parquet of this series has been carefully worked out in all respects and has the following advantages:

Kaindl.

Almost 120 years of experience, a lot of own developments, interesting know-how, full production cycle without attracting third-party suppliers - all this is about the production of flooring of Kaindl Flooring GmbH.

In the EU, the Kainll brand is associated exclusively with the term "quality". Judge for yourself:

At the end of the review of foreign brands, I would like to note that this selection does not respond to the question "What a manufacturer of laminate is better." Each offers high-quality and durable products. The purpose of our study was the intention to present you finishing materials with the most interesting and useful consumer characteristics. Undoubtedly, there are many other decent manufacturers, but to describe them all within one article is simply impossible.

Best manufacturer of laminate in Russia

Domestic factories are trying to keep up with European competitors and offer customers products of acceptable quality and interesting designs.

Tarkett.

The German concern Tarkett Sommer AG in 2010 launched in Mytishchi (Moscow region) Plant for the production of laminated flooring under the brand Tarket and Sinteros. The Russian line produces laminate in 8 collections (more than 100 designs) 32 and 33 wear resistance classes.

Advantages of laminated Tarkett plant coatings:

1. A huge selection of designs with an expressive, deep or standard structure. To enhance the similarity with natural wood, special techniques are used with the surface, such as embossing in the register, chrome, relief, the effect of array, manual processing and much more. In some collections there is a chamfer from 2 or 4 sides, it is possible to choose the format of the planks:
   • Standard (1292x194 mm), thickness 8-14 mm;
   • Narrow (1292x159 mm), 8 mm thickness.
   • Successful Castle Systems TC`Lock and 5G 2-Lock Systems are successful in its simplicity.
2. Not bad indicators of technical part: Plate density from 750 kg / m 3, moisture resistance up to 12%, FIRE-Safety B1, formaldehyde E1 emission class, there is additional protection of TECH3S locks (wax), guaranteed service life - 15-25 years.
3. Proven Safety Tarket Products. At the moment, this is the only enterprise in the Russian Federation, which received international eco-marking "Life Life".

The minus plant's products can be called an overestimated price. Despite the fact that the production is actually located in Russia, the cost of imported collections imported from Germany and manufactured here is the same. There is no complaints about the quality of products, but here is the pricing policy of the enterprise, to put it mildly, surprising.

Kronostar

In 2002, the SWISS Krono Group concern launched a plant for the production of laminated products in the Kostroma region (floor ceiling and wall coatings) under the brand name Kronostar.

Today, competitive laminate 31-33 wear resistance classes with 4 types of textures is available:

• PR - typical wood structure;
• WG - embossing Rustic;
• MX - Deep Structure (Matte-glossy Contrast);
• ER - synchronous embossing in the register.

In the pros also note:

We will draw to the disadvantages:

• Lack of chamfer, as well as saturated rich shades in collections;
• Locks are not processed by special means to increase the moisture resistance of the compound;
• A small number of decors solely under the tree. There are no interesting, nonypical designs.
• One standard size for all lines.
• Products are not complementary voluntary certification for compliance with security and compliance with environmental requirements.

Kronostar can be safely attributed to "middling". This is a budget product for private, less frequently commercial use.

Kastamonu.

Hayat Turkish Holding launched a project for the construction of a new plant for the production of laminated coatings in Yelabuga (Tatarstan) in 2012. Since 2014, Laminate under the brand Kastamon began to actively conquer the market for finishing materials in Russia.

The plant produces a whole series of Floorpan collections with wood structure.

Rule	Dimensions, mm.	Class
Purple.	1380x193x6.	31
Green.	1380x193x7	31
Yellow	1380x193x8	32
Orange.		32
Red		32
Blue		33
Black.		33

In the pluses of coating:

1. Resistance to abrasive loads (abrasives, heels, animal claws).
2. Light resistance.
3. Hygienicity.
4. Easy in installation Thanks to the Uniclic System - analogue of the connecting kit from Kvik-step.
5. Warranty - up to 15 years.
6. Moderate price.

Talk about minuses. The first thing that rushes into the eye is a modest selection of pastel decors and types of structures. Matte, slightly textured surface without a hint of a chamfer suitable for simple, budget interior solutions.

The second point - the durability of the coverage causes doubt from specialists. Open access tests are absent, and the product itself is only two years as it went to the market.

The third fact: a statement of a plant for complete safety and compliance with the environmental standards of Laminate Florpan. However, any highly specialized certificates, with the exception of standard (sanitary and hygienic conclusion, fire safety) are not available.

Ritter.

For almost 7 years, a unique series of laminated floors with exotic surfaces is produced at one of the plants of the Russian concern RBC. The main feature of the parquet Ritter is a structural embossing under non-standard reftills skin, the imitation of crakylur and much more.

In assortment 9 extravagant collections:

Series	Type of embossing	Dimensions, mm.	Class
George Victoronec	Skin Snake	1295x192x8.4	33
Nefertiti / Hannibal	Skin Snake	1295x192x8.4	33
Peter 1	Rustic, deep embossing	1295x192x12,1	33
Harald Stern / Elizabeth	Deep aging	1295x192x12,1	34
Justinian Great	Silkography	1295x192x8.4	33
Mayan	Craquelure	1295x192x8.4	33
Karl Great	Plane	1295x192x12,1	33

Note the undoubted advantages of the laminate Ritter:

• A rich set of decors, shades and unusual texture surfaces.
• High wear resistance coating to different loads. Despite the fact that the semi is assigned the highest classes, the ritter laminate can be used at home.
• Emisy class - E1.
• The Master Lock lock system with wax impregnation is easy to connect, allows you to re-disassemble and collect the coating.
• Manufacturer's warranty - up to 40 years.
• Moderate price.

When buying, consider the fact that the textured floor is very demanding for the interior, since unsuccessful solutions will "kill" the effect of the coating. For accurate selection, use on-line 3D visualization programs.

Russian laminate, though it does not shine a variety of designs, for some qualitative characteristics is not inferior to European products. Its main advantage - available for many customers cost.

MADE IN CHINA: Laminate which firm is better

No Chinese plant is part of the EPLF Laminated Coatings Association. That is, it does not produce high-quality and durable products that meet European standards or Russian standards.

This fact does not interfere with many major enterprises to bring to Russia in a huge amount of products under various brands. Note that among such a variety there are real "pearls", such as Floorwood, Goodway, Brilliant and others. These coatings can be called acceptable by consumer characteristics: a dense stove, reliable locks, durable overlay. Technical parameters are also within acceptable norms.

The above-mentioned brands can be called an exception to the rules. Most often laminate is found, which no information is missing, not to mention certificates and test protocols. In addition, as practice shows, the Chinese laminated parquet does not correspond to the claimed class. Most often, the operational resistance of the slab is checked. Overlay wear resistance is not tested at all.

How to distinguish Chinese low-quality laminate? We will open some secrets:

1. Take the bar and check the stove strength. Try your fingers to bend the castle spike or scratch it with a nail. High-blooded HDF will not crumble and does not crack even with significant loads.
2. Compare the price of products in the production of Russia, the EU and the PRC. The imported goods are always an order of magnitude more expensive due to customs fees and payments. If the cost of laminate is too low, it is better not to buy a cat in a bag. "
3. Require a sanitary and hygienic certificate. Moreover, it must be a copy with a blue seal seal. You must provide it on the first requirement. Carefully read the document, pay attention to the brand, the date of issue and the end of the validity period.
4. Connect two strips. The lock must be dense, and the junction is inconspicuous and perfectly smooth. Latching is made under the effort.
5. There should be no labels on the box or stoves: Designed in Germany, German Quality, German Technology, which I don't mean anything to a smooth account.
6. If on the package or in the accompanying document except the phrase "management quality control system is regulated by en ..." There is nothing, it is better to give up such a purchase. This means that only document flow is controlled, but not a production process.
7. Try to find a bar code on the box, namely the first three digits. German products correspond to indices 400-440, Austrian - 90-91, Swedish - 73, Russian - 460-469, Chinese - 690-693. Looking or unknown code - reason to alert.

Tip! If you need repair masters, there is a very convenient service for their selection. Just send in the form below a detailed description of the works that you need to perform and offers to you in the post office with prices from building brigades and firms. You can see the reviews about each of them and photos with examples of work. This is free and does not oblige anything.

The choice of flooring is an important component of any serious repair, but it is often more difficult to determine the purchase than it seems at first glance. More and more people refuse to the linoleum even in the Soviet times, all the floors are not covered with carpeted floors, and the noble parquet is too expensive.

And here the fashionable and democratic laminate comes to the rescue - comfortable, spectacular and rather durable. To understand all the intricacies of choosing the best laminate, we invited to answer our expert questions - master with 12 years of experience Alexander Yeremeev.

This comfortable, beautiful and durable material is now presented in a wide range.

• Alexander, tell us, for a start, what criteria need to be guided by choosing a laminate coating? What to watch: on price, manufacturer, blackboard or design thickness?

Buying a laminate - the point is responsible, because the floor boards are not bought for one year and not even five. To choose a better coating, be sure to take into account several factors: brand and manufacturer's country, price, wear resistance, moisture resistance and impact resistance, scratchproof resistance. And, of course, design.

• Let's start with wear resistance. Laminate has several classes, but how to figure it out?

Today, the laminate is usually divided into 7 basic classes: 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33 and 34. The first figure 2 in marking speaks about the use in residential premises, figure 3 in public, commercial.

• class 21 boards are laid in rooms where the smallest patency - bedrooms, living rooms,
• 22 is suitable for children, where permanent games,
• 23 - for kitchen and corridor.

However, such types of coating are already unpopular, and the manufacturer gives them a minimal warranty - 6 years. Today in the market the most popular species - "30-ki". They are used for residential, and for non-residential premises:

• 31 - in conference rooms,
• 32 - in offices,
• 33 - in stores and sports clubs,
• 34 is laminate "for centuries", for places with the largest human stream.

Warranty for high grade laminate boards - from 10 to 20 years, and he can live much longer.

• And yet, what class laminate to buy for a regular urban apartment?

According to his professional experience, I can say: the optimal choice for the ratio of price and quality for apartments is the 32nd class laminate, for the most noisy and active families - the 33rd. But here you need to consider some subtleties.

Wearness is determined by the speed, which is destroyed by the upper layer of the board, and how easy it is to scratch the surface. To determine the class of laminate, the production is carried out such a test: the board is fixed in a special device under an abrasive disk and consider how many revolutions need to destroy the top layer and leave noticeable scratches. Often, these numbers in different brands differ significantly, but in the amount they give the same indicator. For example, some scratch boards may occur already on the 300th turnover, and the destruction of the protective layer is 5000 minutes, the average number is 2650 revolutions. In another laminate class, the scratches are visible after the 1500th turn, and the defense is damaged at 3800. The average indicator is as in the previous sample, but the scratchproofiness is 5 times higher.

Therefore, it happens that a person buys the expensive product of class 33, but the coating quickly scratches and loses his shine, although the upper layer is still the designer. The same with a good laminate class lower: it happens that the 32nd has almost no scratches, but the boards are noticeably erased.

• Moisture resistance is also an important property of the laminate, especially in the apartment where there are children. How to choose such a coating so that it practically did not miss the water, was durable, and when laying did not appear gaps?

First of all, it is necessary to present well what the laminate board consists of. This is a stabilizing layer, then HDF-stove, then decorative layer (photography) and transparent protection. The most important part is an HDF-stove, the higher its density, the smaller the laminate is afraid of water and the stronger the castles.

The board of this modern coating consists of several layers.

Moisture resistance depends on the type of laminate - adhesive or castle. If the plates are placed on glue, then the gaps between them remain, which means that moisture inside and will not penetrate. But such a coating has a significant minus - replace 1-2 damaged tiles will be impossible, unlike those boards on which side locks when laying are simply snapped. There is a decent alternative - Laminate Castle waterproof on a standard basis.

For a good laminate, the indicator of moisture resistance must be no more than 18%. To check this, you need to spill a small piece of the plate and lower it at home in the water of the clock on 8. The branded board will be swollen by 15-18%, this percentage can reach and 40.

It is also important and the thickness of the laminate board - the more millimeters in it, the stronger, and lay it easier. In addition, such a coating perfectly absorbs sounds, so in the apartment where there are kids, I always recommend buying a laminate not thinner than 8-12 millimeters.

• What is a substrate for laminate?

The substrate is a very important material for outdoor repairs, the material isolates the laminate plates from the floor and provides heat and sound insulation. In the quality laminate of the 32nd class and above, the substrate usually already exists, when buying cheaper classes, it is necessary to purchase it separately.

There is a substrate of three species, the most affordable and popular - polyethylene foam. It is resistant to moisture, put it easier than simple, but over time, such a layer sends. A little more expensive is a cork - it is perfectly holding heat, but can highlight condensate. The output is very simple - buy a cork substrate with the addition of bitumen or rubber. There is also a so-called special substrate, it costs more than just, but it perfectly absorbs the sound, keeps heat, and the condensate on it never appears.

The substrate can be made based on cork material

• And what can you say about environmental friendliness? How important is it important for the apartment laminate?

The environmental friendliness of building materials has long been placed in the head of the corner, and in its work I definitely take into account this factor. In the production of floors for flooring, a phenoloformaldehyde resin is used, which reduces the cost of production and the price of the final product, but it highlights the health of formaldehyde. Therefore, when buying a laminate, you need to look at the degree of content of dangerous resins in the tiles.

So, in Europe, the formaldehyde content in the laminate coating is rigidly regulated, and for health is equally harmless and expensive parquet, and standard laminate. Another thing is China, according to the laws of this country, the requirements for the content of a phenolofehyd resin in the "under the tree" boards are much lower!

When choosing a laminate in the store, trust only yourself and your observation - the open packaging should be published only a weak fragrance of sawdust. Any extraneous smell - glue, paints, etc. - I must alert you. See also on the price tag: too cheap laminate almost 100% of cases are dangerous to health. And there is no difference where you buy building materials, and even in a large hypermarket there may be a dangerous product. I know that large stores in contracts often write that all responsibility for the quality of the laminate carries the supplier, in addition, hypermarkets are legally not obliged to check certificates for goods - this is the concern of special organizations.

• Let's talk about the design of the coating. What color today is in fashion, under a tree, stone or monophonic? Can I choose high-quality laminate for color?

The situation with the design of laminate tiles has developed quite interesting. Classic laminate is an imitation of the floor, and the real wooden boards for the floor are unique - two the same you will not find. Therefore, the best laminate boasts the minimum repeatability of the pattern, the presence of bitch and the natural varnish of the tree. The European production will say repeatability of the image 1: 6 - this means that in 4 packs there should be at least 6 options for the color "under the tree". By the way, in the most expensive collections of premium producers, for example, Quic Step, this ratio reaches 1:60.

QUICK STEP Material Material has beautiful and practically no repeating drawings.

But the Russian consumer has its own faders - we are accustomed to the monophonic floors of the floors, so we believe that the correct laminate should be either a monophonic color resembling paint for the floor, or even shade "under the tree", the same, symmetric and without any knots. Usually, such a coloring is available from an inexpensive Chinese laminate - they use the easiest pattern-imitation, and repeatability - 1: 3.

This is how it turns out that the whole world is chased at the exclusive parquet laminate, and we are submitted that it is simpler.

• Now they talk a lot about laminate with the fairy school. What is it and what are the advantages of these plates?

The chamfer is a V-shaped oscillating edge of the laminate plate (1-2 mm depth), thanks to which there are small grooves when stacking in places of the board. The chamfer is found both throughout the perimeter of the board and 2 long sides, double-sided.

As we said, a sign of dear laminate - the full similarity with the parquet, and the chamfer is similarity only enhances, because on a natural tree, such grooves are almost always. In addition to aesthetics, the chamfer allows you to increase the service life of the laminate 2-3 times, and when exposed to moisture helps the coating not to lose the original form.

Another plus - if you buy a laminate coating with a chamfer, you can not spend a bunch of money and forces on the perfect floor alignment. Usually, a flawlessly smooth surface is needed in order to make the floor shape, which over time, do not have cracks. The chamfer hides these cracks - provided that the semi drop is not more than 4 mm per meter.

• You have repeatedly mentioned the high quality of European laminate brands. So what manufacturer choose? Only Europe, or China and Russia also produce high-quality laminate?

For many years I have been dealing with laminate styling and I can say with confidence: the best and most responsible manufacturers are Europeans. The manufacture of a laminate board is a high-tech process, it requires no cheap labor, as in China, but the most modern equipment and high responsibility of companies. No European manufacturer with a world-famous post will place the production of laminate in the Middle Kingdom - it will simply strike on the image.

In addition, there is another quality indicator - the construction company must necessarily enter the Association of European manufacturers of laminated flooring (EPFL), it is in this case that it is fully responsible for its product and for what is written on the label. Therefore, I always advise my customers - if you need high-quality laminate, be sure to check whether the manufacturer enters the Association, on the company's website on the Internet.

Russian and Chinese manufacturers who are not included in the professional union have the full right to write on the label anything, therefore, the icon of the 32nd class can be turned on the base laminate. In fact, quality can correspond to class 21.

• Tell us about the most famous manufacturers. Laminate which company is better to choose, given a different purchasing power of consumers?

By the ratio of price-quality laminate has three classes: premium, comfort and economy.

In the premium segment, the most famous firms are Austrian Kaindl, Belgian Quick-Step and Pergo. These companies have excellent quality, interesting collections, but expected high price. Interesting glossy coverage rules in German HDM, Belgian firm Balterio is famous for unique black laminate.

Austrian brand KAINDL is a premium floor material

From the comfort class, I can definitely advise French Alsafloor - this is a great quality, many different design lines, there are 33th class boards with a thickness of 12 mm and high strength. The German manufacturer of Kronotex works in comfort and economy class, but it does not have the widest color palette, minimal specifications. Another famous representative of the laminate economy option is the German Egger. The price of such a coating is quite affordable, but also suffers design - the minimum number of colors, imitation under the tree mainly with photos.

• Let's summarize our conversation. Can you formulate several rules for our readers, which will simply be distinguished by the corporate western laminate from the cheap and poor-quality?

I have already called a few rules - this is a pleasant woody smell of a laminate board, the indicator of moisture resistance is not more than 18%, the repeatability of the figure is at least 1: 6.

Another indicator of good flooring is a high price: This laminate cannot cost 400-500 rubles per square meter. Also, always smurify the marking: Chinese laminate often does not have identification signs or has, but with errors. The European always indicates the information is always indicated, and the name of the country - without abbreviations. Another identification sign can serve as the color of the reverse side of the laminate tile - a pleasant beige color, while the Asian products are brown. However, recently, the eastern manufacturers also began to supply laminate with beige invalid.

The Chinese production with almost 100 percent probability will say a special size - the length of the laminate plate is 1215 mm, the thickness is 12.3 mm. For Asian manufacturers, these sizes are very convenient, the manufacture of such plates is least expensive, so such parameters should also alert.

High-quality material will serve you for a long time and will delight your kind

The rules are quite a lot, but remember them quite real. Do not rush with a choice of floor covering: go through several stores, view prices, check the manufacturers you like to "Sign of Quality" - and you can easily buy the best laminate for your apartment.

Before buying a laminate, you can conduct a small investigation to not be disappointed in its qualities. To do this, it is enough to view the material rating in any research agency. Next, the choice for the buyer.

It is pleasant to look at the laminated coating of good quality, except for all it can be chosen for any design room.

General.

Thanks to the high-quality laminate, you can create comfort and comfort in the residential room.

The quality of the laminate is estimated at the following classes:

• Strength;
• Moisture resistance;
• Connection type and reliability;
• Type of drawing.

Strength class.

The duration of the safety of the drawing and the appearance of the flooring is depeted on the class of strength, that is, how long it will save its original appearance. About 18 tests were specifically developed by European manufacturers for confidence in the strength and reliability of the material.

A very long laminate was divided into two groups. It was made or for office space or home use. Thus, it was assumed that for offices it is required to produce an outdoor coating more durable than for residential premises that could be less durable.

Therefore, created a system consisting of seven classes:

• The floor covering 21st was supposed to be mounted in places that visited little, such as a bedroom, pantry. The service life of such a coating was assumed no more than two years;
• The coating of the 22nd was to serve a slightly more than the previous one, about 4 years. They also put it in premises with a small attendance;

Although the installation instructions for laminated plates and is attached to the flooring, invent, where to apply it to the buyer itself.

Helpful information! 23-и - was intended for use for no more than 6 years. For a couple of dozen years, such a laminate enjoyed tremendous popularity in Russia and was in demand among consumers.

The three classes of the laminate described above in the past time because no one is engaged in their manufacture, they are simply removed from production. If the buyer in any store seller offers a laminate of any of these classes, you need to know that they are removed from production.

• The class 31st is intended for small loads, in office space it will last no more than three years, but if it is used in residential rooms, then it can have a qualitative view of about 12 years. In Russia, this class of laminate, many buyers are positive;
• The class 32nd in the office premises will serve about 5 years, at home about 15 years. It can be laid in the kitchens, vessels, where the crowds of people will be tested on floor coverings only from time to time;
• Class 33-ie is intended for intensive loads. Manufacturers provide a guarantee for such a laminate, depending on its application. If it is used in offices, then a warranty is given for 6 years, if the laying is carried out at home, then about 20 years.

Due to the strength of the material, even tables or other furniture items with iron legs can be put on its surface.

• Class 34th is designed for high loads. It can be laid in dance clubs, car dealerships. Its manufacturers cannot accurately determine the service life of this floor covering, although some are still issued a warranty from 15 to 30 years, depending on the operating conditions.

Moisture resistance.

Probably, everyone understands that the high-quality flooring first must be reliably protected from moisture.

In this case, it is divided into three categories:

• More recently, laminate was very popularly popular, which was not completely protected from moisture. In the process of its production, they did not use the means of protecting moisture, so it could not be said about it - this material is moisthable. But, despite this, many consumers bought him, and he very quickly won the flooring market. The manufacturer's chip was that they were offered laminate, the surface of which really opposed moisture, which could not be said about the joints of the elements. They were only hermetic, but not protected. Today is such a floor covering, although it is found in the stores, but does not use the same fainting;
• Moisture-resistant laminate has specially processed layers and docking sites with various impregnations and other means protecting with moisture. True, paying attention to this floor covering, it must be remembered that such treatment is capable of protecting the material only from the short-term exposure of moisture. For example, if it is immersed in water for a long time, then some memories will remain about the floor covering;
• The highest quality laminate is the waterproof, which has a wax layer, covering the joints between the boards.

Before buying a laminate, and make sure that the seller does not deceive, you can carry out a difficult experiment. We buy one element of the laminated board, cut a small piece from it and immerse in the water for 8 hours.

After stretching it out of the water, it should swell no more than 18%, for example, if its thickness before dipped was 5 mm, then it should be no more than 6 mm. If the thickness is greater, it means that the seller wanted to sell a laminate, which has other qualities, but not water resistance.

Connection character.

The times when laminated plates were laid with the use of glue, rushed into the fly. Today Bole is popularly mounted laminate with inflammatory ways:

• Schip-groove;
• Cry.

Among these methods, the material is popular, which is connected with the help of "click" when one board is snapped into the different one. The "Lok" method involves a slightly different connection, that is, one board is inserted into the other.

By buying a laminate, it is necessary to check how efficative and regularly connect, exclusively all the elements. For this you need:

• Visually inspect the connecting joints of the slabs. Their edges must be clear, not to have smoothing, smooth over the entire length and the same thickness;
• If the plates are connected by the "Click" method, then when two elements are connected, two clicks must be clearly heard, while the lower planes of adjacent boards must be merged into a single plane, without the formation of angles. When connected by the "Lok" method, the boards should be inserted into each other until it stops and along the entire length, without the formation of the slightest gaps, while the boards must slide up and down.

Using the drawing, you can distinguish the laminate of the Chinese manufacturer from domestic or European. For example, if Europeans have a wide selection of drawing, then the Chinese offer this floor covering the maximum of four types.

Demand is estimated.

In the Moscow market, the laminated coating is estimated at its price category:

• A - refers outdoor coverage, which costs 700-1300 rubles. per square meter. It is bought by no more than 20% of consumers;
• B - price category of such a laminate 1300-200 rubles. It is popular not more than 10% of the inhabitants;
• C - coating cost from 2000 rubles. buys 5% of the population;
• D - Economy class. Worth not more than 350 rubles, such a laminate buys 16%;
• E - enjoys the biggest popularity. About 49% of the population voted for him, because they believe that such laminated coating perfectly combines quality and an acceptable price. Costs 350-700 rubles.

This diagram shows that many are confident in the truthfulness of the proverb: the miser pays twice. It is possible to choose the optimal version of the laminate worth 350-1300 rubles.

Many are confident that buying goods of a well-known company, you can protect yourself from most mistakes and not high-quality goods.

Therefore, buying laminate can be followed by such indicators:

Quick Step. The manufacturer from Belgium occupies a leading place for sales of high quality floor coverage, deserved the confidence of many buyers;

4 companies compete with Belgians:

1. Tarkett,
2. Pergo
3. Egger
4. Baterio.

For them on the heels follow the firms of the second plan:

1. Kronostar
2. Kronotex.
3. Kronospan.
4. Classen.

Kronoflooring. One thing that distinguishes these firms is varieties in size. They usually release the panel of the same size.

As a rule, everyone wants to purchase goods of high qualities and indicators at an affordable price. Therefore, the diagram shows firms that offer laminated high quality coating at low and acceptable prices.

Deciphering chart:

1. A - above 2000 rubles;
2. B - starting from 1300 rubles. and ending 2000 rubles;
3. C - 700-1300 rubles;
4. D - from 350 to 700 rubles.
5. E - less than 350 rubles.

We make the following conclusions, per square meter not expensive material will have to pay about 1300 rubles.

Considering the fact that the material for 2.3 square meters is approximately located in one pack. meter, and laying need to be held on an area of \u200b\u200babout 40 square meters. meters, then as a result, it turns out:

• You need to buy 18 packs;
• Spend about 28 thousand rubles.

Such costs are quite acceptable for people who wish to get a high-quality laminated coating at an affordable price.

More 60% of buyers are confident that the Belgian company Quick Step is one of the best. It can offer high quality at an acceptable cost.

Others, in turn, adhere to the opinions that the Tarkett floor covering is the only one of all companies offers a material in which the price and quality are perfect.

A similar opinion is expressed by buyers who choose an Austrian company Egger.

To date, the laminate is one of the leading types of flooring, most often used in residential and commercial premises. A huge number of manufacturers of this finishing material complicates the choice for the consumer. It is difficult to answer uniquely, what kind of laminate is the best.

Criteria for the choice of the best laminate

Naturally, different people choose finishing materials in different ways. Someone is focused on the reviews of real buyers about the laminate, and someone considers this method not objective.

A number of consumers are determined with the choice, based exclusively on the price or the appearance of the coating. And some of the purchases are dealt with the characteristics responsible for quality, and explore the variety of laminate manufacturers ratings made up by specialists.

What laminate is better

It must be said that the most stringent and hard quality standards are accepted, of course, in European manufacturers of laminated coatings.

Products of factories included in the EPFL European Laminate Producers Association are guaranteed quality and safe.

But the Russian and Chinese products, to the enormous regret of the consumer, can not boast of the same high selection criteria.

For example, our GOST does not provide for the following tests required for the "Europeans":

• high-resistance check with a metal ball;
• checking for resistance to deformations from the movement of furniture;
• check for resistance to the formation of scratches from the office chair.

Environmental requirements for domestic products are also underestimated. European laminate is necessarily tested at the formaldehyde emission level. Russian coating is checked so far only voluntarily.

Chinese environmental criteria are significantly lower than European, which vividly indicates the smell of products.

Rating manufacturers of laminate

For your convenience, manufacturers are divided into segments that depend not so much from the price of the laminate (although, of course, the trend is traced), how many from good reviews and the degree of consumer confidence brand, caring relationship factory to the environment, introducing innovations and improving quality characteristics, as well as From the aesthetic components and diversity of the sentence.

Premium class or ★★★★★:

1. Pergo.. Production started in Swedenbut now the laminate Perpo is produced in Belgium. The widest choice of decor with realistic textures of wood, leather, ceramics, etc. Exclusive PerfectFold ™ 3.0 locks and unique Titanx ™ protection. Lifelong warranty;
2. Alloc. and Berryalloc., Belgium. In addition to ordinary high-quality coverage, Berryalloc produces the simplest laminate worldwide HPL - high pressure laminate. More than 35 different quality certificates, EU marking, unique castle compounds, lifelong warranty;
3. Kaindl., Austria. Eco-friendly production and increased control of the content of formaldehyde. The FloorUp system allows you to mount the walls on the walls. Warranty - 30 years.
4. HDM., Germany. A peculiar technology of ELESGO® gives coating a glossy surface. Unique designs, environmentally friendly production, antistatic lamella coating, a decrease in the "noise" of the laminate;

Comfort or ★★★★:

1. Quick-Step., Belgium-Russia. Unique locks and Super Technologies Scratch Guard, which makes it possible to significantly increase wear resistance. EU marking, a wide choice of textures, warranty - up to 25 years;
2. Balterio., Belgium. The amount of formaldehyde in products is 10 times less than the required norm. Acceptable price, excellent quality, stylish anti-slip coating;
3. Aller, Austria. Suburbra Kaindl.. Excellent value for money, up to 30 years warranty;
4. Witex., Germany. Since 2013, the company is called Wineo.. Superstability DPL +, reinforced noise insulation, resistance to humidity. Lifelong warranty on products;
5. Parador, Germany-Austria. Extraordinary design, numerous awards. Laminate warranty - up to 25 years;
6. Meister., Germany. Silent coating and excellent imitation of all kinds of textures - wood, textiles, tiles, stone, sandstone. Environmental declaration of the company's products, which speaks of excellent quality.

Standard segment or ★★★:

1. SWISS KRONO GROUP. - A group of companies in which subbreaks Kronoflooring, Kronopol, Kronospan., Kronotex., as well as My Floor. Eco-friendly responsible production, member of the EPLF organization;
2. Haro., Germany. The company has been operating since 1866. Focus on good quality and environmental friendliness. The most quiet laminate in the world, which confirm the tests and reviews. Double coating moisture protection, can be used in conjunction with the "Warm floor" system;
3. Alsafloor, France. Fast and simple laying of coverage, a good choice of thickness - from 7 to 12 mm, beautiful imitation of wood and other materials. Environmental friendliness and low price;
4. Balterio., Belgiumwhose subrabrands are Xpert Pr., Vitality. Eco-friendly products, the presence of chamfer. Simplified installation system. Warranty - up to 33 years, depending on the collection;
5. Egger., Germany. The company began production in Austria, now laminate is produced in RF. Moisture-resistant coating, low price, but not enough choice.

Economy class or ★★:

1. Tarkett.. Production was open in 1872 in France, now there are in RF. Matching GOST, chamfer, 25 years warranty;
2. EPI., France. Product release in Russia. French design, protection of locks from moisture, good sound insulation;
3. Vario Clic., Turkey. Laminate complies with European quality standards. On sale you can meet only 31 class of resistance, poor assortment of textures;
4. Moonloc., Turkey. EPFL member, EU marking. In the presence there are only wooden textures.
5. Sinteros from Tarkett.. Produced in RFSince 1995. TECH3S technology is protected from moisture, the presence of only wooden invoices, a guarantee - 15 years;
6. Belfloor., Belgium. A new brand producing covers since 2013. Plus - on sale there are thick boards 12 mm, but, unfortunately, the choice is still small;
7. Classen., Germany. EPFL member having various certificates of quality, safety and ecology, but a limited range;
8. Dolce Flooring, Germany - subsidiary Egger.producing laminate exclusively for the Russian consumer.

China or ★:

1. Floorwood., Germany / China / Russia / Belgium / Belarus. Dear and wear-resistant laminate. Eco-friendly production, fast laying. Large assortment, Effect Hand Maid (handmade). Lifetime warranty for individual collections;
2. Millennium., China. Popular brand with a wide range of wooden textures. Warranty - up to 25 years;
3. Floor Step., Germany / China. Interesting design, chamfer, good reviews. Of the disadvantages - not at all low price, there are no certificates of quality and safety in free access;
4. Ecoflooring., China. German manufacturing technology and equipment. Declared high environmental friendliness and wear resistance, not confirmed by certificates. 25 years warranty;
5. Lebenholz., China. Affordable coating, chamfer, but few collections and not too realistic textures.

Here is such an overview of the manufacturers of laminated coatings for the floor presented in the Russian market, we turned out. We really hope that this quality rating, assortment and other criteria will be useful, and you will be easier to decide which laminate to choose and buy for your apartment, country house or office.