Everyone can easily and quickly choose the right laminate flooring for a particular room. Laminate flooring goes through many tests before it goes on the market for soundproofing, protection against scratches and damage, resistance to water, light and abrasion. Before buying, you need to find out the quality and service life of the laminate.
Main types of coverage
Class 33 laminate is one of the most durable floorings. It can withstand water for hours. It is also important to note the good wear resistance of this material. Class 33 laminate flooring is commonly used for flooring in commercial buildings that are characterized by high daily traffic of people (shopping centers, hospitals).
Laminate class 31 and 32 is also used in commercial premises, but with less foot traffic. It is best suited for office space, banquet halls. This coating can easily withstand prolonged contact with moisture, and it also shows resistance to scratches and abrasion.
32 and 33 grade laminates candiffer from 31 mainly in additional decor - a special chamfer or gloss on the surface.
Also, experts distinguish laminated coating of classes 21, 22, 23. These types are usually used for houses and apartments. Class 21 laminate is considered the most unstable and low quality, it is used mainly in bedrooms, which are distinguished by their dryness and which family members rarely enter.
Over time, manufacturers of laminate flooring have ceased to create models of such classes, as they are short-lived in operation, limited in use and are in low demand. Such a laminate was especially popular abroad and in Russia until the beginning of the 21st century, after which its popularity began to decline significantly.
Laminate Grade 31
Class 31 laminate flooring is used in private houses and apartments, which are characterized by low and medium pressure on the floor. Some firms allow the use of such a coating in commercial premises, but note that the life of the laminate in this case will be significantly reduced.
The types of laminate produced under this class are known for their affordability, as well as a wide variety of additional decoration. Experts advise using a special sound substrate when installing such a flooring or purchasing a laminate equipped with a soundproofing system in advance. The best solution would be to purchase a cork backing.
Model qualities
This class of laminate is best suited for bedrooms, children's rooms, hallways, small office corridors with a low floor load. The main distinguishing features of this type of coating include:
- mechanical locking;
- thinness of boards (width does not exceed 8 mm);
- when installed in a home, the service life ranges from 10 to 12 years.
32 grade laminate flooring
The greatest demand in the modern market falls on the 32nd class of laminate. Floor coverings of this type are produced at almost all construction enterprises both in Russia and abroad. This class of coating is characterized by drawings on wood, various types of decoration, natural color.
In terms of its resistance to moisture, abrasion and wear resistance, class 32 laminate is much better than class 31, but its price is much higher. The main distinguishing features of this coating include:
- the thickness of laminated boards ranges from 7 to 12mm;
- nearly every laminate flooring produced at the facility has a special non-slip surface to help keep everyone in the family safe;
- Class 32 laminate flooring lasts up to 15 years in residential buildings and up to 5 years in commercial premises.
This type will be good for use in a house or apartment with any floor load and daily traffic. It is allowed to lay it in corridors, dining rooms, kitchens. Alsoexperts do not prohibit the use of it when covering the floor in small shops, offices, hotel corridors with low traffic.
Features of class 33
Class 33 laminate flooring is allowed to be used freely in both residential and commercial premises. There are no restrictions on this coverage model. At the same time, it is important to note the rather high cost of the material, which is justified by its good quality and relevant characteristics:
- The thickness of laminate panels can vary from 8mm to 12mm.
- Reinforced mechanical locking system built in, which is particularly resistant to side pressure.
- Beautiful and detailed patterns can be seen on the surface of the floor. The coating has an imitation of natural wood and other building materials.
- The large thickness of the panels ultimately creates good sound and heat insulation in the rooms. If previously additional insulation materials were required to maintain heat in the room or eliminate unnecessary sounds, then after laying such a coating, they will no longer be needed.
- Laminated boards are particularly resistant to water, so they can fit perfectly in any room (with a high humidity index). It is best to talk to the store manager about this property of the selected laminate model before buying.
- Class 33 laminate flooring can last more than 20 years for residential and 10-12 years for public spaces and institutions.
Increase usage time
Laminate is a coating that needs regular and proper maintenance. To prolong the life of laminate flooring in your home, it is important to choose special cleaners, properly remove dirt from the surface of the floor and carry out regular cleaning.
Laminated coating is important to protect from dust and pollution. To do this, it is best to use a dry method of cleaning, which will help to facilitate the task: a vacuum cleaner or a soft cloth will do.
Washing models of vacuum cleaners in this case will not work, as they can only damage the coating. When purchasing laminated boards, the seller must tell in detail how best to wash them and how to care for them.
