The laminate known to all appeared several decades ago in Sweden. Due to the mass of advantages and a large number of competitive advantages over other materials, this floor covering has gained worldwide popularity. In this article we will talk about what a laminate is, how it happens. The advice and recommendations of buyers and specialists will help you make the right choice when buying, as well as evaluate the features of 33 class coverage.
Class 33 laminate structure
At the heart of any laminate construction, a pressed wood-fiber web is used. Next, a layer of paper is applied to a plate that has undergone heat treatment and a press. It is pre-impregnated with melamine resins, their thickness can be different. The larger the melamine resin layer, the stronger and more durable the floor covering. After applying the paper, the plates are decorated with patterns and drawings. Usually used wood texture, imitating natural wood. The surface of the laminate is made smooth or embossed, it all depends on the stamping. The bottom layer of the plates is also made of melamine for greater strength and protection.
Types of Laminate
Manufacturers divide the laminated coating into two main classes - for commercial and for home use. Class 21-23 includes a laminate, which is most often mounted in residential buildings and apartments. Commercial laminate of class 33, whose technical characteristics are much higher, is usually used in offices, warehouses, shops and gyms. The commercial type of coating is also classified as 31 and 32, but 33 is more durable and durable, plus everything, it can also be used for flooring in a house or apartment.
Laminate 33rd class: technical specifications
This floor covering has higher values for a number of indicators. The main ones are:
- The laminate is equipped with a collapsible system of reinforced locks, which are treated with special impregnation for greater moisture resistance.
- As for the dimensions, the technical characteristics of class 33 (board thickness, length and width) are ahead of the characteristics of analogues. Laminate is produced with a thickness of 8-12 mm.
- Moisture-resistant impregnation of the board over the entire thickness, which allows the coating to be applied in rooms with a high level of humidity - bathroom, kitchen, etc.
- Lack of boom when walking, the laminate is an additional noise and heat insulation for the floor.
- The coating perfectly tolerates frosts.
Laminate 33 class, the technical characteristics of which are described above, has many different designs, using natural tones and a variety of patterns, imitation of natural wood is most often used. The structure of the board has an anti-slip, embossed surface. There are models with imitation of the structure of tiles or tile seams under the stone.
Laminate Benefits
Among the advantages of a laminate of class 33 can be attributed:
- a huge selection and assortment;
- high level of strength and moisture resistance;
- noise suppression;
- wear resistance;
- the use of natural materials for production (cherry, walnut, ash, oak, etc.);
- modern manufacturing techniques;
- resistance to ultraviolet rays: the laminate does not fade and does not lose its shade;
- safety for human health, the coating does not cause allergic reactions;
- low cost in comparison with a parquet or an array.
disadvantages
Class 33 laminate is considered almost the most ideal coating. It does not slip, withstands temperature extremes and large mechanical loads. Some note a small echo, which is characteristic of all types of laminate. However, in grade 33, it is barely noticeable. Completely getting rid of unpleasant resonance will help leveling the floor. Before laying the laminate, you need to fill the surface with concrete and perform the so-called screed. Then you will not hear any extraneous noise.
Some customers who purchased Chinese-made laminated flooring wrote in their reviews that the products were of poor quality. Some were dissatisfied with the castle connection system, others complained of poor sound insulation. Unfortunately, laminate from China often has a marriage. This can be avoided by purchasing goods from more conscientious manufacturers. However, it is worth noting that such a laminate will cost much more than Chinese.
This flooring is afraid of water, but if you choose a laminate (class 33) moisture-proof / waterproof, then you can not worry about it. Another drawback is that large and deep chips on the panels cannot be repaired. But this is easily solved by replacing damaged tiles.
Comparative characteristics of 32 and 33 class laminate
Many buyers equate these classes of flooring. They believe that the technical characteristics of the laminate, the classification of which was described above, are identical. Therefore, they have a question: "Why overpay?". This is not entirely true. To understand the difference between 33 and 32 classes of laminate, you need to compare their properties and characteristics.
The thickness of the boards in a commercial coating can reach up to 12 mm, while 32 class has a maximum plate size of 10 mm. The 33rd class has a reinforced locking system, which is treated with special impregnations that protect it from moisture. Class 32 has an ordinary lockable collapsible system. Class 33 laminate is suitable for rooms with higher traffic, while its competitor is able to withstand less severe loads.
The only thing these two types of floor coverings are similar to is the variety of texture. There are models that imitate wooden surfaces, there are panels under the stone, etc.
Manufacturers of 33 class laminate have released a small collection of glossy indelible coatings. You can’t meet this in 32nd grade.
How to choose a laminate?
To purchase a laminate flooring, you need to know what to look for when buying. It is worth deciding what properties your future gender should have:
- moisture resistance;
- impact resistance;
- wear resistance, etc.
However, laminate 33 class is endowed with all this. Technical characteristics of this type of coating have the highest values for each indicator. If you have decided on the properties, you can choose a suitable design that suits you for the price. Be sure to pay attention to the thickness of the coating, it is it that guarantees a long service life.
It is better to choose a laminate 33rd class. The characteristics of this flooring are such that, with proper care, it will last more than 20 years. Before buying, check with the seller whether the product has passed European testing. The amount of formaldehydes that are in the composition of each type of laminate should not exceed the norm. The EN13329 badge indicates that products are quality and proven.
Class 33 laminate manufacturers
The most famous manufacturers of laminate flooring are the companies:
- Witex;
- Ecoflooring;
- ESPRINT;
- Tarkett;
- Parador;
- Egger;
- Laura Ashley.
A world-famous German manufacturer - Tarkett - produces a diverse number of laminate models. In his collections you can find coatings with warm and cold shades, a stylized stone laminate - the manufacturer's know-how. Tarkett floor slabs can be bought for $ 15-20 per square meter.
Cheaper laminate from Egger flooring manufacturer. There are not so many shades and drawings in the models, but the cost of the plates is much lower - 10-12 dollars per square meter.
Parador and ESPRINT - a better and more durable laminate, the life of the coating is 10-15 years. Collections of these manufacturers have a variety of shades, textures and patterns. The price per square meter of tile is $ 25. Witex boasts more than 10 collections of models, which cannot be said about Laura Ashley. The products of this company are quite expensive, but, as you know, you have to pay for quality.
Many people use laminate 33 class "Ecofloring" for domestic purposes. Specifications, price and quality of flooring are in the optimal ratio, as evidenced by the positive reviews of satisfied owners. The most popular color is panga panga. By achieving artificial wear of the board, the coating looks original and stylish.
No less popular are goods from Europe - the Belgian laminate "Barry Allock Loft" or "Quickstep", the Norwegian "Allok" and the Swedish "Pergo". The latter brand is known to Russian consumers in that it produces 33 class laminate for tiles, the technical characteristics of which are at the highest level. In addition to high quality, the coatings have an unusual design. The Swedes are the only ones who produce laminate for metal.
Mounting Features
Laying a laminate of class 33 is no different from other types. The groove on one side of the panel snaps into a special slot on the other tile. The system connects to form a perfectly flat surface. Laminate floors do not need to be fixed to the floor with glue or self-tapping screws. When moving, you can remove it and take it with you. Laminate does not need to be coated with paint or varnish, it does not require additional grinding and other manipulations. The only thing that needs to be done is to treat the surface with special compounds that will hide scratches and give the floor a pristine shine. In addition, protective equipment will extend the life of the laminate.
Recommendations
The advice of specialists will help not only to quickly determine the model, but also tell you how to install the laminate yourself:
- Before buying laminate flooring, start first of all from technical specifications, take into account all the pros and cons of the material;
- wax pencils will help get rid of scratches that appear, so it’s better to buy them right away;
- lay the laminate on a level, rough floor, when working with wooden coatings, you need to lay out plywood sheets on them in advance;
- installation of plates starts from the corner opposite the front door, with a gap of 5-10 mm;
- for greater thermal insulation, it is necessary to lay the substrate.
By purchasing laminate 33 class, the technical characteristics of which are the highest, you will be sure that you made the right choice in favor of the most reliable and durable modern coating.