Laminate and natural parquet are very similar in appearance, but they are still completely different materials in their properties. For the first time, artificial parquet was made in Sweden, and this happened in 1977. But only after a good ten years did the inventors manage to improve its quality, and make its production so cheap that the product was affordable enough for the average buyer.
Technical characteristics of laminated parquet
Modern laminate consists of several (most often 4) layers. The first layer is a special durable film that protects it from mechanical damage, temperature changes, and direct sunlight. It comes in different thicknesses, which affects the cost of parquet. To make our floor beautiful, the second layer is made of decorative paper, painted to resemble various types of wood, stone or other material. The third layer is a highly compressed slab of fiberboard or chipboard. The higher its quality, the better the laminate resists moisture. The last layer serves to give the coating rigidity and stabilization. It is not as dense, but is made from the same materials as the previous one.
High-quality laminated parquet is quite resistant to various loads. It will not ignite from a thrown cigarette butt and can withstand high temperatures well. This type of flooring can be easily washed by removing various stains from varnish, paint or felt-tip pen, using ordinary household chemicals. Laminate resists sunlight well and is a fairly moisture-resistant material. But if you are looking for a bathroom coating, then buy products marked “Aqua”.
Laying laminated parquet
The locks securely hold the planks together, which provides the floor surface with sufficient strength. On a dry and level base, installation occurs quickly and without major problems. It can be concrete, wood, tile or linoleum. Depending on this material, preparation for work may differ slightly:
- You need to put a vapor barrier made of film on the concrete, giving an overlap of about 15 mm on the walls, and securely fix the joints with film.
- If you have a wooden floor, then you need to check how securely all the boards are fixed so that there are no failures, fungus or pests. If the quality of the surface is very poor, then it can be leveled with sheets of chipboard or plywood. The same option is suitable for concrete floors.
- Laminate or tile can be a good base if it is fairly level and in good condition.
Laminate flooring is almost always laid parallel to the direction of light, but sometimes designers choose other options. The laying pattern can be checkerboard (brick), classical or diagonal. It is necessary to move the panel of the next row by about 15-20 cm relative to the panel located on the adjacent row. The use of different schemes allows you to visually expand or narrow the area of your floor.
The panels are fastened into the lock using the “Click” or “Lok” systems, but sometimes glue is used. The last method is the most labor-intensive, and the design is not only non-removable, but also not as durable. It is used only where it is necessary to provide additional protection to the coating from moisture and obtain a very durable seam.
How to choose laminated parquet?
If the coating is assigned a class of 21, 22 or 23, then it is suitable for light or medium loads. It is suitable for an ordinary apartment. Laminate class 31-33 is considered more serious. It can withstand an influx of people even in a retail space or conference room and a fairly significant load. As elsewhere, quality here depends on price, and parquet from a good manufacturer will be more expensive.
If you like intricate patterns and have the money for an expensive purchase, then it is worth purchasing artistic laminated parquet. From such parquet you can create an intricate pattern that imitates a mosaic, an abstract combination or a geometric figure. This floor is very original and attracts attention. The most expensive “palace parquet” fits perfectly into a classic or baroque interior. The quality of this floor is not inferior to ordinary laminated parquet in oak or other types of wood. Nowadays there is a large selection of laminate, and every consumer can find good products for themselves, according to their needs and capabilities.
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