What is a laminate class and which class is better to choose? What does laminate class mean? Which class is better? What class

Currently, the popularity of laminate is constantly growing. Many people use this material to cover the floor, which successfully replaces natural wood in appearance and performance, but at the same time much cheaper and easier to install.

Laminate has a number of significant advantages:

It has a wide range of types, both in terms of external indicators and quality characteristics;
Despite its low weight, it has fairly high strength and is resistant to the formation of dents, scratches and cracks;
It has a high degree of ease of cleaning, since the surface is smooth, does not absorb dirt and does not allow stains to form;
Due to its good water-repellent properties, it does not allow rotting and the formation of fungus and mold;
Impact resistant sun rays, saves for a long time initial appearance;
Assumes a long service life without significant deterioration in appearance and performance;
Laying laminate flooring does not require any special complex actions, which allows each consumer, if desired, to do it independently with minimal financial costs.

A small number of disadvantages include worse thermal insulation properties compared to natural wood, accumulation of static charge, requiring additional processing by special means and the impossibility of using some types for heated floors.

Laminate classification

Laminate has four main layers, each of which is designed to perform a specific function:

The outer layer, which is a transparent polymer film with high strength. Its role is to protect all other components from the penetration of moisture and dirt, ensure the wear resistance of the apartment floor and make it easy to clean.
The decorative layer determines the appearance of the coating by the pattern applied to it.
The base layer is the basis of the laminate, has the greatest thickness, is made of wood composite and determines the overall strength of the coating.
A lower protective layer that prevents moisture from penetrating from below and prevents the panel from bending and warping.

Depending on the thickness of the layers and the materials from which they are made, the result is a laminate that differs from each other in technological and operational characteristics. For ease of selection, it is broken down into classes. To do this, testing is carried out using eighteen evaluation criteria. The main ones are:

abrasion resistance;
shock resistance;
stain resistance;
thermal stability;
resistance to water and light and others.

The first digit of the class indicates the area of application of the laminate: 2 - for home use, 3 - for commercial organizations. The second, with an interval from one to four, characterizes the intensity of the load; the greater it is, the higher the wear resistance of the coating. The laminate class is indicated on the product packaging and makes it possible to make the right choice depending on the necessary requirements.

How to choose the right laminate

Currently, all types of laminate are divided into seven main classes. The higher the class, the stronger and more durable the floor covering. When arranging a particular room, the question arises of how to choose the right laminate. First, you need to determine the possible attendance of the home and its purpose. For an apartment, you can use classes 21-23, but for offices with high traffic volumes and, therefore, increased loads, you should choose classes 31-34, which are more durable and wear-resistant.

The lowest classes 21 and 23 are designed for use in rooms with low traffic; they can be used for flooring in a bedroom or nursery. But their popularity, despite their low price, is becoming less and less every year due to their short service life. Class 23 is more suitable for the kitchen, as it has higher resistance to moisture and good abrasion resistance. In a modern apartment, preference is given to class 23 for all rooms.

In the office visited a small amount people, class 31 coverage is applied. These could be reception areas or meeting rooms. This means that for medium and high load rooms you should use laminate of classes 32 and 33. They are usually used for flooring in large stores and enterprises. Catering, in the corridors and halls of various institutions. Class 34, which appeared relatively recently, can also be used there, as well as its effective use on dance floors and other places with increased surface friction.

In addition to the class, you also need to pay attention to the thickness of the coating, the connection of the locks, the manufacturer and design. The thickness of the laminate is an important indicator when choosing it for an apartment, as it determines not only strength, but also sound absorption. The complexity of the assembly depends on the type of lock, the quality of the product depends on the manufacturer, and the design determines the appearance of the floor and the entire apartment as a whole.

Laminate for commercial use

In public premises, the flooring is suitable for use for 3-6 years. Currently, for the production of all classes of laminate, including for commercial use, materials are used that do not harm human health, which means they can be used in an apartment or private house. The service life is increased to 10 years.

Let's consider four classes of laminate intended for public premises:

Class 31 is the most affordable, has an average level of wear resistance and moisture resistance, and the service life in rooms with light load is 2-3 years.
Class 32 has fairly good performance and aesthetic qualities, is used for flooring with average load, and has a service life of about 5-6 years. The most popular class, used both in the office and in the apartment, it has a beautiful appearance and imitates the surface of natural wood well.
Class 33 - this coating is the most durable, reliable and durable, used for commercial premises with heavy loads and has a service life at maximum load of 5-6 years, and significantly increases at moderate load.
Class 34 is under development, produced only by some companies, has very high performance properties, can be used under very high load conditions, for example, at the airport and train station.

Classes used for home use

For home use laminates are used that have a shorter service life and lower cost.

There are three classes of household laminates:

Class 21 is the lowest quality, has a service life of about two years, is characterized by the absence of a protective layer, which causes a rapid loss of color quality and the appearance of abrasions. It is usually used in closets or utility rooms where appearance plays a secondary role.
Class 22 is intended for use for 2-3 years in rooms with average traffic, such as a bedroom, where its service life can be extended with the help of carpet or carpet.
Class 23 is the most durable among household laminates, which means that it is the most popular. It is often used throughout the entire residential area, but its service life under heavy load does not exceed 4 years.

Determining which class of laminate is best for a given space can only be done by carefully studying the available types of coating and their characteristics, as well as taking into account the purpose and functions of the room.

Types of laminate

In addition to classes, laminate is divided into types according to the following characteristics:

By design. There are a large number of types of coatings with a matte and shiny surface, imitation of wood, conveying its various patterns and irregularities, differing in all sorts of colors and shades.
According to the invoice. Are being created various surfaces exactly matching the appearance of the imitated materials, for example natural wood with all its notches, lines and pits. These details are not only visible, but also tangible.
According to the method of fastening to each other when laying on the surface. Previously, glue was used, but nowadays the main joining method is interlocking joints.

The choice of color and texture depends on the wishes of the consumer and must correspond to the overall style and design of the room. It should also be taken into account that if the laminate will be used for heated floors, then it should be selected special type coating that will facilitate the passage of heat and withstand elevated temperatures.

Giving preference to laminate as flooring, it is worth distinguishing between design features, specifications, and, of course, class. Dividing laminate boards into classes greatly simplifies the selection procedure. This concept refers to performance qualities, as well as the period of use during which the coating can maintain its strength and original appearance.

Laminate is one of the most suitable for domestic and commercial use.

Its main advantages are considered to be a variety of designs, structures, colors, as well as reasonable prices. In terms of strength and wear resistance, this type of product is in no way inferior to expensive parquet and massive board, but even superior in care and maintenance.

Laminate - design features

Traditionally, a laminate board is a four-layer construction, with each manufacturer being able to combine various materials to achieve competitive advantages. Strength, flexibility, and resistance to external factors depend on the technology of connecting each layer, as well as the raw materials used in production. environment and other characteristics.

Each layer performs its functions:

bottom layer(1) – stabilizing, that is, the floor covering demonstrates resistance to deformation. For its production, kraft cardboard is used, pre-impregnated with synthetic resins. In the collections of some brands, a backing is additionally glued to the cardboard, which provides soundproofing properties.
Support layer, base(2) – high-density fiberboard. It is thanks to this material that the flooring becomes resistant to mechanical stress, physical stress, moisture resistance, heat and sound insulation. In addition, HDF produces locks intended for laying laminate flooring.
Decor(3) – the paper layer on which the print is applied. It is this layer that allows the laminate to acquire its final appearance, exactly imitating the structure, texture, color scheme wood, natural stone, etc.
Protective layer(4) – responsible for wear resistance indicators. Depending on the type of laminate board production, the top layer of the product varies. If the manufacturer uses direct pressing technology, then a protected image is used as the top layer, reproducing the structure of natural materials, and its printing occurs simultaneously with the bottom layer. If high pressure technology is used in production, then top design assembled from kraft cardboard and protected decorative image. Initially, the top layer is pressed under the influence of certain temperature conditions, and only after that the connection with the remaining layers occurs.

The key consideration when choosing a laminate is its class, and only after that does a potential buyer evaluate the remaining characteristics and design.

Laminate class - the essence of the concept of what classes there are

The concept of “laminate class” means its wear resistance. It is determined by a special European standard EN 13329, the verification of which includes 18 tests, including the Taber test - measuring the number of revolutions on the surface of the lamella until abrasion occurs. During testing, products are divided into two main categories:

household group;
commercial purpose.

It is quite difficult to determine which class of laminate is better, because it depends directly on the operating conditions, as well as the tasks assigned to the floor covering. On modern market laminated board is presented in four classes - 31-34 - defining physical and Chemical properties, abrasion resistance of the supporting layer. The resistance parameters of the top layer of protection are designated AC3-AC6.

The household group board is intended for installation work in living spaces. It is covered by a 10-year operating warranty, provided that the manufacturer's recommendations regarding installation and maintenance are followed. Products for commercial use have increased abrasion resistance parameters, and their operational period is estimated at 4-6 years. If a laminate of this class is installed at home, then the service life is from 15 years.

Laminate 31 class Suitable for indoor spaces with low load on the base. As a rule, it is placed in bedrooms. It is quite difficult to find these products on the market, since leading brands give preference to the production of more reliable and durable products. In this regard, searching for class 31 boards is impractical, and the cost is practically no different from class 32 laminate.

Laminate 32 class fits in apartments, private houses, as well as commercial establishments with low traffic levels. Distinctive feature products of this class are optimal cost, versatility (possibility of installation in any household premises), environmental cleanliness. By level environmental safety, class 32 is significantly superior to products of classes 33 and 34, since it contains fewer synthetic substances.

Laminate 33 class– withstands significant physical exercise. It is recommended to install it in public places, entertainment complexes, dance halls, offices, with a high level of traffic. The service life, subject to maximum daily loads, is estimated at 8-10 years.

Laminate 34 class- one of the latest developments to appear on the market. Its key advantage is increased wear resistance. Due to this, the flooring is installed in sports complexes, car showrooms, exhibition halls, airports, etc.

Which class of laminate is better?

There are many criteria for choosing a floor covering that also apply to laminate:

resistance to changes in humidity and temperature;
lamella thickness;
environmental Safety;
resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
design and decorative features;
sound and heat insulation;
country of manufacture and brand;
manufacturer's warranty, etc.

Each of these criteria should be taken into account when choosing the optimal coverage, and not base your choice solely on the class. It all depends on the room in which the floor is being replaced, its microclimate, furniture, and loads.

Most buyers pay attention to the cost of flooring. Of course, one of the most budget options The floor covering is laminate; its price depends on the parameters and indicators declared by the manufacturer.

It is also not worth determining which class of laminate to choose based on cost. There are little-known brands on the market that, in order to compete with famous brands reduce prices and accordingly use lower quality raw materials.

Combination of price and quality

The best class of laminate, according to flooring market experts, is 34. This situation is due to technical parameters and physical properties, but at the same time its cost is also noticeably higher than the remaining products. In conditions household use, such coverage may come with a lifetime warranty, but it is worth calculating the rationality of the investment.

Class 34 laminate is represented on the market by only two manufacturers - Pergo (Belgium) and Alloc (Norway). In the process of its assembly are involved innovative technologies and a high-quality raw material base, thanks to which the coating can withstand maximum loads for 10 years.

Pergo and Alloc engineering departments have developed and patented unique locking systems that facilitate quick and convenient installation. If necessary, the lamellas can be dismantled for further installation. A number of collections from these productions have a lifetime guarantee, which suggests a responsible approach to the development and production of branded high-quality products.

There are also offers from Asian manufacturers on the market. They label their products AC6, and they are presented in the budget segment. In fact, laminate boards from Chinese brands, according to technical parameters comparable to class 32, regulated by the European market. This is due to the fact that their certification conditions are less demanding.

Therefore, it is worth carefully evaluating and choosing the class of laminate, and reviews of the brand and specific collections will allow you to form a real opinion about the product.

Laminate is a new material widely used as flooring. During its manufacturing process, impregnated compressed shavings are combined with a special coating. Over time, potential buyers begin to wonder what class of laminate to choose for an apartment or other residential area? First of all, choice of this material depends on the expected load and characteristics of the room.

Based on the above criteria, the coating is divided into classes according to operational features. By modern standards quality product must pass a number of tests for:

strength;
the appearance of various types of spots;
resistance to temperature changes;
antistatic;
interaction with moisture;
quality of adhesion of coating layers;
sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation;
slip;
no formaldehyde emissions.

Classes

Today on construction market Laminate coatings of several categories are more in demand.

Class 33. It is better to use this type of coating for high traffic areas. It is used in the dining room or kitchen.

Class 34. This is the most reliable look laminate among all its varieties. It is ideal for the bathroom, bathroom and hallway.

Criteria

When purchasing laminated material, you must remember that the wear resistance of inexpensive analogues is much lower than that of products from well-known global companies. This is due to the fact that in both cases different methods of step-by-step testing of the material are used.

When purchasing laminate flooring for your home, you need to be guided by one rule: the strength of the floor covering is calculated depending on the load force in person/kg. The negative impact of the external environment of the room is also important.

Everyone understands that the load in the main room or hallway is much greater than, for example, in a bedroom or office. Also, the choice of the class of laminated coating is influenced, of course, by the proximity of the room to the bathroom or sink. If water begins to flow during any breakdown, the inexpensive laminate will swell and begin to deform, since it is not sufficiently moisture resistant due to the cheap components included in it. Once the class of laminated coating has been selected, you can decide on its shade.

Note! An important factor when purchasing is the manufacturer and its reputation - this is the first indicator of the quality of any building material. Choosing a laminate is not a race for a cheap product that is sold with discounts and promotions. When buying inexpensive coverage, you can pay twice. Let's decide which class of laminate is best for an apartment. Let's look at them in order.

Class 31

Class 31 laminate flooring is a delicate material that will last you 10-11 years with proper care. It is used in rooms with low load.

Class 31 laminate is of transitional quality because it can be installed in both offices and apartments. Thanks to its attractive price, it is gaining popularity and is displacing other coatings, such as linoleum, from the market.

The technical features of this type of coating are:

resistance to abrasion, except for the effects of office chair rollers;
fire resistance and, accordingly, heat resistance. For example, a fallen cinder or the cigarette itself will not leave a stain or mark, and you can completely forget about the fire;
resistance to scratches and various damages. Category 31 is characterized by low density, but resistance to loads and pressures.

You can use class 31 laminating coating:

in the bedroom or children's room;
You can install this type of laminate in rooms with higher traffic, but it will not last as long as it could.

Class 31 material is not protected from moisture, which means it cannot be used in the bathroom and other wet areas where cleaning is constantly carried out.

Popular manufacturers of class 31 laminate:

Prime Line Evolution and Europe Line – Russia;
Kronospan and Komfort Clic – Russia;
Classen – Germany;
Quick Step - Belgium.

Classic decors such as ash, walnut, cherry, oak, wenge and merbau are ideal for an apartment.

Class 32

Laminate flooring category 32 is especially popular among potential buyers because it meets all requirements. This type of coating is intended for rooms with medium load, for example, a dining room, living room and will serve its owner for good care about 15 years. If you lay it in the kitchen or hallway, it will last less than 10 years.

Characteristics:

good strength of the material (thickness from 7.5 to 9 mm);
reasonable cost, which increases the popularity of this flooring;
the assortment will surprise every customer, the choice will be made by the most capricious client;
high quality flooring in the apartment;
ideal resistance to abrasion and wear.

Class 32 laminate has been improved, treated with additional impregnation, equipped with locks, is waterproof and has long term services. It can easily be compared with high-quality wooden parquet.

The main advantages of laminate:

high noise and sound insulation, which creates a special comfort in the room;
attractive appearance;
resistant to various thermal and chemical influences;
special film and impregnation prevent dust from accumulating on the surface;
affordable price;
resistance to abrasion, wear and fading sunny side rooms; cat claws, cigarettes and sharp heels will not leave scratches or stains on the surface;
ease of installation. You can install such a floor yourself without involving specialists.

Note! The leading manufacturer of laminated products of class 32 is Germany. The world's most famous companies: Classen and Tarkett - No. 1 among other well-known companies. But it should be borne in mind that these products will cost much more than Belgian and Russian material.

Class 33

Class 33 laminate flooring is a reliable and durable floor for any room. Experts recommend using it for rooms with heavy loads, for example, in the hallway or kitchen. In this case, this type of laminate will last from 10 to 15 years. If you apply this type of coating in other premises, the service life can increase to 35 years. Famous companies provide a guarantee of quality with a consistently attractive appearance.

Laminate flooring of the highest quality is developed for floors with significant loads. It can even be used in gyms and fitness clubs, restaurants, cafes. The price of such a product is slightly higher than the 32nd class coating, but each buyer can be confident in the excellent strength and extraordinary beauty of the chosen product.

Note! Class 33 laminate has good performance under appropriate load, frequent washing, exposure to various temperatures, exposure to animal claws, sharp heels, furniture legs, etc.

Advantages of this type of laminate for an apartment:

reasonable price, which corresponds to the quality of the product;
the strength of the floor and increased sound insulation are due to the thickness of the material - up to 12 mm;
the latest technologies for processing resins with the addition of corundum;
does not react to ultraviolet radiation;
excellent anti-slip properties and fire resistance;
the ability to use the material in bathrooms and in rooms with high humidity;
reliable locks are coated with resin compounds, which eliminates swelling of the product in the area of the seams.

Well-known manufacturers of class 33 laminate:

Ritter and Tarkett – jointly Germany and Russia;
Belgium – Berry Alloc;
Russia – Sinteros and Kronostar;
Germany – Classen;
Germany and Norway – Maestro Clab.

Class 34

Class 34 laminate is a revolution in the production of this material. This type of laminate coating is designed for rooms with high humidity levels and the heaviest load. The components included in the composition emphasize the moisture-resistant qualities of this type of laminate. With maximum use, manufacturers give their customers about 50 years of warranty.

The latest technologies have led to the production of ultra-durable coatings, which are the standard for maximum wear resistance and durability. Such parameters can only be compared with durable natural stone. A floor covered with class 34 laminate delights its customers with its softness and lightness, but at the same time it can withstand heavy loads, remaining beautiful, intact and durable.

Which class of laminate is best for an apartment? It all depends on the preferences of the home owner. This type of flooring can withstand about 1000 people per day. And this is compared to the premises of an airport, train station, cinema, dance clubs and shopping centers.

The main advantages of class 34 laminate:

high anti-slip qualities;
maximum strength;
environmental friendliness, safety, antibacterial;
service life is 50 years;
moisture resistance of the material and locks;
non-abrasion and strength;
ease of installation;
ease of cleaning;
resistance to temperature changes and combustion.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the laminate of each class, you can safely select the material depending on the type of load in a given room. A correct and balanced decision will bring comfort and warmth to your home.

When renovating the flooring in their apartment, every person strives to purchase the best quality material for a reasonable price. Laminate can also be considered such materials. When starting to make a choice, you should pay attention to the strength class of the laminate so as not to make a mistake in your choice. This indicator means how much load the coating can withstand, how long it will last and in what part of the house it should be laid. Typically, the manufacturer puts the wear resistance class of the laminate on the box with the material in a visible place. In this article we will analyze in detail what a laminate class is and how this knowledge will help in choosing.

Laminate classes

Laminate flooring is classified into classes based on the following parameters:

mode of production;
load resistance;
wear resistance.

Let's look at the listed parameters in more detail.

Laminate wear resistance classes are criteria that help determine the service life of the material and the possibility of its use indoors various types. Depending on where the flooring will be used, there are two groups of materials: household and commercial laminate. One type of coating is used for furnishing residential premises, the other for office and commercial (industrial) premises.

So, let's look at how many classes a laminated coating has, and in what ways its class is determined.

According to GOST 32304-2013, laminate has 7 classes: 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, 34. The first number 2 implies the use of the material in domestic premises, 3 - in commercial premises. The second number indicates how durable and strong the laminate is; naturally, the higher the number, the better the quality of the material.

Classification occurs by calculating certain standards. More detailed information This is contained in GOST 32304-2013 “Laminated floor coverings based on dry-process fiberboards. Technical conditions". This document is similar to the European standard EN 13329. In accordance with this standard, laminate flooring is classified according to wear resistance after the following tests:

test for abrasion resistance and strength of the top layer of the laminate;
testing for impact resistance using falling large and small balls;
indentation resistance test;
test for resistance to movable furniture and chairs on casters;
sensitivity to a burning cigarette;
resistance to various types of pollution, including the effects of chemicals;
slip resistance test;
testing for reaction to exposure to sunlight;
test for exposure to moisture - the sample is placed in water for a day, and after swelling the percentage of volume ratios is determined: quality material has a water absorption coefficient of no more than 18%.

After the material passes all these tests, it is assigned the appropriate class. Moreover, even hundredths of the obtained values are taken into account. In borderline cases, numbers are rounded down and a lower class is assigned. So sometimes the differences between laminated boards of two adjacent classes may not be significant.

Also, the class of a laminate is determined depending on its structure - DPL (Direct Pressure Laminate) and HPL (High Pressure Laminate). DPL is a method of producing laminate by direct pressing, HPL is high pressure. Flooring made using DPL technology is intended for residential premises. HPL technology makes it possible to produce material with increased resistance to any external damage and influences. Therefore, it is used in office premises where there is a high level of foot traffic.

Any laminated coating consists of four layers that perform specific functions:

The bottom stabilizing layer provides rigidity and moisture resistance. At its core special paper impregnated with formaldehyde polymers.
The main load-bearing layer is made of fibreboard (fibreboard). It provides wear resistance, strength, thermal conductivity and sound insulation. The entire force load falls on this layer. The main layer makes up 90% of the total composition of the material.
Decorative layer – the purpose of this layer is clear – it provides a presentable appearance. As a rule, the layer is made of textured paper with a specific image. The decorative layer can imitate any surface: wood, stone, marble, metal and even leather.
The top protective layer is a kind of film coated with a special resin to protect all layers. The density and wear resistance of the boards depends on this coating. These same indicators determine the price of building materials, and not the design, as many people think. The thickness and strength of this layer mainly determines the class of the laminate.

Household laminate

As the name of this type of coating itself says, it is intended only for domestic, that is, residential premises. But even in these rooms, where there is low traffic and the material does not experience significant impacts, its durability still leaves much to be desired. This is why it is very difficult to find household laminate flooring in Russia, since selling it has become unprofitable due to its low quality. In addition, our people are accustomed to building to last, so they choose material with a double or triple safety margin. Or you could avoid overpaying and approach your choice wisely.

Let's take a closer look at the technical characteristics of each class of household laminate.

21st grade

This is the lowest and, accordingly, the most fragile class of laminated coating. The shelf life of this coating, even with the most careful use, is 2-3 years at best. It is characterized by poor quality top layer, which quickly wears out, causing damage, in turn, to the decorative one. Already a few months after installation, external damage, cracks and abrasions appear. At the same time, the color of the floor is lost. The best option To operate a laminate of this class is to use it in rooms where people rarely enter. For example, a storage room, utility room, bedroom or office.

22nd grade

The coating of this class also does not differ in quality, although the service life is slightly longer - up to four years. Of course, the material is cheap, but this is due to the low level of wear resistance and strength. Therefore, you always have a choice: lay a durable laminate, spending a good amount, or save money and simply throw away the material after 4-5 years. There is another way out: use class 22 laminate in conjunction with additional types coverings, such as carpet. In this case, the overall load on the laminate will decrease and its service life will increase. Therefore, it is recommended to use this laminate in bedrooms, children's rooms or living rooms.

23rd grade

The material of this class is the most durable of household laminates. Strength, of course, in this case, is a relative concept. With careful use and low traffic, the coating will last an average of six years.

Commercial laminate

The laminate of this group includes 4 classes: 31, 32, 33 and 34. As we have already said, the higher the second number, the better coverage. However, along with quality, the price also rises. Let's look at each class in more detail.

31st grade

This is the most popular material in the construction market with a thickness of 7 mm. It is characterized by average quality, affordable prices and various decorative solutions. The average service life is 3 years, but when using class 31 laminate in rooms with low traffic volume, the coating can retain its presentable appearance for up to 10 years. This laminate is used both in offices and apartments. In addition, compared to linoleum, class 31 laminate is not expensive, which makes it popular among buyers.

32nd grade

This 7-8 mm thick coating can be used for furnishing premises with an average level of people traffic. Depending on the load, class 32 laminate can last from 5 years in commercial premises to 15 years in residential ones.

33rd grade

Here we're talking about about the material high level wear resistance, moisture resistance and sound insulation. Coating thickness is from 8 to 10 mm. These characteristics make it possible to lay laminated boards in educational institutions, cafes, shops and even in gyms. Wear-resistant laminate of class 33 in domestic premises can last up to 20 years.

34th grade

Only a few construction companies engaged in the production of class 34 laminate. In the construction market today, this is the highest quality and durable material available. It can withstand high traffic intensity, up to 1000 people daily. Thanks to this, the coating is used in cinemas, dance floors, shopping centers and train stations. Class 34 laminate has the following positive characteristics:

thickness from 8 to 12 mm;
high strength and wear resistance;
indestructibility;
high resistance to mechanical stress;
low water permeability;
resistance to temperature changes;
fire resistance;
good sound insulation;
the ability to conduct heat-conducting communications;
service life - up to 30 years in domestic premises.

The only disadvantage that can be noted is the high cost. This is due to the fact that class 34 flooring is produced only by European companies, mainly in Germany and Belgium. Innovative technologies and materials are also used in its production, which ultimately make it possible to produce higher-quality flooring.

Despite all the advantages of class 34 laminated coating, in our opinion, using it for furnishing residential premises is neither practical nor economical. On the market you can find a material that provides decent performance without overpaying for a high class rating.

According to GOST 32304-2013, all classes of laminate without exception must be resistant to staining and cigarettes falling on the surface. In addition, formaldehyde emissions from laminate flooring during production and delivery must meet the requirements of emission class E1.

Other laminate classes

In the last few years, floor coverings have appeared on the market that are not included in the official classification (GOST 32304-2013) - classes 35, 36 and 37. This is nothing more than a marketing ploy by the manufacturer. In this simple way, sales departments try to attract the attention of buyers to their products and distinguish them from many competitors. Of course, these materials are superior to standard ones only in some characteristics and, as a rule, only slightly. There can be no question of assigning them a higher class.

In Europe, there are classes 41, 42 and 43, which are not included in the Russian GOST. These are flooring materials that are used in industrial premises with very high requirements for parameters such as abrasion resistance, moisture resistance, fire hazard, etc. Class 43 laminate, which is quite different from the traditional one, has increasingly begun to appear on the Russian market. Therefore, I would like to dwell on it in more detail.

43 class

In appearance, this coating is no different from standard rectangular and square laminated boards. But this type of material is also called vinyl due to the fact that its base consists of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). That is why its technical characteristics are so high. Structure of PVC laminate:

the top layer is a protective film made of polyurethane with the addition of various components that increase wear resistance;
decorative layer providing a variety of colors and shades;
the main supporting layer is made of PVC (in some models fiberglass is added to polyvinyl chloride to increase the strength of the tiles), which provides all the advantages of this type of laminate.

This structure ensures water resistance from all sides. The coating does not absorb water at all, which allows it to be used in rooms with high humidity. In addition, the advantages of class 43 include:

durability - 30 or more years of service;
high wear resistance;
resistance to temperature changes;
fire resistance;
low thermal conductivity - the floors will not be cold;
good sound insulation.

There is only one drawback - the high price.

For more detailed information about the water-resistant qualities of laminate, see the article “Moisture-resistant or water-resistant laminate: which one to choose?”

Which class of laminate is better?

On the one hand, the answer to this question is obvious - as we have already said, the second class number indicates quality: the higher the number, the stronger and more durable the floor covering will be. It is also clear that by saving money you cannot purchase high-quality material. But on the other hand, there is no point in buying expensive class 34 laminate, for example, for a bedroom where the load on the floor is minimal. In this case, you can avoid overpaying and choose a product of a lower class. It will also last you a very long time.

We choose materials with double and sometimes triple safety margins. But why, if you are used to doing renovations in your apartment about once every 5-7 years, updating the interior and floor covering. You may encounter a situation where you are tired of laminate, but it looks great. It would be a shame to throw it away, but you won’t be able to sell it.

Therefore, when choosing a laminated coating, you need to take into account the operating conditions - in which part of the house it will lie on the floor. For a bedroom, office or closet where there is not much traffic, a product of class 22 or 23, which does not have high characteristics, will be sufficient. Class 31 or 32 laminate is suitable for the dining room and living room. Laminated boards of classes 32 and 33 are more moisture resistant, so it is advisable to use them in a children's room, kitchen or hallway. For the bathroom, material with increased moisture resistance of class 34 or 43 is suitable.

If you need to equip an office space, cafe or store, of course, you need to pay attention only to commercial classes of laminate. IN in this case ideal solution There will be class 33 coverage. Premium flooring (34) is used only for renovation of large industrial establishments.

Therefore, the best class of laminate is one that suits your space and for which you did not overpay when purchasing.

Table of laminate characteristics by class

conclusions

When choosing a floor covering, you must first of all focus on class indicators and its technical characteristics. All this can be viewed in the certificate that comes with the product. If the seller does not issue such a document, most likely this is a fake.

Commercial laminate is superior to household laminate in many respects:

household laminate does not provide good protection from moisture, so in rooms with high humidity its use is strictly not recommended;
the technical characteristics of strength and wear resistance of commercial products significantly exceed those of household products;
the scope of use of commercial material is much wider than that of household material;
The higher the class, the higher the cost of the products, but the higher the quality.

For laminate to last a long time, it does not have to be high-end. If you take into account the level of load attributable to the part of the room where it is planned to be used, then you can do without large financial costs. And with careful and careful treatment, even the most delicate coating can maintain an attractive appearance for a long time.