Laminated parquet: advantages and disadvantages of flooring. Parquet and laminate: what is the difference? Differences between them and similarities, comparative analysis What is modern laminated parquet

For real beautiful interior can be created in the house only if there is a good floor. There are currently many different types flooring. Among all this abundance, laminated parquet boards stand out.

It can be varnished or matte, imitating not only wood, but also marble or granite. It is possible that such a floor will have a chamfer-groove, as when laying a conventional wooden board. What type of this material to choose for housing and how to do it correctly? This is what this article will discuss.

What is laminated parquet?

The birthplace of this type of flooring is Sweden. It was in this Scandinavian country that laminate flooring was first manufactured. Now this material occupies a worthy place in the international market.

Laminate parquet is structurally reminiscent of a layer cake. Top layer is protective and made of high-strength film, which is formed after processing the material acrylic resin. The process of applying a protective layer, which gives such products their name, is called lamination.

Let's watch a video about what laminated parquet is:

The coating can be either single-layer or multi-layer; it is also called composite. The top layer performs a protective function - it prevents aggressive influences environment on the material. It is resistant to moisture, it is not afraid of the sun's rays, it is resistant to abrasion, withstands pollution and is not affected by various household chemicals.

The importance of this layer is indicated by the fact that its quality determines the cost of the entire product. Even the hardest and most valuable wood without protection will become unusable in a couple of years. Under the film there is a decorative layer of special paper. It imitates certain tree species and wood structure.

Or displays the texture and color of some building materials:

• White stone
• Sand
• Graphite
• Diamond

It can resemble a chessboard or look like rusty iron, or anything, it depends on the imagination of the manufacturer.

Laminated parquet boards are very durable. Its basis is a supporting layer, which is made of fiberboard or chipboard. Fiberboards have an extremely high density, which makes them particularly strong and rigid. They are able to withstand moisture and maintain their characteristics under significant temperature fluctuations.

The bottom layer of the laminate is paper impregnated with resins. Its main purpose is to protect the base layer from moisture and stabilize the entire board.

Main advantages

This flooring has many advantages over others, including regular board from an array or piece parquet. The most important difference is that laminated boards do not require a tedious and dusty sanding procedure. There is no need for additional sanding or subsequent varnishing of the floor.

Unlike natural parquet, laminate does not fade in the sun, and its protective surface does not become disfigured by cracks over time. Any stain can be easily removed from it without leaving any traces behind.

Classification and standards

Back in 1999, quality assessment standards for this type of flooring were created in Europe, which are still in effect today and are used in the production of laminate floors. All types of this material undergo mandatory tests for strength, wear resistance, sound insulation, ability to withstand mechanical damage and more, using a total of 18 tests. Based on their results, the laminate parquet board is assigned a certain class of use. It is usually indicated by a two-digit number.

Watch the video on how to choose the right coating classes:

According to the classification used in Europe, laminated parquet is divided into several classes, and this depends primarily on wear resistance. They can be divided into two groups: those used for residential buildings and those used in commercial premises.

The first includes:

• 21 – for the bedroom
• 22 – for a children's room
• 23 – for the kitchen, hallway, living room

The second group consists of:

• 31 – for low intensity use
• 32 – for medium intensity level
• 33 – with increased load

But when assessing the real quality of the flooring, you should also look at other parameters. Important role Both the warranty period and the manufacturer play a role here. So, for example, the floor of any Scandinavian manufacturer, belonging to class 31, will have warranty period 10 years or even more, but those made in Poland or Russia are designed for only 5.

As practice shows, class 33 laminated parquet can withstand direct contact with water for a long time. But there are also products that can warp due to excess moisture. And in some cases, laminate flooring is cared for only with the use of special means.

Laminate thickness

This indicator indicates the strength of the product and allows you to determine the possibility of combination with the doors installed in the room. For living rooms It is advisable to choose a laminate with a thickness of 7-8 mm, but not less than 6 mm.

A floor laid with a thin parquet board will feel like a cold surface and in this case it will need to be heated. But thick laminated parquet has only good reviews. It is wear-resistant, durable and is not afraid of prolonged loads from furniture.

Cutting the material

Each manufacturer himself determines what width and length his products will be. This explains that the laminated board has different sizes. And if you lay the flooring yourself, then you should choose not long and wide boards, but standard ones. It's much easier to work with them. If the floor installation is carried out by professionals, then the dimensions of the parquet will not cause any difficulties for them.

Many people are interested in how long laminate flooring will last. This depends on many factors, and first of all, on its characteristics, room traffic and warranty period.

For example, the most popular is considered to be 31 classes, laid in a room where there are high loads, and can last more than 3 years. And in ordinary apartment will please the owners for more than 10 years.

Laminated parquet of class 32 in an office will last about 5 years, and in a residential building it will withstand loads for 15 years. This flooring is an excellent option for both private homes and commercial premises.

When choosing a floor covering, it is very important to pay attention to the warranty period. And never buy laminate without a guarantee or with a period of only a couple of weeks. Even if it will be offered practically free of charge. Through very short time such an advantage may turn out to be at great expense to purchase other flooring material.

High-quality laminated parquet, the price of which is higher than the market average, will last you a long time, and caring for it will not cause significant trouble. In order to navigate prices, just look them up on the Internet on specialized websites or on the official pages of manufacturers.

Many companies, in addition to several main collections, also produce several minor ones under the same brand. Their cost is lower than the main products, but the quality also leaves much to be desired. It is better to choose laminate from the main one model range manufacturer, this will ensure high quality coating and its long service life.

Conclusion

Don't be tempted to buy cheap laminate flooring. Remember that it's too low cost indicates the same low quality. When making a choice, pay attention to the nuances highlighted above, and then the new flooring material installed in your home will not only be reliable, but also attractive, and for a very long time.

Or simply - it is nothing more than an artificial parquet substitute. It has the fewest disadvantages compared to other types parquet flooring, if you do not take into account the artificiality of its origin. Laminate is heat resistant. If a lit cigarette falls on the floor, not the slightest stain will remain on the laminate. It removes stains from coffee, wine or nail polish with ease. You can place heavy furniture on it without fear that characteristic dents will appear on the floor over time. Laminate does not fade in the sun and perfectly imitates almost any type of flooring: parquet, ceramic tiles, abstract drawing. And most importantly, its flooring does not require special skills and can be done in a matter of hours. From this point of view, laminate is “a real breakthrough into the future.” However, it is worth adding that all of the above advantages relate to quality and higher.

Despite the external similarity, laminate has a more complex structure than conventional plastic panel. A slab of laminated parquet consists of four layers. The bottom layer is a melamine base impregnated with resin and coated polymer material. It protects the floor from moisture. The middle layer, or core, is made of fiberboard. It bears the main load and is responsible for the durability of the coating. A decorative layer is applied on top of it - a printed pattern that determines the “species” and “color of the wood.” And finally, on top of the structure, pressed with high temperature and high pressure, covered with a layer of durable laminate. It protects against scratches and mechanical impact.

The basis of the laminate is a load-bearing board with water-repellent impregnation, which comes in three types: MDF - medium-pressed fiberboard; HDF - a board of the same structure, but with a higher degree of compaction; and the third connection, the most durable, is a composite of wood-shaving structure, which in Russian is most often referred to as chipboard. The bottom layer of the laminate serves to compensate for the stress that occurs on the slab after applying subsequent layers.

As for colors, the most popular are imitation wood or ceramic tiles. Companies that produce, as a rule, offer the buyer three or four color plates. Have more large manufacturers There can be several dozen decors.

When comparing laminate with natural parquet, in addition to increased wear resistance, it is worth noting the ease of installation of the former. When laying laminate flooring, there is no need to free up the entire area of ​​the room, since the work can be carried out in stages. Laminate flooring is laid using the so-called floating floor method, when the plates are not firmly attached to the surface, but, tightly joined to each other, are laid on a special floor, which, among other things, provides shock absorption and muffles the noise from footsteps.

There are two ways of joining laminate plates: adhesive and locking (“click”). The first method is more traditional. And he has undeniable advantage- glue enveloping the parts to be joined creates a guaranteed waterproofing of the floor. The castle method is now the most popular. Its main advantage is the ability to easily replace a damaged floorboard (though, in fairness, it should be noted that after 2-3 replacements, a gap may appear between the plates and then the floor insulation will be compromised). Taking into account all the nuances, many duplicate collections, releasing them with two different systems installation

Installing laminate flooring is very simple; all operations are accessible even to a non-professional, especially since the entire process is described in detail in the instructions. But sellers still recommend contacting specialized organizations. Firstly, you don’t have to spend money on specialized tools. And, secondly, with professional installation on a laminate floor, they provide a guarantee.

When it comes to choosing flooring, the first thing that usually comes to mind is parquet. Whatever types of floor coverings have been invented in lately- linoleum, carpet, corrugated sheets, raised floors, etc. etc. And yet, parquet remains the most attractive for owners of apartments, cottages, and offices. But parquet is a fairly expensive floor covering, and besides, its installation requires considerable effort (if we talk about block parquet, and not about parquet boards). Until recently, natural parquet made of various breeds the tree did not have any serious competitors. However, having a lot of advantages, it had (and has) one drawback - high price. The man found a way out - he came up with something very similar to natural parquet, affordable. New material called laminated flooring, laminated parquet, or simply laminate. Let's say right away: laminated parquet is not a type of parquet, but an independent floor covering. Unlike natural materials, laminated parquet is not made from natural wood, it is a printed decorative layer on a polymer base, covered with a wear-resistant film, imitating not only the type and texture of wood, but also the roughness of the surface (for example, Quick Step laminate).

Laminated parquet

Classic laminated parquet made to look like wood, but there are also brands that imitate stone - marble, granite, or carpets, tiles, as well as ornaments, patterns and abstract paintings.

The result is a worthy analogue of parquet, preserving its main positive qualities- environmentally friendly and distinctive pattern, but characterized by a lower price, increased strength, resistance to scratches and dents. And, importantly, it can be washed (although remember - laminated parquet, especially cheap ones, just like parquet, does not like water and does not need to be filled!).

Main properties of laminated parquet:

• abrasion resistance (abrasion resistance);
• impact resistance;
• resistance to scratches and cracks;
• immunity to stains;
• resistance to chemicals;
• resistance to ultraviolet radiation, fading (light fastness);
• heat resistance (heat resistance, resistance to the effects of a burning cigarette);
• environmental safety;
• hygiene (ease of cleaning);
• ease of installation (assembly);
• thermal conductivity (possibility of laying on a heated floor).

Laminated parquet and its advantages

Laminate parquet is easy to maintain. There are no scratches or dents left on it from furniture wheels and ladies' heels (if this does happen, the defect can be easily corrected with the help of special means). Even if a heavy object accidentally falls on it, it will not leave a mark. You can draw on the laminate and even roller skate. This is a waterproof, very warm and completely harmless coating, which is important for allergy sufferers. High temperatures also do not pose a threat to him - falling ashes or cigarette butts, as well as heating devices, will not harm him. Laminate is not afraid of stains. Even spilled paint or nail polish can be washed off with acetone without harming the laminate. Laminated parquet is easy to care for; it does not need to be sanded or polished; you just need to wipe it with a damp cloth.

The advantage of laminated parquet is that it is very easy to install. Large plates are easily and without gaps adjusted to each other by “floating” laying, that is, they are fastened together according to the “tenon in groove” principle. The high quality of the joining joints of the boards ensures a tight, almost seamless fit between them, and the finished floor looks like monolithic surface. But no matter how tightly the panels fit together, you need to create protection from moisture: for this, the edges must be processed waterproof coating. Laminate parquet does not like water. Edges - weak point laminate If there were violations of technological requirements during manufacturing, the edges will crumble. To protect yourself from buying defective products, opt for products from well-known companies (for example, laminate from Quick Step or laminate from Egger). Another disadvantage of laminate flooring is its fragility. Manufacturers estimate the lifespan of such a floor to be 15-20 years, but with intensive use it will last less. It is impossible to scrape off and re-varnish laminated parquet; it must be replaced with a new one.

Advice: When purchasing, pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations and the warranty period for the laminate.

For production cheap laminate apply cheap materials, and it will only last a few years. More expensive laminate lasts longer. The service life of a high-class wear resistance laminate is 15-20 years. Therefore, it is more profitable to buy this particular laminate. When choosing laminate for a particular room, remember its “classiness” and do not use laminate intended for the bedroom in the kitchen. Laminate flooring is more suitable for people who like to frequently change the appearance of their home or the home itself. But no matter what best quality there was no laminate, you must always remember that this is a laminate and it has little in common with parquet - except perhaps in appearance.

If you try to look Russian market laminated parquet flooring, the picture will appear very colorful. Dozens of manufacturers offer endless combinations of names, colors, sizes, classes, not to mention prices. We will not try to describe all the unimaginable variety of colors and textures of hundreds of collections from dozens of manufacturers. It seems that there is no wood species in nature that manufacturers have not imitated laminate flooring. But there is also imitation of stone, metal, cork and even fabrics, not to mention absolutely incredible abstract designs, textures and combinations. Choose what you really like!

Since the beginning of the 90s, laminated parquet, as an alternative to other floor coverings, was introduced by a Swedish company. Before this, starting in 1923, this type of material was used to produce decorative countertops, tables and other household items. For many years, the technology improved and in 1977 manufacturers came up with the idea to start producing laminated parquet. The basis of the product was paper compressed under high pressure using special resins. With the development of production and the introduction of new developments, laminated parquet, created as an alternative natural coating, they are beginning to produce not only from paper, but also from waste from the woodworking industry. After laminated parquet was introduced in 850 stores in the United States in 1994 as a new, practical, easy to install and inexpensive coating, the new era this material. Laminated parquet has significantly replaced construction market, materials such as carpeting, flooring made of natural wood, ceramic tiles, vinyl coverings and for comparatively short term become a popular and in-demand product.

What is modern laminated parquet

Advantages and disadvantages

Installation instructions

How to choose

Laminated parquet is not a type of natural parquet - it is a multi-layer synthetic material that is a combination of wood fibers, melamine and phenolic resins. Paper with high quality printing is used as a protective decorative layer. Process consists in the gradual saturation of wood particles with resins. The next stage of production is the formation of the sheet, which takes place under high pressure and at high temperature. The main ingredients of the coating are wood particles, which make up about 82% and only 18% of the special composition of plastic resins. The strength and wear resistance of the final product largely depends on the quality and composition of the special glue used to connect the finished sheet with the top and decorative layers.

As a rule, high-quality laminated parquet from well-known manufacturers consists of 4 layers, each of which has its own functional purpose:

1. The top, stable melamine layer, in the form of a thin and durable film, is protective and contains paraffin, rosin and antiseptics. The basis of this layer is synthetic resins and various additives. Ingredient additives can include crystalline particles of aluminum or corundum, which ranks second in hardness after diamond. Products with the addition of these particles belong to a higher cost category, but the excellent quality of the protective surface allows them to be classified as coatings with an increased degree of wear resistance. Additional processing stable surface special compounds provides high durability, protecting against stains, scratches, dents, and fading when exposed to ultraviolet rays or chemical compounds.
2. The decorative layer consists of a sheet of paper on which a high-resolution photograph is reproduced. This layer makes laminate flooring beautiful, aesthetically pleasing and gives it a special elegance. The photograph can reproduce drawings, patterns, various types wood, natural or artificial stone. The design and structure of the surface can only be limited by imagination. Modern architectural fashion trends are aimed at simulating natural materials. Many laminated coatings are difficult to distinguish by their appearance from a certain type of wood, brick or stone. High-quality products from well-known manufacturers have good resistance to fading, which allows them to remain unchanged for a long time decorative pattern this layer.
3. The base (core) is the main layer, which is a plate obtained by compression under high pressure. Consists of 80% high density wood fibers. The durable structure of the plate successfully allows it to withstand local impacts and does not form dents from the pressure of high-heeled shoes. The product characteristics and quality of the final product largely depend on the strength and stability of the board. When choosing a laminated coating for rooms with high traffic, it is necessary to especially focus on the mechanical stability and increased moisture resistance of the base layer.
4. The lower balancing (stabilizing) layer is a moisture-resistant substrate that is able to compensate for surface pressure, provides structural stability and increases the rigidity of the panels. In addition, this layer has soundproofing properties and performs noise insulating functions.

The products of some manufacturers, which are three-layer, do not provide a stabilizing layer, but for high-quality installation it would be better to buy this material additionally.

Laminate flooring has a wide range of colors and a variety of textures. Collectibles offer designed professional designers drawings, patterns and imitations natural materials. Some manufacturers practice production individual orders based on original customer photos.

Looks beautiful and allows you to create more interesting interiors laminated parquet with a glossy or relief structure. But it is worth remembering that gloss is more susceptible to scratches, and with textured surface Difficult to remove dirt or grease once it gets in. In rooms with a large number people should install more durable and wear-resistant products with a matte finish.

Laminated parquet is very durable and durable coating and with proper maintenance and operation, you can count on a long service life without problems.

When a serious renovation is underway in an apartment, the owner inevitably faces the question of choosing a floor covering, and most often this question is - which is better, parquet or laminate? The tree is the oldest building material, people have long appreciated its practicality, and over the last century they have begun to pay more and more attention to the environmental friendliness of wood. But before solving the dilemma, parquet or laminate - what to choose, of course, you need to understand the difference between their properties, compare the advantages and disadvantages.

• Variety of types of wood flooring
• Design differences
• Price
• Advantages and disadvantages of parquet and laminate
• Installation
• Appearance
• Operation

Variety of types of wood flooring

Humanity has come up with quite a lot of floor coverings, the names of which contain the words “parquet” or “laminate”:

• laminated parquet;
• parquet board;
• laminated flooring, etc.

So that the ignorant buyer does not get confused in this variety, we will describe the main ones.

“Laminate flooring”, “laminated parquet” and simply “laminate” are the same thing.

And the variety in names is explained by the constant improvement of the manufacturing technology of this coating, quality characteristics which is continuously growing, and it itself looks more and more like natural parquet. That is, laminated parquet is the same laminate, but more reminiscent of natural dies.

Regarding parquet and parquet board, then these are completely different things:

• Classic parquet consists exclusively of hardwood. There are many types of parquet.
• Parquet boards appeared much later and are a material made from glued wooden planks in several layers. At the beginning, parquet boards were made from parquet production waste.

Design differences

Comparing laminate and parquet should start with something in common - both of them finishing materials are made of wood, and the parquet consists entirely of it.

Here lies the main difference between parquet and laminate, since in the manufacture of the latter, other materials are used along with wood.

Moreover, if European manufacturers' laminate consists of 90-95% wood, then Chinese products may contain no more than half of it.

Laminate is like a layered cake: the main layer is made of wood fiber, similar in structure to plywood or fiberboard, and the other layers are artificial materials- paper and resins. The front side of the laminate is made of very durable and wear-resistant plastic, which is used to laminate the product, hence its name. Under the layer of this transparent plastic there is also a film that has a pattern that imitates the texture of wood - it is this that determines the appearance of the laminate. The same technology is used to make low pressure laminate.

Video about the differences between manufacturing and performance characteristics for parquet and laminate:

Price

Listing the characteristics that demonstrate the difference between parquet and laminate, one cannot fail to note the price, which is several times higher for parquet than for any laminate.

The difference is significantly influenced by both the type of wood and the quality of the laminate. The most expensive brands of laminate are not much cheaper than parquet. But if the buyer already has enough money for an expensive laminate, then it is better to add a little more and buy parquet, which will have a number of advantages.

If the financial issue does not matter at all, then you definitely need to opt for a solid parquet board, or even better, block parquet.

Advantages and disadvantages of parquet and laminate

For the consumer, of course, there is no more important question than which material will perform better during operation.

Advantages of parquet

• parquet can be restored many times;
• good thermal insulation makes parquet floors warm;
• good sound insulation;
• durability (with high-quality installation, material and adequate operating conditions, the service life of parquet will be tens of years);
• hypoallergenic;
• dust is not attracted to the wood.

Cons of parquet

• dents and scratches easily appear on the parquet;
• caring for parquet is troublesome and expensive - every few years it needs to be sanded and varnished, and this requires a special sanding tool and specialist skills;
• The procedure for restoring parquet is very lengthy (almost like a full renovation) and involves moving all the furniture.
• very sensitive to fluctuations in humidity and temperature, which causes it to dry out, crack or swell;
  high cost.

Advantages of laminate

• the operation of the laminate does not involve too much troublesome maintenance;
• with average intensity of use, laminate can last quite a long time - a couple of decades;
• the cost is cheaper than parquet.

Cons of laminate

• laminate is less durable than parquet;
• it cannot be restored.

A general limitation for both parquet and laminate is that both of these coatings cannot be used in rooms with regular high humidity(bathrooms, kitchens), this also needs to be taken into account when washing parquet and laminate flooring.

You should know that both coatings are quite suitable even for daily use. wet cleaning, but the rag must be thoroughly wrung out, preventing excess water from getting onto the surface.

Video about the differences between parquet and laminate:

Installation

As for laying these coverings, in the case of laminate it looks much simpler. Inviting specialists to install it will cost much less than laying block parquet.

Modern laminate flooring is a little more complicated to install than a children's construction set, and does not require any expensive or specific tools.

Special locks are made on the laminate strips, with the help of which they are easily, smoothly and reliably connected, and the final coating looks monolithic.

The advantage of laminate in installation time is also obvious, because the area of ​​an average-sized room can be covered with it in one to two hours. If piece parquet is laid in the same room, the job will take a day, or even two.

In this sense, the Solomonic solution may be the use of parquet boards. The technology for installing it is closer to installing laminate than block parquet, which is very reminiscent of assembling a mosaic.

Appearance

There is no doubt that well-maintained natural parquet will look much more refined and luxurious than laminate. Although, with the development of technology, not every consumer can distinguish a modern laminate floor from a parquet floor. It is not without reason that manufacturers spent a lot of effort to simulate a wood pattern on a laminated board, which has become almost indistinguishable from natural, so in many cases replacing parquet with laminate can go unnoticed.

Traditional parquet is strongly associated in the imagination with strict classical interiors of residential premises or formal halls. Laminate flooring can fit perfectly into either classic interior, and in modern times. This is facilitated by the huge variety of textures and shades that manufacturers have learned to impart to laminate flooring.

Laminate can imitate not only wood itself, but also tiles, marble, granite and a whole range of artificial and natural materials.

Operation

When comparing the behavior of parquet and laminate, it quickly becomes clear that the latter is colder and especially noisy, although the latter disadvantage can be quite successfully combated with the help of sound-absorbing substrates. And if you combine it with a heated floor system, this disadvantage will turn into an advantage - heat will easily flow into the room.

But bought quality laminate is not afraid of scratches from sharp ladies' heels or moving furniture, it will not fade in the sun and will not retain traces of indentation or static loads. Modern laminate is difficult to ignite and is quite moisture resistant.

When comparing the care of laminate and parquet, it should be borne in mind that the appearance of the latter is difficult to maintain if the owners often like to rearrange furniture, are used to walking around the house in heels, or have pets.

Wood is sensitive to indelicate external influences, and in the absence of careful handling, its surface is noticeably damaged.

Therefore, it is necessary to scrape natural parquet every few years in order to remove the thin damaged layer from it.

If the microclimate in the room changes, the parquet begins to dry out and deform, causing an unpleasant creaking sound. Soft and hygroscopic wood does not like sudden temperature changes. Lacquered parquet may lose its attractiveness in terms of environmental friendliness, since toxic components may be released from the varnish.

Neither parquet nor laminate can surpass each other in every characteristic; each has its own strengths and weak. Therefore, the choice between these two floor coverings should be based on the financial capabilities of the buyer, operating conditions and the owner’s willingness to regularly monitor appearance coverings.

What would you choose – parquet or laminate, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments and explain them - other readers will be interested!