When choosing the most suitable floor covering for yourself, you must strive to obtain maximum quality with high decorative capabilities of the material.
In addition, ease of installation or the possibility of repair or partial replacement of the coating is important, which is the most problematic issue for most materials.
Based on the combination of these qualities, laminate becomes a confident leader; it is durable, has attractive appearance, and allows the replacement of individual panels that have failed.
At the same time, laminate can also be selected in a more or less successful manner, since it has a lot of varieties.
Let's consider the material from the point of view of its external effect - the degree of surface gloss.
What is glossy laminate
Glossy laminate has all the properties of a regular material, but has a high degree of surface gloss. The floor looks as if it has been covered with a thick layer of varnish and carefully polished .
It should be noted right away that the use of such a coating is not for everyone; it will not appeal to everyone, but most users, even those who do not have a special affection for shiny surfaces, note the high decorative effect of a glossy laminate.
From the point of view of the properties of the material, it is practically no different from other types except the surface. The same base, locking part, absolutely the same installation technology. The material is similarly divided into strength classes; the surface imitates boards made from various types of wood or types of tiles.
The panel consists of the same layers as all other types:
- The lowest layer is a stabilizing layer; it keeps the lamella from bending if moisture is absorbed.
- The main (bearing) layer. It makes up almost the entire thickness of the lamella and contains the locking part. It may consist of fiberboard, HDF or another sheet, and takes on all loads or mechanical impacts. The thickness of the load-bearing layer changes with increasing strength class, but is not completely proportional to it - some samples, with a smaller thickness, have a much stronger load-bearing layer.
- The decorative layer consists of craft paper with a printed pattern. Most often, this is the texture of a certain type of wood, but there are also other types of images - tiles, leather, stone, etc.
- The top layer is protective. It takes on loads and is responsible for resistance to water. Glossy laminate has a specific protective layer with a high degree of gloss, strength, and increased thickness. This layer contains acrylic, which increases shine and prevents slipping on the surface.
Some of the most expensive types have another layer - soundproofing. It reduces the noise produced by the laminate when walking on it with shoes . At the same time, the problem can be completely solved only by correct laying of the material using a properly laid substrate.
IMPORTANT!
Rattling noise from improperly installed flooring is a common problem with laminate flooring. It arises when the owner wants to save on the substrate, which has a negative impact on the residents of the lower floor.
Another important aspect of the material is moisture resistance. This parameter may differ for different types of material, and it does not directly depend on the strength class. Hardy species are able to withstand a puddle of water for up to 6 hours, giving the owner time to fix the leak or clean up.
At the same time, one should correctly understand what exactly is meant by this term. The surface of the panels itself does not allow water to pass through, regardless of the degree of moisture resistance . The locking part, which is capable of absorbing moisture, is at risk.
Stable types of laminate have a lock impregnated with hot wax during manufacturing. Conventional types of such impregnation do not work and react to moisture by swelling and swelling of the material at the joints.
If necessary, you can independently treat the joints or locking parts when laying with moisture-repellent compounds, for example, wax mastic . This will help reduce the risk of coating failure when exposed to water.
Review of the best manufacturers
Manufacturing companies, in the fight for clients, are constantly expanding the color range of floor coverings and the range of textures. The market leaders are both European companies and domestic manufacturers. Trademarks from China provide worthy competition to them.
The Swedish company Pergo is the founder of laminate production and a global quality standard. During its work since 1979, many inventions have been patented. PerfectFold locks, durable TitanX coating, silver ion overlays for antibacterial effect, and static dissipation system. A wide range of collections with different strength classes and size options, which allows you to reduce material consumption. The company claims a service life of 25 years for decorative panels.
The disadvantages of this product include the high price and many counterfeits that damage the company’s image.
Kronotex from Germany has been producing fibreboard laminate since 1993 and exports its products to more than 80 countries. Production includes the entire complex from growing forests to delivering finished products to customers. The company's assortment includes a catalog of 200 colors of class 32 and 33 laminates, fittings, baseboards, corners, decorative and protective films for floors and walls. The products are completely safe for humans, certified. The warranty period, depending on the product class, ranges from 18 to 30 years.
High-quality laminate not only imitates natural textures, but also meets durability requirements
The German company HDM was the first to supply laminate to Russia in 1995. The manufacturer has an innovative approach to work. For the first time, he offered customers mirror-glossy floor coverings with increased durability. HDM is famous for its reliable imitation of parquet boards. Only an expert can find the differences. The protective top layer of the dies is made of polyacrylate resins that do not contain toxic substances. This laminate is suitable for children, allergy sufferers and asthmatics. The bottom surface of the panels is equipped with a soundproofing layer. The service life is 25 years. The disadvantage of the product can be considered a small selection of designs and high cost.
The international enterprise Tarkett produces products that are affordable and environmentally friendly. The company has a wide network of stores and a rich collection of artistic ornaments, thanks to which it has gained great popularity among customers.
Versale products will appeal to customers who value high quality and accurate imitation of traditional patterns and textures of natural parquet boards. Versale flooring looks expensive and stylish. Special chamfers emphasize the wood texture and layout of the parquet planks. The company achieves this quality through careful control at all stages of product manufacturing.
You can read more about how to choose a good laminate, what to look for when purchasing, about the features and various characteristics of the material in the article:.
Advantages and disadvantages
Glossy laminate has all the usual material parameters, but there are also some specific qualities.
The advantages are:
- High gloss coating. Actually, this is the most important advantage of the material, significantly outweighing all other advantages and disadvantages.
- Durability, resistance to scratches or abrasions. Some manufacturers add corundum for strength, which makes the surface comparable in hardness to stone.
- The material significantly changes the appearance of the room, giving it an elegant and aesthetically attractive appearance.
The disadvantages of glossy laminate include:
- The surface requires careful and careful use. Despite the strength and resistance to damage of the top layer, the attitude towards such a surface must be appropriate.
- After washing the floors, you must immediately wipe the surface, otherwise marks and stains will remain on the surface.
- The coating requires intensive care.
Such pros and cons cause a lot of controversy among consumers about the ability of the coating to provide long-term service. However, reviews from people who are already using this laminate indicate the high performance of the material .
NOTE!
Not everyone will like the glossy surface; this material is not for everybody. If in doubt, it is better to turn your attention to other, no less attractive types of material.
Castle marriage
We came on a recommendation to install flooring at the end of 2017. We saw a picture: the substrate was laid, the first and second rows were assembled, but with broken locks. We tried to produce GorDeus laminate flooring but it didn’t work out. The lock did not fit into the groove.
They advised us to replace the coating and said goodbye. A few months later we were invited to this site and we laid a new laminate floor.
It turned out that they called an expert from the store, but he also could not assemble it and the entire batch was replaced. This case is rather an exception; such stories have not been repeated.
But if we characterize it in general, Chinese laminate has loose locks. The locking connections practically do not hold the panels apart and gaps may form during operation.
Types and colors
Glossy laminate has various color options, which depend on the type of wood being imitated. Both dark brown material (wenge, bog oak) and light types (pine, spruce, etc.) are available .
At the same time, the material is not limited to simulating only wood. There are varieties with patterns of leather, stone, mosaic tiles, and parquet sets. All these interior options are quite attractive from an aesthetic point of view; they allow the user to choose the most suitable option for themselves.
In addition, there are two varieties of glossy laminate:
- With standard gloss.
- With a mirror shine.
The second option is less popular, since it reflects literally everything, and not every user likes this.
Photos of laminate types:
Application area
Laminate flooring for artistic parquet creates healthy competition for traditional flooring. It is laid in public and commercial institutions where it is required to cover large areas of the floor in a modern manner, in accordance with the style being created. Artistic laminate is very good in the interior of a house or apartment.
The range of this material is so wide that it allows you to choose an artistic laminate with a pattern for a room decorated to suit every taste, furnished with antique or cabinet furniture in a minimalist style, vintage designs or classic ones.
The main requirement for such a floor is proper installation on a perfectly flat surface.
What rooms is it suitable for?
Glossy laminate looks great in the living room, bedroom or children's room. It performs somewhat worse in the corridor, where it experiences significant loads . And for the hallway, kitchen, and especially the bathroom, glossy laminate is less suitable due to the constant splashing of water on the surface, which leaves streaks or stains.
Otherwise, the use of glossy laminate is not limited in any way.
Installation instructions
Laying of artistic laminate is carried out with maximum consideration of the features of the layout and operation of the room. The direction of the pattern should be the most advantageous, allowing you to present the pattern in the most effective way.
This determines which side the material will begin to be laid on. It is made from the wall, with a small indentation of 4-6 mm, which is needed in order to give the canvas the opportunity for unhindered expansion in the event of an increase in atmospheric humidity .
The first row of panels is laid either one at a time or as an assembly, which is determined by the locking system. The entire installation consists of sequential or sequential connection of some panels to others laid earlier.
The usual technique for connecting a lock is quite simple: the panel is brought at a slight (about 45° or slightly less) angle to the locking part of the underlying panel, the locks are closed, and the second panel is lowered to a horizontal position . The lock is finally connected with a click.
IMPORTANT!
The installation itself is the simplest part of the entire process of laying artistic laminate flooring. The greatest responsibility falls on the preparatory work and laying the substrate, on which the quality of the installation of the canvas will mainly depend.
What classes exist
Glossy laminate is available in all types of grades, from 31, the softest, to the most durable 33 grade. The degree of gloss is influenced by the top, protective coating of the material, consisting of a durable film with certain properties .
It also largely determines the degree of abrasion resistance, although the thickness or material of the supporting layer largely influences the strength of the laminate. The most resistant types contain corundum additives in the upper protective film, turning it into durable protection that can compete in hardness with natural stone.
Surface preparation
Before laying artistic laminate flooring, you should carefully prepare the subfloor surface . There are no trifles or insignificant operations in this procedure, since it will not be possible to subsequently correct poor-quality preparation, and the service life of the coating is very long.
- First of all, you need to clear the floor surface of all foreign objects. Remove all furniture from the room, remove baseboards, and you may need to remove doors from their hinges.
- Clean the floor surface from dust and dirt, remove the old coating, and remove all layers.
- If the surface has certain flaws that can spoil the appearance of the canvas, they must be eliminated . Detected potholes or cracks are filled with putty. The cracks or gaps between the flooring boards are puttied or filled with mortar. If there are a large number of flaws, excessive curvature or slope of the floor, you will have to make a full concrete screed.
- After completing the preparatory work, you need to wait a certain time for the screed or putty to gain the necessary strength.
- After this, the substrate is laid. It may consist of polyethylene foam, cork sheets or other special material. The final choice is made locally and takes into account the need for cutoff or, on the contrary, vapor permeability of the substrate .
User reviews
Let's consider reviews from owners of glossy laminate floors, who can tell from their own experience about the material, its properties and operating features.
| Author's name | Customer review |
| Irina L. | I saw this kind of laminate from friends. I thought for a long time whether to take it for myself, but finally decided. I don’t regret it at all, especially since I came across better material, no marks or scratches, although I wash the floors and walk barefoot. Apparently, different companies - different coverage. I am very pleased and recommend it to everyone. |
| Oleg. | My wife and I bought glossy laminate last year. We like it ourselves and all our friends who come to visit. They even took me to the store as a consultant. The covering has been in place for a year and a half, but everyone who comes in for the first time thinks that it has just been laid. |
| Margarita P. | We purchased class 33 laminate flooring for the entire apartment (for the kitchen too). The surface must be protected; it is quite delicate and does not tolerate being hit with sharp objects. In addition, when water gets in, it swells on knocks. We had to put protective film under the chairs on wheels (just in case), as well as where water constantly gets in. Now it has become calmer, the material is not afraid of heels. It looks simply excellent, we’ve been sitting there for a long time and we’re constantly admiring it. |
| Yaroslav D. | The laminate flooring was installed two years ago, so we can already judge its qualities. When work began, we were afraid that it would quickly get scratched and become ugly. I didn’t, we still can’t stop looking at our floors. In addition, many criticized the material for being slippery. Nothing like that, just like any other species. We have class 33, our neighbors looked at it and took 32. Theirs is no worse, but it was cheaper. |
| Lydia V. | My mother-in-law bought herself a glossy laminate. I invited a professional to lay it properly. At first she was afraid that it would be slippery and scratches would appear, but now she calmed down. We go to her like we go to a museum now. |
| Alice E. | In general, I love it when everything glitters around me; I argued for a long time with my husband about laminate flooring. He believed that it was impractical and would quickly become scratched and cloudy. We compromised and only laid beds in the living room and bedroom. All fears turned out to be in vain, the material behaves perfectly and does not create any problems. Only, if someone is going to install a glossy laminate and install a glossy stretch ceiling, choose one or the other, in pairs - it will be too much. |
| Tamara I. | A glossy floor is very beautiful, but you have to constantly look after it, wash it only with a wrung-out cloth and immediately wipe it dry. Try not to scratch or damage the surface. Beauty is a capricious thing and requires constant maintenance. |
| Victor P. | I had a glossy laminate on the floor, in general there were no problems, but I was annoyed by the fact that my animals (cat and dog) slipped on it (my wife and I never slipped), in addition, they were too loud They ran on the laminate. Now in the corridor and hallway I have replaced it with glossy tiles, it is better, although no scratches have appeared on the laminate. |
| Vasily Sh. | We doubted it for a long time, there was a state of “I want it and it hurts.” I wanted to get a beautiful coating, but I was afraid that all the expenses would not be justified. Finally, we bought and laid 32 class glossy. The feeling is fabulous, like walking on a mirror, beauty. So far there have been no problems, but we are being careful. |
| Evgeniy M. | I myself am not an ardent supporter of gloss, but my wife really likes it, so I gave in to her requests. I must say right away - never buy cheap material for 800-900 rubles, it is a Chinese counterfeit and nothing good will come of it. If you buy good material and put it in correctly, you won’t be happy with it. |
These reviews from people who use glossy types of laminate clearly indicate the high decorative and performance qualities of the material, although it requires some care, but creates a special, festive and sophisticated look for the apartment.
Rules of care
Artistic laminate does not require too much maintenance. It is enough to wipe the surface with a damp cloth or clean it with a vacuum cleaner.
If serious dirt appears on the floor, you can get rid of it using liquid soap or a special product for laminate flooring.
Do not use abrasives or detergents containing alkali. Do not use metal brushes or sponges, which may damage the surface layer.
Mechanical damage can be removed using special pastes. Today there is a huge selection of such products in stores, so you can easily choose the right shade.
Design
Of course, in the question of which good laminate to choose, design plays a significant role. This is not surprising, because laminate is purchased specifically to imitate real wood, which means it is required to meet this criterion.
Typically, drawings of common tree species are used.
Of course, it is quite difficult to ensure that each slab has an individual pattern. Therefore, manufacturers usually include plates with several different patterns in production.
Designer models are especially valued, so if you are thinking about which laminate is better to choose, then the designer options are perfect. Embossing repeats the structure of the selected tree down to absolute accuracy, but the price for such a purchase may surprise you.
Environmental friendliness
This criterion was not included in the list, but it is also decisive. If you are planning to cover floors in residential premises, then you will have to decide which laminate is best to choose for your apartment, and then the environmental friendliness of the material will play a role.
The point here is that to reduce the cost of production, some brands use phenol-formaldehyde resin. This material is quite harmful because formaldehyde is constantly released from it. This gas can lead to severe poisoning, which can have serious consequences, including death.
European brands are quite safe in this regard, since the content of harmful substances in the laminate is strictly controlled. So there are no differences from parquet in this regard at all.
Wear resistance
Deciding which laminate is best to choose for an apartment requires some knowledge. This also applies to different classes of laminate. There are four of them in total, at least related precisely to this factor.
For apartments, class 32 is usually used - this is enough. However, you can also purchase the 31st, especially if you are not doing a major overhaul, but plan to change the design after some time. Classes 33 and 34 for apartments are overkill. Indeed, they are extremely resistant to wear, but they should not be used in residential rather than commercial premises.
TOP 20 rating of the best laminate for 2021
The laminate presented in this rating is very popular among Russian consumers. When choosing a specific model of flooring, you need to take into account the place where it will be laid, as well as basic characteristics - density, wear resistance class, type of panel connection.
| Place | Name | Price |
| TOP 4 best laminate by price/quality for 2021 | ||
| 1 | Westerhof Step-by-Step 34 class 8 mm 2.62 m² | Find out the price |
| 2 | Quick-Step Eligna 32 class 8 mm 1.72 m² | Find out the price |
| 3 | Kastamonu Black 33 class 8 mm 2.13 m² | Find out the price |
| 4 | Tarkett Navigator 33 class 12 mm 1.25 m² | Find out the price |
| TOP 4 best laminate flooring for the kitchen | ||
| 1 | Balterio Stretto 32 class 8 mm 2.02 m² | Find out the price |
| 2 | Kaindl Classic Touch Wide Plank 32 class 8 mm 2.7 m² | Find out the price |
| 3 | Quick-Step Impressive 32 class 8 mm 1.83 m² | Find out the price |
| 4 | Classen Visio Grande Ornamento 32 class 8 mm 2.06 m² | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best laminate flooring for the living room | ||
| 1 | Kronostar Eco-Tec 1-Strip 32 class 7 mm 2.4 m² | Find out the price |
| 2 | Kronospan Forte Classic 2-Strip 33 class 8 mm 2.22 m² | Find out the price |
| 3 | Laminella Kuban 33 class 8 mm 2.13 m² | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best laminate flooring for children's rooms | ||
| 1 | Tarkett Ballet 33 class 8 mm 2.01 m² | Find out the price |
| 2 | Egger Pro 12/33 Classic 33 class 12 mm 1.49 m² | Find out the price |
| 3 | Classen Cottage 33 class 8 mm 2.06 m² | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best laminate for heated floors | ||
| 1 | Quick-Step Impressive Ultra 33 class 12 mm 1.31 m² | Find out the price |
| 2 | Ritter Organic 34 34 class 12 mm 1.49 m² | Find out the price |
| 3 | Brilliant Silva B007 34 class 12 mm 1.75 m² | Find out the price |
| TOP 3 best laminate with chamfer | ||
| 1 | Tarkett Pilot 33 class 10 mm 1.23 m² | Find out the price |
| 2 | Kronotex Robusto 33 class 12 mm 1.29 m² | Find out the price |
| 3 | Solofloor Puzzle 33 class 8 mm 2.43 m² | Find out the price |
Positive properties of mirror panels
Among the main positive qualities of mirror panels is their ability to withstand the negative effects of moisture. This allows you to use varnished glossy laminate in the bathroom and kitchen. Classic matte coatings cannot boast of this property.
It should also be noted that the material can withstand high temperatures. If you want to lay glossy panels on top of a heated floor system, you can rest assured that this cladding will withstand heat.
In addition, the positive properties of this finish include the following:
- Natural materials are used to make planks. This makes the coating harmless to humans and the environment.
- The mirror surface does not slip at all. The panels are given shine not by polishing, but by adding a transparent acrylic layer. Walking on such a surface is pleasant and safe.
- The glossy finish tolerates wet cleaning well and does not attract dust.
- The flooring, assembled in accordance with all requirements, looks like a continuous mirror covering, filling the room with airiness and additional volume.
