While laying floor coverings, I regularly advise on the choice of materials. And I hear people asking the question: “Which wear resistance class of laminate is best to choose for an apartment”? And they immediately answer: “33.” Such awareness cannot but rejoice. But there is one caveat. This feature lies in the same, at first glance, concepts. Wear resistance and service classes - what's the difference? I will try to compile a detailed review, leave my feedback and recommendations.
The difference lies in the hardness of the film (designation AC3, AC4, AC5, AC6) and the density of the HDF board itself (Class 31, 32, 33, 34), respectively.
You can quickly get acquainted with my works, prices in the VK GROUP
Laminate class table:
Film hardness is a relative concept. The decorated pattern is not resistant to scratches and impacts. Melamine or acrylic resin is applied on top of the decor in production. In modern expensive collections, melamine contains various additives: such as corundum (aluminum oxide) to give even greater strength to the coating. Accordingly, a larger layer and the peculiarity of the finishing protective composition add better wear resistance to the product.
Laminate Leroy Merlin 31 class
Laminate Leroy Merlin class 32
Laminate Leroy Merlin class 33
Laminate Yandex-Market 32 class
Laminate Yandex-Market 33 class
Laminate Yandex Market 34 class
Everything is clear about the hardness of the protective film. I’ll explain in a nutshell about HDF (high-density fiberboard, also known as MDF). Wood board is a finely dispersed fraction (wood fibers) obtained by splitting raw materials in a defibrator. In no case should it be confused with the larger shavings that form the basis of chipboard (chipboard).
The fibers are mixed with paraffin and rosin, which give the material moisture resistance. Synthetic resins are added to improve physical and mechanical properties. Using the hot pressing method we obtain a finished sheet composite. Depending on the pressure of the press and the addition of various resins, a board of varying densities is produced. For HDF, this value should exceed 850 kg/m3, which corresponds to GOST for fiberboard grade “T” - solid.
A little earlier, about twenty years ago, the wear resistance of laminated floors was measured in this way. The abrasive wheel rotated on the surface of the protective coating layer. When the top film was worn out, the result was recorded by the number of revolutions. As a result, wear resistance was calculated in revolutions. The phrase: “how many revolutions does this laminate have?” replaced: “What class is this laminate?”), firmly entrenched in the consumer’s understanding as a determinant of the quality of the coating.
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This measurement method had inaccuracies in determining the resistance of the laminate to aggressive environments and shock loads. The number of revolutions (taber test) directly depended on the grain size of the rotating head.
As a result of the introduction of uniform Taber test standards, the wear resistance of speakers is currently indicated. On packages with material, the designation can be found on the end. The most common compliances are AC5/33 or AC4/32 class.
General information
When choosing a floor covering, it is very important to remember that 31 classes of laminate from both European manufacturers and domestic companies have approximately the same wear resistance indicators. This material is optimal for arranging flooring not only in residential, but also in commercial premises with a low degree of traffic.
31 classes of laminate from both European manufacturers and domestic companies have approximately the same wear resistance indicators
What rooms is it suitable for?
Class 34 laminate can be effectively used in industrial, commercial, and public areas:
- office premises;
- baths;
- airports;
- hotels;
- cafes, restaurants;
- dance clubs;
- shops;
- private confectionery shops;
- scenes;
- sports and fitness centers;
- industrial and domestic premises.
IMPORTANT!
The cost of the coating justifies its purpose: despite the high degree of load and high traffic, the material remains aesthetically attractive due to its increased wear resistance.
Parameters and characteristics
Class 31 laminate is characterized by the following indicators:
- the standard service life of the material in residential premises is about 10 years;
- service life in commercial and office premises does not exceed 5 years;
- The basis of the lamellas is fiberboard material, on top of which is applied high-quality paper, decorated with a pattern or design;
- the thickness parameters of lamellas of this class can vary from 6 to 8 millimeters;
- the thickness of the upper protective layer is about one millimeter;
- the laminate has the wear resistance marking AC-3;
- Impact resistance is designated IC-1;
- installation of class 31 lamellas is allowed only on top of a well-prepared base;
- laying is carried out on a special substrate, the choice of which directly depends on the base material;
- the slats are equipped with a locking connection system.
Installation of lamellas of class 31 is allowed only on top of a well-prepared base
Also read materials:
During the installation of lamellas of this class, extreme care should be taken to prevent even the slightest damage to the geometric integrity of the panels, which could cause creaking or breakage of the finished coating.
Scope and features of use
As a rule, class 31 laminates are used in residential premises. It is advisable to install such material in rooms with a low level of traffic, where the laminate can, subject to the rules of care, maintain its performance and quality characteristics for ten years or more.
In office premises, such laminate flooring is also used quite often. In this case, the service life will directly depend on the operating conditions and the correct maintenance. As a rule, on average it does not exceed 5 years.
Another important feature of class 31 lamellas is the low level of protection against water. This material does not always have a wax impregnation of the seams, which requires the use of a sealant when laying laminated flooring in the hallway, kitchen, and other rooms with high humidity levels.
Customer Reviews
Arina, Moscow
I'm really tired of the dark laminate flooring in the hallway. I had to wash it often, because any dirt and sand are very visible on the dark floor. I decided to replace it with Brilliant Silva laminate. It has a light shade and a beautiful glossy texture. A specialist friend of mine laid it on the floor. He immediately noted the high strength class of the laminate. Installation went quickly and without problems. Now there is no dirt visible on the floor at all, and it looks very beautiful and stylish.
Boris, Ekaterinburg
My office is in urgent need of renovation. It was necessary to replace the old shabby linoleum with something durable. I didn’t have a lot of money at that time, so I had to choose cheaper material. The salesperson in the store advised me to purchase Brilliant laminate and praised its quality and durability. I decided to take a chance. I laid the floor myself. The work went without problems. Six months have passed, and the laminate is still as shiny and without a single scratch. I hope it will serve me for a very long time!
Sergey, Saratov
My wife always wanted to renovate our room in a high-tech style. We went to a hardware store and saw Brilliant Lewis laminate. We hired workers and did everything quickly. The laminate fits well into the interior. It looks very expensive and stylish. Now we are planning to make a floor in the hallway.
Carpet for a billiard room.
See finishing the bathroom with decorative plaster here.Living room accent wall design:
Advantages
The main advantages of class 31 laminated panels:
- long service life;
- high wear resistance;
- a level of environmental friendliness sufficient for use in residential premises;
- a significant selection of textures and colors;
- no costs for adhesives;
- mechanical stability and the ability to easily withstand the impact of women's stiletto heels, as well as the load from heavy pieces of furniture and interior design;
- abrasion resistance and heat resistance;
- resistance to a variety of aggressive substances, including brilliant green, nail polish, and paint.
In addition, laminate flooring of this class is quite easy to install and undemanding in maintenance measures.
Class 31 laminate is equipped with a locking or glueless fastening system, which is a collapsible type
Manufacturers
Models from manufacturers such as Kaiser, Proteco, etc. are produced in China. Among local companies there are most of those that are popular abroad. Millennium is considered the most popular. This manufacturer creates interesting models that are made from rare wood species. Various options are sold, differing in textures and textures. This Chinese laminate has a high level of wear resistance. The manufacturer provides a 25-year warranty.
Another well-known company is Floor Step. It creates high-quality laminated decor. At each stage of production, maximum control is carried out, so there are no defective goods. The company creates Chinese class 33 laminate. Reviews about it make it clear that the product is wear-resistant and resistant to moisture. The coating can withstand mechanical loads. The manufacturer offers economy and premium models.
Zigart is a popular company in the domestic market. The brand is European, but production is established in China. Models of class 32-33 go on sale. That is why you can choose an option for your office or home without much difficulty. All models are durable, versatile and have a long service life.
Reviews about Chinese laminate are excellent. During operation, many do not notice the difference with expensive European options.
Features of choosing the “right” laminate
The choice of laminated coating should be made depending on the purpose of use and purpose. This rule applies to material of any wear resistance class.
A fairly important criterion when choosing a laminated covering, and especially if you intend to independently install this floor finishing material, is the locking system of lamellas.
Very high quality, which corresponds to European analogues, characterizes the Belarusian laminate “Fussboden Comfort”
Commercial classes of laminate, like 31 classes of lamellas, are equipped with a locking or glueless fastening system, which is of a collapsible type. The main advantage of such a locking system is the ease of self-installation, as well as the ability to quickly dismantle and transfer the coating.
This installation method is less expensive and economically beneficial.
European brands
Among foreign brands of laminate, the following are popular among Russian consumers:
- moisture-resistant German laminate “Haro Tritty-75” without chamfer;
- moisture-resistant laminate “Kaindl Authentic”;
- moisture-resistant laminate “Kastamonu Floorpan Purple” without chamfer;
- German moisture-resistant laminate “Meister LC-100” without chamfer;
- German laminate under the WITEX brand.
Very high quality, which corresponds to European analogues, is also characterized by the Belarusian laminate “Fussboden Comfort” with a four-sided chamfer and high moisture resistance.
The domestic Quick-Step laminate has good quality and stable durability.
Domestic laminate
A high-quality alternative to foreign laminated panels is represented by Russian class 31 laminate under the Kronostar brand. The material is characterized by lamella thickness of up to 8 millimeters, standard dimensions of 0.8 x 19.3 x 138 cm and a modern locking system.
The lamellas of this manufacturer have a fairly low cost. It should be noted that the variety of textures and colors of domestic laminate flooring is practically not inferior to the range of flooring from foreign manufacturers. Quick-Step laminate also has good quality and stable durability
You may also be interested in an article that talks about the features of finishing steps with laminate.
How to lay laminate flooring (video)
Buying high-quality material for finishing the floor allows you to forget about carrying out repair work and replacing the coating for a long time. As a rule, good reviews about class 31 laminate can be heard when assessing the quality of not only imported, but also domestic materials. With equivalent quality and a wide range of lamellas from Russian manufacturing companies, they can cost an order of magnitude less than similar material from foreign companies, which is due to the lack of a wide advertising campaign and brand promotion.
Floorwood
Top laminate manufacturers open TM Floorwood coating, produced on behalf of the German concern Floorwood MF-group Gmbh. That is, initially the main place of production was Germany.
Then production facilities moved to Belgium, then to Belarus and Russia. A subsidiary company opened directly in China several years ago, but in recent years most of the laminate has begun to be manufactured by a Chinese company.
Therefore, Floorwood laminate is considered a product of Chinese-Belarusian-Russian-Belgian cooperation. Strict monitoring of all life cycle processes guarantees quality and durability.
Main advantages of the coating:
- A solid assortment of shades, designs and decors. Every year the company produces 16 updated laminate collections with rich colors and unique structural solutions. The plank formats are also varied. The rulers contain both shortened and elongated or extra-wide samples, additionally refined with a chamfer.
- High quality locking connections. All Floorwood laminates are produced with two fastening options – 5G and Smart Click. The first is carried out through a kind of volumetric fixation due to a plastic insert along the end locking elements, which makes the coating even more durable and reliable. The second mount ensures ease of assembly/disassembly. The locks are additionally treated with wax to increase moisture resistance.
- Compliance with Russian quality standards and safety standards;
- Operational life – 25 years.
Flaws:
- Overpriced, comparable to samples “Made in Germany”;
- Insufficiently saturated colors of laminate produced in Russia and Belarus.
