The floor coverings presented on the building materials market have many types: linoleum, parquet and massive board, tiles, porcelain tiles, laminate, cork. Choosing your own option from this variety is quite difficult.
Even such a material as a laminate can be glossy, matte, imitate marble, granite, wood, cork and other decorative coatings. His choice also causes difficulties.
Sellers consultants will be happy to help, show and tell everything about the floor covering, but before going to the store, you need to have at least some minimum idea of the material, its pluses and minuses. So it will be easier to navigate when choosing.
Laminate characteristics
First of all, you need to pay attention to the thickness of the plank of the laminate, the strength of the sexual coating depends on this. The optimal size of the bar should be from 6 to 8 millimeters. The thicker the panel, the stronger it is.
If the floor is mounted from thin strips, then it will be colder and not so reliable. After all, the strength of the material still depends on its thickness.
An important criterion when choosing a laminate is its density. It depends on the production method. For example, the CDF-plate is much denser than a well-known fiberboard or MDF. It is made at the factory by pressing under high pressure. There is a direct connection between parameters such as durability, strength and density. It is desirable that this indicator is at least 850 kg × 1m2.
Each manufacturer cuts laminate strips of different sizes. If the flooring will be laid for you, then the width and length of the lamella does not matter. Professionals will be able to lay boards of any size. If you mount the flooring yourself, it is better to choose standard cutting.
Laminate classification
An equally important criterion for choosing a laminate is its classification. Although he has 21, 22 and 23, which is intended for residential premises, it is rarely used. More often buy laminate 31, 32, 33 classes. Although it is recommended for commercial use, it is laid in apartments and houses, since such flooring is stronger. He has much more service life. If the 31st grade intended for public places can last only three years there, then in the bedroom or in another room, where there is low cross -country ability, he will delight you for 10 years. And in boards of grade 34, bedding at home, the term is extended to 40 years.
Guarantee period
As for the warranty period. After its expiration, no one will accept your claim. Therefore, pay attention to the period that the manufacturer gives. In no case do not buy a laminate without a warranty coupon or with a mythical two -week guarantee, even if the material is offered at a very low price.
Otherwise, you will have to buy a new floor covering after 1-2 years. Agree – this is an imaginary benefit, as you have to spend money not only on the purchase of a new laminate, its delivery and installation, but also to disassemble the failed floor.
Carefully read the warranty card, as it includes many different conditions that, to put it mildly, you can violate. After all, when using a laminate, there is a load on it. And as a result, dents, scratches and scuffs appear on the floor.
Based on this, it is better not to buy flooring via the Internet, but to visit the store yourself. Save checks and invoices for purchased goods. Even if the laminate is already laid, these documents can be useful in case of force majeure circumstances.
The seller is interested in selling products, so it is better to come to a construction store at least with minimal knowledge, since in a hurry you are unlikely to choose quality material.
Manufacturers deliver to outlets together with the main collection of additional. It is much cheaper, but the quality of such material at the price level. It is better to spend more money, but buy a laminate from the main collection, as it is much stronger. The less the material costs, the shorter the service life.
Do not believe the seller who will assure you that a cheap branded laminate is not at all worse than an expensive. Of course, you decide, but it should be borne in mind that the flooring from an additional collection can be compared with Chinese counterfeit.
Also, when buying a laminate, it is necessary to pay attention to the methods of connection. Convenient and light for home use is an option with a latching lock.
Before buying a laminate, you need to decide on the type of tonality and decorative coating design. It should be in harmony with the design of the room.
Due to the fact that the floor covering is laid for many years, unlike wallpaper or paint, which can be changed through a short period of time, you should take the choice seriously.