Laminate flooring is a modern floor covering that has replaced expensive parquet and wooden floors. Initially, he was afraid of moisture, an untimely wiped puddle from spilled water could forever ruin the coating. The solution to this problem was a waterproof laminate of 12 mm class 33, Germany and manufacturers of other European countries offer coatings that can be laid even in pools. This universal finishing material, despite its rather high price, has become popular among consumers, because German quality has always been in price.
“The waterproof laminate is not afraid of high humidity and sudden changes in temperature”
With the growing popularity of waterproof laminate, many manufacturers of laminate flooring began to produce it: in Belgium, France, China and Russia. The leading market leader is products made in Germany.
Water-resistant collections with all kinds of prints and a wide selection of textures are offered by German companies such as Egger, Zigart, Krono Original, Westerhof, Aberhof, Hessen Floor, Floorwood, Classen, Ecoflooring, Maxwood, Proteco, Vega, Kronotex and others. Their products have the best customer reviews because the marking “Made in Germany” has already become synonymous with the quality mark.
“Kitchen floor with 33 class laminate”
In the characteristics of a laminate of 31-34 classes, you can find indicators such as moisture resistance and water resistance. Both of these concepts mean that this flooring is not afraid of contact with water and can be used in rooms with high humidity, such as a bathroom, kitchen, swimming pools, etc. In the production of such a laminate, all layers are impregnated with a water-repellent material and an antiseptic (to prevent the appearance of fungus), and the joints between the lamellas and the connection locks are treated with special wax.
“Moisture-resistant coating is ideal for finishing the floor in the bathroom”
The difference between these concepts in the material from which the lamella is made:
“There are air chambers inside the waterproof laminate panel”
Both of these options are suitable for finishing floors in residential buildings. A waterproof laminate, according to many experts, is more appropriate in bathrooms, on cold balconies and underfloor heating, as well as in seasonal country houses, pools and saunas. Moisture-resistant coating is recommended to be laid in the kitchen, children’s room, living room, corridor.
“When choosing a coating for the kitchen, it is better to give preference to waterproof laminate”
According to standards approved by the European Association of Laminate Floor Manufacturers (EPLF), there are six classes of laminate flooring. The class determines the degree of wear resistance. The higher the grade, the less laminate is susceptible to damage and wear. Today, the most popular is a laminate of 31-34 classes.
Laminate class 33 and 34 has the highest abrasion resistance and is recommended for flooring in public places with intensive use: shops, gyms, restaurants. Nowadays, it is increasingly being bought for apartments and houses. The service life of such a laminate significantly exceeds the performance for residential premises. With proper care, manufacturers give a 25-year warranty.
“A 12 mm thick laminate was used in the decoration of the bathroom.”
It should be said that the durability of a class 33 laminate will depend on the quality and thickness of the panel. When choosing, the intensity and degree of load in the room is taken into account. The maximum thickness, and accordingly the strength, has a lamella of 12 mm. The average service life of a laminated coating of class 33 with a panel thickness of 8 mm in residential premises is 20-25 years, and a thickness of 12 mm is 30 years. On these floors there is no trace of furniture or scratches. In addition, lamellas with such a thickness have strong connection locks.
“It is very easy to take care of the smooth surface of the laminate without chamfer”
Waterproof laminate is quite expensive, but it will serve for many years. Each company has collections in various price categories. This makes coverage affordable for families of all incomes.
Manufacturers from Germany offer waterproof laminate 33 class 8 mm thick at these prices (in ascending order):
Average prices for waterproof laminate (Germany) 33 grade 12 mm thick (in ascending order):
The most expensive is a coating thickness of 12 mm 34 class. Waterproof laminate (Germany) with these characteristics is in the following price range (in ascending order):
As you can see, it is quite possible to get a decent laminated coating at an affordable price. Remember that flooring is a long-term investment. Moisture-resistant laminate will relieve you of worries about spilled liquid on the floor, as well as the need to rebuild it every 5-6 years of service.
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