Flooring - laminate - is one of the most popular types of finishing materials. Laminate is made from fibreboard and consists of three layers. The bottom one, impregnated with special resins, determines the stability of the entire slab and prevents the penetration of moisture. The middle layer is load-bearing, and the top layer determines the aesthetic qualities of the laminate and its wear-resistant properties.
The main characteristic of a laminate board, which determines its service life, strength, and wear resistance, is density.
Density is measured in kg/m3, and its value determines the durability of the coating, its resistance to loads, and the ability to retain its original properties, both consumer and decorative.
The density of the laminate depends on the quality of the material used for its production. The higher the compaction density of the fibreboard fibers, the higher the density of the laminate strip and its interlocking joints. In addition to strength indicators, the density of fiberboard indirectly affects the degree of moisture resistance of the laminate, but this indicator is mainly determined by the quality of the resin impregnation of the fibers.
The density of a material is determined by conducting a series of tests, based on the results of which it is assigned a certain class. MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) different densities has various purposes and is classified into several types in accordance with European standards EN622:
- Ultra light MDF;
- Light MDF;
Ultra-light board Ultralight MDF has a density of 450-550 kg/m3, and LightMDF - 550-650 kg/m3. Plate medium density MDF corresponds to 650-800 kg/m3, and HDF board shows a value of 800 kg/m3.
From the above density indicators it follows that HDF board has the highest characteristics and that is why it is used for the production of laminate.
When talking about the density of a board - MDF or HDF - they mean a value corresponding to the arithmetic average of the density of the material on the surface and in the depth of the board.
For example, on the surface of an 18 mm MDF board the density of the material is above 1000 kg/m3, and the density in its central part is no more than 500 kg/m3. Therefore, the average value of MDF board is indicated as 650-800 kg/m3. It would seem that average density values are acceptable for using the material as a floor covering. But you need to understand that for milling a lock, which should be located exactly in the middle part of the slab, a density of 500 kg/m3 is not enough to ensure high reliability and strength of the connection. Such a lock will quickly collapse, most likely even at the installation stage, and the laminate planks will “sag.” Finishes are made from slabs with a low density that are not subject to heavy loads during operation.
To produce high-quality laminated floors, HDF boards are used, the average density value on the surface and in the central part of which has a minimal difference. HDF has a density of more than 800 kg/m3, which indicates the material's ability to withstand high loads.
Classic laminated parquet is thin, hard finishing coating for the floor. Due to its sufficient wear resistance and unpretentiousness, it quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the sought-after coatings for residential and commercial premises.
Characteristics of laminated flooring material
Structurally finishing material consists of four layers:
Overlay - a thermopolymer layer that protects facing material from damage, water, dirt. Depending on the hardness of this layer, the laminate is assigned a load class - from 21 to 43.
Decorative paper with the image of parquet, solid board, textiles, leather, stone surfaces. Thanks to high-precision industrial printers, a completely realistic simulation is obtained.
Load-bearing plate with tongue-and-groove Click-lock at the ends. Made from high-density fiberboard - up to 1100 kg/m³. The thickness varies from 6 to 14 mm; it is possible to treat the locking joints with hydrophobic compounds.
The bottom stabilizing layer, which is paper impregnated with synthetic resins. Protects the coating from residual moisture of the subfloor and significantly reduces the risk of deformation of the planks.
Advantages of PVC and HDF laminate
Laminate has many advantages. Including:
- a wide selection of decors and shades;
- excellent wear resistance;
- moderate moisture resistance;
- the ability to replace the damaged area;
- repair of minor local defects is allowed;
- good size range;
- compatibility with floor heating systems (water, infrared, electric from the “soft heat” series);
- prices for any budget - from 280 RUR/m² and more.
Disadvantages of laminated coating
Let's note the disadvantages flooring material. First of all, these are high requirements for the foundation, as well as the need to install complete sound insulation under a concrete or dry screed (for apartment buildings from the 2nd floor and above).
In addition, HDF flooring is not waterproof, so when exposed to liquids for a long time, the planks swell and become deformed.
The choice of laminate for an apartment or private house is determined by two indicators: the purpose of the room and the operational load.
The latter combines a number of damaging factors: the level of foot traffic, the presence of abrasives, the likely impact of dog and cat claws, the risk of exposure to cigarette ashes, water, coloring and caustic liquids, etc.
Choosing a laminate for a specific room
Based on the above, consultants recommend:
For bedrooms, children's rooms, guest rooms and other rooms with low traffic - a coating of 23 and 31 wear resistance classes with a thickness of 7–8 mm.
For halls, offices, kitchens, hallways, loggias - laminated parquet of load category 31–32 with a cross-section of 8–10 mm with moisture-resistant impregnation of the locks. As a last resort, you can treat the joints during installation special compounds or sealing compounds.
BUT today we will also talk about an important characteristic - the moisture resistance of laminate. After all, not everyone is equally resistant to water (many cannot withstand water at all). So how to choose correct view, read on...
The first classes of laminate (class 21, 22, 23) resisted water very poorly. Literally, if you spilled a little water, the laminate would become saturated and “swell” and then collapse. Such classes of laminate could only be laid in rooms where there is no water, not in any form. This was extremely inconvenient, because such areas of the apartment as the hallway, the kitchen, and I’m already silent about the bathrooms, were no longer needed.
Therefore, manufacturers are seriously thinking about increasing performance characteristics laminate, including water resistance.
And you know, it didn’t work out right away; first, manufacturers increased the wear-resistant characteristics, so class 31 appeared, and only then they started thinking about water resistance.
Differences between moisture-resistant and conventional laminate
In terms of their structure, they are almost identical, only the moisture-resistant laminate received the so-called HDF board.
HDF board – This is a technology for the production of moisture-resistant laminate, obtained by sealing the canvas (and especially joints and locks) with hot wax or a mixture of wax and silicone.
What does this mean in practice? After such treatment on the weak points of the laminate, it seemed to receive protective film(shell) which holds water decently for a long time. HDF board (base) can resist water from 3 to 6 hours when the board is completely immersed in water. While regular laminate will not live even a few minutes in water.
Moisture-resistant laminate can be laid both in the hallway and in the kitchen and even in bathrooms. According to many manufacturers, its service life in a moderately humid room is 15–20 years. I would like to note that it is also possible under a moisture-resistant laminate, so you can put it in a kitchen, for example, with a heated floor and replace the tiles, because installing laminate is easier.
How to choose a moisture-resistant laminate?
Of course, we start looking for special icons. As a rule, there are several types of badges on moisture-resistant options.
1) A faucet with flowing water, there may be an inscription “water tightness”, which means “moisture resistant”
2) Or “three drops”, next to the inscription “WATERPROOF HDF” - a moisture-resistant board.
These are the main icons that are currently used, but it is also possible to apply the icon of a bath with water.
If the bathroom with water is crossed out, or there are no “tap” and “three drops” icons, then the laminate is not moisture resistant! YOU NEED TO REMEMBER THIS!
As I wrote in two previous articles, you need to pay attention to the laminate manufacturer, for example, German manufacturers have achieved serious results, both in moisture resistance and wear resistance, although the price is not low. Chinese manufacturers often overestimate their performance, but the cost is somewhat cheaper. So think for yourself, but remember the miser pays twice.
