When renovating an apartment or a private home, it is very important to choose the right flooring. One of the cheapest and most durable materials is laminate. It is characterized by an acceptable cost and can last up to 20 years with proper care. Another positive aspect associated with this coating is its ease of installation - it can be laid on any base - concrete, wood, PVC, or heated floors. It is environmentally friendly and does not promote the growth of bacteria. However, before purchasing such coverage, you should know what criteria should be used to select it. Therefore, before moving on to a direct review of such products, we decided to give key points that you should pay attention to.
First of all, they look at the class of products. It is able to report how well a material resists wear. This parameter is determined depending on how often it will be subject to dynamic loads - in other words, with what frequency people will walk on it and in what quantity.
Class 31 laminate is best suited for low traffic areas, such as bedrooms or home offices. Products belonging to class 32 are universal, that is, they are suitable for most rooms in a residential area; they are designed for average traffic. Material classified as class 33 can be used not only in residential, but also in commercial premises with a decent level of traffic. Class 34 has the longest service life: in domestic conditions it can last as long as possible; it can also be used in gyms and public institutions.
In addition to wear resistance, this material also has a number of other important characteristics - this includes resistance to moisture, various types of chemical compounds, ultraviolet rays, mechanical stress, and so on. All this information is indicated on the packaging of the material.
To make the heat and sound insulation characteristics of the room as high as possible, you can purchase laminate with increased thickness, especially since there are materials on sale whose thickness can reach 12 mm.
Another important point that you will have to pay attention to is environmental friendliness. Natural materials are usually used as the base, although the top part is made of resins and impregnations, some of which may contain formaldehyde. It is best to give preference to certified European products that have the appropriate safety class and have documentation confirming that they meet certain quality standards.
When developing our rating of the best laminate, we took into account user reviews, price-quality ratio. The review included only the most famous brands that are in wide demand among consumers. Now is the time to start looking at specific products.
The best European products
This is one of the highest quality floor coverings of this kind, it has been produced in Germany for the last 20 years. All products available on the market belong to class 32 or 33, so people can choose the right laminate for themselves without much difficulty. In the panel production process, exclusively natural raw materials are used, including all impregnations. The first layer here is a modern Overlay film, which provides a reliable degree of protection against moisture entering the structure and prevents damage decorative surface. The film contains various types of resins and polymers that have high environmental characteristics.
The second layer is decorative. In its production, special paper is used, processed using the latest technology, with a pattern applied to it that stylizes the coating like natural wood, stone or ceramic tiles. The paper is resistant to fading over time or exposure to sunlight. The main layer here is HDF wood-fiber board, the density of which is 900 kg/m3. m. The last layer is a stabilization layer, which is intended to ensure that the entire panel is as resistant to wear as possible.
Advantages:
- The panels have very easy-to-use, but quite reliable locks, ensuring ease of installation;
- Excellent wear resistance.
Flaws:
- Although the material is positioned as moisture resistant, in rooms with high humidity It's better not to use it.
4. Laminate Haro
Another German-made product, and this company has been on the market for over 150 years. The company produces not only laminate, but also parquet and linoleum. The laminate itself is characterized by high environmental characteristics. The cost of production is not very high, since all production is carried out using modern equipment and the latest technological developments. Externally, it is almost impossible to distinguish the product from real wood. The panel format is quite convenient for working in absolutely any room.
The production process uses Aqua Resist technology, which significantly increases the water-resistant quality of the product. Another Aqua Tech System technology allows you to reliably protect not only the front surface of the coating, but also the entire structure of the laminate from moisture. The material ideally resists direct exposure to ultraviolet rays. In addition, it easily tolerates even sudden and significant temperature changes and is not sensitive to moisture. Such panels will not be afraid of fallen matches, smoldering cigarettes, and so on. In the event of a fire, it does not begin to burn for a long time and does not emit gases that poison the human body.
Advantages:
- Universal products, perfect for any kind of premises;
- Beautiful appearance, stylized as natural wood;
- There is an antistatic treatment that prevents dust from accumulating;
- Convenient locking system;
- Increased sound insulation performance.
Flaws:
- The material is stylized exclusively as wood.
These are high-quality and durable products that have many positive reviews. Laminate belongs to class 34, has a very long service life, there are quite a lot of varieties - you can choose the most suitable product for your interior. There is practically no formaldehyde in the materials - it is contained approximately 20 times less compared to the maximum acceptable norm. For the production of the coating, exclusively high-quality wood is used, as a rule, alpine spruce.
The manufacturer provides a fairly long warranty on its products - up to 30 years. Only the latest technologies and the latest equipment are used in production. This allows you to protect the laminate from the destructive effects of moisture; it can also be laid in any room, even in those where there is constantly high air humidity. The material perfectly resists mechanical loads - it ideally withstands a lot of passing people, even the heaviest furniture will not leave marks on it. The external resin coating prevents the occurrence of defects when exposed to various types of chemical compounds.
Advantages:
- The longest warranty period is the longest among all the products included in our review;
- The laminate has all the certificates of compliance with the world quality level;
- The water absorption coefficient is almost zero;
- The packaging contains all the most necessary information for the user.
Flaws:
- Not found.
This brand of laminate has been on the Russian finishing materials market for more than 10 years and enjoys well-deserved popularity among consumers. It is manufactured by a Norwegian-Belgian joint venture. All products come with a lifetime warranty. Laminate flooring resists even significant physical stress. The base here is an HDF board with increased density. This material perfectly resists moisture. All panel locks are quite easy to use and very reliable. Thanks to this feature, installation can be done independently. The fastener used here is the Best Lock Xtreme system. The panels fit together as tightly as possible, the seams are almost invisible after installation is complete, and dust, dirt and liquid will not accumulate between them. This point also makes it possible to ensure sufficiently high resistance to changes in humidity.
The top layer is made using HydroPlus technology; it is not sensitive to various loads, both constant and dynamic. This laminate can be installed in any room, regardless of its level of traffic. It has high environmental characteristics: no harmful or toxic compounds or materials are used in the manufacturing process.
Advantages:
- Even the new coating does not have a specific odor;
- High quality workmanship;
- Attractive appearance that will be maintained throughout the entire period of operation.
Flaws:
- Quite expensive products.
1. Laminate Pergo
This Swedish company is the creator of such flooring as laminate. It was developed by specialists of this enterprise back in 1977. This finishing material deservedly took first place in the rating. Its top coating consists of three layers, each of which contains inclusions of corundum particles, thanks to which the strength and abrasion resistance become even higher. The products are equipped with special locking system Smart Loc, it has two studs and is additionally treated with special water-repellent materials. The laminate also has special Compact Sound Bloc underlays, which significantly increase the level of sound insulation. To protect against abrasion under high dynamic loads, the product is treated with Professional Performance Sound Bloc material. The front side is covered with an antibacterial layer containing silver ions.
On sale you can find products belonging to wear resistance classes 32, 33 and 34. The warranty period is 20 years. The products are produced in various thicknesses - 8, 10, 6 mm, the length of the panels can also be different - depending on what material the laminate is stylized as.
Advantages:
- High level of reliability;
- Good value for money;
- High level of strength;
- Long period of operation.
Flaws:
- Not found.
The best Russian-made products
5. Egger laminate
These products have been represented on the Russian and European markets for over 15 years. The company produces laminate that belongs to wear resistance classes 32 and 33; it is excellent for home use, but it can also be installed in commercial premises with average dynamic loads and not very high traffic. Technologies involve the use of exclusively environmentally friendly raw materials. The guaranteed service life is 15 years. The manufacturer claims that the laminate is characterized by increased resistance to moisture, both on the front and back sides. The coating is absolutely safe in terms of use, hygienic, and fully complies with all quality standards required for coatings of this kind. The laminate manufacturing technology is kept strictly secret, so only original products are available for sale, which are simply impossible to counterfeit.
All panels fit together precisely and tightly; they can be easily installed independently. The locks are strong and reliable – JUSTclic. They are not subject to any kind of physical influence, the joints between the panels are practically invisible. After installation is completed, this product cannot be distinguished from the material for which it was stylized. The top layer has some corrugation, making the wood imitation even more natural. The main layer here is an HDF board, the density of which is about 800 kg/m3. m.
Advantages:
- High product reliability;
- Large quantity various colors and shades;
- Long service life;
- Reasonable price.
Flaws:
- Not found.
This is a fairly popular domestic brand, which is characterized by a not too high price and a long service life. The company independently develops technologies for the production of flooring, thanks to which the products are quite original and are in wide demand among consumers. The products have not been on the market for very long - only 9 years. The produced panels come in thicknesses of 8.4 and 12.1 mm. The structure is very original - the coating can be stylized as crocodile skin, snake skin, silk, artificially aged material, and so on.
Laminate perfectly resists ultraviolet rays - it does not fade, does not begin to fade, and so on. It is allowed to be laid on a warm floor. The product is well resistant to high temperatures, humidity, and changes in these indicators. The laminate meets all quality standards in terms of service life, environmental friendliness and safety of use. Even when directly exposed to high temperatures, it will not emit gases harmful to health.
Advantages:
- Looks great in any room interior;
- Interesting texture;
- Many varieties of flowers;
- Allows you to smooth out uneven floors.
Flaws:
- Antistatic coating is not provided.
3. Laminate Kronostar
Such floor coverings have been on the market for quite a long time - they have been on sale for about 12 years. All products are made exclusively from domestic raw materials. There are quite a lot of collections and decors; they may differ from each other in thickness, wear resistance class, appearance, and so on. The structure of all products is the same.
The working surface is reliably protected with a special OVERLAY polymer film, which ensures the highest performance in terms of abrasion. Immediately below it there is a layer of decorative paper with a corresponding image printed on it. The outer surface is very pleasant to the touch and looks beautiful. In addition, it perfectly resists various types of physical stress. Like most laminate options included in our rating of the best products, the function of the load-bearing layer is performed by a special high-density HDF fiberboard - this figure is 900 kg / cubic meter. m. The bottom layer here is a special film, which also reliably protects the products from moisture.
The panels are connected to each other using a Double Clic locking mechanism. There is a lock on all four sides, making the installation process simpler - there is no need to align or adjust anything. Laminate flooring is excellent for both large and small spaces.
Advantages:
- Quick and easy installation;
- Not too much high cost material;
- Beautiful appearance;
- The joints are absolutely invisible;
- Completely protected from moisture.
Flaws:
- Not found.
This brand went on sale 8 years ago and still continues to hold a leading position in the rankings of the best laminates of the year. The cost of the product is quite reasonable - coverage will be affordable even for people with low incomes. Production is carried out on the latest generation German equipment; exclusively domestic raw materials are used for production. Caring for the coating is quite simple: it is enough to periodically carry out wet cleaning. The basis here is HDF board, which provides a high level of resistance to various types of mechanical stress. Thanks to it, all panels have the same shape, which facilitates installation work.
All available products are characterized by minimal water absorption, but they are not recommended for use in rooms where high humidity is constantly observed - in bathrooms, showers, and so on. The laminate has all the necessary quality certificates confirming its compliance with European and international standards. The front side is resistant to scratches and other surface defects. The color remains original throughout the life of the product.
I went to a construction hypermarket for detailed advice on the types of laminate flooring. Do you think you were satisfied? No, but we did our own research and did a review.
How to choose a good laminate for an apartment?
The main material from which a good laminate is made is fiberboard, which provides flexibility and strength, allowing the glue to penetrate deeply and easily into the structure of the material.
It consists of four layers:
- upper protective;
- decorative;
- HDF-slab;
- kraft paper.
Basic parameters that will help you choose a good laminate for your home:
- Class;
- thickness;
- connection of locks;
- firm;
- design.
Types of laminate and its characteristics
- Question No. 1: how to distinguish a safe material from a toxic one?
Answer: a good laminate is 90% natural material, since it contains wood components. 10% is toxic formaldehyde, so laminate is determined by emission classes. There are four classes: E1, E2, E3, E0.
E2 and E3 are considered the most dangerous.
E0 is an environmentally friendly and harmless class of laminate.
- Question No. 2: how are laminates differentiated based on wear resistance and loads?
Answer: they are distinguished by classes:
- class 21 - laminate is suitable for places where people do not walk, for example, in the bedroom (under the bed) or in the closet;
- class 22 – laminate is more durable;
- class 23 - durable laminate, service life - from 4 to 6 years.
Laminate from Pergo (Russia). On the left is natural oak laminate from the Living Expression series 832 L1301-01731 (grade 33); on the right - dark walnut from the Living Expression 832 L1301-03441 series (grade 33) - Question No. 3: what is the class of office laminate?
The simplest is 31 laminate classes: board thickness – from 6 to 10 mm; thickness of the protective layer is up to 0.2 mm. Laminate is used for installation in rooms with low load: for apartments - children's rooms, bedrooms, storage rooms. Service life – no more than 5 years.
Laminate from Balterio (Belgium). On the left is 307 Tennessee Oak (grade 32); right - 619 Oiled white oak (grade 32) The most popular among consumers is class 32 laminate: the thickness of the board at the lamella is from 8 to 12 mm; The thickness of the protective layer is from 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. Laminate flooring is used in apartments and offices. Service life – up to 10 years.
Class 33 has higher characteristics: board thickness - from 10 to 12 mm; The thickness of the protective layer is at least 0.4 mm.
Manufacturers offer class 33 laminate (8 mm board thickness). Almost all material of this class undergoes mandatory treatment with water-repellent impregnation, which is why class 33 has better technical characteristics. Service life up to 20 years.
It can be installed in rooms with high humidity - in the kitchen or bathroom.
If you select according to the strength criterion, the best is class 34 laminate, which is characterized by a lamella thickness of 12 mm (high), with a protective layer thickness of 0.6 mm. Production includes mandatory impregnation with antiseptic and water-repellent compounds.
They are installed in places with high traffic intensity - at airports, train stations, public reception areas and high-traffic stores. Service life - at least a quarter of a century.
- Question No. 4: if you need laminate flooring for a bedroom, which class is preferable?
Answer: 31 and 32.
Laminate from Quick-step (Belgium). Left - UF1157 Wall-mounted natural oiled oak (grade 32); right - UF915 White lacquered oak (grade 32) - Question No. 5: what class of laminate should I choose for my (private) home?
Answer: 31 or 32 class laminate would be optimal.
- Question No. 6: how thick should the laminate flooring in an apartment be?
Answer: standard thickness is 6, 7, 8, 10, 12 mm.
IMPORTANT! Impact strength and sound absorption depend on the thickness of the laminate.
- Question No. 7: what thickness of laminate is best to choose for an apartment?
Answer: better – 6-7 mm. It is possible and thicker, but when purchasing and further installation, you should correlate the thickness of the laminate with the area of the room.
IMPORTANT! The thicker the laminated board, the slower it will heat up.
- Question No. 8: how to choose high-quality laminate for a private home?
Answer: laminate is selected for all rooms in the house with different properties. For example, for the bathroom and kitchen - with increased moisture resistance (class 33), for the nursery, for the living room and bedroom - with increased strength 31 or 32 class, it is advisable to add a layer of sound insulation.
Laminate from Witex (Germany). On the left - EI265P Salted oak (grade 33); right - EI315P Coastal Oak (grade 33) In the corridor and hallway - 33 and 34 class laminate, which are characterized by the highest wear resistance.
- Question No. 9: how to choose laminate flooring for your home (moisture-resistant)?
Answer: a moisture-resistant laminate is a HDW board with a special moisture-repellent composition and increased density. When purchasing, you must check whether the manufacturer is a member of the EPLF association. Its participants are:
- Yildiz Sunta;
- Vario Clic;
- Question No. 10: what type of laminate is available for connection locks?
- Lock type locks (drive-in);
- Click type;
- adhesive.
Rating 2017: the best laminate for an apartment
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
 |
Feature: variety of textures and geometry of panels. |
 |
The company provides the largest warranty period, and the products are characterized high quality, strength, increased wear resistance, light resistance, moisture resistance, different types of locks. Feature: Patented Uniclick lock. |
 Pergo |
Elite class of materials. The company produces moisture-resistant durable products. Feature: convenient Smart-Lock locks. |
 |
Feature: stylish models. |
 Egger |
Feature: resin impregnation and soundproofing substrate. |
Types and varieties - which is the best laminate to choose?
Stylistic options (classification by design):
- classic wood (in the form of parquet/herringbone);
- imitation leather;
- with a metallic sheen (in the form of tiles);
- imitation natural stone(+ with glossy surface;
- with designer prints.
- Question No. 11: which standard size laminate?
Answer: from 126 cm to 138 cm.
By surface type:
- textured;
- standard;
- embossed;
- natural;
- aged;
- waxed;
- country;
- wood under oil;
- glossy.
- Question No. 12: what is the quality laminate? How to determine?
Answer: each batch of laminate is determined according to the following parameters:
- water resistance;
- wear resistance;
- indentation resistance;
- immunity to pollution;
- resistance of the coating to smoldering cigarettes;
- immunity to moving furniture (on casters, including).
IMPORTANT! The best laminate is not the one that is in fashion, but the one that is moisture resistant, strong and durable. This is the one that is best suited for heated floors.
Laminate - which color is better?
Dark wood laminate in the kitchen interior from Capital Building - Question No. 13: how to choose the right laminate color? What are the most popular models?
Answer: The choice of laminate color depends on the following factors:
- degree of room illumination: for bright rooms dark colors are not suitable; dirt and dust will always be visible on the surface;
- laminate cannot be selected in color to match the wallpaper and baseboard;
- species light wallpaper they mean the laminate is several shades darker;
- in small apartments you cannot use laminate of different colors;
- color interior doors should match the color of the floor, but if you don't want to make them look the same, try a darker color scheme.
Laminate from light wood in the bedroom interior from Best Buy Flooring and Granite Suitable for oak flooring. Types of patterns:
- antique oak;
- castell oak;
- old oak;
- smoked oak;
- smoky oak;
- select oak;
- oak cognac;
- oak topaz;
- kokua oak;
- milky oak;
- champagne oak;
- chateau oak;
- oak diamond.
Bright board in the kitchen interior by Danny Broe Architect Laminate: how to choose a functional coating?
- Question No. 14: how to choose laminate for a room?
Answer: when choosing, we evaluate:
- room parameters;
- style;
- color palette of the room;
- illumination
Classic laminate board in the interior - Question No. 15: what is the best way to choose laminate flooring for your interior?
Answer: There are two main criteria:
- quality characteristics;
- decorative properties.
- Question No. 16: which laminate to choose for the bedroom and what thickness?
- it is better to choose class 31 or 32 laminate, which will last a long time and has thermal insulation properties;
- choose thicker panels;
- decorative embossing not only plays a decorative role in the interior, but also has an anti-slip effect;
- From drawings and prints, it is better to choose laminate with imitation of wood cuts.
- Question No. 17: which laminate to choose for the kitchen and hallway?
Answer: a high-class laminate is suitable for the hallway, but not lower than 33. You can also consider a combination with tiles.
Glossy laminate board in the interior of the hall - Question No. 18: which laminate is better for the kitchen?
Answer: the best in class, which involves assembly without a locking connection, that is, joint to joint. It must have increased resistance to rubbing, intense loads, mechanical damage and moisture.
Dark Wood Laminate by Unique Spaces When choosing laminate flooring for the kitchen, pay attention to tile models. The service life of the tiles is at least 10 years. Laying method: from the window, from the wall, diagonally. A combination of styles and styling is possible.
- Question No. 19: which class of laminate is best for the kitchen?
Answer: 33rd grade.
- Question No. 20: how to choose a moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen?
Answer: choose grades 33 and 34.
- Question No. 21: laminate for the corridor - which is better?
Answer: 32, 33 and 34 grades.
- Question No. 22: which laminate to choose for the hall?
Answer: 32 and 33 class with a thickness of at least 8 mm.
Light laminate board in the living room interior by Chris Snook - Question No. 23: which laminate to choose for the living room?
Answer: best choice for the living room - 31 and 32 classes. When installing, be sure to take into account the sound insulation layer. The flooring should be compatible in design with other interior elements: the color of window frames and trim for interior doors.
- Question No. 24: how to choose laminate flooring for a small living room?
Answer: three-strip laminate.
- Question No. 25: how to choose laminate flooring for a nursery?
Answer: laminate must be safe. Class 32 and 33 are suitable, which will even withstand cycling. The coating should be easy to wash and not slip. We recommend laminate from Tarkett, Egger, Classen.
Classic wood in the interior of a nursery - Question No. 26: laminate for a summer house - which one to choose?
Answer: choose an easy-to-care material that is definitely wear-resistant.
- Question No. 27: how to choose laminate flooring for an office?
Answer: the main quality of a laminated floor for an office is its resistance to:
- abrasion;
- crumpled;
- mechanical influences;
- exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
- aggressive chemicals;
- the appearance of scratches, cracks, stains;
- pressure.
| Manufacturer name | Country | Specifications and Features |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Step | Belgium | High quality and durability; the base is made of polyurethane, which increases resistance to moisture; withstands heavy loads; It is resistant to damage and has a protective top decorative layer. Feature: Unique Uniclic lock. |
| Tarkett | Germany | High wear resistance and strength due to special HDF plates; T-Lock lock system, which resists chemical, abrasive, and mechanical influences; Each layer is treated with a special moisture-repellent impregnation. Feature: meets international standards EN 13329, EN 14041(CE). |
| Kastamonu Floorpan | Russia | Environmental safety; wide range colors and coating class; ease of installation; high resistance to abrasion and damage. Feature: possibility of installation on a warm floor. |
| Egger | Germany | High wear resistance and strength; ease of installation; practicality. Feature: subsequent installation in another room is possible. |
| Decorstep | Russia | Waterproof; manufactured in the form of a homogeneous polymer product; has a porous structure; Inside there are air layers, which provide weight reduction, noise insulation, and thermal insulation. Feature: used in rooms with high humidity, even at the bottom of the pool. |
| Kronopol | Poland | High strength and sound insulation; easy installation; durability; environmental friendliness; ease of care; resistance to fading and scratches. Feature: does not cause allergies. |
| Imagine Flooring | Germany | High wear resistance, resistance to mechanical damage and frequent friction; ease of installation; resistance to burnout; ease of care. Feature: wide range of colors. |
| Taiga larch for flooring | Russia | High strength class; difficult to ignite; resistant to low temperatures and moisture, scratches, chemical attack, sunlight; Suitable for installation of heated floors. Feature: convenient click clasp. |
This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.
Laminate has become the most popular type of flooring in recent years. If 10 years ago only rich people could buy laminated panels, today the situation on the Russian market has changed dramatically. Many domestic and Chinese manufacturers offer high-quality flooring at an affordable price. To compete with them, Europeans also have to reduce prices. The popularity of laminate is due to its beautiful appearance and durability. On average, the service life of flooring is at least 10-15 years. This is enough to mentally prepare for the next renovation of the premises.
The main criteria for choosing a laminate
One of the important indicators of quality and reliability is wear resistance class. The number 31 indicates that laminated panels are intended for use in heated dry rooms. With proper use, the coating will last about 10 years. But class 34 can last up to 30 years in residential premises.
The weak point in the laminate is moisture resistance. The generally accepted standard is 18%, but many premium materials have a moisture permeability range of 7-12%, allowing the panels to be installed in baths or kitchens.
Laminate flooring differs in structure and decor. And if there are no comrades in taste and color, then the smooth coating is somewhat inferior to embossed products or coatings imitating natural leather. The corrugated surface looks more ergonomic for daily use.
At the ends of some types of laminate there is a small indentation called a chamfer. When laying such material, the boundaries of each board are drawn. This allows you to visually smooth out uneven floors. It is better to lay smooth flooring only on a flat base.
Our review includes the best laminate manufacturers. When compiling the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:
innovative approach;
modern equipment and technologies;
price range;
expert opinion;
consumer reviews.
Rating of the best laminate manufacturers
| Nomination | place | product name | rating |
| The best European laminate manufacturers | 1 | 4.9 | |
| 2 | 4.8 | ||
| 3 | 4.8 | ||
| 4 | 4.7 | ||
| 5 | 4.7 | ||
| 6 | 4.6 | ||
| 7 | 4.6 | ||
| The best Russian laminate manufacturers or joint productions with the Russian Federation | 1 | 4.9 | |
| 2 | 4.8 | ||
| 3 | 4.8 | ||
| 4 | 4.7 | ||
| 5 | 4.6 | ||
| 6 | 4.5 | ||
| The best Chinese laminate manufacturers or joint productions with China | 1 | 4.8 | |
| 2 | 4.6 |
The best European laminate manufacturers
European companies are considered pioneers in the field of laminate production. And today, manufacturers from Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, and Norway dictate fashion on the world market. The experts selected several popular brands in Russia.
Pergo
The winner of our rating, according to experts and consumers, was the Swedish manufacturer Pergo. The company is considered the founder of this type of flooring. The first laminated panels appeared back in 1979. Today the products are in demand in different countries world, and the technological chain at Pergo factories is so improved that the laminate is of exceptional quality.
The line of floor coverings includes 12 collections in the most popular class 32-34. In addition to laminate, Pergo brand products such as parquet boards and vinyl coverings are also in demand. All products have international environmental certificates confirming the safety of the material.
Advantages
stylish design and texture;
wear resistance;
ease of operation and maintenance;
environmental friendliness.
Flaws
- high price.
The Belgian company "Balterio Laminate Floors" was founded in 2001. Since its inception, the employees have set themselves the goal of creating promising and fashionable floor coverings based on laminated panels. Thanks to high quality and our own developments, we were able to quickly conquer European consumers and expand production. But the attractiveness of the Balterio laminate also interested some Asian false entrepreneurs, who launched the production of counterfeit products and flooded the Russian market with them.
According to experts, Belgian laminate is reliable and durable. Not only experienced installers, but also home craftsmen can handle installation.
Advantages
wide selection of colors and sizes;
availability of international quality certificates;
long service life (up to 30 years).
Flaws
high price;
a lot of counterfeit products.
Laminate production is the main activity of the Belgian-Norwegian company Berry Alloc. The two companies Berry Floor and Alloc combine large industrial capacities, extensive experience and a research base into a single whole. As a result, HPL or high pressure laminate flooring entered the market. It differs fundamentally, first of all, in its manufacturing technology, when the top layer is immediately pressed. This innovation allowed the brand to take third place in our ranking.
HPL laminated panels are superior to traditional DPL (Direct Pressure Platen) products in both quality and weather resistance.
Advantages
the richest collection of designs;
high wear resistance;
safety in operation.
Flaws
many fakes without certificates;
high price.
Kaindl products meet all modern requirements for quality and environmental friendliness. One of the reasons is our wealth of experience (more than 120 years) in working with wood. Experts especially note the high resistance of the laminate to moisture, which significantly expands the scope of application. The material also has good performance in terms of impact resistance, so that accidentally dropping dishes from the table will not lead to destruction of the coating.
The Austrian company's advanced equipment allows it to create perfect laminated panels. Therefore, the products have precise dimensions and reliable locks. The material managed to become famous not only in Europe, but also in Northern, South America, Russia.
Advantages
low water absorption;
dense base;
long service life (30 years).
Flaws
a modest set of accessories;
high price.
The German company Kronotex has been actively producing wood fiber panels since 1993. The plant is part of the largest association Swiss Krono Group, which has a wide dealer network in 80 countries. Experts explain the brand’s inclusion in our rating due to the full production cycle. Kronotex specialists independently grow the wood, process it and sell it to the end consumer. In addition to laminate, the range includes: modern materials such as HDF boards, MDF, OSB, etc.
A distinctive feature of Kronotex floor coverings is the presence of a rich range of solid colors (200 options). With the help of such panels it is possible to create a bright and creative design in different rooms.
Advantages
wide choice of colors;
high performance characteristics;
compliance with environmental standards.
Flaws
large number counterfeits;
high price.
Another German laminate manufacturer made it into our rating. The Classen Gruppe company has been working in the woodworking field since 1963, having accumulated invaluable experience to this day. From a small-town factory, the enterprise has turned into a concern uniting several production sites in Germany and Poland. In addition to laminated panels, doors are well known in our country; their assembly is also established in Russia.
The basis of Classen's philosophy is to provide consumers with practical, modern and environmentally friendly products. The company's employees can boast of many patents received for unique developments. The production of laminate of 32-33 classes is especially successful.
Advantages
wide choice of structures, formats, colors;
high performance;
convenient and reliable lock.
Flaws
- Polish-made laminate is not of high quality.
Haro
The Haro brand closes the ranking of the best European laminate manufacturers. Floor coverings based on laminated panels, parquet boards and cork have been coming off the assembly line of the German concern Hamberger Flooring GmbH & Co. for more than 30 years. The geography of product consumers is amazing; deliveries are made to 90 countries. High quality laminate and stylish design are the main components of success.
Designers from Haro have a large number of their own developments. Some of them are also found in floor coverings from other brands. Experts note aquaShield protection products, Silent Pro soundproofing underlay, permaDur and bioTec coatings. Laminate flooring is equipped with two types of locks. The Lock Connect plus is considered a classic of the genre, while the 4G Top Connect coupling is considered more modern.
Advantages
spectacular design;
own developments;
strong locks.
Flaws
no bright colors;
high price.
The best Russian laminate manufacturers or joint productions with the Russian Federation
In order to occupy their niche in the Russian market, foreign laminate manufacturers had to resolve the issue of price. To reduce manufacturing costs, joint ventures and branches have been created in our country. The following domestic brands were included in the review.
The appearance of the Tarkett brand dates back to 1987. The main area of activity for the company was the production of soft floor coverings (carpet, vinyl). Subsequently, the plant expanded its product line and turned into the large concern Tarkett Sommer AG. It is located in the city of Mytishchi, Moscow region, where laminate flooring is produced trademarks Tarkett and Sinteros.
Experts gave the brand the palm for high quality and an affordable price for domestic consumers. The floor covering has a long service life (15-25 years), which is more than enough until next repair. The use of simple but effective locks allows you to install the flooring yourself.
Advantages
high quality;
reasonable price;
durability;
wear resistance.
Flaws
- There have been cases of defective products.
The Belgian-Russian company Quick-Step belongs to the large concern UNILIN. It is famous for its adhesive-free floor coverings, which appeared in the company’s product range in 1997. During its existence, Quick-Step has developed its own developments. For example, a V-shaped chamfer. The first collection was presented in 2001 with the memorable name “Perspective”. Laminate imitated the texture of a plank floor, which led to the popularity of a beautiful volumetric covering.
In Russia, the Quick-Step plant appeared in the city of Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod region. This happened in 2011, immediately after its opening, affordable and stylish products began to be supplied to the domestic market.
Advantages
unique decor;
locks of our own design;
moisture-resistant laminate for the bath.
Flaws
persistent odor;
the quality is inferior to Belgian analogues.
The emergence of the Ritter brand occurred in 2009, when Laminate-Trade LLC began mass production of floor coverings. Experts highly appreciated the company's unique developments and unusual stylistic approaches. The brand received a place on the rating podium not only for its unusual embossing in the form of leather, but also for European quality products. Thanks to modern German equipment, the domestic manufacturer managed to achieve dimensional stability and precise execution of locks.
Laminate managed to conquer its niche in the Russian market in a short period of time. Experts attribute lightning-fast progress to such success components as the use of high-quality raw materials, in-house developments and the presence of a production laboratory.
Advantages
original design developments;
affordable products;
long service life (30 years).
Flaws
modest choice of decors;
lack of smooth coatings in the range.
Laminate flooring under the Kronostar brand is successfully produced in Russia, although it is controlled by the large international concern Krono Group. Thanks to European equipment and modern technologies at the domestic plant in Kostroma it is possible to produce floor coverings, wall panels, MDF and other high quality materials.
The brand was included in our rating for solving a difficult task that the plant employees set for themselves. They make every effort to produce not only high-quality, but also safe laminate for humans. It was this approach that allowed the head of the enterprise to win the honorary title “Ecologist of the Year” in 2013 and 2014. Many experts consider Kronostar laminated panels to be the most environmentally friendly material.
Advantages
environmental friendliness;
affordable price;
high technical characteristics.
Flaws
limited selection of designs;
All collections are the same size.
Egger
More than 56 years have passed since the first chipboard press was put into operation in Austria. Since then, Egger has become an international concern with modern factories in different European countries. Several branches have been built in Russia, where high-quality laminates are produced, as well as other materials based on particle boards. Experts assessed the scale of production in our country and included the brand in our rating.
Laminated panels of classes 31-33 are produced not only under the Egger brand, but also on order for large enterprises and trade organizations. For the installation of floor coverings, the manufacturer’s line includes all the necessary accessories, from decorative elements to care products.
Advantages
large selection of designs and formats;
waterproof Egger Aqua+ collection;
Possibility of wall mounting.
Flaws
there are panels with weak locks;
high price.
A large holding company that unites factories in Turkey, Bulgaria, Russia, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the company Kastamonu. It is one of the five largest woodworking companies in Europe. Laminate occupies a special place in the product line. To make flooring material as accessible as possible to residents of our country, an enterprise with a full production cycle was built in Yelabuga. Thanks to the use of innovative technologies and the constant improvement of workers' skills, the brand managed to quickly carve out its niche in the Russian market.
Experts appreciated the combination of laminate affordability and excellent quality, which meets European standards. This is confirmed by flattering reviews from domestic consumers.
Advantages
affordable price;
excellent quality;
environmental friendliness.
Flaws
modest selection of designs and colors; there are defective panels.
The best Chinese laminate manufacturers or joint productions with China
Chinese manufacturers have recently improved the quality of their products while maintaining an affordable price. Many of them are created by well-known European concerns that control the manufacturing process. Several brands were able to make it into our rating.
The German concern Floorwood has a simple but important goal. The company's employees want to make quality floors accessible to all segments of society. Laminate flooring with a long warranty period is produced in different countries of the world, but most of the products are manufactured in China. German quality is ensured by strict quality control, but it is not difficult to achieve thanks to the most advanced equipment and high-quality wood.
Experts gave the brand first place in the ranking for its rich range of shades and structures. Model range is constantly updated. The buyer is offered both very wide panels and shortened narrow strips. A convenient lock allows you to install the laminate yourself.
Advantages
many interesting collections;
long warranty period;
volumetric 5G fixation.
Flaws
- high price.
Experts gave second place in the ranking to the Goodway brand for originality. The company's innovation lies in the fact that each country offers its own line of laminate flooring. The most luxurious and richest are floor products for Arab countries. Each panel is marked with a special U-shaped chamfer. A total of 8 collections have been developed, taking into account the flavors of different countries.
The reliability and durability of laminate flooring also looks good. Floor coverings from the Middle Kingdom are assigned classes 33 and 34, and the warranty period for the products is 25 years. To make the products even more accessible to Russians, two collections began to be manufactured in our country.
Advantages
original collections;
compliance with international and Russian standards;
long warranty period.
Flaws
- There are low-quality locks.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.
Laminate flooring today is one of the most popular flooring materials. High-quality laminate flooring has a noble wood look and durability. Its production is carried out by many leading and little-known companies.
We suggest you look into it and find out who best manufacturers laminate - a rating based on consumer opinions and technical properties, covering domestic manufacturers and joint production with Russian ones. After all, the quality of the coating largely depends on the manufacturer.
Laminate Quick-Step (Quick Step)
The appearance of laminate flooring under the Kwik-Step brand dates back to 1990. Just seven years later, a unique adhesive-free system for joining UNICLIC panels was invented, and four years later the company surprised the construction market with the appearance of a collection of laminated floors with a triangular chamfer formed between the panels after snapping.
The company has become a leader not only in the invention of chamfers, but also of a laminate structure that is as close as possible to the natural structure of wood. The opening of the first plant in Russia took place in 2011 in Dzerzhinsk.
Production facilities allow us to produce unique Kwik-Step laminate in accordance with established demand. After the opening of the plant, the products became much more affordable in terms of price.
Today, Quick-Step laminate is represented by more than 20 different collections with planks in standard, elongated and shortened sizes.
Among the advantages of the coating are:
- Wide range of geometric sizes and various decors;
- Unique Uniclic and Uniclic Multifiti locking connections, allowing you to form a strong and reliable connection both by snapping and by horizontal or vertical sliding of panels;
- HedroSeal water-repellent coating guarantees 100% water resistance of the panels, which allows them to be used for installation in bathrooms and other wet areas. Two collections are available with this coating: Impressive and Impressive Ultra.
- Antistatic;
- Color and light fastness;
- A large assortment of related products (profiles, substrates, corner covers, plugs, etc.);
- Guaranteed product certification according to the requirements: CE, EPLF and PEFC;
- Long service life (at least 25 years).
Despite many advantages, Kwik-Step products also have several significant disadvantages:
- Slightly reduced quality of laminate flooring produced in the Russian Federation. Most often, consumers are faced with a weak overlay, a mismatch in the geometric dimensions of the planks, as well as rapid washing out of paint from the chamfered elements.
- The likelihood of purchasing a defective batch;
- Presence of a chemical odor.
https://youtu.be/_iwFpfAuIuE
Laminate Tarkett (Tarkett)
The title of “the best laminate” can rightfully be borne by one of the leaders in the domestic market of flooring products - the Tarkett enterprise (a joint Russian-German production), founded back in 1880 under the name Sommer Allibert group.
The first mention of the now famous Tarkett brand occurred in 1886. 100 years later, the company becomes the leading manufacturer of floor coverings in Northern Europe, and 1987 became a landmark year for the plant.
1995 became a landmark year for the company. A second production line was established under the Sinteros brand, and in 2010 a plant was opened, focused on the production of laminate under the Tarkett and Sinteros brands. Later, a third production line called Sommer appeared.
Tarkett laminate with the Sinteros and Sommer brands are represented by more than 30 extremely attractive and realistic collections. Ultra-wear-resistant and exquisite panels are gaining more and more consumer preferences.
Sometimes it is very difficult to choose the right flooring so that it lasts long enough, and knowing what laminate manufacturers offer should help with this. Let's look at which brand's products are of the highest quality.
This floor covering is usually made from MDF and can be either high-quality or rather non-durable. Moreover, this depends not only on the technology used by the manufacturer, but also on the class to which the product corresponds. The distinction is usually made by the durability of the laminate, that is, by the degree of abrasion. There is a certain gradation of coatings according to their testing using a special tool equipped with an abrasive wheel. In the selected area, the device is launched and counts the number of revolutions. If the first signs of abrasion appear already at 6000–7000 rpm, this is the lowest class of coatings for residential premises. More than 20,000 abrasive strokes can withstand commercial floors typically installed in public areas.
MDF based flooring
is indicated by the number 2, and industrial - 3. According to the level of abrasion, this material is marked with three numbers, from 1 to 3, which corresponds to classes based on the number of revolutions made by the test device. Budget option that can withstand least amount revolutions, which we mentioned earlier, is designated 21, the next, 22 class, maintains the integrity of the protective layer up to 11,000 revolutions, and 23 – up to 15,000. The budget version of the commercial floor, marked with the number 31, is kept at the level of the last value. As for the most durable classes 32 and 33, then signs of abrasion begin to appear on them after 16,000–20,000 revolutions. There is also class 34 - this is a laminate that was originally produced only by Alloc, which gave it a lifetime guarantee or at least 25 years.
You can distinguish commercial floors from household ones not only by digital markings, but also by special icons: the former are indicated by a stylized high-rise multi-window building, and the latter by an image of a private house. Panels are also divided into moisture-resistant and ordinary, with an average level of moisture absorption. At the same time, many, when purchasing this or that series, mistakenly take the wax layer on the chamfers of the locks as an indicator of protection against water. However, such a coating is necessary only to allow the ridges of the laminated boards to slide into the grooves during the first assembly, while part of the layer is lubricated, but something remains and allows for easy dismantling. Moisture resistant boards can be recognized by the green stripe on the back.
So, which flooring should you choose? Many people prefer cheap options that do not differ in particular quality, but are available for almost any income. Of course, an inexpensive product is not necessarily of low quality, but, according to reviews, for the most part the owners are dissatisfied with the purchase. In particular, products of the German company Egger, which came off the assembly lines of Russian production branches, are often defective, but are sold on an equal basis with high-quality products at the same price. However, in chain hypermarkets such laminate can be half the price, and this alone can be a clue to dubious quality. However, the Egger company initially positions its products as budget ones.
Westerhof floors, which are produced using German technology, as indicated on the packaging, but in China, are also not well spoken of. The quality is quite low, but the price threshold is average, which causes dissatisfaction among buyers. For the most part, complaints relate to the chipping protective layer and fragile locks, as well as uneven geometry. You can buy good products from this company if you choose a more expensive series. The ratings are compiled by various independent research and expert centers, but the data often differs depending on whether the brands position concerns price or quality. In particular, the Floor Step company's products occupy one of the last places in terms of quality, in particular, in the impregnation of the base with wax (which means low moisture resistance), but it is positioned as budget, which determines the choice of many buyers.
Moisture-resistant products from Floor Step
There are also models of the so-called economy class. For the most part, this is laminate without a brand, that is, produced by little-known Russian and Chinese companies in a semi-handicraft way in small workshops. The price is most often very low and the quality is appropriate, since such manufacturers do not particularly adhere to any standards, although they divide their products into classes. Choosing such products is always associated with risk, but sometimes you come across quite high-quality floors. Among well-known brands, economy class flooring from the German company LaminatPark, whose branch is located in Russia, in Mytishchi, is often in demand, but such a choice is not always justified.
The German brand Kronotex also has a budget level, and the manufacturer has achieved success in the market and was included in the rating due to the fact that its offer is focused on the mass demand for inexpensive coatings. In particular, both budget and economy-level lines are produced, and the quality is maintained within the required minimum, and the decorative properties of the panels are represented by a very meager design. The French brand Alsafloor should be especially highlighted, since these laminate manufacturers produce budget comfort-level products. Perhaps this was due to government subsidies, which created all the conditions for the production of high-quality and inexpensive products. Note that the company does not strive to provide the highest possible level of quality, limiting itself to average wear resistance, but offers a wide selection of textures.
These are the most optimal series of laminated floor coverings, in which durability and strength fully correspond to the cost, and decorative properties come as an additional bonus. At the same time, the choice of textures is quite rich from almost any manufacturer. However, it is very easy to make mistakes when choosing from some brands. For example, the Balterio company develops both its original high-quality products and lower-level budget models specifically for the Russian market - the By Balterio line. Sellers offer such series as original ones. In general, the laminated boards of this company are laid without flaws only on a carefully leveled subfloor and require proper care, but then they serve for a very long time.
According to European standards, laminate is only available up to 9 millimeters thick, and 12 mm boards are made in factories in China and can contain a fair amount of formaldehyde resins.
European standard laminate
Another brand was included in the rating with a comfort class position due to the high quality of panel pressing and the precise geometry of the locks - these are the products of the Quick Step company. Such a laminate is not affordable for everyone, but if you choose it, you can gain confidence for a certain time that the floors will not be scratched or deformed under the weight of a closet or bed. However, it is imperative to follow the installation rules, even if they require cork backing, not polyethylene foam. The Alloc company occupies approximately the same level, the same one whose development became class 34 laminate, that is, industrial and almost eternal. The rest of its product lines are not much inferior in reliability to such flooring.
This comfort class rating includes: Russian company Tarkett, which, however, also produces cheap lines, both budget and economy. It is logical that the highest quality products are very expensive and durable, and inexpensive models cause dissatisfaction among those who bought them. The main disadvantage of cheap products, according to reviews, is considered to be inaccurate geometry, while the advantage of high-quality rulers is their monumentality - the boards are very heavy and durable. The Parador brand can also be classified as a comfort level, although the manufacturer defines its products as premium class. In general, the quality of this brand is decent, but the cost is very high, indeed, like premium coatings, and solely due to the decorative layer, distinguished by beautiful textures and deep shades.
The German company Wineo, which has access to the Russian market, is also included in the comfort level rating. However, what is noteworthy is that the cost of products from this manufacturer of laminated boards is significantly inflated to the level of average premium class prices. The quality does not at all correspond to the cost, being not high enough. Therefore, Wineo products are usually purchased only at sales, and there is a risk of buying stale or substandard goods, damaged by poor storage conditions. But the Belfloor company relied on high quality and durability, thanks to which the brand firmly holds its position, being ranked among other comfort brands. The main advantage of this company's products is very durable locks and high density of pressed slabs, so many try to choose these particular floors.
And finally, let's look at several brands of the highest level, that is, those companies that are leaders in the laminated coating market. First of all, these are Pergo products known to many craftsmen. The fact is that it was this company that first began producing laminated coatings in 1977. Since then, the manufacturer's technologies have improved and the brand today ranks first in the world. The production belongs to another company, but the brand name has been preserved. The product is of high quality and its main advantage is that it is produced using DPL technology, that is, direct compression of the base with decorative and protective layers. This approach makes it possible to obtain stronger and more durable coatings than using HPL technology, when films are rolled onto an adhesive base from rolls.
High-level laminate brand “Pergo”
Another leader included in the rating, and in the premium group, is Kaindl. The panels from this manufacturer are distinguished by very precise geometry and perfect fit of the locks, that is, after joining, the result is a surface with almost imperceptible joints. A very large collection of textures and textures, which are qualitatively covered with a durable protective layer. The only drawback is that the locks are quite fragile, but if you strictly follow the assembly technology, and also lay the coating on a perfectly leveled floor, then the laminate will lie as it should. There are negative reviews, but perhaps the brand was counterfeited or a defective batch entered the market. In general, any laminated coating does not tolerate the use of brute force during installation.
And another brand is HDM, which uses quite unique technology ELESGO, the secrets of which are not revealed due to high competition in the market. In general, the manufacturing method involves treating the top acrylic layer with a highly focused, high-intensity electric field. At the same time, the resin hardens practically without flaws and the surface turns out glossy, which is what the manufacturer specializes in. However, it should be borne in mind that, despite the very aesthetic appearance of premium products, they require very careful care, since all marks and scratches are visible on the gloss. The only thing that allows us to consider such a coating durable is that the protective layer will not wear off after laying the laminate very soon.
So, the acquaintance with famous brands took place. It remains to determine which laminate manufacturer is best to choose for your home. Everything is simple here. If you have limited funds and comfort class is not available to you, do not rush to choose economy floors. It’s better to consider the offers of budget laminate manufacturers and you will find quite worthy series, especially if you first read the reviews. However, it is far from necessary to choose the quality of the laminate based on the manufacturer; it would be more correct to carefully check the geometry of the panels before purchasing, ask the seller to show assembly samples and find out the strength of the locks. A store with serious service will even test the surface’s resistance to mechanical damage.
Choosing a laminate for your home
It is important to remember that all well-known laminate manufacturers are interested in their products having a positive reputation. Therefore, if you see that the quality of the brand you chose for inspection in the store is quite low, do not rush to refuse it, perhaps it is just a fake. It’s best to first go to the manufacturer’s website and get acquainted with what the packaging should look like, so you’ll be more likely to purchase original products. And, of course, try to choose brands of household or commercial laminate according to the intensity of movement in a particular room. So, in the hallway it is more appropriate to lay commercial floors, even of the lowest level of wear resistance, and in the bedroom you can choose household laminate flooring.
