How to choose a laminate for different types of rooms

Types of floor coverings

Currently, there are many floor coverings for every taste and purse: from a simple wooden board to a natural stone and a complex mosaic. But the most popular are the laminate flooring, parquet board and linoleum. The latter type of material is considered to be an economy-class option. Therefore, if you want your floor to look more presentable, it is best to lay a laminate or parquet.

Material selection

So, what is better: laminate or parquet board? The choice is not easy and depends, rather, on the wishes of the owner of the house. Parquet - a natural coating, durable and reliable, it is easy to repair: just simply polish the problem area and re-apply the varnish. There are also disadvantages: a higher price, the need to periodically cycle and impregnate boards, low moisture resistance. Laminate is an artificial coating that consists of a pressed panel made of several layers: chipboard or fiberboard, paper impregnated with special resins, photo paper and laminated film consisting of melamine or acrylic. Pros: the creators of this material tried to remove all the shortcomings available to the parquet, while repeating its appearance. Laminate is cheaper, easier to lay, not damaged by household chemicals, does not burn out in the sun, and some of its species have high moisture resistance. So if you are a fan of classics and can afford expensive flooring - buy a parquet board. And if you value your time, get a laminate. It will look very good in any room, and it is easier to look after it.

How to choose a laminate for home and office

All types of this flooring are divided into two groups: for living quarters and for commercial use. For the house 21, 22 and 23 laminate classes are recommended, for public places - 31, 32 and 33. The number shows the ability of the material to resist the effects of mechanical stresses: the higher the number, the greater the durability. In this case, experts advise, if possible, to acquire a laminate of a higher class, even for the home. The cost of it will be higher by 3-4 dollars per square meter, but it will last much longer - up to 20 years

How to choose a laminate for the kitchen

The covering in the kitchen should be as strong and stable as possible. Therefore, you should buy a laminate class 32 or 33, water resistant or moisture resistant. It is worth remembering that these two species are significantly different. Moisture-resistant laminate simply has an additional layer of protection on the surface of the board, but the joints remain a weak point. So if you do not remove the puddle from the floor for some time, it can swell. Waterproof laminate - a completely different coating, its board is more rigidly pressed. The basis is not chipboard, but plastic, which is not damaged by water. Therefore, this material can be used for rooms with high humidity.

How to choose a laminate for the bathroom

If the kitchen has options, then in the case of a bathroom - no. Only waterproof laminate, and still need to take precautions, so that moisture does not fall into the joints. For this, the boards must be laid with a "brick", so that the transverse seams do not coincide. After laying all joints must be smeared with a special sealant. And the last advice on how to choose a laminate: get coverage only from reliable suppliers, then it really will be quality and will last a very long time.