When renovating an apartment or a private house, it is very important to choose the right floor covering. 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 ease of installation — it can be laid on any base — concrete, wood, PVC, on warm floors. It is environmentally friendly, does not promote the growth of bacteria. However, before you purchase such coverage, you should know by what criteria it should be selected. Therefore, before proceeding to a direct review of such products, we decided to give key points that should be paid attention to.
How to choose the right laminate?
First of all, look at the class of products. It is able to report how well the material resists wear. This parameter is determined depending on how often it will be subject to dynamic loads — in other words, how often people will walk on it and in what quantity.
Grade 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 medium traffic. The 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 is also allowed to be laid in gyms and public institutions.
In addition to wear resistance, this material has a number of other important characteristics — this includes resistance to moisture, various kinds 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 a laminate with an increased thickness, especially since there are materials on sale whose thickness can reach 12 mm.
Another important point that you have to pay attention to is environmental friendliness. Natural materials are usually used as the base, although the upper is made from 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 belong to certain quality standards.
When developing our rating of the best laminate, we took into account user reviews, value for money and product quality. The review includes only the most famous brands that are in great demand among consumers. Now is the time to start looking at specific products.
Best European Products
5. Kronotex laminate
It is one of the highest quality floor coverings of its kind and has been produced in Germany for the past 20 years. All products on the market belong to class 32 or 33, so people can choose the right laminate for themselves without much difficulty. During the production of panels, only natural raw materials are used, including all impregnations. The first layer here is the modern Overlay film, thanks to which a reliable degree of protection against moisture ingress into the structure is provided, and damage to the decorative surface is not allowed. The composition of the film includes various resins and polymers, which are distinguished by high environmental characteristics.
The second layer is decorative. In its manufacture, special paper is used, processed according to the latest technology, with a pattern applied to it, stylizing the coating under natural wood, stone or ceramic tile. The paper is resistant to fading over time or exposure to sunlight. The main layer here is HDF fibreboard, the density of which is 900 kg / cu. 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 that ensure ease of installation;
- High quality workmanship;
- Excellent wear resistance.
Disadvantages:
- Although the material is positioned as moisture resistant, it is better not to use it in rooms with high humidity.
Kronotex laminate
4. Haro laminate
Another German-made product, and this company has been on the market for over 150 years. The company is engaged in the production of not only laminate, but also parquet and linoleum. The laminate itself is characterized by high environmental performance. The cost of production is not very high, since all production is carried out using modern equipment and the latest technological developments. Externally, the product is almost impossible to distinguish from real wood. The format of the panels is quite convenient for working in absolutely any room.
The Aqua Resist technology is used in the production process, which allows to significantly increase the water-resistant qualities of the product. Another Aqua Tech System technology allows you to reliably protect not only the front surface of the coating from moisture, but the entire structure of the laminate. The material perfectly resists direct exposure to ultraviolet rays. In addition, it easily tolerates even sharp 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 case of fire, it does not start burning for a long time and does not emit gases that poison the human body.
Advantages:
- Versatile product, perfect for any kind of space;
- Beautiful appearance, stylized as natural wood;
- There is an antistatic treatment that does not allow dust to accumulate;
- Convenient locking system;
- Increased sound insulation performance.
Disadvantages:
- The material is stylized exclusively as wood.
Haro laminate
3. Kaindl laminate
This is a high-quality and durable product, which is distinguished by many positive reviews. Laminate belongs to class 34, has a very long service life, there are quite a few varieties — you can choose the most suitable product for the interior. There is practically no formaldehyde in the materials — it contains about 20 times less than the maximum allowable rate. For the production of the coating, only high-quality wood is used, as a rule, it is alpine spruce.
The manufacturer provides a fairly long warranty for its products — up to 30 years. Only the latest technologies and the latest equipment are used in the manufacture. This allows you to protect the laminate from the damaging effects of moisture, it is also allowed to lay it in any room, even in those where high humidity is constantly observed. The material perfectly resists mechanical stress — it ideally withstands a lot of passing people, even the heaviest furniture will not leave marks on it. The outer resin coating prevents the occurrence of defects when various kinds of chemical compounds enter.
Advantages:
- The longest warranty period is the longest among all the products included in our review;
- The laminate has all certificates of conformity to the world level of quality;
- The water absorption coefficient is almost zero;
- The packaging contains all the most necessary information for the user.
Disadvantages:
- Not detected.
Laminate Kaindl
2. Berry Alloc laminate
This brand of laminate has been on the Russian market of finishing materials for more than 10 years and enjoys well-deserved popularity among consumers. It is manufactured by a Norwegian-Belgian joint venture. All products carry a lifetime warranty. Laminate resists well even significant physical exertion. The HDF plate, which has an increased density, acts as the basis here. 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 Best Lock Xtreme system acts as a fastener here. The panels adjoin each other as tightly as possible, the seams after installation are almost invisible, moreover, dust, dirt and liquid will not accumulate between them. This moment also makes it possible to provide a 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. Such a laminate can be laid in any room, regardless of the level of its patency. It has high environmental performance: no harmful or toxic compounds and materials are used in the manufacturing process.
Advantages:
- Even the new coating does not have a specific smell;
- High quality workmanship;
- Attractive appearance that will be maintained throughout the entire period of operation.
Disadvantages:
- Quite an expensive product.
Laminate Berry Alloc
1. Pergo laminate
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 appeared in the first place in the rating. Its top coat consists of three layers, each of which contains inclusions of corundum particles, thanks to which the strength and abrasion resistance are even higher. The product is equipped with a special Smart Loc locking system, it has two spikes and is additionally treated with special water-repellent materials. Also, the laminate has special Compact Sound Bloc substrates, which greatly increase the level of sound insulation. To protect against abrasion under high dynamic loads, the products are treated with Professional Performance Sound Bloc. The front side is covered with an antibacterial layer containing silver ions.
On sale you can find products belonging to 32, 33 and 34 wear resistance classes. The warranty period is 20 years. 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 styled under.
Advantages:
- High level of reliability;
- Good value for money;
- High level of strength;
- Long period of operation.
Disadvantages:
- Not detected.
Pergo laminate
The best products of Russian production
5. Laminate Egger
These products have been presented on the Russian and European markets for over 15 years. The company produces a laminate that belongs to the 32 and 33 wear resistance classes, it is excellent for home use, but it can also be laid in commercial premises with medium dynamic loads and not very high traffic. Technologies imply 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 on the back. The coating is absolutely safe in terms of operation, hygienic, fully complies with all the quality standards required for such a coating. Laminate manufacturing technology is kept in strict confidence, so only original products are available for sale, which is simply unrealistic to fake.
All panels are precisely and tightly fitted to each other, they can be easily installed independently. Locks are strong and reliable — JUSTclic. They are not subject to physical influences of various kinds, the joints between the panels are practically invisible. After installation is completed, this product cannot be distinguished from the material under which it was styled. The top layer has some corrugation, thanks to which the imitation of wood becomes even more natural. The HDF plate acts as the main layer here, the density index of which is about 800 kg / cu. m.
Advantages:
- High product reliability;
- A large number of different colors and shades;
- Long service life;
- Acceptable cost.
Disadvantages:
- Not detected.
Laminate Egger
4. Laminate Ritter
This is a fairly popular domestic brand, which is characterized by a not too high price and a long service life. The company is independently developing technologies for the production of flooring, thanks to which the products are quite original and are in great demand among consumers. The products have not been on the market for too long — only 9 years. The panels produced are 8.4 and 12.1 mm thick. 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 the effects of ultraviolet rays — does not fade, does not begin to turn pale, and so on. It is allowed to lay on a warm floor. Products well resists the effects of high temperatures, humidity, changes in these indicators. The laminate meets all quality standards in the field of the period of operation, 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 interior space;
- Interesting texture;
- Many varieties of flowers;
- Allows you to smooth out uneven floors.
Disadvantages:
- Antistatic coating not provided.
Laminate Ritter
3. Kronostar laminate
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 a lot of collections and decors, they can differ from each other in thickness, resistance class in relation to wear, appearance, and so on. The structure of all products is the same.
The working surface is reliably protected by a special OVERLAY polymer film, which allows for 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 all sorts of physical stress. As with most of the laminate options included in our rating of the best products, the function of the carrier layer is performed by a special high-density HDF fibreboard — this figure is 900 kg / cu. m. The bottom layer here is a special film, which also reliably protects products from moisture.
The panels are connected to each other using the Double Clic locking mechanism. There is a lock on all four sides, thanks to which the installation process becomes simpler — you do not have to align or adjust anything. Laminate flooring is perfect for both large and small spaces.
Advantages:
- Quick and easy installation;
- Not too high material cost;
- Beautiful appearance;
- Joints are absolutely invisible;
- Completely protected from moisture.
Disadvantages:
- Not detected.
Kronostar laminate
2. Tarkett/Sinteros laminate
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 production is quite acceptable — the coverage will be affordable even for people with a low income. Production is carried out on German equipment of the latest generation, only domestic raw materials are used for manufacturing. Caring for the coating is quite simple: it is enough to periodically wet cleaning. The basis here is the HDF plate, which provides a high level of resistance to various kinds 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, however, 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.
Advantages:
- Huge selection of textures and colors;
- Easy to install and operate, does not require special care;
- Excellent surface quality;
- Long period of operation.
Disadvantages:
- Not very good performance in terms of moisture resistance.
Laminate Tarkett/Sinteros
1. Quick-Step Laminate
This is the most famous brand of domestic laminate today. It is characterized by a high level of strength, resistance to wear, abrasion, loss of color, and so on. The cost is also quite acceptable. The stated service life of the coating is about 25 years. Laminate is manufactured using the latest technology. The coating is perfectly even, there are no gaps. The outer layer of the laminate allows for a high degree of impact resistance. It contains melamine, which is pressed with fiberboard, and it is also covered with a protective layer using nanotechnology. Decorative texture resembles wood or tiles. In general, the material is produced on the basis of high quality fibreboard. They are characterized by uniformity, which cannot but affect its performance.
The laminate is distinguished by increased density, due to which moisture resistance is at its best. Melamine lining. It is allowed to be laid on the underfloor heating system, regardless of its nature — electric or water.
Advantages:
- Acceptable cost;
- Good resistance to moisture;
- Resists physical influences.
Disadvantages:
- Not detected.
Quick Step Laminate
At the end of the video
Our review of the best laminate has come to an end, we hope that the information provided will be enough for you to choose the best product for yourself in terms of quality, price, service life and appearance. If you have any questions, we will always be happy to answer them in the comments.