The Best Laminate For an Apartment – Which Laminate is the Best in Quality?
Laminate is one of the most popular and practical floor coverings for apartments. It has a number of advantages that make it an ideal choice for most houses and apartments. In this article, we will look at the best types of laminate for an apartment and give recommendations on its selection, installation and maintenance.
Advantages Of Laminate
Laminate flooring has many benefits that make it a preferred choice for many people. Here are some of them:
1. Strength and wear resistance
Laminate is highly durable and can withstand intensive use. It is resistant to scratches, abrasions and furniture impact. This is especially important for apartments where the floor is often subject to stress.
2. Wide range of styles and designs
There is a huge variety of laminate on the market, including different shades, textures and designs. You will be able to choose a laminate that perfectly matches the interior of your apartment.
3. Ease of installation
Laminate flooring is installed using a click system, which makes the installation process quite simple and quick. You can save time and money by installing the laminate yourself.
Types Of Laminate
There are several different types of laminate flooring on the market. Here are some of them:
1. Laminate with wood texture
This type of laminate has a texture and shade reminiscent of natural wood. It creates a warm and cozy atmosphere in the apartment.
2. Laminate with glossy finish
Glossy laminate flooring has a bright shine and an elegant appearance. It adds chic and modernity to the interior.
3. Laminate with a waterproof coating
This type of laminate is designed for rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. It has increased resistance to water and is not subject to deformation.
How To Choose the Best Laminate For Your Apartment
Choosing laminate flooring for your apartment can be a challenging task. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
1. Determine your budget
Determine how much you are willing to spend on laminate flooring. This will help you narrow down your choices and focus on options that are affordable to you.
2. Consider the level of wear resistance
Pay attention to the wear resistance class of the laminate. The higher the class, the more durable and long-lasting the laminate will be.
3. Choose a style and shade
Choose a laminate that matches the style of your apartment and matches the rest of the interior. Consider the color of the walls, furniture and other design elements.
Laminate Structure
Stabilizing layer
This is the bottom layer that provides stability to the laminate boards, making them stronger and more resistant to deformation. It is made of kraft cardboard or vinyl impregnated with synthetic resins. This layer also protects the flooring from moisture that can penetrate through the floorboards. An additional underlay can be added under the bottom layer to improve sound insulation.
Bearing layer (base of the board)
A layer of fiberboard, chipboard or vinyl that can withstand loads during operation, provides material strength and resistance to deformation. It also helps absorb noise and has heat and moisture protection properties.
Decorative layer
This layer is responsible for the appearance of the laminate. For decorative coating, a special film or paper is used, on which a print with a pattern or imitation of the texture of various materials, such as wood, marble or stone, is applied.
Upper layer
Determines the material’s resistance to wear and damage.
Feature Of Choosing Laminate For Different Rooms
The specifics of choosing laminate for different rooms depend on their functionality, humidity level and traffic level. Here are some recommendations for choosing laminate in different rooms:
1. Living room and bedroom
In such rooms you can choose almost any type of laminate, as they usually have low humidity and traffic levels. You can focus on the appearance and decorative possibilities of the laminate.
2. Kitchen
Kitchen laminate should be resistant to moisture and stains. It is recommended to choose laminate with increased moisture resistance or with a coating that prevents moisture penetration. It is also worth paying attention to its easy cleanliness and resistance to mechanical damage.
3. Bathroom
The bathroom is a wet environment, so it is important to choose laminate flooring that is specifically designed for wet areas. It is important that the laminate flooring has good moisture resistance and minimal seams to prevent moisture penetration.
4. High Traffic Areas
If the area has a high traffic level, such as a hallway or commercial space, it is recommended to choose laminate with increased strength and wear resistance. Laminate with wear resistance class AC4 or AC5 is suitable for such conditions.
5. Children’s room
In the children’s room, the laminate should be safe and comfortable for children to play and be active. It is recommended to choose a laminate with a soft surface, which reduces the risk of injury and noise during play.
Which Class Of Laminate is Better?
When choosing laminate, it is recommended to pay attention to the wear resistance class, which indicates its strength and degree of resistance to damage. The wear resistance class is indicated by the letters AC, followed by a number from 1 to 6. The higher the number, the higher the wear resistance class and the better the quality of the laminate.
Generally, for residential use at home, it is recommended to choose laminate flooring with a wear resistance class of AC3 or AC4. Laminate flooring with an AC3 rating is suitable for areas with low to medium traffic, such as bedrooms or living rooms. Laminate flooring with an AC4 rating is more durable and is suitable for areas with higher traffic, such as hallways or commercial areas.
If you need laminate flooring for commercial premises with very high traffic levels, then it is recommended to choose AC5 or AC6 laminate.
However, in addition to the wear resistance class, it is also worth considering other factors when choosing laminate, such as moisture resistance, design, budget and other features that suit the specific requirements of your space.
