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Vinyl laminate manufacturers rating. Which laminate is better: manufacturer ratings. The best European products

Laminate parquet has been known since 1977. Its popularity is explained by its ability to withstand significant loads, practicality, and an incredible variety of decors, formats and surface designs. A huge number of companies around the world produce this product. In this article you will find complete, reliable information about which laminate is better and how to check its quality.

It is known that the technology of laminating floor coverings was first introduced by Perstorp AB (in the future Pergo) in 1979. To this day, the standard of quality is considered to be a product produced in the EU.

To ensure full control of production processes, the association of manufacturers of laminated coatings EPLF was created. Its members can be those companies that offer customers only the best laminate. Such as:

Pergo (Sweden)

Since 2000, Perstop Floorings has transformed into the now widely known Pergo concern. Full-cycle factories were opened in Sweden, Belgium (based on UNILIN bvba), and the USA. It is not surprising that until recently almost all laminate manufacturers focused on this leader in the flooring market. The range includes laminated, vinyl and parquet products under the same brand. The production process includes all stages, starting with the procurement of raw materials and ending with the dispatch of the finished product to the final buyer.

Advantages of Pergo laminate:

• PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes);
• EPD (Emission Dans l’air interieur) – products are assigned emission class A+;
• to standard 3029.0001 Nordic Ecolabel Floors.

Berry Alloc (Belgium-Norway)

Within the Beaulieu International Group corporation, the Berry Alloc laminate flooring division has a special status. The company was formed as a result of the merger of the Belgian company Berry Floor and the Norwegian plant Alloc. The result of combining huge production capacities, research base and decades of experience is the production of laminate using the unique HPL (High Pressure laminate) technology of 32-34 wear resistance classes. Coatings produced using this method belong to the category of semi-commercial and commercial, as they are distinguished by the highest quality and surface resistance to all kinds of loads.

Advantages of Berry Alloc laminate:

Balterio (Belgium)

In 2001, one of the largest concerns Spanolux SA founded a division for the production of laminated floor coverings, Balterio Laminate Floors, producing products under the Balterio brand. High quality products, our own unique developments, full cycle manufacturing provided the company with rapid growth and popularity.

Today, Balterio laminate 32-34 wear resistance classes is known as one of the most durable floor coverings that are resistant to various loads. It's worth purchasing if you care about:

Designers recommend using large-format slats with a width of 22 cm and a length of more than 1.8 m for large rooms with an area of ​​80 m2 (shopping centers, conference rooms, hotel lobbies). For small rooms, standard or shortened planks are preferred.

Haro (Germany)

Hamberger Flooring GmbH & Co, a manufacturer with more than a century and a half history, offers laminated parquet under the Haro brand in classes 31-33. The main emphasis is on the perfect reproduction of natural texture and high quality coating.

Haro laminate should be preferred because it:

The guaranteed service life of Haro flooring is 12-30 years, depending on the areas of use.

Quick-Step (Belgium-Russia)

The UNILIN group of companies has been supplying the market since 1990 finishing materials laminate under the Kwik-Step brand. In 2011, molding production of some collections was launched in Dzerzhinsk (Nizhny Novgorod region).

Since the company’s motto is “Attention to detail,” the laminated parquet in this series is carefully designed in all respects and has the following advantages:

Kaindl

Almost 120 years of experience, many in-house developments, interesting know-how, a full production cycle without the involvement of third-party suppliers - all this is about the flooring production company Kaindl Flooring GmbH.

In the EU, the Kindle brand is associated exclusively with the term “quality”. Judge for yourself:

At the end of the review of foreign brands, I would like to note that this selection does not answer the question “which laminate manufacturer is better.” Each offers high-quality and durable products. The purpose of our research was to present you with finishing materials with the most interesting and useful consumer characteristics. Undoubtedly, there are many other worthy manufacturers, but it is simply impossible to describe them all in one article.

The best laminate manufacturer in Russia

Domestic factories are trying to keep up with European competitors and offer customers products of acceptable quality and interesting designs.

Tarkett

In 2010, the German concern Tarkett Sommer AG launched a plant in Mytishchi (Moscow region) for the production of laminated flooring under the Tarket and Sinteros brand. The Russian line produces laminate in 8 collections (more than 100 designs) of 32 and 33 wear resistance classes.

Advantages of laminated coatings from the Tarkett plant:

1. A huge selection of designs with expressive, deep or standard structure. To enhance the similarity with natural wood, special techniques for working with the surface are used, such as register embossing, chrome plating, relief, solid effect, manual processing and much more. Some collections have a chamfer on 2 or 4 sides; you can choose the format of the planks:
   • Standard (1292x194 mm), thickness 8-14 mm;
   • Narrow (1292x159 mm), thickness 8 mm.
   • The TC'Lock and 5G 2-lock locking systems are successful in their simplicity and efficiency.
2. Good technical indicators: slab density from 750 kg/m3, moisture resistance up to 12%, fire safety B1, formaldehyde emission class E1, there is additional protection for Tech3S locks (wax), guaranteed service life - 15-25 years.
3. Proven safety of Tarket products. At the moment, this is the only enterprise in the Russian Federation that has received the international eco-label “Leaf of Life”.

The disadvantage of the plant's products is that the price is several times higher. Despite the fact that production is actually located in Russia, the cost of collections imported from Germany and those manufactured here is the same. There are no complaints about the quality of the products, but the company’s pricing policy is, to put it mildly, surprising.

Kronostar

In 2002, the Swiss Krono Group concern launched a plant in the Kostroma region for the production of laminated products (floor, ceiling and wall coverings) under the Kronostar brand.

Today we produce competitive laminate of 31-33 wear resistance classes with 4 types of textures:

• PR – typical tree structure;
• WG – rustic embossing;
• MX – deep structure (matte-glossy contrast);
• ER – synchronous register embossing.

On the plus side we also note:

The disadvantages include:

• Lack of chamfer, as well as rich rich shades in the collections;
• Locks are not processed by special means to increase the moisture resistance of the connection;
• A small number of decors exclusively for wood. There are no interesting, atypical designs.
• One standard size for all lines.
• Products do not undergo additional voluntary certification for compliance with safety standards and environmental requirements.

Kronostar can easily be classified as “average”. This is a budget product for private, less often commercial, use.

Kastamonu

The Turkish holding HAYAT launched a project to build a new plant for the production of laminated coatings in Yelabuga (Tatarstan) in 2012. Since 2014, laminate flooring under the Kastamonu brand began to actively conquer the Russian finishing materials market.

The plant produces a whole series of Floorpan collections with a wood structure.

Ruler	Dimensions, mm	Class
Purple	1380x193x6	31
Green	1380x193x7	31
Yellow	1380x193x8	32
Orange		32
Red		32
Blue		33
Black		33

The advantages of coverage:

1. Resistant to abrasive loads (abrasives, heels, animal claws).
2. Light fastness.
3. Hygiene.
4. Easy to install thanks to the Uniclic locking system - an analogue of the connection kit from Kwik-Step.
5. Warranty – up to 15 years.
6. Reasonable price.

Let's talk about the cons. The first thing that catches your eye is the modest selection of pastel decors and types of structures. A matte, slightly textured surface without a hint of chamfer is suitable for simple, budget-friendly interior solutions.

The second point is that the durability of the coating raises doubts among experts. There are no publicly available test reports, and the product itself has only been on the market for two years.

Third fact: the plant’s statement about the complete safety and compliance with environmental standards of the Florpan laminate. However, any highly specialized certificates, with the exception of standard ones (sanitary and hygienic certificate, Fire safety) are not available.

Ritter

For almost 7 years, one of the factories of the Russian concern RBC has been producing a unique series of laminated floors with exotic surfaces. The main feature of Ritter parquet is structural embossing to resemble non-standard reptile skin, imitation craquelure and much more.

There are 9 extravagant collections in stock:

Series	Embossing type	Dimensions, mm	Class
St. George the Victorious	Snake skin	1295x192x8.4	33
Nefertiti/Hannibal	Snake skin	1295x192x8.4	33
Peter 1	Rustic, deep embossing	1295x192x12.1	33
Harald the Harsh/Elizabeth	Deep aging	1295x192x12.1	34
Justinian the Great	Silkscreen printing	1295x192x8.4	33
Mayan	Craquelure	1295x192x8.4	33
Charlemagne	Plane	1295x192x12.1	33

Let us note the undoubted advantages of Ritter laminate:

• A rich selection of decors, shades and unusual textured surfaces.
• High wear resistance of the coating to various loads. Despite the fact that the floor is assigned the highest classes, Ritter laminate can be used at home.
• Emission class – E1.
• The wax-impregnated Master Lock locking system is easy to join and allows the coating to be re-disassembled and reassembled.
• Manufacturer's warranty – up to 40 years.
• Reasonable price.

When purchasing, take into account the fact that a textured floor is very demanding on the interior, since poor decisions will “kill” the effectiveness of the coating. For an accurate selection, use online 3D visualization programs.

Although Russian laminate does not boast a variety of designs, in some quality characteristics it is not inferior to European products. Its main advantage is its affordable price for many buyers.

Made in China: which company's laminate is better

No Chinese factories are members of the EPLF laminate flooring association. That is, it does not produce high-quality and durable products that meet European standards or Russian regulations.

This fact does not prevent many large enterprises from importing huge quantities of products under various brands to Russia. Note that among such diversity there are real “pearls”, such as Floorwood, Goodway, Brilliant and others. These coatings can be called acceptable in terms of consumer characteristics: dense slab, reliable locks, durable overlay. Technical parameters are also within acceptable standards.

The brands listed above can be called an exception to the rule. Most often there is a laminate, about which there is no information, not to mention certificates and test reports. In addition, as practice shows, Chinese laminated parquet does not correspond to the declared class. Most often, the operational resistance of the slab is checked. The wear resistance of the overlay is not tested at all.

How to distinguish Chinese low-quality laminate? Let's reveal some secrets:

1. Pick up the plank and check the strength of the slab. Using your fingers, try to bend the lock tenon or scratch it with your fingernail. High-density HDF does not crumble or crack even under heavy loads.
2. Compare the price of products manufactured in Russia, the EU and China. Imported goods are always much more expensive due to customs duties and payments. If the cost of laminate is too low, it is better not to buy a “pig in a poke”.
3. Require a sanitary and hygienic certificate. Moreover, it must be a copy with the seller’s blue seal. You must provide it upon request. Read the document carefully, pay attention to trademark, date of issue and expiration date.
4. Connect two planks. The lock should be tight, and the joint should be invisible and perfectly smooth. The snapping is done under force.
5. There should be no markings on the box or plates: Designed in Germany, German Quality, German Technology, which mean absolutely nothing.
6. If there is nothing on the packaging or in the accompanying document other than the phrase “The management quality control system is regulated by EN...”, it is better to refuse such a purchase. This means that only the document flow is controlled, but not the production process.
7. Try to find the barcode on the box, namely the first three digits. German products correspond to indices of 400-440, Austrian - 90-91, Swedish - 73, Russian - 460-469, Chinese - 690-693. A worn-out or unknown code is a reason to be wary.

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During renovations, the question of changing the floor covering is often raised. What it should be and what is best to choose for it is determined by each individual, based on financial condition and premises requirements.

Today, laminate is considered one of the most common floor coverings. It is easy to install, undemanding in maintenance and looks very good in any interior.

Laminate is slabs rectangular shape, which can be of different thickness depending on its purpose. As a result of folding, a seamless coating is obtained, the basis of which is wood, its purpose is to retain heat and density. The top layer serves as wear-resistant protection against damage (scratches or abrasions). A printed pattern is used as decor, which is located in the middle layers of the structure.

The main decorative advantage is precisely the large selection of various patterns, from the simplest (colors of different types of wood) to more complex abstractions or monotonous compositions.

This type of flooring is suitable for premises for various purposes (apartments, private houses, hotels, offices, public places), but there are different suitable parameters for different purposes. To choose the right laminate for a particular case, you need to know what the structure of the coating consists of, what types are offered for sale, and what characteristics you should pay attention to when choosing.

Features of the structure

Laminate is a multilayer material, each layer of which performs its own functions, namely:

1. The very first layer of material is located at the bottom, it is in direct contact with the lining or (if there is none) with concrete screed. In this regard, its main task is water resistance. The layer is characterized by increased density because it performs another important function - to stabilize the entire structure and prevent it from deforming.
2. The base layer is most often made of chipboard or fibreboard; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can also be used as the base material. Each of these materials has its own positive and negative sides, but in the structure of the laminate they all serve one purpose: having density and hardness, they make the coating tough. It is in this layer that the key joints are placed, creating a seamless overall look.
3. Waterproof impregnation is again placed on top of the base layer. Most often, this is a paper layer that is impregnated with resins, protecting the decorative surface from moisture, which can still come from the same screed below.
4. The decorative layer is a printed design. Many people choose this coating precisely for the opportunity to choose to their taste the colors and textures of the pattern that would suit the intended interior.
5. The topmost layer serves external protection from mechanical damage and moisture from outside. The material of this film layer can be acrylic or melamine resin. The parameters of this layer, depending on the place of application, guarantee the wear resistance and durability of the laminate.

What types of laminate is divided into?

Types are determined depending on the place of application. For premises of various purposes there are different types this floor covering. The main difference is its wear resistance due to different loads

Laminate flooring in domestic premises

This refers to the use of coating in apartments or residential buildings. For example, in the hallway there is much more activity of walking on the floor than in the bedroom. This means that for hallways you should choose a thicker and more durable laminate. In residential premises, such a coating will have an ideal appearance for 5-7 years, and its cost is several times less, so replacement will not be a big loss for the family budget.

Advantages:

• Availability of price range;
• Wide selection of colors and patterns;
• You can do the styling yourself without any problems;
• Impact strength;
• Hypoallergenic effect;
• Easily combined with underfloor heating.

Flaws:

• After 5-7 years, pronounced abrasions and fading of color may appear on the more used sections;
• In case of flooding or frequent spills of liquid, the laminate swells and deforms, thereby becoming unusable.

Laminate flooring in public areas (commercial use)

If visual damage appears in simple residential premises after 7 years from the movement of 5-6 people, then in public places such coating will not last even six months. That is why there was a need to develop a stronger and more durable laminate:

• with a service life of 5-6 years in office buildings, conference rooms, stages, dance rooms (such coating in living rooms oh it will last 10-15 years);
• for busier premises (for example, various clubs, gyms, car showrooms), manufacturers offer more durable material with a warranty period of 7-15 years (in an apartment, the service life is extended to 30 years).

Advantages:

• Long term of use;
• Point endurance from loads;
• Fire resistance (low flammability);
• Does not change color when exposed to direct sunlight;
• Improved joining of slabs, which creates a perfectly flat surface.

Flaws:

• High cost of material;
• One way or another, there is a danger of damage in case of prolonged contact with liquids.

What parameters should you pay attention to when choosing a laminate?

1. Wear resistance.

To comply with European quality standards, a product must pass testing to receive a class. A test is carried out for strength, loads, point impact on the surface, level of slip, reaction to temperature and light conditions, that is, everything that the laminate will undergo during actual operation. Depending on how long the coating lasts, it is assigned a certain wear resistance class.

For example, in a class the designation AC with a number is recorded. This indicator is determined using the Taber test, which is carried out using a rotating abrasive head. This is how the endurance of the top layer of the panel is determined and the “turnovers” of the laminate are calculated. The indices are distributed approximately as follows: AC3 is suitable for rooms with low use (bedroom, hall), where the coating will last well for 5-6 years, AC4 is best used in hallways and kitchens, and for office buildings it is better to choose products marked AC4.

Another parameter in determining the class is the density of the base layer, designated from 31 to 34 and implying the reliability and integrity of the entire structure. So, for residential premises, it will be enough to have 31-32 class laminate flooring; it is better to equip a conference room or office with 33 class laminate, and sports or dance areas – with 34 class. For comparison: if a class 34 coating is laid in an apartment, it will last more than 20 years without any problems.

1. Thickness of laminate panels.

This is also a parameter related to the base layer (fibreboard, chipboard, PVC). Thickness can be from 6 mm to 12 mm. Accordingly, the thicker the slab, the longer and better it will last, the better the insulation, sound and temperature. In the case of organizing a heated floor, it is not recommended to use very thick coating, since this will be a barrier to heat flow from under the panels.

1. Shock resistance.

In addition to mechanical abrasion of the protective layer, falls are inevitable. heavy objects, which may cause damage. This also has its own parameters and markings: Ic4 – apartments and residential buildings, Ic5 – medical or educational institutions, Ic6 – gyms, restaurants (cafes).

1. Density.

The density on the product is indicated from 844 to 979 kg/m3. Here, first of all, static loads on the surface are taken into account: for a bedroom with a bed, a wardrobe and a couple of bedside tables, 845-850 kg/m3 will be quite enough; for a room with a large refrigerator and a vibrating washing machine, it is better to equip it with a laminate with a density of about 900-903 kg/m3 . If panels of inappropriate density are used, the coating will quickly become unusable, dents will appear on it, and under heavy loads, cracks will appear.

1. According to the method of connecting the panels.

There are three connection methods, each of which has its own characteristics and requirements that must be taken into account in order for the floor to serve for a long time and not cause any inconvenience:

• The “Click” connection operates according to the groove+insert pattern. It is not difficult to assemble on your own, ideal for a floor that is not entirely level (the unevenness will be hidden).
• "Lock" or "lock" implies a connection that is locked after a click indicating the closure of the shutter between the two panels. With this type of connection, the floor screed should be perfectly leveled so that the locks close tightly and completely and do not cause any further disturbances. Professional assembly is recommended as special skills are required.
• Adhesive joint – coating of connecting surfaces and joints with a special sealant. A certain inconvenience arises when partial dismantling and replacement is necessary. This method has become less and less used.

1. Chamfer.

A parameter characterizing the appearance: with or without a notch. In the absence of a chamfer (a small depression along the edge of the slab), the coating looks perfectly smooth, completely monolithic. The presence of a chamfer creates decorative effect and gives naturalness to the picture.

1. Wetting resistance (water resistance).

For rooms with an increased risk of getting wet, panels with a PVC base layer are recommended, since it does not absorb water at all, which means it does not swell. This laminate will be ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.

1. Formaldehyde concentration.

Protective top layer parameter. The material of this film layer is acrylic or melamine resin, which by themselves are not capable of creating the desired effect, so formaldehyde is added to them. Their level indicates environmental safety of use.

Thus, a laminate that is not harmful to health is considered a product with environmental friendliness “E1”. It is laid in residential areas; for a nursery, “E0” is ideal.

1. Design.

This parameter is absolutely individual, because there cannot be any recommendations or advice on taste and color.

For example, when purchasing laminate for a bedroom, the following parameters would be good: panel thickness 8 mm, class 32, Ic5 or Ic4, E1, density 845-850 kg/m3.

The best laminate manufacturers in Russia and joint companies

The company has at its disposal a large wood processing plant in the country, Kronospan, which specializes in the production of fiberboard, chipboard, MDF, and laminate panels. Based on reviews of use, we can conclude that the product is ideal as a budget option for finishing a summer house or rental housing.

Regarding reliability, it can be noted that it strongly depends on the thickness of the panels, which ranges from 7 to 14 mm, and their density (minimum 800-860 kg/m3). Some of the samples presented by the manufacturer have a warranty period of up to 30 years in residential premises and 5 years in commercial ones.

Kronospan laminate is, first of all, a wide range, as well as a good economical option.

Cost: from 280 to 490 rubles/sq.m.

laminate Kronospan

Advantages:

• Wide range of color offerings, textures and gloss levels. This is an excellent opportunity to translate any design idea into reality;
• Clear geometric lines of the planks, ideal monolithic surface;
• There are offers with antibacterial coating, additional protection against scratches and internal insulation against noise.

Flaws:

• Because of good choice design, sellers sometimes inflate the cost of goods;
• Before laying the panels, you need to carefully prepare the surface area;
• It is better not to use budget offers from this manufacturer in rooms with increased traffic activity, as they quickly become unusable.

An excellent manufacturer whose governing bodies are located in Germany, and whose factories are located in Russia. Ideal ratio German quality with an acceptable domestic cost.

Tarkett has been known since 1987 as a major manufacturer of carpet and vinyl flooring. Now the company's product range includes more than 30 collections of different classes of laminate, characterized by durability and strength.

Cost: from 609 to 890 rubles/sq.m

Tarkett laminate

Advantages:

• Good price offers and high quality products;
• Hassle-free access to the Russian market;
• The warranty period is quite extensive (15-25 years).

Flaws:

• It is necessary to carefully check the quality of the product, as there are rare defects in the upper or lower layer of the panel structure;
• Some series have increased slipperiness of the top layer.

Along with two other companies (Kronospan and Kronotex), it is part of the large Swiss Krono Group.

The country of origin is Germany, production plants are located in Russia.

The main specialization is wood coatings for walls, floors and ceilings. Laminate began to be produced in 2002 at a plant in the Kostroma region. The combination of German quality and affordable prices immediately brought the products to a large market, where they gained well-deserved popularity among the buyer.

Cost: from 359 to 609 rubles/sq.m.

laminate Kronostar

Advantages:

• Affordability;
• High quality, which always corresponds to the characteristics stated on the product;
• Classic design solutions.

Flaws:

• Same dimensional parameters;
• Small selection of colors and designs;
• There are defective panels.

A purely Russian manufacturer (RBC concern), which managed to find recognition among professionals for its originality in the search for design solutions that distinguished it from others.

Thanks to this brand, the banal classic motifs of wood patterns are a thing of the past, and they have been replaced by laminate textures with a non-smooth surface similar to natural leather.

Value for money, quality and design originality.

Cost: from 600 to 755 rubles/sq.m.

Ritter laminate

Advantages:

• Unusual design developments;
• Relative affordability;
• Long warranty period;
• Products are only of high (33-34) wear resistance class.

Flaws:

• The manufacturer's range does not include laminate with a smooth surface, as well as wood colors.

A joint production of Belgium and Russia, which is a unit of the UNILIN concern. It gained fame back in 1997 thanks to its adhesive-free floor coverings. Long-term collaboration produces fruitful results not only in popularity and demand, but also in personal developments, for example, laminate with a V-shaped chamfer, which first appeared on sale in 2001 and immediately received recognition from its fans.

Cost: from 520 to 1650 rubles/sq.m.

Quick-Step laminate

Advantages:

• Decorative uniqueness;
• Own development of connecting locks;
• Production moisture resistant laminate for bathrooms.

Flaws:

• The presence of a pungent odor from the product;
• The quality is inferior to pure Belgian similar products.

The Austrian company Egger has long turned into an international concern with its factories in the cities of many countries around the world and in Russia, including. The company's experts were so impressed by the production capabilities in the vast Russian Federation, that they were happy to be included in the ratings of domestic manufacturers.

Egger laminate panels have a high level of quality and a relatively affordable price. In addition to direct flooring, the range includes many related accessories that additionally attract new customers.

Cost: from 845 to 1650 rubles/sq.m.

Egger laminate

Advantages:

• A huge selection of design proposals and different product formats;
• The range includes waterproof collections;
• The panels can be laid not only on the floor, but also on the walls.

Flaws:

• High price;
• There are defects associated with key connections.

The Kastamonu company is a large holding that includes quite a few countries, such as Turkey, Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, Herzegovina, Bosnia. In order to make Kastamonu products more accessible to Russian consumers, full-cycle production facilities were opened in Yelabuga. Thanks to the quality compliance with European parameters and the use of innovative technologies, the products quickly found their adherents among Russian buyers and firmly took positions in all ratings.

Cost: from 509 to 850 rubles/sq.m.

laminate Kastamonu

Advantages:

• Environmental friendliness of products;
• Acceptable price;
• Good quality.

Flaws:

• Not a very wide range of decorative offers;
• There are defective panels.

The best laminate manufacturers in Europe

A German manufacturer with half a century of experience and history behind it. It stands out among others by using unique technologies in the manufacture of its products. Of the large and varied assortment, I would especially like to highlight the Elesgo collection, which has several distinctive features:

1. The manufacturer specified especially dense fiberboard (about 900 kg/m3) as the main layer of its laminate panels, which guarantees long-term operation without defects and possible breakdowns.
2. The series is highly environmentally friendly; its formaldehyde level is approximately the same as that of natural wood.
3. Testing has shown super resistance to mechanical stress, that is, the service life is quite long.
4. Considering the density of the laminate panel and the use of innovative technology in the connection, the assembly of the coating is very simple and easy, quite affordable in order not to involve specialists. In addition, if necessary, dismantling and subsequent reinstallation is possible.
5. The main difference was the use of acrylate resins as a protective impregnation on the decorative layer of the slabs, which significantly reduces evaporation harmful substances, gives an antistatic effect, increases resistance to direct sunlight and the influence of household chemicals.

Cost: from 1228 to 2688 rubles/pack (2.27 sq.m.).

HDM laminate ELESGO

Advantages:

• Beautiful shiny appearance with mirror effect;
• Innovative locks are used, which are additionally coated with a special wax impregnation, which increases the ability to protect against moisture;
• Mechanical stability high level, scratch protection.

Flaws:

• Given the glossy surface, special care is required.

A huge German concern with a full cycle production: the wood is grown independently, then processed and distributed for sale throughout the world. Kaindl products, known throughout the globe, have gained the greatest popularity in the USA, Canada, and many European countries.

Cost: from 880 to 1849 rubles/sq.m.

Kaindl laminate

Advantages:

• Wide range and large design selection;
• Reliability of the base layer in the structure;
• Long warranty period (about 30 years).

Flaws:

• High cost, not affordable for everyone.

The Belgian industrial corporation Spanolux SA specially created a separate division for the production of laminate as a promising coating. A full production cycle was gradually developed, which made it possible to create a high-quality and environmentally friendly product with excellent parameters and characteristics: for example, the wear resistance of all collections of class 32-34 with a panel thickness range of 7-12 mm. The prices for the products produced are quite high, but they fully correspond to the declared quality.

Cost: from 978 to 2114 rubles/pack.

laminate Balterio

Advantages:

• Large selection of laminate board sizes;
• Variety of assortment;
• Several locking systems are used in connection technologies.

Flaws:

• Expensive;
• Due to its popularity, there is a danger of buying a fake.

The company is the founder of the production of this flooring. Pergo was the first to produce laminate boards back in 1979. Swiss quality requires the strictest control over products at all levels of production. The use of our own new technologies is actively developing.

Cost: from 794 to 2240 rubles/sq.m.

laminate Pergo

Advantages:

• The top layer is made using the TitanX system, which allows you to significantly increase the level of protection against abrasions, scratches, shocks and the effects of light.
• High environmental friendliness of products;
• The manufacturer guarantees long-term operation without visible defects for up to 25 years.

Flaws:

• There is a big risk of buying a fake;
• There are no budget lines in the assortment; the cost of all collections is quite high.

Laminate manufacturers carefully monitor the quality of their products. Given the growing popularity of flooring, competition is also intensifying. This is what obliges us to update our range and introduce innovative technologies. The consumer has a huge choice, both in price, parameters and quality.

Laminate is a modern and popular material that is becoming increasingly in demand in the decoration of any premises. But the choice on the market is simply huge, so it is often difficult to determine which company’s laminate is better. The rating of manufacturers compiled by us will help you navigate the wide range offered by brands from different countries.

Selection rules

Laminate is a material that, in addition to its attractive appearance, is also distinguished by many advantages that manifest themselves during operation. Let us note the most popular characteristics that play an important role when choosing this finishing material:

1. Durability. Perhaps this is the most important feature that interests every buyer. It should be noted that the products of the best manufacturers can last about 25 years. If we were to make a rating of manufacturers based on this particular characteristic, the laminate brand from Belgium Quik Step would become the undoubted leader: the service life of this company’s material is 25 years.
2. Panel thickness. This indicator directly affects the durability of products. consists of layers that form the overall thickness of the boards. It is clear that the stronger the coating, the longer it will last.
3. Ease of installation. This factor plays an important role for those who plan with their own hands. Again, if you make your rating of manufacturers based on this parameter, Quik Step laminate will again be among the leaders, since it is all based on patented systems of locking elements.

Europe, Russia...

Today, the market offers products from manufacturers from different countries. She earned a variety of reviews. At the same time, laminate from Russia and European countries is traditionally considered one of the best, however, there are also quite a lot of good reviews about material of Chinese origin.

But the leader in the production of this finishing material is Germany. Products from the brands EGGER, Kronotex GmbH&Co, KronoFloring, Classen are deservedly included in our rating of manufacturers. The laminate they produce is of high quality. But more on that later. Note that among the advantages of German-made material, buyers note a variety of designs and a high level of moisture resistance.

Materials Russian production remain one of the most popular, worthy competition for Germany. Enterprises in our country today are equipped with all the necessary equipment, thanks to which it is possible to produce high-strength fiberboard. "Baudorf", KRONOSPAN, Kronostar - the most popular Russian manufacturers laminate The rating that we present below also consists of the products of these brands.

...or China?

What do Chinese brands offer? It is believed that most products from the Middle Kingdom do not meet the requirements of the standards. But in terms of laminate production, this country is still gradually regaining its position. Thus, laminate of the Basep brand is produced here, the head office of which is located in the USA.

Note that this laminate meets water resistance class 33 and has a thickness of 8 mm. At the same time he answers everyone necessary requirements products that Chinese laminate manufacturers are ready to offer.

The rating of quality materials can be safely compiled taking into account brands such as the above-mentioned Basep or Kexin floor. The laminate of this brand is created taking into account both regional and international standards and is produced using the highest quality equipment. In any case, we can say that with a competent approach it is easy to find material that meets the necessary requirements.

Rating of laminate manufacturers: review of customer demand

Analysis of customer reviews allowed us to create a rating that included people from different countries. In their opinion, the following manufacturers can safely be included in the top five best and most economical. We will try to briefly characterize their products along the way.

First place - Kronostar (Russia)

Laminate flooring of this brand can be purchased at a price of 350 rubles per 1 sq. m. m. According to buyers, this is the most versatile option for finishing premises for any purpose.

Its distinctive features include resistance to abrasion and moisture, as well as heat. The named floor coverings meet environmentally friendly requirements, as they are created exclusively from natural materials without adding any harmful components.

We put the products of this particular company in first place when we compiled the rating of manufacturers - the laminate of this brand pleasantly pleases with a number of advantages.

Second place - Kronotex GmbH&Co (Germany)

This one offers to purchase laminate flooring at a price of approximately 480 rubles per 1 sq. m. m. It is believed that the material is ideal for finishing any premises, including bathrooms. The company offers whole line collections about which buyers have many good reviews:

1. MAMMUT. Here you can appreciate the perfect and authentic material, which has amazing decorative properties. Wide panels are made in noble shades that exactly replicate the texture of natural wood.
2. EXQUISIT. This collection delights with selected decors, which are distinguished by symmetrical embossing and matte surface gloss, as well as the most natural texture. The highest surface quality and especially wide panels are what the best laminate manufacturers offer.
3. The rating allows you to evaluate the DYNAMIC collection. In it, the brand has collected unusual designs that can withstand heavy loads. The material is ideal for creating an individual look for any room.

Third place - Kronospan (Russia)

This brand offers you to evaluate one of the cheapest materials, which, nevertheless, is ideal for finishing residential and non-residential premises. But despite the cost-effectiveness, we decided to include the products of this brand in the quality rating of laminate manufacturers.

These materials are ideal for finishing any room, from the hallway and living rooms to rooms with high levels of humidity. For production, the company uses high-quality materials, which are processed at own equipment. Customers talk about what the brand offers wide choose decorative and color solutions, although there are only four series of laminated coatings in the range:

• Castello Dubrava (Class 32 AC4);
• Castello Click (Class 32 AC4);
• Kronofix+ (31 AC3);
• Comfort (class 31 AC3),

Fourth place - Classen (Germany)

The collections of laminated panels from this German brand delight with a variety of unusual decorative solutions. Modern brand focuses on the environmental friendliness of the raw materials used, a high level of design and the implementation of modern developments in production. Thanks to all this, the final products are of the highest quality.

Cost of one square meter of the said laminate is 470 rubles.

Fifth place - KronoFloring (Germany)

It is no coincidence that this company was included in the ranking of the best laminate manufacturers: it is the company that offers non-standard solutions, primarily related to surface design. Thus, among all brands, this one attracts attention with its unique surface and laminate structure. They ultimately create a feeling of infinity of design due to seamless transitions of decor and structure.

The best in the mid-price segment

For this parameter, we decided to create a separate rating of laminate manufacturers. Top companies offer products designed for a wide range of financial capabilities of customers. The top three laminate manufacturers at market average prices include:

1. Tarkett. The certified products of this European concern, according to buyers, are universal, that is, they can be used to decorate premises for various purposes. But, on the other hand, it is noted that in some collections there are chipped materials, and installation is not always a simple process. But thanks to the high quality of the material, the presence of a layer with kraft paper and the T-gloss locking system, the laminate still deserves first place. The cost of one square meter of material is 600 rubles.
2. Classen (Germany). For 550 rubles/sq. m you can purchase laminate of this brand. Buyers say that it is ideal for finishing country houses and has a high level of resistance to various external influences.
3. KronoFloring (Germany). We have already written about the products of this brand. We only note that you can buy laminate flooring for an average of 500 rubles per sq. m. m of material.

Premium class: choosing the best laminate

The quality rating is an opportunity to competently approach the choice of finishing materials for your own home. We decided not to ignore elite-class products and offer our rating, which includes high-quality laminate manufacturers:

1. Quik Step (Belgium). One square meter of material costs from 1000 rubles. In addition to strength, surface reliability and aesthetics, it is popular due to its special system for connecting elements without glue and ease of installation. Service life is about 25 years.
2. Tarkett (European concern). A square meter of laminate costs 880 rubles. It is believed that the material is ideal for decorating living rooms due to its unique design capabilities.
3. Pergo (Sweden). Laminate of this brand can be purchased at a price of 830 rubles. for 1 sq. m. Moisture resistance, the presence of an antiseptic layer with silver ions, a special scratch protection system are the distinctive features of the product.
4. EGGER (Germany). The cost of one square meter of laminate flooring is from 650 rubles. According to customers, the brand offers the most noise-insulating products, due to high-strength HDF boards at the base and a unique locking system.
5. Balterio (Belgium). This material, according to buyers, is one of the most luxurious in terms of price, sophistication and style. High surface quality is ensured by special processing of the top layer with the most precise adherence to decorative effect.

We talked about medium and high quality products. Of course, many buyers like premium laminate, but finishing very large rooms when choosing such products turns out to be too expensive. Therefore, for those who prefer to save money, it is better to evaluate laminate at more affordable prices - it is offered by brands such as KRONOSTAR or Kronotex GmbH&Co.

In any case, when choosing, you should not focus on affordable price, but on the quality of the coating so that it lasts as long as possible.

Today the construction market provides a wide selection of laminates, it is very difficult to make right choice. Be sure to consider the laminate quality rating in your choice. It is important to know that modern and quality material won't be cheap.

The quality of a floor covering is not only about bend testing and assurance of durability. A good appearance is no less important, since the laminate must match the overall interior of the entire room.

A high-quality laminate in an apartment serves not only as decoration, but also as a good floor covering.

The rating not only evaluates the quality of the material, but also helps in choice.

If you do not adhere to installation technology, even the highest quality laminate can easily be ruined.

This flooring is popular due to its name, from Latin “laminated”, which means “layered”.

Worth mentioning Since ancient times in construction, in order to achieve high quality of any coating, multilayer structures were used. This is not without reason, since they are the ones who give high quality to the material.

Laminate structure

The quality of laminate is hidden in its four layers

• The lowest layer stabilizes the entire structure, performs a protective function, and protects the boards from deformation. It is the bottom layer that gives the necessary strength. The quality of the board and its cost will increase noticeably if you add another layer to the bottom layer for good sound insulation. If you are offered an option with an out-of-the-ordinary cost, be sure to check whether there is another layer of sound insulation underneath.
• The second layer is called the load-bearing layer, it is the basis of the board. This component is made from fiberboard (high-density fiberboard). Grooves are cut out in this layer for subsequent fastening of the boards together. Fiberboard has long been known for its excellent heat and sound insulation. Due to the high density of this layer, good protection against moisture appears.
• The third layer is decorative; with its marble, stone or wood pattern, it provides the external impression of the material.
• The finishing layer itself contains melamine or acrylic resin, both types are designed to protect the coating from mechanical stress and abrasion. The wear resistance class depends on the quality of this layer. Today, a modern solution is to create this layer in relief to imitate the irregularities of all kinds of materials, primarily wood.

This is not at all typical for plywood, but a high-quality laminate with imitation of plywood incidents only adds charm to the appearance of the coating.

Classification that determines the quality of the material

In the late 70s, the Swedish company Pergo provided the world with this material; most likely, representatives did not even suspect what a breakthrough they had made in the construction industry. Everyone quickly liked the laminate.

After certain improvements in manufacturing technologies and layer composition, this floor covering captured the whole of Europe, then the East. The rapid introduction of laminate has its drawback - there is no strict classification of the quality of the material, generally accepted by all.

All manufacturers agreed on only one unity of classification at the highest level.

• For commercial use. The ideal quality of the material is guaranteed for up to 6 years.
• For residential premises. The service life of the laminate in this case is at least 10 years. The characteristics of the material do not indicate the scope of application, but a warranty period of 10 years is given, this is an indicator of the intended purpose of the laminate for housing.

Then in Europe they developed a whole system of 18 tests, they, in turn, determine the quality of the laminate, this is very important, since it determines how long the material will retain its appearance when exposed to various loads.

Thanks to testing, the following European quality classes are known:

• 31 is a low abrasion rate; this laminate is recommended for use only in offices with a light load on the floor. This class will last no more than 3 years. If you decide to use it at home, this type of flooring is suitable for storage rooms and bedrooms. large beds. It’s very strange, but the 31st class of laminate is the most popular in Russia according to the rating.
• 32nd class, in this case the service life increases to 5 years in offices, up to 15 years at home. According to the obtained indicators, this class of laminate is the most suitable option flooring for any room.
• Class 33 is intended for offices where there is a large influx of visitors. This floor will last for at least 6 years. If such flooring is used for a home, some manufacturers even give a lifetime guarantee; the appearance does not change throughout its entire service life.

The construction market produces a wide variety of possible colors, even inexpensive and high-quality laminate.

• Class 34, this flooring is designed for constant loads. This type of laminate quality is not even officially mentioned in the European standard EN 13329.
• Class 21 laminate is intended exclusively for home use; the cost of such material is low. Typically, such material lasts no more than 2 years, so it is not surprising that it is practically absent from quality ratings, and in Russia it is completely absent.
• Class 22 is similar in all respects to class 21, only in this case the service life is doubled.
• Class 23 laminate is intended for residential premises, service life is approximately 6 years. Despite this, this class began to gradually disappear from the shelves of construction supermarkets. The only thing that remains in Russia are the echoes of the boom 10 years ago; in this part of the world, class 23 was actually considered the most popular, probably more due to inexperience.

It is worth clarifying that classes 21, 22 and 23 are not issued everywhere around the world. In addition, the USA uses its own system for assessing the quality of laminate flooring; it was developed by the North American Laminate Flooring Manufacturers Association.

The laying rules are as follows: you cannot place the seams in one line, always try to place them in a checkerboard pattern, you can even make a pattern from the seams.

The classes listed above are largely conditional in nature, which is why confusion often occurs. Thus, in Europe they often use in parallel the qualities of AC as the wear resistance of the finishing layer.

The approximate ratio of the AC system and the listed classes is often used as follows:

• 31st class - ASZ, used for home;
• 32nd class - AC4, intended for homes with heavy loads, or for offices with low loads;
• 33rd - AC5 and AC6, used in offices with heavy load.

Helpful Tips:

• This lack of strict classification is often used by Chinese manufacturers. Now you know how to distinguish Chinese laminate from a European product.
• Pay attention to the indicator, if the 33rd class is indicated, but there is no AC mark, or it is AC-4 or AC-3, we can safely say that this product is from China.
• Don't be surprised that flooring of the same class behaves completely differently.

Rating from life

Laminate flooring cost rating

Based on one of the studies, we compiled a rating of laminate flooring, which is considered the most popular in terms of cost.

Price is another indicator of quality:

• up to 350 rubles per square meter. Economical quality, demand among consumers 17%;
• from 350 to 700 rubles, basic quality, maximum demand is 46%;
• 700 - 1300 rubles, this is the average price range for flooring, the average percentage of demand is 22%;
• 1300 - 2000 rubles is considered the upper range. 11% of consumers give preference to this laminate;
• the cost is above 2000 rubles per square meter, an extremely high range. This type of laminate is usually called “Lux”.

You can assemble and lay the laminate flooring yourself. The photo shows one of two methods, installation using structural grooves.

Before purchasing laminate panels, carefully consider all the various offers on the construction market, because prices fluctuate greatly, so make the right choice.

Make your own price list, consider the ratings of all companies and choose the right option.

Correct installation laminate involves the use of special devices that provide better joining of the flooring strips.

Rating of companies as an indicator of quality

Whatever one may say, advertising does its job; it often happens that the consumer buys material that is not of very high quality, but simply advertised. If you look from the other side, the law of large numbers works well in this case, especially with mass demand and good quality.

This article provides an opportunity to consider the rating of laminate production companies that are considered the most popular on the Russian market:

1. Tarkett - Tarkett - 18 units of demand among buyers, and, consequently, quality. Tarkett holds the position of leader in the laminate flooring category;
2. Quick Step - Quick Step - 10 - this Belgian company manages not only to maintain a professional cycling team.
3. Kronostar - Kronostar - 6;
4. Millennium - Millennium - 6;
5. Floorwood - Floorwood - 6;
6. Balterio - Balterio - 5;
7. ArtHoltz - ArtHoltz - 4;
8. eFLOOR - eFLOOR - 4;
9. Kindl - Kaindl - 4;
10. Vitex - Witex - 2;
11. Aberhof - Aberhof - 1:
12. Alloc - Alloc - 1;
13. Parador - Parador - 1;
14. Pergo - Pergo - 1;
15. Proteco - Proteco - 1;
16. Russian Laminate - 1, this manufacturer is one of the few in Russia;
17. Sinteros - Sinteros - 1;
18. Egger - Egger - 1;
19. Aqua Step - Aqua Step - 0:
20. Berry Floor - 0.

Conclusion

Before giving preference to one or another choice, be sure to consult with friends and acquaintances. If possible, seek advice from experienced craftsmen. You can also ask questions to salespeople at hardware stores. A little research is needed here.

Develop a small plan for yourself; it is important to know the exact area of ​​​​the room in order to determine the required amount of flooring. Decide on the amount you are willing to spend on purchasing laminate flooring.

Sometimes it's very difficult to choose well flooring so that it lasts long enough, and knowledge of 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 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. The budget option, which can withstand the smallest number of revolutions, which we mentioned earlier, has the designation 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, remains at the level of the last value. As for the most durable classes 32 and 33, 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 applied to the back side.

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 budget models a lower level 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 last 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 wardrobe or bed. However, it is imperative to follow the installation rules, even if they require a cork base rather than polyethylene foam. The Alloc company occupies approximately the same level, the same one whose development became a laminate of class 34, 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 also includes the 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, which is different 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 people 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 with, 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 a rather unique ELESGO technology, 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, getting to know 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's important to remember that everything famous manufacturers laminate companies 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.