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What does an ordinary person, far from construction and decoration, pay attention to when choosing a laminate? First of all, the design and cost. But only these criteria cannot be dispensed with - it is necessary to evaluate the quality of the material so that the floor covering does not lose its appearance after a few months. About which laminate is better to choose for an apartment, and we'll talk in this article.
A good floor covering must meet many requirements. These include wear resistance, durability, undemanding maintenance, moisture resistance, beauty, environmental friendliness, etc. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a laminate according to the parameters that are most important to you.
To make it easier for you to navigate huge number suggestions and managed to distinguish high-quality material from obvious hack-work, carefully read the information below and watch the video.
How to determine the quality of a laminate
Everyone knows that laminate flooring is divided into classes according to its wear resistance. If the laminate brand starts with the number 2 (21, 22, 23), it is considered suitable for domestic use, and if from the number 3 (31, 32, 33, 34), then for commercial.
However, almost no one today buys household laminate for their home, preferring to pay more, but not change the flooring after a couple of years. Yes, and in stores there are products mainly for commercial purposes, which are in great demand.
But is it worth relying only on the labeling indicated on the packaging, or do you need to pay attention to other criteria? Of course you do. In addition to high wear resistance, the laminate must be scratch resistant, durable, and moisture resistant.
wear resistance
To determine the class of a laminate, its top layer is subjected to a special test: abraded with sandpaper until it collapses. The more turns required for this, the class of the protective layer is considered higher.
When deciding which class to choose, preference should be given, of course, to a higher one, especially if the laminate will be laid in high traffic areas. But for a bedroom or living room, you can choose a laminate of 31-32 classes.
However, when you come to the store, you will find that the laminate of the same class, produced by one manufacturer, may cost differently. What's the catch?
It's all about the protective film.
With all this, a higher price also cannot be a guarantee of good quality, but we will talk about this a little later.
Note.
When deciding which class of laminate to choose, you should be guided by what load the coating will experience.
Laminate of 33 and 34 classes is designed for rooms with very high traffic, and in residential buildings it is enough to lay a coating of 31 or 32 classes.
Scratch resistance
This indicator does not depend on the class of the laminate, but on the presence of a protective film of corundum in the composition. For example, a Grade 32 laminate has a thinner protective layer than a Grade 33 laminate.
But if it is reinforced with corundum, then there will be much less scratches on it. Accordingly, the cost of a laminate with a lower class may be higher.
Conclusion. If you need a laminate with a durable surface that can withstand kids scooter racing and dancing in heels, look for a floor with a more durable protective layer for your apartment.
Strength
We are talking about the mechanical strength of the laminate panel itself.
As you know, it consists of several layers:
- Top - protective film, which we talked about above.
- Under it is placed paper with an image printed on it.. This layer is responsible for the design of the laminate.
Simply put, this is a photographic image or drawing that gives the flooring the appearance of a natural board, marble, ceramic tile, etc. - The bottom layer is called the stabilizing layer.. It is a paper impregnated with a water-repellent composition.
- Between them is the base of the laminate: MDF or HDF board. It is she who is responsible for the strength, which depends on two parameters - the density and thickness of the plate.
When deciding what thickness to choose a laminate, you should not save on it: a few millimeters will not affect the height of the room, but the coating will withstand any load.
As for density, this indicator is even more important. The higher it is, the stronger will be the locking connection of the panels to each other, and the less the risk of gaps between them.
For reference. A high-quality laminate must have a density of at least 900 kg/cu.m.
moisture resistance
You are mistaken if you think that moisture resistance is important only for those coatings that are used in rooms with high humidity. serve concrete floors or cement screed.
Condensation forms on these surfaces in humid weather or sudden changes in temperature, which is detrimental to any floor coverings containing wood.
If you choose a laminate for a dacha that is not heated in winter, or for a bathroom, then it should no longer be moisture resistant, but waterproof, and withstand water for 3-6 hours.
What makes laminate flooring moisture resistant?
- First of all, the composition of the plate - the basis of the laminate. In her less tree and more bonding resin, not susceptible to moisture.
- Increased panel density- they are made by pressing under strong pressure to remove the smallest air bubbles from them.
- Treatment of locks with wax or other moisture-repellent compound.
Important!
Unscrupulous manufacturers sometimes apply wax to the ends of the laminate just to mask the errors in the interlocks.
Such a laminate is difficult to install, and over time it may begin to creak.
Geometric parameters
What else to pay attention to?
- Pattern repeatability. If you decide to buy a laminate imitating natural board, then the most reliable coating is given to panels in which the pattern is rarely repeated.
After all, no board is similar to another either in color, or in the number of rings or in the size of knots. Of course, everyone has their own preferences: someone likes the frequent repetition of the pattern, but it immediately indicates that the coating is not natural, but artificially created.
If it is important for you to create a natural look, then the photo decor should be repeated as little as possible.
For reference.
The most plausible is the laminated coating of European manufacturers: the minimum pattern repeatability is 1/7.
While Chinese laminate may not have any differences between different panels at all or have a repeatability of 1/3.
- decorative relief. To make the laminate look even more like natural materials, manufacturers use a technological technique such as embossing the top layer.
As a result, the surface acquires a convex relief that repeats the structure of natural wood, stone or tile.
Note.
Which laminate to choose - glossy and smooth or with decorative embossing - is a matter of your taste.
But the latter is more practical, since footprints and water stains are not so noticeable on it, and the embossed surface has an anti-slip effect.
- The presence of a chamfer. Today, laminate with beveled edges is very popular, as it looks the most believable, one hundred percent imitating a plank floor.
But chamfers play not only a decorative role, they significantly extend the life of the coating. If a laminate without a bevel can swell at the joints when exposed to moisture, then a groove along the edge greatly reduces this likelihood.
In addition, the laying instructions for beveled laminate allow for less thorough preparation of the base surface than for conventional laminate. The difference in the floor surface may not be 2 mm, as usual, but 5-6 mm for every 2 meters of surface.
For reference.
The chamfer can be located only along the long sides or along the entire perimeter of the panel and have different depths and widths.
But even the deepest grooves do not make cleaning difficult - dirt and dust are removed from them without problems.
Laminate brand
We have an opinion that the products of popular brands are not much different from similar products of little-known manufacturers, but at the same time they are unreasonably expensive.
This is not entirely true. These brands become popular for a reason, but because they easily withstand competition, releasing only high-quality and safe products for people's health. And it is not a pity to pay for it.
Priority - environmentally friendly coatings
If you are thinking about which brand of laminate is better to choose, then first of all ask about the country of manufacture and whether the manufacturer is a member of EPLF - the European Association of Laminate Manufacturers.
The fact is that in Europe there are more stringent standards regarding the environmental friendliness and safety of floor coverings, the use of phenol-formaldehyde resins that are harmful to health in their production. These substances are used to reduce the cost of production not only of laminate, but also of furniture, chipboard, various plastics and other products.
In countries with less demanding requirements, manufacturers take advantage of this opportunity, so their products are distinguished by an affordable price. Often the quality of such a laminate is at a very decent level.
What can not be said about its safety, since the release of formaldehyde gas into the environment causes various diseases, including cancerous tumors.
Important!
A laminate that has class E1 according to European standards is considered safe. The content of formaldehyde in it is not higher than in a high-quality parquet board.
The most popular brands of laminate
You can't go wrong if you choose laminate by manufacturer.
Quality and safety are guaranteed by the following companies:
- quick step,
- BerryAlloc,
- pergo,
- Tarkett,
- laminate park,
- Balterio,
- Kronotex,
- Vario Clip,
- Parador,
- Skema,
- Haro,
- politics,
- faus,
- parkelam,
- wineo,
- Meister Werke,
- Kindl.
How to spot a fake
But even this approach to choosing a floor covering can let you down.
First, on construction markets fakes are often found, and secondly, even manufacturers of the listed brands of laminate can produce products in which the content of formaldehydes is exceeded.
Such a laminate is not sold in European countries, but it is well bought up in Russia and other less developed countries with low requirements for the composition of floor coverings. It is produced at factories of joint production and must have the appropriate marking indicating the possibility of sale only in these countries.
How can you tell if a laminate does not meet the safety requirements listed above?
- Low cost- the first and most obvious indicator of poor product quality. Even if you have been presented with all the necessary certificates, and they seem to inspire confidence in you, it is better not to purchase a cheap laminate.
- Open the package of laminate. If you smell a strong, unpleasant chemical odor, don't buy it. The only thing that a high-quality laminate can smell like is sawdust.
- If you have already bought flooring or even laid it on the floor, then even now you can find out how safe it is.
Just put a piece of the panel in water, and if after 15-20 minutes you feel the same pungent smell, it is better to get rid of such an acquisition.
Conclusion
We hope that our advice on choosing a laminate will be useful to you now or in the future, when you want to make repairs in your apartment. After all, comfort in the house depends not only on the positive visual perception of the interior, but also on how safe it is to be in it and how easy it is to maintain in its original form.
The modern market offers consumers a huge selection of flooring, which differs not only in price, but in its technical characteristics. How to choose a good quality laminate? To find the correct answer to this question, first you have to deal with the labeling of the material and its classification.
How is the class assigned?
Reference: The coating class determines the level of wear resistance of the material. It is from this parameter that the life of the floor and the intended use for various types of premises will depend in the future. For an objective assessment of the quality of the material, back in 1999, special standards were developed containing 18 tests. According to the results of which the coating is assigned a certain class.
To understand how to choose the right laminate, first of all, you need to decide on the coverage group: commercial or domestic. And only after that make your choice in favor of a certain class. To date, to assess the quality of the laminate, the material is checked according to 7 main parameters:
- moisture resistance;
- mechanical stability;
- heat resistance;
- pressure resistance;
- resistance to pollution;
- impact resistance;
- coating resistance to indentation.
Based on these qualities, the choice of laminate is made. For more information on classification, see the section below.
Material classification
After the laminate passes all levels of testing, it is assigned a class for the minimum test result. For example, if according to the results of the first 5 checks, the coverage corresponds to class 32, and according to the sixth - class 22, the material will be assigned class 22.
The choice of a laminate is a very responsible event, so before you take it, you should accurately determine the type of expected load. This is the only way to get a durable coating without overpaying money.
- 21 class. One of the most budgetary and short-lived floor options. It is intended for rooms where a serious load on the floor board is not provided. The service life of such material is small, as a rule, it does not exceed 3-4 years. Most often it is used for styling in bedrooms or offices. However, today flooring is rarely seen, because due to its low service life, it is not in special demand;
- 22 class. Perfect for installation in residential buildings and apartments with an average level of load on the floor surface. Often it is mounted in living rooms or children's rooms. For use in residential areas only. The service life is usually 4-5 years;
- 23 class. It is mounted in residential buildings and apartments with a serious level of load on the coating: kitchens, corridors or rooms where heavy furniture is installed. Term of use - up to 5 years;
- 31 class. As a rule, this laminate is not used without a backing, because it makes a lot of noise while walking on the floor. The floor is intended rather not for domestic, but for commercial premises, where the traffic is small. Despite this, the coating has better technical characteristics than any of the above household classes. It is mounted in meeting rooms or conference rooms. The thickness of the board is 7-8 mm. At the same time, the service life does not exceed 3 years, provided that it is used at commercial facilities, but in a residential area it will be about 12-13 years;
- 32 class. This floor is suitable for use in commercial facilities with an average level of traffic: offices and reception rooms, as well as office premises. The thickness of the board does not exceed 10-11 mm. The term of use is 5 years, but for a dwelling it is three times longer;
- 33 class. The most durable laminate that can be easily used in high traffic areas: cafes, bars, restaurants, showrooms, gyms and trade pavilions. The thickness of the board will be 8-12 mm, which will ensure at least 6 years of operation in commercial premises and about 20 years in a private house or apartment.
Varieties of lock systems
Which laminate is better to choose after you decide on the class of coverage? Next, you will need to think about the installation method, according to which to choose a laminate with a suitable locking system. Today, boards laid with glue are practically not used, since locks are much more practical and convenient. Using such a floor, you can not only quickly assemble all its elements, but also replace, if necessary, some of its parts.
For your information: In fact, the locking system is very convenient. For example, during the move, the floor can always be dismantled. At the same time, the dismantling process will not take much time and effort. In addition, all elements of the floor will remain intact, without any damage.
Laminate flooring manufacturers produce floors with different locks, but they can be divided into two categories based on how they work: Lock and Click:
- click system. This type of connection is collapsible. It is considered quite reliable and of high quality. Ideal for laying the floor by non-professionals, thanks to the ease of installation of the boards. During laying, two elements are joined at an angle of 45 degrees, and after light pressure on the board, it simply enters the groove;
- Lock system. AT this case a tongue and groove lock is used. This is a driven type of floor, so it will not be possible to simply dock the boards. To lay such a coating, a spike protruding from the second is inserted into the groove located on one board. When docking two elements, you need to tap the boards with a rubber mallet.
Which laminate to choose with a very limited budget? In such a situation, the only way out is to purchase an adhesive-based floor. However, to mount it, you will have to seek help from professionals. All panels are interconnected with glue, which is applied to the ends. Of course, the hassle with the installation will be much greater than in the case of castle coating options. But even here there are advantages: the use of glue eliminates the possibility of moisture getting under the floor, so the material is more moisture resistant.
Substrate types
Which laminate to choose? In fact, the technical characteristics of the floor largely depend not only on the type of the board itself, but also on the type of substrate. After all, with its help you can achieve additional heat and sound insulation.
Substrate types:
- Cork. It has excellent thermal insulation properties. It keeps its shape well for many years. However, it should be borne in mind that condensation may form on such material if the coating is used in rooms with a high level of humidity. In such a situation, it is better to give preference to a material that includes bitumen or rubber. Such coatings serve for a very long time, in addition, they perfectly absorb;
- Foam. This substrate is the most affordable. At the same time, it has excellent moisture resistance. But she has one significant drawback - with prolonged use, it can lose shape and sag. It also reacts poorly to exposure to sunlight and high temperatures;
- Special. Relatively the new kind substrates. It retains its shape for a long time, does not contribute to the formation of condensate and has good heat and sound insulation. Its only drawback is its high cost.
What should be the thickness of the board?
It is also necessary to understand the thickness of the coating before choosing a laminate for a particular type of room. When choosing a coating, it is very important to take into account the thickness of the board, which can vary from 6 to 12 mm. And the thicker the floor, the better it is performance characteristics. For laying laminate in a private house or apartment, it is enough to purchase material with a layer thickness of 7-8 mm.
If the quality of the rough base leaves much to be desired, it is worth taking a board with a greater thickness. Then the floor will not be damaged during operation and will last for many years. However, if it is necessary to provide additional heat and sound insulation, it is worth taking a board with a thickness of 10 mm or more. Firstly, it will last longer, and secondly, it is much easier to lay it.
Formaldehyde class
This parameter is one of the most important, because human health depends on the amount of formaldehyde emitted into the atmosphere. Of course, volatile chemicals are contained even in wood, but the amount of formaldehyde in the laminate should not exceed the allowable rate. Some consumers who bought a floor without assessing this parameter complained of headaches and general fatigue. This is evidenced by customer reviews.
Important! To maintain your health and the health of your household, pay attention to the labeling. If there is an “E1” mark on the package, this means that the amount of formaldehyde is normal. Also about good quality coatings are marked with a mark of passing tests according to generally accepted standards EN13329.
The choice of flooring must be approached comprehensively. After all, not only the life of the laminate, but also the health of people living in the room will depend on the quality of the material. That is why, when assessing the quality of the material, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
- price;
- impact resistance;
- the level of emitted formaldehydes;
- pollution resistance;
- coverage class;
- moisture resistance;
- substrate type;
- decorative qualities of the surface.
Only with an adequate assessment of all these criteria, you will be able to make your choice in favor of the desired coverage, which will serve you for many years.
Laminate is one of the most popular types of flooring for residential and office space. With its help, designers create unique interiors filled with colors, an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. But if you dig deeper, it becomes clear: there are a great many varieties of such material on the domestic market. Next, we will consider which laminate is better to choose for the home and why different types of material are preferred for a particular room.
Laminate flooring is loved by the owners of country cottages and city apartments for the optimal price-quality ratio for which it is famous. Indeed, the cost that is currently being asked for laminated panels in the domestic market finishing materials, is quite consistent with the high performance parameters of such a finish.
However, this is far from the only plus of the laminate, which is worth voicing. A good laminate has such advantages as:
- high environmental friendliness, naturalness. The material is created using modern technologies, therefore it does not contain toxic components that can harm human health;
- wide variety of design, refinement of external aesthetics, high level attractiveness. Laminate flooring looks incredibly stylish and expensive. It can have different textures, surface effects, color solutions, therefore it provides residential interior designers with practically unlimited flights of fancy;
- long service life without loss of original characteristics. If the installation of the material is carried out in accordance with all norms and rules, the coating is resistant to impact and lasts up to 20 years;
- high rates of antistatic, resistance to moisture, ultraviolet radiation, scratches from the claws of pets;
- no need for careful care, processing protective equipment. The coating can be washed with a damp cloth, which is extremely important for families with children.
In other words, high-quality brands of laminate, skillfully selected for a particular room with its characteristic conditions, are optimal for residential premises. This is a reliable, durable floor covering, which certainly contributes to the fact that the house is filled with comfort and warmth.
But such materials have their drawbacks. Among the disadvantages of the laminate, it is worth voicing the following qualities:
- has poor thermal conductivity, so its installation must be carried out on a special substrate. And if the owner of the home certainly wants to have warm floors in his house, you will need to organize a floor heating system under the laminate. It can often take quite a decent amount of money to acquire and organize it, which increases the cost of repairs;
- installation of the laminated floor should be carried out on a flat base without significant deviations from the horizontal. A minimum level difference is allowed, which is smoothed out due to the presence of a special substrate between the base and the coating. Otherwise, the reliability of the panel connections will be broken, the locks will loosen, and the floor itself will inevitably begin to creak over time.
And how to choose a laminate for the house as successfully as possible, we will talk further.
Types of laminate for the home
Before answering the question of which laminate is better to choose for residential buildings, you need to understand the species diversity of such floor finishes. Modern manufacturers provide the market with a large selection of laminated panels of different quality, design, shape and installation method.
Regarding the design of modern laminate, its diversity will surprise even sophisticated connoisseurs of beauty. Manufacturers provide customers with a wide selection of original patterns and patterns, color shades and textures of laminated panels. So pick up good option can be used for any wall decoration and interior items present in the room.
Based on the material of manufacture, laminated boards are distinguished:
- classic based on HDF boards - characterized by high performance parameters, very common in the domestic market;
- cork based on natural cork, cork veneer, fiberboard and MDF board. High strength, natural, flexible;
- vinyl from polyurethane and polyvinylchloride. Very durable and resistant to moisture, so it is suitable even for the street. But it is extremely rare in our country.
Vinyl 
Based on HDF boards 
Suberic Laminated panels differ in the specifics of the surface, so they can imitate:
- wooden surface of a smooth type with barely noticeable dashes and pits on top layer, natural type with pores and patterns of a specific breed, waxed type with a refined sheen;
- aged wooden surface with noticeable smoothed irregularities;
- glossy finish;
- matte surfaces.
Glossy 
Matte 
Under the tree 
aged tree The shape of the laminate panels are:
- rectangular;
- square.
Square 
Rectangular By the type of interlock, laminated finish can be:
- with a Lock type lock - the panel is inserted into the groove of the previous panel and hammered for a secure connection;
- with a Click lock - a more modern option, when the panels are simply inserted one into the other and snapped into place.
Interlock types According to the degree of resistance to moisture, the following types of laminate are distinguished:
- non-moisture resistant - intended for living rooms, bedrooms, children's rooms;
- moisture resistant - additionally processed protective compounds, preventing the destructive effects of moisture, suitable for the kitchen;
- waterproof - intended for the bathroom, as it is not at all afraid of water.
Moisture resistance characteristics The most requested options are:
- classic under the tree - the panels are completely copied appearance natural wood with a characteristic pattern of a particular breed;
- leather avant-garde - many lovers of sophistication and non-standard interiors will be interested in flooring with crocodile skin design. it interesting option for office or spacious living room;
- metal shine - such panels are actively used to create high-tech interiors. This style implies the predominance of glass and metal parts in the room, so in this case it is very appropriate to use laminated metal-like panels;
- conciseness of the stone - a stone-like laminate coating provides a feeling of reliability, eternity. It looks very unusual and original, but in comparison with natural material, a laminate floor with a similar design is very comfortable even for bare feet in terms of its warmth;
- panels with children's designs are also very popular today and are used to decorate kids' rooms. They can have different patterns, be decorated with non-standard skirting boards, so they look very funny and interesting.
Children's 
Under the tree 
Under the stone 
under the skin 
Under the metal Division into classes
Based on the quality of the outer coating, laminated boards are divided into several classes, which indicate the level of their resistance to wear.
On the domestic market today, laminate panels of the following classes are presented in a wide variation:
- 21, 22, 23 - were originally created exclusively for residential areas where there is no high traffic: 21 and 22 for bedrooms and living rooms, 23 for kitchens. But practice has shown that they have too little margin of safety if they are made from cheap low-grade materials. And if they are of high quality, then they turn out to be too high in cost, therefore, over time, the use of such classes of material in residential buildings was abandoned;
- 31 and 32 are optimal for almost every living space: bedroom, living room, corridor, nursery, kitchen. So for the first three options, class 31 will do, and for the second and third it is better to choose class 32;
- 33 and 34 classes - relevant for use in rooms with increased level patency. That is, it is a more durable and wear-resistant option. It costs more, but lasts longer;
- 41, 42, 43 class - is not part of the official laminate classification, as it is not endowed with an international standard. It is often produced in small batches to order, as it is suitable only for industrial use, it is able to withstand high loads.
Which is better to choose depending on the room
Which laminate to choose and what to pay attention to the buyer? The main factor determining the choice is the purpose of the room in which it is planned to carry out repairs. It is necessary to analyze the conditions that are characteristic of it in order to understand what kind of operational parameters the laminate is needed here for finishing the floor.
Kitchen
The kitchen room is difficult in terms of the specifics of the selection of laminated boards for the floor. And if everything is simple with the coating design (be guided by your own taste and fashion trends of recent years), then you will have to think about the wear resistance class.
The kitchen is characterized by high humidity, food smells, splashes of fat and boiling oil from the stove. Therefore, for finishing floors, it is better to choose a laminate with a high degree of resistance to these aggressive factors (class 33 or 34).
Experts also recommend preferring plates with a chamfer, which will act as an additional protective mechanism to protect the panel joints from moisture. Finish strictly rectangular shape without recesses on the sides, moisture can completely spoil, leading to deformation of the plates. And due to the chamfer, the floor will retain its beauty and tightness of the joints. But to be sure, it is better to impregnate the joints of the plates after installation with a special mastic. Then neither water nor steam will spoil the beauty of the repair.
Bathroom
And if there is still a desire to use laminate in the bathroom, you will have to choose a waterproof laminate, moisture, condensate, and steam are not afraid of it. It is similar in performance to conventional tiles, but much warmer. Although we will not hide that this type of laminate is quite expensive. Experienced designers are advised to opt for a material with a textured surface that will not be slippery. This will increase the level of safety in the bathroom.
Living room, bedroom, children's
For rooms such as a spacious living room, a cozy bedroom or a colorful children's room, it's not just the good flooring design or the current level of impact resistance that matters. But a number of other characteristics of the laminate must be considered for such a space. For example, the level of sound absorption for a bedroom is one of the most important parameters in matters of comfort and coziness of this room. Therefore, the laminate, as well as the substrate for it, must be of high quality, which will reduce the likelihood of echo during walking. It will also save households from the risk of annoying panel creaking, which over time can occur with poor-quality flooring. You can pick up brands of laminate with a special soundproofing layer, but this is an additional expense.
Regarding the coverage class in living rooms of this type, then 31 or 32 classes are quite enough.
If it's about color scheme, then it is worth choosing it taking into account the size of the room. In bright and spacious living rooms, a laminate of all colors and shades is suitable. But for narrow bedrooms with unimportant natural lighting, it is better not to acquire dark colors. Here it is relevant to lay bright hues and place the panels across the room, which will visually expand it.
If we talk about the children's room, then such properties of the laminate as hypoallergenicity, safety, warmth are important here. It is good to organize a system of warm floors in combination with a laminated floor in such a room. Discard smooth panels, giving preference to roughness. This is a safer option for children's games.
Hallway
A hallway or corridor is characterized by a high level of traffic, contact with dirty shoes at the entrance to a house or apartment, and frequent washing of the floor in connection with this. For these reasons, a moisture-resistant laminate with a high wear resistance class is needed here. If the budget for repairs is limited, then take class 33. And if the funds are in abundance, it is better to prefer the 34th class of resistance.
Types of substrates
The selection of the substrate for the laminate is also important, but it can be different:
- cork is a natural material with high environmental friendliness, pleasant to the touch, does not rot, provides the floor with high shock absorption, correctly redistributes the load on the floor when walking. This option is optimal for the bedroom and nursery. But the main rule in this type of substrate is high quality, since low-quality cork will crumble;
- foamed polypropylene - it is not afraid of moisture, as it passes air through itself, providing excellent ventilation to the finish. It is able to successfully hide any unevenness of the floors, but it cannot be used with a high static load;
- polystyrene foam - used in case of serious loads on the floor covering. It has a long service life, provides excellent thermal insulation. But expanded polystyrene is combustible and is capable of releasing toxins when burned, so it is better to refuse it in a nursery or bedroom;
- coniferous substrate - provides sufficient ventilation to the floors, but is not very flexible;
- foil substrate - capable of creating the effect of a thermos, but quite expensive to sell.
Polypropylene 
foil 
Polystyrene 
Cork 
Coniferous Manufacturers
As practice shows, products from more well-known manufacturers are of higher quality and original design. This rule also applies to laminate, many try to choose it according to this principle. The following describes the most popular brands whose laminated panels are worth the attention of buyers in the domestic market.
| Manufacturer's name | Production localization | Product Advantages | Product Disadvantages |
| Quick step | Production is established in the Russian Federation and Belgium | Skillfully imitates the aesthetics of natural wood, an extremely durable and wear-resistant option (32 class is even more durable than 33 from other manufacturers), has a wide variety of textures, and a long service life. | High cost, limited colors in the 33rd class of durability. |
| Kindl | Austria | High environmental friendliness, high similarity with wooden parquet on external aesthetics, a thirty-year quality guarantee from the manufacturer. The FloorUp wall-mounted system is available, designed for wall mounting. | The higher the load level, the less the laminate lasts: from 30 to 5 years. |
| Berry Alloc | Belgium and Norway | It is a leader in world quality: it is maximally resistant to moisture, highly durable, and has been serving for more than 30 years. | Very expensive for its value. |
| Parador | Germany | Very original in design: a wide range of colors, a variety of textures, original effects. | Average in quality and service life, expensive in cost. |
| Balterio | Belgium | Has high technical parameters, varied design. | High cost, low scratch resistance. |
I went to a construction hypermarket for detailed advice on the types of laminate. Do you think you are satisfied? No, but they did an independent study and made a review.
How to choose a good laminate for an apartment?
The main material from which it is made good laminate, serves as fiberboard, providing flexibility and strength, allowing glue to penetrate deeply and easily into the structure of the material.
It consists of four layers:
- upper protective;
- decorative;
- HDF-plate;
- kraft paper.
The main parameters that will help you choose a good laminate for your home:
- Class;
- thickness;
- connection of locks;
- firm;
- design.
Types of laminate and its characteristics
- Question number 1: how to distinguish a safe material from a toxic one?
Answer: A good laminate is 90% natural because it contains wood components. 10% is toxic formaldehyde, therefore the laminate is determined by emission classes. There are four classes: E1, E2, E3, E0.
The most dangerous are E2 and E3.
E0 is an environmentally friendly and harmless class of laminate.
- Question number 2: how are laminates distinguished by wear resistance and loads?
Answer: distinguished by class:
- class 21 - laminate is suitable for places where they do not go, for example, for a bedroom (under the bed) or for a pantry;
- class 22 - laminate is more durable;
- class 23 - durable laminate, service life - from 4 to 6 years.
Laminate firm Pergo (Russia). On the left - natural oak laminate from the Living Expression 832 L1301-01731 series (grade 33); on right - dark walnut from the Living Expression series 832 L1301-03441 (Grade 33) - Question number 3: what is the class of office laminate?
The simplest - 31 class laminate: board thickness - from 6 to 10 mm; protective layer thickness up to 0.2 mm. Laminate is used for laying in rooms with a low load: for an apartment - children's rooms, bedrooms, pantries. Service life - no more than 5 years.
Laminate company Balterio (Belgium). Left - 307 Tennessee Oak (32 class); on the right - 619 Oak white oiled (32 class) The most popular among consumers is laminate class 32: the thickness of the board at the lamella is from 8 to 12 mm; protective layer thickness from 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. Apply laminate in apartments and offices. Service life - up to 10 years.
Class 33 has higher characteristics: board thickness - from 10 to 12 mm; the thickness of the protective layer is not less than 0.4 mm.
Manufacturers offer class 33 laminate (8 mm board thickness). Almost all material of this class undergoes mandatory treatment with water-repellent impregnation, which is why class 33 has better technical characteristics. Service life up to 20 years.
It can be laid in rooms with high humidity - in the kitchen or in the bathroom.
If you select according to the strength criterion, the best is laminate class 34, which is characterized by a lamella thickness of 12 mm (high), with a protective layer thickness of 0.6 mm. Production includes mandatory impregnation with antiseptic and water-repellent compounds.
They are laid in places with increased intensity of use - at airports, train stations, in public reception areas and high-traffic stores. Service life - at least a quarter of a century.
- Question number 4: if you need a laminate for the bedroom, which class is preferable?
Answer: 31 and 32.
Laminate company Quick-step (Belgium). Left - UF1157 Wall natural oiled oak (grade 32); right - UF915 White lacquered oak (grade 32) - Question number 5: what class of laminate to choose for a house (private)?
Answer: 31 or 32 laminate class will be optimal.
- Question number 6: how thick should the laminate in the apartment be?
Answer: the standard thickness is 6, 7, 8, 10, 12 mm.
IMPORTANT! Impact strength and sound absorption depend on the thickness of the laminate.
- Question number 7: what thickness of the laminate is better to choose for an apartment?
Answer: better - 6-7 mm. It can be thicker, but when buying and further laying, you should correlate the thickness of the laminate with the area of \u200b\u200bthe room.
IMPORTANT! The thicker the laminated board, the slower it will heat up.
- Question number 8: how to choose a quality laminate for a private house?
Answer: laminate is selected for all rooms in the house with different properties. For example, for a bathroom and a kitchen - with increased moisture resistance (class 33), for a nursery, for a living room and a bedroom - with increased strength of class 31 or 32, it is advisable to add a layer of sound insulation.
Laminate company Witex (Germany). Left - EI265P Salted oak (grade 33); right - EI315P Coastal oak (33 class) In the corridor and hallway - 33 and 34 class laminate, which are characterized by the highest wear resistance.
- Question number 9: how to choose a laminate for the house (moisture resistant)?
Answer: moisture-resistant laminate is a HDV-plate with a special moisture-repellent composition and increased density. When buying, you need to check if the manufacturer is a member of the EPLF association. Its members are:
- Yildiz Sunta;
- Vario Clip;
- Question number 10: what kind of laminate is there for connection locks?
- Lock-type locks (drive-in);
- click type;
- adhesive.
Rating 2017: the best laminate for an apartment
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
 |
Feature: a variety of textures and geometry of panels. |
 |
The company provides the longest warranty period, and the products are characterized by high quality, durability, increased wear resistance, light resistance, moisture resistance, different types clutch locks. Feature: patented Uniclick lock. |
 Pergo |
Elite class of materials. The company produces moisture resistant durable products. Feature: convenient locks Smart-Lock. |
 |
Feature: stylish models. |
 Egger |
Feature: Resin impregnation and soundproof backing. |
Types and varieties - which is better to choose a laminate?
Stylistic options (classification by design):
- classic tree (in the form of parquet / herringbone);
- leather imitation;
- with a metallic sheen (in the form of a tile);
- imitation natural stone(+ with a glossy surface;
- with designer prints.
- Question number 11: what standard size laminate?
Answer: from 126 cm to 138 cm.
Surface type:
- texture;
- standard;
- embossed;
- natural;
- aged;
- waxed;
- country;
- tree under oil;
- glossy.
- Question number 12: what is the quality laminate? How to determine?
Answer: each batch of laminate is determined by the following parameters:
- water resistance;
- wear resistance;
- indentation resistance;
- immunity to pollution;
- coating resistance to smoldering cigarettes;
- immunity to moving furniture (on rollers, including).
IMPORTANT! The best laminate is not the one that is in fashion, but the one that is moisture resistant, strong and durable. This one is best suited for underfloor heating.
Laminate - what is the best color to choose?
Dark wood laminate in the interior of the kitchen from Capital Building - Question number 13: how to choose the right laminate color? What are the most popular models?
Answer: The choice of laminate color depends on the following factors:
- the degree of illumination of the room: dark tones are not suitable for bright rooms, dirt and dust will always be noticeable on the surface;
- laminate can not be matched by color to match the wallpaper and baseboard;
- types of light wallpaper mean the laminate is a few tones darker;
- in small apartments you can not use a laminate of different colors;
- color interior doors should match the color of the floor, but if you don't want to make them the same, try a darker color scheme.
Light Wood Laminate Bedroom by Best Buy Flooring and Granite Suitable for oak floor. Types of patterns:
- antique oak;
- castell oak;
- old oak;
- smoked oak;
- smoky oak;
- select oak;
- oak cognac;
- topaz oak;
- kokua oak;
- milk oak;
- champagne oak;
- oak chateau;
- oak diamond.
Bright board in the interior of the kitchen from Danny Broe Architect Laminate: how to choose a functional coating?
- Question number 14: how to choose a laminate for a room?
Answer: when choosing, we evaluate:
- room parameters;
- style;
- color palette of the room;
- illumination.
Classic laminate board in the interior - Question number 15: how best to choose a laminate for the interior?
Answer: There are two main criteria:
- quality characteristics;
- decorative properties.
- Question number 16: which laminate to choose for the bedroom and what thickness?
- it is better to choose 31 or 32 class laminate, which will last a long time and has thermal insulation properties;
- choose thicker panels;
- decorative embossing not only plays a decorative role in the interior, but also has an anti-slip effect;
- from drawings and prints, it is better to choose a laminate with imitation of wood cuts.
- Question number 17: which laminate to choose for the kitchen and hallway?
Answer: a high-class laminate is suitable for the hallway, but not lower than 33. You can also consider a combination with tiles.
Glossy laminate board in the interior of the hall - Question number 18: which laminate is better for the kitchen?
Answer: the best in class, which involves assembly without a locking joint, that is, butt-to-butt. It should have increased resistance to rubbing, heavy loads, mechanical damage and moisture.
Dark Wood Laminate by Unique Spaces When choosing a laminate for the kitchen, pay attention to the models in the form of tiles. The service life of tiles is at least 10 years. Laying method: from the window, from the wall, in a diagonal way. A combination of styles and styling is possible.
- Question number 19: what class of laminate is best for the kitchen?
Answer: 33 class.
- Question number 20: how to choose a moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen?
Answer: choose 33 and 34 class.
- Question number 21: laminate for the corridor - which is better?
Answer: 32, 33 and 34 class.
- Question number 22: which laminate to choose for the hall?
Answer: 32 and 33 class with a thickness of at least 8 mm.
Light laminate board in the interior of the living room by Chris Snook - Question number 23: which laminate to choose for the living room?
Answer: the best choice for the living room - 31 and 32 classes. When installing, be sure to take into account the sound insulation layer. The floor covering should be combined in design with other elements of the interior: color window frames and platbands for interior doors.
- Question number 24: how to choose a laminate for a small living room?
Answer: three-strip laminate.
- Question number 25: how to choose a laminate in the nursery?
Answer: Laminate must be safe. Class 32 and 33 will do, which will withstand even cycling. The coating should be well washed and non-slip. We recommend Tarkett, Egger, Classen laminate.
Classic wood in the interior of the nursery - Question number 26: laminate for a summer residence - which one to choose?
Answer: choose an easy-care material, always wear-resistant.
- Question number 27: how to choose a laminate for the office?
Answer: the main quality of a laminate floor for an office is resistance to:
- abrasion;
- confusion;
- mechanical influences;
- exposure to ultraviolet;
- aggressive chemicals;
- the appearance of scratches, cracks, stains;
- pressure.
| Manufacturer's name | Country | Specifications and features |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Step | Belgium | High quality and durability; at the base - polyurethane, which increases the resistance to moisture; withstands heavy loads; resistant to damage, has a protective top decorative layer. Feature: Unique Uniclic lock. |
| Tarkett | Germany | High wear resistance and strength due to special HDF-plates; T-Lock lock system, which resists chemical, abrasive, mechanical stress; Each layer is treated with a special water-repellent impregnation. Feature: complies with international standards EN 13329, EN 14041(CE). |
| Kastamonu Floorpan | Russia | Environmental Safety; a wide range of colors and coating class; ease of installation; high resistance to abrasion, damage. Feature: possibility of installation on a heat-insulated floor. |
| Egger | Germany | High wear resistance and strength; ease of installation; practicality. Feature: subsequent laying in another room is possible. |
| Decorstep (Decorstep) | Russia | Waterproof; is made in the form of a homogeneous polymer product; has a porous structure; inside - air layers, which provide weight reduction, sound insulation, thermal insulation. Feature: used in rooms with high humidity, even at the bottom of the pool. |
| Kronopol | Poland | High strength and sound insulation; easy installation; durability; environmental friendliness; ease of care; resistance to fading and scratches. Feature: does not cause allergies. |
| Imagine Flooring | Germany | High wear resistance, resistance to mechanical damage, frequent friction; ease of installation; burnout resistance; ease of maintenance. Feature: Wide range of colors. |
| Taiga larch for flooring | Russia | High strength class; hardly flammable; resistant to low temperatures and moisture, scratches, chemical attack, sunlight; suitable for underfloor heating. Feature: Convenient click closure. |
Starting repairs in urban housing, owners often wonder which laminate is better to choose for an apartment, because the quality of the flooring will directly depend on its service life. Laminate makes it possible to make the floor not only beautiful, but also warm, easy to clean, and does not require periodic measures to restore the aesthetic appearance. There is a temptation to save money by choosing a floor with low load resistance, which is quite suitable for a bedroom. But what if there are small children in the house who play, run, strive to ride chairs or there are animals in the house? Will the coating withstand such tests? What manufacturers offer in this case, which brands are worth paying attention to.
Giving preference to the laminate as a floor covering, first of all, you need to study the inherent advantages and disadvantages of this material. To begin with, consider the positive aspects of the decision to choose a high-quality laminate for living quarters in an apartment:
- affordable price - unlike other floor coverings, this coating allows you to create the effect of natural wood at a relatively low cost;
- long service life - if the selected material was laid with high quality, then the floors will last up to 10 years - this is a serious period;
- ease of installation - all types of laminate can be laid on almost any base - heated floors, wooden floors, PVC. The main thing is that there are no sharp drops, otherwise you will have to additionally carry out operations to level the surface;
- material is environmentally friendly and safe. Does not collect dust, pollution, does not promote the growth of bacteria. Suitable even for a child's room;
- care consists in wiping with a damp cloth - there is no need to polish, scrape like parquet;
- high temperature resistant and flame retardant material. The proximity of a battery or a dropped cigarette will not harm him;
- resistant to mechanical stress. Furniture will not leave dents or scratches on it. Abrasion, pressure he does not care.
Now let's pay attention to the shortcomings of the material in order to choose a quality laminate for your home:
- to choose a laminate, it is necessary to take into account the intensity of operation of the premises in the apartment. It will not work to buy a single batch of material for the entire area at once if you want to save money;
- to lay the coating, you must first make sure that the surface is without drops. If the wooden floor chosen as the basis creaks, then it will have to be opened and strengthened or the floorboards changed. The laminate is laid on a dry, flat surface;
- material does not like high humidity. Joints will need to be treated with a special solution;
- violations in the laying technology can lead to the appearance of blisters and bubbles. Especially characteristic of the "floating" method;
- Laminate flooring can creak if laid on a poorly prepared wooden floor. A cork substrate is well suited as soundproofing;
- savings can only happen in the case of cheap varieties. Having given preference to a high-quality coating with a high degree of resistance to stress, you will have to fork out.
So, you need to select flooring for your apartment based on a whole list of checkpoints. If you still decide to give preference to laminate, study its types - after all, not all are designed for an apartment.
Types of laminate for an apartment
In the production of this type of coating, the upcoming loads are taken into account. Floor material is usually divided into two large groups.
Household laminate - this coating is not designed for high operational loads and is intended exclusively for residential premises. It is generally accepted that the service life of such material is about 5 years. Wear resistance is high, the pattern is protected from abrasion by a special layer, the panels do not deform under load. For underfloor heating, a special type of laminate is sold.
Commercial laminate - used in industrial and commercial premises with high traffic and high intensity of movement of furnishings. Such material has a longer service life. Laminate flooring is durable, wear-resistant, but also resistant to moisture. Comparing in quality and price, especially when there are small children or pets in the house, buyers, choosing a floor covering in an apartment, prefer the commercial option for residential premises. 
Types of laminate
These 2 groups can be purchased commercially. But there is another variety - the so-called premium class. This laminate is made to order and used in production facilities, warehouses and logistics centers. That is, a floor covering that can withstand not only a large number of people, but also light equipment or vehicles. An example of such a class 42 laminate can be seen at Sheremetyevo Airport. Naturally, it is not advisable to use it in an apartment. Well, unless you plan to drive around the apartments by car. There are other signs by which this flooring is classified.
lock type:
- driving (Lock) - the curly protrusion is connected to the notch by tapping with a rubberized mallet. Requires skill. During operation, it gradually loosens and may break;
- click is a more modern version. Does not require styling and tapping skills. Can be easily assembled and disassembled. During operation, it is more reliable than the first option.
Types of locks Lamella shape:
- rectangular (board) - the most commonly used form of laminate flooring. The length reaches 2 meters;
- square (tile) - does not require the use of a substrate. More expensive than the rectangular version.
Square 
Rectangular Panel design - there is a huge variety of solutions that are offered to customers. From the classic imitation of a wooden surface to stone, fabric and even reptile skin. Moreover, it is not only about color, the pattern, texture, and finish are imitated. You can, for example, purchase lamellas imitating "oak". But in one case, the surface will not just be rough, but with an imitation of the relief of wood fibers, and in the other it will be glossy, as if the floor was generously covered with a layer of varnish. Separately, there are designer collections when an original drawing is applied to the lamellas - maps of the seas, drawings of Leonardo da Vinci or images of favorite children's heroes.
Types of laminate by design, surface texture:
- wood - the surface perfectly imitates natural wood, and the styling resembles an expensive parquet board;
- leather is a great option for imitation leather for a living room or office. However, the cost of a “leather” laminate is far from affordable for everyone;
- metal - a laminated metal-like coating looks great in high-tech rooms;
- stone - if natural stone floors are distinguished by their coldness, then a stone-like laminate will decorate any living space;
- with prints and patterns - today you can find material with various patterns applied, which is especially convenient if you choose a floor covering for a children's room.
Under the tree 
Under the stone 
under the skin 
Under the metal 
With drawing The material differs in the texture of the top layer and among all the variety the following options can be distinguished:
- classical wooden surface- smooth to the touch material with barely noticeable dashes and pits that imitate the surface of wood;
- aged wood - a surface with specially created smoothed irregularities that create the effect of aged wood;
- gloss - with its help a shiny surface is created;
- texture - thanks to the wood fibers protruding to the surface, the effect of a natural material is created;
- relief - on the surface there may be small lines of depression, imitating the roughness of the tree;
- butterwood - smooth, matte laminate boards;
- waxed surface - effect massive board waxed;
- country - laminate in rustic style, which is perfect for Provence-style rooms.
Glossy 
Country 
Shea tree 
aged tree 
Raised Division into classes
In addition to types, laminate manufacturers divide it into classes, of which there are only 17. The marking indicating the degree of abrasion resistance starts at number 21 and ends at number 43. The higher, the more resistant the material is to stress:
- household laminate includes classes 21-30;
- commercial laminate - grades 31-34;
- laminate for industrial premises - 41-43.
The main criterion for assigning a material to a certain class is the thickness of the protective layer, which is the thicker, the higher the class.
However, it should be noted that the latest trends in interior decoration show that laminate with a wear resistance class of 31 and higher is increasingly being used for apartments. Consider the most popular categories for apartments.
| Laminate class | Characteristic | Suitable for |
| 21, 31 | Low load - low permeability of the premises in terms of the number of people, low intensity of external influence. | Bedroom, office, pantry. |
| 22, 32 | Medium load class 32 is optimal for the home. It has a moisture resistant finish. Not afraid of heels, a fallen cigarette. | Living room, children's room. |
| 23, 33 | High load 33 - for high traffic areas - bars, restaurants, gyms. Can be washed frequently, not afraid of heels and furniture legs. | Kitchen, dining room, corridor. 33 can even be laid in the bathroom. |
| 34 | Kitchen, bathroom, hallway, corridor. Practically eternal. | |
| 41 | Moderate load inside the production room. | Not used for apartments. Seating area. Rare use of light equipment. Assembly lines, installation, engineering shop. |
| 42 | Not used for apartments. At standing workplaces using light equipment or vehicles. Warehouses, logistics centers, workshops with electronic or automated assembly lines. | |
| 43 | High load inside the production room. | Not used for apartments. It is used in rooms with intensive use, with the active action of vehicles and equipment. Workshops, warehouses, large logistics hubs, factory production. |
What to look for when choosing
How to choose a laminate for an apartment, taking into account functional features rooms and operating load on the floor. Let's look at each case individually.
Kitchen
It is believed that laminate flooring is not the best choice for the kitchen, because this is a place with high humidity due to the formation of steam, water splashes and the prospect of spilling liquids. If the kitchen has a dishwasher and a washing machine, then it is worth adding to everything else the risk of flooding.
On the other hand, the presence of small children in the house creates a need to make the floor warmer. In this sense, the use of laminate is justified, especially considering that it allows the installation of underfloor heating.
If you choose between moisture resistant and waterproof, then the latter is much preferable in the kitchen. It is protected from water ingress and even if you spill something and the liquid flows into the joints, swelling will not occur. Experts recommend classes 32-33. They are not afraid of falling forks, spilled cups and splashes of fat. The floors will withstand the weight of the filled refrigerator and will serve faithfully for up to 15 years.
Bathroom
Want to step on bare feet it was nice and warm. But the bathroom is also wet. Here, the advantage of a waterproof laminate is obvious. If the moisture-resistant material of the HDF board is based, then the base of the waterproof laminate is polyvinyl chloride. Plastic will withstand even 100 percent water. In addition, such a laminate has a structure with special channels similar to PVC panels for heat and sound insulation. Additional installation of floor heating in the bathroom is not required.
The decorative layer has double protection from wear-resistant film. The laminate has high strength abrasion and impact resistant - scratch, drop heavy objects, nothing will happen. The best option for the bathroom would be a class 32-33 laminate, which is of high quality.
living rooms
How to choose a good laminate for living spaces? Since the bedroom is a room where traffic is quite low compared to the rest of the rooms in the apartment, then the best option class 31 material will become for it. It is on such a laminate that it is recommended to stop the choice if you are planning to install a warm floor system. However, if the bedroom during the day serves as a living room, an office, a nursery and a rest room for all household members, then you should give preference to a more durable flooring - class 32 laminate will be the very thing.
Which laminate to choose for an apartment with multifunctional rooms? Consider the load that constantly affects the coating - the weight of furniture, interior items. The thickness of the lamellas varies from 6 to 12 mm.
In addition, laminate flooring is quite noisy. When moving, you can hear the coating click. For a bedroom or nursery, such noises are unacceptable. Before laying laminate flooring, use cork underlays or expanded polystyrene sealant. They are dense and thick enough to reduce noise levels. 
Living room 
Children's 
Cabinet 
Bedroom
Hallway
This part of the apartment is subject to intensive loads due to high traffic. Residents of the apartment cross the territory of the hallway several times a day. Sand is applied from the street along with shoes, soil particles, which are no worse than sandpaper, have an abrasive effect on the floor covering. Simply put - scratch it. As in the kitchen, this room is exposed to high humidity. In rainy weather, water is brought from the street, and in winter, snow, which, when shaken off, melts, forming puddles on the floor. Of course, you can rely on a rug at the door, but a high-quality moisture-resistant laminate will still be a more rational solution.
Additional load factors are small children, pets and outdoor sports equipment. Dogs even when walking click their claws on the floor, cats try to periodically use floor coverings instead of scratching posts. And in a fit of games, furry pets release their claws, regardless of flooring. Athletes and children bring skis, skates, sleds from the street, which, with metal parts, can leave serious scratches and even potholes on the floor if the coating is not strong enough. Children during games can easily knock something over on the floor, which will cause the canvas to get scratches and dents.
Types of substrate for laminate
The choice of a laminate for an apartment is not everything, because in order for the lamellas not to make noise, to fit snugly against each other, and the floor to be sound and heat insulating, you need to choose the right substrate for the laminate. Consider what the construction market offers.
Cork backing - natural, eco-friendly material, expensive. By production the pressed crumb of an oak bark is used. The material may also include additions of rubber or bitumen. The material is durable, practically does not press under loads, provides high heat and sound insulation. Best of all smoothes out unevenness of the rough base of the floor. Among the shortcomings: the cork is afraid of moisture and is unsuitable in case of installation of a heated floor. For the bathroom, kitchen, hallway - definitely not. For children's rooms, living rooms, playrooms - an excellent choice. 
Cork
Polyethylene foam underlay is an option for those who want to save money. Depending on the foaming method, they are divided into several types, but the characteristics are generally similar. Resistant to moisture, low thermal conductivity, do not react with chemicals are inert to bacteria. It is convenient to work with them. As for the disadvantages, polyethylene foam is short-lived, loses its shape over time and is sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Good for laying on a wooden base in a room with high humidity. 
Polyethylene foam
The expanded polystyrene substrate has two layers - the actual expanded polystyrene and foil. There are substrates from a single layer. It is easy to lay such a substrate, it is affordable, it hides minor defects in the base well. Sound insulation is good, compatible with underfloor heating. Among the shortcomings - during operation there is a chance of losing shape. 
Styrofoam
