What is an art laminate, its varieties and laying rules
A beautiful floor is the decoration of any home. It sets the tone and emphasizes the style of the entire interior, creating an atmosphere of comfort. Today the market offers innovative finishing materials combining naturalness, high technology and possessing excellent technical characteristics.
The art laminate has appeared recently and is very popular among both builders and apartment owners. Natural textures and shades, a huge variety of drawings allow you to create a unique and elegant floor - a symbol of home comfort. An additional value to this laminate is the possibility of easy and quick independent laying.
Content
What is an artistic laminate, a production method
A layer of paper with a pattern imitating wood of various species is applied on top of a wood-fiber panel. On the front side, the board is covered with acrylic resin for durability, and on the back - with a protective film of the side for water resistance.
The multilayer cake is sent under the press, where a strong panel is formed under pressure. Special microfascals create the illusion of typesetting parquet. On the side of the panel is a lock that holds the elements together.
This material has the following advantages:
- increased density and strength, resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage, weight loads. Manufacturers give a guarantee for their products up to 20 years;
- does not require additional processing (hinging, varnishing, gluing);
- environmental friendliness and fire safety, hypoallergenicity;
- ease and speed of laying, tight joining of elements and integral coating;
- the ability to repeatedly replace individual panels without disassembling the entire coating;
- withstands wet cleaning with detergents, does not rot;
- the cost of a laminate is much less than a natural piece parquet.
Of the minuses, it can be noted:
- the material is afraid of constant exposure to water. It is not used near pools and in bathrooms;
- inexpensive brands can be slippery and require special treatment with special anti-slip compounds;
- the laminate is inferior to the wooden parquet in heat-insulating and sound-insulating properties.
Views
Manufacturers offer a wide range of artistic laminate flooring. They differ in technical indicators depending on the scope, operating conditions, as well as the location of the figure.
With rapport drawings
Such a pattern consists of identical repeating patterns or decor elements, many of which form a single canvas. Such an ornament is easy to choose for a floor of complex shape.Designers combine various rapport patterns to get original and stylish solutions.
With compound drawings
In accordance with a given scheme, an integral ornament or picture is created from the components of the drawing, the individual panels of the laminate. This can be a reliable imitation of a classic palace parquet or a three-dimensional image in a high-tech style. It is more difficult to lay out such a picture, but it looks impressive.
Laminate fits perfectly into the interior of any room is able to emphasize the style of the room. You can find interesting design solutions on our website:https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/laminat-v-interere.html.
Types of ornament
In premises for various purposes, different types of flooring patterns will be appropriate. When choosing, you must consider the following criteria:
- room size;
- general style of the interior;
- the main palette of shades;
- the presence, location and material of furniture and decoration;
- division of the room into separate zones.
Errors in the selection of a laminate can lead to absurdity or excessive saturation and variegation of the interior. There are several main groups of ornaments.
Modular
The modular ornament serves to decorate and highlight individual zones. It consists of individual panels, geometric shapes or small composite drawings. These elements are not connected in a single picture and can be arranged randomly, included in the main canvas anywhere. Such decorative inserts are often used in a conventional laminate without a pattern to enliven and decorate the floor.
Socket
The element has a round or oval shape and is placed in the center of the room or zone. The lines of the picture diverge from the central part of the outlet to its edges. Traditionally, floral or abstract motifs are used in this ornament. Outlets will be a good solution for spacious rooms with a small amount of furniture.
Border
Borders are perfect for bordering outlets and other types of ornaments. They frame the zones, emphasizing the separation, and create an intermediate line between the various coatings if combined.
What else to look for when choosing an art laminate
Decorative laminated floor coverings differ in several parameters, which are recommended to be considered when buying.
- Color and texture. In addition to imitating valuable wood species, the laminate is available with textures for leather, stone and other materials.
- Dimensions of panels and composite drawings. The larger and lighter the room, the larger and brighter the ornament can be. The square laminated tile has a size of 600x600 mm. The length and width of the elements in the form of boards can be different depending on the style solution and the brand of the laminate, for example, length 1200 mm, width 400 mm, thickness 12 mm.
- The geometry of the room. In rounded rooms and zones, a pattern of an arcuate or round shape will harmoniously look, and in rectangular elongated figures - space-correcting figures.
- Strength class. The laminate is labeled according to the European classification EN 685, according to which the coatings are divided into household (21, 22 and 23 class) and commercial (31, 32, 33, 34 class). For an artistic laminate, 33 class panels are mainly used. This marking means high wear resistance of the material.
- Types of mounts. The lock fasteners snap the panels together. Chamfers - lateral bevels of end edges simplify installation and provide a snug fit of elements.
- Quality indicators. Low price, lack of certificates, warranty and other accompanying documents is usually an indicator of products of dubious quality.
Overview of the best manufacturers
In the fight for the client, manufacturing companies are constantly expanding the color range of floor coverings and the range of textures. Market leaders are both European companies and domestic manufacturers. Worthy competition for them are trademarks from China.
The Swedish company Pergo is the pioneer in the production of laminates and a global benchmark for quality. Since 1979, many inventions have been patented. PerfectFold locks, durable TitanX protective coating, silver ion overlays for antibacterial effect, and static dissipation system. A wide range of collections with various strength classes and size options, which reduces material consumption. The company claims a life of 25 years for decorative panels.
Of the minuses of these products, one can note the high price and many fakes that hit the image of the company.
Kronotex from Germany has been manufacturing fiberboard laminate since 1993 and exporting its products to more than 80 countries. Production includes the whole complex from growing forests to supplying finished products to customers. The company's assortment includes a catalog of 200 colors of class 32 and 33 laminates, accessories, skirting boards, corners, decorative and protective films for floors and walls. Products are completely safe for humans, certified. The warranty period, depending on the product class, is from 18 to 30 years.
The first to Russia in 1995 was the delivery of laminate by the German company HDM. The manufacturer has an innovative approach to work. For the first time, he offered customers high-gloss mirror-gloss floor coverings. HDM is famous for its authentic imitation of a parquet board. Only an expert can find differences. The protective top layer of the dies is made of polyacrylate resins that do not contain toxic substances. This laminate is suitable for children, allergy sufferers and asthmatics. The bottom surface of the panels is equipped with a soundproofing layer. The service life is 25 years. The disadvantage of the products can be considered a small selection of designs and high cost.
The international company Tarkett produces products that are affordable and environmentally friendly. The company has a wide network of stores and a rich collection of art ornaments, which is why it has gained great popularity among customers.
Versale products will appeal to customers who appreciate the high quality and accuracy of imitation of traditional patterns and textures of natural parquet boards. Paul Versale looks expensive and stylish. Special chamfers emphasize the wood texture and layout of the parquet planks. The company achieves this quality by making careful control at all stages of production.
You can read more about how to choose a good laminate, what to look for when buying, about the features and various characteristics of the material in the article:https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/laminat/kak-vybrat-laminat.html.
What is the cost of the art laminate
All types of artistic floor coverings belong to the premium class, which determines their high cost. Among them, there are three price categories of laminated panels:
- economy class, price within 350 rubles. per m²;
- the middle class sets the bar to 750 rubles. per m²;
- premium class costs from 1 thousand rubles.
Materials vary in thickness, protective topcoat, wear resistance class, special properties and design exclusivity, adds price and brand awareness.
In addition to the cost of the coating itself, the estimate includes:
- the cost of the substrate, skirting boards, glue and protective compounds;
- preparation of the base for the laminate, pouring screed;
- laying of panels, which depends on the complexity of the layout of the picture, diagonal or direct laying, area and geometry of the room;
- installation of sills and trimming door frames.
The substrate can be rolled or sheet. It is made of foamed porous polyethylene, natural cork. The price accordingly varies from 25 to 3,500 rubles. per m².
For the lower price category, the total amount of expenses for laminate flooring in a room of 20 m² will be:
- the price of a laminate is 7,200 rubles. plus 10% for trimming, we get 8 thousand rubles .;
- substrate price an average of 2 thousand rubles .;
- components will cost 5 thousand rubles .;
- work on the arrangement of the base and materials for it will require 9 thousand rubles .;
- for laying you have to pay from 3 thousand rubles.
Total we get the estimate amount of 27 thousand rubles.
For the upper price category, the cost of installing the base will remain the same, and the price of materials and assembly work will increase significantly:
- the cost of the laminate will be 22 thousand rubles;
- installation work will cost from 10 thousand rubles .;
- foundation and materials will require investments equal to 16 thousand rubles.
The amount of the estimate will be 48 thousand rubles.
Styling technology
The high price of the material is not a reason to abandon the high-quality and beautiful floor. You can reduce costs by laying the laminate with your own hands. This is simple and fast, if you carefully study the step-by-step instructions and observe all the technological subtleties.
The laminate should lie in the room at least 24 hours before installation.
- Remove the old flooring and baseboards, inspect the surface. It should be without cracks, pits, bumps. If the old screed is in poor condition, it must be dismantled and a new one filled. If the screed is in order, then you need to clean it from dust, debris and dirt. From above it is recommended to fill in a self-leveling mixture to correct small irregularities.
- To lay on the prepared base without overlapping and approaching the walls of the substrate, which will serve as a heat and sound insulator.
If you adhere to the technology, the installation of the laminate will be quick - Examine the assembly diagram and begin installation from one of the walls, leaving a technological gap of 1 cm to compensate for the thermal expansion of the material. Select the pattern strictly according to the scheme, beat it with a mallet for a snug fit of the lamellas, cut off part of the strips, if necessary, at the walls or in the corners of the room.
- After installation, install baseboards and sills. You should get a solid canvas without cracks and other defects.
Popular contemporary design options and nuances of flooring selection
In the interiors, made in a modern classical style, floral ornaments and textures imitating expensive and rare woods, inlays of onyx and amber, leather and other natural materials will harmoniously blend in.
The bedroom in the French style looks easy and elegant with a light laminate. Soft transitions of shades are harmoniously combined with pastel elements of furniture and decor.
The hi-tech style will come to life and become unique with the geometric pattern of the laminate in cold bright colors.
The noble classic dining room interior is built around a circular rosette on the floor. The ornament is a central element and emphasizes the shape of the table.
Light and dim drawings will ideally fit into small interiors of apartments, and large contrasting patterns and dark noble colors will decorate spacious apartments.
The shade of the laminate also affects the impression of the interior. So, reddish and yellow colors give warmth and coziness to the room, and gray and cold colors give elegance and severity.The glossy finish looks completely transparent and gives an abundance of glare.
Photo Gallery: Art Laminate in Modern Interiors
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- Artistic laminate makes the interior warmer and more comfortable
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- If it’s difficult to afford expensive parquet, the art laminate will adequately replace it
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- Imitation of the palace parquet mosaic looks good in the living room
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- The glossy finish of the art laminate adds a touch of lightness to the room.
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- The floors of the halls and public places are decorated with an art laminate of 32 and 33 classes
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- Artistic laminate with imitation oak flooring is the undisputed leader in use
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- Art floor with a socket looks in spacious rooms
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- Unlike parquet, a complex drawing of an art laminate is assembled in a short time.
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- The texture under the stone in the art laminate is applied in 3D
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- The flooring should fit seamlessly into the overall interior.
In our next article you will learn what is art parquet. We talk about its advantages and disadvantages, types and features of styling: https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/parket/hudozhestvennyiy-parket.html.
General rules for care and restoration
To extend the service life of the finish decorative flooring, a number of rules must be observed.
- Laminate floors require cleaning, as dirt and sand particles are abrasives that can damage the protective coating. To remove dirt, you can vacuum and revenge with a soft brush, it is recommended to put a mat at the entrance that will hold the sand.
- Excessive wetting also harms this material, so it is advisable to wipe it once a week with non-abrasive liquid detergents using a soft sponge, brush or cloth. The rag should be moist, not wet, it should be wrung out well.
- Rubber or felt caps can be put on the legs of chairs, and water and stains can be removed in a timely manner.
Hard brushes and abrasives can scratch the laminate, and detergents with a whitening effect can break the glossy layer.
If you still could not avoid scratches and damage, you can restore the lamellas with wax crayons, paste and varnish. For small scratches and scuffs, chalk from wax, paraffin and dye is used. It is necessary to clean the repair site, grate it with chalk, and then polish it.
For deep scratches and chips, a paste is useful. The technology of restoration is similar. Clean the surface, apply a heated paste, wait for cooling and drying and polish the damaged area. A layer of special varnish can be applied on top.
If repair is necessary, remember that one of the advantages of the laminate is the ability to repeatedly replace any panel without destroying the entire floor canvas.
Usage Reviews
I will say that we were satisfied with the quality of the laminate. The geometry of the dies is good, we did not succeed in collecting cracks in the collection. Caring for him is easy. By pure chance, one of the scraps stood on the street for about two months (in winter). That is, both temperature fluctuations (up to minus inclusive), and he experienced the increased humidity with dignity. Externally, the laminate has not changed. Only with the most careful examination, you can notice a slight "waviness" of the upper layer from the side of the castle.
Laying the laminate was carried out quickly. This was a consequence of quality material and skillful hands of performers. I really like that the dust does not stick to the coating and the color perfectly mimics the color of wooden materials.
We decided to change the flooring in the hall. We often gather guests. And the children (we have two) are constantly playing there. I wanted something beautiful, but rather wear-resistant. We decided to take an art laminate.It looks very beautiful - it is almost impossible to distinguish from a real art flooring (individual small squares are even allocated with micro-faces for similarities). At the same time, the 33rd class (and this laminate completely corresponds to it) gives certain guarantees of wear resistance. And the price is reasonable (850 rubles per sq. Meter).
Laminate flooring is a worthy alternative to art parquet - the most expensive and luxurious flooring. The imitation is so accurate that it is sometimes impossible to visually find differences in texture and pattern. This durable material is easy to clean and looks fresh and tidy for many years, decorating the interior of the house.
