What is better parquet or laminate flooring: professional debriefing
Going to change the flooring, people stop before a choice: which is better? Most often, the question arises of choosing between parquet and laminate. Wood is a natural material; its environmental friendliness and practicality are practically beyond doubt. However, when determining that it is better to parquet or laminate, it is necessary to know the distinctive features of each product, what are the pros and cons of these materials. It is definitely impossible to answer which is better. Everyone determines for himself what qualities of the flooring are more priority.
Content
The first candidate is parquet
Parquet board consists of several layers of natural wood carefully glued together. An attractive appearance is given to the parquet by a drawing applied to the top layer of the product. The lowest layer of the board has a thickness of 1-2 mm. For its manufacture use pine or spruce plywood. Next is the middle layer, made of narrow pine or spruce planks (lamellas). They stick across the bottom layer. This design gives the flooring extra strength.
The top layer is glued on top, consisting of valuable species of wood. In its manufacture use beech, ash, oak. The thickness of the upper layer is 3-4 mm. A protective coating in several layers is applied to the front of the parquet. Due to the fact that the middle lamellas are located across the upper and lower layers, a strong structure is created.
The coating may be oil or varnish. For example, when processing Barlinek parquet boards, special compositions are used, with which you can make the surface matte, glossy or emphasize the natural structure of wood.
Parquet advantages:
- made of natural wood;
- easy to install thanks to the lock mechanism;
- unpretentious care, just wipe with a damp cloth;
- lends itself to restoration by grinding;
- non-static;
- long service lines, with proper installation and care, the service life is 35 years.
Disadvantages of parquet:
- instability to moisture;
- loses color when exposed to the sun;
- absorbs odors;
- easy to scratch.
We will tell you about how to properly lay the parquet, about all the components of this process, as well as about various options for preparing and leveling the screed in a special article on our website:https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/parket/texnologiya-ukladki-parketa-svoimi-rukami-video-instrukciya.html.
The second candidate is laminate
Laminate consists of several layers, the upper of which is covered with a film or furniture foil. The coloring of the top layer affects the appearance of the product. It can imitate ceramic tiles, wooden texture, stone. Laminate is a multilayer panel about a meter long and about 20 cm wide. The bottom layer is made of moisture-resistant paper impregnated with resins or thin plastic. It gives the structure rigidity and stability. The middle layer is the basis of particle board or fiberboard. In addition to additional structural strength, it gives elasticity and moisture resistance.
The next layer consists of a plastic film or foil with an invoice.Due to this, there is a laminate imitating wood, marble, carpet. A laminate is applied over the last layer - a high-strength non-electrifying film.
Advantages of the laminate:
- simplicity of layingmaybe not even a professional;
- the coating does not emit harmful substances, therefore it is safe for children and allergy sufferers;
- withstands high temperatures, even a cigarette butt thrown to the floor will not cause burning;
- resistant to ultraviolet, does not fade in the sun;
- moisture resistance, the film covering the top layer reliably protects the coating from moisture;
- resistance to damage, the laminate is not afraid of sharp heels, animal claws and the severity of massive furniture.
Laminate disadvantages:
- the laminated coating is quite noisy, so laying it will require additional waste on soundproofing pads;
- fragility of the edges, if the product is made in violation of the technology of the edges will crumble;
- can not be restored, it can only be replaced.
Laminate flooring is a great option for flooring, but it's not always easy to choose. We will help you learn more about the material itself, its characteristics and types of compounds in the following article:https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/laminat/kak-vybrat-laminat.html.
What is still better?
Unambiguously answer the question: “which is better parquet or laminate? " impossible. Both coatings are easily mounted with a “lock”. It all depends on the specific situation. It is necessary to focus on each case separately.
Orientation to the purpose of the premises
If you need to choose a floor covering for a room with high traffic - it is better to choose a laminate. The impact resistance of this coating is one and a half times higher than that of parquet. Abrasion resistance is also not the last argument in choosing a laminate. The same characteristics speak in favor of the laminate if the choice is chosen by owners of pets.
Parquet will not be able to withstand the onslaught of animal claws for a long time. In other cases, it is more profitable for home floors to choose parquet. After several years of use, it can be recycled, varnished and the floor will look like new. Another difference between parquet and laminate in its appearance. In rich and respectable interiors, a parquet board looks much more refined than a laminate.
Thermal Conductivity Comparison
Undoubtedly, a parquet board keeps heat better. It can be laid directly on the concrete floor. But if the choice fell on the laminate, the heat problem can be easily solved. It is enough to install a warm floor system or to insulate floors.
Indoor orientation
Not all houses and apartments are provided with a modern ventilation system. In such rooms, humidity is increased in summer. In winter, the air becomes dry. If you lay a parquet board in such a room, it will “swell” in the summer and dry out in the winter. The joining seams in the boards will open and gaps will appear. Therefore, you will either have to install a modern ventilation system or lay a laminate.
Soundproof Comparison
Compared to parquet, the laminate is much noisier. Kids can safely run on the floor without disturbing others. But what if there are other residents under the apartment? In this case, the best solution is to send the flooring.
Financial solution
The price of laminate flooring is lower than parquet. But the parquet can be restored and it will last longer. You have to either pay a good price right away and forget it. Or save, but soon again think about updating the flooring.
The parquet floor is under heavy load every day, so care should be taken regularly. We will tell you about the rules for operating a parquet board and how to properly preserve such a coating for many years, in the material:https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/parket/pravila-uxoda-za-parketnoj-doskoj.html.
Summary and conclusions on the topic
Now let's try to find out how parquet differs from the laminate based on the above:
- External characteristics. Parquet is identical to wood; there are no two identical boards. The choice of laminate flooring is more extensive. There are products that mimic the structure of wood, stone, tiles. This variety provides a wide selection for buyers.
- Operational characteristics. Parquet flooring is warm and antistatic, but requires a more careful attitude. The varnish coating of the parquet board is not resistant to animal claws, sharp heels and heavy furniture. Laminate is more seasoned, but cold and noisy.
- Features of operation. Parquet needs special care products and does not tolerate excessive moisture. Laminate is not so categorical, but it’s also not worth it to fill it with water.
- Life time. The life of both coatings depends on proper care. But despite this, the flooring can last 35 years. While the laminate is not more than 20.
Despite all of the above choices to make you. It is impossible to say unequivocally that one product is better than another. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The main thing is that in the room where the laminate or parquet will be laid, residents are comfortable. And the concept of comfort and coziness is different for everyone.
well
7 comments