Rating of the best laminate flooring manufacturers in 2020

During repairs, the question of changing the floor covering is often raised. What it should be and what it is better to choose for it is determined individually, based on the financial condition and requirements for the premises.

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

About laminate

Laminate is a rectangular slab, which can be of different thicknesses depending on its purpose. As a result of folding, a seamless covering is obtained, the basis of which is wood, its purpose is to keep warm and dense. The top layer serves as a wear-resistant protection against damage (scratches or abrasions). As a decor, a printed pattern is used, which is located in the middle layers of the structure.

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

Such a floor covering is suitable for premises for different purposes (apartments, private houses, hotels, offices, public places), but there are different suitable parameters for different purposes. In order to choose the right laminate for a particular case, you need to know what the structure of the coating consists of, what types of it are offered for sale, what characteristics you should pay attention to when choosing.

Features of the structure

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

1. The very first layer of material is at the bottom, it directly contacts the lining or (if not available) with the concrete screed. In this regard, its main task is water resistance. The layer is characterized by increased density, because it performs another important function - to stabilize the entire structure and prevent it from deforming.
2. The main layer is most often made from chipboard or fiberboard, as well as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be used as the main material. Each of these materials has its positive and negative sides, but in the structure of the laminate they all serve one purpose: having density and hardness, they make the coating tough. It is in this layer that the interlocks are placed, which create a seamless overall look.
3. A waterproof impregnation was again laid on top of the base layer.Most often it is a paper layer that is impregnated with resins, which protects the decorative surface from moisture, which can come from the same screed below.
4. The decorative layer is a printed design. Many people choose this coating just for the opportunity to choose the colors and textures of the pattern to their taste, which would fit the intended interior.
5. The uppermost layer serves as external protection against mechanical damage and moisture ingress from the outside. The material of this film layer can be acrylic or melamine resin. The parameters of this layer, depending on the place of application, guarantee the wear resistance and durability of the laminate.

What types is the laminate divided into

The types are determined depending on the place of application. There are different types of this floor covering for various premises. The main difference is in its wear resistance due to different loads.

Laminate for residential use

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

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

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

Indoor laminate flooring for public use (commercial use)

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

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

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

• Expensive material;
• Either way, there is a danger of deterioration in case of prolonged contact with liquids.

What parameters should you pay attention to when choosing a laminate

1. Wear resistance.

To comply with European quality standards, a product must be tested to obtain a grade. A test is carried out for strength, load, point effect on the surface, level of sliding, reaction to temperature and light conditions, that is, everything that the laminate will undergo in the process of real operation. Depending on how long the coating lasts, a certain class of wear resistance is assigned to it.

For example, in the class, the designation of the AC with a number is fixed. This indicator is determined using the Taber test, which is carried out using a rotating abrasive head. This is how the endurance of the top layer of the panel is determined and the "revolutions" of the laminate are calculated. The indexes are distributed approximately like this: AC3 is suitable for rooms with low usage (bedroom, hall), where the coating will last 5-6 years, AC4 - it is better to use it in hallways and in the kitchen, and for office buildings it is better to choose products marked AC4.

Another parameter in determining the class is the density of the base layer, denoted from 31 to 34 and implies the reliability and integrity of the entire structure. So, for residential premises, 31-32 class laminate will be enough, a conference room, it is better to equip an office with 33 class laminate, and sports or dance areas - 34 class. For comparison: if you lay a 34th class covering in an apartment, then it will last more than 20 years without any problems.

2. The thickness of the laminate panels.

This is also a parameter related to the base layer (fiberboard, chipboard, PVC). The thickness can be from 6 mm to 12 mm. Accordingly, the thicker the plate, the longer and better it will serve, the better the sound and temperature insulation will be. In the case of arranging underfloor heating, it is not recommended to use a very thick coating, as this will be a barrier to the flow of heat from under the panels.

3. Shockproof resistance.

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

4. Density.

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

5. By the way the panels are connected.

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

• The "Click" connection operates in a groove + insert pattern. It is not difficult for self-assembly, ideal for an uneven floor (the unevenness will disappear).
• "Lock" or "lock" implies a connection that locks after a click, indicating that the shutter is closed between the two panels. With this type of connection, the floor screed should be perfectly aligned so that the locks close tightly and completely, and subsequently do not cause trouble. Professional assembly is recommended as it requires special skills.
• Glue joint - coating the connecting surfaces and joints with a special sealant. There is a certain inconvenience in the case when partial dismantling and replacement is required. This method has become less and less used.

6. Chamfer.

The parameter characterizing the appearance: with or without a recess. In the absence of a chamfer (a small depression along the edge of the slab), the coating looks perfectly even, completely monolithic. The presence of the chamfer creates a decorative effect and makes the pattern look natural.

7. Resistant to blotting (water resistance).

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

8. Formaldehyde concentration.

The parameter of the protective top layer. The material of this layer-film is acrylic or melamine resin, which by themselves are not able to create the desired effect, therefore formaldehydes are added to them. Their level indicates the environmental safety of use.

So, a non-harmful laminate is considered a product with environmental friendliness "E1". It is laid in living quarters, ideal for a nursery "E0".

9. Design.

This parameter is absolutely individual, because there can be no recommendations and advice for taste and color.

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

The best laminate manufacturers in Russia and joint ventures

Kronospan

At the disposal of the company is a large wood processing plant in the country "Kronospan", which is profiled for the production of fiberboard, particleboard, MDF, as well as laminate panels. Based on the feedback on the operation, we can conclude that the product is ideal as a budget option for decorating a summer house or rented housing.

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

Kronospan laminate flooring is, first of all, a wide range, and also a good economical option.

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

• Wide range of color suggestions, textures and gloss levels. This is a great opportunity to translate any design idea into reality;
• Clear geometric lines of planks, perfect monolithic surface;
• There are proposals with an antibacterial coating, additional scratch protection and internal noise insulation provided.

• Due to good design choices, sellers sometimes inflate product prices;
• Before laying the panels, you need to carefully prepare the surface area;
• It is better not to use the budget proposals of this manufacturer in rooms with increased movement, as they quickly become unusable.

Tarkett

An excellent manufacturer, the governing bodies of which are located in Germany, and the factories are located in Russia. An ideal balance of German quality with an acceptable domestic cost.

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

Cost: from 609 to 890 rubles / sq.m

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

• It is necessary to carefully check the quality of the goods, since there is a rare defect in the upper or lower layer of the panel structure;
• Some series have an increased slipperiness of the top layer.

Kronostar

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

Country of origin - Germany, manufacturing plants are located in Russia.

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

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

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

• Uniformity of dimensional parameters;
• A small selection of colors and patterns;
• There are defective panels.

Ritter

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

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

Value for money, quality and design originality.

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

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

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

Quick-Step

Joint production of Belgium and Russia, which is a cell of the UNILIN concern.It gained fame back in 1997 for its glueless flooring. Long-term joint work gives fruitful results not only in popularity and demand, but also personal developments, for example, a laminate with a V-shaped bevel, which first appeared on sale in 2001 and immediately received recognition from its fans.

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

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

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

Egger

The Austrian company Egger has long turned into an international concern with factories in cities around the world and in Russia as well. The firm's experts were so impressed with the production capabilities in the vastness of the Russian Federation that they gladly joined the ratings of domestic manufacturers.

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

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

• Huge selection of design proposals and different product formats;
• The assortment includes waterproof collections;
• The panels can be installed not only on the floor, but also on the walls.

• High price;
• There is a marriage associated with lock connections.

Kastamonu

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

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

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

• Not a very wide range of decorative proposals;
• Defective panels come across.

The best laminate manufacturers in Europe

HDM ELESGO

A German manufacturer with half a century of experience and history. Among others, it stands out for the use of unique technologies in the manufacture of its products. Of the large and varied assortment, I would like to emphasize the Elesgo collection, which has several distinctive features:

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

Cost: from 1228 to 2688 rubles / package (2.27 sq. M).

• Beautiful shiny appearance with mirror effect;
• Innovative locks are used, which are additionally coated with a special impregnation of wax, which increases the ability to protect against moisture ingress;
• High level mechanical resistance, scratch protection.

• Considering the glossiness of the surface, special care is required.

Kaindl

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

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

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

• High cost, not available to everyone.

Balterio

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

Cost: from 978 to 2114 rubles / pack.

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

• High cost;
• Due to the popularity, there is a danger of buying a fake.

Pergo

The pioneer company in the production of this flooring. Pergo pioneered laminate flooring back in 1979. Swiss quality requires the strictest control over the products at all levels of their manufacture. The use of our own new technologies is actively developing.

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

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

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

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