Prices for laminate flooring vary over a very wide range. At the same time, products from different brands may look the same, and there is a temptation to buy a cheaper one. flooring. Such savings are not always justified, since during operation the shortcomings of a budget laminate are quickly revealed. But even among economy-category products there are products with quite decent quality. For the right choice It is useful to study the ratings of laminate manufacturers.

What criteria are used to form the rating?

The following laminate characteristics are important for consumers:

• Durability, which largely depends on wear resistance
• Impact resistance, related to the thickness of the base and its density
• Resistant to point impacts, scratches, contact with hot objects, color fastness due to the thickness and composition of the protective coating
• Ease of installation associated with the design of the locking connection
• Aesthetic appeal, sufficient, rich colors
• - depends on a number of factors, such as the composition of the MDF (HDF) board, the structure of the panel, the technology for processing the side edges and interlocking joints
• Environmental friendliness, depends on the composition of the resins and their percentage content in the slab
• Price. There are buyers who try to purchase the most expensive goods, considering them to be of the highest quality, and also for reasons of prestige. Others try to find a compromise between affordable price and decent quality

Laminate quality rating

Ratings of laminate manufacturers are compiled according to different principles, but if we take into account the quality of the product and its performance characteristics, then for the Russian market the list usually looks like this:

1. Quick Step(Belgium)
2. Balterio(Belgium)
3. Tarkett(international European concern)
4. Pergo(Sweden)
5. Egger(Germany)
6. Kronostar(Germany, more precisely, Russian TM and German production)
7. Kronotex(Germany)
8. Kronospan(Russia)
9. Classen(Germany)
10. KronoFloring(Germany)

The first 5 positions in the list are premium products; mid-price laminate is also produced under the Tarkett brand. The KronoFloring and Classen brands are mid-price and economy class products; everything else is budget solutions, but with decent quality.

TIP: If the task is to purchase a good floor covering at low financial costs, you should pay attention to Kronostar and Kronospan or products of famous brands such as Egger, manufactured in Russia using European technologies.

Let's take a closer look at the advantages of the products of each of these brands.

Advantages of laminate from the rating list

Quick Step- universal laminate, suitable for different rooms, warranty period service is 25 years. Durable, waterproof, resistant to various damages. It is environmentally friendly. Available large selection colors and shades, the range is constantly expanding.

One of the main advantages of this Belgian laminate is Patented Uniclick locking system reliable connection with simple installation. More budget products, which are produced in Russia using Belgian technology, can be purchased at a price of 540 rubles. per m². The price of some collections is 10 times higher.

Laminate Balterio- one of the most durable; the warranty period for some products reaches 30 years. In addition, it is considered the best in design; the decorative layer is made using a special technology that allows you to faithfully reproduce the texture of natural wood.

Performance characteristics, strength and wear resistance are also at the same level. In Europe, this laminate is very popular, but in Russia it is not particularly in demand due to insufficient advertising and high prices (starts at 820 rubles per m²).

Tarkett- high-quality laminate, service life, depending on the class, is 15-25 years, unique locking T-lock systems or 2-lock ensures moisture resistance of the coating. The assortment is varied, the color palette is rich, class 33 laminate can be purchased at a price of 220 rubles. per m². The price of laminate from exclusive collections reaches 3,000 rubles. per m².

Company Pergo was one of the first in the world to master the production of laminate and has been among its best manufacturers for 40 years. In terms of strength and durability, the products of this brand are not inferior to competitors, and in terms of hygienic characteristics confidently wins the palm.

Pergo laminate is famous for its unique antiseptic coating, which makes it recommended for use in healthcare institutions. It also features a variety of decor. Perhaps the only drawback of this product is its impressive price, from 1020 rubles. per m².

Eggerequips its laminate with the patented LocTec improved latch design, in combination with the resin impregnation of the high-strength board, this factor determines the water resistance of the laminate. Another advantage of this brand’s products is excellent acoustic characteristics provided by the sound-absorbing substrate.

In addition to a wide range of laminate flooring, the manufacturer produces a variety of accessories for it. Egger's production facilities today operate in different countries, including Russia, the price of such laminate is low, from 150 rubles. German laminate class 33, 11 mm thick, costs more than 2,200 rubles. per m².

Kronostar, perhaps the most popular laminate in Russia, combining decent quality with an affordable price (from 132 to 1500 rubles per m²). The coating provides protection from scratches, and the treatment of locks and edges provides protection from moisture.. The range is quite diverse, the service life is 15 years.

Kronotex is an absolutely environmentally friendly, high-strength, moisture and ultraviolet resistant laminate. Service life - 20 years, and individual products - 30 years. Although it is classified as an economy category, even the minimum price is about 560 rubles. per m² - for most Russians it is by no means low, and many models cost 4 times more. One of the reasons for the popularity of the brand is a large selection of collections, which, in addition to the traditional wood pattern, include imitations of natural stone and ceramic tiles.

Domestic laminate Kronospan- not the most budget option, the price of 1 m² ranges from 305-1665 rubles. In terms of a number of performance characteristics, laminate is not inferior to European analogues.

Classen is highly resistant to a variety of adverse influences, which allows it to be used not only in residential, but also in technical premises, for country houses it is also an excellent solution. The service life is up to 20 years, the laminate is easy to maintain and retains its visual appeal throughout its entire service life. Price per m² from 550 to 2250 rubles.

Kronoflooring- stylish laminate imitating various materials. It is highly durable, easy to clean, and resists stains well thanks to its antibacterial coating. An excellent solution for children's rooms and hospitals. The price of laminate from some collections is 380 rubles. per m², there are also more expensive solutions, 1865 rubles each.

Video

Review of laminate brands that are produced in Russia, prices and quality

Advantages of Pergo laminate. Wear resistance test.

Balterio laminate - high quality flooring

Bottom line

When compiling a rating of laminate manufacturers, the performance characteristics and aesthetic appeal their products, breadth of assortment, environmental friendliness and hygiene, ease of installation and care. Price is also an important factor, so separate ratings are sometimes compiled for different price segments.

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

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

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

Main decorative value this is precisely the large selection of various designs from the simplest (colors of different types of wood) to more complex abstractions or monotonous compositions.

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

Features of the structure

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

1. The very first layer of material is located at the bottom, it is in direct contact with the lining or (if there is none) with 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 base layer is most often made of chipboard or fiberboard; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can also be used as the base material. Each of these materials has its own positive and negative aspects, but in the structure of the laminate they all serve one purpose: having density and hardness, they make the coating tough. It is in this layer that the key joints are placed, creating a seamless overall look.
3. Waterproof impregnation is again placed on top of the base layer. Most often, this is a paper layer that is impregnated with resins, protecting the decorative surface from moisture, which can still come from the same screed below.
4. The decorative layer is a printed design. Many people choose this coating precisely for the opportunity to choose to their taste the colors and textures of the pattern that would suit the intended interior.
5. Most top layer serves as external protection against mechanical damage and moisture 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 of laminate is divided into?

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

Laminate flooring in domestic premises

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

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

Laminate flooring for public use (commercial use)

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

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

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

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

1. Wear resistance.

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

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

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

1. Thickness of laminate panels.

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

1. Shock resistance.

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

1. Density.

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

1. According to the method of connecting the panels.

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

• The “Click” connection operates according to the groove+insert pattern. No difficulty for self-assembly, ideal for floors that are not entirely level (unevenness will be hidden).
• "Lock" or "lock" implies a connection that is locked after a click indicating the closure of the shutter between the two panels. With this type of connection, the floor screed should be perfectly leveled so that the locks close tightly and completely and do not cause any further disturbances. Professional assembly is recommended as special skills are required.
• Adhesive joint – coating of connecting surfaces and joints with a special sealant. A certain inconvenience arises when partial dismantling and replacement is necessary. This method has become less and less used.

1. Chamfer.

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

1. Wetting resistance (water resistance).

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

1. Formaldehyde concentration.

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

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

1. Design.

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

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

The best laminate manufacturers in Russia and joint companies

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

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

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

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

laminate Kronospan

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

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

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

Cost: from 609 to 890 rubles/sq.m

Tarkett laminate

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

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

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

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

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

laminate Kronostar

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

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

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

Value for money, quality and design originality.

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

Ritter laminate

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

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

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

Quick-Step laminate

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

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

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

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

Egger laminate

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

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

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

laminate Kastamonu

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

The best laminate manufacturers in Europe

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

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

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

HDM laminate ELESGO

Advantages:

• Beautiful shiny appearance with mirror effect;
• Used innovative locks, which are additionally coated with a special wax impregnation, which increases the ability to protect against moisture;
• High level mechanical stability, scratch protection.

Flaws:

• Given the glossy surface, special care is required.

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

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

Kaindl laminate

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

• High cost, not affordable for everyone.

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

Cost: from 978 to 2114 rubles/pack.

laminate Balterio

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

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

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

laminate Pergo

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

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

The best laminate manufacturers - a list of companies is provided. What makes up the laminate quality rating, read below.

If you have decided to replace your flooring with laminate, you may have a number of questions:

• Which company's laminate is better?
• What should the characteristics be?
• What color and shape will look more impressive, etc.?

Laminate manufacturers

There are many companies that produce laminate. Making a choice is really not easy. The most famous manufacturers today are the following companies:

Germany

Germany is considered the undoubted leader among European countries. The factories are actively developing a line of laminated coatings, which are distinguished by durability, strength, reliability, thoughtful design and impeccable quality. The list of German laminate manufacturers includes:

• Tarkett

Belgium

Second place already long time belongs to Belgium. Such products are associated with excellent appearance, excellent quality and prestige:

• Quick Step ; (production jointly with Russia)

Russia

most often represents an inexpensive laminate produced using moisture-resistant HDF boards. All models have 31 or 32 wear resistance classes:

• Laminate Tarkett / Sinteros (Produced together with Germany)

Other countries

• Pergo - Sweden
• Kaindl from Austria
• EPI; DumaFloor - France
• Kastamonu - Türkiye

Of course, you need to choose a laminate not only by the name of the company, but also by studying the main characteristics of this product.

Basic requirements for laminate grades

When choosing a floor covering, you need to pay attention to the following indicators:

• density;
• moisture resistance;
• wear resistance;
• system of locking connections;
• coating structure.

Based on the type of use, laminate flooring is divided into two categories:

• for commercial (usually class 33 and class 34 laminate)
• for home use. (32-33 grade)

They differ from each other in that the coating for commercial use is more durable, designed for longer wear, and accordingly the price is higher.

Choice

Choosing a laminate by color and pattern is even more difficult than choosing a manufacturer. The color range is huge: from white to red-brown. In addition, there is laminate flooring that depicts carpeting, marble, tiles, various patterns and images. At the same time, the manufacturer creates the surface of the laminate in such a way that it becomes similar in structure to natural wood (most often oak laminate is found) or stone.

The new Tarkett Holiday 832 laminate collection is a floor that will make you remember warm sunny days. These are memories that will warm your soul cold winter! Tarkett laminate is a floor that is pleasant to walk on barefoot and pleasant to touch. A floor that is easy to care for, that will withstand all the daily challenges, is strong and durable, a floor made to last.