The truth is that the so-called laminate flooring differs from the real one as a bicycle differs from a car: both ride you, but in a completely different way. That is why it is rather wrong to call laminate parquet. Yes, in appearance, the floor coverings are similar, and quite a lot, but in practice, laminate is just a good imitation, not only of wood, but also of marble, granite and what not.
Where are the differences
The traditional massive parquet consists of small parquets, entirely made of natural wood. The floorboard is a slightly more democratic board, with a length of 2m.
And we come to the laminate. In appearance, it really looks a lot like parquet, even in its internal structure it reminds of a multi-layered board. But it’s not. Because the parquet is made of real wood, but the laminate is not! Laminate is actually an imitation – a picture with an image of a wooden floor.
Laminate flooring is actually a completely independent floor covering. It has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are laid down by its structure and material, which, however, have nothing to do with the characteristics and qualities of wood. It is accepted to consider that laminate is the cheap version of wooden parquet – both you have a “parquet” and it is not expensive. But this thesis is also very much compromised with time. Technology is now so advanced in the production of laminates that these floors are anything but cheap, not in the “poor man’s floor” market category.
Yes, laminate is not a wooden parquet and it doesn’t have to be, because it actually has a number of advantages over wooden floors. Think about how many people would put marble or granite on their office floor. With laminate, this is possible, and in just hours. Now manufacturers offer a variety of patterns. There is even talk of fashion for parquet floors – understand laminates.
But let’s get back to the structure of this floor covering.
It is a chipboard sandwich structure more than a meter long and about 20 cm wide. Unlike traditional parquet, this board consists of four or five layers. In principle, each manufacturer claims to have its own patent for the production of the sandwich construction. In general, however, the bottom layer is made of moisture-resistant paper, which has a stabilizing function, gives density and stability to the structure. The second layer is made of wood particles, hot pressed, known as chipboard. Next is a layer of paper again, but specially treated, which is also the carrier of the decor. It is she who makes it possible for the laminate to look like wood, marble, textiles and what not.
A number of special materials are naturally applied to the decorative layer, mainly acrylic and melamine resin with added mineral particles. In this way, the wear resistance and density of the board is increased. On top, a maximally impermeable film is applied – laminate (hence the name of the material), which is resistant to mechanical influences. Its purpose is to protect the board from scratches and sunburn. The individual layers are connected in two ways. First by pressing, without resins. This option is preferable if the flooring will be for the home.
There is another option – bonding with resins, in which the decorative layer is bonded to the main one under the influence of high temperature and pressure. According to experts, this laminate is more suitable for offices, shops and in general for rooms with a higher load on the floor.
Laminate – pros and cons
It is accepted to consider that the laminate differs from the parquet and from the floor for one main reason – it is in a different price class. The fact is that standard types of laminate are up to 4-5 times cheaper than the most popular types of parquet. However, there is another significant difference. Parquet, when worn, can be cycled, tinted and varnished, and its renovation can be done several times. The multi-layer parquet and the floor also allow repair and renewal of the surface layer. Laminate, however, is, so to speak, disposable. It can serve you well for 5-8 years. Then you have to throw it away and replace it with another flooring. There are already systems to replace the old laminated boards with new ones, but they are still too expensive and not profitable.
All three competitors have one common drawback – they are waterproof. They should not be washed with water, and direct running water literally ruins them.
There are also pluses
There is also such a point of view – everything that is a disadvantage of the laminate can also be considered as its plus. Yes, it will not serve you all your life, but this is its good side that it does not need to be restored, but gives a chance to change the overall look of the interior. This property of his even keeps up with the modern habits of the city man for frequent change of lodgings. Laminate is cheap, allows for quick repairs, and you won’t regret it at all if you have to change your home.
Laminate also has another modern advantage – it does not suffer from ladies’ heels, bicycles and furniture. And if there are small children in the family, laminate is your salvation. You can place it anywhere, even in the kitchen, where you would never dare to lay parquet. And he will surely last.
