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Modern floor coverings delight with a variety of textures and shades. After the financial recession, expensive materials such as parquet, tiles and carpet became less in demand, and cheaper, but no less high-quality materials came to the fore: linoleum and laminate. At a relatively equal price, laminated coating compares favorably with linoleum as appearance, and properties. We already talked about how to open it in one of the previous articles. Today we’ll talk about how to organize and how profitable this business is.

Laminate is produced in the form of thin sheets, which are connected to each other during installation using special tenons and grooves. Laminated boards are moisture and water resistant, wear and abrasion resistant. In addition, manufacturers produce laminate in a wide range of colors and textures. Laminate production technology makes it possible to reproduce any patterns, textures on the front surface of the sheet, and even imitate parquet and expensive wood. The wear resistance of the flooring depends on its class and the type of room for which the material is intended. For example, class 32 laminate is manufactured for rooms with an average frequency of visits, its operation is guaranteed for 15-20 years. Less wear-resistant laminate of the 31st class is manufactured for residential premises, and accordingly the warranty for it is 10-15 years.

Domestic product or China?

Laminate coating appeared in Russia relatively recently - 15 years ago. The first suppliers of laminate were European manufacturers, and its cost on the Russian market was by no means cheap. But subsequent competition led to lower costs and improved technology. Today, this massive and popular product is divided by country of production: Europe, Russia and China. Laminate made in Germany is most in demand on the Russian market. In Europe, the quality requirements for laminate flooring are: highest demands, therefore it is considered the best, but also the most expensive.

According to experts, laminate production is a very promising business line. Its consumption in Russia is increasing every day, against the background of which the number of local producers is growing. The first Russian plant was founded back in 2003 and was a subsidiary of a Western company. But over time, independent Russian manufacturers also appeared, significantly ousting the Europeans. Russian-made laminate is distinguished by a variety of textures and patterns, due to which it outperforms European manufacturers. Chinese laminate occupies up to 30% of the market due to its low cost. But a large percentage of laminate imported from China does not meet sanitary standards.

Laminate production

Laminate production is carried out in several stages: production of high-strength wood fiber boards, impregnation of the top layers, cladding, sawing and milling of sheets, packaging. The material from which the laminate is made is high-strength fiberboard (fibreboard). The wear resistance and moisture resistance of the final product depends on its density.

Laminate production equipment includes: automatic cleaning, double-sided profile machine, automatic feeding and loading, packing and stacking machine. A small laminate plant can produce approximately 15 million sq. m/year. According to preliminary estimates, business profitability is 30%, which is pretty impressive.

When thinking over, remember that the cost is the simplest production line is at least $800,000. To this amount it is necessary to add the cost of renting workshops and warehouses (certainly dry and heated, since changes in humidity can be detrimental to the material), wages for workers (hire at least 20-25 people). Another significant expense item may be the purchase of raw materials. Unfortunately, the full production cycle of laminate flooring is not developed in our country due to the lack of high-quality Russian-made components. Domestic companies are forced to purchase raw materials abroad. However, for the manufacture of laminated parquet of low wear resistance class, domestic raw materials can also be used. The main difficulty is the lack of suppliers.

Don’t forget to include the costs of certification of manufactured products in your business plan. There are no uniform norms and standards for the production of floor coverings on the Russian market, so Russian manufacturers are forced to resort to the norms and standards of other countries. At the same time, the issue of environmental safety of laminate is quite acute, since the production technology of chipboards itself involves the use of harmful phenol-formaldehyde resins. Do not forget that each batch of laminated coating must be accompanied by a hygiene certificate. In addition, the manufacturer must provide a warranty for its products for a period of 5 - 15 years (the period depends on the class of product). In order to sell finished products, you need to develop your dealer network. Finding sales channels can take quite a long time, since competition in the laminated coating market is quite high, and new Russian manufacturers are appearing every day. Therefore, it is better to start thinking about sales already during the opening of production.

Fashionable and relatively “young” flooring appeared in the 80s of the last century and quickly gained popularity among consumers. Despite the wide variety of textures and shades on the market, all a large number of people prefer high-quality and relatively inexpensive laminated material, which is an excellent alternative to traditional linoleum, carpet and parquet boards.

Among the main advantages of laminate are durability, ease of maintenance and a wide range of applications. This flooring is successfully used in apartments, houses and office premises. It is a thin multi-layer panel, each layer of which is made of various materials, which allows you to achieve excellent performance characteristics of the material.

When did laminate appear?

The history of laminate production goes back to 1977, when the Swedish company Pergo created the first laminated board. Of course, the product was significantly different from the coating we are used to - it consisted of two layers connected using thermoactive glue using the hot pressing method. New material They called it “laminated plastic”, and the technology for its production (HPL - High Pressure Laminate), which turned out to be very expensive, continued to be improved.

It took almost 10 years for another company, Hornitex, to introduce new technology laminate production - by direct pressing method (DPL - Direct Pressure Laminate). In the new product, the number of layers has increased to four, and their composition began to include foil impregnated in phenolic and melamine resins.

A little later, the German company HDM proposed a fundamentally new technology, the essence of which was to create a laminate board coated with an acrylate layer. The decorative film hardened under the influence of an electron beam, and the technology was called EOF.

In our country, laminated flooring appeared not so long ago - about 15-20 years ago. The first laminated boards were highly expensive and were inaccessible to the mass consumer. Currently, thanks to the constant improvement of laminate production technologies, new players are entering the market, offering high-quality coatings at an affordable price.

If previously all laminate production was concentrated in Europe, now you can purchase products from Asian and Russian manufacturers, which have a lower price. Traditionally, the best material is considered to be laminate made in Germany, as well as French, Belgian and Swedish. By the way, some European factories producing laminate flooring have opened their representative offices in Russia, which has made it possible to reduce the cost of the coating manufacturing process and, accordingly, offer a product in the middle and low price category. The first Russian manufacturing companies were Kronostar and Kronospan, subsidiaries of well-known European brands; they were later supplanted by brands created by domestic entrepreneurs.

Basic technologies for manufacturing laminate boards

Laminate production technologies at different factories may vary, but the principle of manufacturing laminated boards is largely similar. The first stage involves the production of high-density fiberboard, the quality of which determines the mechanical strength and moisture resistance of the future coating. The main raw material for the production of such fiberboard is steamed, crushed to the required fraction and dried wood chips. It is obtained using special machines that chop the bark-free tree into small pieces.

Resins, binders, antiseptics and paraffin are added to the material obtained in the refiner. The process of impregnating the fiberboard used to make the top layers of laminated boards is called impregnation. The future class of the finished product depends on it, because As a result of impregnation, the wear resistance and strength of the future coating increase. To impregnate the material, baths filled with a resin solution with various additives are used. The mass soaked in it is sent to drying chambers, and then to the primary pressing installation.

There, the chipped carpet becomes almost 5-7 times thinner (the air is squeezed out of it) and takes the shape of a slab. The primary formation of the slab surface occurs at a temperature of 200-300°C and a pressure of about 300 mPa. As a result of repeated pressing, the plate is heated to 190°C under a pressure of 40-120 MPa. The final leveling of the slab surface is carried out under a pressure of 60-150 mPa.

A conveyor belt, part of a laminate production line, moves the compressed fiber to a machine where the carpet is cut into pieces according to the specified dimensions (most often 2800 x 4140 mm). In order for the slabs to acquire a stable structure, they are placed in a special cooler for 20-30 minutes, after which they are stacked for several days.

Next, the pressed boards are sent to a formatter - equipment for laminate production, which cuts the workpiece in half and polishes it, making the surface perfectly smooth and the thickness equally even. To obtain a moisture-resistant laminate, some manufacturers impregnate the resulting board with special moisture-repellent agents.

At the next stage, the blanks are sent to the pressing area, where they are covered with paper-resin films and an overlay (from the English overlay - top layer). As already mentioned, today manufacturers use several laminate production technologies, or rather technologies for connecting individual layers to each other.

The most common is the DPL method, according to which all layers of the laminate are pressed together simultaneously under the influence of high temperatures. The use of glue is not intended, since the layers impregnated with a resin solution are transformed into a single monolithic surface of the board during the hot pressing process. If additional layers of kraft paper are used, then this technology is called CML or RML.

PDL pressing technology allows you to apply a decorative design directly to the slab, which eliminates the need for a top decorative layer of paper. Otherwise, the PDL technology repeats the previously described steps.

If manufacturers use ELESGO technology, the main difference from previous pressing methods is the overlay hardening process. Coated with acrylate resin, it is exposed to an electron beam. The final product is considered more environmentally friendly, and the clearer acrylate resin allows for better visibility of the top layer.

Special machines for laminate production make it possible to produce boards with both a smooth and structured surface that follows the relief of natural wood. Using sawing devices, the pressed panels are cut into elements, then tenons and grooves (laminate locks) are cut out, which allow the individual flooring boards to be fastened together and are lubricated with a wax coating that prevents moisture from getting inside. At the final stage of the production process, the boards are packed into bundles and sent to the warehouse.

Despite the availability of seemingly well-developed technologies for the production of laminated coatings, experts never tire of improving them, offering even higher quality, durable and moisture-resistant material with improved sound-absorbing properties. In addition, work continues on the creation of new forms, original patterns and textured surfaces of laminate boards, which reduces the existing differences between natural parquet, tiles and laminate to almost a minimum.

Among the many types of flooring, laminate occupies a leading place. This is due not only to its aesthetic appearance, but also to reliability, easy installation and other equally important characteristics.

Helpful information! Nowadays, the production of laminate has become so popular and in demand that it is displacing many positions of other once famous floor coverings, including natural flooring and parquet.

And all this because laminated coating has many advantages, including durability, easy installation and easy maintenance.

In addition, unlike natural flooring, laminated flooring is much cheaper and has an attractive appearance, so most consumers prefer it.

Laminate of high quality and performance is produced only with the help of modern equipment and under certain conditions.

Area of ​​use.

• Laminated coating can be used in almost any area of ​​construction, since in addition to additional positive qualities it has two most important qualities, namely strength and practicality:
• If a person decides to make repairs and get a new floor covering, he can choose any color or shade, regardless of the design and style of the room. This is due to the fact that laminate is produced in a wide variety of colors; choosing the right color for the room is not difficult, which cannot be said about parquet boards;
• Laminate flooring is perfect not only for residential premises, but also for public ones, including offices, trading floors, and shops. Most manufacturers produce this flooring, which is designed for heavy-traffic conditions. Most companies provide a guarantee for their products of 7 years or more;
• Laminate flooring is installed even in industrial buildings and sports facilities, since it has increased strength, and be sure to use a backing underneath the laminate. It consists of components that ensure reliability and strength, allowing it to withstand heavy loads, including work machines and training equipment.
• Thanks to such positive qualities, it becomes obvious that laminate is a more profitable and practical material, unlike parquet, which, in addition to its attractive appearance, cannot provide high strength to the floor covering, and therefore is not suitable for high-use conditions.

Background of flooring.

Laminate flooring became popular in Europe in the last century, namely in the mid-eighties. At that time, many manufacturers tried to get ahead of each other in the quality and strength of the material produced.

European manufacturers, even in our time, have managed to maintain their leadership among many laminate manufacturers in other countries of the world. They not only produce high-quality laminate flooring, but also use new technologies and modern equipment for its production.

Useful information! Although we cannot put aside other manufacturers who do not produce laminate worse quality. It’s just that their brand is not as popular and promoted as the brand of the European manufacturer. Today in China, Russia, and Ukraine, the production of laminated panels is established at a fairly high level.

Companies involved in the production of this material use new technologies that are constantly being improved, improving its quality and characteristics. In the building materials market, you can increasingly find new products in various colors that perfectly imitate marble, wood, granite or other intricate designs.

Many will be interested to know that today laminated coatings of various textures and interesting patterns are available. You can buy laminate with photo printing. For many rooms, you can choose a floor covering that will perfectly match the design of the room.

Many construction supermarkets can offer laminate flooring in wide range and various colors.

Since the demand for laminate is only increasing, it is becoming more and more popular among consumers, there is a need to attract the attention of the Association of European Manufacturers, which monitors the quality of production of these products. In addition, the Association is the main and only developer of laminate standards.

What does the laminate structure consist of?

The laminated board has four layers, which consist of:

The top layer is coated with malamine or acrylic resins, which in turn reliably protect the panel from abrasion, scratches, impacts, squeezing and other mechanical loads.

The protective layer is followed by a decorative one. It imitates various patterns:

• Wood of any species;
• Ceramic tiles;
• Stone.

Then comes the base layer, which mainly consists of high-density ancient fiber board. It is this layer that plays an important role in the laminate, since it is responsible for:

• Required rigidity;
• Thermal insulation;
• Noise absorption.

The photo shows how the laminated panels move along the protractor, acquiring a completed look.

In the layer that plays the main role, there is a lock with which the panels are connected to each other.

The level of resistance to deformation of laminated elements under the influence of moisture depends on the moisture resistance and density of the boards.

The lowest layer is called stabilizing. It is responsible for protecting the panels from deformation and providing sufficient rigidity.

The durability of a flooring depends on its quality, and you usually have to pay for it. Therefore, one should not consider a laminate that is cheap to be attractive; most likely, it does not have the qualities that will ensure a long service life.

Some manufacturers of laminated panels improve their product by gluing a fifth layer to its bottom layer, a soundproofing substrate, which significantly improves the sound insulation quality of the floor covering.

Laminate classes.

The wear resistance class of laminated panels is determined by the thickness and strength of the layer coated with melamine resin.

There are two types of laminate, depending on the area of ​​its use. Thus, they distinguish:

• Commercial group;
• Household group.

In turn, the household group is divided into classes:

• There are 21 classes that are designed to withstand light loads. This laminate is used only in residential premises, that is, in offices, libraries, quiet bedrooms;
• They are distinguished by class 22, which is designed to withstand moderate loads. It is installed in reception rooms, classrooms, shops small sizes, large office premises, etc.;
• Laminated panels of class 23 are laid in rooms where a floor covering is required that must withstand high loads. This could be kitchens, hallways.

The commercial group is also not unique and is divided into the following classes;

• class 31 is installed in public premises with light load. For example, in small rooms, conference rooms;
• Class 32 is more suitable for public spaces where the flooring must withstand moderate loads, i.e. reception areas, small shops, large offices, etc.;
• Class 33 laminate is installed in public spaces, restaurants, cinemas, large supermarkets, and gyms with high loads.
• The service life of a laminate of any class depends on how correctly it is used. If such a floor covering is installed correctly and then follows the care instructions according to the manufacturer's instructions, the laminate will last a very long time.

Floor covering production technology.

Nowadays, laminate is produced according to the most various technologies, including DPL, HPL, CPL, DPR. The basis for this flooring is chipboard, MDF, HDF.

Besides everything you need to remember, that the term lamination means the connection of all layers. It provides the manufactured material with high strength.

Below is a description of all available and modern technologies production, which today is used by many manufacturers to produce laminated boards.

Some may mistakenly think that the photo above is an image of skin, but this is not the case. It's actually laminate modern production.

DIRECTRARESSURELAMIATE technology

Today, the most famous technology in the production of laminate is DPL, to put it simply, this is how direct pressing laminated coating is produced. This method is used in approximately 90% manufacturing enterprises.

The technology involves applying a surface protective layer to a layer of paper with a decorative pattern. Then comes the main layer. Next, a paper sheet of the stabilizing layer is placed under the slab, which forms the base.

Helpful information! When using a new board, they take a fibreboard, which has a high density of HDF. The plate that will form the base is pre-polished to create the necessary conditions for high-quality gluing of all layers.

The result is a layered cake of a laminated board, which is then sent to the press. IN this equipment there is a process of sintering of all layers under high pressure and temperature. Sintering lasts no more than half a minute or a minute.

• When the paper is impregnated with melamine resin and heated, the layers adhere very firmly not only to each other, but also to the base. In order for the laminated sheet to have additional strength characteristics, in addition to melamine resin, aluminum oxide or, as it is also called, corundum, is introduced into the surface layer.
• Corundum provides the surface layer of the slab with high abrasion resistance. It is this quality that is of great importance when it is necessary to determine which class of wear resistance and load the plate belongs to.
• After the pressing process is completed, the laminated board looks like a solid monolith, which is difficult to destroy without damaging the product. The surface structure of the elements is given by embossing, that is, pressing, which is carried out using a mold.
• The surface structure of the laminated elements is given by a matrix located in the press. One matrix is ​​responsible for a certain structure on the surface, so in order to obtain elements of different structures, the matrices in the press can be replaced.

HIGHPARESSURELAMIATE technology.

HIGHPARESSURELAMIATE or HPL technology involves the production of flooring under high pressure. As a result of its use, particularly strong and reliable laminated elements are obtained.

The technology is carried out using pressing, which takes place in two stages. First, the top layer is formed, which includes:

• Decorative layer;
• Surface protective layer;
• One extra layer or multiple layers of kraft paper.

The result is a highly durable and thick layer. You might even think why other additional layers are needed if the thickness of the top layer is quite sufficient for the floor covering.

The prepared surface layer is glued to the base of the slab on top. Then, following the DPL technology, a stabilizing layer is placed underneath the main slab.

This technology is perfect for the manufacture of high-strength countertops and facing materials. It is used in shipbuilding, carriage building, etc.

When deciding to buy laminated panels made using DPL technology, you need to remember that such flooring material will cost a penny, since such production is very expensive and costly. It is very difficult to depict any embossing on elements.

CONTINUOUSPARESSURELAMIATE technology.

The production technology of CPL laminate is somewhat reminiscent of the production of panels using DPL technology. They differ only in that this production involves adding a couple of layers of craft paper under the decorating layer of paper.

The result is laminated coatings with increased resistance to impacts and mechanical damage.

DIRECTPRINT technology.

Unlike previous technologies, DPR production has its own peculiarity. It consists in the fact that the production of laminated coatings is carried out without a decorating layer. During the production of panels, decor is applied to a slab, which is heated and impregnated with special impregnations before applying the design.

Finished elements are packaged and separated directly on the conveyor.

This technology is popular because:

• Ideal for printing designs of any complexity on panels;
• You can save on panel production;
• Laminate flooring can be produced to individual order and in small batches.

It is important to remember that laminated panels must be maintained in the right conditions to maintain their original properties.

Let's summarize.

Laminate production is not as simple as it seems at first glance. This is a technology that consists of many stages that require a lot of attention and patience. Each manufacturer of laminate flooring independently decides which of the above technologies suits him best, and chooses the most optimal, practical and economical option.

Laminate parquet has been known since 1977. Its popularity is explained by its ability to withstand significant loads, practicality, and an incredible variety of decors, formats and surface designs. A huge number of companies around the world produce this product. In this article you will find complete, reliable information about which laminate is better and how to check its quality.

It is known that the technology of laminating floor coverings was first introduced by Perstorp AB (in the future Pergo) in 1979. To this day, the standard of quality is considered to be a product produced in the EU.

To ensure full control of production processes, the association of manufacturers of laminated coatings EPLF was created. Its members can be those companies that offer customers only the best laminate. Such as:

Pergo (Sweden)

Since 2000, Perstop Floorings has transformed into the now widely known Pergo concern. Full-cycle factories were opened in Sweden, Belgium (based on UNILIN bvba), and the USA. It is not surprising that until recently almost all laminate manufacturers focused on this leader in the flooring market. The range includes laminated, vinyl and parquet products under the same brand. Manufacturing process includes all stages, starting with the procurement of raw materials and ending with the dispatch of the finished product to the final buyer.

Advantages of Pergo laminate:

• PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes);
• EPD (Emission Dans l’air interieur) – products are assigned emission class A+;
• to standard 3029.0001 Nordic Ecolabel Floors.

Berry Alloc (Belgium-Norway)

Within the Beaulieu International Group corporation, the Berry Alloc laminate flooring division has a special status. The company was formed as a result of the merger of the Belgian company Berry Floor and the Norwegian plant Alloc. The result of combining huge production capacity, research base and decades of experience - production of laminate using the unique HPL (High Pressure laminate) technology of 32-34 wear resistance classes. Coatings produced using this method belong to the category of semi-commercial and commercial, as they are distinguished by the highest quality and surface resistance to all kinds of loads.

Advantages of Berry Alloc laminate:

Balterio (Belgium)

In 2001, one of the largest concerns Spanolux SA founded a division for the production of laminated floor coverings, Balterio Laminate Floors, producing products under the Balterio brand. High quality products, our own unique developments, and a full production cycle have ensured the company's rapid growth and popularity.

Today, Balterio laminate 32-34 wear resistance classes is known as one of the most durable floor coverings that are resistant to various loads. It's worth purchasing if you care about:

Designers recommend using large-format slats with a width of 22 cm and a length of more than 1.8 m for large rooms with an area of ​​80 m2 ( shopping centers, conference rooms, hotel lobbies). For small rooms, standard or shortened planks are preferred.

Haro (Germany)

Hamberger Flooring GmbH & Co, a manufacturer with more than a century and a half history, offers laminated parquet under the Haro brand in classes 31-33. The main emphasis is on the perfect reproduction of natural texture and high quality coverings.

Haro laminate should be preferred because it:

The guaranteed service life of Haro flooring is 12-30 years, depending on the areas of use.

Quick-Step (Belgium-Russia)

The UNILIN group of companies has been supplying laminate flooring under the Kwik-Step brand to the finishing materials market since 1990. In 2011, molding production of some collections was launched in Dzerzhinsk (Nizhny Novgorod region).

Since the company’s motto is “Attention to detail,” the laminated parquet in this series is carefully designed in all respects and has the following advantages:

Kaindl

Almost 120 years of experience, many in-house developments, interesting know-how, a full production cycle without the involvement of third-party suppliers - all this is about the flooring production company Kaindl Flooring GmbH.

In the EU, the Kindle brand is associated exclusively with the term “quality”. Judge for yourself:

At the end of the review of foreign brands, I would like to note that this selection does not answer the question “which laminate manufacturer is better.” Each offers high-quality and durable products. The purpose of our research was to present you with finishing materials with the most interesting and useful consumer characteristics. Undoubtedly, there are many other worthy manufacturers, but it is simply impossible to describe them all in one article.

The best laminate manufacturer in Russia

Domestic factories are trying to keep up with European competitors and offer customers products of acceptable quality and interesting designs.

Tarkett

In 2010, the German concern Tarkett Sommer AG launched a plant in Mytishchi (Moscow region) for the production of laminated flooring under the Tarket and Sinteros brand. The Russian line produces laminate in 8 collections (more than 100 designs) of 32 and 33 wear resistance classes.

Advantages of laminated coatings from the Tarkett plant:

1. A huge selection of designs with expressive, deep or standard structure. To enhance the similarity with natural wood, special techniques are used to work with the surface, such as register embossing, chrome plating, relief, solid effect, hand processing and much more. Some collections have a chamfer on 2 or 4 sides; you can choose the format of the planks:
   • Standard (1292x194 mm), thickness 8-14 mm;
   • Narrow (1292x159 mm), thickness 8 mm.
   • The TC'Lock and 5G 2-lock locking systems are successful in their simplicity and efficiency.
2. Good technical performance: slab density from 750 kg/m3, moisture resistance up to 12%, fire safety B1, formaldehyde emission class E1, available additional protection Tech3S locks (wax), guaranteed service life - 15-25 years.
3. Proven safety of Tarket products. At the moment, this is the only enterprise in the Russian Federation that has received the international eco-label “Leaf of Life”.

The disadvantage of the plant's products is that the price is several times higher. Despite the fact that production is actually located in Russia, the cost of collections imported from Germany and those manufactured here is the same. There are no complaints about the quality of the products, but the company’s pricing policy is, to put it mildly, surprising.

Kronostar

In 2002, the Swiss Krono Group concern launched a plant in the Kostroma region for the production of laminated products (floor, ceiling and wall coverings) under the Kronostar brand.

Today we produce competitive laminate of 31-33 wear resistance classes with 4 types of textures:

• PR – typical tree structure;
• WG – rustic embossing;
• MX – deep structure (matte-glossy contrast);
• ER – synchronous register embossing.

On the plus side we also note:

The disadvantages include:

• Lack of chamfer, as well as rich rich shades in the collections;
• Locks are not treated with special means to increase the moisture resistance of the connection;
• A small number of decors exclusively for wood. There are no interesting, atypical designs.
• One standard size for all lines.
• Products do not undergo additional voluntary certification for compliance with safety standards and environmental requirements.

Kronostar can easily be classified as “average”. This is a budget product for private, less often commercial, use.

Kastamonu

The Turkish holding HAYAT launched a project to build a new plant for the production of laminated coatings in Yelabuga (Tatarstan) in 2012. Since 2014, laminate flooring under the Kastamonu brand began to actively conquer the Russian finishing materials market.

The plant produces a whole series of Floorpan collections with a wood structure.

The advantages of coverage:

1. Resistance to abrasive loads (abrasives, heels, animal claws).
2. Light fastness.
3. Hygiene.
4. Easy to install thanks to the Uniclic locking system - an analogue of the connection kit from Kwik-Step.
5. Warranty – up to 15 years.
6. Reasonable price.

Let's talk about the cons. The first thing that catches your eye is the modest selection of pastel decors and types of structures. A matte, slightly textured surface without a hint of chamfer is suitable for simple, budget-friendly interior solutions.

The second point is that the durability of the coating raises doubts among experts. There are no publicly available test reports, and the product itself has only been on the market for two years.

Third fact: the plant’s statement about the complete safety and compliance with environmental standards of the Florpan laminate. However, any highly specialized certificates, with the exception of standard ones (sanitary and hygienic certificate, fire safety) are not available.

Ritter

For almost 7 years, one of the factories of the Russian concern RBC has been producing a unique series of laminated floors with exotic surfaces. The main feature of Ritter parquet is structural embossing to resemble non-standard reptile skin, imitation craquelure and much more.

There are 9 extravagant collections in stock:

Let us note the undoubted advantages of Ritter laminate:

• A rich selection of decors, shades and unusual textured surfaces.
• High wear resistance of the coating to various loads. Despite the fact that the floor is assigned the highest classes, Ritter laminate can be used at home.
• Emission class – E1.
• The wax-impregnated Master Lock locking system is easy to join and allows the coating to be re-disassembled and reassembled.
• Manufacturer's warranty – up to 40 years.
• Reasonable price.

When purchasing, take into account the fact that a textured floor is very demanding on the interior, since poor decisions will “kill” the effectiveness of the coating. For an accurate selection, use online 3D visualization programs.

Although Russian laminate does not boast a variety of designs, in some quality characteristics it is not inferior to European products. Its main advantage is its affordable price for many buyers.

Made in China: which company's laminate is better

No Chinese factories are members of the EPLF laminate flooring association. That is, it does not produce high-quality and durable products that meet European standards or Russian regulations.

This fact does not stop many large enterprises import to Russia in a huge number products under various brands. Note that among such diversity there are real “pearls”, such as Floorwood, Goodway, Brilliant and others. These coatings can be called acceptable in terms of consumer characteristics: dense slab, reliable locks, durable overlay. Technical parameters are also within acceptable standards.

The brands listed above can be called an exception to the rule. Most often there is a laminate, about which there is no information, not to mention certificates and test reports. In addition, as practice shows, Chinese laminated parquet does not correspond to the declared class. Most often, the operational resistance of the slab is checked. The wear resistance of the overlay is not tested at all.

How to distinguish Chinese low-quality laminate? Let's reveal some secrets:

1. Pick up the plank and check the strength of the slab. Using your fingers, try to bend the lock tenon or scratch it with your fingernail. High-density HDF does not crumble or crack even under heavy loads.
2. Compare the price of products manufactured in Russia, the EU and China. Imported goods are always much more expensive due to customs duties and payments. If the cost of laminate is too low, it is better not to buy a “pig in a poke”.
3. Require a sanitary and hygienic certificate. Moreover, it must be a copy with the seller’s blue seal. You must provide it upon request. Read the document carefully, pay attention to trademark, date of issue and expiration date.
4. Connect two planks. The lock should be tight, and the joint should be invisible and perfectly smooth. The snapping is done under force.
5. There should be no markings on the box or plates: Designed in Germany, German Quality, German Technology, which mean absolutely nothing.
6. If there is nothing on the packaging or in the accompanying document other than the phrase “The management quality control system is regulated by EN...”, it is better to refuse such a purchase. This means that only the document flow is controlled, but not the production process.
7. Try to find the barcode on the box, namely the first three digits. German products correspond to indices of 400-440, Austrian - 90-91, Swedish - 73, Russian - 460-469, Chinese - 690-693. A worn-out or unknown code is a reason to be wary.

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