Advantages and disadvantages of class 32 laminate + differences between 8 and 12 mm

Laminate is a floor covering that is very similar in appearance to traditional wood floors, but has several significant differences.

The material is laid on a finished subfloor, which has a flat plane, is not attached to the base, but is only completely connected by all the edges of the panels into a single sheet.

This circumstance requires a different approach to installation, in particular to the use of a high-quality substrate.

At the same time, the material is very attractive in appearance, is available for self-installation and can be disassembled and re-installed in a different order or room.

Thanks to these qualities, laminate quickly gained a leading position among floor coverings, successfully displacing linoleum or parquet.

Advantages and disadvantages of class 32 laminate

Like any material, class 32 laminate has stronger and weaker sides. Let's take a closer look at them.

The advantages include:

High decorative qualities of the material.
Easy to install, you can do it yourself.
Possibility of reuse or partial repair, replacement.
Strength of the material, resistance to mechanical stress.
High heat-saving ability.
Does not require any special care.
Long service life.

There are also disadvantages:

The need for a high-quality soundproofing substrate, which complicates installation.
Demanding on the quality of the subfloor, the coating does not tolerate unevenness or dents.
The price of the material, although not the highest, is quite noticeable, especially when using samples of material with specific properties or products from well-known brands.

Both the pros and cons of the material must be taken into account during installation or operation in order to increase the service life of the coating and avoid mistakes leading to destruction and loss of material.

Top Chinese manufacturers or joint ventures

Developers from China have recently improved the quality of their products while maintaining an adequate cost. Most models are created by well-known European concerns that control the production process.

Goodway

The manufacturer in question is confidently included in this rating due to its own originality. The developer's innovation lies in the fact that each country has its own laminate line. Floor coverings for Arab countries are considered the most luxurious and rich. Each product is made with a special U-shaped chamfer. 8 collections were produced, taking into account the colors of the countries.

The products in question are characterized by high strength and long service life. The flooring has classes 33 and 34, and the warranty period for the products is 25 years. To make the products more accessible to domestic consumers, 2 collections are produced by Russian specialists.

Pros:

originality;
meet international standards;
long warranty period.

Minuses:

You can find low quality locks.

Floorwood

The manufacturer in question from Germany makes high-quality coatings that are affordable for any consumer. Laminate with a long warranty period is produced in various countries, but the bulk of the products are produced in China. German quality ensures strict control, but achieving it is not difficult due to the most advanced technology and high-quality wood.

The products in question are ranked due to their rich range of shades and structures. The model line is constantly updated. The user is offered wide panels and short, tapered slats. A comfortable lock makes it possible to install the laminate yourself.

Pros:

a large number of collections;
long warranty;
3D 5G fixation.

Minuses:

overpriced.

The question often arises, which laminate is better to choose. To know which class of laminate is better, this list has been compiled. The list includes the best models. They are characterized by efficiency and quality.

Specifications

Thickness - 8-12 mm.
Width - 185-195 mm.
Length - 1260-1380-1894 mm.
Durability in an office environment is 5 years, in an apartment environment it is 10-15 years. At the same time, office conditions can sometimes be more suitable for the use of laminate, which automatically increases its service life.
The lock is prefabricated and does not require an adhesive layer.
Moisture-resistant coating. Some samples can withstand being in a puddle of water for up to 6 hours.
Resistant to active substances or detergents.

The variety of types of laminate contributes to the constant addition of new models with higher characteristics and new qualities to the range..

How are wear resistance grades assigned?

18 tests

Needed to determine the laminate class

All these degrees are assigned for a reason. Manufacturers run 18 different tests on a board before assigning it a grade. This standard is called EN 13329 and was developed by the Association of European Laminate Flooring Manufacturers.

Tests are carried out:

for abrasive resistance;
adhesion strength of layers;
for resistance to long-term load;
impact resistance;
heat resistance;
light fastness;
antistatic;
formaldehyde release coefficient;
stain resistance;
water resistance;
slip resistance...

This is a whole set of procedures that each batch goes through. Naturally, this applies only to reliable manufacturers. Which, by the way, explains the rather high cost of their products - considerable funds must be invested in production, testing and certification.

By the way, if you want to see how wear-resistant the laminate is, you can try to conduct a test in “makeshift conditions”. All you need is a board, medium-grit sandpaper and a coin.

Try rubbing a small area of the board with sandpaper. Repeat using a coin. That's all. This, of course, is a “stress test” and you will most likely destroy one of the boards, but you will understand exactly how reliable the material is in your hands.

Deep grooves and dirty sandpaper are not a good sign for coating. The less obvious they are, the higher the quality. But we warn you right away, not a single board will pass such a test perfectly - it is simply impossible.

What is the difference between 8 and 12 mm thick laminate?

The difference in material thickness is the difference in the thickness of the supporting layer. It can be obtained due to different types of supporting layer . If HPL or HDF is used for manufacturing, instead of conventional fiberboard (MDF), then, despite the smaller thickness, the strength and moisture resistance of the material will be even higher than that of conventional varieties.

At the same time, the smaller the thickness (regardless of the material), the more noise and rumble from the coating, which forces you to lay a thick substrate.

IMPORTANT!

The presence of rumble when walking is a serious problem, which can only be eliminated by re-laying the covering with an additional layer of sound insulation. To avoid these worries, you should worry about sound insulation of the canvas in advance.

Quick Style Collection

Among the existing series of the manufacturer, the one mentioned above is considered the most popular. Kronospan Quick Style laminate perfectly imitates a natural coating made from valuable wood species. These floors are resistant to moisture, chemical attack, and abrasion. The slats are not afraid of changes in humidity and temperature. This coating can be used in tandem with heated floors. The manufacturer indicates that the slats have a high degree of fire safety. If you are interested in this line, you can count on finding a Kronospan laminate that is suitable specifically for your interior. Oak, walnut, beech, etc. - the choice of panels is more than wide.

Main types of laminate class 32

There are different types of material:

Moisture resistant laminate. It is made of pressed material that is impregnated with wax. The locking part has additional impregnation, which further reduces the possibility of water absorption.
Laminate with bevel. This material looks very much like a traditional floorboard. The chamfer gives the coating a realistic look and hides cracks.
Artistic laminate. In practice, this is a simplified and cheap version of parquet flooring.

In addition, there are various panel design options:

Under oak.
Under the alder.
Under a stone.
Under the tiles.
Under the skin, etc.

There are really many possibilities for choosing class 32 laminate. All options have a very attractive appearance, which often makes it difficult to choose - I like all the options without exception .

Results

Once again, it is worth emphasizing that class 32 coating should not be used in places with high humidity. Consider its ability to withstand various types of impact, from mechanical to chemical, as well as shockproof functions. Dust and dirt will not penetrate into the joints and locks if you follow the basic rules of caring for the laminated surface. Sound insulation also relates to the requirements of buyers, and depends on the type of room in which the laminate will be used.

It's nice when you can walk on the floor even barefoot, and laminate flooring will always allow you to do this. Comfort, coziness and cleanliness are the main advantages of laminate of any class, but time will always tell you which choice is best for you.

Other laminate classes

In addition to class 32, there are other strength classes.

NOTE!

Strength class is a category of material that is assigned only to member companies of the Association of Laminate Flooring Manufacturers, a European organization. If the firm is not a member, the class is not assigned.

However, manufacturers often arbitrarily indicate one or another class on their material in order to increase sales. In order to determine the authenticity of the material, you should check the certificate .

31st grade. This material is the softest and most unstable of the commercial varieties. At the same time, it is quite suitable for home use, having sufficient qualities and durability. In addition, it can be used in small offices or rooms with low floor loads.
33rd grade. Durable and load-resistant coating. The thickness allows the use of furniture on wheels and shopping carts. The material is resistant to abrasion and can easily withstand the movement of a large number of people in hard shoes (women in stiletto heels). At the same time, prices for class 33 differ significantly from lower categories of material, which reduces its distribution and demand.
34th grade. It is sometimes called sports because it can be used in gyms. It has the highest possible characteristics and is resistant to all types of loads. It is noteworthy that class 34 has not yet been officially included in the classification of the Association of Laminate Coating Manufacturers, but it is already being produced and is indicated as being fully used.

Belarusian laminated floors Colors

Laminate Colors (Belarus) has been represented in stores in the CIS countries for more than a year - it is a well-known and popular brand that offers consumers laminate floor coverings of various prices, technical characteristics and appearance.

The variety of models offered deserves special attention in the catalog of this brand. The color range includes laminate of 31, 32, 33 wear resistance classes, the cost of which varies from 350 to 1300 rubles per m2. Therefore, after looking through the catalog of this Belarusian manufacturer, it is quite possible to choose suitable furniture for your home, office, public space and any other place.

The Belarusian company notes that its laminate is suitable for floors in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, foyers, hotel rooms, when arranging offices, halls and corridors with a high degree of traffic and load on the floor covering.

Main characteristics of Laminate Colors (Belarus):

Many positive reviews from customers from different CIS countries.
Affordable cost of decor due to Belarusian production and the use of inexpensive raw materials.
A wide range of models makes it easy to choose the right laminate.
Long-term manufacturer's warranty (valid only if laminate flooring has been installed in the residential area).
The use of local and Russian raw materials for the manufacture of products, which reduces the cost of goods.
Availability of modern equipment for laminate production, purchased from a German manufacturer.

The colors of laminate flooring are sold not only in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, but they can also be seen in stores in Europe.

Main foreign and domestic manufacturers

Class 32 laminate is the main material, accounting for up to 80 percent of the total mass. There are a lot of manufacturers of such coatings; it is simply impossible to list them all.

Here are some of the most famous of them:

Balterio (Belgium).
Quick Step (Belgium-Russia).
Egger (Germany),
Classen (Germany).
Witex (Germany), etc.

The following Russian manufacturers stand out:

Tarkett.
Kronostar.
Kronospan.

When choosing a material, it is a good idea to pay attention to the brand of laminate. Well-known companies guarantee quality, which cannot be said about various unknown manufacturers who skimp on everything to the detriment of quality.

Variety of colors

Laminate flooring today comes in a variety of colors. The following shades are especially popular:

"Antique" oak board;
“Canyon” black oak board;
Swedish oak board "Country";
"Reykjavik" oak board;
"Grey chestnut";
"Greenland" oak board;
"Tiger" oak board;
"Ancient Oak";
"Catalonia" oak board;
"Oregon" oak board;
"Lakeland" oak board;
maple board "Curley";
oak board “Nostalgia”;
"White Ash";
oak board “Solid”, etc.

These are the color solutions that are in demand among consumers today.

Laminate from Belarusian manufacturers has excellent aesthetic characteristics

What rooms is it suitable for?

Class 32 laminate is the “golden mean” among all types. It is almost ideal for an apartment or house, good for medium-sized offices, shops, medium-sized conference rooms, classrooms or auditoriums, with an average or slightly increased load . The durability of the material for office use is at least 5 years, and with careful use - 10 years or more.

Moisture-resistant varieties are suitable for installation in the kitchen, hallway or corridor.

IMPORTANT!

With some restrictions, it can be used in bathrooms, but you should not relax too much; prolonged contact with water is harmful not only to the laminate, but also to the base (subfloor).

Reviews of class 32 laminate

Let's look at some reviews about laminate flooring found online. They will be able to describe the material in the most reliable way and give it the most objective description. If you would like to add your review to the table, please write it in the comments.

Author's name	Customer review
Bychkov E.	We thought for a long time which class to choose. The seller advised taking 33, but it is expensive and ugly. We would like 31, but it’s made of fiberboard, it’s somehow scary. We took the average 32nd class, so far we can’t say anything bad. Looks good, beautiful, feels so warm.
Staritsky E.	Our children are active and our dog is cheerful. We bought laminate flooring and took grade 32. I immediately advise everyone - do not skimp on noise protection. It’s good that we first laid it in a small corridor, walked back and forth, and it rattled under our feet like plywood. We put a layer of cork under it, now everything is fine
Krivorotov M.	Of all the options that were available, I chose the average value. It turned out to be class 32 laminate, Belgium. It seems that he made the right decision. It tolerates washing the floors absolutely calmly, although at first we were afraid to wash it, so just lightly with a damp cloth. Then they spilled water by accident, he should have taken a piss, and we became bolder. In a word, a good laminate, no comments.
Zvantseva N.	If I had known, I would have bought better parquet. Everything creaks, it shakes, there are some cracks... I didn’t like it. If it had been good, it would not have come apart at the seams after 3 years. Everyone says that I bought Chinese, maybe it is, but in the store they said that it was a good laminate, class 32. Maybe they laid it wrong, but there’s no other way to lay it there...
Utesov N.	We have been thinking about laying laminate flooring for a long time. Before this, the linoleum lay there, all worn out. We bought class 32, light, beautiful, honey color. Very satisfied, no problems, it’s pleasant to walk, it doesn’t make noise, we try not to pour water, but I wash the floors normally, as always.
Bogachev S.	Class 32 laminate is a great thing, but its owners are the same ones... They invited me to look at the coating, something was rattling, they said. I came, and everything there was hills and depressions. The floor was all crooked, they laid it right on it, it would level it... They had to re-lay it, level the floor, make a underlay. It became quiet and good, they couldn’t be happier - the money was not wasted in vain.
Pogrebnyak M.	I recommend German laminate class 32 to everyone! Excellent coverage, no matter what, it won’t create any problems! We have an old one in the bedroom, but in the living room and hallway we updated it with a better one. The difference is heaven and earth! There are no cracks, sounds, marks or scratches.
Makarov K.	We were choosing laminate, the seller advised us to buy class 32 and showed us which one was better. Thanks to him! Some acquaintances complain about their coating, saying that the edges are swollen, cracks appear... We have had it for 2 years already, during which time the problems would have appeared at least a little, but for us - nothing. Beautiful and durable material. If sellers give advice, you need to listen to them!
Zhuravleva V.	We chose 32 for the kitchen and 31 for the rooms. There is not much difference, but you have to constantly combine it with washing the floors. In the kitchen, everything can be washed easily, there are no problems, but in the rooms - neatly, with a slightly damp cloth... If only we knew, we would buy the same one everywhere and we wouldn’t have to constantly remember where and how to handle it.
Polovov N.	We laid German laminate, class 32, on the floor. Looks good, doesn't creak, doesn't make noise. Three years old - it’s like new, no scratches or other flaws are visible. The only thing is, if you knew, you bought light material, not dark - the dust is very noticeable.

Judging by the reviews, the quality of the material is quite high, but the installation technology is not followed in many cases. In order to avoid mistakes and miscalculations, you need to familiarize yourself with the installation rules before installation work and do everything as expected, then there will be no problems.

Long service life and ease of installation

Kronospan laminate, reviews of which you will read in this article, has outstanding aesthetic qualities. If you prefer this brand, then you will have the opportunity to choose one of the design solutions, of which the manufacturer presented a great variety. The lamellas are characterized by a rough structure, which allows you to create an imitation of natural wood. On sale you can find options that resemble the most common valuable species, among them oak, chestnut and walnut. The modern consumer always tries to save money, but this will be impossible to do if the product loses its performance qualities a short time after purchase. The same cannot be said about the laminate described in this article. If you lay the coating correctly and then care for it in accordance with all requirements, then it can be used for 20 years. Any home craftsman who has experience in carrying out repair work can carry out the installation. The flooring may be used immediately after completion of the work. In some cases, it is possible to carry out the entire range of work without resorting to additional help. In order to lay Kronospan laminate, reviews of which you can read in the article, you will only need to prepare the tools and also use the appropriate instructions.