Chinese laminate - features, types, characteristics and reviews

Many buyers are afraid to buy Chinese laminate. Reviews about it are sometimes contradictory. The article will discuss types of coatings that are distinguished by durability and quality. In China itself, locally produced laminate is in great demand. Coatings are made that imitate mahogany, cherry, and dark colors. Glossy surfaces are considered popular. More than 80% of this laminate is exported.

Experts note that Chinese models have long been ahead of European ones. For example, in 2012, laminate flooring with decor was sold in the Middle Kingdom, while in Europe such options appeared only in 2014. In China, children's options have long been sold: laminate flooring with images of cartoon characters and fairy-tale heroes.

Peculiarities

Chinese laminate is produced in the southern part of the state. In the north, production has been established only in some provinces. Modern European technologies are not used in production. The Chinese use their know-how to make laminate flooring durable and of high quality. It works out pretty well. Experts have long noted that Chinese mid- and economy-class models can easily compete with European coatings in terms of strength, reliability and other indicators. What else should be noted besides the cost of laminate flooring made in China?

• Almost all Chinese factories use technology to create HDF boards. It should be noted that not all European manufacturers can boast of this. Chinese factories carry out all types of work: collecting raw materials, processing them, monitoring manufactured products and selling them.
• In the manufacture of laminate, pure raw materials are used. Even though many areas in China are highly polluted, all coatings offered for export comply with international standards and regulations.
• Chinese craftsmen make unique models: there is laminate with unusual colors. Thanks to courage in decisions and special technologies, unique models are created in production.
• Even with the existing stereotype that laminate made in China is of low quality, it is difficult to find really bad models on the market. The cheapest options still have performance characteristics and are suitable for indoor use.
• Creating a laminate is not a complicated process. During production, it is important to use quality raw materials and precision equipment. Leading companies use Japanese technology, which is created to special order. Only highly qualified workers work in production.

Manufacturers

Models from manufacturers such as Kaiser, Proteco, etc. are produced in China. Among local companies there are most of those that are popular abroad. Millennium is considered the most popular. This manufacturer creates interesting models that are made from rare wood species. Various options are sold, differing in textures and textures. This Chinese laminate has a high level of wear resistance. The manufacturer provides a 25-year warranty.

Another well-known company is Floor Step. It creates high-quality laminated decor. At each stage of production, maximum control is carried out, so there are no defective goods. The company creates Chinese class 33 laminate. Reviews about it make it clear that the product is wear-resistant and resistant to moisture. The coating can withstand mechanical loads. The manufacturer offers economy and premium models.

Zigart is a popular company in the domestic market. The brand is European, but production is established in China. Models of class 32-33 go on sale. That is why you can choose an option for your office or home without much difficulty. All models are durable, versatile and have a long service life.

Reviews about Chinese laminate are excellent. During operation, many do not notice the difference with expensive European options.

TOP 3 best laminate class 33, 12 mm thick

Kronotex Robusto 33 class 12 mm 1.29 m²

The Robusto collection from this manufacturer is an example of a reliable and durable laminate that will last for many years without losing its appearance and basic characteristics..

The collection includes 26 color schemes imitating the pattern of oak boards; the manufacturer regularly adds new designs. The laminate is suitable for use in commercial areas, with high traffic, its resistance to mechanical stress is equal to AC 5.

The surface does not accumulate static electricity; the product has many certificates of compliance with the stated characteristics.

The laminate is made from natural wood, the raw materials are sourced from sustainably managed forests.

It is also completely safe for children's rooms, as it does not contain phthalates..

Floating installation ensures that there are no traces of glue, and after use, disposal or thermal processing can be carried out without problems.

Main characteristics:

1. The view is single-lane.
2. Lock type - Click.
3. Is it suitable for heated floors - no.
4. Length/width/thickness, mm - 1375/188/12.
5. Quantity and area per package - 5 pieces, 1.293 m².
6. Chamfer - 4-sided.
7. Additionally - moisture resistance.

pros

• smooth texture;
• natural imitation of wood pattern;
• strong and simple locking system;
• there is no unpleasant odor after opening the package;
• can be laid at an angle.

Minuses

• no significant ones were found.

Tarkett Navigator 33 class 12 mm 1.25 m²

This collection from a renowned manufacturer successfully combines the texture of noble wood and enhanced strength of the boards.

The 12 mm thickness will ensure the stability of the floor covering, the painted chamfer with 4 sides is very similar to block parquet.

The register uses deep embossing, which ensures similarity with the natural grain of wood. and the downtime locking system will allow you not to worry about the ease and simplicity of installation .

Thanks to its high class of wear resistance, laminate is suitable for installation in public spaces; static electricity does not accumulate on its surface, and there are no marks left from heels and furniture legs.

For both commercial organizations and residential premises, the manufacturer guarantees a service life of 25 years.

Main characteristics:

1. The view is single-lane.
2. Lock type - Lock.
3. Is it suitable for heated floors - no.
4. Length/width/thickness, mm - 1292/194/12.
5. Quantity and area per package - 5 pieces, 1.25 m².
6. Chamfer - 4-sided.
7. Additionally, there is a relief surface structure.

pros

• scratch resistance;
• large selection of colors;
• simple assembly, the procedure can be repeated several times;
• locks with wax protection.

Minuses

• It's difficult to find the right amount in one place.

Classen Extreme 33 class 12 mm 1.65 m²

Laminate from a German manufacturer, which is suitable for use in public and domestic premises.

The surface of the coating is semi-matte, with a pronounced imitation of the pattern of natural wood.

The boards are highly wear-resistant, do not wear out over time, do not suffer from deformation and do not lose their original color when exposed to sunlight.

Durable panels lay well even on uneven surfaces, so they are often used to mask defects in concrete or old wooden floors.

The use of natural raw materials, long lasting appearance, increased strength and quick installation due to the simple locking system have made this collection of ten designs very popular among users.

It is impossible not to point out the moisture resistance of the laminate and its simple care that does not require additional means.

Main characteristics:

1. The view is single-lane.
2. Lock type: Mega Lock.
3. Is it suitable for heated floors - no.
4. Length/width/thickness, mm - 1286/160/12.
5. Quantity and area per package - 8 pieces, 1.65 m².
6. Chamfer - 4-sided.
7. Additionally - glossy surface, moisture resistance.

pros

• reliable coupling;
• variety of designs, rare repetitions;
• natural patterns of wood fibers;
• the smell of wood when working with the material.

Minuses

• no significant ones were found.

Advantages

Thanks to the use of modern technologies, a strict approach, compliance with rules and standards, Chinese laminate has many advantages. Let's look at the most important ones.

• Length of service life. The manufacturer provides a warranty of 15 to 30 years. Durability depends on the operating conditions and wear resistance class.
• Increased wear resistance. Thanks to the use of innovative technologies, as well as thin layers, manufacturers have been able to improve the characteristics of the laminate.
• Easy to install. Due to the fact that each panel has a locking system, laminate flooring is easy to install. In the reviews you can notice complaints on the surface due to poor-quality locks, but such a problem is relevant only for models created in 2010 and earlier.
• Safety in use. Any laminate has permits, licenses and necessary documents that guarantee compliance with sanitary and epidemiological standards. Thanks to this, coatings can be used in children's rooms and medical offices.
• Range. There are various decor options. Chinese laminate flooring for artistic parquet is considered popular. There are options for imitation stone and tiles on sale. You can also find unique coatings that cannot be purchased on the world market.

Advantages and disadvantages

If we consider this category in terms of the ratio of characteristics with similar laminated boards, we can highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of class 31 coatings.

The advantages include the following indicators:

• environmental friendliness. The material is made from natural materials that do not emit harmful and toxic elements;
• maintaining performance characteristics when used appropriately;
• the locking system of the plates allows installation without additional fasteners;
• the surface of the coating has antistatic properties;
• resistance to chemicals;
• large assortment of colors and textures;
• heat resistance;
• The strength of the coating is ensured by the multilayer structure of the material.

Disadvantages of coverage in 31 categories include::

• many types do not have a protective moisture-resistant coating in the end parts;
• relatively short service life;
• the material is afraid of moisture;
• under heavy load, the coating quickly becomes unusable (after 2-4 years of use).

Taking into account the less stable wear resistance of the coating, class 31 laminate is the most inexpensive option compared to analogues of a higher class. But if treated with care, the coating can last for quite a long time while maintaining all its performance characteristics .

Laminate "Diamond"

The brand was opened in Germany, but production was established in China. Deliveries are made not only to the CIS countries, but also to America. This coating is distinguished by low prices, high performance, wear resistance and versatility.

The manufacturer has long established itself in the European market. It has its own research and development bureau. What benefits does this provide? The company is able to analyze customer needs and create options suitable for the European market.

The laminate design is developed by specialists from Belgium and France. That is why the appearance of the coating stands out against the background of European companies. The cost of products from Brilliant is about 1 thousand rubles per sq. m. m. You can purchase Chinese laminate flooring in retail stores and online.

Characteristics of the “Diamond” laminate

The manufacturer is trying to create a laminate that will resemble oak wood floors. If installed correctly, such a floor really looks like natural material. The instructions make it clear that such a coating can be used for both commercial premises and home.

As for the characteristics, the abrasion category is 34/AC 6. This class is considered the highest of all that exist. The laminate is made from high-density solid HDF board. The thickness of this Chinese laminate is 12 mm. A European-type locking system called Arc Click has been installed. Ecological class – E1. Dimensions of boards – 1250 x 240 x 12 cm. Package – 6 boards. As for water resistance, it is not at the best level.

Contact the professionals

Only in this case can you count on professional assistance in choosing floor coverings, which will allow you to save money and time. And if necessary, you can also order laminate installation, which will be carried out in the shortest possible time with a quality guarantee.

Parquet-Step is an online store of quality flooring, trusted by conscious buyers.
Dozens of manufacturers, hundreds of collections, a wide price range - here you are guaranteed to be able to choose the optimal laminate that fully meets your requirements. Return to list

Specifics of the “Diamond” laminate

The described Chinese laminate of class 34 is durable, resistant to wear and increased loads. As a rule, this coating is used in commercial premises due to its increased durability. Laminate of this class is considered widespread. If you want to purchase just such a coating, then you should pay attention to.

Laminate has high performance characteristics, so it is not advisable to use it in residential premises. Of course, no one forbids installing it at home. Moreover, the laminate will last more than 20 years.

How to choose class 33 laminate in terms of price/quality ratio?

To select a high-quality laminated coating of class 33, it is important to take into account several nuances:

1. Thickness _ The higher the traffic in the room, the thicker the slats should be. For a bedroom, a laminate with a thickness of 6-7 mm would be a suitable option; for a corridor, kitchen or hallway, 8-10 mm would be suitable. If the product is purchased for public facilities (for example, in an office), then the thickness of the board should be at least 10, and preferably 12 mm.
2. Color . Choose a design that will harmonize with the interior items or become a bright accent. Please note that on dark surfaces dust is very noticeable, so if the windows in the room face the road and you often open the windows, it is better to opt for lighter options.
3. Moisture resistance . For the hallway, bedroom or living room, this indicator is not important. But in rooms with high humidity it is better to choose a moisture-resistant collection. If you plan to lay laminate flooring in the bathroom, then its density should be at least 900 kg/m³. The lower part in this case must also have a special treatment, information about which is most often placed on the packaging.
4. Fixation . It comes in adhesive and locking types. The latter ensures quick assembly, which even a beginner can handle.
5. When calculating the required volume, always add 10-15 percent as a margin.
6. Safety . The laminate should not contain various softeners and substances that can release toxins. Especially if laminate is purchased for a children's room.
7. Always ask for certificates of conformity . In order not to run into a fake, it is better to make a purchase at an official representative’s store.

Structure of the “Diamond” laminate

Each coating has the following structure, regardless of which model we are talking about. Let's consider it.

• The first layer is protective. It is by this that the class of coverage is determined. The layer is transparent. It is made from natural and artificial substances. The layer thickness can vary from 0.5 to 1.5 mm.
• The second layer is created from polymers, kraft paper and cardboard. An image of wood or stone is applied to the coating. By connecting the layers, the decor becomes more real.
• The third layer is created from fiberboard. It has an increased level of strength. Thanks to its presence, protection against moisture is created. For laminate, this board is considered the base. It is she who is responsible for many important characteristics.
• The fourth layer is created from coniferous wood. Thanks to it, you can stabilize all layers of the coating, as well as provide protection from the rough base.

Laminate "Florwood"

This laminate is considered one of the most popular. The brand belongs to a German concern. First, production was carried out in Germany, then in Belgium, Belarus and Russia. The company opened in China quite recently, but almost all production facilities were moved here.

There are a large number of different designs in stock. Every year the company releases 16 collections, which are updated periodically. As for the plank formats, various options are sold: shortened, elongated, extra-wide, additionally framed with a chamfer. You can find a version of Chinese laminate for parquet. These options are popular. Operational life – 25 years.

Laminate "Goodway"

These products are in high demand due to their good quality. The brand was founded in 2009. Some collections represent the cultures of some countries. For example, the Arabic collection is made in bright colors and with monogram-like patterns. The English line is calmer and corresponds to the classical style. Laminate is produced not only in China, but also in Russia. Service life – 30 years.

European brands

Among foreign brands of laminate, the following are popular among Russian consumers:

• moisture-resistant German laminate “Haro Tritty-75” without chamfer;
• moisture-resistant laminate “Kaindl Authentic”;
• moisture-resistant laminate “Kastamonu Floorpan Purple” without chamfer;
• German moisture-resistant laminate “Meister LC-100” without chamfer;
• German laminate under the WITEX brand.

Very high quality, which corresponds to European analogues, is also characterized by the Belarusian laminate “Fussboden Comfort” with a four-sided chamfer and high moisture resistance.

The domestic Quick-Step laminate has good quality and stable durability.