Laminate seems like a new product to many of our fellow citizens, because this coating appeared on the Russian market only 10-15 years ago. Nowadays this is the most popular floor covering. Today, Russian-made laminate is able to compete with products from Western European countries. Most enterprises located in the Russian Federation work together with European manufacturers using foreign technologies. Often they are the ones who offer the most affordable products that meet foreign quality standards and requirements.
Laminate made in Russia
Although laminate has been produced in Europe for a long time, the first Russian coating production was established only in 2003. Demand was small at first, but gradually increased. And by 2008, several enterprises began to operate in Russia, most of which were subsidiaries of well-known European brands.
When choosing, domestic consumers often give preference to European brands. The Swedish laminate manufacturer Pergo was no exception. The employees of this company became the pioneers of flooring material, which in the modern world is considered one of the most reliable and durable materials. However, laminate production in Russia is also developing very actively.
Floor coverings produced by Russian companies pose serious competition to German panel manufacturers. And although there are still few of them (less than a dozen), all brands of Russian laminate are in demand and find their admirers.
List of Russian manufacturers
As a rule, Russian enterprises are equipped with high-quality German equipment and import materials for the production of bases from abroad (fibreboard or high-strength chipboard). This is laminated chipboard. The names of the companies themselves fully or partially contain the names of those corporations under whose auspices they produce their products. List of Russian manufacturers:
- Platinum laminate is also a variant of German products, which is produced in the Russian Federation and China. The Platinum brand has gained popularity thanks to its non-standard design solutions, especially for class 33 laminate.
- Quick-Step laminate originally comes from Belgium, but is now produced in Russia. It has high quality and competitive price. The company offers 16 collections to Russian customers.
- Tarkett laminate is the most famous brand, which, under the sonorous name of a German manufacturer, is manufactured in 28 countries.
- Sinteros laminate is also produced under the auspices of the Tarkett company and is famous for its high quality. Production is entirely carried out on German equipment and is controlled by German specialists. It is this trademark that belongs to class 33 laminate “Bogatyr”.
- Kronostar is a laminate produced on German equipment under the auspices of a Swiss company. This brand is an indicator of decent quality.
- Laminate "Baikal" is produced under the direction of the German company KRONO. Class 33 coating, which the company focuses on, has high technical performance.
- Belfloor laminate is a Belgian laminate, it is durable, versatile, and safe for health.
In 2005, the first purely Russian company appeared on the Russian market, which began producing products under the Shelekhov Laminate brand. However, they had to purchase slabs abroad, and the company could not compete with Western competitors in the economy segment, so it focused on producing expensive class 33 laminate.
In 2008, another Russian enterprise was formed - RBC-Laminate LLC, which for the first time used domestic boards in production. Thanks to this, the price of laminate flooring turned out to be quite acceptable for the buyer. This company produces class 32 laminate in the low price segment. But she managed to beat Western competitors due to the diversity of design. Laminate with a structural surface imitating snake or crocodile skin has proven to be in great demand among customers.
Ritter laminate is an exclusive and unique coating. Each collection is worthy of close attention. Ritter floors are produced in Russia, due to which the cost of the laminate is affordable and the quality is good. The RBC trading and manufacturing enterprise, which produces these slabs, even has its own scientific and technical laboratory.
Today, most Russian manufacturers purchase the basis for the manufacture of panels abroad. Our own manufacturers are not yet able to provide workpieces of decent quality. The difficulty also lies in the fact that Russia has not developed a single quality standard that one could be guided by, so it is necessary to use European standards as models. And they are as high as possible, which is why the price of co-produced laminate is quite high. Those who are in search of the perfect flooring are recommended to get acquainted with vinyl laminate flooring in Leroy Merlin.
Which company should you choose?
Previously, it was believed that only foreign manufacturers could boast of the highest quality laminate, but after many of them began to open their own production in Russia, consumers began to favorably accept Russian-made samples.
If you want to choose a high-quality floor covering that will last for many years without losing its appearance and basic characteristics, then pay attention to the collections from the brands Quick-Step, Classen, Tarkett, Kastamonu, Kronospan.
Types: classes, colors
Laminate class and thickness are of paramount importance when choosing a coating. All over the world, laminated coatings are divided into 7 main classes: 21, 22, 23 (household laminate), 31, 32, 33, 34 (commercial laminate). The higher the class of the laminate, the stronger, more durable and functional the floor.
The class is assigned to the manufactured coating based on the results of special tests, which establish wear resistance indicators. The product passes 18 different tests established by the European standard EN13329.
The general characteristics of laminate of classes 21-23 include low wear resistance, and therefore a short service life. It’s worth mentioning right away that in Russia laminate in this category is practically not represented either in production or on the market. The main disadvantage of household laminate, as opposed to commercial laminate, is the lack of special protection against high humidity.
The most common and popular class on the domestic market is 32. The coating of this category ideally combines decorative and performance properties. Class 32 laminate can withstand intense loads and serves as an excellent floor covering for school classrooms, offices, and boutiques. Many reputable brands produce products of this class in Russia:
- Kronospan;
- Kronotex;
- Quick Step;
- Tarkett.
The service life of this coating in commercial premises is 3-5 years, in everyday life – up to 15 years. Class 32 laminate is presented in bright colors and has a textured surface that completely imitates the structure of natural wood.
Advantages of domestic laminate for decorating floors and walls:
- huge assortment;
- natural materials for production;
- fast production, fast delivery;
- reasonable cost;
- resistance to changes in pressure, temperature and humidity;
- hygienic and antistatic properties of products;
- application of protective coating technologies;
- practicality, warranty period;
- ease of care;
- safety;
- resistance to chemicals.
A modern and inexpensive alternative to traditional luxury flooring is a decorative artistic laminate with an imitation of artistic parquet. Piece parquet, laid out by a master in a unique, spectacular pattern, is not for nothing called “palace” - this design option has deep historical roots. But today, with the help of high-quality and beautiful laminated flooring, you can turn it into a palace, a modest country cottage, or even a city apartment.
Tarkett Sinteros
The Russian-German company Tarkett Sinteros knows how to talk about its laminate and, in principle, it deserves it. The main structural element of the German Tarkett Sinteros laminate is high-density fiberboard - it is produced by pressing wood fibers with synthetic resins.
The bottom of the slab is covered with a layer of kraft paper impregnated with resin: this paper is designed to protect the slab from moisture and increase its strength.
Tarkett laminate is a thin sheet of transparent paper impregnated with melamine resins that are mixed with aluminum oxide. The main task of the top layer is to protect the decorative layer from abrasion. In fact, it is its strength and wear resistance that will determine the durability of the laminate as a whole.
Advantages of Tarkett Sinteros laminate:
The surface is not afraid of scratches, sharp heels or furniture legs. At the same time, the floor is easy to clean due to its excellent resistance to dirt.
Tarkett coating is suitable for children's rooms and is safe for allergy sufferers due to its excellent antistatic and environmental properties.
Having a high level of heat resistance, the laminate does not ignite from short-term contact with fire, switched on heating devices or a dropped cigarette. Products from a renowned manufacturer undergo mandatory testing during the manufacturing process, complying with EU standards.
Pricing policy and purchasing methods
- The cheapest among the listed brands are coatings (from 280 rubles per sq. m).
- In second place in terms of affordability is laminate brand “Platinum” (from 330 rubles per sq. m.).
- Laminate "Sinteros" costs from 450 rubles. per meter Tarkett brand coating is in the same price range.
- The cost of Quick Step panels is from 600 rubles per sq. m. m.
- Ritter laminate is a little more expensive - from 700 rubles per sq.m.
- For comparison: Swiss laminate “Pergo” costs about 1000 rubles per sq. m. m.
You can purchase domestic brands of laminated coatings in construction stores. The second way is to order online on the websites of companies and stores.
Ecoflooring
Recently, Ecofloring laminate has become increasingly popular. Despite its European origin, it is characterized by low cost and excellent quality, and is quite common.
Ecoflooring laminate collections:
Ecoflooring Classic (class 32) - appeared on the building materials market not too long ago, it is attracting more and more buyers, first of all, with its quality and price.
Ecoflooring Country (class 33) is the most popular collection today, laminate boards 12 mm thick.
Ecoflooring Villa (class 33) – features a hand-scraped effect, creates the effect of a voluminous floor and looks very impressive.
Ecoflooring Artwood (class 33) - appearance with the effect of planed wood, the surface is glossy, creating the effect of natural aging of wood - an ideal solution for a classic interior.
Ecoflooring Brushwood (class 33) - imitates a solid board with an amazing natural effect.
The most popular collections are Classic, Country and Artwood. Despite the fact that the integration of the German Ecoflooring laminate into our market of finishing materials took place relatively recently, its popularity can be envied by many long-known coatings.
This can be explained not only by quality (although this should not be forgotten), but also by the fact that the Ecoflooring laminate range is represented by a considerable number of colors and decors.
User reviews
Reviews about Russian-made laminated panels are a little contradictory, but in general they show that the products of domestic companies are close in quality characteristics to European brands. And many brands are much more affordable in price than foreign ones.
Alina, 42 years old, Moscow
“The need to update the floors in the house is long overdue. There is no way to invite a master and do everything quickly, so we do it ourselves and gradually. We chose Kronostar laminate for the living room; we bought it on sale at Maxidom. Coating 32 strength class, color – wild cherry. It is produced here, so I was very worried about the quality. But, to be honest, it’s in vain. My husband and son completed the installation in 2 days. The coating has been serving us for a year now. I'm happy: it looks beautiful, is easy to care for, and doesn't creak. I don’t know why some people don’t like it (I read the reviews beforehand). My family is glad that we also managed to save money.”
Sergey, 38 years old, Ekaterinburg
“I am a specialist in laying laminate flooring. I can say that the best domestic brands are Tarkett and Quick Step. And those who came across low-quality material probably ran into a Chinese counterfeit. Or they installed the coating incorrectly. Don’t be afraid to buy laminate from our production.”
Valery, 29 years old, Zelenograd
“My wife and I dreamed of laying something original and beautiful in the hall of our country house. Guests often gather there, and I wanted to surprise them. We decided to purchase the Ritter collection of Nefertiti (Premium Oak). They hired craftsmen who laid everything out competently and quickly. The result was a very stylish floor: with a “leather” effect. During the day it’s not very noticeable, but in the evening it’s simply gorgeous, especially by the fireplace. The cost is more than reasonable."
Bar counter for the kitchen.
This article will tell you whether it is cheaper to paint walls or glue wallpaper.
Toilet design photo: https://trendsdesign.ru/home/vannaya-komnata/bolshoj-dizajn-dlya-malenkogo-tualeta.html
Arteo (Germany)
The Arteo
brand appeared on the Belarusian market relatively recently.
Behind it lies the well-known German manufacturer Classen
.
The assortment includes the current best colors of the manufacturer and a number of unique new products. Our company was one of the first to become an official dealer of these coatings. There are no large number of sales, since the product is new and unknown. But several buyers still shared with us their emotions and experience of installing Arteo
: “
We bought Arteo by accident, we just liked the color when we were choosing laminate flooring in the showroom.
The consultant said that this is Klassen's premium brand. In fact, it doesn’t matter to us what brand it is. The main thing is that the floor is installed without problems and lasts at least five years. We bought it and a pine backing. The master did the installation and said that there were questions about the locks, but in general, everything was as usual: no better and no worse than others. The floor lies and does not creak. Are you happy with your choice? In general, yes. » Nikolay Yablonsky, Minsk
In the picture: popular color Famara Oak
“ I chose the laminate simply based on a picture on the Internet. I liked the color Famara Oak . I took a sample at the salon and went home: apply it and see how it will look directly in the apartment. Fits perfectly! Rich white color and wood structure! My husband laid it on a simple 3mm backing. He said that the locks are flimsy and crumble. Maybe we were unlucky and this is the party. I managed to put him down, but he wanders around in some places (near the radiator in the hall). Maybe they chose the wrong underlay or the floor is not even... everything is fine in color, but it creaks. Maybe it will settle down some more...
» Nemogai Anna, Minsk
Tips for choosing
So, the choice of Russian-made laminated coatings is not so small. What nuances need to be considered before purchasing?
- Decide on the manufacturer at the stage of studying the assortment. You can consult with those who have already used this or that brand, read reviews, and consult with specialists.
- Do not blindly trust the opinion of sales consultants. Their job is to sell the product.
- Carefully study the documentation accompanying the product. Read the instructions and ask for a quality certificate for the products you are interested in.
- Before purchasing, ask about the possibility of returning excess packaging of material.
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.
Castle marriage
We came on a recommendation to install flooring at the end of 2017. We saw a picture: the substrate was laid, the first and second rows were assembled, but with broken locks. We tried to produce GorDeus laminate flooring but it didn’t work out. The lock did not fit into the groove.
They advised us to replace the coating and said goodbye. A few months later we were invited to this site and we laid a new laminate floor.
It turned out that they called an expert from the store, but he also could not assemble it and the entire batch was replaced. This case is rather an exception; such stories have not been repeated.
But if we characterize it in general, Chinese laminate has loose locks. The locking connections practically do not hold the panels apart and gaps may form during operation.
