What is wood laminate flooring?
This is a type of floor covering made up of several layers of wood-based or synthetic materials that realistically imitate different types of finishes. The finishes imitate wood (the most typical), a polished concrete finish, a rusted look, ceramic, and so on.
Laminate floors are very hard-wearing and are mainly classified according to criteria of use and resistance to impact and wear.
Types of wood laminate flooring
By use class
This is the main classification used to sort the different types of laminate flooring according to their intended use. It is split into 2 large groups, suitable for domestic and commercial use. Then, within these broad groups, it is further divided into three levels of use: moderate, general and heavy. Each is assigned a number:
- Domestic use:
- Moderate
- General
- Heavy
- Commercial use:
- Moderate
- General
- Intensive
This classification is carried out in accordance with the European standard EN 13329, which sets out the specifications and tests for grading. The following parameters are assessed:
- Abrasion resistance (AC)
- Impact resistance (IC)
- Stain resistance
- Resistance to surface burns
- Effects caused by furniture legs and other objects
- Thickness swelling
By AC rating
The AC rating measures the surface or abrasion resistance of different types of flooring, including laminate.
Although it only measures one aspect, many consumers pay attention to this variable and see it as a mark of floor quality. In Payresa's view, this is a mistake, since it does not take into account many other issues that are also more important.
The rating ranges from AC-1, the lowest level of wear resistance, to AC-5 (maximum wear resistance). For some time now, we have also been able to find laminate flooring with AC-6 ratings.
Bear in mind that for normal domestic use, an AC-3 floor is more than sufficient. Beyond this, you may be over-specifying the installation. On the other hand, nowadays it is very difficult to find a laminate floor with such a low rating.
By design
As already mentioned, the aesthetic possibilities of this type of flooring are enormous. We could divide them into different types:
- Wood, parquet and/or laminate imitation. These are the most common and most sought-after.
- Tile imitation: sandstone, hydraulic tiles, marble…
- Creative designs. Original models offered by some manufacturers.
From a design standpoint, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed:
- Design quality. This is obvious and, in many cases, very easy to spot. A poor, unrealistic print design is evident.
- Pattern size and/or repetition. Especially with laminates that imitate wood, if the number of different designs available is limited, the result can look artificial, even if the design itself is high quality.
- Embossing and texture quality. The surface of laminate flooring is not completely smooth, but has a certain amount of texture. In quality laminates, there is also synchronisation between this texture and the design. In other words, you can not only see the wood grain, but also feel it.