Laminate Class, What is it and What is it For?

Laminate Class

Laminate is a well-known floor covering that has been successful and for a long time in high demand among buyers, while it has a relatively low cost and high-performance properties: surface abrasion, resistance to impact and pressure, high environmental friendliness, and ease of installation. 

However, when choosing a laminate, you should pay attention not only to the characteristics that we just mentioned but also to the class of this flooring, there are only four classes (we are talking about laminate for commercial use in residential and public premises). We will talk in more detail in this article about which class of laminate to choose and what is their difference.

31, 32, 33, 34 Grade

The laminate class first of all tells us what safety margin it has. The definition of “strength” in this case implies all the most significant operational characteristics of the laminate, so this indicator is important and should not be forgotten at the time of its purchase. The most wear-resistant laminate corresponds to classes from 31 to 34, where the first digit in the number indicates whether the coating is for domestic use (number 2, covering low-traffic areas) or commercial use (number 3). 

The second digit in the number is an indicator of wear resistance: the higher the number, the longer the coating will last, while class 31 is already a wear-resistant laminate, and class 34 is used in industrial premises with extremely aggressive loads on the floor covering. Laminate with a class from 31 to 34 is guaranteed to retain its appearance for a long time: ten years or more (up to 25 years).

Application

31 classes are installed in residential premises. This laminate has an average level of heat and sound insulation, its service life is 10-12 years. Class 32 is suitable for use in public spaces: schools, cinemas, and shops. If we talk about residential premises, then in this case laminate with class 32 is laid, including in kitchens and hallways. High level of heat and sound insulation, service life: 15-17 years. 

Class 33 is intended for premises with the highest traffic levels. Very high degree of heat and sound insulation, service life 20-25 years. Class 34 is mainly used in industrial premises. The cost of such a laminate is significantly higher than previous classes, and the characteristics are designed to withstand loads that can hardly be created in a residential environment. The service life of laminate with class 34 is 25 years.

More About Properties

The most common buyer choice is grades 32 and 33, which are not much more expensive than grade 31, but have a higher safety margin. These classes also have the following properties: high thermal conductivity, which makes it possible to lay the coating on a warm floor; resistance to household chemicals and moisture; high strength against mechanical impact; the surface does not accumulate static electricity, does not fade even under the influence of the sun’s rays, and does not slip; simple installation of the coating (you can do it yourself); high sound insulation properties.

Summarizing

When choosing a laminate for your room, first determine what loads will be applied to it, and what the humidity and level of traffic in the room are, then you can easily determine the appropriate wear resistance class.

General Wood Flooring LLC stores offer a wide selection of laminate, as well as other floor coverings and related products. Our managers will answer your questions in as much detail as possible and help you choose the most suitable option for you. Welcome to shopping at the General Wood Flooring LLC  store chain, we work for you.