What is laminate flooring made of?

Laminate flooring is popular due to its positive characteristics, low cost, as well as attractive appearance. When choosing a material, special attention should be paid to its composition. The strength of the coating, the durability of the finish, as well as safety for health will depend on this. Let's find out what laminate is made of?

to contents ↑

What is laminate flooring made of?

Laminate is a multilayer material, as evidenced by the translation from Latin - layered. Depending on the manufacturer, the number of levels may vary. Let's look at the composition of the laminate with the maximum number of layers from the bottom to the front:

1. Soundproof, heat-insulating, protective layer (film). This layer is optional - its presence is determined by the brand and brand. Such layers increase the protective characteristics of the coating. Their presence increases the cost of the laminate.
2. Protective layer. Must be present without fail. Made from paper impregnated with resin or paraffin. But you can find a polymer coating. This waterproof layer protects the flooring material from mold and mildew, and also increases the strength characteristics.
3. The base consists of a durable chipboard or fiberboard. At the end of this layer is a castle connection. How strong the material is used for the level, the castle joints will be so strong and high-quality, and, accordingly, the long life of the floor covering.
4. Moisture resistant film. Its presence is also mandatory - it protects against moisture from the front of the material.
5. Decorative coating. It is made of paper with the application of the desired pattern and texture. For example, imitation of stone, wood. There is a polymer decorative layer.
6. Finish protective layer. It is made of melamine formaldehyde or acrylate resin.

So, we described the maximum possible structure of this coating, but the most popular types consist of only four layers:

• Protective bottom layer of paper.
• Particleboard or fiberboard.
• Decorative.
• Facial protective.

Important! The modern laminate is made using new technology, which makes it possible to apply not only a pattern, but also a texture. This makes the finish look more natural.

to contents ↑

The degree of harmfulness of the components of the laminate

Before choosing this coating for your home, you should find out what the laminate is made of and how much its components can be harmful.

So, the device of the laminate shows clearly that 90% of it consists of woodworking industry waste - shavings, sawdust and so on, which is often used for the manufacture of other finishing materials, as well as furniture. It would seem that an environmentally friendly material, but doubts are causing harm to floor coverings due to adhesive protective and adhesive resins.

Important! For the production of particleboard and fiberboard, natural resins or high-tech adhesive compounds are used that meet all safety standards.

The upper protective layer is made of acrylic or melamine-formaldehyde resin, where the chemical composition of the second immediately raises the question of safety, since formaldehyde is a toxic substance.Why is it then added to melamine - as a binding component? Does it harm during the operation of the flooring? - There is no single answer, there are only a few factors:

• The concentration of the substance. You need to understand that this component is used in many finishing materials and in the manufacture of furniture. Conscientious laminate flooring manufacturers try to minimize formaldehyde concentrations. This characteristic is displayed in the emission classification.
• Formaldehyde can actively release into the air at elevated temperatures. Therefore, if a “warm floor” system is planned, then the choice of material must be taken with special care.
• The presence of vinyl wallpaper, laminated furniture, laminate in the complex can exceed the safe level of formaldehyde.

Important! So, the composition of the material for wall decoration, flooring must be studied carefully before buying.

to contents ↑

How to choose a safe laminate?

The procedure for both choosing and buying a finishing finish for the floor is an important step. This surface is subjected to maximum load, so a properly selected laminate can for a long time please the owners with an aesthetic appearance and be safe.

When choosing a material, it is worth knowing its fundamental properties and factors:

• Strength class. For an individual type of housing is recommended household. Its cost is low, but the strength characteristics are also small. So, for long-term use of the floor, it is better to choose a commercial or semi-commercial type. The numbers must be 32 and higher.
• Manufacturer. It is better to give preference, of course, to well-known brands - this is a guarantee of the quality of the coating.
• Certificate. A self-respecting seller, if he has nothing to hide, will always provide all the necessary documentation.
• The device of the material - what the laminate consists of, which and how many layers.
• Emission class. Health safety is displayed here. Ideally, E0, however, also admits E1.
• Type of lock. Lock is a budget option, and Click is easier to install, more durable, and the coating is more beautiful due to the minimal gaps between the panels.

Important! When choosing, it is worth clarifying about wax impregnation - is it there or not. It provides a snug fit and protects the locks from moisture.

• Density and thickness. The higher these indicators, the better the quality of the material, but also the higher the price.
• Texture. If you plan to finish the floor under a tree, then it is better to purchase paintings with a minimum repetition of the picture - this will result in the most approximate visual effect.

Important! If there is a system of underfloor heating, then you need to choose a coating with a mark of permissible use.

to contents ↑

Laminate Emission Classes

This indicator is the main, as it reveals the level of safety for health. There are four main differences:

• E0 is the safest material. It makes it possible to lay the laminate in the nursery and use it for the underfloor heating system. It contains no formaldehyde and uses exclusively non-toxic components.
• E1 - is an acceptable level of formaldehyde concentration. It is possible to use in any premises of housing, but with caution for children's and underfloor heating systems - specialized marking must be present.
• E2 - here the formaldehyde content is 3 times higher in comparison with E1.
• E3 - in this form, the formaldehyde content is 6 times greater than in E1.

Important! Vinyl laminate of class E3 and E2 should be used in housing with extreme caution. In children's rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, it is completely undesirable to lay it down.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

Having understood what a laminate is made of, it becomes clear that safety for health directly depends on the protective and bonding layers. Yes, the main raw material is 90% natural wood, but other components can ruin the safety and environmental friendliness of the material. An important point when choosing a material is the room itself, where the installation of the laminate is planned.