What is the difference between laminate and parquet boards? Parquet board or laminate, which is better? Cost of parquet boards

When choosing flooring Many people are faced with the question of how laminate differs from parquet boards. To answer it, you need to understand the characteristics of these materials, the technology of their manufacture and installation.

Parquet boards and laminate differ in manufacturing and installation technology.

Manufacturing technology of laminate and parquet boards

The manufacturing technologies of these floor coverings have significant differences, despite the fact that they are based on natural wood. What is the difference between parquet board and laminate?

The parquet board has 3 layers: plywood, a main block of pine or spruce and a face covering of wood valuable species(beech, ash, oak, etc.). Each layer is laid perpendicular to the previous one to give the board strength and resistance to temperature changes and moisture.

Laminate also consists of several layers. The main layer is HDF material, which reverse side has a moisture-proof coating. Next, furniture paper is laid on it, which gives the laminate its color and texture. After this, the panel is covered with a special lamination layer, providing a hard and durable coating. The edges of each laminated panel are treated with moisture-resistant impregnation.

Both of these materials have a similar tongue-and-groove fastening system.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate

Laminated coating can be different types. Laminate flooring differs according to the loads it can withstand: small, medium and high. This can be determined by the markings indicated on the packaging. The choice of one class or another depends on the purpose of the room and traffic. For example, for a corridor or kitchen you should choose a laminate designed for high loads, for a children's room - a middle class one, but in the bedroom the loads are minimal.

There are several classes of laminate. For office premises The most durable laminate of classes 31, 32, 33 is manufactured. For residential buildings and apartments, it is enough to use laminate of classes 21, 22 and 23.

Advantages of laminate:

high resistance to mechanical damage and abrasion;
antistatic;
UV resistance;
heat resistance;
the ability to make a heated floor system;
a variety of colors, patterns and textures;
ease of maintenance and resistance to cleaning agents during cleaning;
The warranty period is at least 5 years.

Disadvantages of laminate:

not suitable for use in rooms with high humidity;
poor sound insulation if you do not use a substrate under the laminate;
inability to repair damage, only complete replacement damaged element;
By appearance It is clear that the material is artificial.

Advantages and disadvantages of parquet boards

When laying parquet boards, you can create various geometric patterns

Advantages of parquet:

good noise insulating qualities;
antistatic;
durability and harmlessness of the varnished coating;
the possibility of repeated repairs and restoration;
stylish and sophisticated appearance, unique texture natural wood;
ease of installation and maintenance;
Warranty for parquet flooring is 10 years.

Disadvantages of parquet:

not suitable for installation in damp areas;
The varnish covering the parquet wears off faster during use than the laminate coating;
demands on maintaining temperature and humidity conditions in the room.

Laminate or parquet: common misconceptions

There are some misconceptions associated with laminate and parquet flooring that are worth addressing and clarifying.

It is believed that laminate, unlike parquet, is not environmentally friendly pure material. However, it is not. Laminate has the same environmental class as parquet - E1. Parquet board, like laminate, contains an adhesive substance, which is also a chemical.
Laminate flooring is no more noisy than parquet. To avoid echoing, the laminate should be laid on a perfectly flat surface, with a sound-insulating substrate underneath it. Parquet boards laid floating without a backing also lose their soundproofing qualities.
Damaged laminate cannot be repaired, unlike parquet. But parquet laid in a floating manner is also quite difficult to repair. At the joints during the grinding process, it can sag, which can ultimately lead to the appearance of waviness on its surface and worsen its appearance.

Laminate laying technology

To lay laminate and parquet boards you will need a similar set of tools:

laminate or parquet board;
polyethylene film;
soundproofing substrate;
jigsaw;
hammer and block for tapping;
finishing crutch;
wedges;
PVA glue D3 (for the adhesive method of attaching parquet);
roulette;
pencil;
knee pads to protect the knees from stress during work.

Laying laminate:

A gyro-insulating film is laid (if the base is concrete), the joints of which are secured with adhesive tape.
A noise and heat insulating substrate is being laid under the laminate.
Laying the laminate can be done starting from any corner of the room, but preferably in the direction from the window.
The lamellas are fastened as follows: the tenon of one lamella is inserted into the groove of the other. Be sure to leave 10 mm gaps near the walls by inserting pegs. Each lamella must be tapped with a hammer to avoid gaps. If necessary, you can place weights on the joints.
The outermost lamella in a row is trimmed, if necessary, and the remaining part can be used at the beginning of the next row. It is important that the cut part is at least 30 cm.
When laying the last row of laminate, you need to take into account their size and the remaining opening, taking into account the required distance from the wall. To make this job easier, you will need special tool- finishing crutch.

Technology of laying parquet boards

There are two ways to lay parquet boards: floating and glued.

To maintain a beautiful appearance, the floor covering must be cared for.

The floating method of laying parquet boards is similar to laying laminate flooring. Glue method It involves fixing parquet to the base using a special glue, which ensures its reliable fixation. This method is suitable for laying parquet on cement-sand or plaster screed, concrete base.

Laying parquet using the adhesive method:

Substrate preparation: leveling, cleaning and priming, preferably with a synthetic primer.
Layout of parquet boards in the order in which they will be attached to the base.
Applying glue to boards.
Laying the first board with a distance of 6-12 mm from the wall. For convenience, special wedges are used.
Laying the second board with padding to the first. For this, a hammer with a block is used. Glue the boards within 10 minutes.
After cutting the last board in a row, you need to immediately lay the rest of it at the beginning of the next row.
After gluing several rows, you need to make sure that there are no cracks or gaps in the coating.
After completion of the work, the ends need to be covered acrylic sealant or cork chips or install a metal threshold.

Now you know how to choose flooring and how to distinguish parquet boards from laminate.

The choice of this or that material depends on your taste preferences and material capabilities.

To understand the difference between parquet and laminate - two seemingly similar materials, you need to study the properties, characteristics and installation features of each of them. Given the visual similarity between laminate and parquet, this is fundamental different materials with its advantages and disadvantages.

Laminate and parquet are not only different materials, but also different properties, characteristics and installation features

To distinguish parquet from laminate, it is enough to know that parquet is individual panels made of completely natural wood for finishing the floor. Parquet is divided according to several criteria:

by type of cut;
presence of defects;
color;
texture.

According to the type of cutting, parquet can be radial or tangential. The first option is obtained by cutting through the middle of the trunk. This parquet demonstrates excellent resistance to temperature changes and moisture. Tangential is obtained by cutting at some distance from the middle of the trunk. In this case, the parquet has a rectilinear pattern with a clearly defined structure.

It is noteworthy that the difference between parquet and laminate is not only in characteristics and performance, but also in “age”. Parquet as a material has been known for more than three thousand years, while laminate appeared relatively recently. People of past millennia covered the earthen floor with parquet, highly appreciating the qualities of the board.

Each plank in the parquet has its own unique pattern, which cannot be said about laminate

In the manifestation in which the material is known and widely used today, it was actively used in the era of Tsar Peter I, with light hand which saw the emergence of a new direction in the field of panel laying - Russian Baroque.

Types of parquet - how are they classified?

There are several main types of material:

piece;
art;
panel;
massive;
palace.

Piece parquet is made from valuable wood species, such as maple, oak or beech. In rare cases, from more exotic woods such as teak or red. This material is environmentally friendly and relatively affordable.

But the differences between artistic parquet and piece parquet lie, first of all, in the use of a geometric shape, natural materials and stones. This approach opens more possibilities for the implementation of an individual pattern. By external characteristics artistic parquet is superior to all other types.

Panel parquet has an interesting approach to creating a base. It uses waste from the production of more expensive types of materials, followed by laying planks of various types of wood.

Palace parquet is complex geometry and expensive materials

In terms of heat and sound insulation, solid parquet is the leader. With proper care, it can last up to a hundred years. It is obtained from boards, in turn made from natural solid wood. On average, each such board has a length of 0.5 to 2 meters.

Palace parquet has always been considered a sign of luxury and prosperity. It was used to decorate palaces and noble chambers. Modern designers found wider use of the material due to significantly cheaper installation. Palace parquet not only costs, but also looks more expensive than others due to individual particles of different geometric shapes and decor made of jade, amber and marble.

Based on the number of planks, parquet is classified into:

single-lane;
two-way;
three-way;
four-lane.

Single-strip material is suitable for decorating rooms with large area. This parquet is quite practical, as it is made from wide strips of valuable wood. Options are available to purchase boards with chamfers, which allows you to achieve the effect of a solid wood coating.

Two-strip parquet is a pair of planks with solid strips or strips divided into modules. This option is appropriate for decorating rooms with festive or ceremonial interiors.

Single-strip parquet is the most expensive and practical

Three-lane is used more often than other types. The material imitates a “deck” pattern and is suitable for installation in premises of any purpose. The width of the board can be from 109 to 208 cm.

Four-strip parquet is the most budget option. Made from waste wood, it is ideal for finishing rough rooms, cottages, loggias, and enclosed verandas.

The main advantages of parquet

It’s enough just to compare laminate and parquet boards, and in this case parquet, if you can highlight the advantages and disadvantages of both materials. The advantages of parquet, for example, include the following points:

durability;
safety and environmental friendliness;
the possibility of artistic masonry;
possibility of restoration;
sound insulation;
lack of staticity;
aesthetic and stylish appearance.

As for the minuses, there are so few of them, and they are so insignificant that they practically do not play a role when choosing a material. The disadvantages of parquet include instability to moisture, as well as the ability to absorb odors, loss of color and shine under the influence of UV rays.

Parquet always looks more aristocratic than ordinary linoleum or even laminate

The main thing about laminate - structure, characteristics

Returning to the differences between the two most popular materials for floor finishing, let’s determine the difference between laminate and parquet, this time by analyzing the first. So, laminate is also panels, but not made of solid wood, but based on fiberboard or chipboard. Each panel includes several layers of paper impregnated with special solutions under the influence of temperatures and high pressure.

Melamine and acrylic resins are used to impregnate the top layer, which can prevent damage to the material under the influence of moisture, and also act as a protective layer from dirt and rubbing. Next layer - decorative paper with a pattern imitating natural wood.

Under the paper layers are fiberboard plywood or chipboard, due to which the structures become more durable and wear-resistant. Just like for impregnating paper layers, melamine resin is used for the base. Due to this, the product retains its shape and is not deformable even when long term operation. The average thickness of one board is from 6 to 12 mm.

The coating can imitate not only wooden surfaces, but also tiles, as well as wood, granite and marble.

Laminate is not solid wood, but it looks just as good

Laying laminate flooring is so easy that you can do the work yourself. The panels are fastened to each other using a tongue and groove. It is also easy to disassemble the coating if necessary and re-install it multiple times.

There are several classes of laminate flooring, taking into account which it will be possible to select the material with optimal time operation. There are 7 classes in total:

21 - suitable for apartments and houses with minimal load;
22 - placed in rooms with an average level of load;
23 - mounted in rooms with high level loads;
31, 32, 33 - for industrial and public premises;
34 - for areas with increased load, for example, airports, train stations, shopping centers etc.

Contact of laminate with water is extremely undesirable, although compared to parquet and boards, the material is more reliable in this regard. A significant difference between laminate and parquet boards also lies in low level soundproofing for the first one.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate: what do they affect?

Laminate, like any material, has its advantages and disadvantages. Its advantages include:

simple and quick installation that does not require the help of specialists;
wear resistance;
environmental friendliness;
durability;
resistance to mechanical damage;
resistance to UV rays;
affordable price;
relative resistance to moisture.

The downside is the low level of sound insulation, which means additional use soundproofing pad. In addition, laminate cannot be restored.

Laminate flooring is not only faster and easier to install, individual damaged parts can always be purchased in addition and just as easily replaced

Comparative characteristics of materials - which one to choose?

What is the difference between laminate and parquet boards and the more expensive and durable parquet? It exists and is significant, as can be seen from the description of the characteristics of the materials above. But which material to choose - everyone decides for himself, depending on the capabilities, needs, expected load, purpose of the room, impact resistance, thermal conductivity, service life, and finally, ideas about the ideal field.

In terms of appearance, parquet and parquet boards are the leaders. The materials look most natural, expensive, and will allow you to decorate exclusive interiors. If the goal is to imitate stone, metal, marble and other materials, you need to take a closer look at a competing material. The answer to the question of whether parquet boards or laminate is better will clarify the situation. Only using laminate panels can you achieve the desired effect.

The purpose of the room plays an important role. The higher the load on the coating, the more durable and wear-resistant the material should be. In this case, it would be more advisable to choose a laminate - artificial, but environmentally friendly.

Both parquet and laminate have their pros and cons, and in each case, a certain unique characteristic of these materials can be a key factor in choosing

The impact resistance of laminate is 1.5 times higher than that of parquet boards or parquet. But the answer to the question of what is warmer - parquet or laminate, may disappoint adherents budget options coverings. Undoubtedly, parquet is superior to its artificial counterpart not only in noise insulation, but also in such an important indicator as thermal insulation.

And finally, about the price. The most expensive option is natural parquet, followed by parquet boards and laminate closes the ranking as the most affordable option materials for finishing indoor floors, regardless of purpose. Considering all of the above, you can make a smart choice.

Before arranging the interior of a room in which it is preferable to make a wooden floor as a floor covering, you should familiarize yourself with the options for this type of covering. Which is better - parquet board or parquet laminate- the characteristics of each of them will help you decide. By comparing the qualities of each material, it will be easy to make a choice. Knowing the requirements for the floor covering, extending its service life is quite simple.

Laminate and its structure

Choosing what kind of coverage would be better suited For a specific room - parquet boards or parquet laminate - their characteristics should be fully assessed.

Laminate is a layered system consisting of 4 types of material. The total thickness is rarely more than 1.5 cm. The main layer consists of chipboards or fiberboard. It gives rigidity to the product. The bottom of the laminate is made of paper impregnated with a water-repellent substance. Sometimes plastic is used for these purposes. The bottom layer reliably protects the slab from moisture. The decorative layer has a color that imitates the color of the main tree species. There are also other types of textures. The top layer of the product is a thin, transparent film that protects it from moisture penetration and mechanical damage.

When choosing which is better - parquet boards or parquet laminate - you must take into account that laminate is durable, durable material. Corundum grain is added to expensive building materials for strength.

Advantages of laminate

Laminate has a number positive qualities. Thanks to them, according to consumer reviews, this type of coating will last about 10 years. This should be taken into account when choosing between it and a parquet board.

The main advantages of laminate flooring include environmental friendliness. It can even be placed in a nursery. What distinguishes laminate from parquet boards is the ability to install it in rooms with elevated temperatures. It is able to repel dirt and does not slip. The coating is resistant to abrasion, mechanical damage and stress. Laminate is resistant to rising temperatures. Withstands overheating.

One of the positive qualities that distinguishes laminate from parquet boards is the absence of the need to maintain the coating using special methods. It is enough to regularly wet clean the surface.

Parquet board or laminate - which is better? Consumer reviews also make it clear that laminate is a little easier to install. Its cost is less than that of parquet boards.

Disadvantages of laminate

When considering whether to choose parquet boards or laminate, you need to familiarize yourself with the disadvantages of the latter.

This material can't stand it high humidity. Therefore, it is better not to use it in the bathroom or kitchen. Among the disadvantages of laminate, it is also worth noting the impossibility of restoration by polishing. Serious scratches will be very difficult to remove. Choosing high class strength, it will be possible to avoid negative manifestations.

Laminate or What to choose is, of course, up to you. The main thing that good quality was present in each type of material. Low quality laminate will last only 2-3 years. A good, high-quality coating of the presented type is comparable in cost to parquet.

Parquet board

It is also a layered structure. However, its overall thickness is slightly greater than that of laminate. Usually it reaches 2 cm. The top layer is made from various valuable types of wood. That is why such coverage is quite expensive.

The difference between parquet and laminate is that its structure consists of 3 layers. The wood and plywood included in the composition are located perpendicular to each other. This system allows you to increase the strength of the product and also avoid deformation. The top decorative layer, which is durable wood, additionally protects the product.

Parquet board texture

Studying how laminate differs from parquet boards, we can come to the conclusion that both types of material are quite rich in the spectrum of texture diversity. The surface of the parquet board is sometimes additionally painted. However, even without this, creating a real work of art on the surface of the material will not be difficult.

Using brushing technology, it is possible to artificially age the appearance of wood. The material is colored using toner. This helps give the desired shade to the wood.

The surface of the parquet board can be bleached, steamed and other manipulations can be performed. If desired, the texture is not used at all. The surface will be simply smooth and shiny. But thanks to the characteristics inherent in each type of wood, choose an interesting, unique style flooring is very simple. Texture can add luxury to the interior. The main thing is to correlate the design style of the room with the choice of pattern on the surface of the wood.

parquet board

Parquet board or laminate - which is better? User reviews highlight the following: positive features wooden floor, as environmentally friendly and hygienic. Thanks to the properties of wood, dirt is simply pushed out of the material. With proper use, the durability of such coating exceeds 30 years. This is also facilitated by the possibility of sanding the parquet board. It is being restored to remove scratches and traces of mechanical damage.

This material can be easily combined with other types of flooring. For example, in the kitchen, near the work surface, you can lay ceramic tiles, and cover the rest of the space with a wooden covering.

When deciding which is better - parquet boards or parquet laminate - you should take into account that natural wood is considered warm material. Therefore, in a room with laminate or parquet boards, the temperature difference will be noticeable.

Using lock connection The parquet board is easy and quick to assemble.

Disadvantages of parquet boards

The natural wood included in the product does not like temperature changes and high humidity.
This material also reacts poorly to ultraviolet rays.
Wood has the property of absorbing odors, which can be irritating in a residential environment.
On top layer Dents and scratches appear easily.
The cost of purchase and installation is quite high.

Laminate or parquet boards, the pros and cons of which were discussed above, are chosen at the discretion of the consumer. The disadvantages inherent in the latter also include the change in the size of floor elements in summer and winter due to the ability to absorb and release water.

What do parquet boards and laminate have in common?

In or parquet boards, you need to be guided not only by their pros and cons. You should also pay attention to general qualities materials. The similarity of the coatings lies in the wide range of their colors and textures. This will allow you to create a wide variety of interiors.

Parquet boards are produced using the deck method. The ease of installation of both systems is ensured by the technology of their connection. When laying laminate or parquet boards, you do not need to use glue or mastic. This assembly method will also help you easily replace a damaged coating element.

What to choose?

The difference between laminate and parquet boards should be taken into account when the consumer chooses the necessary building material. IN different situations Any of the following would be better:

If the room is a walk-through room, or the flooring will be subject to heavy loads, it is better to give preference to laminate. It is more resistant to abrasion.
If there are animals in the house, it is better to choose laminate.
For luxury design For the interior, parquet boards are definitely better suited.
The difference between laminate and parquet boards is thermal conductivity. If you need to create additional insulation floor, you need to give preference to parquet boards.
When there is no good ventilation in the room, it is better to cover the floor with laminate.
Laminate and parquet boards differ in noise transmission. When using laminate, for example, running around the apartment Small child will create discomfort for neighbors below.
Many consumers pay initial attention to the price of coverage. Laminate is cheaper, but will have to be replaced more often.

How to choose a laminate?

To choose a laminate correctly, you need to pay attention to the wear resistance class. Even for residential premises it is better to choose strength class 31-33. This will significantly extend the life of the flooring.

The thickness of the laminate, like the parquet board, has different meaning. It should be from 8 to 12 mm. For this type of coverage this is quite enough.

The thickness of laminate and parquet boards is different. The first option is much more subtle. It does not raise the floor level noticeably. This is true for people doing renovations in one room. With laminate, there will be no step between rooms.

When committing self-installation It is better to choose a lock type connection for wooden flooring.

How to choose the color of a parquet board?

When making a purchase, you should also pay attention to the quality, cost and color of the flooring wood covering.

As for the color of the parquet board, it is selected to match front door. They don't have to match in color. The main thing is that their tandem is harmonious.

Looks very interesting contrasting combination parquet with a door. It is best to choose the color directly in the store. Shades may be distorted in the photo.

When choosing the color of the floor covering, you should take into account that the difference between laminate and parquet boards is the preservation of color artificial version. Natural wood It will lighten over time. This must be taken into account when choosing the color of the floor covering and door.

The shade of wood even depends on the type of cut and production location, as well as processing technology. Lighting plays an important role in the process of choosing the color of a parquet board.

It is better not to select the same texture of the door and wooden covering. Otherwise, there will be little harmony in such a combination.

How to choose a parquet board?

A good parquet board is usually up to 2 cm thick. You should also pay attention to the hardness of the material. Moreover, this indicator should be correlated with the moisture resistance index of the tree.

When selecting a parquet board as a floor covering, you should ensure that the humidity in the room is not lower than 45 and not higher than 60%. IN heating season If there is a lack of humidity, natural wood flooring may crack. Therefore, asking the question: “Laminate or parquet boards - what to choose?” - it is necessary to measure the humidity in the apartment. If the level of this indicator is insufficient, it is necessary to give preference to laminate.

Cost of parquet boards

Parquet board is an expensive coating. The cost depends directly on its thickness, processing method, as well as the brand of production. The better the quality of the flooring, the more expensive its price. A good laminate costs as much as a parquet board.

The most expensive materials For natural coating are considered such exotic breeds woods like cherry and walnut. This is due to the thinness of plant trunks. Good processing, high-quality sanding also makes the final product more expensive.

Products produced by popular manufacturers have a higher cost. Although a big name and a high price are not always a guarantee of quality. The appearance of the product, its locks, thickness and quality of processing should play a decisive role in the process of selecting flooring.

Having familiarized yourself with the main characteristics, types and their features, it will be easy to decide which is better - parquet boards or laminate flooring. Depending on the requirements for the floor covering, everyone chooses the best option for themselves.

Knowing the basic parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing an artificial or natural wooden floor, it will not be difficult to determine the most quality product at a reasonable price.

When the question of replacing flooring arises, many people begin to compare traditional types of flooring with modern materials. Most often, the choice arises between and laminated parquet; every owner planning to engage in serious repairs should know what the difference is between them.

Advantages and disadvantages of natural parquet

Now this material is produced from domestic wood species and exotic wood(wenge, merbau, bamboo). Usually taken dried for several months edged board, which is cut into blanks, removing natural defects in the form of knots, curved places and cracks. Then grooves with ridges are created, the material is polished and final processing is carried out.

High-quality parquet with proper care lasts well for many decades with periodic cosmetic repairs. It is silent, warm, has an original natural pattern, is not static, and looks very good in the interior. Wood can be restored, sanded and reprocessing varnish.

To fully assess the question of what is the difference between parquet and laminate, you need to know the disadvantages of the coating. For example, parquet is scratched by shoes or sharp objects, it is afraid of spilled water, and its installation is quite complicated. If there are strong changes in temperature or humidity, the coating may become deformed. Varnish can release unpleasant substances, so some people prefer to take an untreated board and periodically rub it with wax or natural oils.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate

This material consists of a real complex “pie” - a stabilizing layer (special paper or plastic), a supporting layer (fibreboard, chipboard), a decorative and protective coating. High-quality laminate does not fade from ultraviolet radiation; its service life is shorter - up to 20 years. Note that laminate flooring is much less likely to suffer from climate change, sharp furniture legs and heels. You have the opportunity to buy artificial floors of very different colors, imitating any type of wood and even stone. Laminate flooring is well suited for those who plan to install heated flooring in their home. Disadvantages include static of this coverage, it requires processing special compounds. In addition, such a floor is colder and noisier, it is practically impossible to restore.

Let's summarize our review, what is the difference between laminate and parquet. If wear resistance, ease of maintenance and resistance to temperature fluctuations are important to you, then it is better to choose laminate. But those who value appearance and durability should purchase parquet that has been proven over centuries.

When during the construction or renovation process a problem arises in selecting finishing material for gender, many people find it difficult to make a choice. The floor is the first thing guests pay attention to when entering a house or apartment. It should correspond to the interior of the room, complement it, create a pleasant impression, emphasize good taste owners. The flooring must be aesthetically beautiful, practical and durable. Often, among a wide range of flooring materials, consumers choose laminate or parquet boards. Both materials are similar in appearance and tactile sensations. Therefore, some buyers do not know the difference between laminate and parquet boards.

Characteristics and types of parquet boards

Many people believe that parquet and parquet boards are the same thing. Actually this is not true. Parquet consists of solid pieces of wood. The parquet board consists of layers, each of which represents natural wood, but different varieties. The lower layers contain cheap rocks, and the upper layers contain more expensive ones. This composition allows you to reduce the cost of parquet boards compared to parquet. In addition to the price and number of layers, parquet boards and parquet differ from each other only in size.

It is worth taking a closer look at the structure of the parquet board. Its lower part, which gives stability to all layers, is represented by plywood from coniferous tree. Its thickness is 1-2 mm. In the middle there are lamellas (narrow boards) made of spruce (pine). At their ends there are fastening elements of the “groove-tenon” type, intended for connection with other boards. The upper part of the parquet board is represented by valuable wood (ash, cherry, beech, hornbeam, oak) with a thickness of 2.2-6 mm. The tree is protected from the influence of negative external factors special varnish. All layers are positioned perpendicular to each other for maximum strength.

There are several types of parquet boards:

Single-cavity. Looks like a standard one-piece wooden plank, looks stylish in rooms with a large area. In terms of price, it is the most expensive, because its production uses wide strips (about 137 mm) of valuable wood species.
Double-lined. Consists of two wide strips, it fits perfectly into classic style interior
Three-cavity is the most popular. It imitates a parquet “deck” pattern and looks beautiful in rooms of any size.
Four-cavity. Made from wood waste. Its stripes are narrow and look colorful. This type is suitable for private homes.

When choosing the color of parquet, you need to ensure that it matches the general style interior Typically, natural wood flooring is selected so that it matches the door of the room, but does not have the same tone. The door and the parquet should be different from each other in color or texture.

You should not choose the color of the parquet board from catalogs: in the photo and in life it can be radically different. The shade of the flooring depends not only on the type of wood, but also on its age, cutting method and processing. Over time, the color of the parquet board becomes lighter.

The type of wood from which the parquet board is made determines not only its color and texture, but also other properties: hardness, resistance to moisture, and temperature fluctuations.

Advantages of parquet boards

To find out how laminate differs from parquet boards, it is worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of each of these floor coverings.

The advantages of parquet boards include:

Environmentally friendly. Fully natural materials the composition is the main advantage. The surface of the parquet board quickly heats up and becomes room temperature. Due to this, it is more pleasant to the touch than laminate.
Durability. The service life depends on the type of wood.
Possibility of restoration. If the parquet is damaged, it can be restored: sanded in place and varnished. The thicker it is top part, the more times it can be restored. The main thing is to choose a good specialist.
Antistatic properties (does not accumulate static electricity).
Noise insulation. Natural wood does not let external sounds into the room.

Disadvantages of parquet boards

The unique beauty of natural wood and its exquisite texture are the main reasons why many buyers choose parquet boards. It is with the main advantage of this flooring material and its associated disadvantages:

The need to maintain average temperatures and the same level of humidity in a room with parquet. When exposed to high or low temperatures, parquet boards can dry out and swell when exposed to moisture. That is why it is not recommended to install floor heating in rooms where parquet is laid. Typically, parquet is not installed in the bathroom or other rooms with high levels of air humidity.
Low level of strength. The parquet board is pressed under the weight of large-sized furniture, and scratches quickly remain on it from the impact of sharp objects.
Necessity proper care behind the parquet board according to the instructions. For this there are special means.
Price. Typically, parquet boards cost an order of magnitude more than laminate. It all depends on the manufacturer’s brand, thickness, processing method and type of wood.
The varnish that covers the top of the parquet board wears off faster than the protective coating of the laminate.
Ability to absorb odors.
Instability to ultraviolet radiation.
Lack of fire resistance. Natural wood ignites quickly.

Characteristics of laminate, features of its choice

It is believed that laminate consists entirely of synthetic materials. In fact, the laminate is based on an MDF board made from compressed wood sawdust. If the top of a parquet board is natural wood, then laminate has a pattern that imitates a wooden (or other) surface and is protected from abrasion by a durable film of acrylic or melamine.

According to the degree of load, laminate is divided into classes. The most durable, reliable and durable flooring is included in classes 31, 32 and 33. It is necessary in work areas with heavy loads. For residential premises, laminate of lower classes is used (21, 22 and 23). It is not as durable, but also costs less. The choice of laminate class depends on the type of room. In the kitchen, where you often have to do wet cleaning, and various objects (knives, forks) can fall on the floor, you should choose a more durable laminate. In a children's room, the load on the laminate will be average (toys falling on the floor), in the bedroom - minimal.

When choosing a laminate, you need to consider the type of fastening of the boards. The most popular is the lock mount. You can install this laminate yourself. If fastening between the boards involves the use of glue or a hammer, then it is better to entrust the installation of the floor to professionals.

To choose a quality product, you should find out information about it in advance. famous brands. It is recommended to purchase flooring that comes with a warranty.

A quality product must be securely packaged. Good packaging reduces the risk of damage during storage and transportation. The packaging must contain information about the laminate and its manufacturer.

Advantages of laminate

The advantages of laminate include:

Easy to install. You can easily assemble laminate flooring yourself by simply fastening its parts together like a lock.
Practicality. Laminate does not bend under the weight of furniture, is resistant to scratches, and is protected from the impact of sharp objects. All this thanks to the durable top layer. He's not afraid of straight lines sun rays, does not fade.
Easy to care for. Dust and dirt can be easily wiped off the flooring surface with a damp cloth.
Moisture resistance. Cheap laminate models may not have this property.
Fire resistance.
Large selection of colors and patterns. Unlike parquet, laminate can imitate many natural materials - wood, stone (marble, granite), ceramics, tiles.
Possibility of installing underfloor heating. Unlike natural wood, laminate does not deform under the influence of temperature changes.
Durability. Life time laminated coating— 10-25 years. Some models may last longer.
Possibility of installation in public spaces (offices, schools, hospitals, shops, etc.), where there is a large traffic of people, and therefore increased load on the floor covering.
Price. The main difference between laminate and parquet.

Disadvantages of laminate

The disadvantages of laminate include:

Cool surface. Even in warm room the top part of the laminate does not heat up, unlike natural wood.
Accumulation of static electricity. Special means designed to remove static stress from the surface of the coating help to cope with this problem.
Impossibility to restore a damaged board. But you can easily replace it with a new one.
High noise level without a backing (may produce squeaks when pressed).

Features of choosing flooring material for different rooms

The choice of flooring depends not only on functional features material, but also on the type of room in which it will be installed.

Parquet boards will fit into any interior. The living room with it will look richer, more refined, especially with wood panels, bronze or gilded elements (lamps, furniture legs), stucco on the ceiling and antique furniture. Parquet will add coziness to a bedroom, thanks not only to its appearance, but also to its noise and thermal insulation properties. Using parquet boards in home office along with furniture dark color will create a pleasant working environment. And if you put parquet flooring in the library, complementing the interior with a bear skin and a fireplace with a live fire, you can create a unique romantic atmosphere classic interior.

If the apartment design is made in modern style(high-tech, modern), then a laminate flooring with many different designs and patterns will fit perfectly into it.

It is not recommended to lay parquet boards in the hallway. Firstly, there is a lot of traffic there, and with it the chance of scratching the expensive flooring with heels and erasing the varnish. Secondly, frequent wet cleaning can damage the parquet.

The air humidity in the room where the parquet boards are laid should be 45-65%. During the cold season in apartments with central heating this figure is reduced to 25%, which can lead to drying out of the floor covering and the appearance of cracks between the boards. Laminate does not have this disadvantage. In general, this material was created as an imitation of parquet, devoid of its weaknesses.

If there are pets in the apartment, then you should opt for laminate flooring. The sharp claws of a dog or cat can leave noticeable scratches on the parquet boards.

In public spaces, of course, it is worth laying laminate flooring. He's not afraid large quantity people, scuffs, scratches, dirt, easy to clean and looks beautiful.