What is the difference between a laminate and a parquet board

Most floor coverings have a pattern, texture and color similar to natural wood. However, this does not mean at all that they are made of wood. For example, many consumers confuse laminate flooring and parquet board. Next, we analyze the features of materials and their distinguishing features.

Laminate is a layered structure, which includes 4 types of material. The main layer is made of chipboard and fiberboard, which give the product hardness. The base is often made of plastic or paper treated with a water repellent. The top performs a decorative function and imitates tree species.

Also, the top layer has an invisible protective film that protects the material from mechanical damage and moisture. Each manufacturing plant includes its own unique features in the plates, however, natural wood is not used in production

Laminate is a durable and wear-resistant material that can last about 10 years with proper flooring. In expensive products, additives are added in the form of corundum grains for greater durability.

IMPORTANT!The total thickness of the laminate usually does not exceed 1.5 cm.

Parquet board is a symbiosis of piece parquet and laminate. It has a layered design. However, its thickness can be much larger than that of a laminate. The base layer consists of softwood veneer or plywood. The middle is assembled from wooden planks. At the same level are the lock connections.

Wood and plywood are located relative to each other perpendicularly, which allows to avoid deformations, bendings and as a whole makes the material more resistant to loads. Due to the fact that the top coating is made from valuable varieties of wood, the board is quite expensive. The most popular are the texture of oak, birch, ash and beech.

For which room should I choose a laminate, and for which - a parquet board? The difference between the laminate and the floorboard is not always noticeable, but it is. When choosing between two materials, the type of room for which flooring is purchased should be considered. Parquet board is most often found in living rooms, workrooms or libraries. Looks advantageous in classic style solutions with gilding, stucco molding and exquisite luxuries. It goes well with paintings on the walls and antique furniture. The coating is ideal if the room already has furniture or natural wood trim. In small spaces, it is possible to simulate piece parquet.

REFERENCE!Parquet board is often used in the decoration of children's rooms, as well as in bedrooms, where the priority is naturalness and environmental friendliness.

Laminate is chosen for hallways and corridors with high traffic, where wet cleaning is regularly done. It is also popular in arranging warm floors, as it has good thermal conductivity. Laminate is more often used for modern interiors in hi-tech, modern or eco-style.

Finding out which of these materials is best purchased is not easy. To do this, consider and compare their principal distinguishing features:

• The ability to withstand loads. Here, the leading position is occupied by the laminate. He is able to withstand both the movement of furniture and the female heel. There will definitely not be any scratches or potholes on it, which cannot be said about the parquet board.
• The ability to withstand temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Parquet board does not like both very dry and humid rooms. It may dry out or swell. Therefore, in the winter, at the height of the heating season, noticeable gaps may appear between the boards. Laminate is devoid of the above disadvantages.
• Appearance. In this parameter, of course, parquet board wins. She is distinguished by special beauty and naturalness.
• Care. A more delicate material is the board. Vacuum it carefully and wash it with a soft cloth so as not to scratch it. Also use special concentrates to care for the wooden base. Laminate is more unpretentious.

REFERENCE!The cost of these materials depends on many characteristics and manufacturer. Therefore, it is a mistake to believe that a parquet board is priced more expensive. After all, a high-quality laminate can cost much more money than an average price board.

Before proceeding with the repair of the premises, you should decide on the choice of flooring. Each of the considered materials has both unique advantages and disadvantages. The final choice depends on many features of the room, as well as personal preferences of the owner.