What is the difference between laminate and parquet boards?

Most flooring has the pattern, texture and color of natural wood. However, this does not mean at all that they are made of wood. For example, many consumers confuse laminate and parquet boards. Next, we will analyze the features of materials and their distinctive features.

What is laminate made of?

Laminate is a layered structure that 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 compound. The top performs a decorative function and imitates wood species.

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

Laminate is a durable and wear-resistant material that can last for about 10 years if properly installed. Additives in the form of corundum grains are added to expensive products for greater durability.

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

What is parquet board made of?

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

Wood and plywood are positioned perpendicular to each other, which avoids deformation, sagging and generally makes the material more resistant to stress. Due to the fact that the top covering is made from valuable types of wood, the board is quite expensive. The most popular textures are oak, birch, ash and beech.

For which room should I choose laminate, and for which should I choose parquet boards? The difference between laminate and parquet boards is not always noticeable, but it is there. When choosing between two materials, you should take into account the type of room for which the flooring is purchased. Parquet boards are most often found in living rooms, offices or libraries. It looks advantageous in classic style solutions with gilding, stucco and exquisite luxury items. 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 becomes possible to imitate block parquet.

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

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

Write other fundamental differences

Finding out which of these materials is best to purchase is not easy. To do this, let’s consider and compare their fundamental distinguishing features:

• Ability to withstand loads. Laminate occupies a leading position here. It is able to withstand both the movement of furniture and women's heels. There will definitely be no scratches or gouges on it, which cannot be said about a parquet board.
• Ability to withstand temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Parquet boards do not like very dry or damp rooms. It may dry out or swell. Therefore, in winter, at the height of the heating season, noticeable gaps may appear between the boards. Laminate does not have these disadvantages.
• Appearance. In terms of this parameter, the parquet board certainly wins. It is distinguished by its special beauty and naturalness.
• Care. A more delicate material is board. It must be carefully vacuumed and washed with a soft cloth so as not to scratch it. Special concentrates are also used to care for wooden bases. Laminate is more unpretentious.

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

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