Building materials for home improvement and renovation: flooring — laminate and ceramic tiles

By CrimeaNEWS On Окт 25, 2023

CrimeaPRESS reports:

Construction Materials home improvement products include a variety of products. Floor coverings appear as a separate line in this list. At this stage, the most popular of them are laminate and ceramic tiles. In particular, because both materials are presented in different types, shapes, and colors. Accordingly, there are also many price categories. This allows you to solve problems with maximum variability.

Meanwhile, a large product range often leads to a dead end. “Your eyes run wild” and it can be difficult to make a choice. Meanwhile, experts say, not everything is so complicated. You just need to come to the store (offline or online), having “basic” knowledge of what the designated materials for home improvement are, then the choice will be relatively simple to make.

So, what do you need to know about laminate and ceramic tiles in order to take the right steps in relation to them?

Laminate and tiles — what are the features and differences

Laminate

Description: laminate is a multi-layer material consisting of wood fibers, resins and a protective layer. The top layer of the laminate has a decorative pattern that can imitate the texture of wood, stone or other materials.

Advantages:

laminate has an attractive appearance and can imitate expensive natural materials.
easy to maintain and clean.
Available in a variety of designs and shades.
relatively more affordable in terms of price compared to natural wood.

Flaws:

Laminate is more susceptible to moisture damage than some other floor coverings.
may be less warm and comfortable to walk on than, for example, carpeting.

Ceramic tile

Description: Ceramic tiles are made from fired clay, usually with a glaze on the top surface. It can come in a variety of sizes and have a variety of decorative patterns and textures.

Advantages:

Ceramic tiles are very durable and resistant to wear.
it is not susceptible to moisture, so it is often used in bathrooms and kitchens.
easy to maintain and clean.
Available in a variety of colors and designs.

Flaws:

cooler on feet compared to soft floor coverings such as carpet.
Installation of ceramic tiles may require professional skills and special equipment.

Both of these flooring options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on your preferences, budget, and specific needs for a given space. Also keep in mind that the quality of installation plays an important role in the long-term durability and appearance of your flooring.

Types of laminate

There are several types of laminate, differing in their characteristics, structure and design. Here are some of the most common:

single layer laminate: Consists of a single layer, which makes it thinner and more affordable in terms of price. It is often used in living areas with low floor load, such as bedrooms.
double layer laminate: has two layers, which makes it more durable and resistant to stress. It is suitable for more intensive use and can be used in living rooms and commercial spaces.
three-layer laminate: consists of three layers and has high wear resistance. This type of laminate is suitable for use in high traffic areas such as restaurants and shops.
laminate with waterproof coating: treated with a special coating that makes it resistant to moisture. It is suitable for areas where contact with water is possible, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
laminate with texture and texture: Can have different textures and textures that imitate natural materials such as wood, stone or tile. This adds visual interest and realism to the flooring.
laminate with bevel: A bevel is a bevel around the perimeter of each board that makes each board stand out and adds depth to the design. Bevelled laminate imitates the structure of natural wood floors.
laminate with different sizes and shapes: Some manufacturers offer laminate flooring in a variety of sizes and shapes, including long and wide planks, as well as square and rectangular shapes.

The choice of laminate depends on your specific needs, style, and budget. Each type of laminate has its own unique characteristics, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Types of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles also come in a variety of types and styles to suit different needs and interior designs. Here are some of the most popular types:

glazed ceramic tiles: This is one of the most common types of ceramic tiles. It is coated with glaze, which gives it shine and protects it from water and stains. Glazed tiles are available in a variety of colors and designs.
unglazed ceramic tiles: This type of tile has no glaze on the surface and has color and texture that penetrates right through. It is usually used in high traffic areas as it is less prone to abrasion.
porcelain tiles (large format tiles): A type of ceramic tile that is usually larger in size (e.g. 60x60cm or more). It has high wear resistance and is used as a floor covering.
mosaic: Mosaic ceramic tiles are made up of small pieces that come in a variety of shapes and colors. It is used to create decorative patterns and interior elements.
terracotta: Natural clay tiles that may not be glazed. It has a warm and natural look and is often used to create colorful interiors.
mixed design (decorative tiles): This type of tile includes a variety of patterns, colors and shapes that are used to create decorative elements in the interior, such as tiles with images and patterns.
facade ceramic tiles: This type of tile is designed specifically for use on building facades. It is usually highly resistant to weather conditions.
antique (vintage) ceramic tiles: These tiles imitate vintage designs and can be used to create a retro feel in your home.

The choice of ceramic tile… again… depends on personal preference for style, functional requirements and the specific application. It is also important to consider that each type of ceramic tile has its own characteristics, such as wear resistance, moisture resistance and level of care, so it is necessary to choose based on specific needs and conditions of use.

Gd Do not buy laminate and ceramic tiles

Laminate and ceramic tiles can be purchased from a variety of places. However, experts recommend giving preference to specialized sites offering products of proven quality. Somehow:

specialized stores for building materials.
building materials hypermarkets.
online stores.
specialized tile and flooring salons.
directly from the manufacturer.
auction and discount stores: In some cases, you can find discounts on laminate and ceramic tiles at auction stores or discount stores.

When choosing a place to purchase, also consider the terms of delivery, warranty and return, as well as the possibility of obtaining advice from specialists in the selection and installation of flooring.

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