The best laminate manufacturers

The first laminate flooring appeared in 1977, it was created by the Pergo company. Since then, the quality of products has been constantly improved, and the number of brands that create this material has gradually increased. How to choose a reliable brand for a buyer? Help will be the expert rating from the expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ magazine, which names the best laminate flooring manufacturers in 2024. These are 12 companies from Russia and Europe that have received the highest rates, according to the study.

Laminate manufacturers

The first thing that any buyer of goods pays attention to is the brand, the country of the manufacturer, his reputation. Before considering the 12 positions of the rating, the editors of the magazine will conduct a short tour of the laminate manufacturers:

• Kronotex GmbH & Co - a large manufacturer of building materials from Germany, operating since 1992. The activity is aimed at protecting the environment along with the introduction of our own know-how. Deliveries go to 80 countries.
• Pergo - various goods for repairs have been produced under the trademark since the 50s of the last century. It is the progenitor of all laminate manufacturers. Belongs to the Swedish company Perstorp AB. Since 2012, Mohawk Industries has been acquired.
• Classen Is a large German company that has held stable positions in the market of finishing building materials for over 50 years. Since 1963 it has been a small woodworking company, and today it is the best brand in its price segment. The corporation annually produces at least 80 million square meters of laminate flooring.
• Egger Is an Austrian company operating since 1961. During the work, 15 subsidiaries were founded, located in 6 European countries. Produces finishing, building materials and decor that meet European standards.
• Floor Wood Is a major supplier of wood products with patented characteristics. Branches and production departments are located all over the world, but Germany is considered the homeland. Most of the products are exported to Asia and Europe.
• Balterio Is a Belgian dynamically developing brand since 2001. It acts as one of the divisions of the popular Spanolux NV company. In terms of sales of flooring, it ranks second. The production process is certified according to ISO 9001.
• Haro Is a leading manufacturer of parquet and laminate in Germany. Has been producing high quality materials for finishing, renovation and decoration for over 150 years. Each new line reveals the diversity of natural wood character. Marked with an “excellent” environmental test result stamp.
• Kaindl Is an Austrian company founded since 1897. Then it was a small sawmill with a staff of 10 people, and today an international concern, consisting of dozens of factories in different countries. Produces all kinds of finishing and building materials from wood.
• Tarkett Is a Russian company operating since 1988. Belongs to the French Tarkett group. The catalog offers not only laminate, but also parquet board, linoleum, various modern finishing coatings for household and special, sports purposes.
• Kronostar Is a brand of building materials for flooring, owned by the Austrian company Swiss Krono Group. Achieved success due to the introduction of Swiss equipment, lower prices for the purchase of raw materials. Affordable goods are not inferior to expensive quality.
• Ritter - a plant for the production of laminate, owned by the Russian company "Laminat-Trade". Has been supplying products to the market since 2009. 4 million square meters of slabs are produced annually. This is facilitated by the introduction of German machines of the Burkle and Homag brands.
• Quick-Step Is a trademark owned by the Belgian company Unilin. Founded since 1960 with the aim of producing parquet boards, PVC tiles, flooring from natural materials. Distinguished by its own patented locking system that simplifies flooring. Purchased by Mohawk Industries since 2005.

Rating of laminate manufacturers

All manufacturers focus on quality, technical, performance, and aesthetics of models. An important factor is the protection class. Class 31 is often used in the living room, bedroom, loggia. Class 32 is more resistant to damage, therefore it is used for kitchens, corridors, children's rooms. Grades 33 and 34 are usually used for commercial purposes, cafes, restaurants, offices. Variety can significantly complicate the choice for a consumer who does not understand all the subtleties. The expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ project team has identified the main criteria for evaluating companies:

• Protection class;
• Specifications;
• Decor, structure;
• Range;
• Chamfer, its appearance;
• Moisture resistance type;
• Slab sizes;
• Bonding system;
• Base density;
• Life time;
• Availability of certificates;
• Modern technology, equipment;
• Price range.

Reviews of real buyers helped to determine the pros and cons. The editorial board analyzed several hundred opinions, including the experience of the masters in the repair and installation work. During the study, experiments were carried out that revealed indicators of wear resistance, water permeability of the laminate from each brand. European and Russian manufacturers were under consideration.

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The best European laminate manufacturers

The first who made a great contribution to the production of such building materials were European companies. Some pioneers continue to work today. These are laminate brands from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium. Based on reputation, positions in the global market, reviews and customer ratings, experts selected 8 leaders in this category.

Kronotex

It has been producing fiberboard products for several decades in a row. The full cycle plant is considered a sustainable largest manufacturer, whose products are exported to over 80 countries. The company's task is to grow massifs on its own, collect, process, create various MDF, OSB and HDF boards for final delivery. All parts are made exclusively from natural raw materials. In addition, decorative films and related accessories are produced. The catalog offers over 200 colors, 8 laminate collections from Germany. The density of the main layer is 900 kg / m3. A guarantee is issued for each unit, the maximum period is 30 years.

Advantages

• Reliable, easy to use locks;
• High quality workmanship;
• Excellent wear resistance;
• Solid assortment;
• Compliance with international certificates;
• Long warranty.

disadvantages

• Crafts are common;
• Price.

Practice shows that the laminate will withstand women's heels, animal claws, not big blows. Installation in wet rooms is not recommended - shower, bath, toilet.

Pergo

The next place in the rating of laminate manufacturers is occupied by the Swedish founder of such coatings. It is considered the standard of high quality throughout Europe, it is distinguished by a thorough check of the entire production cycle. The catalog presents 12 collections of different thicknesses, lengths of 32-34 wear resistance classes, additionally offered parquet boards, vinyl products. An advanced processing chain guarantees premium quality. Pergo's safe use is confirmed by numerous environmental certifications.The special Smart Loc hitch system on two studs is treated with water-repellent solutions. Compact Sound Bloc underlays are provided to increase sound insulation. Application of Professional Performance Sound Bloc material protects against abrasion under stress. An antibacterial layer is sprayed on top. Such materials will be able to serve up to 20 years.

Advantages

• Effective protection system;
• High environmental friendliness;
• Long service life;
• Stylish design;
• Large selection of decor;
• Patented technology.

disadvantages

• Price;
• Frequent crafts.

Reviews confirm that the Swedish company demonstrates a reference quality, the only drawback of which is the price. But it pays off with strength, durability. When buying, care is important, there are crafts for a popular brand.

Classen

If the buyer needs to choose a laminate manufacturer from Germany, this brand deserves attention. The difference from many other companies is a lot of our own patented developments, a high class of resistance to wear 32-33, a wide choice of thickness from 7 to 12 mm. The catalog is full of 30 collections, they contain 6 formats, a large color palette, over 20 embossing methods. The concept is environmental friendliness, practicality, modernity. The products are characterized by high resistance to abrasion, fading, impact, and various loads. Panels with antibacterial dusting according to the Microban system are a novelty; they are in demand in children's and medical institutions. Micro mobility is guaranteed by the proprietary EasyConnect hitch, which protects against moisture changes, degrees. Megaloc lock simplifies assembly / disassembly. Isowaxx is a moisture wax treatment. Service life from 10 to 30 years.

Advantages

• Rich choice;
• Simple secure lock;
• Patented technologies;
• Safety certification;
• High performance properties;
• Antibacterial surface.

disadvantages

• Some goods are produced in Poland, which affects the quality;
• For lock connection only.

In fact, such materials demonstrate resistance to abrasion, temperature fluctuations, moisture, shock, ultraviolet radiation. Polish production differs in prices. The adhesive method is not suitable for installation, only the lock connection.

Egger

Over 50 years of work, from a small Austrian manufacturer of wood products, it has grown into a huge conglomerate with 17 companies in different countries. Egger compares favorably with prices among manufacturers of 33 class laminates. At the same time, only environmentally friendly raw materials are used with a guaranteed service life of up to 15-25 years. Offers not only flooring, but also everything for decoration, furniture assembly, various accessories, cleaning products, etc. The catalog is represented by a huge selection of designs and formats. For rooms with high humidity, a separate series is offered - Egger Aqua + with water resistance. The locking system is presented in 2 types - a complex form UNI Fit, a simple Just Clic. Most of the materials are approved for installation to the floor and walls. There are certificates confirming quality, safety - Ecolabel "Blau Angel", PEFC, FSC. The average density is 800 kg / m3.

Advantages

• High strength;
• Long-term operation;
• Availability of the necessary accessories;
• Models for wet rooms;
• Floor / wall mounting;
• Prices.

disadvantages

• There are weak locks;
• Marriage of planks.

Supplementary products are also offered. Prices are lower in comparison with large brands. New collections presented separate lines for bathrooms and shower rooms. The Russian series is rare, but can demonstrate the marriage of planks and locks.

Floor Wood

An international company, nominally from China, but using the forces of the German, Russian, Belarusian side. Such a large group of owners led to the fact that the products quickly entered the zonal level in the market. Despite being scattered across countries, the products undergo strict strict control. The brand is included in the top lists due to the variety of shades, structures, constant replenishment of new products.The range is full of wide, narrow, short trims. Protection class - 32-34, the thickness of the boards can be from 8 to 12 mm. The highlight is considered designs with imitation of porcelain stoneware, art parquet. Certification according to GOST is presented for the Russian market. Manufacturer's warranty - service up to 25 years. The convenient Smart-Click hitch system allows you to independently set the floor without special skills.

Advantages

• Interesting decor to choose from;
• Volumetric durable 5G fixation;
• Original design;
• Competitive prices;
• Durability;
• Compliance with Russian, European certification.

disadvantages

• Frequent marriage coming from Chinese divisions;
• Less spectacular Belarusian, Russian production.

The company offers a series of classic designs, as well as stylish novelties for connoisseurs of modern fashion. The floor covering guarantees compliance with environmental standards, insulation, climate improvement, ease of installation, hypoallergenicity. Rarely, but marriage occurs when arriving from Asian branches.

Balterio

One of the best quality laminates for premium European manufacturers thanks to the implementation of our own patented technologies. Differs from competitors in environmental friendliness, original design, noble colors, ease of care, styling. The buyer is presented with a wide range of linear parameters with unique physical and mechanical properties, 7-12 mm thick. Lock couplings also received a patent - ClickXpress with the possibility of subsequent dismantling, PressXpress for self-installation without experience, DropXpress for installation in rooms with complex geometry. The special surface increases the warranty up to 30 years. There is protection of class 32-34 against shock, thermal effects, moisture, stains. In the collection of certificates CE, PEFC, Ecolabel "Blau Angel", EPD.

Advantages

• Beautiful decor, structure;
• Patented fastening systems;
• Excellent technical characteristics;
• Lots of certificates;
• Premium class;
• Durability.

disadvantages

• Price;
• Lots of counterfeit products.

The Balterio brand belongs to the premium class, because of the great confidence in it, crafts, cases of counterfeit are often found on the market. The latest novelties are models with a non-slip coating. The price is above average due to resistance to pollution, fire, shock, moisture.

Haro

German company with a stable position in the market for over 150 years. Also produces linoleum, parquet. The products are characterized by high environmental performance. But unlike its predecessors, the prices are significantly lower here. TRITTY Silent CT is a system designed for noise isolation, it minimizes the sounds of movement. The format of the panels is standard, convenient for different rooms. Aqua Resist technology significantly increases the waterproof parameters. The introduction of the Aqua Tech System made it possible to protect from water throughout the entire area, not only outside. UV resistant. Easily tolerates temperature fluctuations, thermal contact, with the likelihood of a fire, the plates will not ignite for a long time. The range includes 6 collections, up to 30 different decors with a naturalistic texture. Two types of locks are offered for installation - Top Connect 4G-hitch, classic version of Lock Connect plus. It will last 15-30 years.

Advantages

• Universal products;
• Natural wood stylization;
• Antistatic spraying;
• Increased sound insulation;
• Resists moisture, damage, temperature, fire, UV;
• Long service life.

disadvantages

• Prices;
• Decor only for wood.

It is extremely rare to find complaints in the reviews, mainly they relate to the cost, as well as the limited decor. Before buying, you need to be prepared for the fact that the packaging will be bulky due to the large dimensions of the plates. It will be extremely difficult to damage their integrity, this has been proven in a practical way.

Best laminate substrates

Kaindl

The undoubted leader of Europe, an Austrian family business with a 120-year history of activity in the field of woodworking, completes this rating category.Class 34 is the maximum possible operational period. The amount of formaldehyde in the materials is minimized - 20 times lower than the permissible norm. The main raw material is self-grown alpine spruce. The main characteristics are high density of the carrier base up to 950 kg / m3, minimum water absorption (norm 18%, here 7%), Digital Print technology for laser creation of designs, and the patented Kaindl LOC locking system with wax treatment. The proof of the reliability of the products are firefighters, environmental certificates - PEFC, Blau Angel, EPLF, CE. Average service life is 20-30 years.

Advantages

• The densest load-bearing base;
• Many textures;
• Own set of lock hitch;
• Durability;
• Minimum water absorption;
• Tight packing.

disadvantages

• Cost;
• A small set of accessories.

The products fully comply with international requirements. Special technologies have made it possible to increase the period of operation without fear of water, fire, temperatures, shocks. Premium quality is expensive, but it is fully justified by its appearance, ease of installation, and durability.

The best Russian manufacturers of laminate

To reduce prices by making the goods available to the Russian consumer, branches were opened in Russia. Domestic companies also competed with them. For those who still decide the price, the expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ project has compiled a top list of the most popular, reliable laminate flooring manufacturers in Russia.

Tarkett

Initially, it was a company holding a stable position in Germany among the manufacturers of vinyl laminate and carpets. But 10 years after its founding, it transformed into a large concern with representative offices. A branch was opened in Russia, producing finishing materials for floors and walls of various series - household, specialized, and commercial. There are now two trade marks in the Moscow region - Tarkett and Sinteros. Quality is guaranteed by modern German equipment, availability - by domestic raw materials. It is based on an HDF board with a high stability index. The uniform shape of the slabs simplifies installation. The front side was protected from mechanical, temperature effects, which corresponds to class 32-33. The catalog includes 30 collections. Installation is possible in two ways - TC`Lock classic, 5G 2-lock volumetric coupling. Tech3S technology is the application of mineral wax. They will last 15-25 years.

Advantages

• Large selection of textures;
• Simple connection system;
• High quality boards;
• Firefighters, environmental certificates;
• Durability;
• Compliance with declared standards.

disadvantages

• Lots with defects of the top layer are possible;
• Some models are slippery.

Despite the minimum moisture absorption (norm 18%, here 12%), installation in humid rooms is not recommended. There is a GOST assessment. Various thicknesses - from 8 to 12 mm.

Kronostar

The company is part of a large concern, has been supplying construction products to the Russian market for over 12 years. It was possible to reduce prices by using domestic raw materials. The assortment includes a large list of products - chipboard boards, wall, ceiling, floor coverings, skirting boards, profiles and other related elements. Most of the boards are made in a calm classic design for walnut, oak, etc., thickness 7-12 mm, dimensions 1380x193 mm. For ease of assembly, DoubleClic locking systems with a simplified principle, 5G increased strength are integrated. The boards are resistant to weight, stress, moisture, fading thanks to the polymer film Overlay, class 31-33. The density of the supporting base of the HDF board is 900 kg / m3. Average duration of use is 10-15 years.

Advantages

• Easy to install;
• Invisible joints;
• Attractive, calm design;
• Good degree of protection;
• Environmental friendliness;
• Inexpensive.

disadvantages

• Modest choice of textures;
• Uniformity of sizes.

A wide range of wood furnishings products are affordable.The high demand is due to the cost, acceptable technical characteristics. In rare cases, a marriage comes across - the unsuitability of locks, a surface defect, a knocked-down pattern. The brand is recommended for connoisseurs of classics, there is no eccentricity or signs of aggression.

Ritter

A popular fast-growing domestic company, whose products are inexpensive, but with a good durability parameter. Independent development of technologies in laboratory conditions, careful selection of raw materials, original design have led to high demand. The difference from many competitors is traditional decor, unusual structural embossing imitating natural leather, silk-screen printing, the effect of a planed tree. For 6 years, the line has expanded significantly to 9 bright collections of calm, saturated colors. Protection class - 33-34, thickness 8.4-12.1 mm. Fast assembly is guaranteed by the Master Lock locking system with moisture-resistant joints. Reliability is confirmed by certificates in accordance with GOST. The quality is due to the use of advanced German equipment. The warranty lasts on average 15-30 years.

Advantages

• Atypical approach to development;
• Extravagant textures;
• Own laboratory;
• Easy to install;
• Versatility of combination with different premises;
• Inexpensive.

disadvantages

• No wood imitation, smooth surfaces;
• Lack of antistatic layer.

Products do not fade from ultraviolet radiation, can creep on top of a warm floor, resists high temperatures, moisture, safe, environmentally friendly. Suitable for buyers tired of standard classic solutions. With such durability, this is an advantageous offer for the Russian market.

Quick-Step

A brand that is characterized by increased product durability. Differences from competitors - this is the earliest glueless joining system (1997), our own development of a V-shaped chamfer, antistatic coating. Due to the introduction of European equipment and technologies, the surface is flat, without gaps, with a durability of up to 25 years. Raw materials are homogeneous fiber boards. The bottom layer is impact-resistant, since the fiberboard is supplemented with melamine, a protective layer was applied by nano technologies. The texture is different - imitation of tiles, wood. There are two systems for coupling - Uniclic, Uniclic Multifit. For rooms with high humidity, a separate series Impressive, Impressive Ultra is offered. Reliability is confirmed by PEFC, EPLF, CE certificates.

Advantages

• Own snap-in system;
• Large selection of decor;
• Series with absolute water resistance;
• Lots of related elements;
• Antistatic layer;
• Resists physical stress.

disadvantages

• The presence of a chemical odor;
• Rare lots with defective planks.

This is the best alternative to imported brands, where price and quality are in harmony. To damage, you will need to try very hard. The company will offer all the necessary related products. The melamine backing allows the installation of a water, electrical system on top of a warm floor.

Which manufacturer's laminate is better

All nominees presented in the review are suitable for the improvement of apartments, private houses, commercial, even specialized premises. Each manufacturer is improving products, which of this to buy depends on personal preferences and budget. After conducting a comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages, Vyborexperta recommends:

• Pergo - discoverer, creator of patented technologies;
• Classen - antibacterial layer for medical, childcare facilities;
• Egger - rulers for flooring, walls, wet rooms;
• Balterio - premium quality, reliable protection class;
• Haro - naturalistic texture, high sound insulation, antistatic layer;
• Kaindl - high core density, improved stability;
• Ritter - atypical development, extravagant textures, the choice of professionals;
• Quick-Step - value for money, absolute water resistance, antistatic.

An expert review is intended to narrow the search circle for an inexperienced buyer, point out the most important characteristics, identify the advantages and disadvantages of the brands presented. 12 nominees demonstrate the optimum in terms of prices, quality, reliability, appearance. The rest is a matter of taste, wallet.