Laminate is a modern floor covering that has replaced expensive parquet and wood floors. Initially, he was afraid of moisture, at the wrong time, a puddle from spilled water could ruin the coating forever. The solution to this problem was a waterproof laminate of 12 mm class 33, Germany and manufacturers from other European countries offer coatings that can be laid even in swimming pools. This versatile finishing material, despite its rather high price, has become popular among consumers, because German quality has always been in price.

Waterproof laminate 12 mm class 33, Germany: specifications, manufacturers and prices

Waterproof laminate is not afraid of high humidity and sudden changes in temperature

German-made laminate: quality and reliability

With the growing popularity of waterproof laminate, many manufacturers of laminate flooring began to produce it: in Belgium, France, China and Russia. The leading market leader is products made in Germany.

Waterproof collections with all kinds of prints and a wide choice of textures are offered by such German companies as Egger, Zigart, Krono Original, Westerhof, Aberhof, Hessen Floor, Floorwood, Classen, Ecoflooring, Maxwood, Proteco, Vega, Kronotex, etc. Their products have the best customer reviews. because the “Made in Germany” label has already become synonymous with the quality mark.

The floor in the kitchen is decorated with 33 class laminate

The floor in the kitchen is decorated with 33 class laminate

Difference between moisture resistant and waterproof laminate 33 grade 12mm Germany

In the characteristics of the laminate of 31-34 classes, you can find indicators such as moisture resistance and water resistance. Both of these concepts mean that this floor covering is not afraid of contact with water and can be used in rooms with high humidity, such as a bathroom, kitchen, swimming pools, etc. fungus), and the joints between the lamellas and the joint locks are treated with special wax.

Moisture resistant coating ideal for bathroom floors

Moisture resistant coating ideal for bathroom floors

The difference between these concepts in the material from which the lamella is made:

  • basis moisture resistant laminate is a high-strength HDF plate. It is made from wood fiber impregnated with resin and is able to withstand prolonged contact with water and non-critical temperature changes. However, as a natural material, it is characterized by deformations under strong temperature changes and intense humidity (for example, when flooded by neighbors from above);
  • for class 33 waterproof laminate (12 mm thick), a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) board is used as the base. It does not react to changes in temperature, humidity and other atmospheric and natural phenomena, and can stay in water for several weeks without harm to its physical properties. Inside this PVC board there are heat and sound insulating air chambers.
There are air chambers inside the waterproof laminate panel

There are air chambers inside the waterproof laminate panel

Both of these options are suitable for flooring in residential buildings. Waterproof laminate, according to many experts, is more appropriate in bathrooms, on cold balconies and heated floors, as well as in holiday homes, swimming pools and saunas. It is recommended to lay a moisture-resistant coating in the kitchen, children's room, living room, corridor.

Useful advice! For the bathroom and kitchen, it is better to choose a laminate without bevel. The lamellas will fit more tightly, which will reduce the likelihood of water and dirt getting into the joints.

When choosing a coating for the kitchen, it is better to give preference to a waterproof laminate

When choosing a coating for the kitchen, it is better to give preference to a waterproof laminate

Moisture-resistant laminate 12 mm, 33 class, Germany: characteristics and properties

According to the standards approved by the European Association of Manufacturers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF), there are six classes of laminate. The class determines the degree of wear resistance. The higher the class, the less the laminated coating is susceptible to damage and wear. Today the most popular is laminate of 31-34 grades.

Laminate class 33 and 34 have the highest abrasion resistance and are recommended for flooring in public areas with intensive use: shops, gyms, restaurants. Nowadays, it is increasingly bought for apartments and houses. The service life of such a laminate significantly exceeds that for residential premises. With proper care, manufacturers give a 25-year warranty.

The bathroom is finished with 12 mm laminate

The bathroom is finished with 12 mm laminate

It should be said that the durability of the 33 grade laminate will depend on the quality and thickness of the panel. The choice takes into account the intensity and degree of stress in the room. The maximum thickness, and accordingly the strength, has a lamella of 12 mm. The average service life of a 33 class laminate with a panel thickness of 8 mm in residential premises is 20-25 years, and a thickness of 12 mm is 30 years. There are no traces of furniture and scratches on such floors. In addition, strong connection locks are installed in lamellas with such a thickness.

Important! When finishing the floor with laminate flooring, it is necessary to calculate how much the floor height will increase (based on the thickness of the lamellas and substrates) and make sure that in the future it will not interfere with opening / closing the doors. The height at the junction with the covering of the adjacent room must be the same.

The smooth surface of the laminate without bevel is very easy to maintain

The smooth surface of the laminate without bevel is very easy to maintain

Average price of laminate for 1 sq. meter

Waterproof laminate is quite expensive, but it will last for many years. Each company has collections in various price ranges. This makes coverage affordable for families of all incomes.

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German manufacturers offer waterproof laminate 33 class 8 mm thick at the following prices (in ascending order):

Manufacturer Collection Average price for 1 m², rubles
Krono original Natural forte 600-700
Westerhof Mario loretto
Aberhof Shtorm
Hessen Floor Albero
Westerhof Innovation 700 — 800
Floorwood Prestige
Hessen Floor Bavaria
Hessen Floor Madeira 8/33
Floorwood Brilliance 900-950
Classen Futuro Expert, Force
Floorwood Shine
Aberhof Legend 33
Classen Extravagant Dinamic Pol 1000 — 1200
Ecoflooring Castle, Elegance
Maxwood Colambus, Titanium
Floorwood Benelux 33/8 4V
Egger Aqua, Aqua Tile
Zigart WaterProof from 1400

 

Average prices for waterproof laminate (Germany) 33 class 12 mm thick (in ascending order):

Manufacturer Collection Average price for 1 m², rubles
Unistep Gloss 750 — 850
Proteco Array
Fussboden Concept
Vega Maxi 33
Floorwood Arte 900 — 1000
Proteco Shato
Imagine Impressive
Krono original Floordreams Natural
Hessen Floor Arabica, Floor Grand
Westerhof Maestro Vintage, Aristocrat 1100 — 1200
Unistep Real
Zigart Super Star, Hardwood
Classen Extreme
Proteco Grace
Kronotex Solid plus
Praktik Ultimate 1300 — 1400
Evig Elegant, Luxury
Kronotex Atlantice, Robusto
Zigart Art castle 1400 — 1500
Ecoflooring Country
Praktik Royal lack
Ecoflooring Art Wood, Villa, Brush Wood, Shato 1500 — 1600
Proteco Advantage
Kronotex Mammut 33
My floor Villa 1800 — 2000
Rooms Penthouse

 

The most expensive is the coating with a thickness of 12 mm class 34. Waterproof laminate (Germany) with such characteristics is in the following price range (in ascending order):

Manufacturer Collection Average price for 1 m², rubles
Hessen Floor Torres from 1000
Floorwood Maxima 34
Vega Style, Mega, Dreams
Floorwood Serious, Sunrise
Ecoflooring Palace, Cottage, Real Wood, Land from 1500

 

As you can see, it is quite possible to purchase a decent laminated flooring at an affordable price. Remember that finishing your floor is a long-term investment. Moisture-resistant laminate will save you from worrying about spilled liquid on the floor, as well as from the need to renew it every 5-6 years of service.