Laminate

Convenient, practical, and affordable — laminate flooring has been considered one of the best flooring options on the market for years. It fits well into interiors and, with its understated yet contemporary design, adds coziness, comfort, and warmth to living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. That’s why, when starting renovations, most people choose laminate flooring without hesitation.

Why Buy Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring consists of four layers: a stabilizing layer, a core (fiberboard), a decorative layer, and a top layer (which determines its wear resistance). Currently, laminate is an excellent alternative to more expensive options like hardwood or vinyl flooring. So, why choose laminate for your floors?

First, excellent technical characteristics: it’s eco-friendly (almost entirely natural), wear-resistant (the planks withstand the weight of furniture and heavy foot traffic), durable (lasting over 10 years), and affordable. On the website of the “CERAMA MARKET” online store, laminate prices start at 405 UAH/m². Some collections from leading manufacturers have optimal moisture resistance, and certain lines are made for heated floors. Such features are marked with specific labels (Aqua and C, respectively).

Second, easy installation. This involves leveling the subfloor, laying an underlay beneath the laminate, and assembling the planks using special connections. The flooring can be quickly disassembled and reassembled, such as during renovations. If a plank is damaged, there’s no need to replace the entire floor; you only need to remove the broken section and install a new one.

Third, a variety of choices. The “CERAMA MARKET” website offers nearly 300 laminate collections from manufacturers in Belgium, Spain, Germany, and Poland. Available in versatile colors: beige, white, brown, gray, and black.

Laminate Classes

The most popular classes for wear resistance are 31, 32, and 33. These may also be marked by letters as AC3, AC4, AC5, and AC6, respectively.

Class 31 (AC3). Plank thickness up to 8 mm, protective layer 0.2 mm. The total service life varies by environment: up to 5 years in commercial settings, over 10 years in a private home or apartment. Class 31 laminate is ideal for low-traffic areas (bedrooms, closets). Its main advantage is affordability, though it requires an underlay for installation. Price on the “CERAMA MARKET” website: 405 UAH/m².

Class 32 (AC4/5). Plank thickness up to 10 mm, protective layer 0.4 mm. Looking for laminate for the kitchen? This option is the best choice for all residential rooms, as it is moisture- and heat-resistant. An underlay is optional. The service life of Class 32 flooring is at least 15 years. Price per plank: from 602 UAH/m².

Class 33 (AC5/6). Plank thickness up to 14 mm. This class has the longest service life, over 20 years, with enhanced strength and wear resistance. Class 33 (AC6) flooring is designed for commercial spaces with heavy foot traffic (cafes, gyms, offices, etc.). Installation does not require an underlay. Price for this laminate on the “CERAMA MARKET” website: from 711 UAH.

What to Look for When Choosing Laminate?

Every detail matters when choosing laminate flooring — from the thickness of the material to the additional elements that might be needed during installation. So, consider the following:

• material. Experts recommend choosing a laminate with a wood-fiber core or vinyl laminate (PVC);
• room and installation specifics. In residential rooms, there’s no need to install highly durable Class 33 laminate. Opt for the versatile Class 32, whose advantages were mentioned above. Planning to install laminate on a wall? Then Class 31 is sufficient;
• thickness of the flooring. For private homes or apartments with families and children, flooring with a thickness of at least 10 mm (Class 32, AC4) is recommended. For a home with two people, 8 mm (Class 31) is sufficient;
• laminate dimensions. Length and width should be considered to accurately determine the amount of material needed for installation and to ensure a harmonious look in the room. For example, in small rooms, laminate measuring 138 cm in length and 11.3 cm in width works well;
• ease of installation. Most modern manufacturers have moved away from glue-down laminate and now produce collections with click-lock connections, especially for moisture-resistant laminate. Locking systems are safer and more convenient for installation and use;
• material labeling. When buying laminate for heated floors, check for the E1 label. This indicates a minimal formaldehyde content that won’t impact residents’ health when heated. Also, look for the Aqua label (moisture resistance) if you’re choosing laminate for the kitchen;
• color. This depends on the specific interior style. For a loft-style space, gray or black laminate is recommended. Beige and white tones are perfect for Scandinavian style. Minimalist interiors can incorporate all available colors, with brown providing a nice contrast to white walls;
• underlay for laminate. The best choice is eco-friendly fiberboard, which provides excellent thermal and sound insulation, with prices starting at 553 UAH per pack, depending on the chosen thickness;
• beveled edges and baseboards for laminate. Beveled edges are essential for installing laminate in rooms with high humidity and serve an aesthetic purpose along with baseboards.

You can buy affordable laminate on the “CERAMA MARKET” website. Visit, explore the selection, and place your order! Welcome!