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Laminate flooring is made of 80% natural products, and consists of at least 65 % wood – one of our planet’s sustainable and renewable raw materials, making laminate flooring a product which requires few resources. And that’s not all. Laminate flooring has a firm, sealed surface which ensures that dust and dirt cannot penetrate. This is what makes laminate floors hygienic, water-resistant and easy to care for – which can bring important benefits to allergy sufferers. Learn more about the lifecycle of laminate flooring, its history and wear classes below.

History

1977 The beginning

First HPL Laminate flooring made with particleboard

1980–1988 The Laminate challenge

New formats for the flooring industry

1989 First technological revolution

First direct-pressure laminate flooring (DPL)

1990–1995 Greater variety of decors

First stone-effect and creative decors

1996 Another revolution

First click-in laminate flooring systems

2000 Quiet laminate flooring

Drum sound insulation, loose or laminated

2001–2003 Authentic finishes

Development of synchronous pore printing

2002–2004 Major new development

Genuine wood texture, tile effect

2003–2005 Laminate flooring with value-added

Useful additional features

2005–2006 Yet another revolution

Development of direct printing

2006 Popular new formats

Long floorboards, narrow floorboards

2006–2008 Creative decor boom

Retro, Industry, Fantasy

2008–2010 The new feel

Structured surfaces

2010–2012 Eco is trendy

Sustainable laminate flooring

2012–2014 New rustic style

Raw wood look, deep structures

2015 Digital printing

New standards in production

2018 Versatile laminate flooring

Added bonus for customers

2021 New EPD

European laminate flooring gets an updated EPD valid until 2026

Wear classes

Wear classes for laminate flooring are specified in the European standard EN 13329 (“Laminate floor coverings - Elements with a surface layer based on aminoplastic thermosetting resins - Specifications, requirements and test methods”). There is a differentiation between domestic and commercial usage.

In private use areas, the classification ranges from 21 (light use, e.g. in bedrooms) to 23 (intense use, e.g. in hallways). In commercial use areas the classification ranges from 31 (light use, e.g. hotel rooms or conference rooms) to 33 (intense use, e.g. in large offices, shopping malls or public buildings) or even 34 (for commercial areas with very intense use).   

The following classification chart shows area of use, intensity of use, types of wear and examples of use:

Class Area of use Intensity of use Description of use Examples of use
21 Domestic
Private use areas
moderate light use bedrooms
guest rooms
22 Domestic
Private use areas
average normal, everyday use living room
dining room
hallways
23 Domestic
Private use areas
high high-traffic, intense use Stairways
entry halls
kitchen
31 Commercial
Private and public use areas
moderate light use Hotel rooms
conference rooms
small offices
32 Commercial
Private and public use areas
average normal, everyday use Kindergarten
offices
waiting areas
hotel lobbies
stores
33 + 34 Commercial
Private and public use areas
high high-traffic, intense use Hallways
large offices
shopping malls
classrooms
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