Which laminate is better – with or without chamfer?

Selecting the ideal laminate flooring can be difficult, particularly when determining whether to use chamfer or not. The laminate plank’s edge has a tiny angle cut on it that is known as the chamfer or beveled edge. This characteristic can have a big impact on how your flooring looks, feels, and is maintained.

A laminate that has been chamfered gives it a more authentic appearance, much like real wood planks. Each plank is given depth and definition by the beveled edges, which also lend an air of refinement and authenticity. Additionally, this kind of laminate may be more understanding when it comes to covering up minor flaws or tiny variations in height between planks.

However, laminate without a chamfer has a more seamless, smooth appearance. The tight fit of the plank edges results in a continuous surface that can elongate and modernize a space. Since there are no grooves for dust and debris to collect, this option is frequently easier to clean.

The decision to use laminate with or without chamfer ultimately comes down to your personal taste and the particular requirements of your room. Think about the overall look you want to accomplish, the amount of maintenance you can handle, and the volume of traffic the area will see. Take your time in selecting the option that best fits your home, as each has special advantages of its own.

Feature	Laminate with Chamfer	Laminate without Chamfer
Appearance	More natural, mimics real wood	Sleek and modern
Durability	Hides minor damage better	Shows wear more easily
Cleaning	May trap dirt in grooves	Easier to clean
Installation	More forgiving of subfloor imperfections	Requires a smoother subfloor
Cost	Often more expensive	Usually cheaper

What is a chamfer on laminate

Slavic language representatives borrowed the word "chamfer" from the Latin fascia. refers to a surface created for technological, technical, ergonomic, and decorative purposes by the bevel of a sharp edge or edge (originally at an angle of 45 degrees).

It wasn’t until recently that laminate panels started to have a bevel on the front side. Strangely enough, the improvement of linoleum was the cause. The most recent samples of this floor covering started to mimic laminate so well that, in many situations, even professionals were unable to tell one floor covering from another through touch and sight.

Linoleum is less expensive and simpler to install at the same time. If laminate is just as good as linoleum in terms of design and quality, why spend more money on it? Laminated panels were therefore a brilliant idea to create a difference that rivals would not be able to duplicate.

This action, in conjunction with the wood-like texture, allowed for the creation of the full illusion of a natural wood floor, including solid flooring, parquet boards, and piece parquet. Here, the chamfer was crucial because it distinguished between a single lamella. As a result, the floor was transformed from a single, seamless surface to a covering made of individual boards. When a floor composed of natural materials is in use, it looks exactly like this.

Initially, it appeared that the beveled edge served purely decorative purposes. The technologists were not aware of the additional properties and capabilities of the chamfered laminate until it was put into use.

Types of chamfers, their pros and cons

Unexpectedly, there are multiple types of small beveled corners. They are unique:

• by profile type (shape);
• location;
• depth;
• method of receipt;
• moisture protection method.

By shape

Three chamfer types are identified by the cut profile: two traditional and one "irregular":

• V-cut (classic) are obtained by milling the front edge at an angle of 45 o of laminated panels with a thickness of 8-12 mm (for a cheap thin laminate it is not economically feasible to carry out operations that increase the cost of the product) followed by grinding. Note that the name of the bevel shape is not entirely correct. After all, a profile in the form of the Latin letter “V” is obtained not at the chamfer itself, but after installing two lamellas, which is clearly visible in the photo.

The bevel can be two- or four-sided, deep (up to 3-3.5 mm) or shallow (micro), less than 2 mm. Both options have stunning visuals that go well with any decor;

The boundaries of each lamella are clearly marked by a deep V-shaped chamfer, which more closely resembles real wood.

• U-cut – The second type of classic chamfer. As in the first option, this is not a bevel shape, but a seam between adjacent laminate panels. It is performed mainly by the rolling method on expensive laminate models from leading European manufacturers and in large quantities at Chinese enterprises. The idea (proposed by Europeans) is based on the desire to keep the melamine front protective film on the bevels intact, t.To. protecting the panel body from moisture using varnish, paint or wax does not give the desired result. It is theoretically possible to mill edges before applying a protective film, but there is no technology for gluing melamine to a chamfer yet.

Important: a U-shaped bevel can also be obtained using a shaped cutter, which is actively done in many factories located in China (they work under well-known brands). Honestly, this laminate looks very impressive, thanks to the different color of the connecting joint (emphasizes the individuality of each panel). But it has the same problems as the V-shaped chamfer: there is no reliable protection of the panel body from moisture penetration, because.To. on a bevel, the protective film is cut off during processing. Therefore, when buying a product from China, you must look at how the chamfer is protected. If the film is pasted – everything is fine. Painted or varnished – it’s worth considering whether you need a headache in the future when maintaining the floor covering. Here you already need to choose between design and practicality. Experience shows that a beautiful appearance still wins more often than not.

The U-shaped profile appears softer and more organic. It belongs in bedrooms where people unwind. In terms of mechanical reliability, it outperforms the V-shaped chamfer (more on this below):

• an irregular cut, which has its own name among European manufacturers: “random-groove” (random), is obtained when milling edges, where the tool leaves an uneven, torn mark, reminiscent of a roughly processed solid board. This approach is harmoniously combined with various methods of wood imitation:

1. embossed (True-Touch Deep Nature);
2. artificial aging (Aged Wood);
3. manual processing (Handscraped or Handcrafted);
4. infinite board.

Beautiful too, but the protective layer on the slopes needs to be constantly restored.

By location

The chamfer can be removed on all four sides of the lamellas, or only at their long edges, which is referred to as double-sided removal.

Because of this, double-sided chamfers are rarely used.To give the impression of a single board, it can be challenging to choose a pattern from multiple panels (this technique allows you to visually lengthen the room). However, this is doable if you have the time and want to. Ultimately, the package only includes ten different textures and front surface textures. However, the cyclical nature of the pattern—repeating the same joints and middle—is evident when choosing. From a design perspective, it is unclear which is preferable in this scenario: chaos or cyclicality.

With four-sided edge processing, every panel becomes a separate board with a unique structure. In this instance, laminate with an internal chamfer appears expensive, classy, and natural. In contrast, it’s crucial to keep identical boards apart throughout this length. Furthermore, the room’s length and width can be altered with the appropriate layout option.

The corresponding pictogram on the packaging always indicates the presence of an edge bevel (see photo below). It displays the chamfer’s depth and profile (the term "real-groove"). The number of cut edges is indicated by the number (2 or 4) inside the circle.

By depth

Additionally, the chamfer depth can be chosen. It can be very small, measuring 1-2 mm (less than 1 mm is also found), known as a "micro-groove" or "micro chamfer," or very large, measuring 2 to 3.5 mm for a "real groove" or deep chamfer. The bevel in the first example merely denotes the lamellar boundaries. All we can discuss here is the ornamental effect. Practically no masking or protective functions are apparent.

A deeper bevel better simulates the look of real wood. The "real groove" has all the extra "buns" that are naturally present in lamellas with beveled edges.

Method of receipt

An edge-cutting milling machine can be used. A U-shaped profile is produced by a curved cutter, and a V-shaped profile by a straight cutter. But the use of this technique is dwindling. When it comes to shielding the lamella’s body from moisture, the issue is that the methods employed to do so aren’t long enough to stop water from seeping into the locks and bevels. With the technology used in laminate manufacturing, it is not possible to cover the beveled edge with a melamine film that is applied to the panel’s front.

Rolling laminated boards was the answer. In this instance, the edge is crimped on rolling machines to create the chamfer. Here, there are two benefits:

• the protective film is preserved – it is pressed together with MDF;
• the edge density increases, which increases the strength of the panels.

Moisture protection methods

The bevels produced with rolling equipment don’t require moisture protection because a melamine film with superior hydrophobic qualities stays on them. However, nothing protects the bevel after the cutter. Different manufacturers use different approaches to solve the issue: some use varnish, while others use acrylic paints.

As the machine works, the varnish (paint) layer thins and lets in steam molecules first, then water molecules. It must be updated. Here, it’s critical to firstly avoid missing the window of opportunity when restoration work becomes necessary and, secondly, to have the resources and time to properly care for the flooring.

Be aware that laminated boards frequently have damage to the protective layer at the corners. For this reason, they require extra care if you want the flooring to last a long time.

Pros and cons of chamfering

There seem to be more benefits to slats with a beveled front edge over laminate without a chamfer. Among them are:

• more respectable appearance – beautiful design and resemblance to expensive parquet;
• the ability to visually change the dimensions of the room using various schemes for laying laminate with a chamfer;
• the ability to harmoniously fit into any interior of an apartment or house. Especially in such as neoclassicism, loft, Provence, country;
• better protection of locking joints from direct contact with water, but only in the first years of operation. In the future, work is needed to restore the protective layer;

• reducing the load on the edge edge during horizontal vibration, as a result of which it retains its original appearance for a long time;

• absence of protruding corners (they are cut off) when individual planks are deformed (a common occurrence for flooring made from laminated panels), and, consequently, damaged slats.

• the ability to visually hide slightly loose joints due to a weakened lock.

Additionally, there are drawbacks. Dear ones, imagine what it would be like without them:

• thinning of the protective layer of the chamfer, which requires regular floor care;
• more complex cleaning – debris from the recesses does not want to be removed with a simple broom. Need a vacuum cleaner;
• chamfer is contraindicated for rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, toilets. Especially the kitchen, where splashes of fat caught in the recess will cause many unpleasant moments for the hostess.

Which laminate is better, with or without chamfer

A straightforward question about which laminate is better—with or without a chamfer—is not addressed by the explanation of the various types of chamfers and their advantages and disadvantages. Let us attempt to compare the primary criteria for selection:

• price. The advantage is natural for a laminate without chamfers. Indeed, for the formation of a bevel, additional technological operations are needed. If we compare specific numbers, then the laminate of the average price segment is more expensive by 50-150 rubles./m 2, premium class-for 500-600 rubles./m 2;
• moisture resistance is unequivocally higher in lamellas with mowed edges – locks and cuts are mandatory processed by protective compounds. In a laminate without a chamfer, such processing is carried out only in relation to a moisture -resistant flooring;
• design, without discussion, is better in planks with mowed corners;
• The service life is approximately the same, but there is a nuance: by the end of the service life, the laminate without a chamfer has a battered look, with the chammer – retains the original;
• The role in the interior. Laminate without a chamfer performs passive functions when developing the design of each room – selected for furniture, walls and design style. With a beam – he dictates a style direction. In this case, using a variety of layout, it can visually change the size of the room.

A quick analysis reveals that the only thing that draws attention to a laminate without a chamfer is the price. If not, he is defeated in every parameter panel featuring a chamfer.

Popular manufacturers of a footup laminate

Numerous manufacturers supply high-quality laminate to the CIS countries’ construction markets. Among them, the following stand out:

"QuiSk Step." The Belgian company is well-known for creating the Uniclick lock connection on its own and offering a large selection of high-quality goods to meet any needs from customers;

"Balterio." Thanks to innovative technology, the lamella’s chamfer and texture most closely resemble real wood.

"Tarkett." The multinational corporation, with its headquarters situated in France, operates its own production facilities across multiple nations. Russia has the capacity to produce. This laminate is produced with two lock types (T-Lock and 2-Lock), a long warranty (up to 25 years), and a wide assortment.

This brand’s products can also be purchased from China. characterized by a low cost and occasionally poor quality chamfers (varying milling depths);

"Pergo." The Swedish business has a long history of operation in the flooring industry. The product’s distinctive antiseptic coating is its standout feature. As a result, it is mostly utilized in settings that need sterile cleanliness, such as hospitals and kids’ rooms in homes and apartments;

"Egger." The LocTec latch and a special resin impregnation that lets you keep the edge bevels’ moisture-proof qualities for the duration of operation are patented by the German company "Egger." renowned for the laminate’s light raw color and white hue, which dominate the model range;

"Kronostar." Reviews from experts and customers indicate that the company’s products offer the best value for the money, which is why demand in Russia is continuously rising;

"Kronotex." German quality is evident in its lengthy (30-year) warranty;

"Kronospan." The business manufactures high-quality goods. Therefore, it’s not within everyone’s budget. The commensurate quality attributes justify the high cost;

"Classen." The product was designed to withstand the harshest operating environments. As a result, it can resist the negative effects of elements found in the installation areas with ease;

"Diploflooring." With the chic designs of the company’s products, you can select a texture for a variety of flooring options, including parquet, solid boards, tiles, and porcelain stoneware. The melamine film has antibacterial additives, and the slats are stronger.

The aforementioned list makes it evident that there is a laminate to fit every preference and budget.

Laminate laying technology with chamfer

In technology, every little detail matters when it comes to beveled laminate:

• where to start. A laminate without a chamfer has one requirement – to hide the connecting seams, with a chamfer – on the contrary, to emphasize the presence of beveled edges;
• what scheme to use – again the design plays a leading role, as well as the visual perception of the size of the room;
• how to lay laminate with a bevel with your own hands on a concrete screed or wooden floor.

Where to start

The misconception that has grown over time regarding where to begin laying laminate flooring is that the chamfer breaks start in the room’s right corner where panels are laid perpendicular to the wall that has a window. If a laminated board has a bevel at the edge, it is not necessary to mask the seam; rather, it should be highlighted and highlighted with daylight.

Subsequently, the slats mimic natural boards so well that even skilled finishers have trouble quickly identifying the material of the floor. Lamellas with the "True-Touch Deep Nature" texture, in which producers were able to replicate "living" wood with fibers and beveled edges, are particularly well suited for this.

But to achieve that kind of effect, one must deviate from the conventional laminate flooring installation guidelines and lay the flooring along the direction of light. It’s better to lay diagonally or across the room in this situation. The nuances start to show here.

1. When laying transversely, you need to start from a window or the place where the heating pipes pass (with a “warm field” it makes no difference where the work starts from). Otherwise, you won’t be able to close the lock on the last row – the heating pipes are in the way. Or you will have to glue everything with glue, with a lot of cuts near them. Here you need to start from the left corner of the outer wall, if you stand facing the window, and carry out the installation parallel to it.
2. When laying diagonally, laminate consumption increases, sometimes up to 15-20%. This is additional finance, and not small. Here you can start from any angle. Professionals advise from the middle. To do this, a cord, thread or fishing line is pulled from the corner, dividing it in half (not from corner to corner, but a bisector). The first row is laid along it. In relation to the walls, the laying angle will be 30-40 or 50-60 o . But this is exactly how designers emphasize the beauty of a chamfered floor.

Layout diagram

Laminate installation options with chamfer:

• along the stream of light;
• across;
• diagonally;

• herringbone;
• artistic – can be checkerboard, square, rectangular.

Conversely, laying across, along, and diagonally can be done at a ½, 1/3, or even chaotic offset spacing.

1. It is uncommon to lay laminate with a chamfer parallel to the direction of light flow.To. conceals the joints’ depth. Only Chinese laminate with a milling machine-cut U-shaped chamfer looks good in this arrangement. The same rolling-derived chamfer is applied across or perpendicularly.

2. A transverse arrangement makes a small space appear larger. For this reason, it is advised in long rooms, hallways, and corridors.

3. The lamellae of a herringbone structure are arranged at a 90-degree angle to one another. This option is limited to 5G or Megalock locks.

Flooring installation

The methods for installing a laminate that has a chamfer are exactly the same as those for installing a standard laminate. The following is the proper sequence of steps for the work:

• the screed is covered with an overlapping polyethylene film and overlaps the walls;
• the substrate is laid;
• the location for starting work is determined;
• Wedges are installed along the walls to create a technological gap;
• the lock tenon is cut off at the lamellas of the first row;
• the first row is laid;
• the first board of the second row is shortened by ½ or 1/3 part;
• the second row is laid out.

Above is the diagram that illustrates how to shorten the lamellas. Until the final row, which is trimmed to width if needed, and so on. Here is a detailed description of the threshold and pipe passage.

Your personal taste and the particular requirements of your area will play a major role in your decision regarding laminate with or without chamfer. It’s critical to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both choices because they each have special benefits.

Chamfered-edge laminates give a more realistic, textured appearance that is very similar to real wood. They can give your rooms a hint of sophistication and elegance. In addition, the grooves can help conceal small flaws and aging, extending the floor’s visual appeal.

Conversely, laminate without chamfer produces a smooth, seamless surface that can give a space a more contemporary, cohesive feel. As there are no grooves for dirt to collect, this style is frequently easier to clean. It’s a sensible option for households with lots of activity or busy streets.

The style you want to achieve and the way you want to use the space should ultimately serve as your guide when making this decision. Think about your lifestyle, the general layout of your house, and the level of maintenance you can afford. You can choose the laminate that best meets your needs and elevates the aesthetics of your living areas by carefully weighing these considerations.

The decision between laminate flooring with and without a chamfer is based on needs and personal preference. A laminate that has been chamfered has a more realistic, natural appearance, mimicking actual wood planks and effectively masking small flaws. It can add sophistication and style to a space. However, in high-traffic areas, laminate without a chamfer offers a smoother, more uniform surface that can be easier to clean and maintain. The best option will rely on your practical needs and aesthetic preferences, as each have advantages.

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