Laminate company quick step characteristics. Laminate Quick Step from Belgium: characteristics, overview of collections

The city of Dzerzhinsk, Novgorod region, is called the "capital of the domestic chemical industry." Among his many industrial enterprises there is a plant that is of the greatest interest to us - the Quick Step laminate plant.

The most inquisitive representatives of companies selling floor coverings were invited to the Unilin Group factory to make sure that the laminate produced in Russia is no worse than the Belgian one. Among these lucky ones was our director - Alexey Anukov. He was happy to share photos from the Quick Step laminate factory.

Quick Step Laminate Plant Exterior and Interior

Slabs of the future Quick Step laminate. The plate is cut into several lamellas. The degree of quality of the topmost sheet does not correspond to the norm, therefore it is not involved in the further production process.	Finished goods warehouse. Both the laminate produced at this plant and those brought from Belgium are stored here.

Impressions from a trip to the factory

A tour of the Quick Step laminate factory will remain in your memory for a long time. Of course, it is difficult to convey from photographs how automated the production process is, how smoothly the machines work. But trust me, it makes an impression!

Both the plant itself and the team of conscientious specialists working on it are striking. It can be seen that employees are extremely responsible approach to their duties, really care about the result. Looking at such a responsible staff, you understand why Quick Step laminate is of such high quality.

Want to take a look at Quick Step Laminate?

Anyone who wants to see samples of Quick Step laminate and make sure of its quality (gnawing, scratching, etc.), we invite you to our showroom in St. Petersburg on Tallinskaya street, 7a. We have samples of all the Quick Step laminate collections featured on the site.

You can also buy Quick Step laminate through the website. All registered users get a 3% discount!

Quick Step laminate flooring from the Belgian company UNILIN has been well known in Europe since 1990. Introduced over 25 years ago, it is still considered a quality standard and is in the TOP-5 of the best-selling flooring brands in Russia.

Everyone knows this laminate as high-quality, reliable and not the cheapest. But there are facts that are known to few, but this information is very important and interesting.

We'll tell you the whole truth about Quick Step laminate flooring!

Fact #1 Quick Step is NOT made in Belgium!

All Quick Step laminate, which is sold in Russia, is made in our country.

The Belgian corporation UNILIN launched the production of laminate in Russia in 2011. The plant in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod Region, is in no way inferior to European divisions in terms of its equipment. Pressing and profiling lines from German company Homag, Japanese-made instrumentation, decor paper from Wielsbeke (Belgium), HDF from Bazeilles (France). The same raw materials are used in Belgian factories.

Until 2013, only Belgian engineers with extensive experience working at UNILIN factories were engaged in the training of employees. Curators constantly visit the enterprise and control the work of each department, conducting certification, training and retraining of specialists.

Result - Quick Step laminate Russian production and of true Belgian origin is absolutely indistinguishable either externally or by technical specifications. But still they make it in Russia. And we honestly write about it in the product cards, unlike many other suppliers who still mislead buyers.

Fact #2 Uniclic and Uniclic Multifit locks are licensed to other manufacturers

Unilin developed and patented the world's first adhesive-free laminate lock in 1997. This system is known as Uniclic. In 2009, the innovative Uniclic Multifit connection with a plastic latch appeared.

You can buy a patent for the locking system. The copyright holder company declares this on its official website. There is also a list of official licensees who have purchased and use a castle similar to the one that Quick Step is famous for in the production of flooring. These lock systems are called differently, but they are based on the same development, the right to which belongs to Unilin, and for which it receives deductions from each sold square meter brand name laminates.

Fact #3 Scratches and chips can be removed from Quick Step laminate

Umilin has created a unique repair kit for removing defects from the surface of the laminate. With the help of the Quick Step Repair Kit (QSREPAIR), you can make an imperceptible scratch and paint over the chip with your own hands in 5 minutes.

The set includes seven basic wax crayons, a spatula and a cleaning brush. To eliminate the defect, a pencil close in shade is selected. Using a spatula, a small piece of wax is applied to the scratch, leveled and rubbed with a brush. If necessary, several shades are mixed.

You can choose the proportions for mixing colors for each decor according to the table.

Fact #4 Quick Step laminate does not have class 33

All Quick Step laminate collections are class 32. It would seem that this is very strange - after all, most laminate manufacturers in Russia rely on class 33, and buyers want to get a "margin of excess strength." Quick Step doesn't chase numbers. Wear resistance testing is carried out according to European standards.

32 class means commercial purpose floor covering and confirms the possibility of its use in rooms with medium traffic. More than enough for any room in the house.

Quite recently, the only class 33 Impressive Ultra collection has appeared in the Quick Step range. This is a heavy-duty laminate that can be used in rooms with high humidity. For the price, this collection, of course, will not be able to compete with analogues of other brands - it is very expensive.

Fact No. 5 The manufacturer gives a guarantee of 25 years

The Quick Step brand guarantees 25 years of impeccable service of the laminate (except for the Creo collection - 20 years). With care and selection in accordance with the wear resistance class, it will last even longer. Such a period is due to a particularly strong HDF base up to 12 mm thick, an impact-resistant protective layer of Scratch Guard with corundum and reliable Uniclic locks.

Laminate Quick Step does not fade in the sun and does not attract dust. A lit cigarette will not damage the surface of the laminate even with prolonged exposure.

All products are produced with PEFC and CE certificates. In Europe, this is an indicator of compliance with consumer and environmental standards. The laminate in all its characteristics exceeds the standards in force in the EU and Russia. Each batch passes a control test for wear resistance on the Taber test. The dimensions of each panel and the parameters of the locks are checked by Japanese measuring technology.

- Recently on product packaging Quick Step began to indicate Russia as a manufacturing country. Is it so? How did this affect the quality?

Indeed, starting from the end of 2011, a Unilin Corporation plant was opened in Russia in the city of Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod Region; and a significant part of the QS range offered in our country is Russian-made.

However, there is an important point: the constituent parts are layers; from which the laminate is made (protective layer, decorative paper, HDF - board and stabilizing layer) are the same as in the "Belgian": HDF - board from the French Unilin plant in Bazey is used, the rest of the components are Belgian production. Thus, the "Russian" Quick Step is such with a certain degree of conventionality.

I would also note the foreign high-quality equipment of the German company Homag and the general automation of production, which reduces the so-called. "human factor"; in addition, the technological and production process is built according to the same algorithms as in foreign Unilin enterprises.

Finished products undergo strict quality control and comply with the European certification system EN 13329; in other words, the "Russian" and "Belgian" products are identical in terms of characteristics and requirements.

Thus, there are no objective prerequisites for a lower quality of the “Russian” QS compared to the “Belgian” one; and these fears are more of a psychological nature, associated with deep-rooted prejudices about Russian-made goods.

At the same time, I would like to note that the QS assortment includes collections of direct Belgian production.

And one more thing: those who wish can visit the Unilin factory and see for themselves the high manufacturability and high quality of the final product.

- Where can I get acquainted with the full and current range of the brand Quick Step?

The most comprehensive information on this issue can be obtained online on the official website http://www.quick-step.ru/.

In the same place, on the indicated resource, you can order a printed catalog.

- Does it exist among the assortment Quick Step 33rd grade?

Yes. It is called Majestic Pro, and is divided into two "sub-collections" - M.P. 8 and M.P. 9.5; based on the designs of the Eligna and Largo collections, respectively. Majestic Pro laminate conforms wear resistance class AC 5 (EN 13329).

- What collections Quick step currently produced in Belgium?

Largo, Arte, Quadra, Exquisa, Eligna/Perspective Wide, Majestic Pro 9.5.

- Are the floors compatible Quick step c floor heating systems?

This is true. However, attention should be paid to a number of technological features and follow the recommendations: for example, a “floating” type of laying a laminate; the need to use a Quick-Step substrate equipped with waterproofing protection, or a polymer film with a thickness of at least 0.2 mm and other requirements.

- The sign is indicated on the packaging of the laminate Scratch guard. What does it mean?

This term refers to the patented technology of protecting the surface of our laminate from scratches, chips and other similar damage.

Wear resistance and resistance to damage to the greatest extent depends on the quality of the upper protective layer - the so-called. overlay. The The wear layer is made of thermosetting resin, finely crystalline barium sulfate, and finely divided alumina. It includes various additives, such as plasticizers, fillers, hardeners, stabilizers, property modifiers, and so on; the full recipe of which is classified information.

- Is laminate flooring safe? How is it measured?

In the production of laminate (more precisely, the central layer - high-density fibreboard - HDF ) phenol-formaldehyde resins are used, which, when added to the wood pulp, are a binding element; and under the influence of high temperature and pressure, the components are fused into a single plate.

Thus, any laminate highlights in environment a certain amount of evaporation of these resins (this process is also called emission).

Phenol-formaldehyde resins are carcinogenic, i.e. substances, to put it mildly, unhealthy for the human body.

Made in Europe laminate is controlled according to the EN 717 standard. Based on its requirements, formaldehyde emission from laminate flooring should not exceed the E1 limit, which is 0.13 mg/ m 2 h - a level that is harmless to humans.

Important point– if the brands of laminate produced in Europe (including Quick Step) undergo strict control of the permissible concentration of resins; then for other types of laminated floors (primarily inexpensive Chinese or Russian production), safety is not controlled; primarily due to the lack of relevant regulatory acts (which does not often prevent shamelessly placing pictograms “E1”, “German / French / .. quality” and so on on packages).

When you buy Quick Step products, you can be sure that they are safe for you and your children.

- Where can I find quality certificates for products Quick Step?

All kinds of certificates are posted on the official website in the section for professionals; foreign and Russian; environmental, fire and so on.

- What design can laminate boards have? Quick Step?

Brand assortmentQuickstep there are both wood ornaments (including those with the effect of “aging”; manual processing; bleaching of lamellas, and so on), as well as collections of “stone” and “ceramic” tiles of various formats, and there is even a position with canvas imitation.

- How can I be guided by the choice of sexes?

Within a wide range of productsQuickStep You have ample opportunities for creativity; based on your specific conditions: for example, the long slats of the collectionLargo emphasized dignity large room; and collection designsCountry with the effect of manual processing will ideally fit into the interior of a country house.

I will also draw your attention to the programfloorAdvisor , posted on the official website, with the help of which you, by uploading a photo of your interior, will be able to simulate its combination with one or another design of our products.- Is there a product warranty? QS?

Undoubtedly. The products are guaranteed for 20-25 years (depending on the collection); and 5 years warranty for commercial use

- In the store, I was offered a laminate with a thickness of 12 mm, class 33, which, at the same time, cost less than an 8 mm laminate Quick step. What is the reason for this?

Laminate class is assigned on the basis of passing a set of tests of the European certification systemEN 13329. The quality and classification procedure for laminated non-European laminated floors is not regulated; and therefore, in the vast majority of cases, this class (Chinese manufacturers, as well as Russian consumers, generally love the magic number "33") is declarative.

So, there is no direct connection between the thickness of the laminate and the class; a more important factor is the quality of the upper wear-resistant layer and the density of the board.

By the way, there is no European laminate with a thickness of 12-13 mm.

- Is there a backing

Quick Step?

Yes, definitely. Branded substrates are divided into several types depending on the requirements for them and their purpose: suppressing reflected sound (Uniclicplus,Unisound,Unisoundpro); lowering the sound transmitted (relatively speaking, the sound coming to the neighbors from below -transitsoundultra); underlay for uneven floorsoftboard); waterproof and condensate-resistant lining (screen); underlay for compatibility with "warm" floors (cool heat).

- In the store, the seller offered a product called loc floor. The seller assured that this is “the same quick step”, although there is no such collection on the site. It's a fake?

No, the seller provided almost correct information.locFloor - the so-called. "b-brand ”, which is not included in the main assortment - as a rule, exclusive collections for large distributors.

This includes the abovelocfloor,Clixfloor,Sens (this collection is sold in stores of the networkLeroyMerlin ). These collections are distinguished by a very affordable price, as well as some technological features.

Can damage to laminate flooring be repaired?

Scratches, cracks, gouges and other minor damage can be repaired with a special Mix & Fix branded repair kit. This set includes: a tube of base mastic, two bottles of paint and a spatula; as well as a reminder colors, indicating the proportion of mixing paint to obtain a particular color.

There are three types of Mix&Fix set: for light; dark woody; and non-wood ornaments. After such a repair, the damage becomes almost imperceptible. More significant damage can be repaired by replacing one or more boards. This is very easy to do thanks to the interlocking of the laminate flooring boards.

Quick-Step is deservedly one of the largest representatives in the laminate flooring market. Buyers are offered a wide selection of textures, colors and types of laminate. Flooring from Quick-Step costs a little more on average than products from other brands. But this price is not only for a well-known brand, but for a good quality product. Belonging to the Quick-Step brand means a guarantee that the flooring will last for a long time, will not cause problems during installation and operation. The manufacturer guarantees at least a quarter of a century of coating service.

What is good about such a laminate

The Belgian laminate from the manufacturer Quick-Step undergoes all the necessary tests at the release stage and is in accordance with the highest European standards. Waste and marriage are disposed of on site - recycled for reuse or incinerated, and the energy from this is directed to the needs of production.

Quick-Step is the originator of the interlock that made installing laminate flooring quick, easy and convenient. This fastening system makes it possible, if necessary, to remove a damaged fragment of the floor covering without dismantling the floor as a whole, and to replace it.

The bottom layer of Quick-Step laminate flooring contains polyurethane, which makes the tiles almost completely moisture resistant. And at the heart of the laminate board is a particularly durable and dense HDF board of our own production, which includes wood fibers mixed with melamine resin. The laminate is pressed at a very high temperature, which gives it high strength.

Quick-Step laminate by texture and appearance as close as possible to natural wood. The coating has a special resistance to chips and dents, which can be formed from furniture (especially on thin sharp legs) or falling heavy objects. Thanks to antistatic additives, dust, fluff, hair and pet hair stick to such a floor much less strongly. The strong fastening of Quick-Step laminated boards to each other allows them to withstand a breaking load of up to 400 kg per linear meter. Laminate is flame retardant - will not catch fire from an accidental small spark or a dropped cigarette.

All Quick-Step products are compatible with any type of underfloor heating - water, electric, film. Wood not only calmly withstands high temperatures, but also conducts heat well inside the room. The only thing that Quick-Step laminate does not like is sudden temperature changes. Wood can change a lot in volume, crack or change color a little. Heating and cooling of the room should be carried out gradually so that the floor material has time to adapt to changing operating conditions.

Advice ! Although the Quick-Step top laminate has a continuous, non-porous structure and dirt does not easily penetrate the material, it is still best to wipe it off the floor immediately.

All products used in the production of Quick-Step laminate, including adhesives and resins, comply with international standards, which means that they are safe for health and can be used in children's rooms as well.

According to reviews, Quick-Step laminate is well washed from any contaminants, the locking joints in it are strong and reliable, and the color gamut is wide. There are no marks or scratches on the surface during operation. Families with small active children note that the floor is practically non-slip, therefore it is safe even for children's rooms.

How to choose a laminate and not make a mistake

Naturally, such well-known products manufactured by Quick-Step and having by no means a small price are sought to be counterfeited. If there are doubts about the authenticity or quality of the purchased product, then you should ask the store employees for documents for the goods. The simplest criteria quality laminate- boards must be of the same size, with even edges, no large chips or other damage. There should be no places with a poorly printed pattern. And you can check the quality of the laminated coating by scratching it with your fingernail. good laminate Quick-Step will not hurt at all, but low-quality boards may well have large and noticeable scratches.

Flooring collections

Quick-Step laminate is grouped into collections - a coating of a certain class, design and texture has a line of at least several colors and shades.

Completing materials

Quick-Step produces not only the laminate floor itself, but also all the necessary related products- plinths, fastenings to them, sills. For each Quick-Step flooring series, it is indicated which additional accessories with her the best way combined in color, pattern and texture.

It is not necessary to select skirting boards by color, you can purchase white ones, and subsequently paint them.

Quick-Step laminate skirting boards are not only made straight. Recently, the company began to produce flexible types suitable for a convex or, conversely, a concave shape of the room. They are perfectly joined both among themselves and with classic flat skirting boards.

The size range of skirting boards is represented by high and low types. Particularly wide views are designed for climates with significant seasonal differences, where during installation it is necessary to leave a large indent between the laminate and the wall. Skirting boards must have grooves for masking wires of low-current electronics - the Internet, a landline phone, etc.

Between different rooms for joining the laminate, which lies both on the same level and on different levels, transitional profiles made of laminated wood or aluminum resistant to scratches and mechanical stress are used. Quick-Step profiles are multifunctional - they can, for example, be used when decorating stairs with laminate as a step ledge. And if for some reason skirting boards are not installed near the walls, then the end profile will help to hide the expansion joint.

Like any other laminate, Quick-Step requires a level subfloor surface - the lowest possible height difference should be ensured (maximum a few millimeters per meter). Otherwise, the lock connections will quickly fail.

To minimize unevenness on the floor and improve heat and sound insulation, a substrate, usually made of polypropylene, should be laid on the floor.

The ends of the laminate panels should be on the same row, but the transverse joints should not be placed side by side - only in a checkerboard pattern, as when laying bricks.

Between the wall and the first rows of laminate panels, it is necessary to have a compensation gap of 5-7 mm so that the coating can slightly change in size with fluctuations in humidity and temperature, without swelling.