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Frequently Asked Questions

Select and Compare Flooring

Which flooring is right for me?

The right flooring for you depends on the room, level of wear and tear, preferred material, and installation method. CLASSEN offers three main product lines: laminate flooring as a durable option for many living areas, CERAMIN as a PVC-free alternative to vinyl flooring, and CERAMIN tiles as a PVC-free alternative to traditional vinyl tiles. Also consider water resistance, wear class, compatibility with radiant floor heating, installation height, size, and desired look.

Find the right products with the product advisor 

What is the difference between laminate and CERAMIN?

Laminate is a multi-layer flooring material consisting of a sturdy core board, a decorative layer, and a durable wear layer. CERAMIN, on the other hand, is based on polypropylene and mineral fillers; it is free of PVC, plasticizers, and chlorine, and is waterproof. Laminate is suitable for many living areas; depending on the product, CERAMIN is also suitable for rooms with higher moisture exposure, renovations, and floor and wall applications.

What are the alternatives to vinyl flooring?

CERAMIN is CLASSEN’s PVC-free alternative to traditional vinyl flooring. The material contains no PVC, plasticizers, or chlorine; it is waterproof and available in a variety of wood, stone, and tile finishes. Depending on the product, CERAMIN can be installed using a click system or fully glued down, making it suitable for a variety of rooms and renovation projects.

The Alternative to Vinyl Flooring—CERAMIN

What are some alternatives to vinyl tiles?

CERAMIN tiles are a PVC-free alternative to traditional vinyl tiles. They combine the look of tiles, stone, or other designs with a waterproof material that is free of PVC, plasticizers, and chlorine. Depending on the product, they are suitable for floors or walls and, especially in renovation projects, offer a low installation height and easy installation.

The alternative to vinyl tiles or aluminum composite panels—CERAMIN

Which type of flooring is best for which room?

Depending on your needs, laminate and CERAMIN are suitable options for living rooms, bedrooms, children’s rooms, or home offices. In kitchens and bathrooms, you should specifically choose a water-resistant laminate approved for these areas or a suitable waterproof CERAMIN product. CERAMIN tiles also offer solutions for select wall and floor surfaces. The specific product approval is always the deciding factor.

What should I look for when choosing flooring?

When making your selection, consider the room, traffic level, water resistance, wear class, installation height, installation method, underfloor heating, as well as the look and feel. If the material composition is important to you, also compare laminate with PVC-free CERAMIN flooring and CERAMIN tiles. Thickness alone does not determine whether a floor is suitable for your project.

How do I find the right CLASSEN flooring?

Start by considering the room and your most important requirements. The CLASSEN Product Advisor narrows down the selection based on usage, features, and design. You can then compare suitable laminate floors, CERAMIN floors as an alternative to vinyl, or CERAMIN tiles as an alternative to vinyl tiles, and view them in your own home using the room visualizer.

Start the Product Advisor

Can I test the flooring I want before buying it?

Yes. With the Room Visualizer, you can virtually view selected CLASSEN flooring options in a room. A sample then helps you assess the color, texture, and feel under actual lighting conditions. This allows you to make a more informed choice when selecting laminate, CERAMIN flooring, and CERAMIN tiles.

Open the Room Visualizer

Laminate Flooring: Selection, Materials, and Properties

Which laminate flooring is the best?

The best laminate flooring is the one whose features suit your space and your daily life. A bedroom that’s used infrequently has different requirements than a hallway, living room, or kitchen. Pay special attention to the use class, durability, water resistance, installation system, and compatibility with radiant floor heating, as well as the desired look and surface texture. Thickness alone is not a sufficient indicator of quality.

How can I tell if laminate flooring is high-quality?

You can identify high-quality laminate flooring by a combination of several features: a durable surface, the appropriate use class, a reliable click system, and approval for the intended space. Depending on the application, water resistance and suitability for radiant floor heating are also important. Warranties and transparent technical product information make it easier to compare products.

How much does a good laminate floor cost?

The price of a good laminate floor depends, among other things, on its construction, wear class, thickness, surface, design, water resistance, and installation system. A more affordable product may be well-suited for a room with light traffic, while high-traffic areas require different characteristics. Be sure to also budget for underlayment, baseboards, transition strips, offcuts, and, if necessary, installation.

How thick should a laminate floor be?

The appropriate laminate thickness depends on the product and its intended use. A greater thickness in millimeters does not automatically mean higher quality or greater durability. The decisive factors are the wear class, floor construction, surface, click system, subfloor, and intended use. Therefore, always compare the complete technical specifications.

Is 7 mm or 8 mm laminate better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether 7 mm or 8 mm laminate is better. A well-constructed 7-mm laminate floor can be just as suitable for a particular room as an 8-mm product. More important factors are the wear class, surface finish, installation system, and intended use. So don’t automatically go for the thicker laminate.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate is a multi-layer flooring material. It typically consists of a sturdy core board, a decorative layer, and a durable wear layer. The decorative layer determines the wood species, color, and texture; the wear layer protects the decorative layer from everyday wear and tear. Laminate floors differ in terms of thickness, use class, surface finish, water resistance, and installation system, among other factors.

Learn more 

What are the disadvantages of laminate flooring?

Like any flooring, laminate has its limitations. Not every product is suitable for high levels of moisture, and damage cannot be easily sanded down as it can with solid wood. An unsuitable subfloor or the wrong underlayment can worsen impact and footfall noise. In addition, large amounts of standing water should be avoided, and the use class and room approval should be selected appropriately.

Find the right flooring for your specific application

Are laminate floors scratch-resistant and suitable for pets?

Laminate flooring is generally suitable for households with pets and, depending on the product, is designed to withstand heavy daily wear and tear. However, no flooring is completely scratch-resistant. Sand, small stones, sharp objects, or unsuitable furniture glides can leave marks. Remove dirt regularly, wipe up water promptly, and use appropriate furniture glides.

Tips for Laminate Care

Is laminate flooring suitable for all rooms?

Laminate flooring is suitable for many living areas, such as living rooms, bedrooms, children’s rooms, home offices, and hallways. Water-resistant laminate flooring can be used in kitchens and bathrooms if the specific product is approved for those areas. Not all laminate flooring is suitable for areas with constant exposure to moisture or standing water.

Water-Resistant Laminate

How durable is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring has a durable, scratch-resistant surface and is well-suited for households with children or pets. A product’s durability depends primarily on its wear class, surface, and intended use. Therefore, check the specifications for the specific laminate flooring and take preventive measures to protect high-traffic areas from dirt and unsuitable furniture casters.

CERAMIN: Material and Properties

What exactly is CERAMIN?

CERAMIN is a material developed by CLASSEN for floor and wall coverings. It consists of a high proportion of mineral fillers combined with polypropylene and contains no PVC, plasticizers, or chlorine. CERAMIN is waterproof, dimensionally stable, and relatively lightweight. Depending on the product, there are click-lock, adhesive, and wall solutions available for new construction, renovation, and restoration.

Learn more about the CERAMIN material

For which rooms is CERAMIN suitable?

Depending on the product, CERAMIN can be used in living areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and sunrooms. CERAMIN is not intended for outdoor areas, saunas, or steam rooms. It is always essential to ensure that the specific product is approved for the intended space and that it is installed properly according to the instructions.

View CERAMIN products

How should CERAMIN be disposed of?

How CERAMIN is disposed of depends, among other things, on the quantity and local disposal options.

Smaller quantities can be disposed of as household or construction waste in accordance with local regulations. For larger quantities, you should check whether return is possible through
using the appropriate recycling or take-back options.

CERAMIN can be reused as a material after appropriate processing. If you want to dispose of larger quantities from a renovation or construction project, you should therefore find out in advance about the appropriate return options.

Learn more about CERAMIN

What level of slip resistance does CERAMIN provide?

CERAMIN flooring has a slip-resistant surface and is therefore suitable for use in damp environments such as bathrooms. For information on the slip resistance rating of a specific product and the applications for which it is approved, please refer to the respective technical product information.

Is CERAMIN light-resistant?

CERAMIN has high lightfastness. As a result, the designs retain their color stability for a long time, even when exposed to intense sunlight. You can find the specific technical details for each product on its respective product page.

What are CERAMIN tiles?

CERAMIN tiles are waterproof floor and wall coverings made from CERAMIN, a material that is free of PVC, plasticizers, and chlorine. They offer an alternative to traditional vinyl tiles and, depending on the product, are available in a variety of tile, stone, and design finishes, as well as in different sizes. Their specific suitability for floors, walls, and rooms depends on the product selected.

View CERAMIN tiles

Vinyl, vinyl tiles, and PVC-free alternatives

Why does CLASSEN offer CERAMIN instead of traditional vinyl flooring?

Traditional vinyl flooring is typically made from PVC. With CERAMIN, CLASSEN has developed an alternative for anyone looking for the practical features of designer flooring while avoiding PVC, plasticizers, and chlorine. CERAMIN is made from polypropylene and mineral fillers, is waterproof, and is available in wood, stone, and tile finishes.

Discover an alternative to vinyl

What is vinyl flooring, and what alternatives are available?

Vinyl flooring is a type of flooring that is typically made from PVC. Depending on the product, it is available as click flooring, an adhesive variant, or in rolls. If you’re looking for modern designer flooring that’s free of PVC and plasticizers, CERAMIN is an alternative made from a different material. The material is waterproof and available for various flooring and wall applications.

Discover CERAMIN as an alternative

Is vinyl the same as PVC?

Not quite. PVC is the abbreviation for polyvinyl chloride and refers to a type of plastic. Vinyl flooring is the common term for a category of flooring that is usually PVC-based. If you’re looking for flooring without PVC, you should therefore check the actual material composition and not rely solely on terms like “vinyl” or “design flooring.”

Compare Products

What is the difference between vinyl flooring and engineered flooring?

The term “design flooring” does not specifically refer to a particular material, but rather generally describes flooring that mimics the appearance of wood, stone, or tile. Traditional vinyl flooring is also often referred to as design flooring. However, design flooring is not necessarily made of PVC. CERAMIN, for example, is a PVC-, plasticizer-, and chlorine-free material used for design flooring and wall coverings.

What are the disadvantages of vinyl flooring?

Potential drawbacks depend on the specific vinyl flooring. One factor that is often relevant is the material composition: Traditional vinyl floors are typically made of PVC and may contain plasticizers, depending on the product. There are also differences in construction, thickness, wear layer, installation system, water resistance, and room approval. CERAMIN is a PVC-, plasticizer-, and chlorine-free alternative.

Compare Products

Is there vinyl flooring without PVC?

Traditional vinyl flooring is typically made from PVC. Therefore, “PVC-free vinyl flooring” usually refers to a design flooring that offers similar applications but is made from a different material. CERAMIN is made from polypropylene and mineral fillers and is free of PVC, plasticizers, and chlorine.

Compare Products

Which is better: PVC or vinyl flooring?

The question is misleading because vinyl flooring is usually made of PVC. PVC refers to the plastic, while vinyl flooring refers to the flooring made from it. For a meaningful comparison, you should therefore consider the specific product construction, material composition, and technical properties. If you want to deliberately avoid PVC and plasticizers, CERAMIN is a possible alternative.

Rooms and Areas of Use

Are all flooring options suitable for wet areas?

No, not every floor is automatically suitable for wet areas. Some laminate floors and CERAMIN products are designed for use in kitchens or bathrooms. The specific product approval is what matters. Also note that a wet area is not the same as a permanently wet area, such as a floor-level shower.

WR Wall and Floor Coverings

Can I install the flooring over underfloor heating?

Select CERAMIN flooring can be installed over hot-water and electric floor heating systems
.

However, the specific floor structure is always the deciding factor. The flooring, subfloor, installation method, and heating system must all be compatible with one another. Therefore, you should check the technical data at
and the installation instructions for the desired product before installation. Especially during renovations, the low installation height of selected CERAMIN products can be an advantage, as shown at
.

Are these floors suitable for people with allergies?

CLASSEN flooring is low-emission and easy to maintain. Dust and dirt can be easily removed from the smooth surfaces on a regular basis. CERAMIN is also free of PVC, plasticizers, and chlorine. For specific health considerations, please refer to the respective product information and certification marks.

Substrate and Preparation

Is impact sound insulation required?

Whether separate impact sound insulation is required depends on the flooring. Some products already have insulation built in, while others require a suitable underlay to be installed separately. The underlay must be compatible with the product, the subfloor, and, if applicable, the floor heating system. An additional underlay may only be used under flooring with built-in insulation if this is expressly approved.

Can you install laminate flooring without impact sound insulation?

Laminate flooring can be installed without an additional impact sound underlay if the product already has suitable sound insulation built in and the installation instructions specify this. If no sound insulation is built in, a suitable underlay is generally required. Therefore, always check the product construction and the accompanying instructions before installation.

What's the best thing to put under laminate flooring?

The type of underlayment to use under laminate flooring depends on the product, the subfloor, and the room. For laminate flooring without built-in insulation, a suitable impact sound underlayment is often used. On mineral subfloors such as screed or concrete, a suitable moisture barrier is also required. If underfloor heating is installed, the entire floor system must be approved for use with it.

Is a vapor barrier needed for laminate flooring?

When installing laminate flooring on mineral subfloors such as screed, concrete, or tile, appropriate moisture protection is required. This can be a separate PE film or an underlayment that already has moisture protection built in. Follow the installation instructions for the laminate flooring and the specifications for the underlayment you are using.

What should you put under vinyl or designer flooring?

The appropriate underlayment depends on the type of flooring, the installation method, and the subfloor. For floating click-lock flooring, a suitable underlayment may be required or may already be integrated. Flooring that is fully glued down has different requirements for subfloor preparation. Moisture and radiant floor heating must also be taken into account. The instructions for the specific product are decisive.

Can vinyl or designer flooring be installed directly over tile?

This may be possible depending on the product and the condition of the tiles. The subfloor must be solid, load-bearing, level, and prepared in accordance with the installation specifications. Grout lines and unevenness must not become visible later or compromise the bond. Selected CERAMIN floor and wall coverings are suitable for renovations over existing flooring, provided that the subfloor and product are approved for this purpose.

Installation

What is click vinyl, and is there a PVC-free alternative?

Click vinyl is a type of vinyl flooring whose planks are connected via a click system and are usually installed as a floating floor. If you’re looking for this type of installation but want to avoid PVC, CERAMIN floors with a click system are available. Which product is right for you depends, among other things, on the room, the subfloor, and the desired installation method.

Explore the CERAMIN product range

Is it better to glue down vinyl or design flooring, or to install it using a click system?

Click-lock and adhesive systems have different applications. Click systems are often suitable for renovations and DIY projects because the tiles are installed as a floating floor. Full-surface glued floors are firmly bonded to the prepared subfloor. CERAMIN offers both click systems and Dryback products for full-surface gluing. The key factors to consider are the room, the subfloor, the expected wear and tear, and product approval.

What mistakes should you avoid when installing vinyl or designer flooring?

Common mistakes include an uneven or inadequately prepared subfloor, an unsuitable underlayment, untested residual moisture, incorrect wall clearances, and an inappropriate installation method. Joints and transitions must also be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Always read the installation instructions for the specific product before you begin.

How much waste should I factor in?

For a standard installation, you should generally allow for about 5 to 7 percent waste. For more complex laying patterns, such as herringbone, up to 15 percent may be required. The shape of the room, the plank size, and the direction of installation all affect the actual amount needed.

Can I replace individual floorboards later?

Yes, individual planks can generally be replaced. With click-lock flooring, this requires some technical skill because, depending on the plank’s position, part of the floor may need to be dismantled or the damaged plank replaced properly. Be sure to follow the instructions for the specific installation system, and if you’re unsure, consult a professional contractor.

Can I install laminate flooring myself?

Yes, thanks to the click system, many laminate floors can be installed even by experienced DIYers. This requires a clean, dry, load-bearing, and sufficiently level subfloor, as well as the appropriate underlayment. Follow the product-specific installation instructions carefully and observe the required edge clearances.

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Repair

How do I properly clean and maintain my floor?

The appropriate cleaning method depends on the material, surface, and intended use. Remove loose dirt regularly by sweeping or vacuuming, and use only suitable cleaning and care products. You can find specific instructions for each product or in the download section.

Go to the download section

How do I properly care for laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring should be swept or vacuumed regularly and then cleaned with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid standing water and do not use a steam cleaner. Wipe up spills promptly and follow the product-specific care instructions.

Laminate Cleaning and Care Instructions

Samples, Purchase, Warranty, and Support

Does CLASSEN offer samples for viewing?

Yes, you can order samples to view. This allows you to assess the color, texture, and quality of a flooring option right in your own room. Lighting, wall colors, and furnishings are crucial to how a design looks, so a sample is a useful complement to the room visualizer.

Order your samples here

Can I keep the samples?

Yes, CLASSEN samples that have been ordered do not need to be returned and may be kept.

What payment options are available?

For orders placed directly through CLASSEN, payment options include PayPal and PayPal Plus, among others. You can see which specific payment methods are available during the checkout process.

How does delivery work?

Orders and samples shipped directly through CLASSEN are delivered by DPD. Specific delivery information will be displayed during the checkout process and in the shipping confirmation.

Where can I buy " CLASSEN FLOOR COVERINGS "?

CLASSEN FLOOR COVERINGS You can find them at various retailers, such as select home improvement stores. Use the store locator to find a retailer near you that carries CLASSEN products. Samples and select offers may be available directly through the CLASSEN website.

Go to the dealer locator

What warranty or guarantee applies to CLASSEN products?

CLASSEN products are covered by the statutory warranty. In addition, depending on the product, voluntary warranties of up to 30 years may apply. The warranty period, scope of application, and requirements are specified in the respective warranty terms and product documentation.

Is there an online room planner?

Yes, with the CLASSEN Room Visualizer, you can virtually display selected flooring options in a room. This makes it easier to assess the pattern, color, and installation direction before making a purchase decision.

Go to the Room Visualizer

How can I contact CLASSEN if I have further questions?

CLASSEN customer service can be reached by phone on weekdays. Alternatively, you can use the contact form at any time. The service hotline number is 02653 980 7900. The service hours listed on the website are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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