Does the laminate deteriorate from exposure to water?
When choosing flooring for the kitchen, residents multi-storey buildings begin to think about the fact that sometimes little troubles occur related to water. Either benevolent neighbors from above will start flooding, then the washing mixer hose will burst from time to time, then a pot or kettle will tip over with hot water. And as you understand, all this will be reflected in the flooring. Of course, you want the floor in the kitchen to look presentable, and for this you can offer a lot of materials, for example:
All these materials will look great on the kitchen floor, since the range, colors and manufacturers are widely represented on modern market building materials. But there are too many claims to linoleum. Firstly, it is faster than other floor materials, fading, fails. In addition, it perfectly absorbs fat and other liquids.
Secondly, after flooding, linoleum swells, and there is no way to bring it back to its original form. Parquet also has a low resistance to water and other liquids, so it is better not to lay it in the kitchen. Ceramic tile would be ideal for a kitchen, but it falls into the category of cold materials, and dropped dishes usually break immediately, which most often upsets the hostess.
Waterproof laminate is practically not afraid of moisture So we brought the conversation to the fact that nothing is better than laminate for flooring in the kitchen today. But the kitchen is a very capricious room in terms of high traffic, heavy loads on the floors and the constant presence of water and humidity. What can laminate manufacturers offer today? They offer three grades of this flooring material that can withstand water.
The first brand is a moisture resistant laminate. Manufacturers have tried to introduce components into the composition of this type that could increase the unique abilities of the material with respect to exposure to liquids. In addition, the locks of this product are processed with hot wax. During the laying process, wax fills all the joints and gaps that remain in the lock system.
This is a kind of sealant that does not allow water to penetrate under the laminate, leaving its base always dry. But it is the base that primarily suffers from the water that has fallen on it.
The second brand is a waterproof laminate. How does it differ from its moisture-resistant counterpart? And there is only one difference. This brand can be completely immersed in water and does not change its qualities for six hours. Only then can the waterproof material begin to absorb moisture or water. Here is the indicator. New manufacturing techniques help to increase the resistance of such material. Hot wax is also used here, but the methods of its application have been changed, and the number of layers has also been increased. By the way, waterproof laminate can be laid not only in the kitchen. He will feel great even in the bathroom.
Today, a completely new type of product has begun to appear on the market, which is not afraid of not only cold water but also hot. This is a breakthrough in the modern production of floor materials, especially laminate. In addition, such plates are made according to perfectly unique technology. Currently on the market this type of laminate is domestic manufacturer with its brand AQUAPOL.
If moisture gets on the laminate, be sure to wipe it with a dry cloth This type has a number of excellent properties and qualities:
So, after everything that was said above, you will have to decide on the choice of material. And as you can see, there is a choice.
With the advent of moisture-resistant and water-resistant types of laminate on the market, the scope of laminate flooring has greatly expanded and, as a result, its popularity. However, at the same time, the choice of material became more complicated. The situation is aggravated by the fact that most buyers do not know what the difference is between them. Many believe that this is the same coating that is immune to water. Having chosen a moisture-resistant laminate for the bathroom, buyers then wonder why it almost immediately begins to lose its aesthetic qualities. In fact, these are two different types of material, and their scope (as well as technical properties) are quite different for them.
When shopping for flooring for a wet room, the first thing you need to decide is whether you need a waterproof laminate or a moisture-resistant one. Let's try to figure out which coating is simply not afraid of dampness, and which one is completely immune to moisture. But first, let's answer the question...
The main difference between a moisture-resistant laminate and a conventional one lies in the production technology, which allows you to create a material with increased resistance to moisture and dampness. In general, it does not differ much from the production method of conventional laminated boards.
To improve moisture-resistant qualities, the product is equipped with a high-density HDF-plate impregnated with a special water-repellent composition. The resulting bearing part of the board absorbs moisture much less than standard coverage. In addition, a waterproofing film can be added to the top protective layer. After pressing, it is not visible at all, and this does not affect the decorative properties of the material.
Additionally, the panels are treated with an antiseptic composition that prevents the formation of fungi and other microorganisms on the surface of the product. The side and outer parts of the waterproof laminate are covered with resin or wax impregnations to improve the water-repellent qualities of the material.
Thus, the introduction of some features in the production technology associated with the raw materials and equipment used, made it possible to produce a laminate with the required moisture resistance.
Many installers, after laying the coating, all joints between the panels are additionally treated with water-repellent mastic. The resulting moisture-resistant laminate compound has enhanced waterproofing properties.
All these measures together increase the resistance of the coating to moisture. This coating is great for use in the kitchen or hallway, where there is periodic contact with water and high humidity.
However, moisture-resistant laminate is not suitable for installation in bathrooms, saunas, verandas, unheated rooms and other similar areas with constant water presence and temperature fluctuations. This requires the use of a waterproof coating.
A waterproof laminate, in contrast to a moisture resistant one, is a product that « not afraid of water » in the truest sense of the word. This is due to the fact that the basis of the material is made of polyvinyl chloride (plastic or just vinyl), which is completely inert to water in any form. The panels repel water, allowing it to evaporate naturally. The structure of the product does not deform even during prolonged contact with moisture, for example, in a bathhouse or on a veranda, where precipitation (rain, snow) and temperature changes are possible.
Some manufacturers, when testing, immerse products in water for several days, which does not affect their technical properties.
Similarities:
Differences:
There are 7 basic material classes: 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33 and 34. The first digit in the class number indicates the coating load group:
Household classes have lost their popularity, and it is almost impossible to find them in the store.
The higher the second digit in the class, the higher the wear resistance of the coating.
You can read more about the classes of laminated coatings in the article "What is a laminate class?"
This classification according to GOST is valid for both conventional coatings and waterproof ones. The class does not affect the moisture resistance of the laminate. Water resistant laminate models can be in any commercial grade.
IN last years Class 43 laminated floorings appeared on the market. It is not included in the official classification according to GOST 32304-2013. However, in this way, manufacturers are trying to show the increased performance properties of their product, in particular, the water resistance of the laminate.
If you have no experience in laying such a floor covering, this does not mean that you need to contact the masters in specialized companies. The choice, of course, is yours, but all the work can be done independently. The technology of laying a moisture-resistant or waterproof laminate is no different from the installation of conventional laminated coatings.
Required tool:
Some collections do not have a bottom soundproof layer. In this case, before starting laying, it is necessary to cover the floor with rolled sound insulation (so that the material does not move, it is necessary to glue the joints with adhesive tape).
Installation is carried out on a pre-leveled floor. The orientation of the panels should be parallel to the light streams coming from the window:
Most modern manufacturers (domestic and foreign) have collections of moisture-resistant laminate. Among them are the following brands: Alloc, Classen, Kronospan, Pergo, Quick-Step, Tarkett, Witex, etc.
If we talk about waterproof laminate, then the best manufacturers are located in Germany, Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden) and Belgium.
The cost of flooring plays an important role when choosing. On the one hand, if you are going to buy laminated panels, then you are ready for higher prices compared to, for example, linoleum. On the other hand, the price of a waterproof laminate is much higher than a regular one.
Moisture-resistant laminate of the budget category can be purchased at a price of 500 rubles / sq. m. Usually these are domestic products, which differ in different levels of quality, but on average are of lower quality than foreign counterparts. Products of European companies are more expensive.
Prices for waterproof plastic laminate start from 1000 rubles per square meter.
Be careful when buying: often sellers indicate that the material is waterproof, although in reality it is just a moisture-resistant laminate. But now you already know how to distinguish one from the other.
To make a solid and high-quality laminate flooring in rooms with high humidity should focus on three key factors:
Even inexpensive flooring can last quite a long time if it is suitable for the room and properly installed. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to specialists or at least learn the intricacies of the process from professionals.
Why is laminate flooring so popular? In terms of design, it has no equal in imitation of natural patterns and reliefs or stone. And with the consumer qualities of this flooring, many are familiar firsthand. It can be found in most new buildings with a finished finish. Yes, and in the old housing stock there is an active replacement block parquet and modular parquet board for a more durable and practical material. However, on the trading floor, among the huge number of collections, it is not easy to choose several samples and determine which one is better. We tell you which laminate to choose for an apartment and what to look for.
Look at the plank diagram:
1 - transparent wear-resistant layer for protection;
2 - decorative layer, reproduces the pattern of natural wood, stone or ceramic tiles;
3 - high density fiberboard (HDF) base is responsible for the stability of the plank, stability;
4 - stabilizing layer, prevents the deformation of the bar.
It's true versatile material. It can be laid in bedrooms, living rooms, nurseries, hallways and kitchens.
They also began to actively stack in, including seasonal residence. But this is risky, as the warranty will only cover finishes in residential areas with a constant temperature and slight fluctuations in humidity: from 30% in winter to 60% in summer.
Seasonal Vacation home most of the cold season is not heated, and, naturally, the floors in it either warm up or cool down. Such climatic cataclysms are not useful for finishing.
Today, the material can serve as original design walls. The slats are fixed directly to the base using silicone glue and studs (nails without a hat) or on a wooden crate. Of course, such lining should not be used near water sources, as kitchen apron or wall decoration in the bathroom.
What thickness of laminate to choose for an apartment? If heavy furniture and equipment will be installed in the room, it is better not to use a coating thinner than 10 mm, otherwise it will not withstand long static loads. However, if you plan to install slats on underfloor heating, choose thinner boards as they will conduct heat better.
In order for the room to look harmonious and visually “not fall apart” into separate parts, all finishing materials must be kept in the same color scheme - warm or cold, even if they are in contrasting shades, for example, a dark floor and light doors.
If you want to visually expand a small room, use light cold colors in the decoration, and if you want to make a too large space more comfortable, choose warm colors.
Humidity is one of the main enemies of this material: if water enters the joint, the boards easily absorb it and swell, which causes irregularities and leaves decorative coating. Manufacturers have taken this feature into account and offer waterproof options that can be laid in areas such as the kitchen and even the bathroom. If you decide on such an experiment, the main thing is not to confuse moisture and waterproof laminate.
What is the difference? Moisture-resistant is based on a fiberboard of great strength, it is treated with paraffin and other compounds that can protect the board from moisture only for a while. This coating will last various pollution And wet cleaning, and fungus. But if you do not immediately wipe the water from the surface, it will penetrate inside the joint, the finish will begin to deform and rise, as a result, the floor will become uneven. Moisture-resistant laminate changes volume with temperature changes, therefore. But for a bathroom, sauna, balcony or veranda, it is no longer suitable.
Only the waterproof type can survive direct contact with water. It is able to withstand prolonged exposure to water, does not deform during temperature changes and practically does not wear out. All joints of the waterproof floor are treated with heated wax, and the surface is made non-slippery and given antistatic properties so that dust does not settle on it.
Another typical situation is when, when drawing up an estimate for repairs, they forget to include a substrate. As a result, you have to spend time on additional trips to the store. Or they take the cheapest one, if the entire budget was spent, and then they regret it very much. After all, a high-quality underlay not only levels the concrete surface, but also provides additional noise and heat insulation, softens the shock load and extends the life of the floor covering up to 5 years.
A cheap substrate has a big, but not obvious minus - the smell. Of course, the unpleasant odor will disappear, but this will not stop the substrate from releasing chemicals that can be toxic and cause allergies. Therefore, we recommend not to save and choose options from natural materials, for example, cork or coniferous substrate.
Technical is not electrified, which means it does not attract dust, does not absorb odors, is hypoallergenic and contributes to the natural regulation of the internal climate in the room. Coniferous substrate is made of 100% natural materials - wood conifers tree. It significantly reduces "impact" noise, the room will become noticeably warmer due to the low thermal conductivity of the material. The density of the coniferous substrate is chosen in such a way as to smooth out small irregularities in the "rough" floor and protect the locks from excessive pressure.
The final elements include various heights, widths, configurations, as well as overlays for the inlets of the elements heating system and sills.
As for the price range, it is very wide: from 288 rubles/m² to 2940 rubles/m². And the natural desire of the buyer to minimize material costs is understandable. Some manufacturers are drawing attention to this. They save on top quality protective coating or HDF-bases. But all this negatively affects the consumer qualities of the floor and, accordingly, its service life.
To ensure that after a few years the floor looks the same as on the first day after installation, it must be properly looked after. We hope everyone already knows about the rugs in the hallway and the felt pads on the legs of the furniture. It is advisable for owners of mobile chairs to replace hard rollers with soft rubber ones.
The floor of the laminate planks with chamfers is first cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, then a wet cleaning is carried out, and then wiped with microfiber.
Ordinary slightly damp cloth. Make sure the fabric is damp, not wet.
Specialized cleaners are usually added to a bucket of clean water in the amount indicated on the package. Then they wipe the floor with a cloth moistened with this solution and well wrung out. Use to remove stubborn stains a small amount of undiluted cleaner or leave it for a few minutes on heavily soiled areas. After cleaning, it is important to check for marks and streaks, as poorly removed cleaners attract dirt. Cleaning compositions based on have the same effect. They cannot penetrate deep into the coating and form a film on the surface. They do not need to be used for cleaning.
The weak point of the laminate is the moisture-sensitive locking joints of the planks. If water often gets on the floor and, even worse, stagnates, then, gradually penetrating through the ends into the main plate, it can cause deformation. Because of this, it is advised to coat the upper parts of the interlock with a sealant. For example, compositions of polyurethane or silicone resins in an organic solvent or more environmentally friendly wax. All of them effectively protect the flooring from the negative effects of water, but neutralize the important technological quality of the material - quick and easy installation.
Moisture-resistant laminate differs from the usual one only in the rate of moisture absorption due to the presence of water-repellent impregnations in the base, so you should not leave puddles on its surface either.
To defeat hydrophobia, some manufacturers increase the density of the base and reduce its absorbency, others add water-repellent impregnations to the base plate, and they all treat the ends of the planks with a protective compound. Among such collections: Classic Aqua + (Egger), Sensation (Pergo), Impressive Ultra (Quick-Step).
Avoid the appearance and accumulation a large number water on the floor near the window sills flower pots and water taps.
It is important to strictly follow the laying technology. We pay attention to typical situations. They can significantly reduce the life of the floor and do not apply to warranty cases:
By the way, when moving, a characteristic clattering sound is often heard. This is evidence that between top coat and the base has a small gap. It works as a kind of resonator, amplifying the sounds of heel strikes and causing irritation to the inhabitants of the apartment, and especially to the neighbors below.
It is not difficult to level the undesirable effect. Place a substrate between the decorative coating and the base, which will act as a shock absorber and effectively dampen impact noise. Moreover, the underlayment will increase the "thermal comfort" on the floor surface and smooth out minor unevenness of the base, if they do not exceed 2 mm in a section 2 m long. Otherwise, the floor base must be pre-leveled.
Do not use too thick substrates: 4–5 mm. Then, when walking on the floor, installing heavy furniture, the planks will strongly sag and create an additional load on the locking connection. As a consequence, the locks can be damaged in the worst case. Too thin substrates (less than 2 mm) will not provide acoustic comfort. Experts believe optimal thickness from 2 to 3 mm.
Laminate is always laid on the floor in a floating manner so that it is free to expand and return to its original state with changes in temperature and humidity. Small gaps (5–8 mm) are left along the perimeter of the room near walls, steps, pipes, etc., as well as along the line of the doorway. They are necessary for the natural movement of the coating. It is impossible to attach the planks to the base with nails, screws, glue. This can cause creaking, gaps between individual elements, or, conversely, their warping.
If we compare waterproof laminate for the kitchen with other types of flooring used in the kitchen areas of apartments, then the question involuntarily arises. Why buy a material with a huge margin of wear resistance, at the same time able to withstand water spills, even a flood, if there are tiles and self-leveling floors. Apparently, there are reasons if the owners of the apartment prefer to see a cool laminate in the kitchen rather than sliding on cold and ice-hard ceramics.
There are a lot of reasons why apartment owners choose class 34 waterproof laminate for the kitchen. Specialists and master finishers give the two most important arguments in favor of a waterproof laminate:
Of the secondary reasons, one can indicate the ease of laying the laminate and the ability to decorate the floors in the kitchen under a natural board, deck or wooden parquet, which is indistinguishable from real wooden floorboards and slabs.
Of course, Spanish or Italian ceramic tiles can be much more effective and spectacular than more moderate lamella designs. Often, customers prefer to choose a laminate in the form of tiles in the kitchen, just to make the flooring more alive.
The most important, basic reason why high-end laminate is bought and installed not only in the kitchen, but sometimes in the whole apartment, is the feeling that arises when walking on a quality laminate floor.
Important! Due to the depreciation of the substrate and excellent adhesion to the surface, the load on the legs is much less, and the likelihood of slipping on the floor in the kitchen is zero.
According to master finishers, walking on a waterproof kitchen laminate is as comfortable as walking on parquet or a real deck.
Not all laminate flooring options used in the kitchen are equally good and durable in everyday use. Traditionally, three categories of laminate are used for residential premises:
The first two types of laminate are made from cellulose or wood fibers. Ordinary material is simply pressed under high pressure, approximately the same as wood-fiber board, or with the addition of active lignin solvents, as in the production of OSB panels. In any case, it turns out an ordinary laminated material for the kitchen with good properties, good heat and sound insulation.
To give ordinary laminate waterproof properties, it is enough to stick it without a substrate on a conventional mounting adhesive mass and treat it with polyurethane varnish. Laid on the kitchen floor, a light and already waterproof laminate, due to its high porosity, retains all the previous properties. True, under laying, it will be necessary to waterproof the base in order to avoid the accumulation of moisture under the lamellas.
The only significant drawback of a homemade waterproof laminate is its low resistance to abrasion. When compared with a branded waterproof laminate coating, the service life of the material is almost half as long. Despite the fact that periodically the varnish coating will have to be restored and repaired.
Of the above laminate options, only waterproof brands can be considered a full-fledged material for arranging the flooring of a modern kitchen.
Moisture-resistant lamellas, unlike waterproof ones, are also made on the basis of wood-cellulose fibers, albeit with impregnation with polymer compositions. Such a coating is still capable of retaining water spilled on a surface protected by a film, but the joints and the wrong side do not have such protection. Manufacturers of moisture-resistant laminate claim that the material can withstand contact with water for several hours, but in practice only new lamellas can boast of such characteristics. After a couple of years, the ability to resist moisture drops by an order of magnitude due to abrasion of the film in the lock joints. It is necessary to take into account the specifics and enhance the waterproof qualities of the lamellas by gluing the locks during installation.
IN modern kitchen Flood or spillage of large amounts of water can occur at any time, so it is best to use moisture-resistant material grades for arranging a waterproof laminate flooring.
There are two types of waterproof lamellas on the market:
Laminate based on polymer-wood composites is considered the cheapest and most affordable in the line of waterproof lamellar coatings. It perfectly tolerates flooding and even long-term, up to 5 hours, stay in water. The coating has good thermal insulation, but due to the short fiber from which the matrix is made, it is considered to be more rigid and more brittle. When laying the lamellas, good leveling of the kitchen floors and special care when joining the locks are required. According to its characteristics, waterproof laminate is closest to the terrace board.
The polymer version of the waterproof laminate is made on the basis of a high-pressure treated polyvinyl chloride substrate. The intermediate layer can be made of polyethylene or polypropylene. Further, decorative PVC film or paper, the top layer is made of polyurethane or heavy-duty polyester film.
The strength of a waterproof laminate is evidenced by the fact that you can chop nuts on its surface, put hot dishes for a short time, wash it with any type of detergent, and even extinguish cigarette butts, if such an idea comes to someone's mind.
Most offers of waterproof laminate on the market can be divided into three groups:
Of the world manufacturers, only Gastilla, Meister, Tarkett, Egger maintain their reputation on the Russian market, other firms are in question. For example, you can safely buy a class 34 waterproof laminate from a Tarkett representative for the kitchen and forget about flooring in kitchen area twenty years ahead.
The design of waterproof coatings, as a rule, is performed in several patterns imitating a parquet or deck board with a wide variety of surface textures.
The reason for the mass use of the "wooden" design is the arrangement of lamellas, usually a board or a strip of pressed material with an aspect ratio of 1:9. For large kitchen use a laminate 1:16, which allows you to create the impression of a classic type of stacked wooden floor. It might be dark bog oak or light cedar. The colors of chestnut and beech remain the leaders in sales.
Teak colors are always designed as a multi-striped pattern, while oak and coniferous on the surface of a waterproof laminate are reproduced only as an imitation of a wooden floor.
If you choose a waterproof laminate for the kitchen under the tiles, then it is better to refuse a material with a pronounced fiber pattern on the surface, there is too much contrast with the tiled finish.
A waterproof laminate for kitchen tiles looks ideal if a coating of the same color is used with the furniture facade. Waterproof brands of laminate are somewhat darker than conventional varieties, which is explained by the presence of an additional protective layer on the surface.
The wooden pattern of the flooring does not always go well with the interior of the kitchen, so manufacturers produce a whole series of moisture-resistant monochromatic laminate with a very small, barely visible pattern. This option is considered universal. Once you have chosen and laid a waterproof laminate floor, you can change and transform furniture sets in the kitchen without fear of dissonance in colors or textures.
You can purchase material only if you know the required class of laminate for the kitchen. In the laminate class coding, the first digit indicates the withstand load, the second - the level of security.
For example, coding class 22 indicates a moisture-resistant material designed for rooms with an average load. It can be living rooms apartments and houses. For the kitchen, such material can only be used if a maximum of 1-2 people live in the apartment.
A more durable class 32 material can already be freely used in any kitchen, such a coating is calculated for heavy traffic, but the level of protection remains in the “moisture resistant” category. After gluing the joints, the floor in the kitchen will be only slightly inferior to a full-fledged class 33 plastic laminate layer.
Laminate class 33 and 34 has characteristics that are largely overestimated and redundant, as for the conditions of an ordinary apartment kitchen. Lamellas up to 8 mm thick are designed for shops, cafes, canteens, where people walk in shoes, with traces of moisture and street dust.
Such conditions are almost impossible to find in the kitchen. Is that the kitchen of a street cafe. For home apartments, even a corridor, even a kitchen, a class 32 waterproof laminate will suffice. It is clear that the purchase of class 34 coverage means that either half of the money is simply wasted, or the owners bought a floor that future generations of the family will use.
The price of a moisture-resistant laminate coating depends on the brand and class. For example, a square meter from the German Egger, class 32, costs 1020-1250 rubles. A similar Taiwanese Build System laminate costs 690 rubles per square. Floor material from Egger, but already 33 classes costs almost 1,500 rubles. Vintage brands of coatings of the same class 32 from the Belgian Tower Floor are sold at 13 thousand rubles per square.
Laying technology is usually selected depending on the class of material. Top class 32 moisture resistant materials based on cellulose fiber matrix can be glued to the prepared concrete base of the kitchen floor, or most often butt-jointed.
For 32 classes, it is imperative to use lining material. The cheapest is polyethylene foam, but it is best to lay the lamellas on a cork sheet. The floor surface is sequentially recruited from individual boards. Each strip is put into engagement by locks with the groove of the previous lamella until it snaps into place, is knocked out and placed on the base. To keep the joints waterproof, the locks are treated with a sealant. The assembled canvas is crimped along the contour of the kitchen using wooden skirting boards.
Class 33-34 lamellas are mainly glued to a concrete or self-leveling screed, poured in the kitchen at least a week before assembly.
A waterproof floor based on class 32 material requires regular maintenance. For example, joints and seams after wetting must be wiped dry, and if the lamellas are made with chamfers, then it is advisable to blow out the places of possible air leakage.
Approximately once every three months, the seams on the kitchen floors are overwritten with a special waterproof mastic that enhances the water-repellent properties of the material.
Underfloor heating equipment in the kitchen involves the use of a waterproof type of laminate with a certain amount of thermal resistance. According to EU standards, a moisture-resistant kitchen floor must have a thermal resistance of no more than 0.11-0.14 m 2 * K / W. This is taking into account the indicators of the substrate. The thicker the lined flooring laid over the heating surface, the more likely it is that the cable will overheat and melt. Bonded flooring is the best conductor of heat.
The laminate resistance index is also taken into account when calculating floors for a kitchen with a hydraulic heating circuit. Of course, there will be no fire, but the heating efficiency can be reduced by 30-40% if the coating is chosen incorrectly.
Information about thermal resistance is indicated on the packaging with lamellas. Sometimes, instead of tricky calculations, the manufacturer simply puts a mark indicating that the coating can be used together with a warm floor in the kitchen.
Waterproof laminate for the kitchen is gradually replacing lighter coatings. The use of a class 32-33 coating is reasonably considered to be expensive, but at the same time the most effective, comfortable and reliable way to equip a kitchen floor, designed for 10-15 years of service.
Recently, laminate flooring has received the most wide application in the process of finishing residential and commercial premises. Giving the popular material water-repellent properties made it possible to use a practical finishing material in rooms with a high level of humidity. For example, waterproof laminate for the kitchen is also used for arranging corridors and foyers of office buildings.
The kitchen is the most visited place in any home. Accordingly, the flooring of the dining room or working area The kitchen is constantly under various pressures. There is a real danger of scratching the floor, flooding it with water or damaging it with sharp objects. More recently, ceramic tiles, commercial linoleum, or laminate flooring have been the main flooring materials.
Each cover has different quality characteristics. Today, manufacturers are introducing a new type of finish - moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen, bathroom or hallway. Finishing material with increased moisture resistance appeared due to the use the latest technologies and has already occupied a certain niche in the building materials market.
It has a modern laminate in the kitchen pros and cons, among the first it is worth noting the following:
The type of durable laminate for the kitchen, the photo of which is presented below, has practically no drawbacks, except that:
As finishing floor, you can use the following types of laminate for the kitchen.
A durable coating can be put not only in the dining room, but also in the bathroom. The surface of the finish endures all external negative influences, while maintaining a beautiful appearance.
Due to the high density of the material in the room, you can create excellent sound insulation. The protective layer protects the coating from various deformations associated with the ingress of a large amount of liquid.
HDF board is used as the base. All joints and locks of the coating are treated with wax, thanks to which the possibility of water leakage is practically excluded. In addition, the product is treated with a special antibacterial composition that protects the surface from the appearance of various bacteria and mold.
A special kind of finish is made on the basis of pvc plastic. In a durable plastic base, special air chambers are arranged that are soundproof and retain heat well. This unique feature allows the surface to hold maximum comfortable temperature even without the arrangement of the underfloor heating system.
Especially durable laminate for the kitchen has a high degree of resistance to various kinds of liquids. Excellent quality characteristics are achieved through the use of high-tech plate pressing processes, after which all constituent elements become completely sealed.
The material used for the production of PVC does not absorb moisture, is able to withstand prolonged contact with hot water, the negative effects of chemical detergents. To prevent damage to the floor, it is recommended to place a rubber mat near the sink as a protection for the laminate.
Most often, the floor covering is changed only during overhaul, therefore, the service life, attractive design of the floor in the kitchen completely depend on the quality of the materials chosen for finishing. When purchasing a coating for a tile, you need to carefully read the proposed description. Preference should be given to products with full list corresponding markings. If the Latin word “aqua” is written on the package, an umbrella is depicted in the rain, a faucet with a leaking drop is a quality waterproof product.
Which laminate is better to choose for the kitchen? Of course, strong and reliable. The most important definition of the quality of the material is the level of load that it is able to withstand, so it is better to choose class 32.
The wear resistance of a finishing laminated board largely depends on the manufacturability of all production processes, so products of the same class can have different characteristics. For example, a class 32 board from German manufacturers is in many ways superior to similar products made in China.
You should not play it safe, buy kitchen laminate of the highest level. There is no urgent need for this. The material is intended for installation in offices, commercial or public institutions correspondingly costs much more. The density coefficient of the base HDF board determines the degree of resistance of the coating to moisture. Good material has a high score.
It is necessary to study the connecting locks in advance. The solidity of the entire structure depends on their work. If wide gaps remain after fixing the panels, this will negatively affect further operation. Professionals advise choosing a laminated board without a chamfer, in which case the likelihood of moisture getting inside is reduced.
Which laminate is better for the kitchen - smooth or rough? In the kitchen, there is a high probability of slipping on a wet and slippery floor, so the best option there will be a raised or slightly rough surface. An important factor when choosing a finish will be the warranty obligations of manufacturers. Well-known brands claim that the product life is about 25 years.
At the moment, several companies are the main suppliers of high-quality waterproof coatings. The Russian company Laminat-Trade LLC is the only plant in Russia whose main activity is design and unique developments in the production of laminate. Reliable manufacturer brings the product to market High Quality. The company produces an exclusive embossed laminate, which has no analogues in the world market. All elements of the new Ritter laminate collection are equipped with a collapsible lock system and have excellent performance properties.
The Belgian brand Dumaplast - the manufacturer offers two collections of waterproof flooring Aquaexpert plus and Aquafloor. Collections of beautiful vinyl laminate flooring come in a wide variety of textures and colors. High-quality locking connection allows you to create the most even surface.
The German concern Classen - practical and safe Classen products are produced using unique patented technologies. German manufacturers have the widest range of products and offer their customers more than 400 options. various decor, about 10 surface options and 6 format options. Even an inexperienced builder can lay a laminate with a Megaloc lock.
The German industrial company Ecoflooring is a high-quality floor covering presented by a German manufacturer that successfully combines environmental friendliness, absolute safety and excellent performance. Ecoflooring products are widely used in residential and commercial buildings. Manufacturers offer collections with the effect of hand-crafted wood, brushing and imitation of aged wooden boards.
Can you install laminate flooring in the kitchen yourself? The installation technology of a moisture and waterproof coating is similar to the process of assembling a standard laminated board:
Buying a certain amount finishing material you need to include a small margin of about 5-10 percent. This is especially true if it is supposed to carry out work in rooms with bends or niches. In order to complete the entire process of decorating the floor as accurately as possible, it is recommended to study the video presented professional builders, which explains in detail how to install laminate flooring.
The waterproof coating has received special distribution due to its versatility and the ability to most organically fit into any style of interior. It is possible to create finishes of any color and texture, such as imitation tiles or natural stone.
Designers pay great attention to finishing the floor, so quite often white laminate is a stylish element of the interior. Modern styles hi-tech, loft or minimalism suggest the presence of the correct laconic forms and monochrome shades. To finish a white kitchen, it is better to use stone or laminate under the tile.
The main color for the laminate can be gray, black, white or a beautiful texture that imitates natural stone.
Is it possible to lay laminate in a kitchen decorated in rustic style? Provence, country, chalet or beautiful eco-style suggest the presence of exclusively natural materials in the interior, however, the use of modern waterproof material will make the interior the most spectacular and attractive. Designers advise using a white laminate with a worn “antique” texture for decoration.
Combined surfaces look unusual. Most often, this technique is used if they want to divide the kitchen into functional areas. In this case, you can combine not only the board different shades but also apply the stone. High technologies make it possible to create bleached, black, brown laminate for the kitchen, the photo selection contains unique panels that imitate the skin of exotic animals. Waterproof laminate flooring is one of a kind flooring that can last for decades with proper care. In addition, the beautiful texture of the modern coating will be a real decoration of any interior.
The video shows how to properly install waterproof laminate.
