Laminate for a large kitchen which one to choose. Is it possible to put laminate in the kitchen

Waterproofing is called protective measures used in construction to protect metal and non-metal structures from the damaging effects of moisture and aggressive substances. Those. The waterproofing coating must ensure the watertightness of objects and high chemical resistance.

High-quality waterproofing can increase the life of the facility, ensure its normal operation. One of the main uses of waterproofing is to protect the foundation of a building. It is the foundation that is most susceptible to destruction from groundwater and precipitation, temperature changes and soil pressure. And it is its subsidence and destruction that is fraught with subsidence and destruction of the entire building, regardless of the period of its operation. Therefore, frivolously treating the process of waterproofing the foundation can lead to serious financial costs.

It does not happen year after year, and the level of groundwater rise and the snowiness of the Russian winter can be different every year. Therefore, the better the waterproofing coating is made, the higher the reliability and durability of the foundation. And you can't save on it.

Wrap it in a cocoon

Usually, impregnation on a polyurethane, mineral or epoxy basis is used as a waterproofing. However, it cannot always cope with a large amount of melt, groundwater or, for example, when the basement is damp. A much better option is waterproofing the foundation, basement and basement with polymeric materials based on seamless polyurea elastomers. Such a coating forms a kind of cocoon with a wall thickness of several millimeters, which completely covers the building structure and does not allow even a drop of moisture to penetrate into it. The elastomer has excellent adhesion, which makes the coating of any base - wood, concrete, brick, stone, metal, etc. flawless. It is also important that a coating once made can protect the structure for decades.

However, the quality of protection is sometimes determined by the design of the foundation itself. For example, with a high level of groundwater, it is undesirable, it is impossible for the foundation to be prefabricated. Since it is almost impossible to exclude the infiltration of moisture between blocks of concrete slabs. And in this case, it is recommended to use monolithic foundation slabs with double reinforcement. A monolithic structure plus a backfill of non-porous soils (sand, gravel) plus a polymer waterproofing coating will ensure a long service life of the entire building, regardless of external influences. If the foundation is made of brick, then before performing waterproofing measures, it must first be plastered on a reinforcing mesh.

If we are talking about a finished foundation, then the situation can be corrected by jointing the seams and sewing them with a waterproofing mixture. The polyurea elastomer is easily applied with a high pressure spray gun. In just a few seconds, the foundation, basement and basement walls will be reliably protected by a two-millimeter layer of waterproof film.

By applying a polymer coating, save on other protections

We can safely say that waterproofing coatings, which are widely used today to protect against moisture and aggressive environmental factors, can significantly reduce the cost of preventing corrosion and wear processes. In some cases, they can replace the need for stainless steel. In others - to significantly lighten the weight of the protective coating of the structure. Thirdly, they, acting as a dielectric, exclude the formation of static electricity on the surface of the product. You can talk a lot, but one thing is important - using polyurea elastomers, you can significantly save on other protective measures, which partially compensates for the relatively high cost of the polymer coating. The formulation of the polymeric elastomer components can be manipulated by adding or decreasing the concentration of individual components. This makes it possible to give it the properties necessary for the customer.

And you can stop at a coating that imitates a wooden board. But traditionally it is more often used for corridors and rooms, forgetting that it will perfectly fulfill its tasks in the kitchen. Such a coating will help add a new texture to the interior of the kitchen. It is practical and easy to maintain. Consider how to choose a laminate for the kitchen, why it is better to take a vinyl (PVC) laminate. what characteristics you should pay attention to, what advantages and disadvantages such a coating has.

What kind of coating is suitable for the kitchen

If you cover the floor with laminate under the tiles in the kitchen, you can ensure that the coating will be in harmony with the overall interior. The floor will not be as cold as tile. In order for the coating to lay down well and serve for a long time, it is important to properly prepare the base. Since the humidity in the kitchen is high, joints should be protected from it. For the same reason, it is better to take a vinyl (PVC) laminate. Choose class 33 waterproof laminate. Its thickness is 8-12 mm. It has a slightly embossed matte surface with a protective layer. Thanks to him, the coating is protected from moisture and slip. When the laying is completed, the joints of the panels must be treated with a water-repellent agent.

How to choose

When buying a laminate for the kitchen, you need to pay attention to such characteristics:

1. Wear resistance. The higher the coverage class, the greater the load it can be subjected to. It is better to choose class 32-33. He is able to serve up to 15 years. You can buy class 34, but it costs more.
2. Moisture resistance. It is important to buy a laminate with moisture protection. Such coatings have markings (a faucet, a drop of water, the phrases waterproof, water resistance, etc.).
3. Connection type. There are two connection options for floor coverings that are connected without the use of glue: Click (collapsible), Lock (lock that snaps into place). Click is more reliable. Such a floor is easier to install and lasts longer. Lock is not such a reliable system, but products with it are cheaper. Such a floor is more difficult to lay. You need a perfectly level base.
4. Thickness. A thicker laminate is characterized by high strength. It is durable, strong, but more expensive. For the kitchen, a coating of at least 9 mm is suitable.
5. Warranty. Manufacturer. Give preference to products of a well-known manufacturer. Even the cheapness of such products does not justify such a choice. It is better to look for an inexpensive coating, but from a well-known manufacturer. Large stores regularly hold promotions, sell goods at a discount.
6. Chamfer. In the kitchen, it is better to lay a laminate without a chamfer. Some manufacturers use an optical chamfer that highlights the contour on each board.
7. Emission of formaldehyde. Choose marking E0, E1. This is a safe cover.
8. Surface. For the kitchen, you need to choose an anti-slip surface. The surface of such a laminate is rough. Do not take a smooth laminate. In the kitchen, it is easy to slip and even injure yourself. This is especially dangerous for children.
9. Noise absorption. Some coatings have an interlayer to absorb sound. Its thickness is 1-2 mm. If not, you need to buy a special substrate.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• This cover is warm. You can even walk on it with bare feet. Some options are suitable for creating a warm floor.
• He is not afraid of damage, temperature changes. He washes well, he is not afraid of stains and abrasion.
• Such a coating is similar to wood. You can choose a design. Laminate is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
• On the laminate there are no traces from the legs of furniture, refrigerator.

Disadvantages:

• Moisture can swell, swell. It is especially dangerous to fill the coating with hot water. After such an emergency, sometimes you have to change the floor. To reduce the effect of moisture on the coating, the joints are covered with sealant. By the way, laminate can be waterproof or moisture resistant. It's not the same thing. For their manufacture, different materials are used. A protective layer is applied on the moisture resistant coating. Water will not penetrate through it. Locks are treated with a water repellent compound. If there is a lot of water, it will still seep through. Because of this, the coating is deformed, the seams swell. In this case, it will not work to fix the floor. It will need to be redone. The liquid must be wiped off as soon as possible. A waterproof laminate is protected from this. Its base is made of plastic. It costs more and has limitations in design. If you need a moisture resistant durable floor, it is better to take a vinyl (PVC) laminate.
• Makes a ringing sound, "clatter". The sound from walking on the laminate is very loud. This happens when there is no backing. The sound is amplified, like in a drum. If the floor is uneven, then a creak may also appear. To fix the problem, you need to use an underlay to absorb sound. Such a sealant will help to absorb the stomp, smooth out unevenness, and reduce the sound by half at once.
• Chips, scratches. Laminate is more durable than parquet or solid wood, but damage also appears on it. A wax pencil will help solve the problem. It must be matched to the shade of the floor. You can buy a pencil at a hardware store.

Warm floor

There are types under which you can mount a system that heats the floor. In this case, certain conditions must be observed:

1. The temperature must be raised slowly, not immediately. Do not heat above 28 degrees. You will need temperature sensors, a rheostat to regulate the temperature smoothly.
2. Do not cover electrically heated systems. It heats up unevenly, because of which the slats are deformed, cracks form. It is better to use infrared or water heated floors.
3. You will need a humidifier. It is needed to protect the laminate from drying out. Humidity is needed not less than 50%.

Design solution

It is better to choose a rectangular board (length 1200-1380mm, width 190-200mm).

A bevel is a bevelled edge. For the kitchen, it is better not to take a board with a chamfer. Moisture and dirt will accumulate in it. It is better to take a board with a virtual (drawn) chamfer.

It is better to take a board with stripes. They bring it closer in appearance to a wooden board. For single-strip, the pattern is located across the entire width of the boards. For two-lane - the stripes divide the die in half. There are also multi-lane options.

• Wood. There are imitations of almost any breed. It is better to choose a calm color that will not be very conspicuous. Otherwise, the entire emphasis in the interior will move to the floor. Inexpensive products are covered with the same type of pattern. It is better to choose a cover slightly more expensive. It looks more natural. Laminate with calm colors is chosen for kitchens in a modern or classic style.
• Stone, tile or concrete. Laminate under the tiles in the kitchen will look organic and impressive. The main thing is to choose a color that will be in harmony with the furniture and will not attract excessive attention. For a high-tech interior, minimalism, a concrete look board is suitable.

Don't skimp on quantity. It is necessary to ensure a margin of at least 5% of the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen. It will come in handy if you need to replace a damaged area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe floor.

If laying will be done diagonally or you will do it yourself, the stock should be increased to 15%. If the kitchen has a complex shape or has many corners, you also need to take it with a margin of 15%.

• Before laying, carefully read the instructions, follow the advice exactly. Recommendations are given by each manufacturer.
• You can lay laminate on a wooden floor, screed, linoleum, ceramic tiles. It is important that the base is dry and even.
• To make the joints invisible, the strips must be laid in the direction in which the light comes from the window.
• You can combine tiles in the wet area of ​​the kitchen with laminate in the dry area. For a kitchen with a large area, this is ideal. A wooden floor will go well with patchwork tiles.

So, we told you how to choose a laminate for the kitchen, how to lay it correctly, what you should pay special attention to.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a floor for your kitchen. It is necessary to pay attention to such things as moisture resistance, strength, lack of slip, ability to tolerate temperature changes. Not every coverage meets all of these criteria.

The best choice is laminate for the kitchen. Boards made of dense pressed wood chips are distinguished by excellent technical characteristics, affordable price and attractive appearance. Let's see what a laminate is, what its advantages and features of use are.

What is laminate

The material itself is a thin high-density fibreboard. Wood fibers are pressed using high temperatures, achieving the tightest fit and adhesion of the constituent elements.

Laminate is a multilayer coating

The top layer of the plate is covered with a special wear-resistant film, which performs both protective and decorative functions.

Thanks to this technology, durable and beautiful blocks are obtained, which are well suited for use in the kitchen.

What to look for when choosing

It is important to understand that not every type of laminate is suitable for operating conditions. If you want to choose the right flooring, you should pay attention to the markings on the packaging.

It is very important to choose a laminate suitable for the kitchen.

First of all, determine the wear resistance class. Conditions in the kitchen are far from ideal - constant humidity, temperature fluctuations. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the most wear-resistant type of laminate. Level 32 or 33 is considered the best indicator.

If you do not expose the coating to mechanical damage and open fire, wipe spilled water in time, the floor can last you up to 15 years. However, a laminate with a wear resistance index of 34 can last you even longer, but it also costs more - most often it makes no sense to overpay for it.

Choose a coating with increased moisture resistance

No less important is the factor of moisture resistance. Special processing can significantly increase the resistance of the laminate to water and steam. Look for a material that has a picture of water drops or a faucet printed on the packaging - these are the best for use in the kitchen.

Moisture resistance does not mean that the coating should be filled with water

Important: Moisture resistance primarily means that the laminate feels comfortable in rooms with high humidity. So it is not worth filling it with water: with prolonged contact with a large amount of liquid, the laminate swells and deforms.

Pay attention to the type of lock connection. In total there are two types of laminate - with Click and Lock fasteners. The first is a collapsible system of grooves, the second is a kind of snap lock. For the kitchen, it is better to choose a Click type laminate. Firstly, it is more durable and reliable, and secondly, it is easier to install - you can handle it even without experience in laying floors.

The system of grooves allows to achieve the most dense hitch

Lock type coating looks cheaper, but such locks are not very reliable - if the laminate is not laid too tightly, the plates will begin to move. And the installation process itself is much more complicated. In addition, unlike Click laminate, it requires a perfectly flat surface - you can not do without a thorough rough finish.

Lok fasteners provide a perfectly smooth surface

Do not forget about the reputation of the manufacturer: do not chase dubious savings. A suspiciously cheap laminate from a No-name manufacturer is unlikely to last you a long time - most likely, they are trying to sell you a fake that is not of very high quality, and sometimes dangerous to health.

Buy laminate only from trusted manufacturers

It is very important to consider such a factor as the thickness of the product. It is logical that the thicker the laminate, the more durable and stronger it is. True, the price also increases in proportion to the thickness of the laminated board. For the kitchen, we recommend choosing a laminate no narrower than nine millimeters. You can do more, but then get ready for serious expenses.

The thicker the coating, the more reliable it is.

Laminate boards with a beveled edge look very nice. The floor is voluminous and textured. However, this option is not very suitable for the kitchen - moisture and dirt accumulate in the recesses, which does not affect the service life of the material too well. Therefore, give preference to an optical chamfer: the panels along the edges of such a laminate are slightly darker than the middle. In this way, the contour of the board stands out, but the smooth relief of the floor is preserved.

Chamfer - a very interesting design technique

A very important factor that is often forgotten is the environmental friendliness of the laminate. In any case, the material will contain the emission of formaldehyde, an element toxic to humans, which, when heated, is released into the air. Carefully study the label: the maximum allowable emission class is E1. It is better to spend time and find a laminate with class E0 - the safest in terms of environmental friendliness.

Be sure to check the composition of the laminate

Modern types of laminate are often produced with an additional sound-absorbing layer - for example, Sound Protect. An extra 1-2 millimeters hide the noise level, making your stay in the kitchen more comfortable. True, such coverage is quite expensive. Therefore, weigh your financial capabilities - it will probably be more rational to put a separate soundproofing substrate.

The substrate often copes no worse than a special layer

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring

Like any other coating, laminate has both its pros and cons. Let's take a closer look - this will help you make an informed decision and not face unpleasant surprises during the operation or installation of the floor.

The undeniable advantages of laminate flooring include:

• Durable, high-quality laminate has good resistance to damage. He is not afraid of falling objects, chips, scratches and cracks do not appear on him - unless you try to leave them yourself.
• Due to the protective film, the laminate does not fade in the sun, its color does not change from temperature changes.
• A good laminate does not wear out over time and retains its appearance for many years.
• The material is very easy to care for. It is easy to clean, and often just water and a mild detergent are enough - the coating prevents dirt from penetrating deep into the laminate.
• By its structure, the laminate is much warmer than tiles, porcelain stoneware, artificial stone. If the room is not cold, you can even walk barefoot.
• Under the laminate can be installed underfloor heating.
• On the laminate there are no traces of the legs of the refrigerator, furniture, appliances. This allows you to make permutations without worrying about the integrity of the coverage.
• Wide design possibilities. It is easy to choose a laminate for any interior design.
• Ease of installation - you can even put such a floor on your own.
• Affordable price - Laminate is much cheaper than most finishing materials.

As you can see, the list of advantages is quite wide. What about disadvantages?

Perhaps the following disadvantages of using a laminate can be distinguished:

• Laminate does not tolerate contact with water for a long time. If you spill something, you will have to immediately wipe up the liquid. If you were flooded by neighbors or a pipe burst, it is very difficult to save the coating from deformation. However, you can increase the moisture resistance of the laminate by treating the joints with a special sealant.
• Laminate floors are often criticized for noise - the characteristic ringing sound from footsteps, pet claws and fallen objects. The noise level can be reduced by placing a special soft underlay under the laminate.
• With poor-quality installation, the laminate begins to creak. This problem is easy to solve - just entrust the laying of the floor to professionals or do it yourself, as carefully as possible.
• Laminate is quite resistant to damage, however, scratches and chips can still appear on it. To remedy the situation, you can buy special wax pencils to match the color of your floor and mask the defect.

As you can see, the disadvantages when using a laminate can be considered very conditional: they are all easily corrected or prevented.

Define with pattern, color and texture

As mentioned above, one of the advantages of laminate flooring is its wide design range, which allows you to choose the right laminate for any style of interior design. Let's see how it happens - the opinion that a laminate can only imitate wood is fundamentally wrong.

Easy to find the right coating for any design

Classic wood is indeed one of the most popular types. Modern technologies make it possible to reliably depict almost any wood - from light birch to the rich, deep color of oak. The corresponding texture, an interesting pattern - it is quite difficult to distinguish a laminate from a tree.

Classic wood looks very noble

No less interesting is the laminate imitating aged wood. Boards are treated in a special way to get the effect of retro parquet. Cracks, scuffs and decorative chips look surprisingly cozy. Such a laminate is well suited for country interiors, chalets.

Aged oak is a great choice for a chalet

The leather laminate looks very interesting. Such a crocodile or python skin floor is an extraordinary solution for the kitchen, but it definitely deserves attention. True, keep in mind that such a coating looks very catchy, even pretentious. Therefore, we recommend using it carefully, making the rest of the interior as discreet as possible.

Laminate can imitate any skin

Metallic laminated coating is another modern invention. It looks very unusual and is well suited for or. The floor can look very futuristic, or it can imitate a smooth metal coating - it all depends on your preferences.

The perfect loft solution

Laminate stone floors are at first glance indistinguishable from porcelain stoneware. However, they feel much more comfortable and warmer. In addition, the cost will pleasantly surprise you. True, there is one caveat here - it is very important to choose a high-quality coating, since if the print on the film is applied carelessly, the effect will turn out to be blurry.

The stone can be comfortable if it is a laminate

The same statement is true for a laminate imitating tiles. It will be almost impossible to distinguish it from real ceramic tiles when printed correctly.

It's hard to believe the floor isn't tiled

Designer laminate can be almost anything. Drawings, prints, mosaics, a variety of interesting textures ... With the help of such a laminate, you can create almost any interior to your liking.

All this is also a laminate.

As for the texture, it is very diverse. In addition to the classic glossy and matte surfaces, several more types stand out.

So, a laminate with the texture "Texture" is distinguished by a slight relief. The protruding parts imitate real type-setting parquet, due to which the floor looks expensive and elegant.

Texture creates the effect of volume

The subtle lines of "Relief" add volume to your floor, creating interesting patterns and providing an interesting surface relief. This floor is well suited for.

Embossed laminate imitates type-setting parquet

"Natural surface" looks even more authentic. A board that completely imitates the structure of a tree is coated with a thin varnish. Even upon closer inspection, it seems that your floor is made of natural wood planks.

Perfectly conveys the structure of the board

Oilwood is a matte laminate that looks like a well-sanded wood. Smooth lines, beautiful patterns and perfectly smooth texture.

The characteristic oily luster gave the species its name.

The waxed surface is similar to waxed wood, as the name suggests. Soft sheen provides an incredibly cozy and warm impression.

The country-style laminate also looks interesting - an imitation of natural boards, slightly sanded, but retaining its texture. Stylish solution in rustic style.

Scratches and stains look very elegant.

Installing underfloor heating under laminate

A question that interests many is whether it is possible to put a laminate on a warm floor.

Laminate is warm on its own, but you can insulate it further.

Experts assure that this can be done, however, you need to take into account some features of the coating:

• Electric heated floors are not suitable for you. Due to the fact that the film heats up quickly and not always evenly, over time, the laminate can deform and dry out. The best solution would be water or infrared underfloor heating.
• Laminate does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature, so you will have to gradually increase the heating level of the warm floor. In order to avoid damage to the floor, install temperature sensors and use a rheostat, which will allow the room to be heated gradually.
• Make sure that the floor does not heat up above 28 degrees - otherwise it will become too fragile and brittle.
• When using a warm floor, we recommend turning on special humidifiers. Do not allow the humidity in the kitchen to fall below 50%. This is fraught with drying of the laminate and, as a result, the appearance of cracks.

If you take these tips into account, there should be no problems with the operation of a warm floor.

High-quality laminate can last you up to fifteen years. However, in order for the service life to be as declared, you need to follow a number of recommendations for the care of the laminate.

With proper care, laminate flooring will last for years.

• It is best to give preference to dry cleaning - sweeping with a broom, vacuuming. So you prevent the contact of the laminate with moisture, which means that the coating will retain its structure longer.
• On the other hand, one dry cleaning in the kitchen is unlikely to be enough. You will most likely need to mop your floor regularly. To do this, use a soft mop or cloth. It is very important to wring it well - the fabric should not be wet, but slightly damp. After washing, it is advisable to wipe the floor dry with a dry cloth.
• Use mild detergents. A soapy solution, a special floor cleaner, dishwashing detergent are ideal. Avoid using cleaners with abrasive particles - they can scratch the protective coating of the laminate. In addition, you should not use aggressive chemicals - this way you risk spoiling the color and pattern of your floor.
• When a stain appears, it should be removed immediately, because in the future the dirt can eat into the material, after which it will be very difficult to remove it from the surface. For stubborn stains that are not removed by conventional means, you can use an acetone solution: apply it on the stain for a few minutes, remembering to remove the solvent itself and the dirt afterwards.
• Did you spill water or other liquid? Wipe it off immediately with a cloth and wipe dry. Due to prolonged contact with liquid, the laminate can swell, especially at the joints.
• Do you have furniture with sharp legs, such as metal? Consider a foot protector. It will prevent the coating from scratching.
• If you want to update the coating, you can use a special polish or cover the floor with a thin layer of varnish. Do not use wax and mastic: firstly, the coating will become slippery and you risk injury. Secondly, such polishes spoil the structure of the laminate, making it less resistant to damage.
• You can paint over shallow scratches with a wax pencil. Is the damage more severe than you'd like? Use acrylic putty to cover the chip. Please note that it dries for almost a day - the treated area must be handled with care.
• Scratches should be treated immediately after they appear. A broken floor structure is an excellent way for moisture to enter, which can cause a scratched board to warp.

As you can see, caring for laminate is not particularly difficult. The main thing is to follow our advice.

Reviews

We've put together some of the most in-depth laminate reviews for you, where people describe their real-world experience with this flooring. Below each review are the comments of our experts.

Indeed, a laminate with a strength of 32 can endure even the toughest conditions. True, keep in mind that in 10 years its price has increased significantly. However, if you are ready for the costs, they will justify themselves.

The color of the laminate really determines a lot. So, the owners of a too light laminate often complain about dust, but nothing is really visible on the “variegated” one. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be removed.

This review is interesting with a note about the hood. It not only removes unpleasant odors in the kitchen, but also helps to control the humidity in the room. This allows you to extend the life of the laminate.

And again we return to the fact that the main thing is quality. We did not find any negative reviews about the durable and thick laminate - but there are a lot of laudatory ones.

Laminate floors in the interior of the kitchen (real photo examples)

Not sure how to fit laminate flooring into your kitchen interior? A selection of photos for you!

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.

Laminate in the kitchen: pros and cons

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:

• High wear resistance, with proper installation and periodic maintenance, waterproof laminate will last at least 20 years;
• High resistance to cold of the concrete base of the floor, water and water condensate, which are always abundant in the kitchen.

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 planks.

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.

Waterproof and moisture resistant laminate

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:

• Ordinary laminate, capable of absorbing water and condensate at least 8 and up to 16% of the volume. To make the lamellas water-resistant and use them for kitchen flooring, the material is impregnated and glued onto a moisture-resistant base using polyurethane and epoxy adhesive compositions;
• Moisture-resistant type of laminate coating absorbs 2-8% of water, the outer coating of a polymer film allows you to protect the kitchen floor from direct contact and seepage through the surface for a short time;
• The waterproof version of the laminate can absorb no more than 2% moisture, even when flooded or immersed in water. For the kitchen, this is the most acceptable type of laminate flooring.

The first two types of laminate are made from cellulose or wood fibers. Ordinary material is simply pressed under high pressure, much like fiberboard, 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.

How to turn an ordinary laminate into a waterproof one

To make an ordinary laminate waterproof, 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.

Which laminate is better to choose for the kitchen

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 a modern kitchen, a flood or spillage of large amounts of water can occur at any time, so it is best to use moisture-resistant grades of material to equip a waterproof laminate flooring.

Structure and materials of waterproof slats

There are two types of waterproof lamellas on the market:

• The matrix is ​​made only of polymeric materials;
• Composite laminate based on pressed lignin-cellulose mass impregnated with polyethylene and polyurethane compounds.

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 with any type of detergent and even extinguish cigarette butts, if such an idea comes to someone's mind.

Laminate manufacturers

Most offers of waterproof laminate on the market can be divided into three groups:

• Chinese coatings from little-known European manufacturers. Firms with names consonant with global trademarks and brands, registered on paper in Europe, are actually selling low-quality cheap laminate;
• Floor coverings produced under license or counterfeits of well-known manufacturers;
• Very expensive high-quality waterproof laminate, sold on order and prepaid.

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 for the kitchen from a Tarkett representative and forget about the flooring in the kitchen for twenty years in advance.

Color and texture of waterproof laminate

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 a large kitchen, a 1:16 laminate is used, which allows you to create the impression of a classic type of stacked wooden floor. It can 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.

Strength class

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 of an apartment and a house. 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.

How to install laminate flooring in the kitchen

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 subfloor of the kitchen, 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.

Care rules

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 desirable 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.

Laminate and underfloor heating

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.

Conclusion

Waterproof laminate for the kitchen is gradually replacing lighter coatings. The use of a class 32-33 coating is reasonably considered, albeit 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.

To put or not laminate in the kitchen? And how to choose the right material? Answers in the article.

Photo: askville.amazon.com

Traditional tiles in our latitudes, where the weather cannot be called warm for at least half a year, will require the installation of floor heating, especially if children or the elderly live in the apartment, for whom contact with cold ceramics is highly undesirable. Yes, and proper installation is a very laborious process and requires special skills and knowledge. Modern linoleum, although it pleases us with a variety of textures, colors and types, can also be rejected for various reasons.
Many people like laminate as a floor covering, but it is afraid of water, and in the kitchen contact with moisture is inevitable. Meanwhile, now many laminate manufacturers (for example, Pergo, Parador, Alloc, Witex, etc.) produce collections that are positioned as waterproof.

So can you put laminate on the floor in the kitchen? And what is a waterproof laminate?

How is a waterproof laminate different from a conventional one?

Photo: parquet-online.ru

Laminate usually has a four- or five-layer structure:

• The first layer (the top one, the one that we wash, clean and, of course, trample on) is a durable protective film. It minimizes damage to the integrity of the coating, the occurrence of static electricity, fading in the sun, and is resistant to thermal and some chemical influences. It is she who determines the class of wear resistance, from the resistance of the laminate to abrasion. Elastic and durable, it also imitates the texture of the next layer.
• Next is a decorative layer of paper impregnated with a special composition. It is she who gives the laminate exactly the look and texture that attracts us.
• The main layer is high pressure pressed and impregnated with resins, very high density wood board - HDF or MDF. Thanks to the manufacturing technology of the plate, the laminate is very durable. This middle layer largely determines the characteristics of the product.
• The bottom layer is called stabilizing and performs several functions: moisture protection, does not allow deformation and soundproofing. To ensure greater silence, the coating is often equipped with an additional soundproofing layer.

Features of waterproof laminate:

• wear resistance class - 32, 33 or 34;
• the main layer - HDF - a plate of increased density (from 850 kg / m3 to 900 kg / m3). This material can stay in water for a long time, without swelling or losing its properties;
• waterproof laminate locks are treated with water repellents;
• many manufacturers also add water-repellent substances to the HDF board itself during manufacture. Such plates can be painted greenish (similar to moisture-resistant drywall);
• additionally waterproof laminate is treated with antibacterial and antifungal agents.

When choosing a material, keep in mind that only the edges of the slab can be treated with a water repellent, or maybe the entire slab.

Advice. To prolong the life of laminate flooring, both manufacturers and experienced repairers encourage consumers to use joint sealants.

Laminate in the kitchen - pros and cons

High-quality waterproof laminate can be used for the kitchen. Judging by the numerous reviews, no one has problems with operation.

Photo: alisaparket.ru

Here are some typical comments from the forums:

“We have a moisture resistant Egger, 32 class, for two years now. So far no problems." (Sage, forum.littleone.ru)

“The kitchen has had laminate flooring for 3 years. The pipes do not flow, because I carried out an audit during the repair, and the laminate is not afraid of a glass of water. No complaints. If something happens, it’s easy to replace.” (Barrick, forum.ixbt.com)

“I have a Norwegian Alloc on the floor all over my apartment ... It has been lying for 4 years already. Two small children at home… No problem at all. Including in the kitchen. Mine is completely calm ... Something is spilled on the floor regularly. Once the neighbors flooded ... no swelling, no subsidence ”(Martyshev, www.forumhouse.ru)

Benefits of laminate

• withstands without loss of quality even very strong short-term flooding;
• easy to remove stains of different origin;
• large selection of colors and textures. Moisture-resistant laminate perfectly imitates any type of wood, and now also ceramic tiles, stone or almost any other material;
• the dishes will not break when they fall, and if the child stumbles, they will not hit hard.

When do difficulties arise?

Reviews about the excellent service of laminate in the kitchen relate mainly to quality products from branded manufacturers. And the price of such coverage is quite high - mainly from 1000 to 2000 rubles per square meter. meter.

The danger for high-quality laminate in the kitchen is not moisture, but fallen knives and utensils (if it still beats). In this case, scratches may remain on the floor.

Advice. You can mask scratches on the laminate with a furniture pencil.

Moisture resistant laminate - this does not mean that nothing will happen to him if he stays in water for several hours. The coating may deteriorate if the water "stands" on the laminate for a long time. For example - you go on vacation and the neighbors flood you. Or they turn off the light - and the refrigerator will leak, and the puddle will be on the floor for several days. Or break a pipe. Even a high-quality coating will not withstand several days in water. And if the laminate swells a lot, it will no longer take its original shape. That is why this material is not placed in the bathroom. There, the coating is exposed to moisture regularly, and you should not count on a long service life.

Photo: 5masterov.ru

To lay or not to lay laminate in the kitchen?

From the available information about waterproof laminate, some conclusions can be drawn:

• If you want your flooring to last as long as possible, then you need to choose a high quality product.
• Do you often leave for a long time? Then laminate is not the best option for your kitchen. Or arrange for someone to visit the apartment regularly in your absence;
• A good solution would be to combine laminate and tiles - in the work area, near the sink, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe dishwasher, put tiles. To date, it will not be difficult to pick up a pattern and texture, and the transition can be closed with a connecting profile.
• To prolong the service life of the laminate, it must be used carefully, protecting it from unnecessary scratches and impacts of sharp objects. Actually, careful and careful handling is recommended with any floor covering.

Photo: hominspire.com

The final choice is, of course, yours to make. We wish you a successful renovation!