In all the variety of floor coverings, laminate with moisture-proof and water-resistant properties stands out. If at first glance, it seems that they are one and the same, then a more detailed study reveals some differences in their structure and functions.
These floor coverings are suitable for installation in all premises and conditions. This high-tech finishing material has a high wear resistance class and excellent performance characteristics.
Such a laminate will be an excellent solution for laying in the kitchen, while creating an atmosphere of comfort and coziness in the house.
Moisture resistant laminate will last a long time in high humidity conditions. It will be a good alternative to ceramic tiles in the bathroom or shower.
Its surface will withstand heavy loads with dignity, while retaining its original appearance. Due to its density, the moisture-resistant laminate will become a reliable sound insulator and will provide protection against damage caused by objects falling to the floor.
The components that make up the coating protect the laminate from swelling when exposed to liquid. This is the most important advantage of such a floor covering.
Moisture resistant laminate
For the production of moisture-resistant laminate, chipboard is used as a base (HDF-board). The picture shows that the main slab is green. For better moisture protection, each joint is waxed, including the locks.
- A - wear-resistant coating;
- B - decorative layer;
- C - moisture resistant HDF plate;
- D - protective moisture resistant layer
This ensures the complete exclusion of moisture penetration into the interior of the laminate board. In addition, the laminate is impregnated with an antibacterial compound that prevents mold and various bacteria from growing.
Waterproof laminate
This is where you can figure out the main differences between moisture and waterproof laminate flooring. Waterproof laminate is able to withstand not only high humidity in the air, but also liquid spilled on the floor.
Important! He owes these results to the latest technology for pressing plates on specialized equipment under the influence of high pressure.
To achieve this effect, laminate panels are treated with heated wax. The next layer is a water-repellent film. The result is a board with absolutely sealed joints of parts (deputies).
The polymer film increases the durability of the laminate and protects it from scratches.
Choosing and installing laminate with special properties
Selection of material:
- In order not to take an ordinary laminate when buying, it is important to carefully read the product description on the package. It must contain the word “ aqua ». The label should also have special markings indicating the belonging of the floor covering. In the choice of moisture and waterproof laminate, icons in the form of an umbrella in the rain or a tap with a drop of water will help.
- An important characteristic showing the strength of the future coating is the degree of load that the floor must withstand. Therefore, it is necessary to opt for a 32nd class laminate and higher.
- It is necessary to choose only products from well-known and time-tested manufacturers, whose technologies keep up with the times to get a guaranteed reliable floor. For example, we can say that 32-grade laminate from a well-known German brand is often better in quality than 33-grade laminate from domestic or Chinese manufacturers.
- According to many experts, a laminate with a waterproof coating of the highest reliability class cannot always meet the expectations of the buyer. All this happens because such a 34 class laminate is an order of magnitude higher than its lower counterparts, and the accessory of such a coating is used in commercial establishments. .
- In addition to all of the above, it is necessary to take into account the density indicator of the supporting HDF plate. Its indicator and the degree of resistance to liquid exposure are directly proportional to each other, i.e. the higher the density, the higher the stability.
- Also an important criterion is the swelling coefficient of the material. This is done using a special test, during which the laminate board is immersed in water for a day. The norm for this coefficient is not more than 18%.
- The overpriced for waterproof and moisture-resistant laminate imitating tiles corresponds to their reliability and quality. Here it will be inappropriate to save by buying goods from little-known brands or by purchasing goods at a sale (perhaps the storage conditions are violated due to which the quality decreases). This can have consequences.
Attention! There is one compromise, in case you do the repair yourself. Initially, flooring is installed from a cheaper laminate. Then, after a few years, it is replaced with a high-quality and moisture-resistant coating.
The duration of the factory warranty is also important. Many manufacturers are so confident in the quality of their products that they claim a service life of more than 25 years.
It is necessary to carefully examine the locks. The panels must be firmly attached to each other, without gaps. In order not to damage the boards during the check, you need to study a brief instruction in pictures, which clearly shows the entire procedure.
Laminate has a tendency to become very slippery if moisture gets on it. So that this is not an inconvenience, for the bathroom and kitchen it is better to choose options with a relief or rough surface.
Some rules for laying waterproof laminate
- Basically, the installation technology of the waterproof laminate is the same as for conventional flooring. Laminate panels are laid on a well-leveled surface on top of the chosen substrate.
- Each laminate board should fit snugly against the substrate and not bend.
- During installation, you can use a sealant. It is applied to laminate locks. It serves as an additional protection against moisture penetration deep into the coating through the joints. But it will be much more difficult to disassemble such a floor without damage.
When buying a laminate, be sure to remember about the required material reserve. This is especially true for rooms with complex geometry. The stock is usually 5-10% of the total volume.
During installation, it is important to always consult the manufacturer's instructions, which often provide helpful advice on installation.
In conclusion of the article
The video will help you better understand the issue of self-laying laminate flooring. It shows everything clearly and in detail. As a result, it will be possible to begin the preparation and installation of the floor covering itself, which is not only reliable, but also resistant to moisture.
Laminate is a popular floor covering, the scope of which was limited by its low moisture resistance. Even wet cleaning gradually led to the swelling of the slabs and deformation of the joints. The appearance on the market of products with increased moisture resistance provided the possibility of laying laminate in rooms with high levels of humidity - in kitchens, bathrooms, corridors - and frequent wet cleaning.
What is the difference between a moisture-resistant laminate and a waterproof one?
What type of laminate is the moisture resistant type?
This type of flooring is a laminate that can resist moisture in the air and withstand direct exposure to water for a short time. The composition of moisture-resistant floor panels includes high-density fiberboard, which is supplemented with:
- special resins- from 4% to 8%, their specific amount is determined by the percentage of deciduous and coniferous species in the raw material;
- pectol- designed to increase the strength characteristics, its presence allows you to reduce the thickness of the panel without losing strength;
- water repellents- rosin or paraffin - they increase moisture resistance;
- antiseptics- increase the resistance of the floor covering to mold.
Not only samiplites, but also the seams between them should be moisture resistant. For this, the lock joint is impregnated with paraffin or wax under high temperature conditions. This protective layer prevents moisture from penetrating the wood fibers.
The moisture resistance of the seams is an important detail.
Attention! If the board is swollen due to moisture, it is useless to dry it. All or part of the coating must be replaced.
What kind of laminate is called waterproof?
This type of flooring can be divided into two groups: limited waterproofing and waterproofing. The first group includes panels, which, like moisture resistant ones, are made on the basis of high density fiberboard with a complex of additives of various functionality. Manufacturers clearly indicate the maximum permissible time of direct contact with water. Such a coating can be used, for example, when decorating a kitchen.
True waterproof laminate is extruded from high density polyvinyl chloride. In addition to being water resistant, which allows this flooring to be used in a bathroom, this waterproof laminate has other positive characteristics, including:
- environmental friendliness and compliance with hygienic requirements - even direct contact of such products with food is allowed;
- the ability to withstand, without loss of performance, contact even with hot water;
- resistance to chemically aggressive detergents;
- good wear resistance;
- embossed anti-slip coating;
- relative incombustibility;
- reinforced locks;
- long operational period.
Structural components of a waterproof laminated panel:
- upper transparent anti-slip layer;
- decorative layer;
- a polyvinyl chloride plate - a bearing layer in which air chambers are present;
- hydrophobic base;
- tar paper that acts as a stabilizer.
Thanks to the carrier layer with air chambers, the waterproof material is characterized by:
- good soundproofing characteristics;
- high heat-saving properties;
- small mass.
Classification of laminate by moisture resistance
There is no clear classification of laminated panels in terms of moisture resistance. Manufacturers usually indicate the optimal areas of application on the packaging.
Manufacturers usually indicate the optimal areas of application.
An approximate division of laminated panels by functionality, depending on the degree of their water absorption:
- Regular laminate, not intended for use in high humidity conditions. Has a water absorption in the range of 8-16%.
- A moisture-resistant material and a coating with limited water resistance is characterized by water absorption in the range of 2-8%. Such products can be used for corridors and kitchens. The time of direct contact with water is no more than three hours.
- Waterproof laminate is the best choice for bathrooms and unheated rooms. Has a very low level of water absorption - less than 2%. Such material is quite suitable for laying in bathrooms, saunas and other rooms, which are characterized not only by a high level of humidity, but also by the likelihood of direct contact of the flooring with water, including hot water.
Let us consider in more detail the features of the choice of moisture-resistant or waterproof products for premises of various functional purposes.
What moisture-resistant laminate is better for the kitchen, corridor, hallway?
For laying in the kitchen, choose a moisture-resistant material with a non-slip surface. The thickness of the slabs must be at least 8 mm. The moisture resistance of the floor covering is increased by treating the seams with moisture-proof compounds. Therefore, for this purpose, it is recommended to purchase panels with a small chamfer at the edges - 1-2 mm. The chamfer holds moisture-resistant compounds well. The chamfer can be V-shaped or U-shaped, two- or four-sided. The U-chamfer is visually more attractive.
How to choose the most waterproof laminate for your bathroom?
The bathroom requires a floor covering with the highest level of moisture resistance - waterproof PVC. A board with a supporting PVC layer, thanks to its honeycomb structure, has not only high moisture resistance, but also strength. Manufacturers offer finishing materials with a hardening layer of mineral chips, which have a uniquely high wear resistance. In terms of the variety of textures and colors, PVC-based laminate is not inferior to panels based on fiberboard. An additional advantage of such products is the absence of restrictions on their use with underfloor heating systems, regardless of the heat source.The joints are impregnated with a special hydrophobic compound. Saturated glossy color usually indicates deep impregnation. These products are ideal for bathroom installations. A more transparent protective layer is a sign of surface treatment.
Advice! Glossy waterproof panels work well with ceramic tiles. You should choose laminated products that match not only in color, but also in shape.
Even a high-quality waterproof laminate cannot be used under prolonged exposure to water. Even the highest quality waterproofing of joints will not be able to prevent water from entering under the laminated boards, which will lead to mold and unpleasant odors in the room. The best option for a bathroom is a cover with detachable connections. If the floor is flooded with water, the panels can be disassembled, the base can be dried, and individual sections can be replaced if necessary.
For a bathroom located in a multi-storey building above the first floor, it is advisable to use only laminate that is resistant to direct exposure to water. In case of accidents in heat or water supply systems, it will be able to fully or at least partially protect the lower floors from flooding.
How to distinguish when buying a moisture- and water-resistant laminate from a regular one?
When purchasing panels for flooring, the level of humidity in the room is determined in advance. In the kitchen, hallway and corridor, moisture-resistant panels can be used. It is recommended to install waterproof products in the bathroom and rooms with frequent and significant temperature changes (veranda, unheated room).
How to tell if your laminate is moisture resistant or not? On the packaging of products with low water absorption, you will see the words Aquastop, Aqua +, Waterresist. Also, the level of resistance to moisture can be expressed by pictograms in the form of drops of water, an umbrella, a tap. Lack of moisture resistance is indicated by the icon "crossed out bath". The box with panels may indicate the base material:
- HDF (HDF) - high-density fiberboards, are a load-bearing layer of moisture-resistant and limited waterproof materials;
- PVC (PVC, polyvinyl chloride) - serves as the basis for waterproof products.
The coefficient of swelling is important, which characterizes the degree of decomposition of the material after its daily stay in water. For non-moisture resistant products, it is 18%. Pay attention to the period of the manufacturer's warranty provided that the operating conditions are observed. It is indicated on the packaging of the material or in the accompanying documentation.
Pay attention to the period of the manufacturer's warranty provided that the operating conditions are observed.
The best manufacturers of moisture and water resistant laminate
Companies that produce high quality and reliable panels with low water absorption:
- Egger is a powerful Austrian concern with production facilities operating in many European countries and in Russia. EggerAqua + products are designed for use in bathrooms and other areas with high humidity.
- Vinyl flooring from the manufacturer Berry Alloc
- Panels of the Kronotex Robusto brand (Germany) are moisture-resistant products of guaranteed quality, made on the basis of high-pressure fibreboard. On the surface - various embossing options. Such products are well suited for rooms with high humidity. Due to the absence of phthalates in the slabs, they can be installed in rooms where children are constantly present.
- All laminate produced by the Kronospan manufacturer has the maximum moisture resistance Aqua Stop
The price of a moisture resistant laminate made from high pressure fibreboard depends on the thickness of the board, the wear class and the brand. And the cost of a waterproof plastic laminate is about 2 times higher than the price of fiberboard-based products - it fluctuates between 1.3-5.0 thousand rubles. for 1 m 2.
Bathroom, kitchen and other areas where there is running water are most susceptible to flooding. Therefore, when choosing a material for the floor in such rooms, it is necessary to protect yourself from repeated repairs. The moisture-resistant laminate is capable of withstanding the loads, leaving its original presentation. The material imitating wood looks very aesthetically pleasing. The price per square meter of a laminated board intended for home use starts from 1000 rubles.
Design
The fashionable material "laminate" is a parquet board, the main component of which is a fiberboard covered with wear-resistant resin. The construction of the board consists of four layers:
- The base, or stabilizing layer, serves to protect the board from deformation. Some manufacturers, improving the sound insulation properties of the laminate, adhere a special substrate to the base.
- The second layer is medium / high density fiberboard or PVC board. In this part of the structure, a lock is provided for connecting the material into a single canvas.
- The imitation layer has a decorative function. It is a photograph of wood, marble or other texture, printed on a special layer of paper.
- A top protective layer is essential to the laminate construction for strength and extended life. The strength of the material depends on its thickness.
Classes
Each room has its own characteristics of the load on the floor, on which the class of wear resistance of the laminate depends.
The certification system providing for the division of laminate into classes is not uniform. So, European manufacturers determine the wear resistance of the upper layer of the laminated board. For the post-Soviet countries, the material is divided into 4 classes according to indicators from 31 to 34, which characterize the density of the slab itself. Moisture-resistant and water-resistant laminate is also produced in four classes.
- 31 types - intended for home use;
- 32 type - recommended for home floors with increased use or in commercial premises with a low permeability ratio;
- Type 33 - commercial operation with increased load;
- 34 type - industrial use - the most durable material.
In addition to the different loads on the flooring, humidity is an important factor when purchasing material. Moisture-resistant laminate will have improved properties for such premises.
Moisture resistant coating
As mentioned earlier, the second layer of the laminate can have a different density of material. Moisture-resistant laminate differs from the usual one by the presence of a denser fiberboard in its structure and enhanced methods of processing it. The locks and joints of such a coating are treated with wax, and the plate itself is treated with antibacterial compounds to avoid the formation of mold and mildew.
Therefore, in rooms where there is a risk of spilling water, for example, when washing dishes in the kitchen, a moisture-resistant laminate will become a safe option for flooring. For the kitchen, the choice of such a material will increase the life of the coating.
Waterproof coating
In addition to the usual, there is a moisture-resistant and water-resistant laminate. According to their properties, these are two different materials. Since there are rooms with different levels of moisture, manufacturers have provided for the release of laminated boards, which are based on a plastic board instead of fiberboard. If a moisture-resistant coating can withstand a maximum of 6 hours of direct exposure to water, then a waterproof laminate is not at all afraid of it. Therefore, it is better to replace a moisture-resistant laminate for a bath with a waterproof analogue, which, unlike the first, does not allow moisture to pass through to the concrete base of the floor.
Protection of waterproof boards is based on resin impregnation of the bottom and top layers. The presence of water-repellent properties does not mean that it is recommended to purposely test them by exposure to moisture. If water gets on the surface, it is advisable to immediately treat it with a dry cloth.
External difference
Laminate for a room whose moisture-resistant characteristics are higher than usual should be selected taking into account the characteristics of the room. How to determine when buying that a special laminated board is being purchased, which is different in its properties from the usual one?
There are several signs:
- The presence of the word "Aqua" on the package. If the manufacturer is from Europe, then the word will be written in English.
- Marking with waterproof symbols. For example, the presence of an umbrella image on the packaging.
- Panel shape. When checking the cut, there should be holes.
These signs can only be used when buying, because outwardly it is impossible to distinguish moisture-resistant laminate from ordinary laminate after laying them.
Price
It is a well-known truth that there is a high price to be paid for improved qualities. When choosing a floor covering for rooms with a humidity above average, you will have to spend money on a moisture-resistant laminate. The price of an improved material for home use, that is, with a wear resistance class of 32, starts at 1000 rubles per square meter. For comparison: the cost of an ordinary laminate of the same wear resistance class starts at 400 rubles.
The low price of laminated boards should alert the buyer. Since such material can simply be a Chinese fake, which, when interacting with water, swells instead of the declared 18% by 40%.
Well-known brands on the Russian market of moisture-resistant floor coverings are: Witex, Tarkett, Classen, Kronospan, Quick-Step. These world-famous European companies produce safe and durable laminated boards with different properties and a wide range of colors and images.
Recently, laminate flooring, due to its excellent quality characteristics, has been widely used in the finishing process of residential and commercial premises. Giving water-repellent properties to the popular material made it possible to use a practical finishing material in rooms with high humidity levels. 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 floor covering of the dining room or kitchen work area is constantly experiencing various stresses. 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 laminated parquet have been the main materials for floor decoration.
Each coating 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 has appeared thanks to the use of the latest technologies and has already occupied its own niche in the building materials market.
Has a modern laminate in the kitchen, pros and cons, among the first it is worth noting the following:
- multi-layer - moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen consists of several layers. Each layer is responsible for the texture, thermal conductivity, moisture resistance of the finish;
- a variety of textures in shades - the decorative coating perfectly imitates various materials, which allows you to choose the appropriate option for a white or any other kitchen;
- the ability to quickly assemble - laying high-quality laminated flooring does not take much time, because the elements are easily snapped into place, forming a monolithic surface;
- affordable price - the choice of a waterproof laminate for the kitchen is justified, since it has good quality characteristics and a relatively low cost.
The type of durable laminate for the kitchen, the photos of which are presented below, have practically no drawbacks, except that:
- unpleasant squeak - especially picky consumers will not like the harsh sound that the flooring makes when moving around the room. But this problem can be easily corrected if you lay an additional substrate of cork or expanded polystyrene;
- presence of chemicals - formaldehyde is used in the production process, it has a negative effect on health. High-quality products have appropriate certificates and are produced taking into account all sanitary standards.
Types of waterproof laminate for the kitchen
The following types of kitchen laminate can be used as a floor finish.
Moisture resistant
A durable coating can be placed not only in the dining room, but also in the bathroom. The surface of the finish withstands all external negative influences, while maintaining an excellent appearance.
Due to the high density of the material, excellent sound insulation can be created in the room. The protective layer protects the coating from various deformations associated with the ingress of a large amount of liquid.
An HDF board is used as a 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 compound that protects the surface from the appearance of various bacteria and mold.
Water resistant
A special type of finish is made on the basis of PVC plastic. In a durable plastic base, special air chambers are arranged, which are soundproof and retain heat well. This unique feature allows the surface to maintain the most comfortable temperature even without arranging a warm floor system.
The extra strong laminate for the kitchen has a high degree of resistance to the effects of various kinds of liquids. Excellent quality characteristics are achieved through the use of high-tech plate pressing processes, after which all the 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 put a rubberized mat near the sink as protection for the laminate flooring.
Selection rules
Most often, the flooring changes only during a major overhaul, therefore, the service life, an attractive design of the floor in the kitchen depends entirely on the quality of the materials selected for finishing. When purchasing a covering for a tile, you need to carefully read the proposed description. Preference should be given to products that have a complete list of appropriate markings. If the Latin word "aqua" is written on the package, an umbrella in the rain is depicted, a faucet with a dripping drip is a high-quality waterproof product.
What is the best laminate flooring for your kitchen? Sturdy and reliable, of course. The most important definition of the quality of a material is the level of load that it can withstand, so it's better to choose class 32.
The durability of the finishing laminated board largely depends on the manufacturability of all production processes, therefore, products of the same class may have different characteristics. For example, a 32-grade board from German manufacturers is in many ways superior to similar products made in China.
You should not play it safe and buy the highest quality kitchen laminate flooring. There is no urgent need for this. The material is intended for installation in offices, commercial or government institutions, respectively, it costs an order of magnitude more. The density coefficient of the base HDF board determines the degree of resistance of the coating to moisture. Good material has a high rate.
It is necessary to study the connecting locks in advance. The solidity of the entire structure depends on their work. If, after fixing the panels, wide gaps remain, this will negatively affect further operation. Professionals advise to choose a laminated board without a chamfer, in this case the likelihood of moisture getting inside is reduced.
Which laminate is best for a kitchen smooth or rough? In the kitchen, there is a high chance of slipping on a wet and slippery floor, so a raised or slightly rough surface is the best option. An important factor when choosing a finish will be the manufacturers' warranty obligations. Well-known brands claim that the product has a lifespan of about 25 years.
Manufacturers
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 flooring. A reliable manufacturer delivers the highest quality product to the market. The company produces an exclusive embossed laminate that has no analogues in the world market. All elements of the new collection of Ritter laminate flooring are equipped with a collapsible locking system and have excellent performance properties.
The Belgian brand Dumaplast - the manufacturer offers two collections of waterproof flooring Aquaexpert plus and Aquafloor. The collection of fine vinyl laminates comes in a wide variety of textures and colors. A high-quality locking connection allows you to create the most flat surface.
German concern Classen - practical and safe Classen products are manufactured using unique patented technologies. German manufacturers have the widest range of products and offer their customers more than 400 different decor options, 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 manual processing of wood, brushing and imitation of aged wooden boards.
Laying methods for waterproof coating
Can I lay laminate flooring in the kitchen myself? The installation technology of moisture and water resistant coating is similar to the assembly process of a standard laminated board:
- the laminate under the tiles is laid on a flat horizontal floor slab. Professionals advise to pre-lay a substrate or rough cork;
- each board of waterproof tile finish should fit as tightly as possible, without leaving large gaps;
- the already laid laminate must be treated with a sealant, applying it to the docking locks - this will not allow water to enter the coating.
When purchasing a certain amount of finishing material, you need to include a small stock of about 5-10 percent. This is especially true if you intend to carry out work in rooms with bends or niches. In order to carry out the entire process of decorating the floor as accurately as possible, it is recommended to study the video presented by professional builders, it tells in detail how to lay the laminate.
Laminate in a modern and classic kitchen interior
The waterproof coating is especially widespread due to its versatility and ability to fit most organically into any interior style. It is possible to create finishes of any color and texture, for example, imitation of tiles or natural stone.
Designers pay a lot of attention to the finishing of the floor, therefore, quite often, white laminate is a stylish element of the interior. Modern high-tech, loft or minimalist styles presuppose the presence of correct laconic forms and monochrome shades. For finishing a white kitchen, it is better to use a stone or laminate under the tiles.
The main color for the laminate can be gray, black, white or a beautiful texture that imitates natural stone.
Can laminate flooring be installed in a rustic kitchen? Provence, country, chalet or beautiful eco-style presuppose the presence of exclusively natural materials in the interior; however, the use of modern waterproof material will make the interior the most effective 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 you want to divide the kitchen into functional areas. In this case, you can combine not only a board of different shades, but also use a stone. High technologies make it possible to create bleached, black, brown laminate for the kitchen. This photo selection contains unique panels that imitate the skin of exotic animals. Waterproof laminate is a unique floor covering that, with proper care, can last for more than a dozen years. In addition, the fine texture of the modern coating will become a real decoration of any interior.
Video
The video shows how to properly lay waterproof laminate flooring.
The floor in the kitchen is constantly undergoing quite serious tests: all family members walk on it, often move furniture, it is exposed to high temperatures and water vapor, liquids are spilled, including coloring and containing fat, food, cutlery and dishes fall.
All of these factors need to be considered when choosing a kitchen flooring, the most popular options being linoleum, ceramic tiles and laminate flooring. And the laminate for the kitchen must be waterproof, otherwise in such conditions it will very quickly become unusable.
Waterproof laminate for the kitchen: pros and cons
Many people think that in rooms with a high level of humidity, such as a kitchen, laminate flooring should not be used at all, since the HDF board that makes it up is sensitive to moisture and can swell and deform under its influence.
But there is moisture resistant and water resistant laminate, for which exposure to water in moderation is not dangerous, it is quite possible to lay it in the kitchen.
Of course, it will have to be protected from flooding, prolonged contact with water, washed with a damp, not wet cloth, and other precautions should be taken.
Pros of using laminate flooring
Advantages of waterproof laminate flooring versus other floor coverings quite a few:
- looks more attractive, more presentable than linoleum or ordinary plank floors;
- laminate is more hygienic than wood, it is easier to keep it clean, especially with additional coating;
- laying it is much easier and cheaper than tiles;
- it has good thermal insulation properties, especially in combination with a substrate;
- in a warm room (and it is usually warm in the kitchen), walking on it is as comfortable as on wooden floors, while ceramic tiles are cold to the touch;
- Tiles can shatter when a heavy object falls, and glassware and china will almost certainly shatter on their own if they fall on the tiled floor. Laminate is more resistant to damage and less dangerous for fragile dishes;
- the technology of laying the laminate allows you to lay it throughout the apartment, making transitions from room to room without the formation of joints that require masking with sills.
Water resistance levels
Laminate can be moisture resistant and waterproof:
- water resistant does not deform even when completely immersed in water, only vinyl (plastic) laminate has such characteristics;
- moisture resistant, based on HDF board, swells when immersed in water, but not as quickly and not as strongly as usual. It tolerates well contact with liquid spilled onto its surface and the penetration of a small amount of it into the joints between the panels.
What determines moisture resistance
The following factors affect the moisture resistance of the laminate:
- the presence of a protective layer on top and a moisture-proof stabilizing substrate at the bottom;
- perfect geometry of the locks, providing a connection without gaps;
- treatment of the joint joints with wax (reduces the risk of moisture penetration into the core when it seeps into the gaps between the panels);
- increasing the density of HDF slabs (above 900 kg / m3);
- increasing the content of resins in its composition.
The last two factors especially important, such a plate resists moisture penetration much better. Even if water seeps through the castle, then the plate is slightly deformed(swells) even after prolonged contact with water.
If a laminate manufacturer is a member of the European Association, then the products are tested for compliance with standards EN 13329. In accordance with them, the 31 class laminate swells by a maximum of 20% when immersed in water for a long time, and class 32-33 - by 18%.
During the first hour of contact with water, the moisture-resistant laminate increases in volume by an average of 8%, while a high-quality laminate will eventually give up the absorbed moisture and return to its previous volume.
How to protect your laminate from water
Any laminate is protected from moisture penetration from above, almost any has a moisture-resistant bottom layer (this information should be contained in the technical specifications). Therefore, you should not think about how to cover the laminate from water, but locks and joints can be processed.
Waxing locks provides short-term protection, and only some manufacturers resort to it, for example, Egger, Tarkett, Classen. And Pergo (Sweden), Kronotex (Germany) followed the path of creating locks that snap into place so tightly that there are practically no gaps between the panels.
In combination with a moisture-resistant base, such a lock provides double protection from moisture. Preferred locks of the Click system, as well as Uniclic (Pergo), they provide the most tight fit of the planks to each other and reduce the risk of damage during installation.
Beveled laminate in the kitchen
And one more nuance: better do not take beveled laminate in the kitchen, its presence increases the area of contact with water and the risk of its penetration into the plate.
Moisture resistant laminate class 32-33
When choosing a laminate, you need to pay attention to the labeling, information on moisture resistance in its technical characteristics, to the class.
Class 32-33 laminate must be moisture resistant, since it is made from a high-density board. But this is only true for the products of EPLF members, Chinese or Russian commercial laminate is not always moisture resistant.
Water test of Chinese and German products
Tests carried out by one dealer for German Kronotex laminate and Chinese laminate, both 32 grades, are indicative. Water was spilled on both coatings in the most vulnerable places, at the joints, surrounding the puddle with a sealant so as not to spread on the sides.
Kronotex for 24 hours slightly swelling from the side of the short lock, swelling from the long side was visually invisible, and only measurements showed an increase in thickness, after a week the deformation decreased, after a month it practically disappeared.
"Chinese" in 3 hours increased in volume by a third (maximum for 32-grade laminate - 18%), while filling the room with a toxic odor. Waxing the locks did not help either.
What to consider when choosing
- Purchase laminate from well-known brands.
- Ask friends who have laid laminate in the kitchen how it reacts to moisture.
- If the purchase has already been made, before installing the laminate in the kitchen, cut a small piece and put it in a bucket of water, then measure. Laminate that swells by more than 18-20% in less than a day is not suitable for the kitchen.
Price for vinyl waterproof laminate
Vinyl laminate is not yet produced in Russia, there is an imported one on sale, it costs more than traditional laminate:
- ReFloor (Vietnam) - from 900 rubles. per sq.m. *
- Art Tile (South Korea) - from 1100 *
- IVC (Belgium) - from 2100 *
- Aqua-Step (Belgium) - from 2230 *
- Parador (Germany) - from 3700 *
Price for moisture resistant laminate
Moisture-resistant laminate is much more affordable, for example, the domestic Kronospan, made of high-density HDF boards with increased moisture resistance, can be purchased at a price of 320 rubles / m2 *
Technology for laying waterproof laminate in the kitchen
In the kitchen, the laminate is laid, as in any other room, beforehand it must be kept for at least 2 days, the main steps are:
- preparation of the foundation;
- laying the substrate;
- the installation of spacers to ensure the gap and the laying of panels.
Laying moisture-resistant laminate in the kitchen has its own nuances:
- waterproofing of the base is necessary, in the area of \ u200b \ u200bthe sink - coating, in other places you can lay a plastic film under the substrate, and if the laminate is laid on a stone or ceramic tile, then building foil;
- do not use a cork backing that absorbs moisture;
- locks, joints can be pre-treated with a sealant (special for laminate - Kronoflooring Click Guard or silicone for windows), but only if it is not prohibited by the manufacturer (with a perfectly adjusted geometry of the locks, even the thinnest layer of sealant can break their adhesion);
- you can seal the joints with a sealant after installation.
Operation and care
Vinyl laminate can be used without restrictions, but if HDF laminate is installed in the kitchen, even with increased moisture resistance, a number of precautions must be taken:
- it is better to lay a rubber mat under the sink;
- Remove liquid accidentally spilled on the floor as soon as possible by wiping the surface dry (a high-density HDF board laminate can tolerate contact with water for up to 3 hours without noticeable consequences, and up to 6 hours with improved resin impregnation, but this should not be abused);
- It is better to clean the laminate from dust and dry debris with a vacuum cleaner, and wet cleaning is enough to carry out weekly;
- a cloth for cleaning the floor should be well wrung out, avoid spilling water, the formation of puddles;
- once a year or less, the surface can be treated with a special mastic, the seams can be additionally sealed;
- do not use in the care of the laminate, including waterproof and moisture resistant, aggressive detergents, abrasive cleaning agents, products containing beeswax and glycerin - they destroy the lamination.
But qualitative laminate is enough tolerates well such impact, especially short-term and local.
What to do in case of flooding
If flooding occurs, a significant area of the floor has been in contact with a large amount of water for a long time, especially hot water, you need to take the following measures:
- remove all water from the surface, wipe the panels dry;
- remove the skirting boards, disassemble the coating and wipe off the water that has seeped onto the substrate;
- examine the panels: if there is a noticeable deformation, it is better to postpone the re-laying until the panels are completely dry and the geometry is restored;
- if the deformation is irreversible (this is not typical for a real moisture-resistant laminate), the affected panels will have to be replaced.
Outcome
Laminate, for all its merits, has long been considered an unsuitable floor covering for the kitchen, but the appearance moisture resistant and waterproof laminate flooring allowed the use of this popular flooring and in high humidity conditions.
When choosing such a laminate need to pay attention for marking, technical characteristics - board density, swelling coefficient, features of locks, as well as for the reputation of the manufacturer.
Installing waterproof laminate in the kitchen has some features, and the process of its operation must be observed a set of rules and precautions, then the floor covering will last as long as possible.
