Which laminate is better to choose for the kitchen? A few small but important tips will help you. Choosing a waterproof laminate for the kitchen Is it possible to use laminate in the kitchen

Laminate is one of the most popular materials for finishing residential premises. They give their all living rooms and corridors, but it has not found wide application in rooms with high humidity. This is primarily due to the fact that a simple laminate for the kitchen has insufficient moisture resistance - when water gets on its surface, it loses its properties and can swell and warp.

Progress does not stand still and the solution was the emergence of new types of materials that are resistant to water. When deciding which laminate to choose for the kitchen, you need to know the features of moisture-resistant types.

Material characteristics

Laminated boards have a rectangular appearance with an average size of 1300 mm. by 190 mm. and about 8 mm thick. and consist of compressed high pressure several layers:

The main layer is a pressed load-bearing particle board.
Decorative layer - thick paper with a pattern and color of the coating.
The protective layer is a special durable insoluble melamine coating that determines the wear resistance of the laminate.
The bottom layer is thick kraft paper that strengthens and stabilizes loads.

The base laminate layer board, depending on the degree of density and rigidity, can have two markings: HDF (high density fiberboard) - material structure high density and MDF (middle density fiberboard) - what material medium density. In moisture-resistant types of laminate, waterproof plastic is used as the bottom layer.

Laminate structure

The main characteristic of the material is its wear resistance, it is divided into several classes with a digital designation:

21 - 23 - old types of laminate, not currently produced, have a very short service life;
31 - the least abrasion-resistant of modern types; at home it can last no more than 10 years, in offices 2 years;
32 - designed for 15 years of service in apartments and 3 - 5 years in office premises;
33 - service life at home increases to 20 years and in offices to 6 years;
34 is a “sports” laminate, the limit of its capabilities. It is very expensive, capable of withstanding enormous traffic of 1000 people per day, and is used for specialized purposes. It can be used in an apartment for an unlimited amount of time; this class of laminate is rarely used in everyday life.

Features of laminate and its types

Laminate has become widespread in everyday life due to its distinctive features.

Simple laminate in the kitchen, pros and cons:

A wide range of prices, allowing almost any homeowner to purchase a budget option.
A wide variety of textures and patterns that imitate natural materials on floor coverings, wide range color range, allowing you to choose laminate flooring for the kitchen and hallway to match almost any interior.
The material is resistant to temperature changes and exposure to direct sunlight.
Although laminate is not an environmentally friendly product, it does not emit substances harmful to the human body.
Laminate flooring is easy to clean; simply wipe it with a slightly damp cloth.
One of the most important qualities Laminate flooring is easy to install and maintainable - you can remove the damaged panel and replace it with a new one, although you will have to dismantle part of the floor.

Moisture-resistant laminates for the kitchen

When deciding which laminate to choose for the kitchen, you should take into account the low moisture resistance of a simple laminate, therefore for use in kitchen areas with high humidity There are two types of it: moisture-resistant and water-resistant.

Often water from the sink gets on the floor, first consider what type of laminate to install in the kitchen

Moisture-resistant laminate

Laminate for the kitchen moisture resistant differs from regular topics that its basis is HDF board increased strength With high content resin. In addition, the ends of the plates and the outer coating are additionally treated with a water-repellent material based on wax or silicone.

Installation of the floor to avoid moisture penetration into the joints is often done using water-repellent glue; after assembling the floor, the joints are additionally treated with a waterproofing compound, as a result the floor cannot be dismantled without damaging the panels.

Moisture-resistant types are called “aqua-laminates”; the name is present in their designation and on the packaging. Floors with such a coating can withstand about 6 hours of exposure to water without losing their performance.

Water cannot seep between the special boards, thereby protecting the laminate from swelling

Waterproof laminate

Quartz-vinyl laminate is a relatively new material in the field of flooring, manufactured using innovative technology developed by the Japanese concern Shinko Kasei. Board waterproof material has about 9 layers, the main ones are: a base plastic layer, a fiberglass layer, a micro ceramic layer made of ground shell rock and quartz sand, and a top protective vinyl layer.

Waterproof laminate in the kitchen, main characteristics

Safe for people and pets, the level of toxic substances released in environment(LEED) makes it safe for use in medical and childcare settings.
Quartz-vinyl material burns very poorly. In case of fire it does not emit toxic gases. This is due to the fact that the composition includes non-flammable chlorides, and 60-70% of its structure is shell rock and crushed quartz.
According to wear resistance PVC tiles significantly superior to its competitors (commercial linoleum, HDF-based laminate). It has abrasion resistance classes 34 and 43, its service life in residential areas is unlimited.
The coating has good resistance to sharp impacts without losing its appearance, has a shock-absorbing effect.
Moisture-resistant PVC does not allow penetration electricity and is not electrostatic, unlike the melamine surface of conventional laminate.
PVC tiles have good sound absorption, reducing the impact noise level by 19 decibels. This is due to the structure of the material itself and, to a greater extent, to the installation method - the floor is installed in most cases by gluing plates onto a solid surface.
The coating is resistant to most liquids chemical substances widely used in everyday life: gasoline, alcohol, solvent grade 646, white spirit.
PVC tiles have an anti-slip effect, which avoids injury to small children and adults.
The floors are easy to clean and any dirt can be easily wiped off their surface.
Easy installation saves money cash for self-installation.

Waterproof laminate is slightly different in its structure

Rules of care

Waterproof laminate kitchen floors are antistatic and do not attract dust. To clean, it is enough to wipe them occasionally with a well-wrung out cloth.

Laminate floors are susceptible to joint separation over time; to maintain the kitchen floor in good condition, it is recommended to regularly treat the joints with proprietary wax-based compounds from the manufacturer. In this way you can mask scratches and erase stubborn stains.

To avoid damaging the floor surface when moving the refrigerator or kitchen furniture you can stick gaskets from soft material: felt, porous plastic.

To add shine to the laminate flooring, use a mixture of water and vinegar in a ratio of 20 to 1: the composition is sprayed onto the dirty surface and rubbed, then wiped dry with a rag.

How to make the right choice?

When choosing moisture-resistant or water-resistant laminate flooring for your kitchen, consider the following.

In order not to confuse the type of laminate, in the description moisture-resistant type indicated by Aqua, the packaging usually shows a drop of water with a tap or umbrella.

On construction market The range of laminates is very wide, you can easily find suitable option for price and quality

When deciding which laminate is best for the kitchen, you first need to choose a manufacturer. Floors from the French brand Dumafloor and Belgian Aqua-step are widespread and have proven themselves on the market. The products of these manufacturers are different wide choice decor imitating wood: pine, beech, oak, with a variety of color shades.

For those who prefer not classic, but modern look coatings, companies offer imitation stone and metal. Other laminate manufacturers are no less famous: Ritter, Classen, Ecoflooring; their products are of high quality.

To avoid counterfeits when purchasing, it is better to check the availability of a certificate for the product, which should indicate its name, country of manufacture, batch, etc. To obtain reliable information about the manufacturer, you can also check the internal markings on the panel itself: the country of manufacture is indicated at the end of the lock .

It is advisable to choose a denser material, at least 900 kg/cubic meter, the higher this figure, the better. The kitchen area has the highest traffic in the entire apartment, so moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen should be purchased in class 32 or 33.

When determining which class of laminate to choose, many choose the higher class 33; it is not only more wear-resistant, but also often has higher moisture resistance, unlike low-class types.

When choosing, a useful indicator of a laminate is the swelling coefficient, which shows its behavior when exposed to water for 24 hours. The norm is 18%, but the lower it is, the better for the kitchen.

The floor in the kitchen gets water more often than other rooms, so it would be practical to choose a covering for the kitchen with a slightly rough surface.

A swollen laminate not only does not look aesthetically pleasing, it deforms faster and also creates discomfort when walking on it.

Many people recommend purchasing a waterproof laminate for the kitchen with a newfangled bevel, explaining this by the fact that over time the seams come apart, the edges of the laminate lift up and it takes on an unaesthetic appearance. This option is not recommended for the kitchen; water can accumulate in the chamfers and lead to damage to the moisture-resistant laminate.

If a moisture-resistant interlocking version of the laminate is installed in the kitchen, then cork backing will not work and a moisture-resistant PVC backing should be used.

When purchasing waterproof laminate for a kitchen, they usually make a reserve of 10-15% to replace damaged panels.

If the base on which the laminate is laid is uneven, it will sag in the pits, which will lead to deformation of the seams and, as a result, loss of tightness, which is especially important for a waterproof floor. That's why Smooth surface subfloor in the kitchen, unlike other rooms in the apartment, is the most relevant.

When choosing a waterproof laminate for the kitchen, you should look at guarantee period– y the best manufacturers he is 25 - 50 years old.

By purchasing moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen, we get the opportunity to implement a variety of design projects in a difficult room, despite the presence of work area water, grease and dirt. Owners planning to repair or completely replace flooring need to be able to understand the classification and types of this material.

Standard moisture-resistant laminate is made from resin-impregnated fiberboards and paper with decorative patterns. This material is cheaper than many standard floor coverings and is not much inferior to them in physical characteristics. Whether it is possible to install laminate flooring in the kitchen depends on its manufacturing technology, strength class, abrasion resistance and water resistance.

Advantages of using moisture-resistant laminate in the kitchen:

This material is warm to the touch and makes less noise when walking.
The high-quality coating does not leave marks from heels and furniture.
You can install moisture-resistant laminate flooring in your kitchen without involving specialists.
The cost of this flooring is affordable for most families.

Disadvantages of using moisture-resistant laminate in the kitchen:

What class of laminate is best for the kitchen?

Having decided to purchase waterproof laminate for the kitchen, check out what products are available on your market. Although many reference books recommend for home use products of class 21-22, experience has shown that they do not last long even in a relatively calm and dry room. It is advisable to buy flooring not lower than class 32, capable of normal service in living conditions more than two decades.

What laminate should I put in the kitchen?

When wondering which laminate to choose for the kitchen, people confuse waterproof and moisture-resistant materials. Waterproof fiber boards are processed protective compounds and covered with a durable film with a pattern. They are able to withstand moisture for a certain time without swelling of the top layer and loss of decorative qualities, but they cannot withstand prolonged contact with water.

The weak point of all HDF boards is side surfaces and locks, these elements must be impregnated with silicone or wax-based lubricants. When purchasing a moisture-resistant imported product, always look for the word “aqua” on the label, drawings with an umbrella and drops, which confirm resistance to moisture. High-quality waterproof laminate, which does not absorb water at all, is produced exclusively on a PVC basis.

An excellent waterproof floor with good strength characteristics - vinyl laminate for the kitchen. This synthetic material has good decorative qualities, it imitates ceramics, wood, different types of stone and even leather quite well. PVC laminate has two main layers - a protective top coating based on polyurethane or aluminum oxide, and a vinyl bottom layer with a thickness of 0.5 mm.

Types of waterproof laminate:

Considering popular options for which laminate to lay in the kitchen, you can find information about previously rare cork covering with interesting characteristics. When hitting this floor, dishes rarely break; it is warm, silent, and pleasant to the touch. Disadvantage of natural cork: high price, but manufacturers managed to partially compensate for this disadvantage through invention.

This type laminate has a multilayer structure; inside it consists of compressed cork glued to MDF or chipboard. The top has a natural wood veneer covered with vinyl or varnish protective layer. Availability lock connection makes installation and repair of this floor in the kitchen a relatively simple and quick task, and its thermal insulation and soundproofing properties far superior to competitors.

Disadvantage of cork laminate:

Moisture-resistant floors in a room can look invisible against the general background or turn into the main exhibit of the interior, depending on the chosen design. Milky, light brown, light beige or white laminate in the kitchen - perfect solution for minimalism, hi-tech, loft, country style. It will make the room visually more spacious, contrasts well with furniture facades, and improves the level of illumination.

Flaws light laminate in the kitchen:

Dark coating is traditionally used in classic design, oriental styles. Laminate floors in the kitchen with a dark wood look make the decor look respectable; they are a beautiful backdrop for units with light fronts. It is not advisable to use dark laminate in a small room, next to bright furniture or wallpaper. To avoid making the interior gloomy, you can use light-colored rugs or runners. Try to find curtains that match the rich colors of the flooring.

Floors with a noble parquet pattern are installed mainly in rooms with a special status - living rooms or formal halls. In the presence of necessary funds expensive material can be used in other household rooms, creating an aristocratic or modern design. When thinking about which laminate to choose for the kitchen, you can consider purchasing material with a texture like stylish tiles, for parallel or diagonal laying. Coverings with inscriptions or abstract designs are suitable for youth interiors and spacious studio apartments.

Practical owners are trying to solve the problem of arranging durable floors, considering all traditional and original options. Interesting solution This problem is caused by installing laminate flooring in the kitchen in combination with tiles. These materials look great together when successful selection textures and colors. Ceramic will last longer in humid areas where frequent contact with grease and dirt is possible.

Advantages of combining laminate with tiles:

Ceramic has a lot of advantages, but many people do not like it as a floor covering due to some disadvantages - it is fragile, cold, slippery, and has low sound insulation. Laminate tiles for a moisture-resistant kitchen are a good alternative solution for private apartments. There are several types of tile panels:

Finishing the kitchen with laminate

Used in the interior different types laminate for the kitchen, but it is advisable to take into account the microclimate in each area of the living space before purchasing, and purchase material with the necessary physical characteristics. If the apron is under increased influence of negative factors, then in the dry dining area the walls are less susceptible to the influence of harmful fumes and high temperatures. Fragmentary finishing of walls can be done with strips left after laying floors, but the coloring of facades, walls and countertops should be taken into account.

Having decided on the question of which laminate is best to choose for the kitchen, you need to study a little about the process of laying it on the floor. First, a waterproofing substrate is laid on a rough, well-cleaned and leveled concrete floor with an overlap of up to 20 cm, and a layer of foamed polyethylene is placed on top. The process of installing moisture-resistant laminate in the kitchen should begin from the side of the window openings. The material, which has its own soundproofing substrate, does not need an additional layer of polyethylene.

The slats are inserted into the lock at a slight angle; if a whole strip is not enough, then we fill the floor space with segments. We begin to lay the remaining piece with a size of at least 30 cm next row. In the case when you need to apply force when snapping the lock, place it under the blow of a hammer against the end part of the laminate wooden block. Diagonal laying requires increased consumption of lamellas, but this method can achieve the effect of increasing the space of the kitchen.

Moisture-resistant laminate for finishing walls in the kitchen is used relatively rarely. It is more expensive and heavier than standard panels, requires a reliable method of fixation, and does not tolerate high humidity and temperature changes. Because of this, it is not possible to use all varieties of this material on the walls. Try to thoroughly study the question of how to choose a laminate for the kitchen; when decorating wet areas, try to use a good quality waterproof coating.

The advantages of using moisture-resistant laminate for walls in the kitchen:

While studying the question of whether laminate flooring is practical in the kitchen, designers came to the conclusion that it would be advisable to use this coating for decorating backsplashes. It has a reasonable price and is accessible to the general public; if the operating rules are followed, it can serve long years. For this purpose, you should purchase exclusively moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen from class 31-32. Panels that look like wood or tiles are well suited depending on the general design rooms and facades furniture.

Installation of the material is carried out on a leveled wall with installed sheathing, fixation is carried out using self-tapping screws, dowels and screws. It is advisable to treat the joints of moisture-resistant laminate in the kitchen with sealant and close the end parts plastic corner, which can be securely fastened at home using liquid nails.

Should I put laminate flooring in the kitchen or not? And how to choose the right material? The answers are in the article.

Photo: askville.amazon.com

Traditional tiles in our latitudes, where the weather cannot be called warm for at least six months, will require the installation of underfloor heating, especially if children or elderly people live in the apartment, for whom contact with cold ceramics is highly undesirable. Yes and correct styling- the process is very labor-intensive and requires special skills and knowledge. Modern linoleum, although it pleases us with a variety of textures, colors and types, can also be rejected due to 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 positioned as waterproof.

So is it possible to put laminate flooring on the kitchen floor? And what kind of waterproof laminate is it?

How is waterproof laminate different from regular laminate?

Photo: parquet-online.ru

Laminate usually has a four or five layer structure:

The first layer (the topmost one, the one we wash, clean and, of course, trample) 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 this that determines the wear resistance class, from the resistance of the laminate to abrasion. Elastic and durable, it also imitates the texture of the next layer.
Next is decorative layer made of paper impregnated with a special composition. It is this that gives the laminate exactly the look and texture that attracts us.
The main layer is compressed under high pressure and resin-impregnated, very high-density wood board - HDF or MDF. Thanks to the board manufacturing technology, 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, prevents deformation and noise insulation. To ensure greater silence, the coating is often equipped with an additional sound-proofing layer.

Features of waterproof laminate:

wear resistance class - 32, 33 or 34;
main layer - HDF - high-density board (from 850 kg/m3 to 900 kg/m3). This material can stay in water for a long time without swelling or losing its properties;
the locks of the waterproof laminate are treated with water repellents;
During production, many manufacturers also add water-repellent substances to the HDF board itself. Such slabs can be painted greenish (similar to moisture-resistant plasterboard);
Additionally, the 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 extend the life of laminate flooring, both manufacturers and experienced remodelers 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 numerous reviews, no one has any problems with operation.

Photo: alisaparket.ru

Here are some typical reviews from the forums:

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

“The kitchen has had laminate flooring for 3 years. The pipes do not leak, as they carried out an inspection during the renovation, 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’s been there for 4 years. Two small children at home... No problems at all. Including in the kitchen. Mine is completely calm... Something spills on the floor regularly. Neighbors flooded once... no swelling, no subsidence” (Martyshev, www.forumhouse.ru)

Advantages of laminate

withstands even very strong short-term flooding without loss of quality;
easily remove stains of various origins;
big choice 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 if they fall, and if the child stumbles, he will not get hit too hard.

When do difficulties arise?

Reviews about the excellent service of laminate flooring in the kitchen mainly concern high-quality products from brand manufacturers. And the price of such coverage is quite high - usually from 1000 to 2000 rubles per sq. m. meter.

Danger to quality laminate in the kitchen it’s not moisture, but fallen knives and dishes (if they still break). In this case, scratches may remain on the floor.

Advice. You can mask scratches on laminate flooring using a furniture pencil.

A moisture-resistant laminate does not mean that nothing will happen to it if it stays in water for several hours. The coating may deteriorate if water sits on the laminate for a long time. For example, you go on vacation and your neighbors flood you. Or they turn off the power - and the refrigerator leaks, and there will be a puddle on the floor for several days. Or the pipe will burst. It won't even last a few days in water. high-quality coating. And if the laminate swells greatly, it will no longer take its original shape. That is why this material is not placed in the bathroom. There, the coating is regularly exposed to moisture, and you should not count on a long service life.

Photo: 5masterov.ru

To install or not to install 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 product High Quality.
Do you often go away for a long time? Then laminate is not the best option for your kitchen. Or arrange for someone to regularly visit your apartment in your absence;
Good decision will combine laminate and tiles - in the work area, near the sink, in the area dishwasher, slabs lay tiles. Today, it will not be difficult to select a pattern and texture, and the transition can be closed with a connecting profile.
To extend the service life of the laminate, you need to use it carefully, protecting it from unnecessary scratches and impacts from sharp objects. In fact, careful and careful handling is recommended with any floor covering.

Photo: hominspire.com

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

If you decide to use laminate as a floor covering, then the question arises which coating will be the most durable and durable. After all, the kitchen is the place where the most household pollution occurs. Which laminate to choose for the kitchen so that it can withstand all the loads and serve faithfully for many years?

In order to do right choice, let's look at what laminated floor coverings are made from and what components are used in the production process.

The structure of the laminate and the materials used in its production

Laminated coating slabs, as seen in the photo, have several layers tightly pressed under pressure at high temperature.

Basic load-bearing layer – MDF or chipboard;
Decorative layer, which provides the color of the coating, consisting of a dense paper material;
Protective top layer, consisting of impregnation with melamine (an insoluble durable chemical compound) or other secure connections(at the discretion of the manufacturer);
Bottom reinforcing layer- thick kraft paper.

Chipboard (HDF) of varying degrees of rigidity and strength is used as the basis for the laminate. These indicators depend on the amount of wood in the slab. The denser the material, the fewer voids it contains, and the moisture resistance of the laminate increases. The choice of laminate for the kitchen assumes the strength of the coating and its resistance to impact, i.e. . After all, quite often it is in the kitchen that something heavy falls on the floor, unfortunately.

Some manufacturers add various reinforcing fillers to the protective layer to increase the strength of the laminate:

finely dispersed silicon dioxide;
fine cellulose fibers;
finely ground alpha aluminum oxide – corundum.

The amount of fillers and plasticizers in the material is the know-how of the manufacturer.

The variety of colors and textures of the laminate is provided by the pattern tightly attached to the chipboard. There are no difficulties in the question of which laminate to choose for the kitchen based on design and pattern. It all depends on general style and kitchen design.

The most important question is how to choose laminate for the kitchen, protective covering laminate Until recently, manufacturers offered only moisture-resistant versions of such coatings. But now on the market building materials you can see laminate samples positioned as waterproof.

Advice. By purchasing laminated coating For the kitchen floor, it is better to choose materials that are resistant to moisture - waterproof. Although the price of such a laminate is higher, the buyer is guaranteed that the material is resistant to high humidity.

What is the difference between moisture-resistant and water-resistant laminate

Knowing how to choose the right laminate for the kitchen, the buyer will not be disappointed in his decision. It is in the kitchen that the risk of the floor getting wet is very high. Therefore for kitchen premises It is recommended to use moisture resistant or, better yet, . What is the fundamental difference between these two coatings?

A special feature of this floor covering is that the ends of the lamellas are additionally treated with water-repellent compounds. And also the outer, protective layer of the material additionally has a coating that protects against moisture. Installation instructions for moisture-resistant laminate include the use of water-repellent adhesive compositions for lamella joints.

Since the weakest point of any laminate is the joints between the panels, their additional water-repellent treatment guarantees a long service life of the coating.

On the Internet you can find a lot of video materials on both the interlocking method and on the substrate using adhesive compositions.

Advice. For the kitchen, it is better to install the laminate joint-to-joint, without a locking coupling. This will allow you to additionally treat the seams of the lamellas with water-repellent glue. The only disadvantage of this installation method is that if one lamella is damaged during operation, it cannot be replaced. You will have to dismantle the covering.

If you decide to install a laminate floor in the kitchen yourself, then carefully additionally seal the joints of the slats with a special sealant.

Waterproof laminate

Production technologies are constantly being improved and in stores you can find laminate that is 100% water resistant. Manufacturers guarantee that this material can be in water for more than twenty-four hours and will retain all its technical characteristics.

Which laminate to choose for the kitchen – moisture-resistant or water-resistant. After all, the price of these materials differs almost twice.

Waterproof laminate for the kitchen is still preferable. Especially if the owners are often away from home for a long time, and the upstairs neighbors forget to turn off the water in the bathroom.
Features of finishing and texture of the material

There are several options for finishing laminate flooring to give it a natural wood texture:

Embossing;
Embossing in register;
Brushing;
Chrome zone.

Each of these textures has its own distinctive features production and operating conditions.

Embossing

With this method, a thicker protective layer is applied to the lamella, which is pressed or cut along the length of the strip. The photo shows that a complete illusion of using natural wood is created.

This coating can be washed much less often, and dirt is not too visible on it. In addition, the material acquires additional strength.

Embossing in register

The grooves cut into the protective layer match the wood grain of the finish. It looks very impressive and stylish. The choice of laminate for the kitchen can be opted for this option. Especially if such a laminate is moisture resistant.

Brushing

The treatment combines embossing and coloring of the grooves with re-coating with a protective layer. This gives the material strength and abrasion resistance.

Chrome zone

The chromium alloy used to decorate the grooves on the lamellas not only strengthens the material, but also makes it extremely impressive.

So, which laminate to choose for the kitchen:

Resistant to moisture;
With a solid base - not lower than abrasion index 33;

Advice. No matter what laminate sellers say in Russia, there is no specification for abrasion class 34.

With antistatic surface treatment;
Environmentally friendly.

Whatever choice of laminate for the kitchen is made, the main thing is that the material is of high quality. And it depends only on the tastes and preferences of the owners of the house.

The most actively visited room in the apartment is the kitchen. Life is in full swing here with all its manifestations - moisture, steam, temperature changes, pollution. The flooring reacts to everyone, therefore, it must remain inert to the negative. Laminate, if chosen correctly, is capable of durability even in extreme conditions. Which laminate is suitable for the kitchen - read more in this article

Kitchen features

Traditionally, kitchen floors are covered ceramic tiles or linoleum.
This is justified, since the coatings are easy to care for. But what is better for the kitchen: laminate or linoleum with tiles? Judge for yourself:

Neither tiles nor linoleum are durable. The first one will crack if you drop something heavy on the floor, the second one will swell if moisture gets under the covering. The service life of two floor coverings is short.
Laying tiles is associated with dirt and stretching out repairs for an indefinite period of time. For linoleum, you need to clear almost all the space from furniture, and similarly level the floor surface.

So what better tiles or laminate in the kitchen? As a conclusion, laminate for the kitchen will be the right solution if you decide to install a durable coating that is inert to the realities of the kitchen.

Laminate in the kitchen - pros and cons

A multilayer board, which is a laminate, has sufficient strength to withstand moisture, shock, and climatic changes. Abrasion resistance depends on the class - for the kitchen it is not lower than 31.
Hygiene is due to smooth surface, on which pollution does not linger. Warm floors are often installed in kitchens - laminate gets along well with it in tandem. There are also disadvantages:

Low classes of budget coating are not resistant to moisture. For kitchens, a special option is chosen that can withstand not only condensation in the seams, but also stagnation of water for several hours. The cost is appropriate.
Not environmentally friendly. The kitchen is a hot room. If the laminate is purchased from unknown sellers, this guarantees that it contains an increase in the percentage of formaldehydes that can be released into the atmosphere. All certificates must be provided for coverage.

Despite its shortcomings, laminate is in demand because, in addition to its strength qualities, it has a decent appearance and will create any style in the kitchen.

Laminate in the kitchen interior

Photo kitchen interior with laminate help owners make their choice:

Laminate wear resistance class

Considering the passage activity of the kitchen and corridor, a laminate class of at least 31 is required. Let's consider the features:

All these qualities indicate the advantage of high-class laminate for use in the kitchen. The corridor has no less aggressive conditions - therefore, it is clear which laminate to choose for the kitchen and hallway.

Waterproof or moisture resistant?

In terms of humidity, the kitchen is comparable to the bathroom. Recently, laminate flooring began to contain the word Aqua - resistance to contact with water. The nature of laminate flooring has come to be classified as waterproof and moisture resistant. Is there a difference? Let's consider:

Features of moisture-resistant laminate

Boards with an MDF body - fibreboard - have a high glue content. It is also present between the layers. This protection is good enough to prevent condensation or steam from entering. However, in more severe conditions - for example, a flood from neighbors - the obstacles will not withstand the amount of moisture. Drying such a laminate is useless. The remaining water will deform the board and ruin its appearance.
In the kitchen, such a laminate is suitable in the dining area or dining room - where it is guaranteed not to large quantity moisture.

Features of waterproof laminate

The difference between this type is the absence, in general, of a hint of wood. The body is a polymer plate, inert to moisture in principle.
This laminate will not swell or deform. It is successfully used in saunas. The cast structure can withstand increased loads, and the appearance is not inferior to traditional laminate. The price is high. The kitchen often does not require such radical requirements for the flooring, so it is enough to purchase a board with a high class of wear resistance.

Selecting a lock system

For resistance to moisture - an indispensable phenomenon in the kitchen - the pairing of laminate slats is important.
This is a traditional tongue and groove glue method board connections. Advantage of the first:

Quick styling. If the base is level, then the work is completed in a few hours without removing the furniture.
Possible replacement of a damaged board.

Disadvantage: leakage. In the event of a leak, moisture will penetrate under the floating floor, causing damage to the area of the laminate flooring.

The advantage of the second one is its tightness. All joints of the board are coated with glue. This, however, does not mitigate the shortcomings:

Replacements cannot be made without dismantling the entire coating.
Addition of formaldehyde to the total mass.
Perfect alignment is required, otherwise, under pressure, the joints will separate or the lamella will crack in void areas.

As a result, laminate in the kitchen, the photo of which is below, is better with tongue-and-groove or Click connections.

Cleaning kitchen laminate

Caring for the floor covering depends on its resistance to moisture.

If linoleum or tiles are inert to it, then laminate, taking into account what was described above, is not. Therefore, specific cleaning is required:

Without a lot of moisture.
Washing vacuum cleaners excluded.
Stains are removed with special means.
Housekeeping is provided daily.

It is not difficult to meet these requirements. In homes with small children, it will be frequent.

Conclusion

So, how to choose laminate for the kitchen and hallway is described in detail. Let's summarize - a moisture-resistant coating is required, not lower than wear resistance class 31. Choosing a color and imitation to suit a certain style is not difficult.

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