Which laminate to choose for the kitchen and hallway. Choosing a laminate for the kitchen: tips for care and use, real reviews and photo examples Which laminate is suitable for the kitchen

When choosing a material for a kitchen floor, not many people think about laminate, considering this coating not the most suitable for a given room. However modern market building materials offers a fairly extensive selection of different types of laminate, including those that are simply ideal for the kitchen. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you need to know how to choose a laminate for the kitchen, and then it will delight you for many years with its excellent appearance and high wear resistance.

Why should you choose laminate for your kitchen?

Speaking about why it is worth choosing a material such as laminate for a kitchen floor, we can immediately note several of its advantages, both decorative and practical. Laminate can imitate a variety of materials, so it won’t be difficult to choose required option for the kitchen in any style, color and design. You can choose a laminate for the kitchen to match tiles, various types and textures of wood, imitating stone, or simply with a smooth, plain surface. Unlike those materials that it can imitate, laminate sometimes has a much more affordable cost, which also cannot be ignored as one of the advantages of this material. It is also impossible not to mention that laminate is one of the easiest materials to install, as no additional floor preparation is required. If the floor surface is flat, laminate can be laid even over an old floor covering - carpet, linoleum, parquet or wooden flooring. If desired, laminate, or more precisely, some of its types, can also be used in the kitchen in which it is planned to install a heated floor. When choosing a laminate for these purposes, you need to pay attention to its labeling.

How to choose the right laminate for the kitchen

Before choosing a laminate for the kitchen, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with which laminate is most suitable for this type of room.

If we talk about the class of laminate, then for the kitchen it is best to choose class 31 or 32. Some store sellers may advise purchasing laminate of a lower class, saying that classes 31 and 32 are intended for use in public spaces– offices, shops, restaurants, i.e. where there is an increased load on the floor, however, this argument should not be taken into account. The higher the class of the laminate, the more wear-resistant it will be and the less it will be afraid of moisture, shocks, scratches and other damage that may occur during its operation.

Moisture-resistant and water-resistant laminate

When choosing a laminate for the kitchen, you should opt for moisture-resistant or waterproof laminate, which are more optimally suited for this room, where increased level humidity, and it is also possible for water to get on the floor.

Moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen tolerates water well on its surface, but this applies directly to the surface of the products, but not to the joints between them. In the event that water enters and for a long time remains at the junction of two laminate sheets, swelling occurs internal structure, which leads to deformation of the top layer of the slab. Unfortunately, even after complete drying, it will not be possible to restore the original appearance of the laminate. To prevent anything like this from happening, it is necessary to treat the joints with a special mastic when laying the laminate, and possibly during its further operation, which will protect the laminate from moisture penetration through the joints.

Waterproof laminate for the kitchen, which is also often used for bathroom floors, is significantly different from other types of laminate and significantly superior in its characteristics to moisture-resistant laminate. The main difference is that the basis of the moisture-resistant laminate is wood board, which has an increased density and fibrous structure, while the basis of a waterproof laminate is a plastic board, which is simply not capable of absorbing moisture, and, therefore, will not swell even with constant contact with water and as a result of exposure to humidity. The top layer of waterproof laminate is also quite durable and represents adhesive composition, with which it is applied to the surface decorative layer and an additional layer of water-repellent polymer, which even more reliably protects the laminate from both moisture and mechanical damage.

In any case, regardless of which laminate for the kitchen you choose, you should, if possible, try to avoid allowing the floor to come into contact with water for too long, especially in the case of moisture-resistant laminate, and wipe the liquid from the floor surface within 15 minutes.

Disadvantages of kitchen laminate

Almost every material, along with its advantages, has certain disadvantages that you must know about.

The main disadvantage of laminate, if you do not take into account waterproof laminate, is his fear of prolonged exposure to moisture - if a water leak occurs in the kitchen while no one is home, there is a risk that the laminate flooring in this room will have to be completely replaced.

As another drawback, we can note the rather ringing sound of steps on this coating. This problem can be solved by using a small mat that can be placed in the movement area or by using shoes with soft soles.

Many people know that laminate, like almost any material that has a wood base and has undergone industrial processing, may contain formaldehyde, a substance that large quantities can have a negative impact on our body. A certain amount of formaldehyde is contained in furniture, wooden doors and many other products. In order to understand how safe the laminate you are purchasing is, you need to pay attention to the appropriate labeling - if the packaging of the laminate contains the E-1 marking, it means it contains a minimal amount of formaldehyde, which is not dangerous to humans.

How to care for laminate flooring in the kitchen

Laminate flooring in the kitchen does not require any special care - you just need to clean it regularly with a not too damp cloth. If desired, you can use special means for the care of laminate flooring, which will help give the floor shine and a fresher appearance. There are also products that will help mask minor scratches and damage to the surface of the laminate if they occur.

The cost of laminate differs depending on its class, as well as additional wear resistance characteristics and the reputation of the manufacturer. There is no point in saving when choosing this material, since only a truly high-quality laminate can last long enough and will not upset its owner with its appearance.

You should not be afraid to purchase laminate as a material for a kitchen floor; the main thing is not to make a mistake in choosing the material required according to its characteristics during its purchase, and also take into account the features of the laminate during its further operation.

Laminate is one of the most popular materials for finishing residential premises. They give their all living rooms and corridors, but in rooms with high humidity it has not found widespread use. 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.
The decorative layer is 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 - relatively new material in the field of floor coverings, it is 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, 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, and 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 liquid chemicals 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. Kitchen room 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. Therefore, a flat surface of the subfloor in the kitchen, unlike other rooms in the apartment, is most important.

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

Many owners, when planning a renovation, decide for themselves whether laminate flooring is suitable for the kitchen and hallway. In these rooms flooring there is a special burden. Therefore, it is important that the floors are strong and durable.

What makes laminated coatings stand out from their analogues?

In order to decide whether laminate is suitable as a covering for the kitchen and hallway, you should find out what it is. Laminated coating consists of several layers: the main one, which plays the role of load-bearing, decorative, protective, and lower reinforcing. The basis of the coating is chipboard or MDF. They can have different strength and rigidity, which affects the class of the future product. The amount of wood in the material determines the presence of voids and, accordingly, the density. The denser the material, the fewer voids it contains and the lower its ability to accumulate moisture.

The decorative layer is thick paper, which determines the color, texture and pattern of the material. The top layer is protective - it is impregnated with an insoluble chemical that increases strength. For a kitchen, it is important that the floor is not only durable, but also shock-resistant, since heavy objects may fall. To increase strength, manufacturers add protective layer fillers that increase strength characteristics. If you don’t know how to choose laminate flooring for the kitchen and hallway, pay special attention to the following factors:

1. Wear resistance class;
2. Color and pattern;
3. Moisture resistant.

We will talk about each of these factors that influence the choice of covering for the kitchen and hallway below.

Selecting a coating based on wear resistance class

Laminate coatings are divided into 6 resistance classes and are marked with two numbers. The first means for which rooms the coating is intended, and the second means the degree of load: the higher the number, the greater the load the laminate can withstand. The following classes are intended for residential premises:

21 – for the bedroom and office;
22 – for the nursery and living room;
23 – for the kitchen, corridor, hallway.

The higher the class, the greater cross-country ability it is designed for. For commercial premises, classes starting with 3 are intended:

31 – conference room, small office;
32 – office, boutique;
33 – gym, warehouse, restaurant.

For the kitchen and hallway you can choose class 23 or 31. These coatings are designed for heavy loads, are abrasion resistant, mechanical damage, withstand impacts.

Moisture resistance – which will be better for the kitchen?

Based on exposure to moisture, laminate is divided into moisture-resistant and water-resistant. Both types are covered with special chemicals, which do not allow moisture to pass through and do not allow the material to swell. There are some differences between the coatings that you need to know when choosing laminate flooring for your kitchen or hallway. The surface and ends of the moisture-resistant laminate panels are treated with special compounds. The coating is easy to care for. It can be washed using household products for washing. But it is necessary to ensure that puddles do not remain on the floor for a long time.

Water penetrates between the panels; over time, they gain moisture and swell, which leads to deformation of the top layer. The coating loses its attractive appearance. To improve the hermetic properties, we recommend treating the joints of moisture-resistant laminate with special wax-based water-repellent compounds. It is the places where the panels connect that are most vulnerable. These compounds can mask scratches and remove stains, giving the coating an attractive appearance. If you constantly treat the seams with mastics, then the moisture-resistant laminate can be used for the hallway and kitchen.

The waterproof coating option is not afraid of puddles, even if neighbors flood or a pipe bursts, the floor will not be damaged after that. In its manufacture it is used latest developments. It was possible to create a laminate that is 100% impervious to moisture. For its basis it is not used wood material, but a plastic plate. A panel made of this material does not absorb moisture, so it does not swell and does not lose its beautiful appearance, even if it is placed in water for a day. Therefore, floors made from such panels can be used in rooms with high humidity: bathrooms, kitchens, etc.

Waterproof glue is applied to the surface of the plastic plate, on top of which a decorative layer is glued. A high-strength water-repellent polymer is applied on top. Thus, a coating is obtained that is not afraid of water and resistant to mechanical damage. The cost of waterproof laminate is twice as high as moisture-resistant laminate, but in the event of a flood you will not have to replace the flooring.

How to decide on a pattern and color?

If the question arises, what color laminate to choose for the kitchen and which one for the hallway, then the variety of types of coating gives room for imagination. Exists a large number of options that imitate natural materials: a natural stone(granite, marble), wood (oak, alder, wenge). An option is also possible ceramic tiles.

Choosing a laminate that imitates natural wood, you can play with the texture of the material.

There are several types of texture:

with simple embossing;
with embossing in register;
brushing;
with Chrome Zone effect.

With simple embossing on top layer grooves are pressed that imitate various types of wood. Contamination is not so noticeable on such a coating, so it does not require frequent washing. The grooves on the embossed register match the pattern of the wood carved into the surface of the panel. This coating has stylish look. When brushing, embossing is combined with painting, after which a second protective layer is applied. This technology increases the abrasion resistance of the coating.

Chrome zone is a method in which the grooves are decorated with a chromium alloy. The panels acquire a matte-glossy surface and additional strength. This laminate floor looks very impressive.

Pros and cons of lamella flooring

To choose the right laminated flooring for the kitchen and hallway, you need to know its pros and cons. The advantages of laminate include the following:

beautiful appearance;
wide selection of colors and patterns;
abrasion resistance;
strength;
resistance to mechanical damage;
hygiene;
ease of care;
affordable price;
Possibility of use as a floor covering when installing a “warm floor”;
simplicity and ease of installation.

Despite a number of advantages, laminate has disadvantages that, if desired, can be made less noticeable:

sensitivity to moisture;
poor sound insulation;
formaldehyde resins in the composition.

Waterproof laminate does not require additional protection from moisture. The weak point of its other types is the joints, because prolonged exposure to moisture may cause the material to swell. If you properly care for the coating and apply protective compounds, it will last a long time. If a laminate floor becomes very wet, it cannot be restored. In this case, it will have to be changed completely. Laminate flooring has low sound insulation, which manifests itself in too loud steps. To slightly reduce audibility, you should use soft slippers.

Laminate, in addition to being waterproof, like many Decoration Materials, may contain formaldehyde resins, which are hazardous to human health. Buying a cover Special attention pay attention to labeling . The minimum content of formaldehyde resins is indicated by the E-1 icon. If it is present, then you can safely purchase the material, since in this case nothing threatens your health.

Which lamellas to choose and how to lay them?

To the question whether it is possible to lay laminate flooring in the kitchen, the answer will be positive if you take into account the characteristics inherent in the laminate and select a coating that should be:

waterproof, with a high strength class, environmentally friendly, easy to install and maintain, with an antistatic coating.

When choosing a pattern, consider the size of the room. You should not choose a large picture for small kitchen or hallway, since the depth of the pattern will be lost. Also for indoors small sizes unsuitable dark colors, as they will visually make the kitchen smaller. Nuances of laying panels:

1. Most economical option– lay panels along the longest wall. In this case, the consumption is less and installation is faster.
2. B narrow room It is better to lay it perpendicular to a long wall, this will visually expand the room.
3. The most effective and beautiful styling is diagonal. In this case, the size of the covering does not matter, since it will look harmonious on the floor of any area. The disadvantage of this method is the high consumption of material.

Two types of fastening are possible: locking and adhesive. The advantage of the lock is the ease of installation and the possibility of dismantling. The covering laid using the interlocking method can be disassembled and installed in another room. The adhesive version is more airtight. Laminate flooring in the kitchen can be laid on any flat surface, including linoleum, wood flooring, low-pile carpeting.

The laminated coating is antistatic, so it does not attract dust. To maintain daily cleanliness, it is enough to wipe the floor with a well-wrung out cloth. Heavy stains can be washed using a large amount of water, after which the floor should be wiped dry. To increase the moisture resistance of a laminated floor, the joints should be regularly treated with special waterproof compounds. Special mastics can mask scratches and renew the appearance of the floor. If you don’t skimp and buy a waterproof laminate with a high strength class, install it correctly and use it carefully, it will last for many years.

Or you can opt for 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. This coating will help add a new texture to the kitchen interior. It is practical and easy to care for. Let's consider how to choose laminate for the kitchen, why it is better to choose vinyl (PVC) laminate. what characteristics should you pay attention to, what advantages and disadvantages does such a coating have?

What coating is suitable for the kitchen?

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

How to choose

When purchasing laminate flooring for the kitchen, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

Wear resistance. The higher the coating class, the greater the load it can be subjected to. It is better to choose class 32-33. It is capable of serving up to 15 years. You can also buy class 34, but it costs more.
Moisture resistance. It is important to buy a laminate that is moisture resistant. Such coatings have markings (faucet, drop of water, phrases waterproof, water resistance, etc.).
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. This type of flooring is easier to install and lasts longer. Lock is not like that reliable system, but products with it are cheaper. This type of flooring is more difficult to install. You will need a perfectly level base.
Thickness. Thicker laminate has high strength. It is durable, strong, but more expensive. For suitable for kitchens coating of at least 9 mm.
Guarantees. Manufacturer. Give preference to products famous manufacturer. Even the cheapness of such products does not justify such a choice. It is better to look for an inexpensive coating from a well-known manufacturer. Large stores regularly hold promotions and sell goods at a discount.
Chamfer. In the kitchen it is better to install laminate flooring without a chamfer. Some manufacturers use an optical bevel that creates a contour on each board.
Formaldehyde emission. Choose markings E0, E1. This is a safe coating.
Surface. For the kitchen you need to choose an anti-slip surface. The surface of this laminate is rough. You should not take a smooth laminate. It's easy to slip and even get injured in the kitchen. This is especially dangerous for children.
Noise absorption. Some coatings have a layer to absorb sound. Its thickness is 1-2 mm. If it is not there, you need to buy a special substrate.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

This coating is warm. You can even walk on it with bare feet. Selected options suitable for creating warm floors.
He is not afraid of damage or temperature changes. It washes well and is resistant to stains and abrasion.
This coating looks like wood. You can choose the design. Laminate is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
There are no traces left on the laminate from the legs of furniture or refrigerator.

Flaws:

Moisture may cause it to swell and swell. It is especially dangerous to fill the coating hot water. After such emergencies, sometimes it is necessary 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 production it is used different material. A protective layer is applied to the moisture-resistant coating. Water will not penetrate through it. The locks are treated with a water-repellent compound. If there is a lot of water, it will still leak out. Because of this, the coating is deformed and the seams swell. However, it will not be possible to fix the floor. It will need to be redone. The liquid must be wiped off as quickly as possible. Waterproof laminate is protected from this. Its base is made of plastic. It costs more and has design limitations. If you need a moisture-resistant durable floor, it is better to take vinyl (PVC) laminate.
Makes a ringing sound, “clicking”. The sound of walking on laminate flooring is very loud. This happens when there is no substrate. The sound intensifies, like a drum. If the floor is uneven, a squeak may also appear. To fix the problem, you need to use a substrate to absorb sound. Such a seal will help absorb clatter, smooth out unevenness, and immediately reduce the sound by half.
Chips, scratches. Laminate is more durable than parquet or solid wood, but damage can also occur on it. A wax pencil will help solve the problem. It needs to 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 install a floor heating system. In this case, certain conditions must be observed:

The temperature needs to be raised slowly, not immediately. Do not heat above 28 degrees. You will need temperature sensors and a rheostat to regulate the temperature smoothly.
We cannot cover the system with electrically heated. It heats unevenly, causing the planks to become deformed and cracks to form. It is better to use infrared or water heated floors.
You will need a humidifier. It is needed to protect the laminate from drying out. Humidity needs to be no less than 50%.

Design solution

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

A chamfer is a beveled 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 her closer appearance To wooden board. For single-strip boards, the pattern is located across the entire width of the boards. For two-lane ones, the stripes divide the die in half. There are also multi-band options.

Tree. There are imitations of almost any breed. It is better to choose a calm color that will not be too noticeable. Otherwise, the entire emphasis in the interior will shift to the floor. Inexpensive products are covered with the same type of pattern. It is better to choose a slightly more expensive coating. It looks more natural. Laminate flooring with calm colors is chosen for kitchens in a modern or classic style.
Stone, tile or concrete. Laminate flooring under tiles in the kitchen will look organic and impressive. The main thing is to choose a color that will harmonize with the furniture and will not attract undue attention. For a high-tech, minimalist interior, a concrete-look board is suitable.

Don't skimp on quantity. It is necessary to provide a reserve of at least 5% of the total kitchen area. It will come in handy if you need to replace a damaged section of the floor.

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

Before installation, carefully read the instructions and follow the advice exactly. Each manufacturer gives recommendations.
You can lay laminate on a wooden floor, screed, linoleum, ceramic tiles. It is important that the base is dry and smooth.
To ensure that the joints are invisible, the planks 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 kitchen with large area It's perfect. A wooden floor will go well with patchwork tiles.

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