Everything about laminate flooring in the kitchen - from selection to installation. Which laminate to choose for the kitchen - tips for choosing the right one Which laminate can be laid in the kitchen

The kitchen is the soul of the home. This is the place where food smells delicious and the whole family often gathers. But this is where most often various products fall on the floor, dishes break, water, oil, juices and other liquids spill. Therefore, much more stringent requirements are imposed on the flooring than on materials for other premises.

Kitchen flooring can be wood, ceramic, vinyl, or even laminate. Any selected material must meet the following criteria:

Wear resistance

The floor must withstand constant foot traffic and abrasive loads, as well as the weight of furniture, household appliances and interior items. Resistance to pinpoint impacts, such as falling porcelain or glassware, knives and other sharp objects, would be useful. Typically this parameter corresponds to floor-mounted Decoration Materials from grade 23 and above. For the kitchen in residential apartments and at home, 31-32 are recommended; for commercial facilities (restaurants, cafes, hotels), it is advisable to choose products from wear resistance category 34 or more.

Moisture resistance

The kitchen floor very often needs wet cleaning. In addition, it is constantly splashed with water, various liquids are spilled, including those that stain or form stains. Accordingly, the surface of the finishing material (especially in the area of ​​​​the joints between lamellas or coating elements) must be moisture resistant, or even better, water resistant.

Easy to use

Housewives value qualities such as resistance to staining, fading, and ease of removal of dust and various contaminants. In addition, users are especially attracted to coatings that do not require frequent restoration of the protective layer (varnish, wax), the need for additional care, etc.

Wide range of decors

It's no secret that floor design plays an important role in the kitchen interior. Therefore, preference is given to those flooring materials that fit perfectly into any style and go well with other finishing products. And if necessary, they create a background for bright furniture or serve as a kind of dominant feature in the design of the room.

High-quality laminated parquet from well-known brands fully meets the above requirements. Let's look at the basic characteristics of laminate.

Types and features of laminate

Laminated coating belongs to the category of thin, but at the same time quite rigid. home distinguishing feature– glue-free or locking tongue-and-groove connection system. The special shape of the lock allows the planks to be mounted into a single, smooth, monolithic “floating” type covering (that is, independent of the base).

Several types of laminate are available:

Classic HDF coating

This is the first and most common modification of flooring products, which was positioned as a budget analogue of parquet and solid boards. It is a multi-layer finishing material for the floor, consisting of:

• Overlay – protective transparent film Made from durable thermosetting polymers. Thanks to it, the surface is resistant to abrasion, water and even frequent point loads.
• Decorative paper with a pattern that matches the collection - wood, stone, ceramics, textiles, leather and much more. The image is applied using high-precision laser printing, so an almost perfect imitation of natural material is obtained.
• Load-bearing HDF base 6-14 mm thick. It is fine wood flour mixed with thermosetting polymer resins and pressed into a board with a density of 700 to 1100 kg/m³. Cut around the perimeter lock connection, through which the planks are assembled without glue or fasteners into a single, monolithic sheet.
• A stabilizing layer, which is paper impregnated with thermosetting resins. Purpose – to protect the laminate from residual moisture of the base and prevent deformation of the lamellas.

Some manufacturers (Tarkett, Classen, etc.) additionally treat the locks with wax to increase the resistance of the coating to water. When clicked, the paraffin seals the joints and prevents the slabs from swelling when in direct contact with moisture. This type of flooring is a great solution for kitchens, balconies, and hallways.

Wax protection on the ends of the laminate.

Available in all wear resistance classes (see table below).

When installed correctly, high-quality coating differs from well-known manufacturers:

• High level of resistance to abrasion, temperature changes and humidity;
• A tight connection of locks that even drops of water cannot overcome;
• Repairability: minor scratches, minor abrasions, chips and other defects using repair wax or valve markers;
• Practicality and ease of care;
• Durability. The average service life of a laminate floor is 10-20 years, depending on the thickness and load class.

For laminated floors of the middle and lower price levels, so-called compounds or sealants are produced to seal the seams. The product is applied to the lock before installing the lamella, and after snapping it forms a waterproof protection for the joints.

Among the disadvantages of HDF laminate, we note swelling upon prolonged contact with water, the accumulation of static electricity over time, the need for sound insulation and high requirements for the base.

PVC coating

Over almost 40 years of sales, laminated parquet has become so popular that manufacturers decided to modify it a little and released a truly waterproof analogue of ceramic tiles and stone - vinyl laminate. It consists of durable lamellas made of composite plastic up to 10 mm thick. They produce hollow (with multiple vertical stiffeners) and solid slabs, the surface of which imitates wood or stone texture. A tongue-and-groove lock of complex shape is formed around the perimeter, allowing the product to be assembled into a solid, flat floor.

Vinyl laminated coating is produced in wear resistance classes 23, 31-32, that is, it is suitable exclusively for the residential and office sectors. Characterized by absolute inertness to water, agents household chemicals(except for abrasive ones). It is not recommended for installation in high-traffic areas, as hairpins and animal claws can leave permanent scratches on the surface.

Modular covering

The practicality of the glueless joining system was appreciated by manufacturers of cork and linoleum coverings. Therefore, now on sale you can find:

For kitchen and dining rooms, choose laminate with cork or wood veneer varnished. This protective coating forms a hard, wear- and water-resistant film that is easy to maintain and restore.

To summarize: in the kitchen you can lay any type of laminated covering on the floor. The main thing is that the product is good, of high quality and corresponds to load class 31-32. Give preference to materials on an HDF board with moisture-resistant impregnation of the locks.

Laminate flooring for a kitchen where you want to cook

Modern trends are such that the decor, color and texture of the floor in kitchen and dining rooms can be absolutely anything. It is not the pattern or shade that is important, but rather the functionality and combinability with the rest of the interior.

Studying the collections of well-known manufacturers, you can see that the vast majority of produced laminates have distinctive design single-strip boards for radial, tangential and mixed cutting.

Two- and three-strip decor is less commonly used.

An original mix of two- and three-strip boards. Under deck parquet. Three-strip beech. Two-strip oak parquet. Merbau board in two-strip design. Under parquet in a sunny kitchen. Textured three-strip floor in a modern kitchen.

In this case, the pattern can be uniformly calm or vice versa, with pronounced annual rings, knots, abrasions, contrasting transitions from light shade to the dark.

Pronounced contrast of shades. With imitation of knots. Game of halftones. Rustic. Under the cherry tree. With imitation of rotten areas. Exotic wood species. Under an aged floor With imitation of multiple cracks

Special visual effects are created through the use of various surface embossing techniques, cutting V- or U-shaped chamfers on 2 or 4 sides.

Embossing in register. Embossing. Four-sided chamfer. Rustic embossing combined with V-bevel Relief embossing to resemble a vintage floor. Double-sided chamfer. Under an authentic board. The charm of a bevel when laying diagonally.

A mirrored, smooth kitchen floor is considered dangerous due to its low level of slip resistance. But not in the case of laminate. The glossy and semi-gloss surface of this coating looks impressive and is safe to use.

Another thing is complementarity with glossy facades kitchen furniture. There are a huge number of combination options here.

Paradoxical as it may seem, classic wood shades look harmonious with furniture in pastel and bright colors. With the right approach, a laminate floor will perfectly complement the kitchen environment, giving the room the necessary charm and integrity.

If you compare waterproof laminate for the kitchen with other types of flooring used in kitchen areas of apartments, a question involuntarily arises. Why buy a material with a huge amount of wear resistance, which at the same time can withstand water spills, even a flood, if you have tiles and self-leveling floors. Apparently, there are reasons if apartment owners prefer to see cool laminate in the kitchen photo, and not slide on cold and hard, like ice, ceramics.

Laminate in the kitchen: pros and cons

There are many reasons why apartment owners choose class 34 waterproof laminate for their kitchen. Specialists and master finishers give the two most important reasons in favor of waterproof laminate:

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

Among the secondary reasons, we can point out the ease of laying laminate flooring and the ability to decorate the floors in the kitchen under natural board, deck or wooden parquet, which is indistinguishable from real wooden floorboards and dies.

Of course, Spanish or Italian ceramic tile can be much more impressive and spectacular than a more moderate lamella design. Often, customers prefer to choose laminate tiles for the kitchen, just to make the flooring more vibrant.

The most important, basic reason why high-end laminate flooring is purchased and installed not only in the kitchen, but sometimes throughout the entire apartment, is the feeling that occurs when walking on high-quality laminate flooring.

Important! Due to the cushioning of the substrate and excellent adhesion to the surface, the load on the feet is significantly less, and the likelihood of slipping on the kitchen floor is zero.

According to master decorators, walking on the waterproof laminate flooring of a kitchen is just as comfortable as walking on parquet or a real deck.

Waterproof and moisture resistant laminate

Not all laminate flooring options used for kitchens are equally good and durable in everyday use. Traditionally, three categories of laminate are used for residential premises:

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

The first two types of laminate are made from cellulose or wood fibers. Ordinary material is simply pressed under high pressure, much like fiberboard, or with the addition of active lignin solvents, as in the production of OSB panels. In any case, the result is an ordinary laminated material for the kitchen with good properties, good heat and sound insulation.

How to turn regular laminate into waterproof

To give ordinary laminate water resistant properties, just stick it without a backing onto a regular mounting adhesive and treat it with polyurethane varnish. A lightweight and already waterproof laminate laid on the kitchen floor, thanks to its high porosity, retains all its previous properties. However, before installation you will have to waterproof the base to avoid moisture accumulation under the slats.

The only significant drawback of homemade waterproof laminate is its low resistance to abrasion load. When compared with a branded waterproof laminate coating, the service life of the material is almost half as long. Despite the fact that periodically the varnish coating will have to be restored and repaired.

Which laminate is better to choose for the kitchen?

Of the above laminate options, only waterproof brands can be considered a full-fledged material for arranging the flooring of a modern kitchen.

Moisture-resistant lamellas, unlike water-resistant ones, are also made on the basis of wood-cellulose fibers, albeit with impregnation polymer compositions. Such a coating is still capable of retaining water spilled on a surface protected by a film, but the joints and the underside do not have such protection. Manufacturers of moisture-resistant laminate claim that the material can withstand contact with water for several hours, but in practice only new slats can boast of such characteristics. After just a couple of years, the ability to resist moisture drops by an order of magnitude due to abrasion of the film in the locking joints. We have to take into account the specifics and strengthen water resistant qualities lamellas by gluing locks during installation.

In a modern kitchen, a flood or spill of a large amount of water can happen at any time, so when installing a waterproof laminate flooring, it is best to use moisture-resistant grades of material.

Structure and materials of waterproof slats

There are two types of waterproof slats on the market:

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

Laminate based on polymer-wood composites is considered the cheapest and most affordable in the line of waterproof lamella coatings. It tolerates watering well and even long-term, up to 5 hours, stay in water. The coating has good thermal insulation, but due to the short fiber from which the matrix is ​​made, it is considered stiffer and more brittle. When laying slats, good leveling of the kitchen floors and special care when joining the locks are required. In terms of its characteristics, waterproof laminate is closest to decking.

The polymer version of the waterproof laminate is made on the basis of a polyvinyl chloride substrate that has undergone high pressure treatment. The intermediate layer can be made of polyethylene or polypropylene. Next is decorative PVC film or paper, the top layer is made of polyurethane or heavy-duty polyester film.

The strength of a waterproof laminate is evidenced by the fact that on its surface you can crack nuts, place hot dishes for a short time, wash with any type of detergent, and even put out cigarette butts if someone comes up with such an idea.

Laminate manufacturers

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

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

Of the global manufacturers, only Gastilla, Meister, Tarkett, Egger maintain their reputation on the Russian market; the rest of the companies are highly questionable. For example, you can safely buy class 34 waterproof laminate for the kitchen from a Tarkett representative and forget about the flooring in kitchen area twenty years in advance.

Color and texture of waterproof laminate

The design of waterproof coatings is usually carried out in several patterns that imitate parquet or deck boards with a wide variety of surface textures.

The reason for the widespread use of “wooden” design is the arrangement of lamellas, usually a board or strip of pressed material with an aspect ratio of 1:9. For large kitchen they use 1:16 laminate, which allows you to create the impression of a classic type of stacked wooden floor. It can be dark stained oak or light cedar. The top sellers remain chestnut and beech colors.

Teak colors are always designed in the form of a multi-stripe pattern, while oak and conifers on the surface of a waterproof laminate are reproduced only as an imitation of a plank floor.

If you choose a waterproof laminate for the kitchen under tiles, then it is better to avoid a material with a pronounced fiber pattern on the surface; the contrast with the tiled finish is too great.

A waterproof laminate for kitchen tiles looks ideal if the coating is used in the same color as the furniture façade. Waterproof laminate brands are slightly darker regular varieties, which is explained by the presence of an additional protective layer on the surface.

The wooden pattern of the flooring does not always go well with the interior of the kitchen, so manufacturers produce a whole series of moisture-resistant plain laminate with a very small, barely visible pattern. This option is considered universal. Once you select and install a waterproof laminate floor, you can change and transform furniture sets in the kitchen, without fear of dissonance in colors or textures.

Strength class

You can purchase material only if you know the required class of laminate for the kitchen. In the laminate class coding, the first digit indicates the load withstand, the second - the level of protection.

For example, class 22 encoding indicates a moisture-resistant material designed for rooms with average load. It can be living rooms apartments and houses. For the kitchen, such material can only be used if the apartment is inhabited by a maximum of 1-2 people.

More durable material class 32 can already be freely used in any kitchen; such a coating is designed for heavy traffic, but the level of protection remains in the “moisture resistant” category. After gluing the joints, the floor in the kitchen will be only slightly inferior to a full-fledged plastic laminate layer of class 33.

Laminate of classes 33 and 34 has characteristics that are in many ways inflated and excessive, as for the conditions of an ordinary apartment kitchen. Lamels up to 8 mm thick are intended for conditions in shops, cafes, and canteens, where people wear shoes with traces of moisture and street dust.

Such conditions are almost impossible to find in the kitchen. Unless this is the kitchen of a street cafe. For home apartments, even a corridor, even a kitchen, a waterproof laminate of class 32 will be enough. It is clear that purchasing class 34 flooring means that either half of the money was simply spent aimlessly, or the owners bought a floor that will be used by subsequent generations of the family.

The price of moisture-resistant laminate flooring depends on the brand and class. For example, a square meter from the German Egger, class 32, costs 1020-1250 rubles. A similar laminate from Taiwanese Build System costs 690 rubles per square. Flooring material from Egger, but already 33 classes costs almost 1,500 rubles. Vintage brands of coatings of the same class 32 from the Belgian Tower Floor are sold at 13 thousand rubles per square.

Ways to install laminate flooring in the kitchen

Laying technology is usually selected depending on the class of material. Top moisture-resistant materials of class 32, made on the basis of a cellulose fiber matrix, can be glued to prepared concrete base kitchen floors, or most often assembled end-to-end with locks.

For 32 classes, it is necessary to use lining material. The cheapest is foamed polyethylene, but it is best to lay the slats on cork cloth. The floor surface is sequentially assembled from individual boards. Each strip is engaged by locks with the groove of the previous lamella until it snaps into place, tapped and laid on the base. To ensure that the joints remain waterproof, the locks are treated with sealant. The assembled canvas is crimped along the contour of the kitchen using wooden baseboards.

Lamels of class 33-34 are mainly glued to a concrete or self-leveling screed, poured in the kitchen at least a week before assembly.

Rules of care

Waterproof flooring based on class 32 material requires regular maintenance. For example, after soaking, joints and seams must be wiped dry, and if the slats are made with chamfers, then it is advisable to blow out areas of possible leakage with air.

About once every three months, the seams on the kitchen floors are sealed with a special waterproof mastic, which enhances the water-repellent properties of the material.

Laminate and warm floor

The installation of heated floors in the kitchen involves the use of a waterproof type of laminate with a certain thermal resistance value. According to EU standards, a moisture-resistant kitchen floor must have a thermal resistance of no more than 0.11-0.14 m 2 *K/W. This takes into account the performance of the substrate. The thicker the floor covering with underlay laid over the heating surface, the higher the likelihood of overheating and melting of the cable. Glued coatings conduct heat best.

The resistance index of the laminate is also taken into account when calculating floors for a kitchen with a hydraulic heating circuit. Of course, there won’t be a fire, but the heating efficiency can be reduced by 30-40% if the coating is chosen incorrectly.

Information about thermal resistance is indicated on the packaging with lamellas. Sometimes, instead of complicated calculations, the manufacturer simply applies markings indicating that the coating can be used together with a heated floor in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Waterproof laminate for the kitchen is gradually replacing lighter coatings. The use of class 32-33 coating is rightfully considered, albeit expensive, but at the same time the most effective, comfortable and reliable way of arranging a kitchen floor, designed for 10-15 years of service.

The kitchen is an area of ​​high humidity and traffic. Therefore, laying regular laminate flooring on your kitchen floor is clearly not the best idea. Large manufacturers of flooring have long been offering the use of a special coating in the kitchen, which is commonly called moisture-resistant laminate.

How moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen differs from ordinary laminate, how to choose a high-quality moisture-resistant flooring, how much does a good kitchen laminate cost, read our review.

Laminate flooring is valued for its beauty appearance, but this coverage has one significant drawback. He is afraid of water. The reason is simple: this coating is essentially a multi-layer “sandwich” of wood fiber board (HDF board), a decorative paper layer with a wood, stone or tile pattern, and a protective transparent film.

If you fill a laminate floor with water and leave it for a while, the laminate quickly swells, swells, loses its appearance and quickly becomes unusable.

Moisture-resistant laminate resists moisture much longer. Of course, it will not become water resistant. But it is quite capable of withstanding high humidity and is perfect for use in the kitchen.

How is moisture-resistant laminate different from regular laminate?

To increase the moisture resistance of a laminated floor, flooring manufacturers have come up with the idea of ​​using a more durable HDF board as a base, which has an increased density and absorbs moisture much less.

Another weak point of a laminated floor is the joints between the panels. If moisture gets there, the laminate begins to get wet from the inside. The internal structure of the coating is disrupted and it becomes deformed. Even after complete drying, the laminate will no longer look the same as before.

Special treatment and waterproofing of joints after laying with a special mastic helps prevent moisture from getting inside. In addition, flooring manufacturers treat the sides and locks with special wax or silicone-based compounds. This is another feature of moisture-resistant laminate, which significantly extends its service life.

A more durable top layer is also used to protect the laminate from moisture and other negative influences. To strengthen it, special impregnations are used, for example, with microscopic particles of corundum.

Moisture-resistant and waterproof laminate - what are the differences?

These two coatings are often confused even by hardware store salespeople. Many people believe that these are the same floor covering. But they have one main difference - in a real waterproof laminate, instead of an HDF board, a PVC base is used. Unlike fiberboard, the plastic base does not absorb water at all.

However, many craftsmen claim that for the kitchen under normal conditions you can safely use high-quality moisture-resistant laminate, and this will be quite enough.

7 rules for choosing moisture-resistant laminate

Moisture-resistant laminated coatings are offered today by all major manufacturers. How to choose a truly high-quality coating?

1. The word aqua is often present in the description of a moisture-resistant coating. For example, Aqua-Protect (Witex) or Aqua Resist (Alloc). The markings on laminate packaging usually show a faucet with a drop, an umbrella with a drop, and similar symbols that help you understand which laminate is moisture resistant.
2. A popular criterion for assessing the quality of a coating is the load class. Choose a laminate of at least class 32. Class 33 is considered the best option for the kitchen. It is not only more durable and wear-resistant than coating grades 31 and 32. Many buyers note that the moisture resistance of class 33 laminate is noticeably higher than that of its “younger” brothers.
   Purchasing class 34 laminate for home use, according to many experts, is not always justified. First of all, it is intended for commercial premises, and it is more expensive than coatings of other classes. However, if funds allow, it can be placed in the kitchen, where the floor is constantly under increased load.

The strength and durability of laminate often depends on the manufacturer. Experienced craftsmen claim that a German laminated board of class 32 may be better in quality than Russian or Chinese laminate 33 classes.

3. To understand which laminate of similar types is better, look at the density of the supporting HDF board: the higher it is, the stronger the coating and the less resistant to moisture. Another important indicator is the swelling coefficient. It is determined using tests when the laminate is kept in water for 24 hours. The approximate norm for this indicator is 18%. The lower it is, the more moisture resistant the laminate is.
4. Prices for moisture-resistant collections are noticeably higher than for regular laminate. And this is justified.
   The more expensive the coating, the better its characteristics. It’s definitely not worth saving on quality by buying cheap laminate from unknown brands for your kitchen. Expensive laminate from famous manufacturer will serve you for many years.
   A compromise option (inconvenient, but sometimes justified) is to first install an economy-class laminate, and after a few years replace it with a more durable and high-quality moisture-resistant one. Fortunately, installing modern laminate flooring with locks is a quick, relatively uncomplicated and inexpensive process.
5. Pay attention to the warranty period. The best manufacturers laminates offer a 25-50 year warranty.
6. If you want to buy a laminate that is not afraid of water, be sure to look at the connecting locks. Ideally, they should firmly fix the panels to each other without gaps. If locking mechanism good, after laying there will be practically no gaps between the boards, and moisture has no chance of getting into the joints.
7. Laminate is a rather slippery floor covering. Especially when water gets on it. To avoid accidentally slipping in the kitchen, choose flooring not with a smooth surface, but with a slightly textured structured surface.

It is important that when laying moisture-resistant laminate there are no gaps. Good alignment floor before laying is a mandatory step. One more point: experienced craftsmen recommend placing it under the laminate. good substrate, for example, cork. If these conditions are met, the laminate will not creak and sag under your feet over time.

Manufacturers and collections of moisture-resistant laminate

Let us mention only some of the most large manufacturers laminate flooring, the range of which includes collections with moisture-resistant properties.

The most famous brands on the Russian market: Alloc, Witex, Pergo, Kronospan, Tarkett, Classen, Quick-Step.

Laminate directly from Europe, made in Norway, Sweden, Germany or Belgium, enjoys a good reputation. It is considered to be of higher quality and more durable. Many buyers claim in reviews that such laminate lasts longer, is less scratched and can withstand even significant “floods” and “floods”.

However, laminated coatings Russian production more affordable. Many well-known European brands have been producing their products at their Russian factories for a long time. Therefore, pay attention not only to the brand, but also to the address indicated on the package.

Prices

Moisture-resistant laminate in economy class format costs in online stores from 500 rubles per square meter. The price for European-made coatings, as a rule, starts from 1,300 rubles per square meter.

Recently, laminate flooring, due to its excellent quality characteristics, has become widely used in the process of finishing residential and commercial premises. Giving the popular material water-repellent properties made it possible to use a practical finishing material in rooms with high levels of humidity. For example, waterproof laminate for kitchens is also used for arranging corridors and foyers of office buildings.

The kitchen is the most visited place in any home. Respectively flooring dining room or working area kitchens are constantly experiencing various loads. There is a real danger of scratching the floor, flooding it with water or damaging it with sharp objects. Relatively recently, the main materials for floor decoration were ceramic tiles, commercial linoleum or laminated parquet.

Each coating has different quality characteristics. Today, manufacturers are introducing a new type of finishing - moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen, bathroom or hallway. Finishing material with increased moisture resistance appeared thanks to the use of latest technologies and has already occupied its specific niche in the building materials market.

Modern laminate flooring in the kitchen has pros and cons, among the first it is worth noting the following:

• multi-layered - moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen consists of several layers. Each layer is responsible for the texture, thermal conductivity, and moisture resistance of the finish;
• variety of shade textures - decorative coating imitates perfectly various materials, which allows you to choose suitable option for white or any other kitchen;
• possibility of quick assembly - laying high-quality laminated flooring will not take much time, because the elements easily snap into place, forming a monolithic surface;
• affordable price - the choice of 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 photo of which is presented below, has practically no disadvantages, except that:

• unpleasant creaking - particularly picky consumers will not like the sharp sound that the floor covering makes when moving around the room. But this problem is easy to fix if you put it down additional substrate made 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

As finishing floors can be used the following types laminate for the kitchen.

Moisture resistant

A durable coating can be placed not only in the dining room, but also in the bathroom. The finishing surface withstands all external negative influences, while maintaining a beautiful appearance.

Thanks to high density The material in the room can create excellent sound insulation. The protective layer protects the coating from various deformations associated with the ingress of large amounts of liquid.

HDF board is used as the base. All joints and joints of the coating are treated with wax, thanks to which the possibility of water leakage is practically eliminated. In addition, the product is treated with a special antibacterial composition that protects the surface from the appearance of various bacteria and mold.

Waterproof

A special type of finishing is made on the basis of PVC plastic. In a durable plastic base special air chambers are installed that insulate sound and retain heat well. This unique feature allows the surface to hold maximum comfortable temperature even without installing a heated floor system.

Especially durable laminate for the kitchen has an increased degree of resistance to various types of liquids. Excellent quality characteristics are achieved through the use of high-tech board pressing processes, after which all constituent elements become completely sealed.

The material used for the production of PVC does not absorb moisture and is able to withstand prolonged contact with hot water, negative impact chemical detergents. To prevent damage to the floor, it is recommended to place a rubberized mat near the sink as protection for the laminate.

Selection rules

Most often, the floor covering is changed only during overhaul, therefore, the service life and attractive design of the kitchen floor depend entirely on the quality of the materials chosen for finishing. When purchasing a tile covering, you need to carefully read the proposed description. Preference should be given to products that have full list appropriate markings. If the Latin word “aqua” is written on the package, an umbrella is shown in the rain, a faucet with a drop flowing out is a high-quality waterproof product.

Which laminate is better to choose for the kitchen? Of course, strong and reliable. The most important determination of the quality of a material is the level of load that it can withstand, so it is better to choose class 32.

The wear resistance of finishing laminated boards largely depends on the manufacturability of all production processes, so products of the same class may have different characteristics. For example, a class 32 board from German manufacturers is in many ways superior to similar Chinese-made products.

You should not play it safe and purchase kitchen laminate flooring of the highest level. There is no urgent need for this. The material is intended for installation in offices, commercial or government institutions Accordingly, 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 choosing a laminated board without a chamfer, in which case the likelihood of moisture getting inside is reduced.

Which laminate is better for the kitchen: smooth or rough? In the kitchen there is a high risk of slipping on a wet and slippery floor, so the best option there will be a raised or slightly rough surface. An important factor when choosing a finish will be warranty obligations manufacturers. Well-known brands claim that the product lifespan is about 25 years.

Manufacturers

Currently, the main suppliers of high-quality waterproof coating are several companies. Russian company Laminate-Trade LLC is the only plant in Russia whose main activity is design and unique developments in the production of laminate. A reliable manufacturer supplies the market with its own product High Quality. The company produces an exclusive embossed laminate that has no analogues on the world market. All elements of the new Ritter laminate collection are equipped with a collapsible locking system and have excellent performance properties.

The Belgian brand Dumaplast - manufacturer offers two collections of waterproof flooring Aquaexpert plus and Aquafloor. Collections of beautiful vinyl laminate flooring come in a wide variety of textures and colors. A high-quality locking connection allows you to create the maximum flat surface.

German concern Classen - practical and safe products Classen is produced using unique patented technologies. German manufacturers have the widest range of products and offer their customers more than 400 options various decor, about 10 surface options and 6 format options. Even an inexperienced builder can install laminate flooring with a Megaloc lock.

The German industrial company Ecoflooring is a high-quality floor covering presented by a German manufacturer that successfully combines environmental friendliness, absolute safety and excellent performance. Ecoflooring products are widely used in residential and commercial buildings. Manufacturers offer collections with the effect of hand-processed wood, brushing and imitation of aged wooden boards.

Methods for laying waterproof coating

Is it possible to install laminate flooring in the kitchen yourself? The technology for installing moisture- and water-resistant coatings is similar to the process of assembling a standard laminated board:

• The laminate under the tiles is laid on a flat horizontal floor. Professionals advise pre-laying a substrate or rough cork;
• each board of waterproof finishing under the tiles should fit as tightly as possible, without leaving large gaps;
• the already laid laminate must be treated with a sealant, applying it to the joining locks - this will not allow water to get inside the coating.

When purchasing a certain amount of finishing material, you need to include a small reserve of approximately 5-10 percent. This is especially true if you plan to carry out work in rooms with curves or niches. In order to complete the entire process of decorating the floor as accurately as possible, it is recommended to study the video presented professional builders, it explains in detail how to install laminate flooring.

Laminate in modern and classic kitchen interiors

Waterproof coating has become especially widespread due to its versatility and ability to fit most organically into any interior style. It is possible to create a finish of any color and texture, for example, imitation tiles or a natural stone.

Designers great attention are given to floor finishing, so quite often white laminate is a stylish element of the interior. Modern high-tech, loft or minimalist styles require the presence of correct, laconic forms and monochrome shades. To decorate a white kitchen, it is better to use stone or laminate flooring for tiles.

The main color for the laminate can be grey, black, white or a beautiful texture that imitates natural stone.

Is it possible to lay laminate flooring in a kitchen decorated in rustic style? Provence, country, chalet or wonderful eco-style suggest the presence of exclusively natural materials in the interior, however, the use of modern waterproof material will make the interior more effective and attractive. Designers advise using white laminate with a shabby “antique” texture for decoration.

Combined surfaces look unusual. Most often, this technique is used if they want to divide the kitchen into functional zones. In this case, you can combine not only boards of different shades, but also use stone. High technologies make it possible to create bleached, black, brown laminate for the kitchen; the photo selection contains unique panels that imitate the skin of exotic animals. Waterproof laminate is a unique floor covering capable of proper care last for decades. Plus the texture is great. modern coating will become a real decoration of any interior.

Video

The video shows how to properly install waterproof laminate flooring.

Many owners, when planning a renovation, decide for themselves whether laminate flooring is suitable for the kitchen and hallway. In these rooms, the flooring bears a special load. 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. The 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 a thick paper that 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 fillers to the protective layer, which increase the 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. 1. Wear resistance class;
2. 2. Color and pattern;
3. 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 detergents. But it is necessary to ensure that they do not remain on the floor. for a long time puddles.

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. The latest developments are used in its production. 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. There are a large number of options that imitate natural materials: natural stone (granite, marble), wood (oak, alder, wenge). An option for ceramic tiles is also possible.

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, grooves are pressed onto the top layer, which 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 its waterproof appearance, like many finishing materials, may contain formaldehyde resins, which are unsafe for human health. When purchasing coverage, pay special attention to the markings . 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 pattern for a small kitchen or hallway, as the depth of the pattern will be lost. Also for indoors small sizes Dark colors are not suitable, as they will visually make the kitchen smaller. Nuances of laying panels:

1. 1. The most economical option is to lay the panels along the longest wall. In this case, the consumption is less and installation is faster.
2. 2. B narrow room It is better to lay it perpendicular to a long wall, this will visually expand the room.
3. 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, or 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.