Waterproof laminate for the kitchen: features and choices

Waterproof laminate is one of the most popular flooring materials. It consists of plates of a certain size, covered with a decorative layer with a pattern or pattern.

On top of the laminate there is a protective layer of a wear-resistant film made of melamine resins. Previously, the plates were glued, now they are created by pressing elements pre-impregnated with different resinous compositions, which are firmly fastened into a single whole. This method helps to make the coating highly durable, not afraid of mechanical shock and moisture. The classification of the laminate is carried out by purpose into two groups: use in residential and commercial premises.

The main groups are divided into classes corresponding to the passage of premises (21-23 and 31-33). It is worth remembering that all the positive qualities are directly proportional to the class, and, accordingly, to the price of the laminate.

Waterproof laminate has a huge number of advantages both over other flooring materials and over counterparts that are not waterproof. Practicality, decorative qualities, various colors are the indisputable advantages of laminate flooring. In addition, there are other equally important advantages.

• The material does not release toxic or toxic substances into the environment.
• Convenient for transportation and stacking.
• Unlike bulky linoleum, laminate flooring is light enough and does not require much physical effort.
• It can be laid on various surfaces: wood, concrete and even a warm floor. A prerequisite is that the surface must be perfectly flat and dry. There should be no drops, irregularities.
• When laying the plates on an unprepared base, creaking is possible, so it is more advisable to disassemble the floor first.

• Laminate is characterized by wear resistance, strength, durability, stability. It is not afraid of ultraviolet rays, therefore it retains colors and brightness for a long time.
• Does not accumulate dust and dirt on itself, so ordinary dry or wet cleaning will be enough. However, excessive moisture can cause the panels to swell. In order to avoid cracking, it is recommended to treat the edge with moisture-proof solutions.
• Easier installation, the ability to replace individual damaged elements, or even a complete replacement with a boring coating.

However, the laminated coating also has a number of disadvantages when compared with other materials:

• high price;
• not everyone can lay a waterproof coating on their own, it requires skills and special knowledge;
• the coating is slippery and cool, in comparison, for example, with cork and natural wood;
• exposure to abrasive detergents will damage the appearance and reduce the life of the coating.

On sale you can find several types of laminate, each of which has its own characteristics.

Possesses high durability of parquet, moisture resistance of linoleum, ease of assembly and installation.The exceptional durability of vinyl is achieved due to polyurethane varnish, which is a protective film and provides resistance to the coating from impacts, dents, and various scratches. The durability of vinyl flooring is determined by the manufacturer in the range of 10 to 25 years, which is much higher than the lifespan of linoleum and conventional laminate.

The progress in the development of floor coverings has reached a high, almost one hundred percent moisture resistance. Laminate flooring is usually laid on a soundproofing substrate or underfloor heating. This achieves maximum sound and heat insulation.

Coating that imitates tiles is gaining more and more popularity. Ceramics has a lot of advantages: strong, moisture-resistant, durable. Laminated tiles are inferior to ceramic tiles in durability and moisture resistance, but they also have undoubted advantages. There are several types of moisture-resistant coatings: household, commercial and special, which differ in the thickness of the protective layer, the class of purpose and, accordingly, have a different service life from 5 to 15 years.

Today, manufacturers are widely presented with a modern type of decoration for the dining room and work area of ​​the kitchen. Now the beauty of natural wood will not be spoiled by spilled water or sharp objects. Due to their high density and a protective layer, the plates do not deform or crumble. The entire surface of the plate is protected with a special solution with wax, which has a waterproof and antibacterial effect.

Advantages of waterproof laminate:

• multi-layer and, accordingly, high thermal conductivity, resistance to water and mechanical stress;
• a variety of coating effects and color possibilities will not leave anyone indifferent;
• a uniform surface is achieved due to the exceptional quality of the locks;
• reasonable ratio of price and quality.

The disadvantages include the presence of chemicals (formaldehyde) in the composition, but within the established sanitary standards. Also, a possible squeak of elements can be considered a minus.

The durability of the laminate depends primarily on the correct installation. Laying methods can be different, depending on the preparatory work and the varieties of the coating itself.

The seamy side with an adhesive layer is protected by a foil, which can be easily removed just before installation. It is the simplest installation option, it allows self-assembly, provided that the surface is absolutely clean. The key to stacking self-adhesive plates is the precise joining of the parts.

This work resembles pasting wallpaper, with the only difference that it will not be possible to reuse an unsuccessfully glued plate. To avoid re-sticking, you must first remove the protective film only a few centimeters, dock it, make sure that the strip is in the correct position, and only then finally remove the entire film and glue the entire plate.

Laminate with a lock has adhesive tape only along the edge. The advantage of this type is simple installation, economical consumption of materials. Most often used for underfloor heating. The edge freed from the protective film is located at the end of the previous plate, and after joining, they are tapped with a rubber mallet for complete fastening.

Rolled vinyl laminate is represented by strips of small width, rolled into rolls. The rolls must be cut independently into strips of a certain length.It is more difficult to install, since it involves the use of expensive glue, which is applied to the entire floor surface in a thin, even layer. The glue is very sticky and allows you to adjust the evenness of the vinyl strip.

The Russian-made DecorStep water-repellent laminate is the best floor covering made of special PVC, characterized by increased strength. New technologies have made it possible to combine the beauty of natural wood and the durability of ceramic tiles. The plastic product is practically not exposed to water and moisture, temperature extremes and mechanical stress.

The honeycomb cast plate, which forms the basis of the Decorstep laminate, forms air channels that allow the accumulation and release of heat to the room. Heat and sound insulation, water resistance are the main advantages of plastic floors. The double outer layer of acrylic resin allows the laminate to be invulnerable to scratches and damage. The high-precision lock, made according to Russian developments, makes the connection of the strips guaranteed to be strong without the slightest gaps, thereby increasing the water resistance.

DecorStep tiles are designed for use in kitchens, bathrooms, swimming pools and saunas. The advantage of manufacturing lies in the plastic base, in contrast to counterparts from other manufacturers that use chipboard. Plastic does not retain moisture, it retains its shape even with temperature fluctuations and changes in humidity levels. It is harmless to the environment, as it does not emit aggressive and toxic substances.

Laminate made by Tarkett is represented by groups: ART, FAMILY, TRAVELER, which, in turn, are divided into collections. Material features:

• surface treatment with natural wax, creates a water-repellent effect;
• connection with TC Lock along the entire length of the plate;
• assembly is done without glue;
• resistant to minor damage, scratches, moisture;
• resistant to fire from small fire;
• the floor pattern does not wear off over time, does not fade, and has a long service life.

Rating of the best laminated flooring from Tarkett.

The highest rating in this group according to consumer reviews received ARTISAN 933 from the group "ART - the art of living!", which is designed for premises with high traffic (class 33). Plate dimensions 129.2 × 19.4 with the popular 0.9 cm thickness. Various design effects: embossing, handmade, darkened or matte surface. There are 16 species in the collection.

In second place ESTETICA 933 with the same plate dimensions 129.2 × 19.4x0.9 cm. It differs in more restrained calm shades with the effect of aged wood, hand-crafted solid wood. There are 8 types to choose from, which are not inferior to world brands at an affordable price.

On the third place INTERMEZZO 833 with 12 individual views. The products are distinguished by a deeper expressive structure. Has the most expensive effect - register stamping. The shades of the laminate give a feeling of warmth and comfort. High wear resistance is characterized by water-repellent properties and coating durability with a plate thickness of 0.8 cm.

WOODSTOCK FAMILY 833 "FAMILY - a collection of warm feelings! " - the fourth in the ranking of the best floor coverings. There are 18 types with a rich palette of natural wood. The beauty of oak is presented in a variety of colors with a lot of possibilities. The dimensions of the plate are 129.2 × 19.4 × 0.8 cm. The advantage of this collection is not only good quality at an affordable price, but also easy installation without obvious problems with the locks.

In the group "TRAVELER - Open your World!" ROBINSON PREMIUM 833 takes a confident fifth place. There are 19 models.The emphasis on exoticism and various shades allows us to cover a huge layer of materials: spruce, pear, pine, walnut, chestnut, teak. Plates 129.2x19.4 cm with a thickness of 0.8 cm. Differs in gloss and relief structure, as well as evenness of laying - the joints of the plates are completely invisible.

When choosing, you should be guided by the price that corresponds to the quality and class of panels, pay attention to the parameters and purpose of the laminate. It is important to make sure that each plate matches the selected shade and geometry, although irregularities or wavy edges are extremely rare.

For kitchens and bathrooms, it is best to use waterproof vinyl or plastic tile panels. The disadvantages of waterproof laminate include high requirements for the surface of the floor on which the laminate will be laid.

In case of violation of the rules of installation and operation, swelling, discrepancy in the joints, chips and crumbling, creaking when walking may occur. It is unlikely that it will be possible to save money on purchases without sacrificing quality, but the costs will be paid off by a long service life. To make the coating happy, it is better to entrust the installation to specialists and follow the operating rules.

You will learn even more about the moisture resistance of laminate in the following video.