Moisture resistant laminate for kitchen

Kitchen is an important room of any home, which is exposed to humidity every day. For this reason, laying the traditional laminate is a cheap, but not practical solution. In order to protect the kitchen floor from the harmful effects of liquid and its vapors, many coating manufacturers offer to equip the room with a moisture-resistant laminate . This kind of product effectively copes with the task, preserving the appearance of the floor for a long time.

Types of moisture-resistant laminate

Each homeowner seeks to extend the life of interior items as long as possible. The flooring is not an exception. The segment of moisture-resistant flooring is filled with a mass of proposals. All modern laminate has moisture resistance, however it is worth considering the main types of products:

1. Plastic moisture resistant laminate for the kitchen , in which the wood panel is replaced with a plastic one and has a honeycomb structure filled with air. This type of flooring is extremely light and moisture resistant.
2. Traditional HDF flooring, which is able to withstand up to 3 hours of residence in the hydraulic environment without deteriorating the geometry of the panel. To this type of laminate are almost all models of Class 32 and 33, manufactured on the basis of HDF technology.
3. Laminated covering for enhanced moisture resistance. This type of laminate contains resins in increased concentration, whereby the product can withstand more than 6 hours in water without loss of quality characteristics.

Differences of moisture-proof laminate from conventional

Laminate flooring is a rather aesthetic and functional decoration for the kitchen space, which was to the liking of many homeowners. However, such a coating has a number of drawbacks, which adversely affect the functionality of the flooring. Consider the main characteristics of the laminate that distinguish the traditional coating from waterproof:

• conventional laminated panels are afraid of water, so the manufacturers solved the problem by creating a waterproof HDF coating - a parquet equipped with a plate that withstands high humidity;
• due to treatment with special compounds, moisture-resistant flooring also has antibacterial properties - this avoids dampening of surfaces and the appearance of mold;
• joints between parquet boards in a traditional laminate are a weak point, while the side parts and locks in wet-strength panels are treated with silicone or wax impregnations. This avoids deformation of the coating and its deterioration;
• in a modern moisture-resistant flooring is also treated with special impregnations based on corundum microparticles, which prevent penetration of dampness into the structure;
• panels, protected from humidity, are designed for operation in water conditions, but they are not capable of withstanding the long-term effects of water, so do not subject them to such tests.

Differences between waterproof and waterproof coating

When choosing a laminate for a kitchen, it is necessary to take into account the features of its structure and characteristics in order to provide the floor covering with the most functional and durable material. Consider the main differences between waterproof and waterproof laminate.

Wet-resistant coating - suitable for rooms with high humidity conditions. In its structure, an HDF slab is used, which can be visually determined by looking at the slice of the panel. All joints and locks on the laminated parquet are treated with a special protective compound, which prevents moisture from entering the structure.

waterproof coating is more patient with water, therefore it is recommended for flooring in rooms where a large amount of liquid regularly falls onto the floor. The laminate is obliged by its characteristics to the production technologies: pressing of the laminate panel takes place under the influence of high pressure. And the surface of the floor is covered with a layer of water repellent polymer. As a result, the product has a high resistance to water, all layers of which are sealed with hot wax. Suitable for facing the floor as an analog of ceramic tiles.

Rules for choosing a moisture-resistant laminate

Determining the characteristics of a moisture-resistant laminate, how to choose it and how much the purchase will be appropriate, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors. This will optimize costs and purchase quality flooring. Let's consider in detail the requirements that must be met when choosing a product:

1. First of all, you need to look at the product labeling: the moisture-resistant laminated parquet in the description will be indicated by the prefix "aqua".On the laminate packaging itself, an umbrella manipulation sign, a tap with a drop of water, etc.
2. is usually displayed. To choose a quality and reliable product, consider the density of the HDF panel: the higher this value, the stronger the coating and the less exposed to humidity.
3. The load class is an important criterion that needs to be taken into account if you need to buy a moisture resistant laminate. The minimum value of this indicator among the assortment of quality goods is 32. However, class 33 is considered the best option for the kitchen floor.

Important! The purchase of floor 34 of the load class for flooring in an apartment is not always justified, since such a laminate is intended for use in commercial and industrial premises.

1. No less important is the coefficient of soaking, which is normally 18%.The smaller its value, the higher the moisture-proofness properties of the parquet.
2. When choosing a moisture-resistant laminate for the price, it is necessary to observe the price-quality ratio. Durable, reliable and durable coating will cost a lot of money, but in the process of operation all costs will be justified.
3. Be sure to pay attention to the quality of the connecting locks of parquet boards. They must be securely and tightly fastened one to one to eliminate even the smallest gaps. With a good and maximally sealed docking, the water will not have a chance to penetrate inside. To enhance the effect it is desirable to lay the cork flooring under the laminate, when laying it. This completely eliminates the risk of deformation of the flooring.
4. Laminate is a fairly slippery coating, especially when liquid gets on it. When choosing moisture-resistant panels, give preference to products with a relief texture in order to avoid unpleasant incidents.

Choosing a moisture-resistant laminate for the manufacturer

Today the undoubted leader among the flooring for the kitchen is a moisture-resistant laminate. Strong competition in this segment of the market generates a wide variety of colors, textures and quality characteristics of the flooring. Let us consider in more detail the features of the products of the most popular manufacturers.

Laminate of the company Aqua-Step

This Belgian manufacturer specializes in the manufacture of moisture-resistant laminate since 1999.The exclusive concept of floor covering provides products with modern design, variability of decoration and European quality. Among other features of the Aqua-Step products are the following:

• is easy to install, because the laminate does not require prior acclimatization before laying;
• high water and water resistance, due to which the panels can be used both in kitchen and bathrooms;
• the possibility of laying the laminate directly on the dried floor screed, without preparation of the base and vapor-proof membrane;
• Aqua-Step allows you to simultaneously install a "warm floor" system on both electric and steam heating;
• hollow floor technology allows to increase the heat transfer coefficient and the floor heating system will consume much less electricity;
• laminate has 0% swelling under any climatic conditions;
• coating can be applied in areas up to 900 m2, without the use of expansion joints.

Laminate of Elesgo

The German trade mark Elesgo has established itself in the market of moisture-resistant laminate thanks to the Aquafloor collection. The products of this manufacturer are distinguished by a wide range of decorative coatings: from imitation stone, precious woods to design solutions. All laminated floorings are manufactured using Elesgo technology, in which the surface of the panels is hardened by electron beams. As a result, the consumer receives an eco-friendly, durable and aesthetic laminate. The main characteristics of Aquafloor products include the following:

• brand products are presented in 32 class of wear resistance, so that they can be used in premises with a high humidity load;
• coatings are made of high-quality composite material that is resistant to deformation, does not undergo swelling or cracking;
• products line Aquafloor provides reliable soundproofing, impact resistance, high wear resistance and environmental cleanliness;
• laminate from the Elesgo trademark is easy to clean and fast enough to stow;
• thanks to unlimited decorative features, the floor covering harmoniously fits into the design of any interior of the room.

Laminate company Witex

This manufacturer from Germany has been producing flooring for almost two decades and managed to prove itself well. Witex products are certified according to European standards, meet the quality of RAL and have the highest assessments of experts. Consider the main features on which recognition of the brand is based:

• laminate is not exposed to negative effects of ultraviolet radiation;
• coating easily tolerates large loads, high temperatures and is able to withstand shocks without deformation;
• moisture resistant panels are resistant to household chemicals, due to which they are easy to care for;
• thanks to the ecological purity of materials, the flooring does not emit formaldehyde and does not cause allergic reactions in humans;
• laminate is characterized by high tightness, moisture resistance and durability;
• allows the use of a "warm floor" system;
• is resistant to mechanical damage, such as moving furniture, etc.

Laminate of Classen

The laminate of the German concern Classen is considered the leader in its segment. The products of the trademark are characterized by ecological purity, aesthetics, reliability and durability. Among the main features that distinguish Classen flooring among the analogs, we can distinguish such:

• product range of the group offers quality panels with a reliable locking system for laminate bonding;
• the surface of laminated boards is treated with wax water-repellent composition, which increases the degree of its moisture resistance;
• low content of formaldehyde, due to which the products are hypoallergenic;
• wide range of laminated coatings in each class of wear resistance: 31, 32, 33, 34;
• Classen warranty for its products is 10 years;
• large selection of decorative laminate decoration.

Conclusion

Choosing the type of flooring for the kitchen, many homeowners come to a loss. Relying on the main criteria - practicality, reliability and durability, the question is between tile, linoleum and laminate. However, having studied in more detail the qualitative and operational characteristics of each type of flooring, many prefer a moisture-resistant laminate, since it is affordable, wear-resistant and will last for a long time. Modern production technologies guarantee a high quality of products that harmoniously complement the interior of the kitchen and reliably protect the floor from the effects of moisture.

You can learn about the features of moisture-resistant laminate from the video: