The question of selecting the appropriate "finish" flooring in any room causes certain difficulties for almost everyone. After all, for the most part, we are well versed in the products intended for facing walls or ceilings, then the picture is different with the sex - they have to deal much less often.
The peculiarity of the kitchen is that the floor covering must be resistant to liquids( moisture resistant), abrasion and mechanical impact. This is determined by the peculiarities of its operation.
- Constant excess moisture in this room, especially when the extraction is not effective enough.
- Inaccuracy of people when water literally spills to the floor.
- The specifics of using the kitchen and basic hygiene requirements dictate the need to clean regularly in this room, and preferably wet.
- Incorrect choice of plumbing( the compliance of the washing parameters with the height of the mixer spout) results in the spraying of water and the ingress of water, including on the floor.
- It should not be forgotten that engineering communications( drainage, water supply) are laid in the kitchen, and, therefore, leaks or leaks are possible.
- This room is one of the most intensively used in an apartment. Even if you calculate how many "winds" only one mistress is cooking, then a very impressive figure will be obtained.
- The coating should be strong, as sometimes, for example, heavy dishes and sharp objects fall on the floor.
Given all this, it becomes clear that choosing a moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen is not at all easy - let's look at its features in more detail, which will help us make the right choice.
Sample edges
The most vulnerable place of such a laminate is the joints of the boards. If the liquid gets to the floor, then in time, the floor warps. No drying of the material will not help, since its deformation is an irreversible process. The technology of production of moisture-resistant laminate involves the processing of edges( ends) with the help of special compounds containing silicone or wax.
Adhesive composition
The laminate has a multilayer structure. All layers are fixed together by glueing. In the production of this type of products, glues are used which are not "afraid" of water.
Protective film
It is more durable, in addition, it is additionally treated with a special moisture repellent varnish.
Basis of
As such, a more robust HDF board is often used. But the best option, when the basis is a product made of PVC - such a vinyl liquid laminate does not absorb even in scanty amounts.
What to take into account
- You should carefully read the certificate for laminate flooring, for its distinctive features( described above).The fact is that products from different manufacturers, designated as "moisture-proof", differ in their characteristics.
- The class must be at least 31, although it is preferable to 32 or 33.But such products are more expensive.
- If the substrate is HDF, then the swelling ratio should not be more than 16%.
- Version - laminate is sold either as panels, or as a parquet board. Given that any kitchen is lined with furniture, household appliances, it is better to stay on the latter option. In the event of damage to two or three "parquetine" replace their work will not be, and the rearrangement of furniture will not have to deal with. And if it is a single assembly - the headset? Or a bulky refrigerator?
- Density( marked on the package).The higher the indicator, the better the product.
- Surface. Once the conversation is about the kitchen, then getting water on the floor can not be avoided. Therefore, the face part of the products must be grooved to avoid slipping on the wet floor."Smooth" laminate in the kitchen is traumatic - in more detail all the nuances of laminate in the kitchen are considered here.
Board
In many sources, when describing the merits of a laminate, it is indicated that it is easy to lay it yourself. This is not entirely true. It requires not only a good knowledge of the whole complex of activities( preparation of the basis, installation of the "substrate"), but also the experience of such work. If money is spent for quality products, then it makes sense to pay for the services of a professional. And knowledge will be needed to unobtrusively control the quality of montage. It is not superfluous to know in advance the prices for laying the laminate, so as not to overpay.
In most kitchens, the headset completely closes all the pipes of the respective communications. If possible, it is desirable to arrange it so( and when selecting the design of the model to take into account), so that the connection points, the fitting of the stop valves are available for regular inspection. This will immediately reveal the leakage of fluid or leakage in the system.
