Waterproof laminate flooring for the kitchen: all about quality coatings

Coatings with moisture- and waterproof effect is ideally suited for use in the kitchen. Manufacturers of floor coverings offer a huge range of materials manufactured with the help of modern technology. They allow the coating to achieve high performance. It is water resistant laminate for the kitchen characterized by practicality, and also provides beauty and comfort in the room.

distinguishing features water-resistant and moisture-resistant laminate compared with the usual

Most choose laminate for beautiful appearance. But this material has one major drawback: it is afraid of water. Since the slats - a fiberboard topped with a decorative paper pattern, made by wood, stone or tile.

If you pour a layer of water and leave for a short time, the laminate rapidly swells and bulges. Presentation of such material losses, since the thin protective film does not protect from moisture.

Weak floor space of laminate - the joints between the boards and material locks. If these places gets wet coating soak, the internal structure of the material is broken, and as a result the floor is deformed. And even after the complete drying of the laminate does not become the same as before.

This will help prevent special treatment and waterproofing of joints after installation. In addition, modern manufacturers handle locks special structures on the basis of wax and silicone. This greatly extends the life of the flooring. A processing solution with microscopic particles of corundum allows to strengthen the top layer of the laminate.

What toupit laminate for the kitchen: water resistant or moisture resistant option

Many people confuse these two types of laminate: waterproof and water-resistant. However, the main difference between them lies in the manufacturing method, which gives the material a parameter such as resistance to water. For water-resistant material is used more dense PVC plate, instead of fiberboard. Furthermore, sipes are treated with special impregnations that provides protection against ingress of moisture between the seams and joints.

Packing laminate of this necessarily has special notes: aqua or drawing open the tap, the water drops. But such marks there as waterproof coating and the water-resistant laminate. To select a suitable option for the kitchen, be sure to need to understand the characteristics of each option.

Useful advice! Experts say that for the kitchen, which is in normal mode, you can safely use a quality moisture resistant laminate.

Moisture resistant laminate kitchen: Coverage options

Any laminate made from fiberboard. high density fiberboard is used for a moisture resistant material. It should not be less than 900 kg / cu. m.

To reduce the water absorption lamella surface and joints of boards processed special protective, waterproofing coating based on melamine resin and pectin, silicone, wax or paraffin. For some models, manufacturers use for the treatment of the inner layers of the impregnation on the basis of corundum. This material enhances the moisture resistance effect.

Such measures prevent immediate absorption of water, but a full guarantee it does not. Manufacturers suggest 3-6 hours, after which the moisture will start to sink in. The base laminate swells, and the coating itself is deformed.

Small splashes of washing or of washed products, evaporation, small pools of spilled tea, wet cleaning or other irregular wetting a laminate stand. But significant flooding or constant moisture it will not survive.

Useful advice! Laid water-resistant laminate is necessary so that there are no gaps. Always first floor must be leveled via a good substrate, such as cork.

What waterproof laminate flooring to buy: Select manufacturer

Contemporary laminate kitchen market is so broad that it is very easy to get confused. We give you the largest manufacturers of coatings for floors, in the range where there is a collection with moisture resistant properties.

Most popular in Russia, such brands:

• Alloc;
• Witex;
• Pergo;
• Kronospan;
• tarkett;
• Classen;
• Quick-Step.

An excellent reputation among customers enjoy laminated in Europe, namely the Swedish, Norwegian, German and Belgian. Such coverage is among the masters considered to be more reliable, high-quality and durable than laminate produced in Russia. Many users claim that the material is less scratches and can withstand large floods.

But laminate Russian production has another advantage - the price of the material. In addition, many well-known brands produce their models at the Russian factories.

Price water-resistant laminate European production starts from 1300 rubles. per sq. m. The cost of cover economy class start from 500 rubles. per sq. m.

Useful advice!Choosing laminate flooring, it is important to pay attention not only to the brand but also to address the plant where the material is produced. Floor covering, made in Europe, has a better quality than those slats that are made on the Russian factories.

Waterproof laminate flooring for the kitchen: The material characteristics

For those who want to securely protect the kitchen floor of the water the best way - is to select as the material water resistant laminate. As a base plate is used polyvinyl chloride. This material is resistant to moisture and can be a long time under the influence of water. The surface of the lamella consists of PVC, and the joints waterproofing agent locks processed based wax, silicone resins.

The disadvantage of this material - the cost. Price waterproof laminate flooring for the kitchen is the highest, but it is fully justified by the quality of the product. For example, the German manufacturer on the basis of Vitex Aqua-Protect gives a guarantee of more than 25 years. Lifetime waterproof coating depends on the swelling ratio. The lower the number, the longer the laminate will not be subjected to strain.

Useful advice!The strength and durability of a laminate floor depends on the manufacturer. Skilled craftsmen say that 32 class laminate kitchen German production of better quality than the Chinese or Russian material 33 class.

What waterproof laminate flooring to buy Kitchen: a review of brand

In the Russian market are very popular brands such waterproof laminate: French Dumafloor, German and Belgian Witex Aqua-Step. These manufacturers provide a wide range of models of different decorations, including the popular oak imitation pine, beech. In addition, these companies produce water-resistant laminate for the kitchen under the tile and natural stone.

Waterproof laminate Dumafloor manufacturer offers customers two collections covering: Aquafloor and Aqua Expert (line Plus and Cuadro). All products are gidropol with a base made of plastic. Also protects the laminate from moisture special fiber reinforced electron beam method.

This flooring generally has a durability class of 32, 31 also have options class. Dyumaflor under the laminate can be installed heating system heated floor. Also feature panels in a special fixture CLICK, thanks to which you are quick to install and watertight joints.

The average price of a waterproof laminate Dumafloor is 1600-1700 rubles. per sq. m.

Flooring Aqua-Step 32 has a durability class of antibacterial and anti-slip surface coating. The basis of such a laminate - a plastic plate with a PVC air chambers. This material is available in two versions:

• in the form of a board: Original, Wood4V, Wood2V, Shipdeck;
• in the form of tiles: Aqua-Step Mini.

Related article:

How to lay laminate flooring: the choice of substrate, stacking nuances and recommendations

Leveling the floor. The selection and installation of the substrate. Installation instructions. The nuances of installation in difficult places.

This coating is fitted with an elastic gasket in UNICLICK seals, whereby the joints are protected from moisture. Also, the laminate is processed by special resin-based solution. For this material is excellent both electric and radiant floor heating. cover the cost for Aqua-Step floor had read from 1700 rubles. per sq. m.

Laminate German production Vitex has high waterproof and waterproofing characteristics. The basis of a waterproof laminate Aqua Protect - a special, patented composite material. Each board after pressing treated with silicone or hot wax. It is this waterproofing impregnation gives the contour of the product a darker shade.

Laminate with beveled this manufacturer, unlike other similar models can be used in the kitchen, such as the decorative seams securely processed waterproofing solution. According to its characteristics slats no way inferior to ceramic tiles. You can also set any floor heating system under this cover, because changes in temperature such material is not terrible.

In addition, the swelling coefficient of the laminate of less than 6%. It also has antistatic properties. A compound Click allows adhesive-free floor mounted very easily, immediately after installation can be placed furniture.

Vitex company produces several collections with a variety of designs for natural wood, marble, as well as coatings, designed using techniques of artificial aging wood. Cost lineup Marena V2 and Marena Maxi V2 is 1690 rubles. per sq. m. This material is ideal for expensive design in the classical style.

The price of large-format slats collection Marena XL V4 on average is 2,100 rubles. per sq. m Model Marena stone V4 -. great alternative to ceramic tiles. The collection includes 12 decors. The average value of the material is 1690 rubles. per sq.m.

Useful advice!The price for the same model in different stores may vary. Therefore, before purchasing it is necessary to study the product market in detail and view photos of the laminate in the kitchen.

The coefficient of swelling of the plastic laminate: index value

The indicator can accurately determine the degree of stability of the material to moisture. The coefficient is defined as follows:

• a sample plate which is used for manufacturing the laminate was immersed in cold water for 24 hours;
• shot performance change material because under the influence of water changes the geometric parameters of the laminate.

According to the norm EN 13329 material should not change its characteristics by more than 18%. Only then slats are considered to be water-resistant. The lower the percentage is, the higher the resistance of the coating to water. Laminate 32 has a higher class and the 18% ratio. The product is manufactured in Europe, namely in Belgium, Austria and Germany - are guaranteed to pass the threshold of swelling.

Some manufacturers of water-resistant laminate for the kitchen manipulate symbols moisture- and water-resistant material. Check swelling characteristic by using technical passport. Herein, the parameter must be Thickness swelling according EN13329. If on the other hand should a value ≤18%, the selected product is really waterproof. For waterproof laminate this figure considerably lower. For example, coating with Alloc Original plastic substrate has only 8% of swelling. And this information is listed in the technical documentation.

Contemporary laminate under the tile in the kitchen: vinyl floor

Vinyl laminate - the latest generation of coating, which is a successful alternative to the usual moisture-proof material. Laminate made of environmentally pure PVC. The product is not subjected to deformation at high temperatures, and does not absorb odors.

Vinyl laminate consists of four layers:

1. The upper bowl cover protects from bumps, scratches, burn-through and other mechanical damage.
2. The next layer is a laminate decorative motif, which looked through on the surface.
3. The third ball is responsible for cushioning flooring.
4. The lower layer provides the strength of the product.

Reviews vinyl laminate has only positive. About 81% of users recommend this material for the kitchen. The feedback observed such positive quality material, such as:

• moisture resistance;
• insulation;
• impact resistance;
• durability;

• durability;
• UV resistance and chemical resistance;
• fire;
• light weight;
• Easy to install;
• environmental friendliness.

In addition, such a coating maintenance is very simple: just wipe with a damp cloth. Wear resistance is so high that it can safely be used in areas with high traffic. You can not worry about stains and dirt, as a flexible laminate is highly resistant and retains original luster and does not fade in the sun.

Laminate on the wall in the kitchen: Options for the design space

For finishing kitchen walls also need a strong and wear-resistant materials. Ideal - laminate. Such coverage is not only fashionable and beautiful, but also practical. Previously, the use of this material has been used for the decoration of the walls is very rare, but now it is a very fashionable trend.

It is especially advantageous to use in the interior of the laminate on the kitchen wall. The cooking zone material has a protective function. With the help of a wooden cover contrasting colors can distinguish between the space of a small room. A apron laminate kitchen looks beautiful and harmonious.

Very tastefully arrange a modern kitchen in the style of minimalism. Most often in the interior of the kitchen used these colors: black, white and gray. In such a design flair it makes wood paneling, located in the apron area and the adjacent wall. Photos of the laminate on the wall in the kitchen proves how harmonious and stylish fusion of modern technologies and natural material.

Laminate flooring in the kitchen: reviews users, and advice on choosing the material

Prior to the acquisition of the laminate you must be carefully study the market of products and get acquainted with people who have already bought the coating. Choosing the slats for the kitchen, it is necessary to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• on the box floor covering should be a special label that indicates waterproof laminate, for example, the Latin word "Aqua" or umbrella under raindrops;
• Panels density should not be less than 900 kg / cu. m .;
• swelling coefficient of the material for humid spaces must be less than 18%;
• preferably be 32 and 33 Class moisture resistant laminate;
• the lower coating layer for the kitchen must be waterproof;
• better to choose the manufacturer that cover additional locks, waxy protective coating.

Many experts say that the installation of a waterproof laminate in the kitchen 34 classes can not justify the hopes laid on it, and the price for such coverage is significantly above the other slats. Typically, the highest class laminate used as flooring in commercial organizations.

If water laminate surface becomes slippery. In this regard, the best option would be for the kitchen or rough relief structure of the outer layer.

Useful advice! Kitchen more suitable waterproof laminate without chamfer. After all, the smaller joints, the less moisture gets inside the cover.

How much is 33 class laminate: Best choice

Those wishing to buy quality and wear resistant flooring with excellent sound insulating and water-repellent characteristics select class slats 33, about 12 mm thick. Today's manufacturers offer a wide range of different models to suit all tastes.

The price of the plastic laminate is the highest. But not everyone can afford the latest technology. Therefore it is possible to buy a budget option - a rubber laminate. Rubberized option, regardless of the style of the interior, looks great in any room, including those used for the decoration of the kitchen under the laminate. Furthermore, such a material is resistant to external influences.

Choosing a floor covering, it is important to consider the material characteristics and the characteristics of the premises, which will be used. Kitchen - a special place with high humidity. Therefore, the optimal choice of material - it's water resistant laminate. It looks nice and has a number of positive characteristics.