The biggest load in the apartment is in the kitchen. It makes the preparation and storage of food, washing dishes, eating. Sometimes it serves as a dining room where guests are welcomed. In terms of humidity, the kitchen is the second room after the bathroom. Ceramics do not suit everyone as a floor covering due to the uncomfortable contact of cold tiles with bare feet. A waterproof laminate for the kitchen would do just fine.
Laminate device
Manufacturers are constantly trying to improve the quality of flooring. This also applies to the laminate, which has gained great popularity. The basis for its production are wood fibers. They are impregnated with resins and pressed under high pressure. The properties of wood boards mainly determine the quality of the product. A decorative impregnated paper is glued on top of it. The main impact from the outside is on the topmost layer of the protective film. It is resistant to abrasion, exposure to water, sunlight and chemicals. The lowest layer protects the plate from moisture, deformation and is soundproof.
Features of waterproof and moisture resistant laminate
Water is dangerous for any laminate, but to varying degrees. The inner layer swells from moisture inside the joints. Moisture-resistant laminate contains, as a basis, an HDF board with special treatment with hydrophobic substances. It has a characteristic green color, is resistant to dampness, moisture, fumes and does not allow the development of fungi and bacteria due to special impregnation.
The base is made by special technology and is resistant to prolonged contact with water. For this, the plates are pressed under particularly high pressure. The waterproof laminate for the kitchen (class 34) produced by Vitex (Germany) has a particularly high quality. It is used in public places with a large floor load.
Moisture-resistant laminate suit users in terms of short-term water on the surface. But this does not apply to cases of global flooding, for example, if the washing machine breaks. Such an impact is able to withstand only a waterproof laminate for the kitchen. Reviews say that on products with a PVC base, the effect of liquids is not reflected in any way.
Moreover, they have an attractive appearance that does not change over time.
How to make waterproof laminate
The higher the density of the plate, the less it gets into the moisture. Waterproof laminate for the kitchen with an absorption coefficient of 10-12% is quite suitable in places where there is a danger of liquid. High density HDF is made from wood fibers. Although it is a by-product of production, it is carefully selected to remove sawdust, bark and other waste. Of great importance are the following properties of the laminate:
- high density material HDF-plate;
- increased resin volume;
- deep wax impregnation;
- the presence of water-repellent and antifungal compounds.
Depending on the amount of time during which the material is able to withstand contact with water, the following types of products are distinguished:
- Standard HDF-board with a density of 900 kg / m 3 and above (3 hours).
- Aqua laminate with a high resin content (6 hours).
- Plastic - completely not afraid of water.
Complete replacement of wood with polymers is effective, but the floor looks much worse. The higher the class of the board, the better its properties. Common properties are products of 31, 32 classes. They are produced by simultaneous pressing of all layers. Boards are used for domestic use. Classes 33 and 34 are made by separate pressing of several layers, after which they are joined together. They are distinguished by high strength and wear resistance. These higher commercial classes are used in public places.
The simplest laminate is not recommended for use in the kitchen, and it is well suited for a bedroom. Grade 31 can be used in offices with low traffic and in everyday life. It is suitable for any room. Class 32 for the kitchen is ideal, as it has high water resistance and durability.
Despite the significant cost, buyers are trying to purchase the highest quality boards with the best characteristics and new properties: improved sound insulation, strong locks, unique finish on the top surface. This list includes a waterproof laminate for the kitchen 33 class (photo below).
Tile laminate
The waterproof laminate for the kitchen under the tile successfully replaces the stone floor in the kitchen.
It has the following advantages:
- high abrasion resistance;
- no chips are formed;
- color remains;
- comfortable surface temperature (like a "warm floor");
- durability;
- Easy assembly and disassembly without glue.
The ceramics and the laminate for the kitchen are completely coexist between each other (photo below).
Choosing a waterproof laminate
When choosing a laminate, pay attention to the packaging. The word โaquaโ should be present on it and the corresponding marking, for example, like an umbrella in the rain. The dense material is durable and water resistant. Products must be at least class 32.
The back side of the panel must be covered with a moisture barrier. The German waterproof laminate for the kitchen is most suitable for the quality of its class. Reviews of products from well-known brands confirm that they are of high quality. Prices are quite high, but they are consistent with the characteristics of the laminate.
Lock joints must be tight and waxed or silicone treated. The instructions always detail how to assemble.
When water gets in, the laminate becomes slippery. When buying, you should choose products with a relief structure, which is practical for the kitchen.
Laying waterproof laminate
The panels are assembled in the same way as ordinary ones, but there is no need to lay waterproofing under them. Sound insulation made of foamed polyethylene is still needed. They roll it on the floor and connect the rolls with tape. Without this layer, the flooring will rumble when walking.
Before laying, the waterproof laminate for the kitchen must go through an adaptation period in the same room for 2-3 days. It is stored packaged and printed immediately before installation. The permissible curvature of the floor is 2-3 mm / m 2 . On uneven surfaces, boards are deformed underfoot and wear out quickly. Between walls and floor coverings create a gap of about 1 cm by inserting temporary supports. The boards are staggered with a displacement of adjacent rows by 40 cm or more. This increases the strength of the connection and looks more attractive.
Laminate Care
Leaving consists in periodic processing by special structures. Laminate can be washed, but water should be removed immediately. No matter how it is protected, it should be remembered that the basis is wood, which swells over time.
Unlike tiles, scratches can easily form on the laminate, for example, from broken dishes and other sharp objects. They can be masked with a furniture pencil.
Conclusion
Waterproof laminate for the kitchen is a reliable and modern coating. With its proper selection, installation and operation, you can get a beautiful, warm and durable floor. It is advisable to use for kitchen boards 32 and 33 classes of production of European companies.