Among the modern materials used for construction finishing, there is a class of various coatings from laminated panels, which has been developing quite successfully for more than 20 years. For simplicity, it is customary to call all types of such coatings a laminate, and here it does not matter, these are products of domestic or foreign production. This type of material is actively used for various purposes. Today, laminate wall decoration has become quite common.
What is the difference between this material and the likes of it?
The basis of the laminate is a structure that has a lot in common with a sandwich. Multilayer panels have four or five layers with a total thickness of 12-15 millimeters. The dimensions of the laminate sheets are 30 centimeters wide and two meters long. This coating was invented in Sweden and was originally intended for the floor. However, due to their excellent properties, artificial panels have become possible to mount on the walls. Laminate has such qualities as high strength and resistance to various external factors, which are combined with ease of processing and ease of installation. In the manufacture of panels, the manufacturer forms the stabilization bottom layer, which is impregnated with resins.
Production Features
The carrier base is made using HDF technology, which allows for high density of the layer material. That is why the decoration of the walls with a laminate allows you to get a surface with high strength, much higher than the level of strength of plastic panels, which are very popular at the moment.
Features of the finishing process
With all the above parameters, the huge popularity of the laminate is due to the fantastic variety of design: it imitates the beautiful texture of almost any natural material and even unusual patterns. Such diversity, as well as durability and the highest quality, have become the reason that laminate wall decoration is becoming more and more popular. It is worth noting that the technology of mounting panels on walls, as well as floor mounting, is characterized by high speed and simplicity. Laying the laminate on the wall also has another advantage - the ability to hide irregularities without using “wet” putty or plastering technology.
Varieties of fasteners
As you know, in laminate panels one of two types of connection can be used: a lock type or with click type latches. The latter type is so simple in terms of assembly that it does not require any special experience, so that installation can be done even by inexperienced workers.
If you decide how to fix the laminate on the wall, then you can resort to the usual frame crate of wood, consisting of bars and battens. Between the walls and the inner side of the base of the panel quite often place additional thermal insulation in the form of foam sheets or mineral wool. The pitch of the horizontal and vertical elements of the frame crate is calculated so as to provide sufficient rigidity of the coating after it is fixed.
Decorative aspect
Often used wall laminate that mimics stone materials or valuable wood. The colors can be matched to the tone of the floor or you can choose contrasting combinations, which allows you to get very modern wall decoration solutions in full compliance with old traditions. At the moment, materials that imitate not only the tone and color of the natural material, but also the structure of its surface, have become especially popular. Rough and smooth laminate panels lend themselves well to cleaning, washing, are simple and hygienic in terms of cleaning, which can be considered their additional advantage.
Installation process
Before you begin the process of finishing, you need to do the room. Work should begin to be carried out only after the material has been kept at room temperature for two days. Prior to the start of the finish, all wet stages of the work must be completed. Depending on what material was used for the construction, plastic or wooden corks may be needed to fix the frame elements.
Despite the fact that wall decoration with a laminate can be considered a technique for quick and dry decoration, it is worthwhile to pre-repair cracks and chips on the walls, as well as putty them and do other similar work. During the installation of the crate frame, before laying the laminate on the wall, it is required to ensure absolute verticality, as well as the absence of curvature of the future surface.
For these purposes, a fairly long construction level is used, with which you can check everything. The required level can be maintained by inserting pieces of board between the wall and the bar. The operations will noticeably speed up if you use a drill or screwdriver with the appropriate nozzle. The screw heads must be recessed to the surface level of the bars.
Laminate wall decoration is carried out in accordance with a technique slightly different from that used for flooring. The lamels need to be tightened before finally fixing them to the crate. It is convenient enough to use special metal plates with a flat hook, designed for mounting panels. You can hook them close to the edge of the groove, and then nail them to the frame elements, which will allow you to pull the next panel close. Fastening with nails with nailing the inner edge of the groove to the wooden elements of the frame is inconvenient, since you can damage the panel in the area of the outer edge of the groove or hammer the nail head loosely, which will complicate the installation of the next lamella.
It is worth saying that the walls are laminated in the hallway or in some other room using tools such as a hacksaw, tape measure, jigsaw, building cord, corner, plumb line and level. Naturally, a marker or pencil, a screwdriver, a construction knife or scissors will come in handy. Fasteners are carried out using self-tapping screws, nails, fixing strips, plastic or wooden corks.
Installation of the laminate through a wooden crate
In this case, the laying technology is quite simple. In this case, the gap between the laminate and the wall remains at the same level as you choose. First you need to make a wooden crate or just fix the bars on the wall in a horizontal direction. Panels are already mounted on them. Mounting is made using special fasteners - kleimers. Mounting is carried out at the very top and bottom of the laminated board. It is important to always apply a layer of sealant for the laminate on the castle joint, which will prevent the penetration of moisture through the joints, significantly extending the life of the material.
While laying the material on the wall, a gap should be provided between it and the floor, as well as the ceiling, so that the laminate has room for expansion. This is especially true if the walls are laminated in the kitchen. After the installation is completed, it is necessary to close the edges using aluminum corners, under which it is also required to apply a layer of sealant.
Installation of laminate on glue
This method can significantly save space. But at the same time, the walls must be carefully aligned. A laminate shield is assembled on the floor, and then glued to the wall. Joints must be coated with sealant, and the edges are covered with an aluminum corner.