Laminate flooring is a well-proven floor covering that has been firmly and probably permanently incorporated into our lives. The material combines a good price-performance ratio. It is not as expensive and difficult to maintain as parquet, but more wear resistant than linoleum. Today, such a coating can be used in almost any room, even in problematic ones, such as a kitchen or a bathroom, in which most owners prefer to lay granite or ceramic tiles.
If in the bathroom this choice is justified, then in the kitchen it is not very pleasant to walk on the cold floor. Today, manufacturers of such coatings in collaboration with designers have developed a laminate with a stone or tile pattern.
Where is this material used?
In the kitchen or hallway, in the living room and dining room, on the glazed loggia and in the bathroom, the use of such a coating is allowed. True, in the latter case, the requirements for a laminate under a stone or tile are more stringent. In this case, it is necessary to carefully consider the ventilation system.
Features of ceramic tiles
It is known that the laminate is much warmer than tile, it is more pleasant to walk on it. Many buyers like a rough surface that mimics the natural texture. In addition, the laminate imitating ceramic tiles for the floor has an anti-slip effect, which distinguishes it from natural material.
Manufacturers offer such panels in the form of boards, consisting of two to four segments or in the form of separate tiles. The latter option is difficult to distinguish from the original material, so its cost is much higher. And the second with an optical chamfer (image, pattern). It is most often used in rooms where the flooring is subjected to a heavy load, for example, in the hallway. In recent years, in addition to its direct purpose, a stone laminate is also mounted on the wall. This decision is justified in the design of the living room, kitchen or bedroom.
Can a laminate replace a tile?
To answer this question, it is necessary to take into account not only the advantages of the selected flooring, but also the disadvantages of ceramics. Undoubtedly, the tile has many indisputable advantages: increased resistance to moisture and chemical attack, a variety of types of textures, patterns and colors. But, for families with young children constantly running, hard tiles can play a cruel joke: falling on it, a child can get seriously injured. The tile is not easy to install, it keeps heat worse and is also quite expensive.
Features of a laminate under a natural stone
Specialists know that natural stone, like tiles, is rather complicated to install. In addition, it is a heavy material that costs significantly more than a laminate. Manufacturers produce collections for sandstone, marble, granite. The sizes of the boards are different. Unlike natural material, the color palette of the laminate is much more diverse, which allows you to choose the option for any interior.
The atmosphere of comfort, create shades of onyx and anthracite. And marble is more suitable for an entrance hall, a loggia, a kitchen.
Material benefits
It is important for many homeowners to know what advantages a laminate stone or ceramic tile has over a natural material. Such a floor covering meets the following parameters:
- Easy to install and repair. Even a layman can work with him. The panel can be easily removed for replacement or repair. Ceramic tiles cannot boast of this, and it is extremely difficult to remove natural stone for replacement.
- Resistance to mechanical damage. Undoubtedly, ceramics are stronger, but the laminate reacts more flexibly to impacts: it will bend rather than burst under the impact of a heavy object.
- The material is not afraid of temperature changes.
The main characteristics of the coating:
- Wear resistance. The material is not prone to abrasion during operation. If you want it to last longer, choose a class 33 laminate under a stone or tile: it retains its shape and appearance for a long time.
- Strength. This characteristic depends on the thickness of the lamellas, which ranges from 8 to 12 mm. This is enough to create a durable and very even floor. High strength materials are available. For premium collections, laminate for ceramic tiles or stone involves another additional layer of protective film.
- Moisture resistance. This is an indispensable condition for all rooms that have a high level of humidity - kitchens, bathrooms. In such materials, the ends of the strips are impregnated with a hydrophobic composition that increases moisture resistance.
How to choose a coating?
When choosing a laminate for tiles or stone in the kitchen, take an interest in the manufacturing company and ask the seller for quality certificates. The lamellas should be perfectly even with a green layer. Be sure to pay attention to the oiliness of the wax and the strength of the locks.
It is necessary to take into account the illumination of the room, humidity, the intensity of patency on it. In a dark room of small sizes, preference should be given to a small pattern and light colors - this will significantly increase the space.
When choosing a laminate under a stone or ceramic tile, give preference to a material with a lower formaldehyde content.
Popular manufacturers
A wide range of laminate flooring from European, as well as Russian and Chinese manufacturers raises many questions among buyers. We invite you to get acquainted with the best brands in 2018-2019, to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of their products. We hope this helps you choose a quality laminate.
Witex
The Witex company (Germany) is one of the most famous manufacturers of laminated coatings. If you are interested in a stone laminate, look at the Marena Stone V4 collection. This is a pretty expensive option. The unique Loc-Tec lock connection allows you to put it quickly and efficiently even to a person who does not have such an experience. The collection includes 12 different decors imitating natural stone. This line can be used in the kitchen, as well as in the bathroom due to its high water resistance.
Egge
Egger is one of the largest in Europe. She specializes in the production of laminated materials. Its plants are located in Germany and Austria, Sweden and Italy, Russia. Experts believe that the annual output of Egger laminate is more than 30 million m². The company's products are of high European quality, durability, reliability, a variety of decors and textures.
It is important to know that Egger laminate 32 and 33 classes are designed for use in any type of premises, as well as in commercial areas with an average floor load.
Quick step
This manufacturer offers excellent imitation with several finishes. Lamels imitate a stone, repeating its color scheme and texture. The boards have slightly beveled edges that give the impression of a natural coating. The decors of gray, very light or dark material look good in the kitchen and in the bedroom, hallway and living room.
As a rule, this material is laid perpendicular to each other. Very thin relief stripes create a stylish look.
Parador
Great option 32 class. Collections are distinguished by the presence of drawings of granite, marble, as well as slate and mica. An original look is the combination of white and black marble (Trendtime 4 collection). This option is suitable for a minimalist and austere interior.
The advantages of laminate under the stone of this manufacturer include the special design of the lamellas, as well as the materials used. The basis is a moisture resistant plate having a high level of moisture resistance. In addition, the manufacturer has patented a special locking system, which easily withstands severe tensile loads.
Wineo Marena Stone V4
The matte surface of the lamellas with imitation of polished stone is famous for the decors of this collection. The tiles are 30 x 60 cm in size and have a V-shaped chamfer around the perimeter. Such material is suitable for kitchens, living rooms and hallways. The manufacturer guarantees 20 years of operation.
Balterio
This manufacturer offers several interesting options for laminate under a stone, but the Balterio Pure Stone collection deserves special attention, combining the best qualities of the relief texture of natural stone and the highest quality laminate. Many buyers are attracted by the large size of the slats - they make any room spacious.
"Mostflooring Marble"
Belgian manufacturers offer customers excellent material - laminate for ceramic tiles and stone "Mostflooring Marble". The basis of this coating is a fiberboard. Its thickness allows you to install the coating in various rooms.
Laminate Mostflooring meets all European and international quality standards, has excellent performance. Its advantages include strength, practicality, durability, moisture resistance, heat and sound insulation, hygiene, resistance to aggressive environments.
Alloc
The company offers a truly unique collection of Commercial Stone. The coating perfectly imitates the surface of the stone. The lamellas are equipped with a noise-absorbing substrate, which reduces household noise by 50%. Only the latest technologies are used in the production, which provides the product with protection against moisture. Coatings can be used in any room.
Features of choosing a laminate for the kitchen
We would like to draw your attention to this issue, since the kitchen is a special room where we prepare and eat food, and the health of our loved ones depends on how well selected decoration materials for its design.
That is why it is necessary to pay attention to the environmental safety class of an attractive coating. As a rule, the instructions on the packaging of the material contain information on whether formaldehyde and other toxic substances are included in its composition. Formaldehyde-free laminate is assigned environmental class E1
Acoustic characteristics. This is not to say that the sonorous sound of footsteps on such coverage is a common problem. Nevertheless, it can be annoying, especially with no habit. Therefore, laying a laminate under a stone in the kitchen (especially dense), it is necessary to choose a material with a soundproof lining.
Laminate has a rather complicated relationship with moisture, which is abundant in the kitchen. However, we found that modern manufacturers offer materials with increased moisture and water resistance. It differs from the usual laminate by the treatment of the castle joints and special impregnations, which allows for a long time to protect the wood board from moisture. Such material is slightly more expensive, but it should be chosen for the kitchen. Moisture-resistant and waterproof laminate under a stone or tile differs only in the number of impregnations. Therefore, it is necessary to decide whether you can keep the coating constantly dry: if so, then you can afford to save a little and buy moisture-resistant, if not, then you should choose waterproof.
There is a laminate, which seems to be created for the kitchen. Imitation floor tiles are ideal for this room. Imitation is not limited only to the pattern - it is usually produced with the texture of ceramics or natural stone. Class 33 coating is ideal for laying in the kitchen - it is the most resistant to abrasion and durable. However, experts believe that it is permissible to use a coating of 31 and 32 classes. Their technical characteristics are quite enough for service in a typical kitchen for 10 years or more.
How to care for a laminate?
Recommendations for the care of a laminate under a tile or stone are no different from traditional ones:
- do not use metal brushes, so as not to damage the surface;
- It is strictly forbidden to use aggressive cleaning agents;
- for heavy soiling, use gel-based detergents;
- even water and moisture resistant laminate should be cleaned with a dry cloth after washing.