Waterproof laminate for kitchen: reviews, photos

The biggest load in the apartment is in the kitchen. It prepares and stores food, washing dishes, eating. Sometimes it serves as a dining room, where guests are welcomed. By humidity, the kitchen is the second after the bathroom room. Ceramics not all suit as a floor covering because of an uncomfortable contact of a cold tile with bare feet. A water-resistant laminate for the kitchen would have come up just fine.

The device of a laminate

Manufacturers constantly try to improve the quality of flooring. This also applies to laminate, which has gained great popularity. The basis for its production is wood fibers. They are impregnated with resins and pressed under high pressure. Properties of a wood plate basically define quality of a product. On top of it is pasted decorative paper with a special impregnation. The main effect from the outside is on the uppermost layer of the protective film. It is resistant to abrasion, water, sunlight and chemicals. The lowest layer protects the plate from moisture, deformation and is noise insulation.

Features of waterproof and moisture resistant laminate

Water is dangerous for any laminate, but in varying degrees. The inner layer swells from the moisture inside the joints. Moisture-resistant laminate contains as base HDF plate with special treatment with hydrophobic substances. It has a characteristic green color, is resistant to dampness, moisture, evaporation and does not allow fungi and bacteria to develop due to special impregnation.

The base is manufactured using a special technology and is resistant to long-term contact with water. For this, the plates are pressed under extremely high pressure. Especially high quality waterproof laminate for the kitchen (34 class) produced by Vitex (Germany). It is used in public places with a heavy load on the floor. Moisture-resistant laminate satisfied users in terms of short-term water on the surface. But this does not apply to cases of global flooding, for example, if a washing machine breaks down. This impact is only able to withstand waterproof laminate for the kitchen. Reviews say that on products with a base of PVC, the effect of liquids is not reflected. At the same time, they have an attractive appearance that does not change with time.

How to produce waterproof laminate

The higher the density of the plate, the less it gets inside the moisture. Water resistant laminate for kitchen with an absorption coefficient of 10-12% is perfectly suitable in places where there is a danger of liquid ingress. The HDF plate with high density is made from wood fibers. Despite the fact that it is a by-product of production, it is carefully selected with the removal of sawdust, bark and other waste. Of great importance are the following properties of the laminate:

• High density of HDF-board material;
• Increased volume of resin;
• Deep wax impregnation;
• Presence of water repellent and antifungal formulations.

Depending on the amount of time during which the material is able to withstand contact with water, the following products are distinguished:

1. Standard HDF-plate with a density of 900 kg / m ³ and above (3 h).
2. Aqua-laminate with an increased content of resin (6 hours).
3. Plastic - absolutely not afraid of water.

Complete replacement of wood with polymers is effective, but the floor looks much worse. The higher the board class, the better its properties. Typical properties have articles 31, 32 classes. They are produced by simultaneous pressing of all layers. The boards are used for household use. 33 and 34 classes are made by separate pressing of several layers, after which they are joined together. They are characterized by high strength and durability. These higher commercial classes are used in public places.

The simplest laminate is not recommended for use in the kitchen, and for a bedroom it is a good fit. 31 class can be used in offices with little traffic and in everyday life. It is suitable for any room. 32 class for the kitchen is ideal, because it has high water resistance and strength.

Despite the considerable cost, buyers try to purchase boards of the highest quality, which have better characteristics and new properties: improved sound insulation, strong locks, unique top surface finish. This list includes a waterproof laminate for the kitchen of 33 class (photo below).

Laminate under the tile

The waterproof laminate for the kitchen under the tile successfully replaces the stone floor in the kitchen. It has the following advantages:

• High resistance to abrasion;
• No chips are formed;
• The color is preserved;
• Comfortable surface temperature (as in a "warm floor");
• durability;
• Easy assembly and disassembly without glue.

Among themselves, ceramics and laminate for kitchens are water-resistant (photo below).

Choosing a waterproof laminate

When choosing a laminate, pay attention to the packaging. It should contain the word "aqua" and the corresponding marking, for example, of the umbrella type in the rain. The dense material is durable and water resistant. Products must be at least 32 classes.

The moisture barrier layer must be covered with the back of the panel. The most consistent with the quality of its class is the German water-resistant laminate for the kitchen. Reviews of products of famous brands confirm that they are of high quality. The prices for them are quite high, but they fully correspond to the characteristics of the laminate.

Lock joints must be dense and treated with wax or silicone. The instructions always detail how to build.

When water gets into the laminate becomes slippery. When buying, you should choose products with a relief structure that is practical for the kitchen.

Laying of waterproof laminate

Panels are assembled in exactly the same way as usual, but under them there is no need to lay waterproofing. Sound insulation made of foamed polyethylene is still needed. He rolls on the floor and connects rolls of scotch tape. Without this layer the flooring will rumble while walking.

Before laying the waterproof laminate for the kitchen should undergo a period of adaptation in the same room for 2-3 days. It is stored packed and printed just before packing. The allowed curvature of the floor is 2-3 mm / m ² . On uneven surfaces, the boards are deformed underfoot and wear out quickly. Between the walls and floor coverings create a gap of about 1 cm, inserting temporary supports. The boards are staggered with a displacement of adjacent rows of 40 cm or more. This increases the strength of the connection and looks more attractive.

Laminate care

Care consists in the periodic processing of special compounds. Laminate can be washed, but water should be cleaned immediately. No matter how it is protected, it should be remembered that the basis is wood, which eventually swells.
Unlike tile, on the laminate, scratches easily, for example, from broken dishes and other sharp objects. They can be masked with a furniture pencil.

Conclusion

The waterproof laminate for the kitchen is a reliable and modern coating. With its right choice, installation and operation, you can get a nice, warm and durable floor. It is advisable to apply for the kitchen board 32 and 33 classes produced by European companies.