Laminate "under the tile" in the kitchen
Modern flooring is presented in a fairly wide range and therefore with the choice of a suitable option rarely have problems. Stone, tile, linoleum - all this is most often used in the repair. These materials have excellent performance. But today one of the leaders in sales is laminate "under the tile" in the kitchen. This option can be attributed to the universal form, as it perfectly imitates expensive flooring.
Material Features
Basically, to create high-quality flooring in the kitchen, most people choose sustainable materials that do not deform and do not lose their appearance. The ideal solution in this case would be a waterproof laminate. Its feature is high-quality processing, which ensures high operational properties of the coating. For this process, various resins and special repulsive mixtures are used, thus avoiding the deformation of the material. The basis of such a laminate is a plate of high density.
It should be noted that moisture-resistant laminate belongs to the most practical option when compared to others. The production of this material is somewhat different from the creation of traditional standard coatings. Such panels are not afraid of exposure to high humidity or liquid poured on their surface.
In more detail to get acquainted with features of this material the following qualities will help:
- produced with the texture of natural stone or tile;
- in comparison with ceramics, the surface of the laminate has a low thermal conductivity;
- no different whimsical care.
The main advantage of the kitchen laminate is in its appearance. It perfectly imitates natural expensive stone and quality tiles. Looking at the surface, you can confuse the laminate with marble or granite. Thanks to a wide range, every customer has an excellent opportunity to purchase suitable material in accordance with their own preferences and design features in the kitchen.
Another feature of the laminate is that the panels fit snugly together.Tight and neat connection of all elements allows you to get a perfectly flat surface in the kitchen.
Basically, the laminate under the stone does not differ smoothness. The material has a relief and slightly rough surface. This helps to prevent slipping in the event that water falls on the floor.
Advantages and disadvantages
In comparison with many types, laminate, imitating tile, has many advantages. The first advantage is easy and quick installation. The material is equipped with a special locking system that allows it to be laid without special skills and knowledge. All that is required of the master - compliance with the instructions.
A further advantage of the laminate tile is cost. Such material will be the most successful choice in case you want to equip a high-quality, durable and beautiful floor covering in the kitchen.
As already noted above, the surface does not differ whimsical. Laminate "under the tile" in the kitchen has an additional protective layer, easy to clean.
For this process, you can use conventional detergents. The surface does not need additional care.
Plus laminate is durable and reliable. The presence of the upper protective layer prevents scratches and various damage. Even with the fall of heavy objects, the surface does not lose its external qualities.
Like any material, laminate has not only advantages, but also certain disadvantages. The most "weak" place of coverage is seams. Water can penetrate into the gaps between the lamellae, which negatively affects the quality of the lower layer of material.
The ideal choice would be a combination of tile and laminate in the interior. It is best to give preference to more expensive products. In this case, you can not worry about the fact that the floor surface will lose its appearance.
How to choose a material
In the choice of laminate, imitating tile, you need to consider several features. The first thing you need to pay attention to is the coverage class. For a room such as a kitchen, the best option would be the material of 33 classes. This is due to the fact that such a laminate has high strength and reliability, which is important for a room with high traffic.
You can look at the coverage of 32 classes.It is best to purchase material from German manufacturers.
The next factor to pay attention to is security. During the acquisition, you need to carefully study the information from the manufacturer. It is always indicated on the packaging whether toxic elements that are harmful to health are present. Study carefully the basis of the material for the presence of formaldehyde. This indicator is of particular importance for residential premises.
In determining the moisture resistance of the coating will help mark "aqua" on the packaging material. All manufacturers must label their products.
Installation
Laying laminate can be done independently in the presence of simple tools that are in the arsenal of every home craftsman. The main thing is to follow the instructions during the process.
First you need to decide on the question in which direction you will be laying the floor. During the installation process it is necessary to correctly calculate the joints. It should be understood that even a minimal deviation from the figure can negatively affect the final result. The pattern transition must be precise and harmonious.
After determining the direction you need to take measurements.Being guided by the received indicators, all panels need to be processed by means of a circular saw so that all parts coincide in the sizes.
After that, the material must be laid substrate. The base may be cork or polyethylene. Then, you can start laying.
Starting installation, you need to consider that the distance between the laminate and the wall should not be less than 10 mm. After laying the first row, you must go to the second. At this time, it is important to ensure that all parts coincide with each other in the pattern. When combining all elements of the locks need to latch. The panel must be mounted at an angle of 45 degrees.
After laying the laminate need to install baseboards around the perimeter of the room
Tips and tricks
In order to avoid voicing and unpleasant noise when walking on the laminate, you need to take care of additional sound insulation. This issue will help pre-prepared substrate. Especially it concerns those cases if you get material 33 classes.
To prevent dirt or liquid from entering the joints, the seams must be treated with special sealants. This should be done in the process of laying laminate.
During operation, difficult-to-remove stains should not be allowed. To remove such contaminants you need to use quite aggressive substances. Such cleaning may adversely affect the structure of the tile.
Special attention should be paid to design solutions. Combining dark laminate with walls and ceiling in the appropriate color is unacceptable. The palette must be chosen so that they look harmonious with each other. The use of the same color of flooring and walls is unacceptable in small spaces.
Special attention should be paid to the material manufacturer. Focusing on customer reviews, you can understand that the leaders in this area are foreign companies.