Waterproof laminate to the kitchen

The kitchen is a room where there is high humidity and permeability. In this regard, ordinary laminate is not suitable for this room. Most manufacturers offer their customers for the kitchen a special floor covering, which is called a moisture-resistant laminate. This material has spread across the globe due to its special structure and a large number of positive qualities.

Laminate flooring is a modern type of flooring, as the basis for which is used fiberboard. At the same time, the material itself is composed of several layers, on which there is a coating in the form of a decorative film that is resistant to wear. Already finished laminate plates are bonded to each other due to the “lock” that is present on each component. Due to this, the product has a smooth and even surface.

More recently, a similar floor, as well as any wood product, was afraid of contact with water. To date, manufacturers have begun to use improved technology and presented the market with moisture-resistant laminate to the kitchen. Its features include:

• base in the form of HDF-plate, which has a high level of density;
• special processing method that protects the locks and side panels;

Thanks to these qualities, the liquid spilled on the floor does not flow under the surface of the product and does not contribute to its destruction. It is located on the surface and is easily removed. Popular waterproof laminate tiles can replace stone floors in the kitchen.

These two types of laminate can often be confused even by sellers in a hardware store. Some people mistakenly believe that this is the same coverage - but it is not. The main difference is the use of a PVC base in a waterproof product. The basis from plastic does not absorb water at all.

Many experts have reported that in the kitchen you can use high-quality moisture-resistant laminate and that will be enough.It is worth noting that water carries a danger for any type of laminate coating, but in a different ratio. The inner layers swell from the moisture that falls into the joints.

Moisture resistant laminate contains HDF-plate, which is processed with the help of hydrophobic substances. This stove is distinguished by its green color range, resistance to moisture, humidity and evaporation, and prevents the development of fungi and bacteria. The manufacture of the base is carried out using a special technology, therefore this material is able to endure long-term contact with the liquid. For these purposes, the plates are pressed under high pressure.

Users were satisfied with the use of moisture-resistant laminate in relation to the short contact of the surface with a liquid. However, in the case of a global flood, this type of surface will not cope with the onslaught of water. This onslaught can only withstand the waterproof kitchen laminate.

Modern type of flooring - moisture resistant laminate, characterized by a large number of positive qualities. Among the main advantages worth noting the following:

• The main positive quality is its environmental properties. The product is made from natural raw materials, therefore it is not toxic. At the same time it differs in stability, reliability and stylish design;
• impeccable exterior design and aesthetic qualities are also among the positive qualities of the laminate. It is impossible to distinguish it from the floor at first sight. Manufacturers offer products with a relief surface, which brings the analogue closer to natural materials;
• a large number of textures and colors. Popular imitations of natural wood, natural stones, tiles;
• This material will be to the liking of buyers who prefer ceramic tiles. At the same time, it is warmer than a porcelain tile, so you can walk barefoot on it;
• the laminate has a high resistance to abrasion, it does not form chips, the color saturation during operation is maintained;
• for assembly and disassembly of products does not require the use of tile glue. The process itself takes little time and effort.

If we talk about the shortcomings, we can note the following:

• With its resistance to water, this coating is not completely protected against liquid. If a large amount of water gets on it, which will not be removed within 20 minutes, moisture starts to seep into the joints.
• Modern brands offer vinyl laminate. This flooring consists of plastic parts in which there are two layers. The vinyl layer is located at the bottom and is offset from the top by 25 mm. Due to this protrusion two separate lamellae are connected. Butt grooves are absolutely not noticeable.

Because of the multi-layering, vinyl laminate has many advantages that set it apart from other types of flooring:

• the floor is able to withstand high loads;
• the covering perfectly maintains influence of moisture, means for washing, and also possesses an antiskid surface;
• vinyl laminate is resistant to damage;
• when heated, the product does not emit harmful substances, which indicates the absence of toxicity;
• vinyl tile is easy to separate, which contributes to a smooth installation;
• high thermal insulation properties allow the use of coating for the production of warm floors.

This floor will look great in any room and does not require special care. Due to its resistance to moisture, the vinyl coating will be ideal for rooms where high humidity is present. It is actively used in swimming pools and basements, as well as in the bathroom and baths.

The disadvantage of coverage is its high cost, which is several times higher than that of a conventional laminate. Also, contact with rubber materials contributes to the irretrievable loss of color of products.

Vinyl laminate is not a fireproof product. If with a slight increase in temperature the product does not emit harmful substances, then during combustion it turns into a toxic product. In this regard, experts do not recommend stacking this material in the kitchen.

If you chose a moisture-resistant laminate, you need to familiarize yourself with the main selection rules. These recommendations will help you choose a high quality coating that will serve you for a long time:

1. If you pay attention to the description of moisture-resistant laminate, it often indicates the word "aqua". When reading the markings that are on the package, you will see an image of a tap with a drop or an umbrella with a drop. These designations indicate that the laminate belongs to the category of waterproof coating.
2. To assess the quality of the product, you should be familiar with the class of load. It is necessary to purchase cover with 32 class. This is the minimum bar, below which it is not recommended to go down. This laminate is much stronger and more resistant to wear, compared with products of class 31 and 32.
3. Laminate class 34 is not particularly suitable for home use. This material is produced for installation in commercial premises and has a high price.
4. The choice of the manufacturer also affects such factors as strength and durability of the product.Experienced experts believe that the German laminate class 32, has a higher quality than the coating of domestic or Chinese-made 33 class.
5. To determine which store laminate is best, examine the density level of the HDF carrier plate. The higher this indicator, the higher the strength of the product and the less danger for it is moisture;
6. The swelling index is a significant criterion. It can be determined by testing, during which the laminate is left for a day in water. It is necessary to focus on the rate of this ratio in 18%. The lower the percentage, the higher the moisture resistance.
7. The cost of moisture resistant coating is more expensive than the price of a regular collection, and it is quite justified. The higher the price tag of the coating, the better properties it possesses. Therefore, you do not need to try to save on quality and buy inexpensive laminate for the kitchen from unknown manufacturers.
8. There is a compromise option that is not very convenient, but it justifies itself if you do not have enough money: buy a cheap laminate, and after a few years make a replacement with high-quality laminate when you have saved up the necessary amount.Laying modern laminate coatings with locks belongs to the category of fast processes that will not take you much time.
9. Always pay attention to the warranty period of products. Trademarks confident in their products establish a warranty period of 25-50 years;
10. If you need a laminate, which is not afraid of contact with water, carefully study the "lock" connection. This element is required to provide a strong fixation of the panels among themselves, without forming gaps. If the laminate has a high-quality mechanism "lock", then at the end of laying between the boards will not be present gap.
11. Laminate flooring belongs to the category of slippery surfaces, especially when exposed to liquid. To increase floor safety, choose products with a raised and structured top layer.
12. Align the floors before laying, as there should be no gaps between the joints of the laminate. Experienced experts advise laying a good substrate under the product so that the coating does not creak and does not sag under your feet.

If we talk about manufacturers, among the popular companies for the production of laminate floor coverings there are several brands:

• in the domestic market, the following brands received their fame: Alloc, Witex, Pergo, Kronospan, Tarkett, Classen, Quick-Step trademarks received good reviews from customers.
• High quality laminate includes products manufactured in Europe. This is a Norwegian, Belgian flooring, as well as laminate flooring from Germany and Sweden. The products of these manufacturers are of high quality and long service life. Most buyers prefer this particular laminate because it is less prone to scratches and does a good job with “floods”.
• for domestic products is characterized by a lower price category. Many popular trade brands from Europe began to produce their collections in production facilities in Russia. Therefore, if you buy a laminate, choose a product not only by the name of the manufacturer, and by the location of the plant, the address of which is also present on the packaging.

Using these recommendations, you can choose for your kitchen a high quality floor covering and be sure that your laminate can cope with moisture and liquid, which often appears in the room.