Flooring is always an acute and pressing issue that occupies apartment owners almost in the first place.
The loads it experiences are great enough that the problem of replacing material arises with enviable regularity.
The main places with the highest load are the hallway, corridor, bathroom and, especially, the kitchen.
Hot water is constantly spilled in it, splashes of boiling fat fall on the floor, the floors are washed using special products.
And finally, all this pleasure is crowned by a burst pipe from the neighbors above, flooding the entire floor.
If laminate is chosen as a floor covering, this may cause complete failure of the material.
At the same time, the correctly chosen type of material is quite capable of surviving such troubles, emerging from such tests with honor.
Advantages and disadvantages
Laminate flooring in the kitchen is superior to regular linoleum or ceramic tiles in many respects.:
- Surface strength, resistance to mechanical loads.
- When wet, laminate flooring is not as slippery as tile or linoleum.
- In case of any problems, it is possible to replace part of the coating, which is extremely difficult in the case of tiles and impossible with linoleum.
- The decorative possibilities of laminate are high and can decorate the kitchen no less than any other coating.
- Walking barefoot on laminate flooring is much more pleasant than on linoleum or tiles.
At the same time, there are also disadvantages:
- Laminate is afraid of water. There are resistant types of material, but they are usually discovered when the coating is swollen and hopelessly damaged.
- Low degree of sound insulation of the material. This is a common problem that affects not only the kitchen, but since there are usually no additional rugs or other elements on the floor of kitchens, the problem gets worse.
- The material consists of pressed wood flour produced with the participation of formaldehyde resins, which is not the best option for the kitchen.
IMPORTANT!
Both the advantages and disadvantages of the material are quite conditional. Disadvantages can be easily overcome if you know everything that is required and take the necessary measures.
We define with pattern, color and texture
As mentioned above, one of the advantages of laminate is its wide design range, which allows you to choose the right laminate for any interior design style. Let's see what it is like - the opinion that laminate can only imitate wood is completely wrong.
It’s easy to choose the right coating for any design
Classic wood is indeed one of the most popular types. Modern technologies make it possible to reliably depict almost any wood - from light birch to the rich, deep color of oak. An appropriate texture, an interesting pattern - it is quite difficult to distinguish laminate from wood.
Classic wood looks very noble
Laminate flooring that imitates aged wood looks no less interesting. The boards are treated in a special way to achieve the effect of retro parquet. Cracks, abrasions and decorative chips look surprisingly cozy. This laminate is well suited for country, classic and chalet interiors.
Aged oak is an excellent choice for a chalet
Leather laminate looks very interesting. This crocodile or python skin flooring is an extraordinary solution for the kitchen, but it definitely deserves attention. However, keep in mind that such a coating looks very catchy, even pretentious. Therefore, we recommend using it carefully, making the rest of the interior as discreet as possible.
Laminate can imitate any leather
Laminated metal coating is another modern invention. It looks very unusual and is well suited for high-tech or loft. The floor can look very futuristic, or it can imitate a smooth metal coating - it all depends on your preferences.
An excellent solution for a loft
At first glance, laminate stone floors are indistinguishable from porcelain stoneware. However, they feel much more comfortable and warmer. In addition, the cost will pleasantly surprise you. However, there is one nuance here - it is very important to choose a high-quality coating, since if the print on the film is applied carelessly, the effect will be blurry.
Stone can be comfortable if it's laminate
The same statement is true for laminate that imitates tiles. If printed correctly, it will be almost impossible to distinguish it from real ceramic tiles.
It's hard to believe there aren't tiles on the floor
Designer laminate can be almost anything. Drawings, prints, mosaics, various interesting textures... Using this laminate you can create almost any interior to your taste.
All this is also laminate.
As for the texture, it is very diverse. In addition to the classic glossy and matte surface, several more types stand out.
Thus, laminate with the “Texture” texture has a slight relief. The protruding parts imitate real inlaid parquet, making the floor look expensive and elegant.
Texture creates a volume effect
The fine lines of "Relief" add dimension to your floor, creating interesting patterns and providing interesting surface relief. This flooring is well suited for classic interiors.
Embossed laminate imitates stacked parquet
“Natural surface” looks even more authentic. The board, which completely imitates the structure of wood, is coated with a thin varnish. Even upon closer inspection, it appears that your floor is made of natural wood planks.
Ideally conveys the structure of the board
Butterwood is a matte laminate that looks like well-sanded wood. Smooth lines, beautiful patterns and perfectly smooth texture.
The characteristic oily sheen gives this species its name.
A waxed surface looks like wood that has been waxed, as the name suggests. The soft shine provides an incredibly cozy and warm impression.
Country-style laminate also looks interesting - an imitation of natural boards, slightly sanded but retaining their texture. A stylish solution in a rustic style.
Scratches and stains look very elegant.
Basic requirements for laminate flooring in the kitchen
First of all, the operating conditions of the material should be taken into account.
They put forward specific requirements for it:
- Resistance to mechanical loads.
- Good tolerance to temperature changes.
- The surface must be neutral to the effects of active detergents.
- Moisture resistance (at best, water resistance) of the material.
The last point in terms of importance and relevance should be made first, since it is much more significant than all the others.
White tones
If you choose white laminate for the kitchen, it will best match the avant-garde style. This is a modern style where the interior color combines shades of gray and white. There are no bright or flashy shades here. Also, choosing a white coating is good for country style and minimalism.
The main thing is not to make bright and sharp accents. Flooring plays a big role in the interior, but accessories play an equally important role in choosing the right color. Furniture in soft pastel colors looks good against the background of a white floor in the kitchen.
But this is not a categorical imperative. You can experiment with furniture in dark shades. The most important thing is to refrain from flashy stains.
When choosing white laminate for the kitchen, you can safely trust the colors and shades of interior items to your imagination. After all, it is almost universal in any style. Therefore, it will be difficult to spoil the interior. A white kitchen will significantly expand the space and give it lightness.
And so that it doesn’t seem too boring, you can decorate it a little with colored decorative elements. The main thing here is to maintain a sense of proportion.
Moisture-resistant or water-resistant – which one to choose?
You should understand the difference between moisture-resistant and water-resistant types of laminate. First of all, it is necessary to clarify how water can harm the material. The front side of the lamellas is covered with a protective layer that does not allow water to pass through.
A risk factor is a lock joint where there is an open section of the supporting layer made of MDF, fiberboard or HPL.
Moisture-resistant types are made from the same base as regular ones, but during manufacturing they are impregnated with molten wax.
Alternatively, wax is present as a component when the HPL base layer is pressed. The stability of the supporting layer increases many times, allowing the material to remain in water for hours without any special consequences.
Waterproof types of laminate are relatively new on the market . They are made of PVC base, which completely eliminates the absorption of moisture and allows the material to be used in any damp room, in the bathroom, kitchen, sauna or swimming pool.
This is the fundamental difference between moisture-resistant and water-resistant types of material. When purchasing, it is best to pay attention to the base material, since sellers are not always strong in terminology.
Laminate floors in the kitchen interior (real photo examples)
Don't know how to fit laminate into your kitchen interior? A selection of photos for you!
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Laminate classes and which one is best for the kitchen?
Laminate is divided into strength classes. These are categories that allow you to roughly navigate the degree of resistance of the material to loads, abrasion and other influences to which it is exposed during operation.
Today there are 3 classes:
- 31. The material has a low degree of load resistance and can be used in an apartment or small office where there are not many people and mechanical devices for transporting goods (carts) are not used.
- 32. The most common and popular type among users. At a relatively low cost, the material is able to withstand quite serious loads and can be used in an office or medium-sized retail space. For an apartment this is the best option.
- 33. This type of laminate can withstand the loads of many moving people, the heels of women's shoes do not cause significant damage to it, you can freely move furniture or use carts. The material is suitable for an apartment in any case; for an office or a fairly large retail or public space it is also quite suitable.
- 34 . This class was introduced, so to speak, by default. That is, the Association of Manufacturers of Laminated Coatings (the organization that approves strength classes) has not officially introduced it and is still discussing whether it is needed. At the same time, manufacturers designate this class on particularly durable samples of their products in order to separate the highest grades from other types, increase sales and increase the significance of their material . The properties of class 34 laminate allow it to be used in gyms, dance or shopping areas, airports or other premises with the maximum degree of load.
NOTE!
Officially, the strength class exists only for 22 manufacturers who are members of the Laminate Flooring Manufacturers Association. All others indicate the class without permission, which is illegal, but allows the buyer to navigate the assortment and choose the most suitable product for themselves. At the same time, sometimes it comes to the point of absurdity when laminate of 35 or even 36 classes appears on the shelves.
The kitchen needs a sustainable type of material. At the same time, from a mechanical point of view, class 32 and even 31 are quite suitable, since the kitchen in the apartment is not a trading floor with many visitors . The most important parameter for a kitchen is moisture or water resistance, since this is where the basic requirements for kitchen coverings lie.
The best option is materials of classes 32-33 with a moisture-resistant (ideally water-resistant) load-bearing layer. If we exclude the possibility of flooding or water breaking onto the floor, then class 32 will be quite sufficient.
Structure and materials of waterproof slats
There are two types of waterproof slats on the market:
- The matrix is made only of polymer materials;
- Composite laminate based on pressed lignin-cellulose mass impregnated with polyethylene and polyurethane compounds.
Laminate based on polymer-wood composites is considered the cheapest and most affordable in the line of waterproof lamella coatings. It tolerates watering well and even long-term, up to 5 hours, stay in water. The coating has good thermal insulation, but due to the short fiber from which the matrix is made, it is considered stiffer and more brittle. When laying slats, good leveling of the kitchen floors and special care when joining the locks are required. In terms of its characteristics, waterproof laminate is closest to decking.
The polymer version of the waterproof laminate is made on the basis of a polyvinyl chloride substrate that has undergone high pressure treatment. The intermediate layer can be made of polyethylene or polypropylene. Next is decorative PVC film or paper, the top layer is made of polyurethane or heavy-duty polyester film.
The strength of a waterproof laminate is evidenced by the fact that on its surface you can crack nuts, place hot dishes for a short time, wash with any type of detergent, and even put out cigarette butts if someone comes up with such an idea.
Degree of wear resistance and impact resistance
The wear resistance of laminate is a source of pride for manufacturers. Today, the top layer of the material is able to withstand significant loads without loss of performance or decorative appeal.
In factory laboratories, the material is tested for abrasion by grinding it with abrasive materials for a certain time, and the indicators in this regard are very high.
The impact resistance of a material is determined by the material of the supporting layer. The softest and, accordingly, fragile types are based on MDF or fiberboard. The more durable material consists of HPL (High Pressure Laminate), which is tightly pressed using special resins and additives that enhance the strength of the coating.
When choosing material for the kitchen, you should take into account the characteristics of your lifestyle. Kitchen is not the same in different families . In one case, this is a fairly large loaded room, in the other - a small room where 1-2 people appear, and the coating does not experience any special loads.
Therefore, the choice of class and degree of strength belongs to the user himself, who will not want to overpay for unused capabilities.
What is laminate
The material itself is a thin high-density fiberboard. Wood fibers are pressed using high temperatures, achieving the tightest possible fit and adhesion of the constituent elements.
Laminate is a multi-layer coating
The top layer of the slab is covered with a special wear-resistant film, which simultaneously performs protective and decorative functions.
Thanks to this technology, durable and beautiful blocks are obtained that are well suited for use in the kitchen.
Choice of coating colors
Color is a matter of personal taste. Of course, there are selection criteria based on the color of the kitchen unit, the style of wall decoration, etc. But the priority in this case has always been and will be the personal view of the kitchen owner on this or that material, its color and the general sensations that a person has that serve as a measure of the suitability of the coating.
All recommendations in this case are ineffective, although there are many tips on how to choose the color of laminate for a large or small kitchen . Thus, it is believed that material that is too dark over a large area begins to dominate and attract the eye.
A light coating is more neutral in this regard. In addition, dark surfaces make dust, scratches or crumbs of debris more noticeable, which constantly appear in the kitchen while cooking. One way or another, the choice is a personal matter for the owner.
Choice of colors
Choosing the color of laminate flooring in the kitchen is not so easy. After all, everyone wants everything to look harmonious. The stores provide a large number of laminated coverings of various colors and shades. On the one hand, there is plenty to choose from, but on the other hand, you can get confused with such a huge choice.
If the kitchen is decorated in neutral colors and is not very large in size, then light floor colors will visually expand the room. To reduce it, on the contrary, it is recommended to make the ceiling and floor in dark colors.
The light color of the laminate will match a white kitchen and will visually increase the space. For a kitchen with dark furniture, a light floor covering is also suitable - the room will acquire a bright contrast.
Don't forget about your favorite color and texture. After all, it is the favorite color that can affect the psycho-emotional state of a person. If he is often exposed to stress, gets tired at work, or has conflicts with co-workers, it is not recommended to choose a covering in red tones.
To create a calming psychological background, a coating with shades of green is recommended.
Combination of green facades with light laminate in the kitchen
Combining laminate with other materials in the kitchen
This option for using the material is rarely used, as it requires the correct pairing of two types of material. The most common combination is laminate and tile. Typically, tiles are laid in the most critical areas where sharp objects may fall, boiling oil splashes or hot water spills .
Laying tiles helps reduce damage from such incidents, it takes on all the loads and allows you to keep the laminate intact.
The combination is also convenient because the thickness of the tiles and laminate are almost the same, making it possible to smooth out the transition from one material to another as much as possible in order to reduce the risk of trips or falls, which are very dangerous in the kitchen.
The transition line is most often covered with a special aluminum threshold, which is used to decorate the edges of linoleum.
Reviews
We have collected for you some of the most detailed reviews about laminate flooring, where people describe real experiences using this coating. Below each review are comments from our experts.
Indeed, laminate flooring with a strength of 32 can withstand even the toughest conditions. However, keep in mind that over 10 years its price has increased significantly. However, if you are ready for the costs, they will be worth it.
The color of the laminate really determines a lot. Thus, owners of laminates that are too light often complain about dust, but with “variegated” laminates you really can’t see anything. But this does not mean that it does not need to be removed.
This review is interesting because of the remark about the hood. It not only removes unpleasant odors in the kitchen, but also helps control the humidity in the room. This allows you to extend the durability of the laminate.
And again we return to the fact that the main thing is quality. We did not find any negative reviews about the durable and thick laminate, but there were quite a lot of praise.
Kitchen surface care
The kitchen is a very demanding room when it comes to cleanliness, and it is also very problematic in this regard. The flooring needs frequent cleaning and washing. Conventional dry vacuuming is ineffective here, since the surface contains a large number of small splashes of grease that get caught during frying food or other kitchen procedures .
To keep laminate flooring properly clean, you need to wash it regularly using mild detergents, which are available in abundance on the market. When purchasing, you should pay attention to what surfaces and materials the product is intended for, and how much water is spent on cleaning.
IMPORTANT!
Even the most water-resistant material should not be over-wetted, since in addition to the laminate, the subfloor gets wet, where mold, mildew, rotting, or other processes that are unacceptable in the kitchen can appear. Most types of laminate do not tolerate alkaline detergents, which must also be taken into account when choosing.
Tips for care and use
High-quality laminate can last you up to fifteen years. However, in order for the service life to correspond to the declared one, you need to follow a number of recommendations for caring for laminate flooring.
With proper care, laminate flooring will last you for many years.
Use our recommendations:
- It is best to give preference to dry cleaning - sweeping with a broom, cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. This will prevent the laminate from coming into contact with moisture, which means the coating will retain its structure longer.
- On the other hand, dry cleaning in the kitchen alone is unlikely to be enough. You will most likely have to clean your floor regularly. To do this, use a soft mop or cloth. It is very important to wring it out well - the fabric should not be wet, but slightly damp. After washing, it is advisable to wipe the floor dry with a dry cloth.
- Use mild detergents. Soap solution, special floor cleaner, and dishwashing detergent are ideal. Avoid using cleaning products with abrasive particles - they can scratch the protective coating of the laminate. In addition, you should not use aggressive chemicals - this way you risk ruining the color and design of your floor.
- When a stain appears, it should be removed immediately, because in the future the dirt can become embedded in the material, after which it will be very difficult to remove it from the surface. For stagnant stains that cannot be removed with conventional means, you can use an acetone solution: apply it to the stain for a few minutes, remembering to then remove the solvent itself and the dirt.
- Have you spilled water or other liquid? Immediately pick it up with a cloth and wipe dry. Due to prolonged contact with liquid, the laminate may swell, especially at the joints.
- Do you have furniture with sharp legs, such as metal? Consider a protective foot cover. It will prevent the coating from scratches.
- If you want to renew the finish, you can use a special polish or cover the floor with a thin layer of varnish. You should not use wax or mastic: firstly, the coating will become slippery and you risk injury. Secondly, such polishes spoil the structure of the laminate, making it less resistant to damage.
- You can paint over shallow scratches with a wax pencil. Is the damage more serious than you would like? Use acrylic putty to disguise the chip. Please note that it dries for almost a day - the treated area must be handled carefully.
- Scratches should be treated immediately after they appear. A damaged floor structure is an excellent way for moisture to penetrate, which can cause the scratched board to become deformed.
As you can see, caring for laminate flooring is not particularly difficult. The main thing is to follow our advice.
Mistake 2: Not taking precautions against humidity
In damp rooms, for example in the kitchen, the waterproofing of parquet must be strengthened. You can also use silicone expansion joints to prevent water penetration. Finally, make sure there is adequate ventilation in the area.
The surface of the laminate must remain sealed. If laminate has a weak spot, it's the edges. While the top is covered with a wear layer and the bottom is covered, the edges of the laminate boards are raw and therefore prone to water absorption.
But with a properly installed laminate floor, the seams at the top are so tight that they are practically non-existent. A plinth or quarter circle is covered around the perimeter. Theoretically, water cannot reach the core. In practice, water will usually find its way into the core if given enough time. It is necessary to lay laminate flooring with tight seams. Make sure the edges are sealed.
The laminate wear layer is surprisingly durable for such a thin surface. Keep the floor clean to avoid minor scratches. The laminate wear layer is surprisingly durable for such a thin surface. Keep the floor clean to avoid minor scratches.
Possibility of installing heated floors
The laminate itself is warm, it is pleasant and cozy to walk on it barefoot, especially since most of the slats convey the roughness of natural wood.
But for those who like it hot, you can pre-install a heated floor system. You just need to choose a covering that shows the heated floor icon.
Mistake 1: Installing floating parquet on an uneven floor
A floating laminate floor requires a perfectly level floor (no ripples). The triple thickness of the laminate gives it greater mechanical strength and some flexibility. Do not hesitate to ask a mason to update the floor surfaces and level the floor. Then wait until everything is completely dry before lowering your floating floor. It does not tolerate moisture.
Also, before installing underlayment and floating flooring, contact a plumber and electrician to change awkward piping or add outlets. Otherwise, you risk incurring large costs later!
Performance qualities of laminate flooring for the hallway
Wear resistance
This is the first parameter that you need to pay attention to when choosing. Since it is impossible to enter the apartment bypassing the hallway, the load on its flooring will be very high. Accordingly, it is necessary to choose a laminate that is as resistant to loads as possible, especially point loads.
Based on wear resistance, laminate is divided into several classes, which are determined after testing. It consists of circular scratching of the material: the longer the laminate remains intact, the stronger it is. The wear resistance class is written in the form of two numbers : one means the recommended class of the room, the second means the degree of load on it. For example, class 23 is intended for residential premises with a high degree of load and can be used in hallways, but laminate of classes 32 and 33 is much better suited - this is a laminate for commercial premises with a medium and high degree of load, respectively.
Thickness
As already mentioned, the thickness of the laminate can vary from 7 to 12 mm. The strength of the lock is directly related to the thickness, and resistance to mechanical loads depends on this. Since people will often walk through the hallway every day, it is better to choose thicker material. It will, of course, cost more, but by buying thinner material, you run the risk of having to renovate and change the flooring in the hallway again in a few years.
Lock
Today, laminate flooring with the following types of interlocking connections :
- Lock when the laminate panels are driven in. Suitable for horizontal installation only;
- Click when the panels snap into place. This is one of the most reliable and durable options, especially since laminate flooring can be laid not only horizontally, but also in an L-shape.
Basically, modern laminate is installed without glue. This is additional simplicity during the installation process and excellent maintainability, because if something happens, it is enough to replace the damaged board, and the floor covering will be like new again.
However, the adhesive option for laying laminate flooring . This is not only additional spending on glue, but also the opportunity to use a water-repellent adhesive composition to protect the most dangerous place - the joints of the panels. The main disadvantage of this method is that if one board is damaged, it will not be possible to replace it; the entire covering will need to be dismantled.
Moisture-resistant or water-resistant?
Everyone agrees that for the hallway it is better to use a laminate that is resistant to moisture , which can appear here quite often, because during rain and snow it is brought along with shoes, clothes and umbrellas, and if there are also pets in the house, then its quantity increases. So which laminate is better to choose – moisture-resistant or water-resistant?
Moisture-resistant laminate is distinguished by the fact that its ends are additionally treated with water-repellent compounds. Often the outer protective layer can also be treated in this way. The result is a material that can be washed using household chemicals and can withstand moisture for some time, but it is better to remove puddles from it without delay. It is better to use water-repellent adhesives for panel joints, because this is the most vulnerable spot. This is a good option for a hallway, which will provide the flooring with sufficient durability, even in the specific conditions of a given room.
For those who want to get the most durable and water-resistant material, a new type of it has been developed - waterproof . Thanks to new production technologies, fantastic results have been achieved. Such material not only withstands the accumulation of water on the surface - if the panels are immersed in water for a day, then it will not swell and will not change its appearance. Naturally, you have to pay for this, and such a laminate costs twice as much as a moisture-resistant one. But you can safely use it not only in the hallway, but also in the kitchen and even in the bathroom.
