Laminate for the kitchen: which one can be installed and how to choose + manufacturers

Repairing the floor in the kitchen requires the consideration of several issues, where the main thing is the choice of flooring. There are a large number of profile products on the modern market, among which laminate occupies a special place. Should it be used in the kitchen or replaced with another material? If you pay attention to the recommendations of professionals, you can draw a conclusion about the suitability of the material for a given room. The main thing is to choose and install the flooring correctly. To understand the features of the product and choose the right product, taking into account the types, properties, pros and cons, we recommend that you evaluate the presented article.

Laminate for the kitchen

Laminate in the kitchen: is it possible or not?

The answer is yes, provided several conditions are met. The type of laminate, coating class, as well as compliance with installation technology are important here. The most acceptable option is considered to be a material of class no lower than 33 with a thickness of 8-12 millimeters. There must be a strong protective layer on top that will resist moisture. The surface should be textured to ensure comfortable movement and no risk of slipping. The joints are treated with specialized compounds that are required to repel water, which is done after installation.

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!

Difference between moisture-resistant and water-resistant laminate

Currently, there are 3 main types of laminate, which are divided into categories. Not all flooring is suitable for the kitchen, so you need to understand the specifics. Usually stands out among standard variations.

You can purchase regular, moisture-resistant and water-resistant laminates

To create the first two types of products, wood or cellulose fiber is used by pressing under high pressure. To give greater density, specialized additives are added to the fiberboard.

Important! The latter provides additional properties, including excellent sound and heat insulation.

Methods for joining laminate and tiles

There are several ways to seal the joints between tile and laminate flooring. Each of them differs in the complexity of implementation, as well as the feasibility in each individual case.

Grouting joints

If two finishing materials are laid at exactly the same height, the optimal way to join them is a special joint-to-joint method, which assumes the absence of any extraneous elements. It is also important that the distance between the coatings is minimal.

It is important to choose the right grout material here. Available options:

• transparent or colored sealant;
• construction foam;
• special paste;
• fugue;
• liquid plug.

To ensure high reliability and long service life of the material, it must have excellent adhesion to tiles and laminates.

Cork gasket

Cork material is an environmentally friendly and durable option, so its use is considered relevant for any room. It is advisable to use it if the height of the coverings is the same, otherwise the joint will not be entirely aesthetic.

The essence of the method is to install a thin strip of cork (compensator) into the gap between the coatings. The method is ideal for straight and curved joints. For work, you can choose a compensator, the upper edge of which is treated with a protective varnish, painted or decorated with veneer.

The choice of a suitable method for joining different materials must be conscious

Vinyl sill

It is used for the design of curved joints, joining of single-level coverings and for the design of connections with different finishing heights.

The permitted height difference is no more than 0.8-0.9 cm. Consists of a base and a decorative nozzle.

Flexible thermoplastic thresholds can take any shape and give the designer a choice of colors.

Aluminum sill

It is most often used on door leaves to hide differences in levels and minor defects in work. Some types are coated with a special coating.

There are several varieties:

• standard with holes for self-tapping screws,
• with hidden fastenings.
• with self-adhesive.

Thus, the design of a kitchen floor can be done in different ways using different materials. The choice depends on the preferences of the owners, but should be based on the operating conditions characteristic of the kitchen.

Is it possible to turn ordinary laminate into waterproof?

To create special water resistance properties, you can do it quite simply and cheaply. To do this, during installation you will need to lay the floor covering without using a backing. Typically, an adhesive mass is used for this, and then the top is treated with polyurethane varnish. Such a product will have excellent technical characteristics, and due to its high porosity it will provide resistance to liquids. Nevertheless, experts recommend waterproofing the base, which will eliminate the problem of water accumulation in the lamellas.

As for the disadvantages of such a life hack, the low resistance to high loads stands out. In conditions of high traffic, faster abrasion is observed, and, consequently, a decrease in service life. Usually the difference in operational applicability is almost 2 times. It is imperative that the floor covering be restored and repaired during use.

polyurethane varnish

To turn a regular laminate into a waterproof one, glue and polyurethane varnish are used - they are used to treat the coating

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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Which laminate is ideal for the kitchen?

Of the types under consideration, only waterproof brands that are highly resistant to this negative factor are suitable for the kitchen. Similar products are also made using wood-cellulose fibers, but the crowning feature is considered to be impregnation using composite materials. Such a coating ideally retains moisture and creates ideal conditions for resisting water. It is important to understand that the joints and the reverse side do not have such protection, so manufacturers do not recommend prolonged interaction with liquid.

Over time, products wear out, which leads to a decrease in resistance levels. Film abrasion, problems with locking joints - all this requires timely repairs and high-quality maintenance.

For the kitchen you should only choose a laminate that is not afraid of water

So maybe not laminate, but tiles

The forums are full of questions: which is better, laminate or tiles in the kitchen. But the question needs to be posed more broadly: what is the alternative to laminate in the kitchen. If you only consider the laminate/tile pair, then tiles have many advantages:

• does not scratch;
• not afraid of water and fat;
• easy to clean with any detergent;
• costs less than moisture-resistant slats;
• serves for a long time.

But it has one drawback: due to the hardness of the floor, the musculoskeletal system of a person who spends a lot of time in the kitchen - typical for mothers in large families - is heavily strained. This has already been discussed in one of the comments on our website.

Therefore, it is worth thinking about linoleum and quartz-vinyl laminate. They are affordable for home owners, are not afraid of moisture, look impressive, and are superior in quality to laminate. In some cases, even a specialist cannot visually distinguish linoleum from laminate.

What to prefer if you plan to have a heated floor

If we abstract from other performance characteristics of laminate and ceramic tiles, then any of the listed coatings can be placed on a “warm floor,” although with different effects.

Lamella structure

There are 2 types of waterproof laminate on the modern market.

1. A matrix that is made using polymers.
2. Composite laminate, which is created using pressed cellulose. Various polyurethane and polyethylene compounds are added to the latter.

The cheapest and most affordable laminate is considered to be the one made from polymer-wood composite materials. A similar line is created according to standards that allow it to resist liquid for 5 hours. Please note that such a coating has good thermal insulation. Among the disadvantages, one can point out the short matrix, which causes greater fragility during installation. To carry out installation, it is imperative to create a flat floor, as well as to ensure careful connection of the locks. Please note that such a product, in terms of technical parameters, is often compared to a decking board.

A cheaper waterproof laminate is considered to be one made using polymer-wood composite materials.

As for the polymer waterproof laminate, it is produced on the basis of polyvinyl chloride. Its shape is set using high pressure through special molds. Please note that the intermediate layer is made from polypropylene or polyethylene. The upper part is made using paper, PVC or other film. Products of this type have impressive strength. You can check by creating physical activity or changing temperature conditions.

Important! On such a floor you can not only use aggressive detergents, but also completely fill it with water for 20 hours.

moisture resistant laminate

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.

Laminate classes

Not all classrooms are suitable for kitchen use. Typically, products from classes 31 to 33 are used here, as they have excellent technical parameters. But you need to know some essential nuances.

1. Class 31 has a service life of up to 12 years. Typically used in commercial and residential buildings with average traffic.
2. 32nd grade. It has a service life of up to 15 years and has increased scratch resistance. Typically used in buildings with higher than average traffic. Features a higher price tag.
3. 33rd grade. Experts recommend using it in rooms that have a high level of traffic, which indicates excellent stability. The service life reaches 20 years, there are no cracks from old age, and does not swell with prolonged interaction with water.

For the kitchen you should use laminates of class 31-33 - not lower

Advantages of laminate

The best laminate for the kitchen will perfectly replace other coatings, and its price cannot be compared with the cost of stone, tile or cork.

It is quite easy to install even for a non-professional. A variety of colors and patterns will help you choose the floor of the required range. It looks equally good in a kitchen of any size.

It is easy to select the necessary skirting boards for this type of finish. Most often they are supplied in the same hardware store.

Laminate is pleasant to the touch and always warm, reminiscent of a wooden floor, but has much greater protection against rising ambient temperatures.

The relatively inexpensive price will make the renovation a fairly budget-friendly endeavor. In addition, the owners will not have to rack their brains over how to combine the floor of the kitchen and the rest of the apartment.

The modern coating combines well with other floor finishes, as well as with the decor of walls and ceilings, creating a single color scheme in the room or being a contrasting or completely neutral coating.

A good laminate can withstand minor impacts well and is quite resistant to abrasion.

What to look for when choosing laminate flooring for the kitchen?

There are several items that should be evaluated before selecting specialty products.

1. Physical endurance class. The higher the resistance, the longer the floor covering will last. Typically, class 32 is suitable for the kitchen, corridor and other rooms. In the absence of force majeure, the material will last up to 15 years. Variations with resistance classes 33 and 34 are more expensive and durable.
2. Moisture resistance. It is important to ensure that the specialized material is waterproof. This is important for rooms where there is an increased risk of spilling liquid on the floor. Typically, laminate packages will feature a drop of water, a tap, or the words waterproof, water resistance, and others.
3. Lock type.
   There are 2 types of locks on the modern market. The first is called Click, which differs in the ability to collect and parse. The second is called Lock and involves gluing products together. Click is considered more reliable and practical from the standpoint of operation and installation. The floor is easier to install, and its service life is much higher than its analogue. The Lock variation is cheaper, but such locks are more difficult to install and also require a level base. Which laminate is better - with Click or Lock locks?
4. Brand and warranty. You should not buy the cheapest and little-known laminate. If you have financial problems, then it is better to use a solution from a reputable manufacturer than to take risks and buy products that will not last long. As an alternative, it is better to look at linoleum with a wood texture.
5. Thickness.
   Another parameter that is important to track. The greater the characteristic, the greater the load the floor covering can withstand. For the kitchen, it is advisable not to take product variations that have a thickness below 9 mm. For the kitchen it is better to use a fairly thick chamfered laminate. To make the floor look more unique and beautiful, it is better to choose products without a chamfer. This will also provide a functional addition.
6. Formaldehyde emission. Environmental safety and harmlessness to humans is an important parameter. Pay attention to the marking, there should be the letters E1 or E0.
7. Noise absorption. Not all floor coverings have good sound insulation properties. If it is possible to order more expensive material, then pay attention to the Sound Protect variation with a thickness of 1-2 mm. Otherwise, take a closer look at the substrate.
8. Anti-slip. The absence of slipping allows you to create safe conditions for human life. Typically, rough terrain is used for this.

It is important that the laminate is anti-slip

How to choose laminate for the kitchen

When deciding which laminate to choose for the kitchen, you need to focus on the characteristics of the lamellas. First of all this:

• moisture resistance. Difficult operating conditions of the floor covering: high humidity and sometimes spilled water require the purchase of a moisture-resistant laminate. The fact that the product resists moisture is indicated by markings on the packaging in the form of a tap, a drop of water, the inscription “Aqua” or a drawn umbrella;
• wear resistance. Here you need to be especially careful. In popular literature, concepts are constantly being replaced: the strength class is attributed to the level of wear resistance. This kind of incident also occurs among professional craftsmen and experts. Therefore, you need to focus not on icon 33 or 34 (indicates the strength class), but on the combination of the letters AC and the numbers 3 or 4 or the number of people on the floor on the pictogram (see photo). For an apartment as a whole, abrasion class AC3 is sufficient, for the kitchen you need AC4 - too many people go there. And one more thing: wear resistance is not identical to the concept of hardness. This means that laminate flooring can withstand shuffling feet just fine, but suffer scratches or dents from pets' claws or falling breakable objects;

Abrasion class designations.

• strength. The criterion shows what dynamic and static load the slats can withstand during operation. That is, how much weight one panel can withstand over a long time. Let us be clear: you should not believe the numbers printed on the packaging. Reliable data is available only from products of German and Belgian companies. Although here, not everything is clear. Thus, the best models of class 32 have a higher level of strength than laminate in the class 34 segment, but with a more affordable price. One thing can be said about the products of Russian and Chinese enterprises - it’s a pig in a poke: you can buy both a good laminate and one with low strength characteristics. If we get lucky. For the kitchen, class 34 seems to be the best option - because of the refrigerator;
• surface type. The smooth surface of the laminate becomes slippery after wet cleaning. Therefore, it is better to buy textured slats. This is not only safety, but also a beautiful design, most often a wood look.

The cost of 1 m2 of laminate and its durability also play an important role. Although you don’t have to choose too much based on price: class 34 laminate with a high degree of wear resistance is correspondingly expensive (price starts from 2,500 rubles/m2).

Cons and pros

Using laminate flooring in the kitchen provides the following significant advantages.

1. The flooring, which is made using high-quality materials and technology, is not subject to physical damage, temperature changes, and is not afraid of moisture.
2. The product has a higher temperature compared to tiles. Causes pleasant sensations directly when walking barefoot. If you add underfloor heating, there is no alternative to laminate.
3. There are no dents or other deformations due to installed furniture, appliances, etc.

The laminate does not deform from walking on it or installing furniture

Among other points, it is necessary to point out the ideal aesthetic properties, because the appearance is similar to natural wood. At the same time, a person does not overpay and receives the ideal material for easy and affordable installation.

We must not forget about the shortcomings. The following main items may be included here.

1. Exposure to water. With prolonged exposure, the product swells and swells. To solve the problem presented, additional processing is required, which involves filling the seams using sealants. Risks are reduced, but the problem is not fully resolved.
2. Some people often confuse water-resistant and moisture-resistant laminate flooring. They are fundamentally different and behave differently when in contact with water. Moisture-resistant material cannot withstand prolonged loads from water, which leads to swelling. This occurs due to liquid getting into the joints. If deformation has occurred, it will not be possible to restore the aesthetic appearance. As for the waterproof product, it is insured against such troubles.
3. Loud knocking sound when walking. The floor covering creates a characteristic ringing sound when walking. This is especially felt when there is a clicking noise from pets. If you don't put the backing on yet, a drum effect appears. To solve the problem, you should definitely use special substrates. They absorb steps and also eliminate minor unevenness in the floor.

   If you do not put a backing under the laminate, walking on it, especially with shoes, will be accompanied by loud sounds

4. Chips and scuffs. Flooring products are simpler compared to parquet. But this does not mean that there are no problems here. An incorrectly hung door or improper support of equipment can lead to deformation and damage to the surface. Sometimes wax pencils come to the rescue in this direction.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring

Like any other coating, laminate has both its pros and cons. Let's take a closer look - this will help you make an informed decision and not encounter unpleasant surprises during operation or installation of the floor.

The undeniable advantages of laminate flooring include:

• Durable, high-quality laminate has good resistance to damage. It is not afraid of falling objects, it does not show chips, scratches or cracks - unless you try to leave them yourself.
• Due to the protective film, the laminate does not fade in the sun, and its color does not change due to temperature changes.
• A good laminate does not wear out over time and retains its appearance for many years.
• The material is very easy to care for. It is easy to clean, and often just water and a mild detergent are enough - the coating prevents dirt from penetrating deep into the laminate.
• In its structure, laminate is much warmer than tiles, porcelain stoneware, and artificial stone. If the room is not cold, you can even walk barefoot.
• You can install a warm floor under the laminate.
• There are no traces left on the laminate from the legs of the refrigerator, furniture, or appliances. This allows you to make changes without worrying about the integrity of the coverage.
• Wide design possibilities. It is easy to choose laminate flooring for any interior design.
• Easy to install - you can even install this floor yourself.
• Affordable price - laminate is much cheaper than most finishing materials.

As you can see, the list of advantages is quite wide. What about the shortcomings?

Perhaps we can highlight the following disadvantages of using laminate:

• Laminate does not tolerate contact with water for a long time. If you spill something, you will have to wipe up the liquid immediately. If your neighbors flooded you or a pipe burst, it is very difficult to save the coating from deformation. However, you can increase the moisture resistance of the laminate by treating the joints with a special sealant.
• Laminate floors are often criticized for noise - the characteristic ringing sound from footsteps, pet claws and fallen objects. The noise level can be reduced by placing a special soft substrate under the laminate.
• If installed poorly, laminate flooring begins to creak. This problem is easy to solve - just entrust the flooring to professionals or do it yourself, as carefully as possible.
• Laminate is quite resistant to damage, but scratches and chips may still appear on it. To correct the situation, you can buy special wax pencils to match the color of your floor and disguise the defect.

As you can see, the disadvantages of using laminate can be considered very conditional: all of them can be easily corrected or prevented.

Conclusion? This coating can be safely recommended for use in the kitchen.

Compatibility with heated floors

Warm floors go well with laminate, provided that a number of conditions are met.

1. Specialized flooring cannot be laid directly on electric floor heating systems. This is due to uneven heating of the surface, which leads to the creation of cracks. It is better to use film or water systems.
2. The temperature should be increased gradually. It is extremely important not to allow the temperature to rise above 28 degrees. Be sure to install a rheostat and specialized sensors to regulate the temperature.
3. During the heating season, it is advisable to use additional devices that will humidify the air. In the kitchen, the laminate should not dry out, so the humidity level should be at 50%.

Laminate can be combined with underfloor heating systems, but the temperature cannot be increased too much - it can become deformed

Kitchen features

This room is often hot and humid, there is a high probability of sharp objects falling or cereals, flour, salt being spilled, splashes of water and droplets of fat flying onto the floor.

And the flooring should be able to withstand this and remain pleasant in appearance.

Design Features

When working on the style, it is important to assess the size of the board. Typically, rectangular variations are used for the kitchen, the length of which is 1200 mm. The width should not exceed 200 mm. It is important to note that there are various variations on the market, with a wide variety of elements in width and length.

The second position is associated with the presence or absence of a chamfer. If the product is sharpened to look like wood, then the latter has special grooves. They set a non-standard effect and allow you to specify a non-standard design.

Important! When choosing, pay attention to the markings 2V and 4V, which indicate the number of sides with a chamfer.

It is important to pay attention to the design of the laminate - it is often designed to look like wood, which looks quite beautiful

As for design, wood-look variations are currently popular. That is why solutions called “oak”, “ash” and so on are presented on the market. Each option has a nuance. For example, oak has more than 50 of them. The pattern on the planks may differ. The more expensive the material, the more varied the pattern will be presented. Products imitated with natural stone deserve special consideration, as they allow for heat retention and a non-standard design.

Disadvantages of laminate

A slight love for water will be the first disadvantage of this modern and beautiful coating. The solution to the problem will be the use of special impregnations.

An underlay placed under the laminate will help eliminate excessive ringing. It will also become an additional sound insulator.

Modern coating is not too environmentally friendly, but also does not spread unnecessarily harmful emissions.

How to calculate the quantity?

When ordering laminate, be sure to take extra. Usually the calculation is 5% more than the declared area. If the consumable material remains, it can be used to repair the surface. Another important feature is associated with the type of masonry. If the installation is carried out diagonally, and you will be working on the floor yourself, then you will need up to 15% more products.

waterproof laminate

How to correctly calculate the required amount of laminate

How to calculate the amount of laminate and installation secrets

Proper calculation of laminated materials for purchase will help save money.
In a typical box, there is usually enough flooring for 2 square meters. m of floor, although there are packages with material for 1.9 and 2.4 square meters. m. The required quantity should be calculated in advance.

Since during the installation process it is necessary to trim the edges, the laminate should be purchased taking into account the reserve. To calculate, you need to multiply the length of the kitchen by the width, adding 10% (reserve).

How to lay laminate flooring under a kitchen unit

Installation must be carried out before furniture is placed. To install the coating you will need the following materials:

• primer for concrete foundations (polymer or membrane);
• primer;
• wooden beam and clamp for lining;
• in cases where there is no adhesion, and glue is used for additional insulation of joints;
• wedges (5 - 15 mm), to maintain the temperature opening from the walls;
• laminate;
• hammer, electric jigsaw or carpenter's saw;
• baseboard;
• The substrate, according to installers, is the most economical - foamed polyethylene, the popular thickness is 3 mm.
• measuring tape, pencil, construction knife, corner;
• wide tape for fastening the lining under the parquet board;

How to lay laminate under a kitchen unit, Direct installation process:

• the base floor is scrupulously cleaned;
• it is primed, and the log base is treated with an antiseptic;
• a film or membrane is laid overlapping or butt jointed and secured with tape;

Experts advise starting work from the wall or corner closest to the window, fastening the slabs with locks.

Laying laminate flooring

1. The next row begins with the remaining piece; if it is shorter than 30 cm, it is necessary to cut half of the fresh board.
2. In any next row, you first need to assemble all the planks, then lift the entire row, insert it into the chamfer until it stops and, lowering it, snap it into place.
3. Taking into account the temperature gap, the last plank is cut.
4. The protruding edges of the substrate are trimmed and all wedges are removed.
5. The thermal gap is closed by a threshold.
6. A plinth is attached to the wall.

Installing a laminated board diagonally will create a special effect, visually expanding the space. But, laying in this way is more expensive, since the material consumption will increase by 10–15% of the usual method. But how to put laminate under the kitchen unit if the cabinets are already installed and need to be renovated? To do this, you need to free up as much space as possible, disassemble the damaged part and replace it with new slats.

How is laminated board laid?

When carrying out work, several nuances should be worked out, which are presented below.

1. Be sure to purchase flooring with a reserve. Please note that the same color from different batches may differ in shades. A large supply will be required for non-standard installation.
2. Be sure to read the instructions before working with the product. Manufacturers always provide nuances regarding correct installation and operation.
3. The task should be carried out in the direction of the light from the window opening. This will ensure that the gaps that appear between the panels are masked.
4. The most difficult installation method is considered to be diagonal.
   A simpler solution is to lay it along the window opening, as well as across the room itself. Laying laminate diagonally is quite difficult - it’s easier to lay it along the walls
5. When carrying out work, be sure to prepare the subfloor. This will create a more even surface. It is advisable to supplement the subfloor with waterproofing.
6. If the kitchen is small, then the best solution is to use a plain material. As for different colors, they reduce the area of ​​the room.
7. To ensure that the result meets your expectations, be sure to follow the instructions recommended by the manufacturer. This will avoid problems.
8. The floor covering can be used both on a wooden floor and on a concrete screed. Be sure to evaluate humidity parameters and elevation changes.

Laminate can be laid both on the subfloor and on the old coating, if it is level enough

The tips presented will be enough to get a truly high-quality result.

Is it possible to combine tiles and laminate?

Practice shows that a combined tile and laminate floor in the kitchen is the most effective way to solve the problem of flooring in the busiest room of the apartment. In this case, the combination is always carried out according to the same scheme: the work area is tiles, the dining area is wear-resistant laminate.

This approach eliminates several problems:

• a safe sanitary area appears with a durable coating of tiles or porcelain stoneware, which is almost 2 times more wear-resistant than the best laminate;
• water leakage under the kitchen unit can be easily eliminated without consequences for the floor;
• the furniture and refrigerator sit on the tile like a glove - there is no play, like on laminate;
• There was an opportunity to lay ordinary (non-moisture resistant) laminate in another part of the kitchen, where there is no grease and water.

But such a floor covering has other design-related problems: how to choose the right laminate for the tiles in the kitchen so that the floor is a single whole and does not create the impression of an ever-drawn-out renovation.

Installation work under heated floors

As noted earlier, laminate can be used in conjunction with heated floors. To do this, you need to implement the following tips.

1. Electrical systems must not be used. Since the film heats up as quickly and unevenly as possible, the floor covering dries out and undergoes deformation. The best option is water or infrared TP.
2. The product does not tolerate sudden temperature changes.
   That is why it is necessary to smoothly regulate the temperature. Special sensors and a rheostat should be used to regulate the heating procedure. Laminate does not “like” temperature changes - adjust the temperature smoothly
3. Try not to exceed the temperature above 28 degrees. Otherwise, fragility and brittleness increases.
4. During operation, it is advisable to acquire air humidifiers. It is important to maintain humidity at least 50 percent. Otherwise, cracks will appear on the floor.

If you put these tips into practice, you will be using laminate flooring for many years.

infrared film

Laminate laying technology

Laminate flooring is laid on both concrete floors and rough wooden floors. All work is performed in the following sequence:

• the base is being repaired;
• hydro- and thermal insulation work is being carried out;
• the screed is poured;
• A plastic film is laid over the screed;
• the substrate is laid;
• laminate is installed.

Laying laminate flooring is discussed in detail in the works: “How to lay laminate flooring on a concrete floor”, “How to properly lay laminate flooring on a wooden floor”.

Some tips for use and care

Correct selection and installation according to technology will guarantee long-term use. Typically, the service life of the product is at least 15 years. Use a few tips to create truly effective flooring conditions.

1. Try to minimize the amount of wet cleaning in the kitchen. Use an alternative such as vacuuming or sweeping with a broom. This will allow less contact with water, thereby preserving the structure of the consumable material.

   In order for the laminate flooring in the kitchen to “live” for a long time, it is better not to carry out wet cleaning too often

2. If you need to carry out wet cleaning, then use a mop with a soft cloth that collects liquid well. It should be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth; after completing the task, it is advisable to treat the surface with a dry cloth.
3. Do not use aggressive detergents. Typically, for wet cleaning, a practical solution is considered to be a regular soap solution or specialized chemicals for wooden floors. It is advisable not to use variations of abrasive type chemicals, they scratch the floor and shorten the service life.
4. If a stain appears on the surface, it should be removed immediately. Dirt must not be allowed to eat into the material, otherwise it will be impossible to remove it. Regular stains can be removed using the above mentioned products; more severe stains will require an acetone solution. Apply it to the surface and then leave for 2-3 minutes. Next, remove the liquid using a rag and soap solution.
5. Spilled water? Quickly absorb moisture using any fabric materials. It is necessary to get rid of the problem by wiping the surface dry. Otherwise, there is a risk of swelling at the joints.
6. For furniture with sharp legs, special covers should be provided. This will protect the surface from scratches. Also, to preserve surfaces, there are special polishes that are coated with a thin layer on the surface. In professional practice, mastic and wax are not used, which is associated with the appearance of a slippery surface. Such products spoil the structure of the material.
7. To paint over scratches, it is better to use a special wax pencil.
   In some cases, you will have to use acrylic putty, which will help disguise larger chips. Please note that the material takes at least 24 hours to dry. If scratches appear on the laminate, they can be removed using a special wax pencil
8. It is advisable to treat scratches after they appear. This will help reduce the risk of moisture penetrating into the material. Otherwise, deformation should be expected.

Important! Caring for laminate flooring is not such a problem, and the lack of complexity is seductive and makes you think about choosing such a floor covering.

Types of laminate

Finishing a kitchen with laminate is quite possible if you choose the right flooring. All such finishing is divided into several types according to the level of strength and relation to water.

Manufacturers and price tag

Regular inexpensive laminate class 33 is sold in online stores at a price of 450 rubles per square meter. If you purchase it with a moisture-resistant finish and for heated floors, then the price tag is in the range of 700-1500 rubles, depending on the brand. Popular European materials are supplied to the regional market at a price of 1000-2500 rubles per square meter. The following collections are ideal for the kitchen:

• Tarkett (Woodstock Family, Estetica, Robinson);
• Kronotex (Mammut and Amazone);
• Imperial (Lumia, Lux and Exclusive);
• Pergo (Sensation);
• Ritter (Charlemagne, Nefertiti);
• Kronospan (De Facto, Symbio, Salzburg).

Typically, the cost per square meter of laminate varies from 700 to 2500 rubles, depending on the class and manufacturer

Price

The market offers laminate from various manufacturers. Their products may differ in quality and price:

1. low quality (costs less, does not last long);
2. counterfeits (manufactured under the brand name of well-known brands, the quality is inferior to the original products);
3. high-quality products sold to order with prepayment (cost more, meet standard requirements).

Products from Tarkett, Gastilla, Egger, and Meister are in high demand.

The price depends on the type, quality, brand, strength class, and ranges from 400 to 2500 rubles. for M2.

Reviews about laminate flooring in the kitchen

“We installed moisture-resistant laminate in the kitchen, and for 10 years there have been no problems. We took the inexpensive class 32. Experts recommended putting tiles under the headset, which was done. This was associated with greater resistance to wear and moisture, as well as increased protection from grease. The floor survived the flood, so I don’t want any other floor covering” (Inga, Moscow).

“Laminate flooring was installed in the kitchen 5 years ago after a major renovation. During this time, there are practically no problems with swelling; there is a slight swelling at the sink. If water spills, I try to clean it up immediately. There is also a desire to create such a floor covering in the new apartment, however, my husband insists on laying tiles in the work area” (Anna, Krasnogorsk).

Many people are happy that they chose laminate flooring for their kitchen.

“We installed laminate throughout the entire apartment during the renovation. We took inexpensive, Chinese consumables of class 32. The laminate copes quite well with the tasks. We often drop spoons and other utensils, the child often spills liquid, but so far there are no problems” (Marina, Zelenodolsk).

“Laminate flooring is an opportunity to create comfort and coziness in your home. It has taken root well in the kitchen, creating aesthetic beauty and comfort in the form of warm walking on it. You can compare it with a wooden floor” (Vasily, Voronezh).

“I don’t want anything more than laminate. An ideal floor covering that is cheap, beautiful and resistant to most negative factors. If you properly care for it and remove the water on time, then no consequences are observed. It can be practically cleaned with ordinary detergents” (Antonina, St. Petersburg).

Many people notice that laminate, despite its low cost, is of fairly high quality and copes well with various negative factors.

“A child and laminate flooring in the house mean comfort and safety. There is no cold floor, the baby can walk in any room. I spilled water many times, nothing bad happened, the main thing is to choose the right material” (Galina, Sverdlovsk).

Cleaning kitchen laminate

Caring for the floor covering depends on its resistance to moisture. If linoleum or tiles are inert to it, then laminate, taking into account what was described above, is not. Therefore, specific cleaning is required:

1. Without a lot of moisture.
2. Washing vacuum cleaners excluded.
3. Stains are removed with special means.
4. Housekeeping is provided daily.

It is not difficult to meet these requirements. In homes with small children, it will be frequent.

Calculation of the required quantity

The amount of material required to cover the kitchen floor is determined based on its area, plus 5% for reserve.

If you install it yourself, you will need 12% more.

When laying strips diagonally, you need to buy 15% more than required for rectangular laying.

Rules for using the floor

Since laminate based on PVC class 32 is mainly used for the kitchen floor, its care will be as follows:

• Moistened seams and joints should be wiped dry;
• if liquid is spilled on the floor, you should quickly wipe it up within the first 15 minutes;
• blow out places where water flows in;
• Wipe the seams every three months with water-repellent mastic.