Laminate is a durable and aesthetically attractive floor covering that successfully combines the best qualities of many other floor coverings.
It has high heat-saving qualities, good sound insulation, strength and durability.
The most useful quality of the material is its exceptional ease of installation and reusability.
In addition, partial repairs are available, when failed individual panels are replaced without completely replacing the coating.
These properties, combined with relative cheapness and high decorative qualities, contribute to the development of the popularity of the material and its rapid spread among users.
Features of waterproof laminate
This material is usually made from particle board, which is pressed under high pressure using formaldehyde resins. The result is a floor covering that is less susceptible to moisture than classic wooden floors.
One type of waterproof laminate is vinyl laminate.
The waterproof laminate is equipped with a special protective resin coating. (not to be confused with moisture-resistant laminate!)
Such a layer can protect the panels from swelling if water is quickly removed from the surface. If you leave the liquid on a regular surface for 2-3 hours, the boards in these areas will swell and become unusable. Waterproof laminate, in addition to the main protective layer, contains a special waterproof layer. Due to additional protection, moisture and water are not harmful to the surface, even if they are not removed for 3 or more hours. Manufacturers of waterproof laminate also treat locks and panel joints with a special compound. This further increases the coating’s resistance to excess moisture and water penetration.
Thus, the water resistance of the coating is determined by the following factors:
- the presence of a waterproof layer;
- treatment of the slab with resin impregnation;
- increasing the density of the personal income tax slab;
- processing of locks and joints with wax and paraffin compounds.
General advantages of waterproof laminate
A high-quality waterproof coating can be placed in water for several days and nothing will happen to it. The product obtains this property due to synthetic resin, which can withstand even strong hammer blows. Modern technologies for its production ensure reliable resistance of waterproof laminate to dampness and water, as well as to chemical influences. This high-quality coating perfectly retains heat for a long time. Deck laying of laminate is used for this type of coating.
This is ensured by the presence of air chambers located around the entire perimeter of the laminated panel. Installing waterproof laminate is simpler, as in some cases it eliminates the need to make expansion gaps. When the temperature changes, such a coating does not increase in volume, does not deform or dry out.
The only disadvantage of the material is the fairly high price. But, as you know, you always have to pay more for high quality.
Which coating is best suited for which room?
As already noted, it is necessary to consider which laminate is best used in a given specific room from the standpoint of the necessary and sufficient availability of properties. to pay extra money for unused functions, and the prices for waterproof varieties are quite high, so you need to select the material according to the operating conditions .
Experts note that moisture-resistant samples of strength class 31-32 are quite sufficient for home use. It is important to take into account the fact that laminate flooring is rarely installed in a bathroom; it is not the best option for such use.
In addition, if a nuisance occurs in the form of flooding by neighbors above, then no type of coating will save you from having to remove it to dry the subfloor, so the choice of material is obvious.
For use in swimming pools or public buildings with high loads or the possibility of constant water ingress (for example, with wet shoes from the street), waterproof material will show its best side . The constant exposure to water must be somehow neutralized, which a laminate with a PVC base will successfully do. You only need to periodically treat the joints with wax mastic.
Varieties and characteristics
Waterproof laminate is available in several varieties:
- Laminated panels that can withstand exposure to water for up to 3 hours without subsequent deformation. This is a laminate of 33 wear resistance class. Product density – minimum 900 kg/cubic. m. The cost of the material is from 600 rubles per sq. m. m.
- Laminated panels containing many synthetic resins. This class 34 coating will easily withstand six hours of exposure to liquid without deformation. The cost of the product varies depending on the manufacturer: 900 – 1500 rubles per sq. m. m.
- Laminate of PVC panels. This plastic laminate is a new product in recent years and is quite expensive (from 1,600 rubles per sq.m.). But the coating can withstand prolonged exposure to water.
- Vinyl laminate is an innovative coating with options for imitations and textures. Very durable, wear-resistant material, suitable for installation in areas with heavy traffic.
Manufacturers
Belgian companies are leaders in the production of waterproof laminate. They managed to create a high-quality product - Aqua step, which today enjoys the greatest popularity in Europe and Asia, including Russia.
Aqua step laminate is not afraid of faucet and washing machine leaks. Nothing will happen to him even if the room is flooded from above. Now laminate flooring under this brand is produced in four collections:
- Aqua step Original – covering for kitchens and bathrooms (laminate without chamfer).
- Aqua step Shipdeck – laminate with bevel.
- Aqua step Pearl 4 V – wood-imitation coating with a pearlescent surface.
- Aqua step Wood 4 V – with a chamfer around the perimeter.
- Aqua step mini in two design options: stone and tile.
Tarkett waterproof laminate is produced by groups of companies located in different countries, including Russia. Coatings from the famous Tarkett brand are supplied to many parts of the world. Features of waterproof laminate of this brand:
- The panels are treated with melamine resins, which gives the products high wear resistance and strength.
- The presence of two additional layers that increase the strength of the material.
- Ability to withstand large mechanical loads (950 kg per cubic meter).
- High water resistance, which products acquire thanks to the use of Ultrabase boards.
Witex laminate (Germany) has been produced for about 20 years and is considered an elite material. The coating of this brand has a well-designed and thought-out locking system called Loc-Tec. Thanks to this, the laminate receives special strength and reliability, and its locking elements, treated with paraffin, are not damaged when assembling the coating. Other advantages of this brand of laminate:
- non-erasable surface formed by using aluminum dioxide.
- laying not by adhesive, but by floating method;
- special water-repellent properties obtained through the use of Aqua protekt technology;
- the presence of Sound Progect substrate included in the products;
- bactericidal properties of the material.
Waterproof laminate of the Alloc brand is a product of the reputable Norwegian company Alloc. The features of these coatings include not only the high quality of the products, but also a number of innovations developed by professionals. Such “know-how” includes:
- Tongue and groove connection with aluminum locks on opposite sides of the panel.
- The panels can be assembled and disassembled several times.
- The panels of Alloc waterproof products are covered with glassine, which is based on melamine. This gives the coating and decorative pattern special strength and durability.
Waterproof coatings from companies such as Pergo, Kronospan, Quick-Step, Classen have also proven themselves well on the Russian market. Laminate from the above manufacturers is worthy of the highest rating.
Laminate of classes 33 and 34 from German, Belgian, Swiss and Norwegian manufacturers is the most durable and waterproof coating designed for installation in any room.
The German manufacturing company and also the popular European brand Westerhof occupies one of the leading positions in the building materials market in the niche of laminated flooring. The Westerhof laminate collection is represented by 34 classes. This class is endowed with the most durable, moisture-, heat-, and water-resistant parameters
The cost of coverage depends on the manufacturer and class. The assortment of domestic companies includes economy-class products, which can be purchased at a price of 500 rubles per sq.m. Laminate flooring from European manufacturers costs from 1,500 rubles and more per sq. m. m.
If you are offered a cheap waterproof product, then it is undoubtedly a fake, and you should refuse such a purchase.
Laying features
The principles of laying waterproof laminate are the same as for conventional laminated products. As for the subtleties, they depend on the brand of material. You can read about how to lay laminate flooring on all packages of laminated panels.
Waterproof laminate can be laid on any substrate. The main thing is that it is perfectly level and contains high-quality waterproofing. Experts strongly recommend the use of non-woven backing under the waterproof coating. The direction of the panels can also be any: diagonal, perpendicular or straight. A compensation gap of at least 8 mm should be left near the walls. The exception is special types of laminate, which do not tend to expand when exposed to temperature. Careful work in compliance with the general installation rules is what is important for the master who has taken on this important process.
Examples of use in interior design
Of course, laminate, due to its attractiveness and reliability, will be an excellent choice for finishing a kitchen. Therefore, it is worth citing several of the most successful photos that clearly illustrate how this material complements the interior of the premises.
Light laminate in the kitchen
Light laminate creates coziness
Good contrast of light and dark
Option with black floor
Choosing a Neutral Brown Shade
It is also worth recommending to use laminate flooring in the kitchen with complex textures - numerous patterns, preferably not too light. Otherwise, you will have to wash the floors several times a day - even the smallest stains will be obvious if the surface is light and monochromatic.
Having read the article to the end, the reader not only has a better understanding of laminate and can distinguish moisture-resistant from water-resistant, but will also easily choose the material that is guaranteed to last for many years and will not cause the slightest problem.
User reviews
Alexey, 28 years old, Izhevsk
“I immediately decided to install a waterproof laminate in the kitchen: it is often humid here and people spill something on the floor. I purchased laminate from Witex and installed it. It has been in service for about 4 years. I’ll tell you, there are no problems with him at all. Moreover, a year ago a pipe burst, there was a gigantic amount of water, but the laminate didn’t have anything to worry about. For comparison: last year I spilled water in the living room, which was covered with ordinary inexpensive laminate flooring. It swelled up literally within an hour. So the waterproof Witex laminate is a real salvation!”
Eduard, 37 years old, Volgograd
“When laying the floors, we decided to play it safe and covered the floor in the apartment with waterproof laminate. We chose the Norwegian product “Alloc original”. 5 years have passed, and the laminate has not changed its qualities: everything still flaunts in all the rooms. I recommend it to residents of apartments that are often “flooded”: take it, you won’t go wrong.”
Alena, 44 years old, Novosibirsk
“This year I purchased Quick-Step UF 1402 laminate for leather tiles. Looks simply gorgeous in the kitchen. Not afraid of water or moisture at all. Even despite the high cost, I think the purchase was very successful. I advise everyone to lay their kitchen floors with this coating.”
Marina, 48 years old, Moscow
“I would like to say a huge thank you to the manufacturer of the waterproof laminate Aqua step Original.” Fits perfectly, looks beautiful. Consultants guaranteed long-term use. What else do you need for the kitchen and bathroom? It is in vain that they say that laminate cannot be laid in the bathroom. I took a chance and it didn’t make a mistake: I’ve been admiring it for 3 years now.”
Ceiling decoration
Ceiling cladding with laminate looks more stylish and noble than finishing with other coatings. Compared to ordinary plastic, panels imitating natural wood or marble are definitely superior.
- The lamellas on the ceiling are fixed to the lathing, due to which the height of the walls is slightly reduced.
- Thanks to their smooth surface, such coatings perfectly reflect light, improving the illumination of the room.
The ceiling in the bathroom made of laminate allows you to create an exclusive design and give a luxurious look to the interior.
Tips for selection and care
To prevent the laminate from warping from moisture and water, several rules must be taken into account when choosing and using:
- See the product quality certificate. In the document you should see the word Aqua and an image of a drop or an umbrella.
- The load class also helps determine moisture resistance. Waterproof coating of classes 33 and 34 is the most optimal solution.
- The density of the HDF board is of no small importance. Choose a laminate with a density of at least 900 kg/cubic meter. m.
- It is better to wash laminate floors with regular warm water without adding chemicals with abrasives.
- If you add a few drops of table vinegar to the water, there will be no streaks left on the coating after washing.
- It is better to wash the floor not with a mop, but by hand, using a rag.
- When cleaning, do not use a washing vacuum cleaner.
- Wet cleaning should be carried out no more than 3 times a week.
- Shoe marks can be easily removed from laminate floors using a regular eraser.
Wall decoration
Attaching panels to a vertical surface is not as easy as fixing them to the floor. To ensure reliable installation, the sheathing is first done.
- After this, each lamella is glued to the frame and fixed using a stapler, self-tapping screws or liquid nails.
- On walls pre-leveled with plasterboard, the cladding will be perfectly smooth, without gaps.
- The material is laid horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and also using combined methods.
conclusions
Waterproof laminate is an excellent solution for installation in any residential or commercial premises. Choose high-quality coating from well-known brands, beware of fakes. This article, which lists reputable brands, will help you with this. Remember to properly care for your waterproof laminate flooring to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Find out how to make infrared heated floors under laminate here. Or are you more interested in installing heated floors under tiles?
