Laminate flooring in the kitchen: how best to choose a floor, whether it is possible to lay, design photo

Laminate flooring mimics the look of hardwood or tile and being practical is sold at a lower price. The surface is resistant to deformation, and clean - simple, and therefore is a popular material for floor coverings in the kitchen.

Is it worth laying laminate flooring in the kitchen

The question of which is better to choose laminate flooring for the kitchen, for those who want an aesthetic renovation of flooring vinyl sheet, but has a limited budget for the project is not difficult. We begin with the advantages and disadvantages of the laminate.

Advantages of the laminate in the kitchen.

• More attractive to many than the vinyl floor.
• More affordable.
• Its easy to lay yourself.
• Professional installation less expensive than the other coating.
• Resistant to scratches, dents and stains.
• If necessary, easy to clean with a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner, which is important for the kitchen.
• Resistant to fading.
• Softer and warmer underfoot than ceramic tile, concrete and stone.
• Available in a wide range of artificial wood and tiles.
• It resists water.

Cons laminate.

• It does not correspond to the natural beauty of the wooden floor or ceramic tiles elegance.
• Subject to deformation or staining of stale water (as hardwood floors).
• Cheaper brands of laminate with a thin wear layer may need to be replaced within 10 years.
• It can not be restored.
• Louder than the carpet or vinyl.
• A lower return on investment compared with wood, tile or stone when selling a home.

If a site needs to be replaced, it can be removed and replaced. Since this movable floor, usually laminate pieces not connected to one another everywhere. The biggest problem is just a matter of where to find a replacement. But as laminate - it is an artificial product, created by the brand, it has its own color and texture. Once you buy a particular laminate, the only thing that can replace it if damaged, it is exactly the same product, so it is best to buy a stock.

What to look for when purchasing laminate

Good laminate really separated from cheaper varieties. Layer is very solid melamine, or the like fused with a photographic layer (or a layer of wood veneer in some new products) to create a rigid surface.

Wear-resistant layer must resist scratches and dullness and to be thick enough to provide long-term protection without wear. Although it may be difficult to obtain information about the thickness of the wear layer, we can confidently say that the higher the face value of alternating current and the thicker flooring in general, the better the wear layer.

When laying the laminate on top of the concrete is important barrier against moisture. Underlying the sound cover it is recommended when the floor is installed above the living area. Lining of foam helps to insulate the floor and keep it warm. There are other options, and each type is available in several grades.

There are also laminate flooring with pre-attached substrate, which saves a step when installing. The installer will help you determine which one is the right choice for a specific cuisine.

Classes laminate suitable for kitchens

There are five kinds of the laminate depending on the construction material, especially wear layer thickness. The rating system is called rated abrasion or rated AC. Rating each selected product must be specified either on the packaging or in the description.

Types of laminates at the place of application of the coatings.

• AC1 - Moderate residential area: light traffic areas in the home.
• AC2 - total living area: area with small and medium movement.
• AC3 - Light commercial: all areas of traffic in residential and commercial areas.
• AC4 - Total sales: All living areas and a moderate commercial traffic.
• AC5 - Heavy Commercial: all residential areas and commercial floors with heavy traffic.

Laminate rated AC 3 or higher will provide additional protection against the fallen objects, toys, feet sliding chair, nails and other large dogs causes of nicks and scratches kitchen.

Best class laminate flooring generally extends lamination under high pressure, which serves for the compression and melting the layers more efficiently than older methods. HPL production result is a more rigid, more stable and durable floor. class knowledge will help to select the right material.

Moisture-proof and water-resistant laminate for the kitchen

The most demanded thing in the flooring market - it is water-resistant floors. To be sure of the level of water resistance of the product, you should be sure to carefully read the description of the considered floor. It is also possible to increase the water resistance of laminate flooring during installation. Some manufacturers include instructions for completing the laying laminate floor with silicone sealant around the perimeter and under the skirting for better water resistance.

The difference between water resistant and waterproof laminate

Some brands will use the term "waterproof" to describe its products, while others will say "water resistant," so what's the difference? Waterproof and water resistant - not the same thing when it comes to sex. Watertight means that a specific gender element is intended for protection against water better than normal. Typically, this means that you can throw a little water on the surface, before it is absorbed.

Water-resistant means that the water will never be able to penetrate the floor, no matter how much time has passed. These definitions also vary between manufacturers.

In contrast, water-resistant, moisture-resistant laminate is waterproof from the top down, rather than vice versa. This means that if you spill water on the floor, waterproof floor systems do not allow liquids to leak, thus preventing the growth of mold under the floor. However, if there are problems with humidity, it will still need a vapor barrier for waterproof laminate flooring.

Waterproof laminate flooring for the kitchen: the pros and cons

As a classic choice for kitchens, water-resistant floors have a solid glaze, which does not allow liquids to soak into the floor. Because bathroom and the kitchen is not flooded each time upon contact with moisture. This floor is also very easy to clean.

Pluses waterproof coating.

• This material is extremely easy to care for and durable.
• Laminate flooring is easy to install on virtually any type of ground.
• Impregnated with drugs from the mold.
• It is extremely resistant to moisture, making it ideal for the kitchen.

The advantages of water-resistant laminated

On the market laminate made from the polymer mixture placed on a substrate of wood chips, and then the glass for durability. Because of this technical laminate is waterproof, but not 100 percent waterproof.

Main advantages.

• Further treated with wax.
• The installation does not require any additional tools.
• It does not require the substrate to the ground.
• It has a more durable wear-resistant film.
• More affordable than water-resistant laminate.

Laying laminate in the kitchen, how to do it right

Lay laminate flooring - this means easy to upgrade the kitchen. A simple guide will show how to prepare a laminate and the headset before installation as cut it so that it is aligned with corners, and how to make the laminated sheets were close to each other.

1. Examine each board before installing. For the first row along the straight walls remove the tab on all long side seams and a short side of the first board using a table saw.
2. For uneven wall contour circle with a compass in a language of the board and cut the jigsaw.
3. To lay the first row of the tongue side of the wall. Insert the end tongue into the end groove and turn down to collect. Keep straight planks and joints sealed.
4. Provide space for expansion. Provide a 2.5 cm space to expand on all sides with the help of wooden shims.
5. Cut a piece of the first length of at least 20 cm using a table saw. Start a new series, using pieces cut from previous row, providing a minimum of 30 cm offset end of the connection.
6. Lay the second row. Insert the tab of the second row into the groove of the first board of the board at a slight angle, until they meet the laminate edge. Then rotate down until the joints lock together. For the next board, first joined the short end of the board. It will be visible gap at the joints of the long side when the board is turned down. It is necessary to lift the outer edge of the board upwards of about 2.5 cm. Keep this angle, pressing into the board until the edge of the laminate does not come together. Turn down the board as long as the connection engages. It is necessary to repeat the previous steps to complete the installation.
7. Check for an open. Use a tape measure to provide a gap of 10 cm after closing the connection from the wall to allow expansion.
8. Align the bar, you connect to the second or the last row. Using the full width of the board as a spacer, circle wall circuit board and cut to size. Set the long side tongue into the groove, aligning the end fitting. Work evenly over the entire length of the board, and gently tap on the closed seam by using traction and a rubber mallet. After tapping the closed length of the side tap connection on the closed shorter side via tap or thrust block. Remove all spacers.
9. Apply sealant. Apply flexible, 100% silicone sealant around the perimeter to create a watertight seal.

Use of the laminate in the kitchen interior - Photo Design

The choice of what is best for laminate kitchen can be exciting and challenging. In the end, will determine cabinets kitchen interior, it is important to choose the right type of laminate. There are several types of laminate for use in the kitchen.

• Laminate with a matte finish. This laminate in the kitchen has a moderate and stable reflectivity standard finish. Matte finish brings functionality and tranquil elegance in the kitchen space. The biggest advantage of these laminates is that they have excellent resistance to scratches and dust, which makes them easy to clean and relatively maintenance-free.
• Glossy laminate has an attractive luster. He gives the kitchen a luxurious look and adds brightness to the space thanks to its ability to reflect some light. Glossy laminates are susceptible to scratches and require regular cleaning because they easily show stains and fingerprints.
• Textured laminate. An easy way to give a feeling of monochromatic kitchens creating a sense of depth is textured laminate. Textures that mimic the feel and appearance of elements such as solid wood, are best suited for kitchens. Highly textured surface is more resistant to scratches, but also retains dust and dirt with greater probability.
• Solid color laminate. You can add colored laminates to give the kitchen space brightness and shine combining two different colors in the kitchen drawers and cupboards. It will be particularly elegant look monotonous dark laminate flooring in the kitchen.
• Laminate with a metallic finish. In the glare of metal laminates have wealth that is easily attached to a high-quality view of the kitchen. They are relatively more expensive than other laminate coating, and are available in a smaller range of colors such as silver, copper, gold and pink. You can see how the brushed steel is reflected all over the kitchen.

Combined floor: tile and laminate flooring in the kitchen

When it comes time to choose the gender, most are wondering what to choose laminate flooring in the kitchen? It is an affordable, beautiful and reliable option. But there is one factor that scares customers: what will happen if the flood? Yes, such a possibility is always there, but you can find an alternative solution - combined floor.

Such a floor is operated at zoning a kitchen area will be allocated from a common space. The boundaries of zones located at the junction of two surfaces. For more effective zoning ceramics must differ significantly in pattern and color of the laminate. To better understand, it looks like this design, you can view photos of the combined floor.

If a large kitchen area there is an area used as a dining room, it can be finished with laminate panels and tiles, furnished kitchen furniture around. The ceramic coating should occupy an area of ​​at least 80-100 cm space in front plate, a bowl, work surfaces and a refrigerator. So that the board does not deteriorate even if the regular water ingress.

This is a very practical option finishes for the simple reason that he is not only unusual, but also durable. Depending on the color scheme, you can make the kitchen more stylish, unusual and multifunctional.

VIDEO: Laying laminate in the kitchen.

50 stylish design options kitchen with laminate: