Among the finishing materials used in the renovation of bathrooms, the market is dominated by tiles. Increasingly, instead of the usual tiles, consumers are taking a waterproof laminate for the bathroom, which has the same qualities as the tile.
It is still unusual for many to see laminated panels in the bathroom. However, reviews from those who already have such a decor testify to the practicality of this solution.
In terms of installation speed and unusual design, laminate is superior to tile material. Using our advice, you can choose a laminate for your wall or bathroom floor that will delight you for decades.
With laminated panels, it is easy to create a modern finish in accordance with the chosen style.
Laminated panels for the bathroom: the nuances of choice
Content
- Laminated panels for the bathroom: the nuances of choice
- Laminate classification by moisture resistance
- Moisture resistant laminate and its advantages
- Waterproof laminate and its characteristics
- Choosing a waterproof laminate for your bathroom
- Plastic or PVC laminate
- Vinyl multilayer coverings
- Selection criteria for vinyl laminate
- Laminate for walls in the bathroom: features of selection, installation and care
- Video: Test of various brands of moisture resistant laminate
- Photos of examples of laminate bathroom finishes
Not every laminate is suitable for finishing rooms with high levels of humidity. The material chosen must withstand:
- Dampness.
- Prolonged direct contact with water.
- Temperature extremes.
- Fungus and other types of mold.
To the above parameters, it is necessary to add the requirement of environmental and biological safety of laminated panels, as well as their resistance to dents and other mechanical damage.
Choose an anti-slip laminate flooring for your bathroom.
Laminate classification by moisture resistance
The product lines of laminate manufacturers include moisture-resistant and waterproof materials. Both types of finishing material are marked with icons with three drops of water or a water tap, as well as other pictograms with similar meaning. However, the difference in their structure and properties is fundamental.
Despite the external similarity, the materials have serious differences in structure and properties.
Moisture resistant laminate and its advantages
The manufacturer takes HDF fiberboard as the basis for the moisture-resistant lamella, which has a large density, which still does not save from getting wet and subsequent swelling of the wood material in contact with liquid.
The structure of the moisture resistant laminate
The presence of a waterproofing layer over the entire surface of the board and the wax coating of the interlocks protects against moisture penetration, but not against water. The spilled liquid will find microscopic gaps at the junction of adjacent planks, through which it will necessarily penetrate into the artificial turf.
Moisture-resistant laminate can easily withstand humid air and frequent washing, but spilled water must be wiped off, otherwise water will penetrate the joints and damage the coating
In view of the above, we can conclude that moisture-resistant laminate is only suitable for wall decoration in the bathroom.
Since moisture-resistant laminate is resistant to humid air and frequent cleaning, it is advisable to use it in the kitchen or in the hallway, where you have to often wash the floors.
Waterproof laminate and its characteristics
In the construction of a waterproof laminate, manufacturers instead of a wetting HDF board install a plastic base, completely eliminating the problem of water permeability of the coating. Developers laminate panels based on a PVC board. As a result, they are able to withstand sudden leaks of washing machines or breaks in water supply and heating communications.
Replacing the HDF board with plastic radically solves the problem - there is simply nothing to soak in such a board.
A number of companies enhance protection against wetting by installing rubber gaskets at the joints of the lamellas, which retain water for three days. This period is quite enough to eliminate the cause of the leak.
Waterproof laminate has all the necessary qualities for rooms with high humidity
Conclusion - waterproof laminate can either be laid on the bathroom floor or used for wall decoration
Choose a waterproof laminate for bathrooms, carefully studying the characteristics in the description of the material.
Choosing a waterproof laminate for your bathroom
When choosing, pay attention to the class of laminate, which varies between 31-34 and 42-43. The first number means that the material is intended for intensive use in commercial facilities. The second number indicates the degree of intensity. The higher the second value, the more durable the coating will last. At home, the manufacturer gives such laminated surfaces a lifetime warranty.
Plastic or PVC laminate
Plastic laminate is a modern waterproof material consisting of several layers.
- Thin PVC base layer located at the bottom of the panel.
- Two wider quartz-added PVC layers separated by fiberglass mesh.
- Decorative smooth or embossed layer.
- A protective polyurethane layer, the thickness of which affects the durability of the coating.
PVC-based laminate structure
When choosing a moisture-resistant laminate for the bathroom, pay attention to the criterion of moisture resistance, as well as the class, which must be at least 34.
Vinyl multilayer coverings
Vinyl laminate is a durable multi-layer finishing material, available in the form of rectangular plates or square tiles. The coloring pigment is contained throughout the entire thickness of the coating, so traces of abrasion and mechanical damage are not visible on the coating. The applied polyurethane layer increases the wear resistance of the material. Properly laid vinyl flooring can last for decades. Vinyl laminate is available with locks, self-adhesive panels and strips around the lamella.
Flexible vinyl panels are often produced with an adhesive layer, which greatly facilitates their installation
Manufacturers produce vinyl laminate collections in a variety of colors and textures. Flexible plates imitating precious woods are a success. At the same time, it is difficult to visually distinguish vinyl flooring from an expensive natural wood floor.
Dark wood-like laminate will be appropriate when decorating a country-style bathroom
Light panels are suitable for a Scandinavian bathroom
The combination of dark and light laminate is often used when decorating a bathroom in a minimalist style.
Depending on the chosen concept of the interior design of the bathroom, the vinyls are matched to the color:
- bleached oak;
- black and brown wenge;
- light ash;
- grayish blue marengo.
For lovers of exotic in the interior, models that scan the color of the skins of wild animals are suitable. In the collections of famous brands, there is also a place for vinyl surfaces with a stone pattern, made in the form noble marble of different shades, “unyielding” granite, mineral sand crumbs, basalt, tiles with abstractions.
In the photo, the accent wall is finished with a laminate in a modern bathroom
In the photo, the laminate floor in the neoclassical bathroom
For bathrooms, choose vinyl coverings of 42-43 wear resistance classes, which are 100% waterproof materials.
Selection criteria for vinyl laminate
In addition to the class, the thickness of the board is also important when choosing, which for the thinnest options is 6 mm, and for the most durable - 12 mm. The type of lamella connection can be lock or glue.
Vinyl laminate is easy to install no matter what type of fastening is present on the panels
The rest of the criteria are due to aesthetic preferences and properties:
- type of pattern;
- color shade;
- matte or glossy surface;
- antistatic effect;
- the presence of chamfers and their number;
- underfloor heating compatibility;
- antibacterial coating.
For bathrooms, waterproof products of the German brands Vinilam, Aqua-Step, Aquafloor, Moduleo, Vivo, Wonderful Floor are suitable. Other well-known manufacturers also have series: Allure (USA), Grabo (Hungary), Tarkett Art Vinyl (Russia).
Laminate for walls in the bathroom: features of selection, installation and care
The laminate on the bathroom wall looks original and unusual, selected in accordance with the interior of the room. For quick wall decoration in the bathroom, choose a laminate with water-repellent properties. To fix the laminated lamellas, the construction of a lattice frame from bars is required.
The lathing is installed strictly according to the level, the surfaces of the walls are treated with an antiseptic composition
The panels are attached to the crate with various fasteners:
- self-tapping screws;
- nails, including liquid ones;
- staples for the stapler.
Vinyl self-adhesive laminated plates quickly adhere to the pre-aligned and prepared wall sheet. The surface should be as flat as possible so that the lamellas adhere evenly over the entire area of their base. If there is no time and materials for preparatory work, then they choose a crate.
Installation of a frame or lathing is also necessary if locking or tongue-and-groove lamellas are purchased for wall decoration. The indisputable advantage of the frame lathing in comparison with the glue method of fixing the lamellas is the presence of free space in which the wiring and all other communications are hidden.
The main rules for the care of laminate flooring are regular cleaning and protection of the outer coating from damage.
Maintenance of laminated walls is easy. Wipe the smooth surface with a damp cloth, after which it shines like new.
In conclusion, it should be noted that in the catalogs of manufacturers there are laminated finishing materials suitable for renovation work in bathrooms.