The choice of laminate in the kitchen - we understand the classes, types

Laminate is an artificial coating in the form of panels, made on the basis of a dense fibreboard by pressing several layers under high temperature. Some types of coating allow you to mount a “warm floor”.

If you look at the slice, you can see the following layers:

  1. the bottom consists of plastic or special paper, gives the necessary rigidity and protects the material from deformation;
  2. the main one is made of wood-fiber material. The better this layer, the more expensive and stronger the laminate;
  3. decorative paper layer - determines the texture and pattern of the coating;
  4. the topmost layer - melamine resin, is responsible for the resistance of the coating to abrasion. The thicker it is, the better.

1. Types and classes

According to the degree of resistance to moisture:

  1. standard (with a density of about 900 kg / m³), ​​capable of experiencing the effects of water for three hours without visible consequences (swelling, deformation).
  2. moisture resistant, with a high content of waterproof resin, capable of being subjected to a “water” test for six hours.
  3. waterproof, absolutely not afraid of water.

The best choice would be a waterproof laminate, but you can use a cheaper moisture-resistant coating.
Both of these options are made of especially durable plates with the use of wax impregnation of locks.

Water-resistant laminate is more expensive than moisture-resistant laminate, but it will last much longer due to improved protection against exposure to both hot and cold water.


According to the degree of abrasion (strength), laminate from class 31 to class 34 is suitable for the kitchen, while the higher the class level, the better. Class 32 plates have a thickness of 7-10 mm, class 33 and 34 - 8-12 mm.

Laminate 31-34 class consists of five layers:

  1. acrylic resin;
  2. paper decorative layer;
  3. the film is moisture resistant;
  4. HDF (high density fibreboard) base;
  5. the film is moisture resistant;

2. Pay attention when buying

1. For environmental friendliness
Before buying flooring, be sure to pay attention to the environmental class. Examine the composition of the material for the presence of formaldehyde and make sure that the laminate is safe for use in the kitchen.

E-1 marking is assigned to the material with the lowest content of toxic substances.

2. By design
In terms of design, a large kitchen would look great with waterproof tile-look laminate. Here, Italian alder or walnut, pine and cedar will be the ideal color scheme. For a small one, it is better to choose a coating to match the color of the walls. It would be advisable to use a wide board, which will visually make the kitchen wider.

Select the shade and texture based on the overall style of the room.

Tile laminate flooring is a great solution. At the same time, imitation is limited not only by the appearance of the material. In addition to the texture for ceramics and stone, it has:

  1. Low thermal conductivity;
  2. Antistatic effect;
  3. practicality;
  4. Nice design.

However, wood imitation laminate is more practical to use.
Get ready to pay many times more for a coating with a designer pattern from a well-known manufacturer. You will save a lot by choosing material not from the new, but from last year's collection.

Do not pay attention to brands: very often the coating of an unknown company is in no way inferior to the more expensive material in terms of performance.

3. By manufacturer
Currently on the market are:

  • Russian - budget option
  • Russian-German - the average ratio of quality and price. Brands: Kronostar, Kronoteks, Kronospan, Klassen, Kronoflurin.
  • foreign - the best quality. Belgian Quik Step, Tarkett and Balterio, Swedish Pergo, German Egger.

In addition, pay attention to the following criteria:

  • Interlock joints must be treated with wax or paraffin to prevent liquid from entering the interpanel seams;
  • The absence of chamfers so that there are no gaps between the plates;
  • Covering the bottom surface with a waterproof material with a high resin content.

3. Pros and cons

Advantages:

  1. a variety of colors and textures (under natural wood, cork, wood, carpet, granite, tiles, natural stone)
  2. quick, easy and ergonomic installation
  3. Can be installed on any flat surface
  4. abrasion resistance
  5. resistance to high temperatures and light exposure
  6. aesthetics
  7. hygiene, low maintenance
  8. affordable price
  9. warmer finish than ceramic tiles

Flaws:

  1. artificial origin
  2. fear of water
  3. coverage volume
  4. Requires a flat surface for laying. Instructions "How to level the floor under the laminate"
  5. colder coating than wood
  6. is not antistatic

4. Care rules

It is recommended to wipe with a damp cloth using special products. So, many manufacturers offer compositions with which it is easy to remove stains, mask damage (minor scratches) and maintain a presentable appearance of the floor covering for a long time.

In addition, a rubberized mat can be placed at the sink, which will help protect the laminate from excess moisture. And you can protect the floor from scratches and chips simply by installing pads under the legs of the refrigerator and kitchen set.

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