How to choose a good laminate for the kitchen - a complete guide. Which laminate is better to choose for the kitchen, focusing on consumer qualities

Laminate is often referred to as "laminated parquet" and is an inexpensive alternative to parquet or solid board. This is exactly how he was conceived by the manufacturers, and today he can reliably copy tiles. If you want the entire apartment to have the same floor, then you are most likely wondering if it is possible to lay a laminate in the kitchen and how practical it will be. Be sure that a modern laminate is able not only to copy ceramics and wood, but also to adequately replace them in its own way. performance characteristics. The main thing is to choose the right wear resistance class, the type of coating, a beautiful and non-staining design, and, of course, put it in a quality way with your own hands.

Laminate is a material consisting of medium density(HDF) fibreboard and paper impregnated with melamine resins, on which the pattern is applied.

The upper acrylic or melamine overlay layer (overlay) with a thickness of not more than 1 mm protects against wear.
Decorative layer - several or one patterned paper impregnated with melamine resins.
Damper - intermediate protective and decorative, sound-absorbing layers that increase impact strength. Most often made of impregnated kraft cardboard.
HDF board is a base wood-fiber layer with a thickness of 6-8 mm.
Stabilizer - a layer of paper impregnated with paraffin or resin that protects against warpage. Does not allow the fiberboard to react to changes in temperature and humidity.

Pros - cons

The main advantage of a laminate is that it copies expensive materials well, not much inferior to them in wear resistance and practicality, while being cheaper.

Affordable price does not deprive the coating of functionality - high-quality laminate flooring can be laid in the kitchen, since the coating is easy to clean, does not lose color under ultraviolet rays, is not afraid of stains, bumps, cracks or scratches. Really quality material will be resistant to abrasion.

Why is it better than other floor coverings - tiles, linoleum, self-leveling floor, parquet and massive boards?

It is warmer than tiles and less noisy;
Unlike parquet and solid boards, there are no traces of stiletto heels on the laminate;
The laminate does not leave dents from heavy kitchen furniture, which is characteristic of linoleum;
You can easily put it with your own hands and without a partner - unlike a self-leveling floor, for example;
Laminate is practically the most accessible view floor finishes.

However, if in the bedroom and living room the laminate can be called perfect coverage in all respects, then in the specific conditions of the kitchen, it still has some drawbacks.

Some types of laminate really can't (or can, but with caution) be placed in the kitchen, as they can't stand up to anything. high humidity, no temperature fluctuations, no spilled coloring liquids like wine or beet juice, and falling heavy and sharp objects can be deformed. We will tell you how to choose a laminate for the kitchen below;
The disadvantages of the laminate include enough ringing sound, which forms a coating when steps are taken or objects fall. However, this drawback is more a consequence of incorrect installation than a problem of the material itself. The “defect” is eliminated with the help of a special sound-absorbing substrate;
There is an opinion that the laminated coating is not environmentally friendly enough. But manufacturers with a well-deserved reputation in the market refute this misconception by conducting serious tests for the toxic safety of their products. Such tests are confirmed hygiene certificate, which accompanies each batch of material;
Artificiality - no matter how authentically he imitated original materials, it still remains a copy and, to one degree or another, loses to them in terms of aesthetic and operational qualities.

How to choose a coating by strength class

How to choose a laminate for the kitchen? First of all, you need to focus on the strength class.

This class is denoted by two digits. For domestic use coatings of class 21, 22, 23 are intended - in ascending order of resistance. According to this classification, class 23 laminate can be laid in the kitchen, it is inexpensive, but it will last no more than 4 years, since it consists of only three layers.

In fact, household type 21 and 22 class laminate is no longer sold in stores. The reason is the lack of demand. In Russia, the commercial type is more popular.

The material of commercial classes is considered to be more durable - 31, 32, 33. But the 31st wear resistance class is more suitable for bedrooms and living rooms, and for the kitchen it is better to choose 32, 33, 34+ classes. Such a floor can serve in the kitchen for about 25 years. You can read more about laminate classes on Wikipedia.

Commercial coatings consist of five layers:

Moisture resistant film at the base;
High density wood board;
Decorative layer of durable paper;
Acrylic resin to protect decor;
Moisture resistant top film.

Moisture resistant or waterproof coating?

High-quality modern laminated panels are practically not afraid of water - special water-repellent wax-based compounds are applied to them as a protective layer. However, the joints between the panels are not processed by all manufacturers, and therefore these parts of the coating remain susceptible to moisture.

For the kitchen, you can choose:

Moisture-resistant coating - does not respond to high humidity in the room, but the base may be deformed if water gets into the joints. Able to withstand drops, splashes and even small puddles, but the time of exposure to the liquid should be no more than 20 minutes. In this case, when laying, sealing of the seams is required.
Waterproof laminate costs more, but can withstand moisture for 6 hours. Here, the joints are processed at the factory, so that additional measures to protect them are not required. The most reliable is considered to be a laminate with a plastic base, but it is also the most expensive.

Decor types

When choosing a laminate for the kitchen, you can get confused - there are a lot of pattern, color and texture options: from copies of a cork floor to imitation of snake skin. The most popular option is the "wooden" design under massive board with a 1:9 or 1:6 aspect ratio. High-quality laminate is so similar to parquet that it even has a fibrous texture on the surface.

In addition, manufacturers offer laminate with chamfers on its transverse and longitudinal sides, so that it looks like wood as much as possible. parquet boards.

Also see our other articles:

Also, before going to the store, keep in mind that the laminate can have one, two, three or many stripes in the die. Think about what you like best.

Color, texture, “wood species” should be chosen based on personal preferences and focusing on the color of furniture and flooring in other rooms. In addition, if cold shades prevail in the interior of the kitchen, then it is better to choose a laminate with a cold undertone. In the photo below, the floor design in the "cold" interior of the kitchen was chosen based on this rule.

And on next photo brown laminate in the interior of the kitchen with predominant warm colors in furniture and decoration.

Read more about the combination of colors in the interior of the kitchen.

light and dark laminate- not the easiest to care for options. A dark surface will show crumbs, dust, stains, light pet hair, etc. On light coatings, all defects such as chips and swollen joints will be noticeable.

In terms of practicality best colors– gray and traditional brown.

The tile floor also has a similar "ceramic" texture with roughness and porosity, and a shape with an aspect ratio of 1:3 or 1:4. But this option is not in great demand, since instead of a “copy of a tile”, it is better to use a real tile.

Rules for laying laminate

The coating with a modern locking system is easy to lay even for a beginner without any experience. To do this, you need to take into account only a few nuances. So, how to lay a laminate with your own hands.

Concrete, wood or even tiles are suitable as a base for such a floor. It is important that the base is even, without cracks and with high-quality waterproofing. Clearances are allowed under the rule no more than 2 mm / running meter.

When buying a laminate, you need to purchase material with a 10% margin. Subsequently, this will help to easily perform local repairs.

Laminate flooring can be mounted along or across the room, as well as diagonally. It is believed that the joints will practically not be visible if the floor is laid in the direction sun rays falling from the window.

Laminate installation technology is simple:

The base is leveled. In case of concrete surfaces- a new screed is poured.
The substrate is mounted, be sure to overlap over the entire surface of the floor.
The flooring is from the corner of the room.

A compensating gap of about 8-10 mm (but not less) must be left near the wall and around the pipes, allowing the material to “float”. Subsequently, it is hidden with a plinth.

The laminate is laid in a checkerboard pattern - so that the transverse butt joint is interrupted.

If the laminate still seems to you not strong enough for working area, then you can put it here, as shown in the photo below.

Often, the owners of the house decide to lay a laminate in the kitchen. This wonderful European invention is conquering more and more Russian dwellings. What are the reasons for such success and what are the pitfalls of the decision to "laminate" the floor?

Laminated parquet: what is it?

Laminate is dense sheet material made of wood fibers, protected from the outside with a special film. As a flooring agent, it was created in the 1970s in Scandinavia and has since won the hearts of millions of consumers around the world.

Currently, almost all products are made in China, thanks to which the price for the goods has become more than democratic and affordable for almost every family.

The product is a product of several layers, each of which has a specific function:

bottom layer, the main purpose of which is to maintain rigidity and sound insulation;
Basic- performs the task of keeping noise, moisture and heat;
Paper with a pattern printed on it (if any; performs an exclusively aesthetic task);
resin layer for impact and wear resistance.

According to European standards, products are divided into 4 classes according to the degree of durability and stability - from 31st to 34th. The latter is the most reliable and is recommended for use in industrial environment. However, nothing prevents you from getting this product for household needs.

Laying process

Those who decide to save on calling laminate laying specialists need to stick to the following algorithm:

To complete the task, you will need: a laminate (with some margin, about 10%), a substrate, an ordinary hammer or mallet, adhesive tape, a hacksaw (or an electric jigsaw).
Preparatory work: a flat concrete floor must be completely covered with a substrate. In order to avoid its "walking" during operation, the docking points are carefully reinforced with adhesive tape;
Lay out the first layer of the floor from the boards using locks. Retreat a short distance from the walls - in case the laminate swells from high humidity and goes bumpy. Between the floor and the sole of the wall, install a gasket from a piece of laminated board.
Lay out row after row, carefully joining each board and knocking it out with a mallet if necessary. If the leaf of the tree is too large, you need to saw off the excess part with a hacksaw or jigsaw.

You can understand it more clearly from this video tutorial:

Laminate in the kitchen: pros and cons

Among the advantages of this product:

Relative cheapness in comparison with natural wood parquet. And we are talking about both the selling price of the product, and the cost of care and replacement.
To strengths laminate flooring should also include a variety of colors and textures that will appeal to even the most picky buyers.
Laying is relatively simple (compared to parquet), which allows you to do it yourself.
The product from famous manufacturers serves reliable protection from cold and noise.
The design of expensive brands will become a real decoration of the kitchen.

However, the laminate is not without drawbacks:

If the joints are not treated with sealant during assembly, then moisture spilled on the floor can seep in and cause serious damage to the floor covering (except for waterproof types).
Some varieties of the product are unsafe for health due to the formic aldehyde they contain. This substance is extremely toxic and adversely affects nervous system, skin, eyes and respiratory organs. In view of this, the use of certain types of laminate in the kitchen is strictly prohibited. Therefore, when buying, it will not be superfluous to ask the seller about the availability of a certificate of conformity. Increased attention should be paid to products from China.
If you do not use an underlay when laying a laminate floor, each step will sound very loud. Some varieties are already supplied with a sound-absorbing base, which affects the cost in a big way.
Increased requirements for evenness of the floor.

Laminate in the kitchen: reviews

Most laminate floor owners are happy with their purchase. Negative moments are associated only with a specific (often Chinese) low-quality product or low qualification of installers.

Among the criteria by which the selection of the best product takes place:

Price. This is one of the decisive factors of choice in the crisis years. However, the decision to do everything cheap and cheerful can backfire on the buyer in the form of poor quality and short-lived service. But even in this price segment there are brands with positive feedback: Russian Kronostar and Kronospan, as well as German Klassen, Kronotex and Krono-Florin.
aesthetic qualities. Floor covering with original design has a higher cost of material and labor. The efforts of specialists to fit each element to each other for "beauty" will be very expensive. Such a floor can decorate a nursery or living room, but it has no place in the kitchen. Almost all brands have printed varieties. The brand "Klassen" enjoys special love of consumers;
Quality. This criterion is the main one for wealthy clients who vote with their rubles for expensive brands: Tarkett, EGGER, Balterio and QuickStep. The latter occupies a leading position in the domestic market.

Which is better in the kitchen: tile or laminate?

The floor covering in the kitchen must meet a number of requirements:

Resistance to mechanical stress: falling dishes, cutlery, etc.
Friendliness to floor cleaners and constant contact with them.
An organic combination with the style of the interior.

As a rule, the kitchen is divided into two zones: working and dining. If it's the first one, then best solution there will be tiles. It is absolutely moisture resistant and withstands drops of any kitchen utensils. Price per square meter quite low, although there are quite expensive brands. It is also important that the tiles are more environmentally friendly, in contrast to the "formaldehyde" Chinese laminate floors.

Laminate will be the perfect decoration for the dining area. So that his style does not get out of general design, there is a design "under the tile". It retains heat much better and is more pleasant to walk on than ceramics (due to the fact that the floor springs on the substrate). A laminate floor with a wood grain finish will look much more expensive than its price tag.

Buy only moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen, in which the locks are impregnated with wax. This will allow you not to worry about it swelling and spoiling if liquid gets on it.

Laminate surface care

Expensive laminate flooring brands guarantee long term service - up to 20 years. However, in order to achieve such an indicator, it is necessary to carefully care for the coating:

Better not to use for mopping the floor conventional means. For this purpose, you can buy special composition recommended by a specific manufacturer of laminated parquet;
It is better to lay a rug near the sink, which will protect the floor from excessive moisture;
Rubber feet should be attached to the legs of chairs and tables so as not to cause unnecessary scratches with every movement of the furniture.

There are a number of reasons why you should install laminate flooring in your kitchen. It is durable, retains heat well and decorates the room beautifully. The choice of a particular brand depends on the wallet and taste preferences of each client.

Video: kitchen flooring

In this video, Marina Samburova will tell you how to choose the right moisture-resistant laminate for the kitchen, what you need to pay attention to when choosing:

It is from the hallway that the acquaintance of guests with your home begins. This is how the first impression about the apartment and, as a result, about its owner is formed.

In the kitchen, as a rule, we spend a lot of time, preparing dinner or receiving guests. Let's look at how to most effectively create an atmosphere of comfort in these rooms and how this can be affected. right choice laminate.

We will also analyze what characteristics of the product you should pay attention to when choosing.

Is laminate suitable for the kitchen?

If you are doing repairs in the kitchen, then sooner or later you will think about how to decorate the floor. Among all the options for this design, the laminate has the most significant advantages. But the question quite reasonably arises: is this material suitable for the kitchen?

According to renovation professionals, laminate is perfect for the kitchen. In this matter, it is important to choose the right laminate.

To do this, you should get acquainted with its advantages, disadvantages and other various characteristics.

Among the advantages of laminate, which just make it possible to use it in the kitchen, we highlight the following:

Putting it on is easy. It won't take long.
Laminate in the kitchen is able to last for a long time, it is unpretentious in maintenance, immune to temperature changes and direct sunlight.
Another indisputable advantage is the ability to choose desired option, as there are many offers for every taste and color. In addition, laminate flooring will look great in the kitchen. You can choose a product stylized as wood or stone.
Laminate is practically indistinguishable from parquet. In addition, it is possible to install it on the so-called warm floors.

Moisture is your main enemy!

Now let's talk about the disadvantages of laminate flooring. Sometimes there is a material that is afraid of moisture. If you have not placed a substrate under the laminate floor, then do not be surprised that when walking the floor will creak, making audible sounds, and if you come across a low-quality laminate, this is even more serious, as it can affect your health.

It is worthwhile to carefully and competently approach the choice of material, so that later you do not have to regret it.

Which coating to choose: moisture resistant or waterproof?

In the kitchen, water can get on the laminate, and in this part of the apartment you need to constantly wash the floors. Therefore, you need to choose a material that is protected from moisture, and the options that are suitable for you are moisture-resistant and water-resistant laminate flooring.

Moisture-resistant laminate has a treatment with a protective compound, as well as another layer. Seams during installation must be well treated with moisture-resistant adhesive. This material will cope with small splashes.

The disadvantage of such a material is that it is not possible to replace one part of it. If one part fails, the entire floor will have to be replaced.

Waterproof laminate flooring is more resistant to water intrusion. Nothing will happen to such a laminate if it is in water for a day. Manufacturers assure this, but it’s still better to play it safe and try to avoid prolonged interaction with water.

Another advantage of such a floor: you can not process the butt joints, and its minus is that if the protective layer is damaged, the properties that can withstand moisture are lost.

Classes of laminates for the kitchen

Laminate for the kitchen is divided into several types. Each of them is equipped with different ability to resist moisture and durability. The strength class of the product starts with the number 2. For example: 21, 22 and so on. The fewer layers in the boards, the less time they will last.

Service life, judging by the reviews - from five to seven years. And this is the case if you use them without additional load. Laminate, the so-called commercial type, begins with the number 3. Such laminates are more durable. These products are not afraid of water, however, the best versions for the kitchen are material with a class above 31.

Classes 32 and 33 consist of a considerable number of different layers. Them distinctive features – excellent strength and water resistance. They are perfectly adapted for working premises, as well as swimming pools. In a city apartment, such a floor will last more than 25 years.

Class 34, according to experts, can literally sit on your floor forever. Such a floor can be cleaned by a completely different means - nothing will happen to it. He is protected from various kinds damage. It is possible, using the 34th class, to lay "warm floors" under its base.

When choosing a laminate for the kitchen, in addition to all the features listed above, consider how harmoniously it will look in the context of your interior.

Laminate and interior

AT spacious kitchen the floor should be chic and beautiful. A laminate stylized as a tile will look very interesting. It will give the effect of completeness of the urban interior and will look very chic.

According to psychologists, the color in the interior has a huge impact on the formation of a person's mood. Therefore, take the choice of color of the coating as seriously as possible. Let the feeling of coziness create in your kitchen or dining room a laminate of light wood tones.

If your main goal is to lose weight, then do not use in the interior of the kitchen, including in the laminate, bright colors. Since such tones cause increased appetite and stimulate the feeling of hunger.

If your kitchen is small in size, then avoid the option of designing a laminate for tiles. Visually, such a laminate in the kitchen will focus on small size space, which you don't really need.

Summarizing, we note: when choosing a laminate for the kitchen, consider the whole set of nuances. This is the quality of the material, its characteristics, appearance and the ability to harmoniously fit into the interior space of the room.

Choice for the hallway

When choosing a laminate for a hallway, it is worth considering the characteristics of the product, which will determine the suitability of one or another laminate for a particular type of room.

Let's try to plunge a little into the world of varieties of laminates. There is a smooth laminate, as well as glossy. On the second, traces of touch will be very noticeable. There are no visible marks on matte and it is not as slippery as glossy. Texture, in turn, looks very realistic.

Ideal Strength- recipe for success.

For a hallway, where there will be quite high loads, laminates of the 32nd and 33rd classes will be a good option in terms of strength.

When choosing a laminate in the hallway, it is also worth considering the fact that the floor in this part of the apartment is especially often wiped with a damp cloth. Also in the autumn or spring seasons, a large amount of water can accumulate in the hallway from shoes. When choosing a laminate, keep in mind that it is adapted to moisture, that is, moisture-resistant and water-resistant products will be very suitable.

The thickness of the laminate for the hallway can be around 8 mm. There may be thinner samples, while not inferior in quality to thicker counterparts.

At self-laying laminate should remember:

If you decide to lay the laminate yourself, then consider some of the nuances. Buy more panels than you originally planned.

The simplest options for placing panels are across the room or along the window. Before starting work, try to properly level the floor, consider waterproofing. If the room is small, then you should not choose a laminate of several shades - this will visually make the room even cramped.

Wipe the laminate with a soft cloth, preferably dry or not too wet. It is better to use specialized substances so as not to damage the integrity of the coating. Place a rubber mat in the area closest to the sink to keep moisture out.

If you want to protect the floor from mechanical damage, then furniture racks would be better, household appliances and other household items to paste over with soft material. This will protect the floor surface. In the event that minor damage could not be avoided, various substances can be used, during the application of which scratches will not be very noticeable.

When choosing a laminate, remember that products made in the United States of America and European countries will cost more than their domestic counterparts. You will also have to pay a large amount for the purchase of a laminate from famous brand. However, in this case, the company is a guarantor of the quality of the product.

When choosing a laminate in the hallway and in the kitchen, as we have already said, consider the design of the room. It is better to choose a material resistant to water and moisture.

Carrying out the repair of the floor in the kitchen, the question arises of which flooring to choose. Among the many materials, laminate is a fairly popular coating with a lot of advantages. But, is it possible to put laminate in the kitchen? If you listen to the opinion of experts, then we can conclude that the laminate for the kitchen is quite suitable. Important is correct selection this material. To understand which laminate to choose for the kitchen, you need to consider its pros, cons, properties and types.

Advantages and disadvantages of kitchen products

Laminate has many advantages that allow you to use it for floors in the kitchen. Among them are the main advantages:

Simple and fast installation;
wear resistance;
Ease of care;
Resistant to temperature extremes and exposure to sunlight;
Large selection of colors and designs;
Beautiful appearance;

In addition, you can choose a coating that imitates various natural materials- wood, stone It is very difficult to distinguish it from parquet. And some laminate options can be installed on the underfloor heating system.

Some laminate colors imitating wood flooring

You also need to consider the disadvantages of this material:

Some types of laminated panels swell when exposed to water;
Laminate without a backing can make a ringing sound when walking and moving objects across the floor;
Poor quality materials can be harmful to health.

Having considered the shortcomings of the coating, we can conclude: in order to avoid the manifestation of the minuses of the laminate, it is necessary to select it correctly and pay attention to the quality when buying.

The difference between moisture resistant and waterproof laminate

In the kitchen, the floor can often be exposed to moisture. It can be both spilled liquids and drops from washing dishes. In addition, maintenance and washing of the floor in the kitchen is carried out very often. Therefore, it is best in this case to choose a laminate that is minimally exposed to moisture. Such a laminated coating is of two types:

moisture resistant;
Waterproof.

The first option is being processed protective compounds, and has additional coverage. The seams between the panels during laying must be processed waterproof glue. Such a laminate easily withstands splashes and short-term interaction with a small amount of water. The disadvantage of the coating is the inability to replace one panel if damaged. In such cases, complete dismantling of the coating is necessary.

The structure of the waterproof coating

Waterproof laminate is able to withstand exposure to water for a long time. Modern technology, used for the production of the coating, allows you to save all specifications coating even when it is in water for more than 24 hours, as guaranteed by the manufacturers. In any case, it is better not to allow prolonged contact with water. The advantage of the coating is the absence of the need for seam processing. The disadvantage is the loss of water resistance properties when the protective layer is damaged.

Laminate classes suitable for the kitchen

Laminate is suitable for laying in the kitchen, according to the strength class: 31, 32, 33. Each of them has distinctive characteristics, so you need to choose a coating that best meets the requirements for operation.

31 class:

Has a service life of not more than 12 years;
Suitable for laying in residential and commercial premises with medium traffic.

32 class:

Service life - 12-15 years;
Scratch resistant;
Can be laid in rooms with above-average traffic;
It has a cost higher than class 31, but justifies this with its quality.

Laminate class table

33 class:

Recommended for use in high traffic areas.
The service life is about 20 years;
Does not crack or split during operation;
With prolonged contact with water, it does not lose its properties and does not swell.

Summing up, we can say that the laminate for the kitchen must meet the following characteristics:

be moisture resistant;
Correspond high class strength;
Have a backing so as not to make unpleasant sounds.

In addition, it must be taken into account that the coating must be good quality. This will extend its service life and ensure that all its characteristics are preserved. It is best to purchase a coating marked E-1. This means that technologies were used in the production to reduce the amount of formaldehyde in the laminate, which means that the coating is safer for humans.

An important role in the choice is played by the type of connection. The best option there will be a laminate with a tight lock connection. Since, in the kitchen, heavy and breakable objects can fall on the floor, the probability of damage to the panels is very high. The lock type of connection will allow you to easily replace the panel with a new one, and not completely dismantle the coating.

If we consider the appearance of the laminate, then for the kitchen the best choice will be a coating imitating tiles. This option is most often treated with antistatic agents and does not attract dust. Larger size tiles provides the least number of seams and is more cost effective. Moreover, laying such a coating is easier and faster.

It should be borne in mind when choosing that the coating should not be slippery, but also not have a relief structure, since it is quite difficult to wash it.

Laying laminate

When laying laminate flooring, it is necessary to take into account some features and recommendations of specialists. For example:

You need to buy panels with a margin of about 10%. This is necessary to avoid shortages of material due to fitting. Especially if the room has a complex configuration;
Carefully read the instructions that come with the cover. Manufacturers always indicate the features of laying this type of laminate;
It is best to lay the laminate in the kitchen in the direction of the light falling from the window. This will mask the joints between the panels as much as possible;
The flooring of the covering along the diagonal of the room is the most difficult, therefore, more simple option there will be laying along the window opening or across the room;
Before carrying out work, it is necessary to carefully prepare the base of the floor, namely, to make it as even as possible and supplement it with high-quality waterproofing;
In a small kitchen, it is best to lay panels of the same color. Laminate combination different colors visually reduces the area of the room.

In the kitchen, laminate flooring must be handled quite carefully, but with care. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

It is recommended to wipe the laminate with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth;
Maintenance is best done with specialized means, the composition of which will not harm the coating;
In close proximity to the sink, it is best to spread a rubberized mat that will reduce the amount of moisture that gets on the laminate;
To protect the coating from scratches and chips, furniture legs and household appliances(fridge, Dishwasher etc.) you can install felt pads;
You can use various special means effectively removing stubborn dirt and masking scratches and damage.

Outcome

In conclusion, we can say that before choosing a laminate for the kitchen, it is very important study all the recommendations and advice of experts, as well as manufacturers. This will help you make the right choice and purchase a coating that will last for quite a long time, and at the same time retain all its characteristics and good appearance.

Which laminate to choose for the kitchen - tips for choosing the right one

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Very often when repair work you have to choose what better tile or laminate? When choosing a material for the kitchen floor, you need to decide what requirements the coating must meet. Each of the presented floor coverings has its pros and cons.

Choosing between tile or laminate can sometimes be difficult

Floor tiles

Floor tiles durable, unpretentious in care, has a rich color scheme, thanks to which it can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, corridor, living room, balcony. She is perfect for office space, shops and production areas. The tile reliably protects the surface from moisture, it is resistant to aggressive chemicals, to frequent temperature changes and evaporation. For those who care about environmental safety, you should choose ceramic tiles. This is a natural ecological product that does not accumulate any harmful substances. In the production of ceramic tiles, only natural safe natural materials are used.

The "warm floor" system will solve the problem of "coldness" of the tile and reassure those who consider this the main disadvantage of ceramic tiles.

Floor tiles are weakly conductive electricity, inert and fire resistant. If there is a fire in the room, ceramic coating will not allow the fire to spread throughout the room. Tiles will not ignite, are practically not subject to destruction due to exposure high temperature. Its characteristics resemble natural stone, therefore ideal for rooms with high humidity, frequent drops temperature conditions.

Well-chosen ceramic tiles will emphasize the dignity of the kitchen interior

The disadvantage of ceramic tiles is that it cold material. Of course, underfloor heating can solve this problem, but it is not always possible to turn on the heating just to heat the floor. Therefore, it is not recommended to lay tiles in the bedroom or children's room. The second disadvantage is the price. The cost of tiles depends on the manufacturer, size and texture. In addition, laying ceramic tiles will cost more than laying laminate. But you need to remember that the tile is durable material, so you can not save too much on such coverage.

Features of PVC tiles

PVC tile is an analogue of linoleum. PVC tiles can be laid in the hallway or in the kitchen. It is easy to transport, stronger than its roll counterpart, has good sound insulation, does not swell, does not slip, and has a wide range of colors. Using several options for PVC tiles, you can create an original pattern. This is a fairly cheap option for flooring. Its disadvantage is that it is made of artificial material, but everyone decides for himself which material to use for styling.

PVC tiles also has many advantages and in some cases will be more good choice for kitchen

Pros and cons of laminate

Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings. Its main advantages are its attractive appearance, affordable price, ease of installation and durability. The basis of the laminate board is fiberboard - fiberboard. It provides rigidity and strength of the material. A paper layer is firmly glued on top of it, imitating the texture of stacked boards or parquet from various tree species (maple, beech, cherry). In addition to wood, there are types of laminate in which the texture of stone (granite, marble) is imitated, as well as tiled or carpet. The quality of the printing layer is so high that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish natural wood from laminated board.

Laminate on the floor in the kitchen performs a decorative and practical function

A special protective layer of melamine or acrylate resin is applied on top of the printed image on the laminate. in quality brands surface layer The laminate board contains corundum, which is known for its hardness. Due to this, the laminate is immune to chemicals, stains, exposure to direct sunlight, mechanical damage.

Laminate is unpretentious in care. When cleaning the room, it is enough to wipe the floor from dust with a damp cloth. If a heavy bulky object falls on the laminate, it will not leave dents or scratches. The laminate board, unlike some other materials, is not afraid of traces of furniture, ladies' shoe studs, a fallen cigarette butt and heaters. Laminate - warm material which is perfect for a child's room.

Weak point of any laminate, its edges are considered. If violations were made during the production of the laminate technological requirements, the edges may start to crumble, which will lead to rapid wear of the floor covering. In order to protect yourself from acquiring a laminate with marriage, choose only quality material well-known firms. It is best to pay attention to German, Norwegian or Austrian manufacturers. No matter how tightly the laminate boards fit to each other, it is still necessary to create moisture protection for the edges by treating them with a waterproof coating.

What is better to choose for the kitchen - tiles or laminate

You need to choose based on your needs and budget. Laminate is a cheaper option but less durable than ceramic tiles. Although laminate flooring is water resistant, the coating can be damaged by flooding, i.e. if water long time"stands" on the floor. Ceramic tiles are not afraid of water, there will be no trace of the flood on its surface. That is why tiles are ideal for laying in the kitchen.

Light laminate on the kitchen floor creates a pleasant atmosphere home comfort

What is suitable for the kitchen is a moot point. As mentioned above, ceramic tiles are cold materials. Agree, walking on the cold floor with bare feet is unpleasant. If in winter you can turn on heated floors, then in summer or spring you can’t do this. But, at the same time, tiles in the kitchen have a number of advantages: temperature changes are not terrible, high humidity, hot and possibly greasy splatter that may be on the floor during cooking. Floor tiles are easy to clean, floors can be washed using chemicals. Ceramic tiles go well with tiles on kitchen apron and fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen or dining room.

The tile is ideal for the working area of the kitchen - it easily tolerates different mechanical influences and cleansed of dirt

If your kitchen is combined with a dining or living room, you can safely lay ceramic tiles on the floor. From frequent rearrangements of furniture and the constant walking of your household, the tile will not suffer. And to protect your feet from the cold, the living area can be decorated with a beautiful carpet or rug. And no one canceled house slippers. When choosing a tile, make sure that it is not too slippery. In addition, be sure to consult with experts about the parameters of the hardness level. Tiles can be different in terms of wear resistance and resistance to mechanical and chemical influences.

And if you combine two types of coverage? This option will be appreciated by lovers of compromises and unusual design solutions

The advantages of laminate for the kitchen are that it is laid much faster than tile, laying work is much "cleaner". The material is beautiful and durable. Therefore, what is best for your kitchen, tiles or laminate, decide based on your financial capabilities, kitchen design and personal preferences. You can also combine laminate with tiles on the floor in the kitchen. In the dining area and the relaxation area there is a laminate, and tiles are perfect for the work area.

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