Laminate for the kitchen - which one to choose?

During the repair, many people have a question about the flooring, namely: laminate for the kitchen - which one to choose? Among the huge range of materials, laminate flooring is one of the most popular materials with many advantages. But is it worth it to use in the kitchen? If we take into account the opinion of experts, we can conclude that this coating is quite suitable for the kitchen. However, you should correctly choose the type of laminate, comparing all the pros and cons.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Laminate has many advantages that make it possible to use it for floors in the kitchen, among which the following can be noted:

• Wear resistance.
• Quick and easy installation.
• Easy to clean.
• Resistant to temperature changes and exposure to sunlight.
• Beautiful appearance.
• Large selection of designs and colors.

Important! In addition, you can choose a floor covering that will simulate various natural materials - stone, wood. It is quite difficult to distinguish from natural parquet. And some laminate flooring options can be installed on top of the underfloor heating system.

However, in addition to advantages, this material also has disadvantages:

• Some types of laminated panels swell due to exposure to water.
• Laminate without the use of a substrate can make noise when walking.
• Poor material can be harmful to health.

Important! Having examined the negative sides of the laminate, we can summarize: in order to avoid the manifestation of the disadvantages of this material, it should be selected correctly, paying special attention to quality when buying.

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The difference between waterproof and moisture resistant laminate

Quite often, the kitchen floor may be exposed to moisture. It can be like drops from washing dishes, or spilled liquids. In addition, washing and caring for the floor in the kitchen is carried out very often. Therefore, in this case, it is better to choose a laminate, which is minimally susceptible to the negative effects of moisture. Such flooring can be of two types:

• Moisture-resistant - processed by protective compounds. When laying, the seams between the panels must be treated with waterproof glue. This type of laminate can easily withstand drop drops and short interaction with a small amount of water.

Important! The lack of coverage is the impossibility of replacing one panel in case of damage. In this case, a complete disassembly is required.

• Water resistant - can withstand the effects of water for a long time. Modern technologies that are used to make this coating allow you to save all the technical characteristics even when the material has been in water for more than a day, as the manufacturers guarantee.

Important! The advantage of waterproof coating is that there is no need to process the seams. The disadvantage is the loss of water resistance properties when the protective layer is damaged.

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Laminate classes most suitable for the kitchen

For laying in the kitchen, a laminate in the strength class that corresponds to the markings 31, 32, 33 is best suited.Each of these types has excellent characteristics, so you should choose the coating that best meets the requirements for use.

Grade 31:

• It has a life of not more than 12 years.
• Suitable for installation in commercial and residential premises, which have medium traffic.

32 class:

• It has a life of 12-15 years.
• It can be laid in rooms with patency above average.
• Scratch resistant.
• It costs slightly higher compared to 31, but justifies it with its quality.

33 class:

• It is recommended to use in rooms with high passability.
• It has a life of approximately 20 years.
• Resistant to abrasion and heavy loads.
• It does not crack or crack during operation.
• With prolonged contact with water does not swell and does not lose its properties.

Important! When planning a kitchen design, remember that the applied shades play a large role in the perception and comfort of the room. Information from an article from our site will help you here."How to choose the color of the laminate?".

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Final recommendations for selection

Summing up the question of which laminate is better to choose for the kitchen, we can say that it should correspond to such characteristics:

• Have high strength.
• Be moisture resistant.
• Have a backing so as not to make excess noise.

In addition, it should be borne in mind that the flooring must be of good quality. This will extend its service life and ensure the safety of all its characteristics.

Important! When choosing finishing materials, it is better to think over the arrangement of this room in advance. Estimate different options and evaluate how they will be appropriate and practical in your case will help you software for a computer kitchen project.

Also, when buying, it is advisable to pay attention to the following:

• It is best to buy a laminate labeled E-1 - this means that technologies were used in the production process that can reduce the amount of formaldehyde in the material. That is, this coating is safer for human health.
• A significant role in the selection is also played by the type of connection. The best option is a laminate with a tight locking connection. Since the kitchen does not exclude the falling of beating and heavy objects on the floor, the likelihood of panels is very high. This type of connection will make it possible to easily replace a damaged panel without having to completely remove the coating.
• When considering the appearance of the material, the best choice is the option that mimics the tile. Such material is usually treated with antistatic agents and does not attract dust. The large size of the tiles will provide fewer joints and will be more profitable at a cost. In addition, laying such a coating is faster and easier. When choosing, it should be borne in mind that the laminate should not be multiple, but also not have a too corrugated surface, because it is quite difficult to wash.

Important! In the decoration of the kitchen, every little thing matters. Particular attention should be paid to the number, type and method of location of the lamps. You can easily cope with this, using the recommendations from the article. "Kitchen Lighting".

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Laminate flooring

When laying such a floor covering as a laminate, some features and expert advice should be considered. For example:

• Buy panels with a margin of approximately 10%. This is necessary in order to eliminate the lack of material in connection with the fit. And especially if the room has a complex configuration.
• Carefully read the instructions that came with the coating. In it, manufacturers always indicate all the features of the installation of this type of laminate.
• Laminate in the kitchen is best laid in the direction of the light that falls from the window. This will make it possible to mask the joints between the panels as well as possible.
• The flooring of the diagonal of the room is the most difficult, and the easiest way will be laying across the room or along the window opening.
• Before starting installation work, carefully prepare the base of the floor, namely make it as even as possible and complement with high-quality waterproofing.
• In a small kitchen, it is recommended to lay the panels of the same color, since the combination of a laminate of different colors will visually reduce the area of ​​the room.

Important! If you plan to do this work yourself, but you have no experience, use our special step by step instructions for laying laminate flooring.

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Recommendations for use and care

Care for the laminate in the kitchen should be thorough, careful and regular. In doing so, consider the following:

• Wipe the laminate with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth.
• Carry out care using specialized products, the composition of which will not harm the coating.
• In the immediate vicinity of the sink, spread a rubberized mat, which will reduce the amount of water falling on the floor.
• To protect the coating from chips and scratches, install felt pads on the legs of household appliances and furniture.
• When cleaning, try to use special products that effectively eliminate stubborn dirt and mask damage and scratches.

Important! You might also be interested in other helpful publications on kitchen finishes:

• Which apron to choose in the kitchen?
• Wall design in the kitchen, interesting ideas.
• Kitchen design 10 sq. M with sofa.
• Built-in appliances for the kitchen - how to choose which company?

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Stock footage

In conclusion, it is worth saying that in order to answer the question, which laminate is better to choose for the kitchenIt is necessary to study all the tips and recommendations of manufacturers and specialists. This will help to choose the right flooring, which will last a long time, while maintaining its characteristics and presentable appearance.