Moisture -resistant laminate for the kitchen

The kitchen is an important room of any home that is exposed to humidity daily. For this reason, laying a traditional laminate is a cheap, but not practical solution. In order to protect the kitchen floor from the harmful effects of the liquid and its fumes, many coatings offer to equip the room with a moisture -proof laminate . This type of product effectively copes with the task, while maintaining the appearance of the floor for a long time.

Types of moisture resistant laminate

Each homeowner seeks to extend the life of interior items for as long as possible. The flooring is no exception. The moisture -resistant flooring segment is filled with a lot of sentences. The entire modern laminate has resistance to moisture, but it is worth considering the main types of products:

1. Plastic laminate moisture -resistant for the kitchen , in which the wood panel is replaced by a plastic and has a cellular structure filled with air. This type of flooring is extremely light and moisture.
2. The traditional HDF flooring, which is able to withstand up to 3 hours in hydraulic terms without deterioration in the panel geometry. This type of laminate includes almost all classes of class 32 and 33, made on the basis of HDF technology.
3. Laminated coating of enhanced moisture resistance. This type of laminate contains resins in an increased concentration, due to which the product can withstand over 6 hours in water without losing quality characteristics.

Differences in a moisture -resistant laminate from the usual

The laminated floor is a rather aesthetic and functional design for the kitchen space, which many homeowners were to the taste of. However, such a coating has a number of disadvantages that negatively affect the functionality of the flooring. Consider the main characteristics of the laminate that distinguish the traditional coating from the moisture resistant:

• conventional laminated panels are afraid of water, so manufacturers solved the problem by creating a moisture -proof coating using HDF technology - a parquet equipped inside a stove, which withstands increased humidity;
• due to the treatment with special compounds, the flooring resistant to humidity also has antibacterial properties - this avoids the damping of surfaces and the appearance of mold;
• the joints between parquet boards in a traditional laminate are a weak place, while the side parts and locks in the moisture resistance panels are treated with silicone or wax impregnations. This avoids deformation of the coating and its damage;
• in a modern moisture resistant flooring, the surface is also treated with special impregnations based on corraprophones of corundum, which prevent the penetration of dampness into the structure;
• panels protected from humidity are designed for operation in hydraulic contributions, but they are not able to withstand prolonged exposure to water, so do not expose them to such tests.

Differences between moisture resistant and waterproof coating

When choosing a laminate for the kitchen, it is necessary to take into account the features of its structure and characteristics in order to ensure the flooring as the most functional and durable material. Consider the main differences between the waterproof and moisture -resistant laminate.

Moisture -resistant coating - Suitable for rooms with high humidity conditions. In its structure, an HDF plate is used, which can be visually determined by looking at the cut of the panel. All joints and locks on a laminated parquet are treated with a special protective composition that prevents moisture from entering the structure.

Waterproof coating - More patiently for water, therefore, it is recommended for a ledge in rooms where a large amount of liquid regularly gets on the floor. The laminate technology owes its characteristics: the pressing of the laminate panel occurs under the influence of high pressure. And the surface of the flooring is covered with a layer of water -repellent polymer. As a result, the product has high resistance to water, all layers of which are sealed with hot wax. Suitable for floor cladding as an analogue of ceramic tiles.

Rules for choosing a moisture resistant laminate

Determining with the features of the moisture -resistant laminate, how to choose it and how appropriate the purchase will become, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors. This will optimize costs and purchase high -quality flooring. Let us consider in more detail the requirements that must be observed when choosing a product:

1. The primarily you need to look at the marking of the goods: the moisture -resistant laminated parquet in the description will be indicated by the prefix "Aqua". On the very packaging of the laminate, as a rule, a manipulation sign of an umbrella, a crane with a drop of water, etc. is displayed.
2. To select a high -quality and reliable product, take into account the density of the HDF panel: the higher this indicator, the stronger the coating and is less susceptible to humidity.
3. The load class is an important criterion that you need to take into account if you need to buy a moisture -resistant laminate. The minimum value of this indicator among the range of quality goods is 32. However, the 33rd grade is considered the best option for the kitchen floor.

Important!  The acquisition of flooring of the 34th grade class for the floor of the floor in the apartment is not always justified, since such a laminate is designed for operation in commercial and industrial premises.

4. The coefficient of wetting, which is normal is no less important, is 18%. The smaller its value, the higher the properties of the moisture resistance of the parquet.
5. When choosing a moisture-resistant laminate at a price, it is necessary to observe the price-quality ratio. A strong, reliable and durable coating will cost considerable money, but during operation all costs will be justified.
6. Be sure to pay attention to the quality of the connecting locks of parquet boards. They must be reliably and tightly attached to one to one in order to eliminate even the smallest gaps. With good and as tightly, the water will have no chance of getting inside. To enhance the effect, it is advisable to lay a cork flooring under the laminate, when laying it. This will completely eliminate the risk of deformation of the flooring.
7. The laminate is a fairly slippery coating, especially when the liquid enters it. When choosing moisture resistant panels, give preference to products with a relief texture in order to avoid unpleasant incidents.

The choice of moisture -resistant laminate by the manufacturer

Today, the undoubted leader among the flooring for the kitchen is a moisture resistant laminate. Powerful competition in this market segment gives rise to a wide variety of colors, textures and high -quality characteristics of the flooring. Let us consider in more detail the features of the products of the most popular manufacturers.

Aqua-STEP laminate

This Belgian manufacturer has been specializing in the manufacture of a moisture resistant laminate since 1999. The exclusive concept of the release of the flooring provides products with modern design, variability of decoration and European quality. Among other features of Aqua-STEP products, such as:

• simplicity in laying, since the laminate does not need preliminary acclimatization before laying;
• high indicators of moisture and water resistance, due to which the panels can be used both in kitchen and bathrooms;
• the possibility of laying the laminate directly on the dry floor screed, without preparing the base and a steam -permeable membrane;
• Aqua-STEP allows you to simultaneously install the “warm floor” system both on electric and steam heating;
• the technology of a hollow board allows you to increase the heat transfer coefficient and the floor heating system will consume much less electricity;
• laminate has 0% swelling under any climatic conditions;
• the coating can be led in areas up to 900 m ² , without the use of compensation seams.

Elesgo laminate

The German brand Elesgo has established itself in the moisture -resistant laminate market thanks to the Aquafloor collection. The products of this manufacturer are characterized by a wide range of decorative coating: from imitation of stone, valuable wood species to design solutions. All laminated floorings are produced using Elesgo technology, in which the surface of the panels is hardened by electronic rays. As a result, the consumer receives an environmentally friendly, strong and aesthetic laminate. The main characteristics of Aquafloor products can be attributed to the following:

• the products of the brand are represented in 32 blessings of wear resistance, so that they can be used in rooms with a high moisture load;
• the coatings are made of high -quality composite material, which has resistance to deformation, is not subjected to swelling or cracking;
• aquafloor products provide reliable sound insulation, impact resistance, high wear resistance and environmental purity;
• the laminate from the Elesgo brand is easy to care and quickly in styling;
• thanks to unlimited decorative capabilities, the flooring harmoniously fits into the design of any interior of the room.

WITEX laminate

This manufacturer from Germany is engaged in the production of flooring for almost two decades and managed to prove himself well. WITEX products are certified according to European standards, meets the quality of RAL and has the highest ratings of experts. Consider the main features on which recognition to the brand is based:

• the laminate is not subjected to negative effects of ultraviolet radiation;
• the coating easily tolerates heavy loads, high temperatures and can withstand shocks without deformation;
• moisture -resistant panels are resistant to household chemicals, due to which it is easy to take care of them;
• thanks to the environmental purity of materials, the flooring does not distinguish formaldehyde and does not cause allergic reactions in humans;
• the laminate is characterized by high tightness, moisture resistance and durability;
• allows you to use the "warm floor" system;
• resistant to mechanical damage, such as the movement of furniture, etc.

Classen laminate

The laminate of the German concern Classen is considered a leader in his segment. The products of the brand are characterized by environmental purity, aesthetics, reliability and strength. Among the main features that highlight the Classen flooring among analogues can be distinguished:

• the consort of the concern offers high -quality panels with a reliable locking system of laminate;
• the surface of laminated boards is treated with a wax water -repellent composition, which increases its degree of moisture resistance;
• low formaldehyde content, due to which the products are hypoallergenic;
• a wide range of laminated coating in each class -resistance class: 31, 32, 33, 34;
• the Classen warranty on its products is 10 years;
• large selection of decorative design of laminate.

Conclusion

Choosing the type of flooring for the kitchen, many homeowners come into confusion. Based on the main criteria - practicality, reliability and durability, the question is between tiles, linoleum and laminate. However, having studied in more detail the qualitative and operational characteristics of each type of flooring, many prefer a moisture -resistant laminate, since it is affordable, wear -resistant and will be able to last a long time. Modern production technologies guarantee high quality products that harmoniously complement the interior of the kitchen and reliably protect the floor from moisture.

You can find out about the features of a moisture -resistant laminate from the video clip: