Is it worth putting laminate in the kitchen? Once again to the question: is it possible to lay laminate in the kitchen. The difference between moisture resistant and waterproof laminate

The kitchen is one of the most important parts of any home. For every housewife, it is important that the kitchen is comfortable and functional. In addition, an important point is the floor surface of the kitchen area, which constantly requires care and cleaning. It is important that the floor surface withstands moisture well and is easy to wash off any dirt. One of the most popular and fashionable coatings of this century is a laminated board, or laminate.

Peculiarities

Laminate is used in construction and renovation not so long ago, but is one of the most popular flooring. This is not surprising, because the floor covered with laminate looks quite aesthetically pleasing, and the variety of shapes and colors of laminated boards allows you to choose the right option for any interior.

Laminate is considered a natural product, as 60% consists of wood, namely pressed sawdust. This material is a good alternative to expensive parquet, it allows you to significantly save the family budget without compromising the beauty of the interior. Laminate flooring is chosen by those who appreciate environmental friendliness and naturalness for a reasonable price.

Advantages of moisture resistant laminate

If you decide to choose laminate flooring for your kitchen, then you should pay attention to those models that are resistant to water. Laminate for the kitchen has many options for shapes, colors and sizes, but each of them has increased strength, is not afraid of bumps and scratches, it is easy to clean, it does not leave streaks and stains.

A kitchen with laminate flooring looks cozier, wood is much warmer than ceramic tiles, and much more pleasant to walk on. This is an important factor for families with small children. Laminate can imitate absolutely any type of wood, you can also opt for a board that repeats the pattern of natural stones. In this case, the laminate is very similar to the tile. Special fans of laminated boards can even afford to put a laminate backsplash that will look like ordinary tiles.

Flaws

Despite the large number of advantages, laminate for the kitchen has some disadvantages. Like any tree, laminated board does not like moisture. Modern laminate models are well protected from moisture with a special coating, but water that has got into the joints between the boards is still a danger to the floor. The most annoying thing is that you may not notice the spilled water and will not be able to control its entry under the laminated sheet.

Many argue about the safety of laminate flooring in the kitchen, as it contains formaldehyde. These substances can accumulate in the body, resulting in serious consequences. But this applies only to cheap boards, where the manufacturer does not pay due attention to the environmental friendliness of its products.

The reason to refuse laminate flooring in the kitchen may be its sonority. If you drop something on the floor, the noise from the falling object will be very loud. That is why it is recommended to lay the laminate on a sound-absorbing substrate. More expensive materials are immediately equipped with a sound-absorbing effect.

All the pros and cons of laminate flooring will help you decide what to put on your kitchen floor.

Varieties

classic tree

The name of the laminate speaks for itself. This type of laminate resembles the structure of wood, has a smooth surface. For greater naturalness, manufacturers apply small cracks and depressions to the canvas, which are more reminiscent of a natural wooden surface.

As a rule, a classic wood-colored laminate has a matte surface that does not slip, looks quite simple, but tasteful. If you prefer rigor and conciseness in the interior, then this laminate model is ideal for your kitchen.

aged tree

Natural wood tends to age and lose its attractive appearance and whiteness. If you are a fan of retro style, and your interior matches it, then feel free to choose a laminate in the form of aged wood. This flooring has smoothed scuffs, uneven color, characterized by the effect of faded paints.

The laminated canvas is made for an amateur, as few people want to lay the “old” laminate in their new fresh kitchen. But, nevertheless, there are many gourmets who are delighted with boards of this type.

Glossy surface

Laminate with a glossy surface looks incredibly attractive. The kitchen floor, covered with a glossy laminated board, immediately falls in love with it. Glitter is present not only on the floor, but throughout the room. Glossy laminate resembles a wooden floor, which is richly and carefully varnished. On the surface, it may seem that this type of floor is slippery, but it only seems so. You may not be afraid that you or someone from your family will slip on the floor.

Glossy laminate requires special care, it must always be perfectly rubbed, otherwise every stain will be very noticeable on the surface and spoil the whole good impression.

texture surface

Laminate for the kitchen with a textured surface is a board with clearly visible lines and depressions that are inherent in natural wood. Stepping on the surface of the floor, you will feel a certain relief that will remind you of natural wood. Such a laminate is considered quite useful and has a positive effect on the human nervous system. Surprisingly, such a part of the room as the floor is able to restore emotional balance when you walk on it barefoot.

Relief

A laminate with a relief surface is somewhat reminiscent of textured models, but in this case, manufacturers do not set themselves the goal of reproducing the wood pattern. The laminate only has a slight roughness along the entire length of the chamfered board. This texture is quite pleasant to the touch, you want to step on the floor and walk on it barefoot.

Shea tree

Butterwood effect kitchen laminate has an even and smooth texture. When stepping on such a floor, you will not feel any protrusions and roughness. Outwardly, such a floor is a matte surface, which was carefully treated with drying oil. It may also seem to someone that instead of a laminate, linoleum is laid on the floor, so not a single hole and time are visible on it.

waxed surface

This type of laminate resembles waxed boards. Such a floor radiates incredible inner warmth, and the kitchen becomes unusually cozy and comfortable. Waxed laminate most often looks like solid solid boards spread from the beginning to the end of the room.

Country

Laminated boards of this type are great for kitchens in country houses, where everything natural and close to nature is valued. And gender should be no exception. Country-style laminate resembles wooden boards that have been lightly planed. The floor has a slightly embossed surface. The pattern of such a laminate is a tree, on which traces of knots and cracks are visible.

How to style

Laying laminate flooring can be done by hand without the help of specialists. Your main task is to follow all the recommendations specified in the instructions. To lay the laminate on the floor, it is necessary to level the surface well so that no depressions subsequently form. To do this, you can use a concrete screed, the thickness of which depends on the angle of the drops on the floor.

After the concrete surface is completely dry, it is worth laying it with a special substrate that will absorb noise and serve as additional insulation for the floor. After that, the process of direct laying of the laminate begins. It is best to start laying from the far corner of the kitchen, moving towards the exit.

Is it possible to lay laminate in the kitchen, is it practical, how does it react to water, and is it easy to clean, and how environmentally friendly

Experts answered the question

best answer

10 responses

regular laminate until the first spilled pan.

In general, in large kitchens (from 15 m) quite often, for some reason, customers choose parquet or laminate flooring as a floor covering. Naturally expensive, moisture resistant. But, again, a moisture-resistant laminate or board can only be wiped with a damp (not wet!) rag, i.e. if a puddle has formed, then most likely this is the end of the floor.

In general, in such kitchens, the hostess needs to be extremely careful and immediately wipe the slightest puddles.
If you still decide on a laminate and you have little money, look at Practician laminate. His ends are treated with wax. From the laminate of an inexpensive segment, it will last longer than the rest.

In general, for the kitchen it is better to use semi-commercial linoleum (you need a perfectly even base of the floor, i.e. special preparation) or tiles.

Helpful answer? Yes 1 / Not

And if, for example, "Click Guard" is used to prevent moisture from entering the seams, it does not stick together as it is written on it. does it seal the joint? Will this extend the life of the laminate?

And I recommend a glue plug on the floor for the kitchen. She herself made such a choice and is very pleased: an indestructible floor, warm, environmentally friendly, which can be washed in a deck way. In any case, such characteristics are given by manufacturers and sellers, such a floor is laid even in a bathhouse, sauna and pool. Not to be confused with a lock plug! At a price not much more expensive than a good moisture-resistant laminate. Not a limited choice of color and texture, but I chose a bleached natural color. Now they even print on the cork itself, it turns out like parquet, only with an orthopedic effect.

Helpful answer? Yes 2 / Not

1. Laminate has thermal expansion. Winter-summer, wet, dry. All your lubrication with sealant is nothing more than a waste of time and money. There will still be gaps. Sooner or later, but they will. This is physics.
2. Water, in addition to the liquid state, also has a vapor state. In September, when the heating is not yet turned on, the humidity in the apartments can reach high levels, especially in the kitchens.
3. The perimeter of the kitchen is the real problem area. Water spilled from a pan or a faulty faucet will inevitably flow under the baseboard, under the floor. And it will take a very long time to dry. And in the case of a cork substrate, never at all, because it absorbs it into itself. Along with scents.

Helpful answer? Not really

Already in the second apartment, a cheap laminate was laid in the kitchen. Nothing happens to him! once it swelled up when the cat was playing with flowers and water spilled from the vase. But it dried up and was like new)))
In a rented apartment in the kitchen there was a tile: firstly, it was cold, secondly, everything glass that fell on the floor was 100% shattered. Then you vacuum the fragments from all the cracks.
Therefore, for me personally - definitely NOT a tile. Laminate, parquet, cork (friends have it - no problem), etc.

Helpful answer? Yes 1 / Not 1

The most practical - linoleum. A laminate - before the first leak. My girlfriend had an accident in the kitchen, it leaked onto a neighbor from below and the whole neighbor's brand new laminate became old. And when an accident happened to my grandmother in a new building, with cheap linoleum from the developer, she tore off this linoleum and dried it. Dry for a long time, but in the end, now nothing reminds of a leak. And it broke through notably: boiling water in a fountain, in an ankle-deep apartment, leaked two floors down (there is simply nowhere below, the third floor), flooded the elevator shaft and neighbors on the site.
And linoleum is not as cold and hard as tile, and at the same time it is not afraid of washing.

Helpful answer? Not really

I recently asked the same question too. I chose, by the way, from the laminate PRACTICE and MAKSVUD. I didn’t find a single good review about PRACTICE on the internet + a friend said that he has been using it for 2 years and wants to change it, because it had already fallen into disrepair and there were problems during laying (the locks broke, the boards were crooked). I have class 32 in my bedroom MAXWOOD, but I don’t really like it, because. rubbed a little from the legs of the table + began to “walk”, although they didn’t spill anything, mine with a damp cloth + wipe it dry, but it’s very hot in the apartment, maybe from this. I ended up buying linoleum for the kitchen

Helpful answer? Yes 1 / Not

This question is often asked on construction forums. People are wondering if this material is able to withstand more difficult operating conditions than in residential premises? Or is it better not to take risks and lay tiles, linoleum or a special aquapol kitchen laminate made of composite materials on the floor?

We will try to answer in detail and reasonedly these and some other questions that concern those who are now choosing finishing materials for their kitchen.

Which laminate is suitable for the kitchen

Laminate is not a natural material like cork or solid board. But the basis for its manufacture is wood raw materials. And this means that it can also absorb moisture and swell, although to a lesser extent. Knowing this, people are interested in whether it is possible to lay a laminate in the kitchen.
We answer: it is possible, but not every laminate.

Features of laminate for the kitchen

- these are several layers, each of which carries its own functional load. Its base (chipboard) is responsible for mechanical strength, the top and bottom layers for moisture resistance and resistance to damage. And the paper under the top layer of melamine resin is for aesthetic appeal.

In many cases, laminate in the kitchen is chosen precisely for its decorative properties, similarity with natural wood. Although the stone-like laminate for the kitchen is in great demand, as it is warmer than tile or porcelain stoneware.

But appearance is not the main criterion by which you should choose flooring for the kitchen, bathroom and hallway. All these rooms experience an increased moisture load associated with the peculiarities of operation and the need for frequent mopping. And this means that the laminate must be moisture resistant.

That is, a high resin content should be in the panel itself, in addition to being protected on both sides with a special coating.

According to the degree of moisture resistance, the laminate is divided into the following types:

Standard. The density of such a laminate is about 900 kg/m3. It is able to withstand three hours of exposure to water without swelling or deforming after drying. Whether it is possible to lay a laminate of this type in the kitchen is up to you.

Advice. If someone is constantly at home and can detect a leak in time, then why not. If you're away from home most of the day, and there's a risk of leaks from neighbors or faulty appliances, it's best to look for more reliable coverage.

moisture resistant. The composition of such a laminate has more resin and less wood raw materials, so that it can withstand six hours of water exposure without any problems. It is the most popular kitchen laminate recommended for flooring in wet areas.
Waterproof. This is a plastic laminate made on the basis of a wood-polymer composite. He is not afraid of either the flood, or being in unheated rooms, or high loads. The decorative coating of a plastic laminate imitates various types of wood, stone, tiles, but can also have any other texture, color or pattern.

For reference. Having the highest strength class 34, such a laminate is much thinner than usual. At the same time, it is warmer to the touch, has better soundproofing properties, and is not afraid of mold.

What to look for when buying laminate flooring

To decide whether it is possible to lay a laminate in the kitchen, when choosing this material, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

density of the laminate. It must be indicated in the specification, and if you are making a purchase in an online store, then in the description of the collection. Density should be 900 kg/cu.m. and more.
Laminate strength class. Only grades 32 and 33 are suitable for the corridor and kitchen.
Treatment of interlocks with wax or paraffin. If it is not there, then when liquid gets on the floor, the seams between the panels will suffer first of all.

Note. If the laminate for the hallway and kitchen is laid and assembled with glue, then this parameter can be ignored.

No chamfer. Of course, a laminate with a chamfer around the perimeter of the panel looks more interesting, imitating a parquet board more believably, but in the kitchen it is better to make a coating without gaps.

Moisture resistant bottom layer. On the reverse side of the panels must be covered with a waterproof material with a high resin content.

Since there is always a risk of running into a fake or getting incorrect information from sellers, it is better to self-check the selected types of laminate for the kitchen. To do this, a small piece of laminate should be lowered into water and observe what changes will occur with it after a few hours and after drying. The price of one panel is not so high compared to the cost of repairs in case of buying a low-quality coating.

So, we answered the question of whether it is possible to lay a laminate in the kitchen. Now it’s worth talking about how to avoid possible troubles during its operation and eliminate the problems that have arisen.

A few useful tips from professionals will not be superfluous.

When buying laminate, be sure to purchase a little more material than you need so that you can replace damaged panels if necessary.
If you are going to lay the coating with your own hands, first study all the rules and installation features well. To do this, instructions are attached to each pack of laminate.
Correctly . Laying laminate in the kitchen involves the use of a polyethylene foam or composite substrate, which will serve as additional protection against moisture.
It is advisable to treat the seams with a sealant so that they do not let water through.

Wash floors in the kitchen only with a well-wrung cloth.
If you have a leak, collect all the water from the floor as soon as possible and dry the coating. If water gets under it, then it is advisable to disassemble the laminate floors in the kitchen and put them back in place only after the panels and the base have completely dried. In such a situation, previously purchased spare panels can be useful to you, with which you can replace damaged and swollen ones.

Advice. If you are not ready for such actions, but really want to have a laminate in the kitchen, then lay it only in the visible area. And lay tiles or linoleum under kitchen cabinets and appliances.

How else can you use laminate in the kitchen

If laminate flooring is strong enough to serve as flooring, why not use it on walls? They do not experience such a load as floors, and they have to be washed much less often. Designers have been using this technique for a long time, creating very original and original interiors.

Finishing the walls of the kitchen with laminate is a very practical solution that allows you to save on expensive materials, because models of a lower strength class are also suitable for walls. If you want to protect the walls near the work surface with laminate, making a kitchen apron out of it, then the requirements for the material will be the same as for the floor covering.

Advice. The technology for attaching laminate to a wall is somewhat different from laying it on the floor. If you decide to use this idea, then watch the video tutorial on this topic.

Many housewives are happy to use hot coasters and flowers made from laminate scraps. Of these, you can also make a screen for a heating battery.

Conclusion

If you chose the right class of laminate for the kitchen, took into account all the tips for its installation and operation, then such a floor will serve you for a very long time. And you won't regret your decision.

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 modern laminate is able not only to copy ceramics and wood, but also to adequately replace them in terms of its 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 that consists of medium density fibreboard (HDF) and paper impregnated with melamine resins, on which a 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 the 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, because the coating is easy to clean, does not lose color under ultraviolet rays, is not afraid of stains, bumps, cracks or scratches. Really high-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;
There are no dents from heavy kitchen furniture on the laminate, which is typical 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 affordable type of flooring.

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

Some types of laminate really cannot (or can, but with caution) be placed in the kitchen, as they cannot withstand high humidity, temperature fluctuations, or spilled coloring liquids like wine or beet juice, and can be deformed from falling heavy and sharp objects. We will tell you how to choose a laminate for the kitchen below;
The disadvantages of the laminate include a rather sonorous sound, which forms a coating during steps or falling objects. 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. Carrying out such tests is confirmed by a hygienic certificate that accompanies each batch of material;
Artificiality - no matter how authentically it imitates 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 exposure time of the liquid should be no more than 20 minutes. In this case, when laying, sealing of the seams is required.
Waterproof laminate is more expensive, but can withstand moisture for up to 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 a "wooden" design for a massive board with a 1:9 or 1:6 format. 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 as close as possible to wooden parquet boards.

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.

And in the next photo, a brown laminate in the interior of the kitchen with prevailing warm colors in furniture and decoration.

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

Light and dark laminate are not the easiest options to maintain. 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, the best colors are 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.

Laminate flooring is a popular solution in both modern and classic interiors.
But many are afraid to use this coating in the kitchen. What if you want to add a beautiful texture to the interior without losing practicality? What should be a laminate for the kitchen: how to choose a coating design and protect the kitchen floor from moisture, reviews, price reviews and photos in the interior.

Can you put laminate flooring in the kitchen?

Yes, if you choose the right type and class of coating, prepare the base well and protect the joints from moisture.

The best floor is moisture resistant class 33, 8-12 mm thick, with a durable top protective layer, matte, slightly embossed, non-slip surface. After laying, the joints of the panels must be treated with a special water-repellent composition.

The lamella consists of four layers. The main one is a moisture-resistant HDF or fiberboard. Pattern: Egger

What to look for when choosing

1. Wear class. The higher it is, the greater the load the coating can withstand. For the kitchen, corridor and hallway, a laminate of at least 32, and preferably 33 class, is suitable. Without force majeure, it will last at least 15 years without losing its appearance. 34 class is even stronger, but more expensive. In most cases, there is no need to pay extra for it.

2. The level of moisture resistance. Make sure the laminate you're looking for in your kitchen has moisture protection. Look for markings in the description with water drops, a faucet, the words water resistance, waterproof, aqua block, aqua protect, etc.

3. Type of interlock. Glue-free flooring has two of them: Click (collapsible system) and Lock (snap lock). Click is considered more reliable and convenient: the floor will last longer, it is easier to lay (even a beginner can handle it), and the base can have a difference of up to 3 mm per linear meter. Coatings with a lock system are cheaper, but less reliable, more difficult to install (it is better to hire a professional) and require a perfectly even base.

4. Manufacturer and warranty. Do not take cheap laminate from unknown manufacturers in the construction market. If you're on a tight budget, look for low-cost brand name flooring or semi-commercial plank-look, wood-look textured linoleum.

5. Thickness. The thicker the laminate flooring, the stronger, more durable and more expensive it is. For the kitchen, hallway and corridor, choose a coating no thinner than 9 mm.

6. The presence of a chamfer. It is believed that in the kitchen a laminate without a bevel is better (dirt and moisture do not linger in the recesses). To make the floor look more realistic, manufacturers have come up with an optical chamfer. The panels along the edges are made a little darker in color, visually highlighting the contours of each board.

7. Formaldehyde emission class. Material labeled E0 or E1 is considered safe for health.

8. The level of noise absorption. Some types of expensive laminate have a sound-absorbing layer 1-2 mm thick (Sound Protect, etc.). But most coatings do not have it, and the substrate will have to be purchased separately.

9. Anti-slip surface. For the kitchen, choose a rough, embossed laminate: it is easy to slip and get injured on a smooth one.

Pros and cons of laminate flooring in the kitchen

Advantages

A high-quality floor is not afraid of bumps, scratches, cracks, temperature changes and does not fade in the sun. It is easy to wash, it is resistant to abrasion and is not afraid of stains.
Laminate panels are warmer than ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware - it is more pleasant to walk on them barefoot. Some types of this coating allow you to make a warm floor in the kitchen.
Unlike linoleum, it does not leave dents from the legs of the refrigerator and kitchen furniture.
It is valued for its resemblance to a natural wood floor and its variety of designs. It attracts economical owners with an affordable price, and practical ones with ease of installation.

Flaws

May swell and swell. If a pipe with hot water breaks in your absence, it is highly likely that the floor in the kitchen will have to be changed.

Solution. Treat the seams between the boards with a special sealant (for example, Hydrokit, Click guard, etc.). This will not save you from a flood, but under normal conditions, the risk of damaging the coating will be less.

Laminate is moisture resistant or water resistant. These are two different types of coverage. They are made of different materials and behave differently when in contact with water.

The surface of the moisture-resistant laminate has a protective layer and does not let water through, and the interlocks are impregnated with wax-containing compounds. But if you pour a lot of water, it will seep into the joints between the panels. The plates may warp and the seams swell. If the kitchen floor is deformed, it will not be possible to return it to its original appearance.

Tip: If you spill liquid on laminate floors, it's best to wipe it up within 15-20 minutes.

Waterproof laminate is insured against such a nuisance. Its base is made of plastic, not fiberboard. But the choice of design for waterproof coatings is limited, and their price is higher.

"Clicking" and ringing knock. Laminate floors are often criticized for noise - a characteristic ringing sound from footsteps, pet claws and fallen objects. If there is no substrate between the coating and the base, the air gap between them creates a drum effect. If the floor is also poorly leveled, the slats begin to creak over time.

Solution. To avoid problems, a sound-absorbing substrate made of cork or polystyrene foam helps. It dampens steps, smooths out irregularities in the base and reduces impact noise by about half.

Scratches and chips. Laminate is not as whimsical as a massive or parquet board. But serious damage can also appear on its surface, as in the photo below:

A deep mark on the floor was left by an incorrectly hung door

Solution. You can buy special wax pencils to match the color of your floor and mask the defect.

Laminate and underfloor heating

Many manufacturers offer coatings under which the underfloor heating system can be laid. But under a number of conditions.

Laminate parquet must not be laid on an electric floor heating system. Due to the rapid and uneven heating, the planks may be deformed, gaps will appear between them. It is better to use water or infrared film underfloor heating.
Raise the floor temperature gradually. The main thing is not to allow the surface to heat up more than 27-28 degrees. You will have to install temperature sensors and a rheostat for smooth temperature control.
During the heating season, you will have to use a humidifier. To prevent the laminate from drying out, the humidity in the kitchen should be at least 50%.

Design Options

Board size
The most popular laminate format for the kitchen is a rectangular plank 1200-1380 mm long and 190-200 mm wide. But all major manufacturers offer collections with longer or shorter, narrower or wider elements.

Egger

With or without chamfer
Wood-effect laminate sometimes has a chamfer - beveled edges. When connecting the panels, grooves are obtained - they emphasize the similarity of the panels with a solid board floor or natural piece parquet. Planks can be chamfered on only two sides (marked 2V) or on all four sides (4V).

An example of a laminate with a double-sided chamfer in the interior of the kitchen

Number of lanes
A "wooden" floor may have one or more stripes in the plank. Examples are in the photo below:

One-strip laminate - one pattern is located across the entire width of the board

Two-lane - the die is "divided" in half

Multi-strip laminate in the kitchen combined with the living room

decors

Wood
A modern wood or plank laminate imitates different species: traditional oak, ash, pine, walnut, chestnut, exotic merbau, wenge, zebrano, etc.

Accent floor will take all the attention

Oak-like laminate has the most variations - natural, bleached, stained, aged, tinted, varnished or oiled ...

Oak Arizona

White oil

Oak Balmoral

Colonial

In inexpensive collections, the pattern on the plates is of the same type. Expensive coating looks more natural: more boards with different patterns, there are transitions from light to dark, and the image is so clear that you can see the pores of the wood.

The calm coloring of the laminate is perfect for the kitchen in both classic and modern style.

Tile, stone or concrete
Laminate flooring for tiles or stone (slate, travertine, limestone, etc.) is a good choice if you like the look of tiles in the interior, but do not want to put up with such disadvantages as an eternally icy floor and guaranteed breaking dishes.

In a modern interior in loft style, minimalism or hi-tech, a concrete-like laminate will fit perfectly (Kronotex, Alloc, Pergo, Parador, Balterio, etc. have it).

Quantity calculation

Buy flooring with a margin of at least 5%. If the floor is damaged, you can easily replace the damaged part.

If you plan to lay diagonally or are going to do the installation yourself, take 12-15% more material.

For a complex-shaped kitchen-living room, for example, with a bay window or a large number of corners, focus on a margin of 15-17%.

Styling nuances

If you don’t want problems with the floor, follow the instructions exactly: each manufacturer of laminate flooring gives detailed recommendations for laying it.
Laminate can be laid on a concrete screed, wooden floor, ceramic tiles, glued linoleum. The main thing is that the base is dry (humidity less than 2%) and even (height difference is not more than 2 mm per meter for panels with a thickness of 6-7 mm and 3 mm per meter for planks thicker than 8 mm).
The joints between the panels are less noticeable if the planks are laid in the direction of the light from the window.

For a large kitchen or kitchen-living room, the best option is a combination of ceramic floor tiles in the “wet” area and laminate in the rest of the space.

Wood flooring pairs beautifully with patchwork tiles

Prices and manufacturers

Inexpensive laminate of the 33rd class in Moscow online stores can be bought from 400-450 rubles per square meter. Moisture-resistant finish, suitable for underfloor heating, costs an average of 700-1500 rubles per square. European-made coatings will cost you from 1000 to 2500 rubles per meter.

Which laminate collections are suitable for the kitchen

Tarkett/Russia: Robinson, Estetica, Pilot, Woodstock Family, Riviera, Artisan
Kronostar/Russia: Salzburg, Symbio, Synchro-Tec, De Facto
Kronospan/Belarus and Russia: Titan Prestige, Forte Classic, Quick Style
Kronotex/Germany: Amazone, Ribusto, Mammut
Ritter/Russia: Nefertiti, Charlemagne
Egger/Germany: Classic 8-33 or 11-33, Classic Aqua
Quick-Step/Belgium and Russia: Classic, Arte, Impressive, Impressive Ultra
Imperial/China: Lux, Ibiza, Lumia, Exclusive
Classen/Germany: Extreme, Impression, Natural Prestige, Force
Pergo/Sweden: Original Excellence, Sensation