Laminate for the kitchen: which one can be installed and how to choose + manufacturers

Repairing the floor in the kitchen requires the consideration of several issues, where the main thing is the choice of flooring. There are a large number of profile products on the modern market, among which laminate occupies a special place. Should it be used in the kitchen or replaced with another material? If you pay attention to the recommendations of professionals, you can draw a conclusion about the suitability of the material for a given room. The main thing is to choose and install the flooring correctly. To understand the features of the product and choose the right product, taking into account the types, properties, pros and cons, we recommend that you evaluate the presented article.

Laminate for the kitchen

Laminate in the kitchen: is it possible or not?

The answer is yes, provided several conditions are met. The type of laminate, coating class, as well as compliance with installation technology are important here. The most acceptable option is considered to be a material of class no lower than 33 with a thickness of 8-12 millimeters. There must be a strong protective layer on top that will resist moisture. The surface should be textured to ensure comfortable movement and no risk of slipping. The joints are treated with specialized compounds that are required to repel water, which is done after installation.

What tools and materials will be needed

To work, you need to prepare laminate sheets and bases, special glue and construction tape. Laminate is a multilayer material. The basis is chipboard or MDF impregnated with resins.

Before work, prepare all the necessary tools.

Manufacturers produce an intermediate decorative layer on a paper basis in a variety of colors that imitate the pattern and texture of different types of wood, natural stone, marble, leather, and tiles. The top protective layer of the material consists of melamine or acrylic resin, which give the material unique properties.

The price of laminate flooring is significantly lower compared to other materials.

Plywood is inexpensive, light and durable, easy to process and install. But it is better to use MDF as a base - a more reliable, durable and high-quality material. Its rough surface adheres better and better to the laminate.

Laminate countertops have many advantages.

It is possible to make a functional and designer laminate table with your own hands using a circular saw, router and file - with its help all irregularities are removed.

Advice. At home, with a strong desire, it is possible to create a unique masterpiece from budget materials that will fit into any interior. The type and color of the material must be selected taking into account the facades of the set and the general style of the room.

Difference between moisture-resistant and water-resistant laminate

Currently, there are 3 main types of laminate, which are divided into categories. Not all flooring is suitable for the kitchen, so you need to understand the specifics. Usually stands out among standard variations.

You can purchase regular, moisture-resistant and water-resistant laminates

To create the first two types of products, wood or cellulose fiber is used by pressing under high pressure. To give greater density, specialized additives are added to the fiberboard.

Important! The latter provides additional properties, including excellent sound and heat insulation.

Laying the substrate

There are two types of laminate underlay:

• Cross-linked polyethylene foam.
• Cork backing.

The rest should be considered if you are doing the work “not for yourself.”

Read more about choosing a substrate for laminate in our special article. All types are considered and recommendations are given!

Its cost is approximately 75 rubles per 1 square meter, and the price of a cork substrate is ≈ 350 rubles/m2. From our experience, we can strongly recommend that you use cork material with a thickness of 4 mm. Yes, it costs more, but it’s indecent to save on yourself. In addition, the advantages of the cork substrate speak for themselves, because it:

1. Antistatic;
2. Hypoallergenic;
3. Natural, environmentally friendly;
4. Has excellent performance characteristics.

And so, regardless of which substrate you choose, it must be laid perpendicular to the laid waterproofing strips

Important: overlap when laying the bedding is not allowed! Gaps between sheets are not as critical as overlaps

It is not necessary to glue the backing sections together. Just remember that the substrate should not reach the walls 5-7 mm.

After you lay the backing, give it a day so that it takes on a new shape and fits as tightly as possible to the surface. Laying laminate flooring on fully expanded insulation is much easier.

Is it possible to turn ordinary laminate into waterproof?

To create special water resistance properties, you can do it quite simply and cheaply. To do this, during installation you will need to lay the floor covering without using a backing. Typically, an adhesive mass is used for this, and then the top is treated with polyurethane varnish. Such a product will have excellent technical characteristics, and due to its high porosity it will provide resistance to liquids. Nevertheless, experts recommend waterproofing the base, which will eliminate the problem of water accumulation in the lamellas.

As for the disadvantages of such a life hack, the low resistance to high loads stands out. In conditions of high traffic, faster abrasion is observed, and, consequently, a decrease in service life. Usually the difference in operational applicability is almost 2 times. It is imperative that the floor covering be restored and repaired during use.

polyurethane varnish

To turn a regular laminate into a waterproof one, glue and polyurethane varnish are used - they are used to treat the coating

Examples of arrangement in the interior

The kitchen work area can be located in different places. The laminated surface can be a continuation of the window sill, becoming the top of the island with a sink, built-in oven and dishwasher. The owner of the culinary workshop uses this space to prepare, serve and serve food. The most common and convenient place for a kitchen countertop is the lower sections of kitchen furniture.

The product is used to decorate the interior of the living room, dining room, and office. From pieces of laminate left after installing the flooring, experienced craftsmen make objects comparable to works of art.

Compared to other coatings, laminate has a much wider selection of colors, textures and patterns.

Pieces of laminate laid in a checkerboard or herringbone pattern will transform a coffee table or a large dining table. Exclusive design products can fit into any interior, becoming its highlight.

Which laminate is ideal for the kitchen?

Of the types under consideration, only waterproof brands that are highly resistant to this negative factor are suitable for the kitchen. Similar products are also made using wood-cellulose fibers, but the crowning feature is considered to be impregnation using composite materials. Such a coating ideally retains moisture and creates ideal conditions for resisting water. It is important to understand that the joints and the reverse side do not have such protection, so manufacturers do not recommend prolonged interaction with liquid.

Over time, products wear out, which leads to a decrease in resistance levels. Film abrasion, problems with locking joints - all this requires timely repairs and high-quality maintenance.

For the kitchen you should only choose a laminate that is not afraid of water

Modern interpretation – stainless steel and noble wood

The color scheme of the room plays on the contrast of stainless steel, from which the kitchen equipment is made, and high-quality imitation wood - laminated surfaces of furniture and floors. Thanks to this, the entire kitchen space takes on an elegant look and is easy to maintain.

Lamella structure

There are 2 types of waterproof laminate on the modern market.

1. A matrix that is made using polymers.
2. Composite laminate, which is created using pressed cellulose. Various polyurethane and polyethylene compounds are added to the latter.

The cheapest and most affordable laminate is considered to be the one made from polymer-wood composite materials. A similar line is created according to standards that allow it to resist liquid for 5 hours. Please note that such a coating has good thermal insulation. Among the disadvantages, one can point out the short matrix, which causes greater fragility during installation. To carry out installation, it is imperative to create a flat floor, as well as to ensure careful connection of the locks. Please note that such a product, in terms of technical parameters, is often compared to a decking board.

A cheaper waterproof laminate is considered to be one made using polymer-wood composite materials.

As for the polymer waterproof laminate, it is produced on the basis of polyvinyl chloride. Its shape is set using high pressure through special molds. Please note that the intermediate layer is made from polypropylene or polyethylene. The upper part is made using paper, PVC or other film. Products of this type have impressive strength. You can check by creating physical activity or changing temperature conditions.

Important! On such a floor you can not only use aggressive detergents, but also completely fill it with water for 20 hours.

moisture resistant laminate

Kitchen facades made of chipboard

For the manufacture of cabinets, laminated panels with a thickness of 2-4 cm are used. During the pressing process, they can be given a fairly high density, which has a positive effect on the strength characteristics of the furniture itself. But for doors and kitchen drawer fronts, the optimal panel thickness is 16 mm. This is the ideal size for mounting fasteners and decorative fittings with sufficient resistance of the slab to mechanical loads.

Lamination technology has a significant impact on the durability of kitchen facades. The weakest point of laminated chipboard products is the edges. Once the coating on them is damaged, such furniture will only last for a year or two. So various methods of processing and protecting the ends of pressed panels are used:

1. Acrylic or PVC furniture edging is the most short-lived option for the kitchen. However, you can regularly update it yourself. It is not difficult to find strips of the required width on sale, and they are glued using a regular iron.
2. Postforming is a relatively new technology that involves wrapping facades with a solid sheet of plastic, without seams or joints. This solves the main problem of pressed slabs in the kitchen - moisture permeability from the edges. A similar technique is used in the manufacture of chipboards for window sills.
3. Aluminum profile - under such overlays the chipboard can be sealed with the thinnest and most unreliable film. The metal frame will ensure its complete safety, and the headset will have an original appearance and a long service life.

The front parts of laminated chipboard are also decorated differently. Ideally, the film should literally be sintered under high pressure along with the pressed board. But today you can often find very low-cost options with so-called lamination - simple pasting with multi-layer paper impregnated with polymer resin.

Laminate classes

Not all classrooms are suitable for kitchen use. Typically, products from classes 31 to 33 are used here, as they have excellent technical parameters. But you need to know some essential nuances.

1. Class 31 has a service life of up to 12 years. Typically used in commercial and residential buildings with average traffic.
2. 32nd grade. It has a service life of up to 15 years and has increased scratch resistance. Typically used in buildings with higher than average traffic. Features a higher price tag.
3. 33rd grade. Experts recommend using it in rooms that have a high level of traffic, which indicates excellent stability. The service life reaches 20 years, there are no cracks from old age, and does not swell with prolonged interaction with water.

For the kitchen you should use laminates of class 31-33 - not lower

How to choose a coating by strength class

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

This class is designated by two numbers. For household use, coatings of classes 21, 22, 23 are intended - in order of increasing resistance. According to this classification, class 23 laminate can be installed 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 laminate of classes 21 and 22 is no longer sold in stores. The reason is lack of demand. In Russia, the commercial type is more popular.

Material of commercial classes is considered more durable - 31, 32, 33. But wear resistance class 31 is more suitable for bedrooms and living rooms, and for the kitchen it is better to choose classes 32, 33, 34+. This floor can last 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 made of durable paper;
• Acrylic resin to protect the decor;
• Moisture-resistant top film.

What to look for when choosing laminate flooring for the kitchen?

There are several items that should be evaluated before selecting specialty products.

1. Physical endurance class. The higher the resistance, the longer the floor covering will last. Typically, class 32 is suitable for the kitchen, corridor and other rooms. In the absence of force majeure, the material will last up to 15 years. Variations with resistance classes 33 and 34 are more expensive and durable.
2. Moisture resistance. It is important to ensure that the specialized material is waterproof. This is important for rooms where there is an increased risk of spilling liquid on the floor. Typically, laminate packages will feature a drop of water, a tap, or the words waterproof, water resistance, and others.
3. Lock type. There are 2 types of locks on the modern market. The first is called Click, which differs in the ability to collect and parse. The second is called Lock and involves gluing products together. Click is considered more reliable and practical from the standpoint of operation and installation. The floor is easier to install, and its service life is much higher than its analogue. The Lock variation is cheaper, but such locks are more difficult to install and also require a level base.

   Which laminate is better - with Click or Lock locks?

4. Brand and warranty. You should not buy the cheapest and little-known laminate. If you have financial problems, then it is better to use a solution from a reputable manufacturer than to take risks and buy products that will not last long. As an alternative, it is better to look at linoleum with a wood texture.
5. Thickness. Another parameter that is important to track. The greater the characteristic, the greater the load the floor covering can withstand. For the kitchen, it is advisable not to take product variations that have a thickness below 9 mm.

   For the kitchen it is better to use a fairly thick chamfered laminate. To make the floor look more unique and beautiful, it is better to choose products without a chamfer. This will also provide a functional addition.

6. Formaldehyde emission. Environmental safety and harmlessness to humans is an important parameter. Pay attention to the marking, there should be the letters E1 or E0.
7. Noise absorption. Not all floor coverings have good sound insulation properties. If it is possible to order more expensive material, then pay attention to the Sound Protect variation with a thickness of 1-2 mm. Otherwise, take a closer look at the substrate.
8. Anti-slip. The absence of slipping allows you to create safe conditions for human life. Typically, rough terrain is used for this.

It is important that the laminate is anti-slip

Types of decor

When choosing laminate flooring for the kitchen, you can get confused - there are a lot of options for patterns, colors and textures: from copies of cork flooring to imitation snakeskin. The most popular option is the “wooden” design for a solid 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 is as similar as possible to wooden parquet boards.

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

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

And in the next photo there is a brown laminate in the kitchen interior with predominant warm colors in the furniture and decoration.

But this recommendation, of course, is not a dogma. Neutral wood shades can blend harmoniously into any kitchen color or design.

Read more about color combinations in the kitchen interior here.

Light and dark laminate are not the easiest options to maintain. Crumbs, dust, stains, light pet hair, etc. will be visible on a dark surface. On light-colored 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 coating 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 real tiles.

Cons and pros

Using laminate flooring in the kitchen provides the following significant advantages.

1. The flooring, which is made using high-quality materials and technology, is not subject to physical damage, temperature changes, and is not afraid of moisture.
2. The product has a higher temperature compared to tiles. Causes pleasant sensations directly when walking barefoot. If you add underfloor heating, there is no alternative to laminate.
3. There are no dents or other deformations due to installed furniture, appliances, etc.

The laminate does not deform from walking on it or installing furniture

Among other points, it is necessary to point out the ideal aesthetic properties, because the appearance is similar to natural wood. At the same time, a person does not overpay and receives the ideal material for easy and affordable installation.

We must not forget about the shortcomings. The following main items may be included here.

1. Exposure to water. With prolonged exposure, the product swells and swells. To solve the problem presented, additional processing is required, which involves filling the seams using sealants. Risks are reduced, but the problem is not fully resolved.
2. Some people often confuse water-resistant and moisture-resistant laminate flooring. They are fundamentally different and behave differently when in contact with water. Moisture-resistant material cannot withstand prolonged loads from water, which leads to swelling. This occurs due to liquid getting into the joints. If deformation has occurred, it will not be possible to restore the aesthetic appearance. As for the waterproof product, it is insured against such troubles.
3. Loud knocking sound when walking. The floor covering creates a characteristic ringing sound when walking. This is especially felt when there is a clicking noise from pets. If you don't put the backing on yet, a drum effect appears. To solve the problem, you should definitely use special substrates. They absorb steps and also eliminate minor unevenness in the floor.

   If you do not put a backing under the laminate, walking on it, especially with shoes, will be accompanied by loud sounds

4. Chips and scuffs. Flooring products are simpler compared to parquet. But this does not mean that there are no problems here. An incorrectly hung door or improper support of equipment can lead to deformation and damage to the surface. Sometimes wax pencils come to the rescue in this direction.

Requirements for kitchen flooring

To understand why finishers and designers approached such a difficult combination of laminate and tiles in the kitchen, you can remember that the load on the kitchen floor is so great that any modern coating, laminate, and especially linoleum, rarely lasts more than four years.
You can use traditional oak floors, but this solution is not suitable for all kitchen interiors. In addition, kitchen floors have special requirements:

• The coating should not absorb liquid spilled on the kitchen floor. Ideally, the material should have a dense and at the same time smooth and non-porous surface structure. Anything that spilled could be collected, swept up, removed without much effort to remove stains;
• Floor safety, no slipping effect. Nobody wants to fall on wet tiles;
• Excellent abrasion resistance. According to experts on the ergonomics of modern housing, residents spend up to 40% of their time in the kitchen and living room in front of the TV.

Important! Don’t forget about hygiene; the kitchen floor must withstand treatment with special products without loss of color and quality.

In such conditions, traditional linoleum or wood flooring wears out very quickly, but often only a small part in the form of a path along the kitchen facade is worn out.

Instead of the most worn part of the laminate along the countertops and kitchen cabinets, the designers placed a small section of tile that has undergone a special treatment that makes it non-slip and smooth at the same time.

Compatibility with heated floors

Warm floors go well with laminate, provided that a number of conditions are met.

1. Specialized flooring cannot be laid directly on electric floor heating systems. This is due to uneven heating of the surface, which leads to the creation of cracks. It is better to use film or water systems.
2. The temperature should be increased gradually. It is extremely important not to allow the temperature to rise above 28 degrees. Be sure to install a rheostat and specialized sensors to regulate the temperature.
3. During the heating season, it is advisable to use additional devices that will humidify the air. In the kitchen, the laminate should not dry out, so the humidity level should be at 50%.

Laminate can be combined with underfloor heating systems, but the temperature cannot be increased too much - it can become deformed

Reviews

We have collected for you some of the most detailed reviews about laminate flooring, where people describe real experiences using this coating. Below each review are comments from our experts.

Indeed, laminate flooring with a strength of 32 can withstand even the toughest conditions. However, keep in mind that over 10 years its price has increased significantly. However, if you are ready for the costs, they will be worth it.

The color of the laminate really determines a lot. Thus, owners of laminates that are too light often complain about dust, but with “variegated” laminates you really can’t see anything. But this does not mean that it does not need to be removed.

This review is interesting because of the remark about the hood. It not only removes unpleasant odors in the kitchen, but also helps control the humidity in the room. This allows you to extend the durability of the laminate.

And again we return to the fact that the main thing is quality. We did not find any negative reviews about the durable and thick laminate, but there were quite a lot of praise.

Design Features

When working on the style, it is important to assess the size of the board. Typically, rectangular variations are used for the kitchen, the length of which is 1200 mm. The width should not exceed 200 mm. It is important to note that there are various variations on the market, with a wide variety of elements in width and length.

The second position is associated with the presence or absence of a chamfer. If the product is sharpened to look like wood, then the latter has special grooves. They set a non-standard effect and allow you to specify a non-standard design.

Important! When choosing, pay attention to the markings 2V and 4V, which indicate the number of sides with a chamfer.

It is important to pay attention to the design of the laminate - it is often designed to look like wood, which looks quite beautiful

As for design, wood-look variations are currently popular. That is why solutions called “oak”, “ash” and so on are presented on the market. Each option has a nuance. For example, oak has more than 50 of them. The pattern on the planks may differ. The more expensive the material, the more varied the pattern will be presented. Products imitated with natural stone deserve special consideration, as they allow for heat retention and a non-standard design.

Outer row

When we have reached the final wall during the installation process, all that remains is to lay the last row. Usually the outermost row does not consist of the entire width of the panels - all of them will have to be sawn lengthwise.

Apart from the longitudinal cut, the installation is no different. The only issue is that it is not very convenient to join due to the presence of a wall. To apply mechanical force from the wall to the edge panel, a pry bar or large chisel is well suited; they are used as a lever.

Sometimes the last row is only 1-2 cm wide. You have to saw off a narrow strip from entire panels, this happens quite often. There is nothing negative about this.

It is more convenient to first assemble the outer strip along its entire length and only then carefully insert it into the locks of the previous row

The assembled last row may need to be tapped - this is done without a hammer, by inserting a pry bar or chisel into the gap from the wall. Usually this is enough. If you still need more force, I use the clamp from the kit and a hammer.

It is necessary to knock out locks at the last strip no matter how wide it is. When the strip is too narrow, it needs to be further trimmed from top to bottom (second part of the photo). Only then will the locks come together in the correct position.

It's time to end on this note. Today we did not discuss diagonal installation and installation without thresholds - in fact, there are no special differences, only nuances. Due to the resulting publication being too long, we will address these issues in future articles.

Rate this publication:

• Currently 4.33

Rating: 4.3 (9 votes)

How to calculate the quantity?

When ordering laminate, be sure to take extra. Usually the calculation is 5% more than the declared area. If the consumable material remains, it can be used to repair the surface. Another important feature is associated with the type of masonry. If the installation is carried out diagonally, and you will be working on the floor yourself, then you will need up to 15% more products.

waterproof laminate

How to correctly calculate the required amount of laminate

Rules of care

Laminate floors require proper maintenance. The coating is vacuumed, swept, and wiped with a damp cloth. Immediately after this, wipe with a dry soft cloth.

To prevent potholes and scratches from forming on the top layer, it is recommended to put covers on furniture legs.

Stains are removed with special cleaning agents. Cutting and sharp objects should not be used. Dirt, splashes from juice, and wine are removed immediately so that they do not have time to become embedded. If the housewife is in doubt about which gel or powder to choose, she needs a less aggressive product.

How is laminated board laid?

When carrying out work, several nuances should be worked out, which are presented below.

1. Be sure to purchase flooring with a reserve. Please note that the same color from different batches may differ in shades. A large supply will be required for non-standard installation.
2. Be sure to read the instructions before working with the product. Manufacturers always provide nuances regarding correct installation and operation.
3. The task should be carried out in the direction of the light from the window opening. This will ensure that the gaps that appear between the panels are masked.
4. The most difficult installation method is considered to be diagonal. A simpler solution is to lay it along the window opening, as well as across the room itself.

   Laying laminate diagonally is quite difficult - it’s easier to lay it along the walls

5. When carrying out work, be sure to prepare the subfloor. This will create a more even surface. It is advisable to supplement the subfloor with waterproofing.
6. If the kitchen is small, then the best solution is to use a plain material. As for different colors, they reduce the area of ​​the room.
7. To ensure that the result meets your expectations, be sure to follow the instructions recommended by the manufacturer. This will avoid problems.
8. The floor covering can be used both on a wooden floor and on a concrete screed. Be sure to evaluate humidity parameters and elevation changes.

Laminate can be laid both on the subfloor and on the old coating, if it is level enough

The tips presented will be enough to get a truly high-quality result.

Step-by-step instructions for making a laminate countertop

Any housewife prefers a voluminous work surface. The table should be made durable, comfortable to work with, functional and attractive in appearance.

You can make your own countertop.

Before starting work, you should prepare and level the place where the future product will be located. Decide on the shape and take measurements. It is advisable to make a drawing of the element - this will help to cut the sheets with great accuracy.

Sequence of product creation:

• based on the measurements, draw sheets of base and laminate of the same shape;
• when cutting sheets, leave a margin of 1 cm for adjusting and adjusting the workpiece;
• cover the laminate and base with glue, avoiding smudges;
• hold for 1 minute, connect both pieces, pressing them tightly against each other
• After the glue has completely dried, process the edges of the glued layers with a grinding machine or sandpaper;
• cut ribbons of the required length and width from the laminate to decorate the edges of the tabletop;
• Treat the joints with silicone sealant;
• wipe off dust, remove excess glue;
• attach the countertop to the lower sections of cabinets, above the sink or hob according to the design.

Prepare your work surface to create a tabletop.
Do-it-yourself laminated furniture will serve for a long time and delight household members with its aesthetic appearance.

Installation work under heated floors

As noted earlier, laminate can be used in conjunction with heated floors. To do this, you need to implement the following tips.

1. Electrical systems must not be used. Since the film heats up as quickly and unevenly as possible, the floor covering dries out and undergoes deformation. The best option is water or infrared TP.
2. The product does not tolerate sudden temperature changes. That is why it is necessary to smoothly regulate the temperature. Special sensors and a rheostat should be used to regulate the heating procedure.

   Laminate does not “like” temperature changes - adjust the temperature smoothly

3. Try not to exceed the temperature above 28 degrees. Otherwise, fragility and brittleness increases.
4. During operation, it is advisable to acquire air humidifiers. It is important to maintain humidity at least 50 percent. Otherwise, cracks will appear on the floor.

If you put these tips into practice, you will be using laminate flooring for many years.

infrared film

Seam sealant

In general, I would recommend refraining from buying sealant, because often something that is closer in properties to glue is sold under the guise of sealant. It is not recommended to glue locks together; this can lead to unpredictable defects during operation. If the panels stick together, it will be extremely difficult to disassemble part of the covering to replace some boards without damaging the locks and edges!

Sealant is needed to protect locks from moisture. Some manufacturers impregnate locks with something like paraffin, in which case there is no need for sealant. This type of laminate is not difficult to recognize by picking the lock with your fingernail. If the locks are not impregnated, when installing even in a dry room, there is a risk that the floor will creak.

If you nevertheless purchased a laminate with non-impregnated locks, it’s okay, you just need to be more careful in choosing a sealant by contacting a competent sales consultant. Having purchased a sealant, you can test its properties by coating and testing two pieces of laminate. After a couple of days, separate them. If the lock opens freely, the sealant remains elastic and can be easily removed - everything is in order.

Alternatively, instead of sealant, you can use impregnation for locks and treat each panel with this solution before installation.

Some tips for use and care

Correct selection and installation according to technology will guarantee long-term use. Typically, the service life of the product is at least 15 years. Use a few tips to create truly effective flooring conditions.

1. Try to minimize the amount of wet cleaning in the kitchen. Use an alternative such as vacuuming or sweeping with a broom. This will allow less contact with water, thereby preserving the structure of the consumable material.

   In order for the laminate flooring in the kitchen to “live” for a long time, it is better not to carry out wet cleaning too often

2. If you need to carry out wet cleaning, then use a mop with a soft cloth that collects liquid well. It should be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth; after completing the task, it is advisable to treat the surface with a dry cloth.
3. Do not use aggressive detergents. Typically, for wet cleaning, a practical solution is considered to be a regular soap solution or specialized chemicals for wooden floors. It is advisable not to use variations of abrasive type chemicals, they scratch the floor and shorten the service life.
4. If a stain appears on the surface, it should be removed immediately. Dirt must not be allowed to eat into the material, otherwise it will be impossible to remove it. Regular stains can be removed using the above mentioned products; more severe stains will require an acetone solution. Apply it to the surface and then leave for 2-3 minutes. Next, remove the liquid using a rag and soap solution.
5. Spilled water? Quickly absorb moisture using any fabric materials. It is necessary to get rid of the problem by wiping the surface dry. Otherwise, there is a risk of swelling at the joints.
6. For furniture with sharp legs, special covers should be provided. This will protect the surface from scratches. Also, to preserve surfaces, there are special polishes that are coated with a thin layer on the surface. In professional practice, mastic and wax are not used, which is associated with the appearance of a slippery surface. Such products spoil the structure of the material.
7. To paint over scratches, it is better to use a special wax pencil.
   In some cases, you will have to use acrylic putty, which will help disguise larger chips. Please note that the material takes at least 24 hours to dry. If scratches appear on the laminate, they can be removed using a special wax pencil
8. It is advisable to treat scratches after they appear. This will help reduce the risk of moisture penetrating into the material. Otherwise, deformation should be expected.

Important! Caring for laminate flooring is not such a problem, and the lack of complexity is seductive and makes you think about choosing such a floor covering.

How to arrange a transition

The combination of tiles and laminate requires solving the issue of transition from one type of floor to another. There are several ways to join floor coverings:

• using a cork gasket;

Cork gasket.

• covering the seam with an aluminum decorative strip used to fix linoleum near the walls;

Aluminum strip.

• sealing the seam with sealant;

• arranging a podium along the joint line;

• masking the connection of two types of flooring with a PVC overlay.

Vinyl overlay.

In this case, the connecting line should pass at a distance of one and a half steps of the cook (usually the mistress of the house) from the tabletop. This is a guarantee that when taking a step back, the cook will not trip over the threshold. The podium is set up in the same way. The tiles are 2-3 cm higher. Rarely, but it happens the other way around when the laminate is higher.

Attention: advice from the site staff - the seam line should not cross the main direction of movement of residents. Kitchen visitors should move parallel to the joint. In this case, the risk of tripping is zero.

Combination options

Both types of floors, regardless of the space occupied, color and texture, actively influence the perception of the interior. But there is a nuance: the floor covering adjacent to the furniture always more intensely shades and enhances the decorative effect of the furniture in the interior. Therefore, you need to pay special attention to the tiles and select them in contrast to the laminate or in similar color tones.

So, beige tile color goes well with brown or terracotta laminate. It does not draw attention to itself, but visually neutralizes high humidity and temperature in the kitchen, creates a calm, relaxing atmosphere, and has a calming effect on the nervous system.

The method of sealing seams should show kitchen visitors the floor as a single whole, although assembled from two different materials in color and texture.

Manufacturers and price tag

Regular inexpensive laminate class 33 is sold in online stores at a price of 450 rubles per square meter. If you purchase it with a moisture-resistant finish and for heated floors, then the price tag is in the range of 700-1500 rubles, depending on the brand. Popular European materials are supplied to the regional market at a price of 1000-2500 rubles per square meter. The following collections are ideal for the kitchen:

• Tarkett (Woodstock Family, Estetica, Robinson);
• Kronotex (Mammut and Amazone);
• Imperial (Lumia, Lux and Exclusive);
• Pergo (Sensation);
• Ritter (Charlemagne, Nefertiti);
• Kronospan (De Facto, Symbio, Salzburg).

Typically, the cost per square meter of laminate varies from 700 to 2500 rubles, depending on the class and manufacturer

Key rules for combining

There are several unspoken rules regarding mixed gender. They will allow you to create a beautiful and noble composition that will become a worthy decoration of any room.

Light shades of materials should be used in small rooms with low levels of natural light. They visually enlarge the room and make it more spacious.

A dark floor is suitable for a large room with high ceilings. In most cases, it looks a little more luxurious and sophisticated.

However, dark coatings are dirty. Therefore, they will require more thorough and frequent cleaning, possibly also using special products.

We must not forget that warm tones should be combined exclusively with warm ones; The problem is also with cold shades. To make the composition look thoughtful and neat, it will be good if the laminate design contains at least one of the colors found on the tiles.

If your tiles have an intricate and eye-catching design, you should choose laminate in soothing shades. For multi-colored planks that have an unusual pattern, you will need a second solid material.

In order for such combinations to look neat and complete, it is necessary to take care of the correct finishing of the junction of materials. For these purposes they usually use:

• The most resistant metals are considered: aluminum, brass or steel. They are not subject to mechanical damage, but may look too rough in light, bright rooms with an abundance of textiles and glass elements.
• Wooden boards. They have a more aesthetic appearance, but are not suitable for compositions with rounded edges.
• Plastic moldings. They are distinguished by their low cost and a large number of colors.
• Cork substrates. Thanks to the plasticity of this material, it is possible to qualitatively fill the entire space between the slats and the tiles, while the seam will become almost invisible. It is worth noting that cork has excellent shock-absorbing properties, ensures reliability and stability of the structure and is easily hidden by any decorative elements.
• They are presented in a wide range, depending on the main component included in their composition. This can be construction foam, putty or silicone mortar. They are quite easy to use, hide the seam well, but have a short shelf life. This means that you will need to constantly monitor their condition and reapply them regularly.
• Specialized profiles. For example, Step Flex. Their advantage is that they can take any necessary shape, that is, they are suitable for decorating the most non-standard patterns. In addition, they have edges that are curved downwards, which ensures a strong and tight fit to other materials.

The combination of tiles and laminate will give your interior a stylish design that will remain relevant and in demand for a long time. These materials are considered very practical and easy to use.

Thanks to them, each space will acquire a new look that will delight you and your guests for more than a year.

Reviews about laminate flooring in the kitchen

“We installed moisture-resistant laminate in the kitchen, and for 10 years there have been no problems. We took the inexpensive class 32. Experts recommended putting tiles under the headset, which was done. This was associated with greater resistance to wear and moisture, as well as increased protection from grease. The floor survived the flood, so I don’t want any other floor covering” (Inga, Moscow).

“Laminate flooring was installed in the kitchen 5 years ago after a major renovation. During this time, there are practically no problems with swelling; there is a slight swelling at the sink. If water spills, I try to clean it up immediately. There is also a desire to create such a floor covering in the new apartment, however, my husband insists on laying tiles in the work area” (Anna, Krasnogorsk).

Many people are happy that they chose laminate flooring for their kitchen.

“We installed laminate throughout the entire apartment during the renovation. We took inexpensive, Chinese consumables of class 32. The laminate copes quite well with the tasks. We often drop spoons and other utensils, the child often spills liquid, but so far there are no problems” (Marina, Zelenodolsk).

“Laminate flooring is an opportunity to create comfort and coziness in your home. It has taken root well in the kitchen, creating aesthetic beauty and comfort in the form of warm walking on it. You can compare it with a wooden floor” (Vasily, Voronezh).

“I don’t want anything more than laminate. An ideal floor covering that is cheap, beautiful and resistant to most negative factors. If you properly care for it and remove the water on time, then no consequences are observed. It can be practically cleaned with ordinary detergents” (Antonina, St. Petersburg).

Many people notice that laminate, despite its low cost, is of fairly high quality and copes well with various negative factors.

“A child and laminate flooring in the house mean comfort and safety. There is no cold floor, the baby can walk in any room. I spilled water many times, nothing bad happened, the main thing is to choose the right material” (Galina, Sverdlovsk).

We define with pattern, color and texture

As mentioned above, one of the advantages of laminate is its wide design range, which allows you to choose the right laminate for any interior design style. Let's see what it is like - the opinion that laminate can only imitate wood is completely wrong.

It’s easy to choose the right coating for any design

Classic wood is indeed one of the most popular types. Modern technologies make it possible to reliably depict almost any wood - from light birch to the rich, deep color of oak. An appropriate texture, an interesting pattern - it is quite difficult to distinguish laminate from wood.

Classic wood looks very noble

Laminate flooring that imitates aged wood looks no less interesting. The boards are treated in a special way to achieve the effect of retro parquet. Cracks, abrasions and decorative chips look surprisingly cozy. This laminate is well suited for country, classic and chalet interiors.

Aged oak is an excellent choice for a chalet

Leather laminate looks very interesting. This crocodile or python skin flooring is an extraordinary solution for the kitchen, but it definitely deserves attention. However, keep in mind that such a coating looks very catchy, even pretentious. Therefore, we recommend using it carefully, making the rest of the interior as discreet as possible.

Laminate can imitate any leather

Laminated metal coating is another modern invention. It looks very unusual and is well suited for high-tech or loft. The floor can look very futuristic, or it can imitate a smooth metal coating - it all depends on your preferences.

An excellent solution for a loft

At first glance, laminate stone floors are indistinguishable from porcelain stoneware. However, they feel much more comfortable and warmer. In addition, the cost will pleasantly surprise you. However, there is one nuance here - it is very important to choose a high-quality coating, since if the print on the film is applied carelessly, the effect will be blurry.

Stone can be comfortable if it's laminate

The same statement is true for laminate that imitates tiles. If printed correctly, it will be almost impossible to distinguish it from real ceramic tiles.

It's hard to believe there aren't tiles on the floor

Designer laminate can be almost anything. Drawings, prints, mosaics, various interesting textures... Using this laminate you can create almost any interior to your taste.

All this is also laminate.

As for the texture, it is very diverse. In addition to the classic glossy and matte surface, several more types stand out.

Thus, laminate with the “Texture” texture has a slight relief. The protruding parts imitate real inlaid parquet, making the floor look expensive and elegant.

Texture creates a volume effect

The fine lines of "Relief" add dimension to your floor, creating interesting patterns and providing interesting surface relief. This flooring is well suited for classic interiors.

Embossed laminate imitates stacked parquet

“Natural surface” looks even more authentic. The board, which completely imitates the structure of wood, is coated with a thin varnish. Even upon closer inspection, it appears that your floor is made of natural wood planks.

Ideally conveys the structure of the board

Butterwood is a matte laminate that looks like well-sanded wood. Smooth lines, beautiful patterns and perfectly smooth texture.

The characteristic oily sheen gives this species its name.

A waxed surface looks like wood that has been waxed, as the name suggests. The soft shine provides an incredibly cozy and warm impression.

Country-style laminate also looks interesting - an imitation of natural boards, slightly sanded but retaining their texture. A stylish solution in a rustic style.

Scratches and stains look very elegant.

Combination with furniture

When working on the design of a combined floor surface, you should make sure that the color of the laminate and tiles will combine favorably with the colors of the furniture facade. It is worth choosing the optimal color scheme before the main repair work begins.

There are no special problems if the kitchen furniture is made in light colors. Almost all colors of floor coverings can be combined with a set in white, cream or beige. The main thing is to give preference to warm tones. For the rest of the floor I choose red-brown or dark colors. This combination looks the most advantageous.

If you prefer a kitchen set in dark colors, you will have to perform a color division. To do this, the dark facade is complemented with contrasting apron cladding or most of the wall is made light. Light tiles on the wall and floor of the room go well with each other and dark kitchen cabinets. The latter is complemented with a chocolate-colored laminate. The upper tier of wall cabinets in this case can make the overall impression heavier. In most cases, their installation is refused.

If the kitchen has large enough windows and the walls and ceiling are made in light colors, dark furniture is complemented with brown laminate, combined with light tiles. With this combination, the part of the floor surface covered with tiles looks wider, visually expanding the boundaries of the kitchen space.