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Svetlana Shevtsova 04/30/2020
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The best floor covering is comfortable for bare feet, aesthetic in appearance, durable in service life. When it comes to a bathroom, it is necessary to add resistance to a humid environment, temperature changes, and water resistance to the list. We suggest you find out whether there is a laminate for the bathroom that meets the listed parameters.
Introduction
Water and humidity are the main enemies of such flooring.
This coating will be an excellent alternative to boring tiles that are slippery and cold to the touch. It gives the room coziness and elegance. Although laminate does not seem like a suitable type of floor for a bathroom, modern developers of building materials, thanks to new technologies for processing boards, have managed to improve its moisture resistance.
So, if you choose the appropriate type of product, carry out installation according to all the rules, carry out careful maintenance, and correct operation, the floor will delight its owners for decades . Let's look at the types of corresponding floor boards and review the most popular brands on the market. We’ll also look at recommendations for laying the coating yourself.
Useful video
Until recently, laminate was used exclusively as flooring. But times are changing and now designers are actively expanding the scope of its application, offering to also cover walls with it. This is a rather interesting solution, but we still recommend that you consider its properties and installation options in more detail.
Types of laminate
A room with a wooden floor looks very cozy
A typical high-quality laminate consists of at least four layers:
- The stabilizing substrate is a layer of thick paper (kraft cardboard) impregnated with paraffin or resin. It is laid under the base to provide the structure with moisture resistance and protection from curvature.
- The base is the thickest layer, which is responsible for the strength, resistance to deformation, and durability of the board. Connection locks are machined in this part
- A decorative element is a picture on paper that imitates a natural coating. The most popular images are wood, marble, granite, mat, leather, metal, ceramics
- A protective resin coating that protects the design from abrasion, gives it a glossy shine, and emphasizes the relief texture
Some manufacturers include an additional layer in the form of a special film that provides barrier protection against fungus and mold.
The product, which is suitable for installation in the bathroom, differs from ordinary boards in its higher moisture resistance characteristics. It does not swell, does not get wet, and with high-quality installation, water does not penetrate inside through the seams of the locking joint. There are two laminate options suitable for installation in bathrooms.
Moisture-resistant coating
Moisture-resistant board is afraid of prolonged contact with liquid
The base material used here is compressed wood fibers HDF (the English abbreviation means high-density board). There is a thick substrate treated with paraffin; locks and grooves of structural elements are also impregnated with it. All layers are connected with a special waterproof epoxy glue, and the top coating is made of a polymer film - it protects against abrasion, repels liquid, and holds it on the surface.
Such a floor is quite capable of withstanding short-term contact with water, but if an accident occurs and the room is flooded for a long time, the liquid will be absorbed through the joints and penetrate into the wood layer. As a result, the floor covering will swell, bulge, and become deformed. Also, the board gets wet over time due to frequent changes in humidity - so a moisture-resistant laminate is more suitable for a hallway, kitchen, or toilet that is not combined with a bathroom.
Waterproof coating
Here the base is made of durable, safe PVC plastic, which is absolutely insensitive to water. Even if the room floods in the event of a water pipe break, and the liquid sits for many hours, the board will not be damaged.
The weak point here is the seams, so all the ends and locks of the boards, in addition to the wax coating, are treated with a special silicone sealant
During installation, it is recommended to additionally coat the joints of the lamellas with an additional sealant. It will not hurt even if, according to the manufacturers of the chosen brand, the board has already been treated with a similar composition.
Most often, the plastic base consists of two levels, which are connected by vertical plates - as a result, a cellular air layer is formed inside, which provides reliable thermal insulation. The lamellas are more durable, resistant to damage, and durable. The plastic base is covered with decorative paper with a textured pattern, and the front layer is made of acrylate resin with the addition of corundum.
Corundum is a transparent mineral that has high hardness, resistance to acids, moisture, and temperatures. It is also called stone glass substitute.
The ends of the laminate are treated with silicone, the back side of the base is treated with wax. The top polymer film does not conduct static electricity. All levels are glued with a special waterproof glue.
Types and classes
Vinyl laminate has the same strength classes as regular laminate.
This is due to the fact that the protective film on the surface of the material is the same as on any other type of material, and since the resistance of the surface depends on it, the strength classes will be the same:
- 31. The most “gentle” type, used only in apartments or small offices.
- 32. Laminate with medium load resistance. It is in the highest demand because it has the highest characteristics at a low price. It has a wide variety of colors and textures of simulated materials.
- 33. The material has a high degree of strength and is able to resist a large number of loads. Can be used in crowded places and large offices. The limitation of its popularity is the high price and small selection of colors and textures.
- 34. This class has maximum characteristics in all respects. Can be used in the most crowded and busy places.
NOTE!
Strength class 34 has not yet been officially approved, so all certificates and other evidence of its quality can be called into question. However, the material really has the highest performance.
Advantages of plastic laminate flooring
It's nice to step on this floor with bare feet.
So, we came to the conclusion that a product that is characterized as waterproof is more suitable for the bathroom. It is also called vinyl. What advantages does it have?
- It does not absorb moisture at all and does not allow it to pass through.
- The coating is durable, wear-resistant, does not swell, does not delaminate
- It is not afraid of intense loads and increased use
- Tolerates room temperature changes perfectly. It can be laid on uninsulated loggias and balconies, where the temperature can vary from -20°C to +50°C
- Mold does not grow in plastic and fungus does not spread
- Easy to care for, just wash
- The material is considered environmentally friendly and safe for health. It does not emit harmful fumes or toxic compounds into the air
- PVC lamellas are low-flammable products; when exposed to fire, they melt - which means they do not contribute to the rapid spread of flames
The disadvantages include the high cost - it is an order of magnitude higher than a regular board, and is priced a little more expensive than the moisture-resistant variety. The range of the latter, by the way, is much wider, so we will also consider the lower availability of waterproof laminate as a minus.
Types of lock connections
Vinyl laminate has several types of joints:
- Glue. The panels are glued to the floor with a special adhesive applied to the surface during installation.
- Self-adhesive. The bottom of each panel has an adhesive layer that is protected with wax paper until installation.
- Adhesive tape. It protrudes from under the panel on the side, and the next panel is glued to it.
- Castle. Conventional lock design or newer aluminum types.
Board class
More details about class
Laminate flooring is usually distinguished by class categories. It should be noted that at present this concept is considered relative, because each manufacturer independently assigns a position to its products. The indicator is calculated based on the impact resistance, wear resistance, moisture resistance, and sound insulation of the product.
The higher the marking, the more expensive the price, the stronger the physical characteristics. Depending on the installation location, there are two groups of laminates: for home (domestic needs) and for commercial needs (products suitable for installation in premises with intensive use). The class of the former begins with the number “2”, and the latter with “3”.
The second number is responsible for the wear resistance of the load-bearing layer and the strength of the lamella as a whole, respectively, when it comes to choosing flooring for the bathroom - the higher the number, the better. Currently, classes 21, 22 and 23 are gradually disappearing from stores, since developers prefer to produce only categories 31, 32, 33, 34 - they are better sold out, because the product lasts much longer.
When assessing the quality of a laminate, there is another marking - the durability of the top, protective layer. It is designated by the letters AC and numbers from 3 to 6. That is, two lamellas of classes 32 and 34 can be approximately the same in terms of wear resistance if the front layer has a higher rating than the second.
Reviews
Let's look at a few reviews from owners of waterproof laminate floors:
| Author's name | Customer review |
| Vasily R. | We installed a waterproof one because we saw from friends what a regular laminate turns into after a few years of service. We didn’t regret it at all. |
| Boris P. | Vinyl laminate flooring is no worse than regular flooring, only it does not make noise and is not afraid of water or dirt. The best option of all. |
| Roman E. | I did the renovation myself and decided to lay a good laminate flooring. The store showed waterproof vinyl. At first I doubted it, it was the first time I had seen such a thing, but everything was explained to me. In general, good material, suitable. I recommend it to everyone. |
| Evgeniy M. | If you choose a laminate, then only PVC. This is a 100% hit on the bull's eye. He is not afraid of anything, neither water nor scratches. In appearance it is indistinguishable from natural wood. |
| Daria O. | My husband bought the laminate himself, without me, otherwise I would have dissuaded him. While they were gluing it, we were exhausted, then it began to lag behind, there were some dents... We should have bought a simple laminate, like everyone else. |
| Irina T. | My mom has vinyl waterproof laminate flooring in her house and she recommends it to everyone. I have my doubts, but I’ll probably buy one too, it’s been like new for 3 years, but in my house there’s water on my shoes and the dog is running around. |
| Andrey L. | It took us a long time to choose, we were even tired, and we exhausted the sellers. I wanted to choose the best laminate. Then my wife said, what are we choosing here, if we don’t understand anything, let’s buy what they recommend. They took vinyl and laid it at home. It's easy to put it down, a pleasure. It's been there for 4 years now, never had a problem. |
| Sergey N. | I'm not in love with this vinyl laminate. My sister’s is normal, it’s kind of warm, but ours is unpleasant, cold. Everything is fine with him, he doesn’t react to water in any way, and he’s not afraid of anything, but I don’t like him. |
| Leonid A. | If anyone doesn’t understand what to take, feel free to immediately ask to see the vinyl laminate! It is the only one that does not wear out and is not scary to get wet. |
| Yaroslav N. | We bought waterproof laminate flooring for the kitchen, hallway and hallway. 3.5 years have passed. Pipes don't burst, neighbors don't flood. What are we doing wrong?.. |
| Yuri M. | If I had known earlier, I would have installed vinyl laminate. It does not rattle, is durable and lies firmly on the floor. Besides, it's plastic, it doesn't care about water. |
| Nikita P. | To be honest, I don't feel much difference. There is regular laminate in the bedroom, in the living room too, vinyl was installed in the kitchen and hallway. No difference. I don’t pour too much water, I have nothing to compare with, but otherwise they are the same. |
Judging by the reviews, the material is quite reliable and resistant to all influences, although there are also dissatisfied ones. Well, this always happens, but in general the reviews are quite friendly.
How to choose
Hundreds of colors, brands, varieties await you in the store
We have determined that a waterproof or plastic (vinyl) laminate with markings 33-34 and AC 5-6 is more suitable for the bathroom. What else should you pay attention to when purchasing?
- Study the packaging - products with good water-repellent properties always have the designation “aqua”
- Pay attention to the country of origin - European goods are usually of higher quality than Chinese ones. Often 32 class Belgian laminate turns out to be more reliable than 34 eastern edition
- Find out in advance the prices for the same laminated boards in different stores - waterproof products are expensive, so even a slight reduction in cost can help you save a lot
- Directly ask the construction department to show how the locks work - are there any gaps left, does the mechanism snap easily
- Avoid products with a smooth face layer to avoid falls due to wet feet and how many floors. It is better to choose a corrugated texture
If you decide to buy a moisture-resistant coating, additionally check the swelling coefficient and the density of the wood fiber base. The first should not exceed 18%, and the value of the second should be as high as possible.
Important points before installation
Correct installation will be ensured if several nuances are taken into account:
- When purchasing, check with the seller whether additional protective impregnation of the laminate locks is required or not. In the second case, you should first purchase wax. Processing is carried out before installation begins.
- The laminate must lie for at least 2 days in the room in which it is planned to be installed. This will allow the material to absorb the microclimate of the room and gain temperature. This will ensure minimal shrinkage in the future. A greater effect can be achieved by removing the original packaging from the material.
- Installation is carried out from window to door. The end sides are directed towards the openings, and the long side towards the blank walls. This will reduce the visibility of seams between the canvases.
- For Lock systems, consider purchasing a special metal pad. It will allow you to easily install floor coverings even against walls.
- Long rows are mounted offset. The first one starts with a long floorboard, the second - with a short one. This will ensure high-quality adhesion of the planks in different directions.
- Technical gaps near the walls should be from 5 to 10 mm. There are special clamps. At the time of installation, mechanical action is applied to the floor covering. As a result, it may move close to the wall if they are not secured.
- Before work, you need to prepare a cutting tool - a wood saw or jigsaw. For proper cutting quality, the tool must have minimal teeth.
Review of manufacturers
European manufacturers are the key to reliability and quality
Products manufactured in Europe are considered more reliable; their performance characteristics are far superior to those from China.
The best brands of plastic laminate
Aqua Step - waterproof board with perfect wood imitation
Let's take a look at the leading vinyl laminate manufacturers on the market:
| Name | Country of issue | Characteristic |
| Dumaplast | Belgium-France |
|
| AquaStep | Belgium |
|
Manufacturers of moisture-resistant laminate flooring
Choose a good coating so you don’t have to worry about a brand new renovation
Sometimes moisture-resistant laminate is also used for installation in the bathroom. Let's look at the best brands.
| Name | Country of issue | Characteristic |
| Quick Step | Belgium |
|
| Classen | Germany |
|
| Kaindl | Austria |
|
| Kronotex | Germany-Russia |
|
Product line from Quick Step
Disadvantages of the material
Despite the abundance of advantages, vinyl flooring for the bathroom has a number of negative qualities.
The waterproof coating on the bathroom wall is very delicate. It reacts to household chemicals that are used to clean dirt. The protective film may deteriorate from exposure to chemicals or become less durable.
To completely remove all stains from the surface, it is advisable to use a light soap solution or wipe with plain water.
This material is not cheap. Of all the floor and wall coverings on the market, vinyl is one of the most expensive.
In order to begin fixing the coating, you need to make sure that the coating on which the parts will be applied is smooth and without flaws, since only under this condition will the panels hold tightly.
The advantages of vinyl coating include absolute moisture resistance
DIY installation tips
If you are afraid, trust the installation to a professional
It is difficult to describe how to lay laminate within one small section - separate articles with a larger volume are devoted to this. Here we will mention important subtleties, knowledge of which will protect you from incorrect actions:
- The quantity of the product is calculated based on the area of the room. Always buy 10% more to have extra in case of damaged or damaged items
- The purchased laminate must rest in its premises for at least 3 days (we open the packaging)
- It is important to prepare the floor surface: cover up cracks, level it, treat it with a primer for better adhesion
- The evenness of the floor is checked using a building level
- Consider additional waterproofing of the floor (not necessary, but recommended)
- Laying can be directly perpendicular to the walls and diagonal. The first one is much easier to do with your own hands.
- Before starting work, do not be lazy to draw a laying diagram
- Don’t forget to purchase a backing for the laminate – polystyrene foam layers
- Check the distance between the bottom of the door and the floor so that after laying the laminate, it does not turn out to be touching the coating when opening. If necessary, the door is removed from its hinges and shortened
The coating helps give the room a stylish look
Laminate that is suitable for installation in a bathroom must be resistant to moisture and must not allow water to pass through. These are the two main criteria for an ideal product that will last for many years without changes in appearance. Purchasing a waterproof or moisture-resistant board is an individual choice for each buyer.
Carefully study all the characteristics of potential applicants, consult with a repair specialist or, at worst, with a manager at a hardware store. We recommend choosing a laminate from a European developer, marked 33-34, preferably with a plastic base. If you are still inclined to choose a board made of super-durable fiberboard, purchase a collection specifically designed for rooms with changes in humidity.
Watch a video that clearly explains how to properly install laminate flooring in a bathroom:
Laminate for bathroom walls: features of selection, installation and care
Moisture-resistant laminate is an ideal material for finishing interior walls of rooms with a high content of water vapor in the air. Many people prefer to choose it because of the wide variety of colors, textures and patterns. With proper care and taking into account all the nuances of installation, such a finish will not be destroyed by dampness or direct contact with water. Let us consider in detail the features of choosing a finishing material for bathroom walls, methods of its installation and maintenance requirements.
PressXpress by Balterio
This type of laminate lock belongs to the 5G system. Installation of the laminate flooring is carried out using normal pressure. Reliable fixation is guaranteed by a groove located inside the lamella; it ensures reliable fixation and the appearance of the coating without traces of seams that catch the eye.
SmartLock by Pergo
This is technically a simpler lock. However, the joints of this lock also have moisture-resistant impregnation.
Installation of laminate with SmartLock is quite simple, it can be carried out at any angle and at the same time the coating is of high quality and can withstand heavy loads. The lamellas are attached as follows: the insert ridge is independently fixed in the groove when pressure is applied to the end of the panel. They are fixed firmly, which eliminates the deformation of the floor.
T-Lock
Developed by Tarkett. It requires two people to work, since first the lamellas are connected along the length, and then only attached to the already laid row. An assistant will help you lay the long assembled row in places where the room has ledges or niches. For example, pipes or bay windows. The connection is tight, smooth, and does not form cracks.
Based on this connection, Tarkett subsequently created the modernized TC Lock laminate lock. Due to unobtrusive changes, TC Lock will better eliminate cracks, the connection of the lamellas has become much stronger and more airtight.
Since manufacturers Klassen and Tarkett are the most popular in Russia, the question often arises: which lock is better - Megalock or TC Lock.
T-lock locking connection developed by Tarkett
Megaloc by Classen
This is probably one of the strongest laminate locks located at the end of the panel.
An unusual solution from a technological point of view made it possible to release an excellent version of the lock. It is reliable and at the same time easy to install. The slats are connected using a tongue and groove.
5G system locks
The laminate lock, made using the 5G system, was designed to simplify the installation of laminate flooring without compromising the quality and quality of the connection.
The idea behind the creation is to lay the laminate with one click. The short side automatically snaps into place when the lock on the long side of the slat is connected. This is provided by a special “moving tongue”, which is located at the end of the board. By simply pressing the slats are fastened to one another.
There are a huge number of options for 5G system locks, since many manufacturers have developed and perfected their own type of such a lock, naturally patenting their results.
Further information will be presented in more detail about the most famous laminate locks produced by recognized leaders in this field.
