Photo: podvodka.info Are you looking for an interesting and unusual material for decorating an expressive accent wall? Do you love classic interiors and wood paneling, but is it too expensive and not practical? We have a solution to your problems! Laminate on the wall will cope with these tasks perfectly, will not require huge investments from you and will not cause difficulties during use. And we will tell you how to choose it and what to do with it!
What are the advantages of laminate compared to other materials?
It is very easy and simple to install. The parts fold using a simple system: Click and Lock. If the floor was made using the Click system, then you can disassemble your floor at any time.
To lay such a laminate you do not need a perfectly flat floor. The panels will connect at an angle of forty-five degrees. The way Lock works is a little different. In this case, you will need a tenon; it is located on one side of the panel, which must be driven into the groove of the other panel using a special device - a wooden mallet.
In this case, the floor cannot be dismantled, otherwise it will be damaged. There is another method of laying laminate flooring - using glue. However, now this technology is used very rarely. According to manufacturers, laminate has great wear resistance.
But still, you should treat it carefully, since each laminate has its own degree of wear resistance. High thermal insulation. The laminate does not need any modification. It is already available for sale in finished form.
You just have to lay it on the floor. The graphic designs of laminate flooring are so varied, so each buyer will choose for himself what he likes. Almost every manufacturer claims that this coating is particularly environmentally friendly, however, the words need to be checked.
Study all labels that are indicated on the packaging. The disadvantage of this coating is that it has poor contact with water.
Hot stand
An interesting way to use leftover laminate is to make shaped coasters for hot dishes. The shape can be any, most often just a circle or square is cut out. However, if you put in a little imagination and effort, you will get very beautiful products. They will not only be useful in the kitchen, but will also decorate the interior.
Compound
Let's figure out what modern laminate is made of? According to the masters, laminate is a panel made of many layers.
An overlay is a kind of film, and it is located on top, it includes acrylic resin, it can be made of melamine or artificially created. The film can protect the laminate from damage.
This film prevents fading, the appearance of various cracks, and also with this film, the floor will be ready for contact with water. Overlay layers affect the durability of the floor. It is not uncommon to use corundum or aluminum dioxide in the film to strengthen the coating.
Crafts
Hand-made lovers probably already know what can be made from old laminate. Even a coating that has already served its useful life, but is still completely intact, can be reused for its intended purpose.
Among the ideas that allow you to use old laminate in a new way, you can highlight the following options:
- Dollhouse. By replacing wooden planks with laminate, you can significantly lighten its design without giving up the traditional design. The house can have several floors, stairs, doors and windows, as well as many other elements necessary for the game. You can do creativity together with your child. For a boy, you can build a fire station from laminate or an entire race track for cars with jumps and pit stops.
- Bird feeder or birdhouse. The planks are environmentally friendly and quite durable; even a schoolchild can make a small house out of them for feathered guests. Don't forget to stock up on slats to connect the parts.
- A house or bed for a cat. There is a huge scope for imagination here. You can create interesting multi-tiered structures with an emphasis on the wall - cats love to move around, make a bed for a furry pet or a secluded refuge for a mother with babies.
- Caskets and boxes. In such structures, made from ordinary laminate, you can easily store sewing supplies or small items. Several products of different sizes can be placed inside each other, like a nesting doll, or placed on a rack or shelf.
- Garbage container. An interesting solution to make the waste storage area more presentable.
- Toy box. It can be hanging or floor-standing, look like a chest with a lid, or resemble a laundry basket. The main thing is that with such an addition to the room, children quickly and easily learn to put their toys back in their place.
- Holder for network extension cable.
This list of ideas for using leftover material for floor finishing does not end there. It is enough to use your imagination to get truly beautiful and functional things.
Mode of production
Typically laminate today is 12 mm. The quality of your future floor depends on the thickness of the floor covering. If the panel is thin, then it will be better subject to loads and will have better sound insulation.
As you have probably already noticed, a regular laminate contains a huge number of substances, and their composition and environmental friendliness are of great concern to buyers. You should definitely look at the E1 icon, which is indicated on the packaging. It indicates that the composition does not exceed the amount of formaldehyde. If you don’t find such a symbol on the packaging, you should think about whether to buy such a laminate or still look for one that will have this symbol.
Based on where the laminate will be laid, manufacturers began to divide it into 2 types: commercial and household. They are both subject to deep and thorough scrutiny. The study identifies various degrees of operational capabilities. However, the decisive answer will be established only after the text is applied to the grinding wheel, which carries out several revolutions until the protective film is erased. Today you can find laminate with wear resistance from seven to eleven thousand revolutions.
Decorative screen for heating radiator
By assembling a box from an old laminate or its remains on a frame, you can create a product that simultaneously has an important functional and decorative purpose. When making such a design - a screen, it is enough to fasten the remaining pieces of material together with a locking connection, and then close the ends with strips or self-adhesive tape. The assembled shield is attached to the corner of the window sill.
Laminate screen for decorating heating radiators. The master's mistake was that he did not leave side holes for air.
Using a decorative screen, you can hide any communication elements that do not fit into the design of the room - pipes, radiators, wiring.
Be sure to leave holes for heat to escape. It is better to do this from above and from the side.
Resistance classes
Modern laminate has the following classes:
- 21- it is better to lay in places with low traffic (bedroom, pantry) 22- they are laid in places with average traffic (children's room) 23- perfect for kitchens, corridors, where the degree of traffic is very high. The service life of household laminate flooring is short, approximately five or six years. Therefore, it will be much more profitable to buy commercial laminate.
- 31- used in small rooms (meeting room
- 32- perfect for offices. The service life is almost 15 years.
- 33 - for premises with a high degree of traffic: restaurants, boutiques, gyms. Will last from 15 to 25 years.
Currently there are also 34 laminate floors. It appeared on the market in 2005. It comes with a lifetime warranty.
Window decoration
Window slopes and window sills are finished with laminate. The result is a beautiful combination of window and floor, and the room takes on a harmonious appearance. It is always recommended to lay a whole board on the windowsill, rather than individual cuttings. Before starting work, they dismantle the old slopes, clean the surface, foam the space, and then begin finishing the window.
Finishing window slope with laminate
How to choose a manufacturer?
Above we touched on almost all the technical characteristics of the laminate. We don’t think it’s worth recommending you how to choose color and texture. There are no comrades according to taste, as they say.
We can only provide advice on new products that have appeared quite recently. New collections Pop Art and Studio54 appeared from Tarkett. Laminate from these series will bring you warmth and comfort, as well as a wonderful mood in any weather, as it uses rich and bright colors.
Anyone who wants to have laminate flooring in their home should pay attention to another “EPLF” sign. It means that this manufacturer is a member of the European Association of Laminate Flooring Manufacturers. Thus, he is obliged to do everything efficiently and comply with all environmental laws.
The following companies have proven themselves well: Alloc, Pergo, Tarkett, Egger, Classen.
Let's sum it up
You can do a lot of interesting and useful things with leftover laminate flooring. This material has been appreciated by professional decorators, and today it is increasingly becoming an object of interest for home craftsmen. All you need is to use your imagination. Then even the material remaining after the repair will easily become the basis for new design masterpieces.
The more competently you make calculations before purchasing flooring material, the fewer leftovers you will have. On the page, our experts have posted a detailed guide on how to calculate the required amount of laminate so that you can then use it with minimal waste. However, now you know where to put the excess material. Otherwise, you are limited only by your own imagination, which will certainly suggest other ideas for using such a popular, interesting and practical material.
Materials for the manufacture of docking thresholds
In construction hypermarkets you can find thresholds made of brass, aluminum, stainless steel, wood and plastic. When choosing, you need to remember the decorative function: the colors and textures of furniture and building materials should complement each other.
Metal as one of the priority materials
Metal thresholds are one of the most common. People are attracted by a large selection of designs, strength, wear resistance, and relatively low price. Aluminum ones have priority over brass and steel in terms of cost, and over wooden and plastic ones in terms of quality. Interior seams are often made with them, since this plane is most susceptible to mechanical stress. When choosing, pay attention to the texture of the profile: the varnished layer will wear off over time, scratches will appear, and the appearance of the joint will become sloppy. The semi-matte powder finish is resistant to scratches and other mechanical damage, and the product has a longer service life. A flexible aluminum threshold for tiles and laminate will help to aesthetically design the transition in the kitchen from the work area to the dining area.
Wood and cork
Wooden structures look presentable. For their manufacture, pine or oak wood is used, the texture is usually applied to an MDF profile, the pattern is often made “to resemble oak”. The wooden seam looks more beautiful, but this is its main and almost only advantage. The material is short-lived, not resistant to mechanical stress and is capricious when exposed to temperature changes.
We love the cork expansion joint due to a number of advantages. It allows you to design the connection of different coatings without using thresholds, to implement non-standard design solutions using seemingly incompatible materials. Supporters of environmentally friendly building materials will appreciate the purchase - cork is environmentally friendly, does not interest rodents and insects, does not rot, and even when burning does not emit chlorine, phenol or cyanide. Cork has the highest levels of elasticity and resilience; it easily compresses (for example, when the laminate expands) and restores its shape afterwards.
PVC
PVC thresholds are not only budget-friendly, but also flexible. This property is used when designing complex curved and curved joints. To properly install such a structure, before installation, soak the plastic for 15-20 minutes in hot water or heat it with a hair dryer. When exposed to high temperatures, it will become flexible, and after installation it will no longer change its shape.
The plastic model consists of a lower and an upper part. The lower one is installed on the floor and is equipped with special clamps onto which the upper part is attached. To install the latter, lightly tap the fasteners with a rubber hammer and they will snap into place. Plastic thresholds are mostly laminated or painted.
Laminate on the wall in the interior - photo
The possibilities for using laminate flooring in the interior are almost limitless. The natural wood texture will fit into almost any interior, from classicism to fashionable Scandinavian style.
Laminate on the wall in the kitchen
The covering of kitchen walls must be durable and wear-resistant, so do not skimp on the quality of the laminate. Choose moisture-resistant collections so that they can be easily cleaned from stains and grease.
Do not forget that with temperature changes, laminate quickly loses its attractive appearance. Therefore, if you want to use it to cover the apron and work area, it is better to install a protective glass panel on top. It looks stylish, will last many times longer, and will be much easier to care for the surface.
Laminate is good for zoning, so you can use it as an accent wall near the bar counter or dining area. If you have a large kitchen or spacious studio, use it to separate the seating area.
Laminate on the wall in the living room
Decorate a wall with laminate for a TV, near a fireplace or around an aquarium - it always looks expensive and noble. Another convenient trick is to sheathe a separate corner in which you can place a sofa or work area.
The paneling under old rough wood will harmoniously complement the industrial loft or grunge. This is a good alternative if you don't want to waste time on brickwork. On top of the paneling hang massive open shelves and decorative lamps.
Laminate of noble varieties will complement classic interiors and their modern interpretations. It can also be used to cover niches and arches with simple and laconic geometry. And if you choose the right direction for the panels during installation, you can visually enlarge the room or raise the ceilings.
Laminate on the wall in the bedroom
Wooden finishes are always associated with warmth, comfort and homeliness. Therefore, such elegant natural materials are most welcome in the bedroom.
The smooth transition of the same covering from floor to wall looks interesting. In this way, you can highlight the bed area, especially in interiors that gravitate toward pronounced centers and symmetrical compositions. Install bedside tables with night lamps or wall lamps on both sides.
If you have little wooden furniture in your bedroom, you can safely cover large areas with laminate. Then the texture will not be repeated too often and will not look overloaded. And if you just want to freshen up the interior a little or decorate a small bedroom, a wooden panel made from laminate boards looks fresh and original.
Laminate on the wall in the hallway
Laminate on the walls in the hallway creates a holistic and harmonious composition if combined with the floor covering. You can choose one design, but different wear resistance classes, so as not to overpay.
In spacious and bright rooms, the combination of wall laminate with brickwork, stone or textured wallpaper looks interesting. If the hallway is small and narrow, cover only a small lower strip of the wall with laminate - and this will help you visually adjust the geometry.
Laminate on the wall on the balcony/loggia
Laminate is not suitable for open loggias, because it will quickly deteriorate due to weather conditions. But on ordinary glazed balconies it is practical and appropriate. The main thing is high-quality thermal insulation, because if in winter the temperature drops below +5-7 degrees, the coating will deteriorate over time.
For balconies, choose moisture-resistant collections with an additional protective coating against ultraviolet radiation. This way the boards will not swell, crack or fade in the sun. To prevent the panels from deforming due to weather changes, fix them not too rigidly and not with standard laminate locks.
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Types of profile connections
There is an extensive classification depending on the purpose of the thresholds:
- classical. It serves to frame the steps and is designed in the shape of the letter “g”. It is recommended to use metal strips, since the load on the stairs is increased, and wooden or plastic structures will not last long;
- When there is a small difference in levels, edging (leveling) strips are used for tiles and laminate. They contain a rubber gasket that compensates for the transition level;
- decorative thresholds are used for lining interior joints on the floor. Such overlays can be used for joining both the same and different materials;
- Curvilinear thresholds are provided if the task is to connect dissimilar surfaces using a curved line. The only condition is that the level must be the same. Only pliable materials are used - plastic or cork;
- in order to frame the edge of the room covering, use the final threshold. It is widely used as a connection between multi-level laminate and ceramic surfaces.
Depending on the connection method, profiles in the form of letters are distinguished: T, Z, F, L, H, P, G.
Thresholds for the joint between tiles and laminate
Most often, the seam between tiles and laminate is between rooms. The material depends on the room, decor and conditions in which it is located. Let's look at the installation of a connecting structure using the example of an aluminum floor (as the most popular option).
- The threshold is cut to the required length (the width of the doorway).
- Drilling points are marked at the points of contact.
- The necessary holes are drilled and dowels are inserted.
- Using a screwdriver with minimal torque, screw the strip onto the screw from above.
Please note that if the threshold is equipped with a hidden fastening, the process changes. After applying the markings, you should insert a self-tapping screw with a dowel into the groove, which is located on the underside of the threshold. Next, make holes in the floor, insert the prepared threshold into them, and hammer it in. Such thresholds for laminate flooring between rooms will be neat and as durable as possible.
Thresholds for the joint between linoleum and laminate
Combining linoleum with laminate is also not difficult. This can be done either with or without a bar. So, using a through fastening, the plank is placed on top of the joint and screwed to the floor. This type of fastening is reliable and durable, but not the most aesthetically pleasing.
Another design option is using hidden fastening strips. By purchasing planks with a special hidden fastening system, you simplify the process significantly. The third option is gluing. It is used more often with tile flooring, but it is also possible with linoleum. It is used if the absence of seams is important for the interior. The key point here is the identity of the levels, since the laminate is often located higher. The mechanism is simple: the surface is treated to degrease, after which a strip is glued on top of the seam using liquid nails. Consider the fragility of this design.
Thresholds for the junction of a multi-level floor and stairs
This profile model differs from the usual one only in appearance: it provides for different levels of coatings and makes a smooth transition between them. Methods of their fastening: open, hidden and self-adhesive. The latter is equipped with adhesive tape that is glued to the base.
The final threshold is installed on the steps of the stairs to prevent the foot from slipping. Most often, the material used is rubber or metal, and installation takes place in an open manner. Below you can see a photo of an example of the final threshold for laminate flooring.
Flexible thresholds for curved joints
To realize the design concept in the form of a curved floor relief, you will have to try to install flexible profiles. For this, only a cork compensator or plastic moldings are suitable. It is more difficult to install a cork compensator: the level must be strictly the same, the gap must be no more than 2 mm in size. Keep in mind that the cork will not cover the imperfections in the seams; the coatings must be smooth and beautiful. The result of a job done perfectly is worth the effort.
Plastic moldings can eliminate steps between floors up to 18 mm. In their original form they are slightly curved, measuring about one meter. By heating they are given the desired shape.
Shelves and drawers
Original shelves and drawers, racks made with your own hands from leftover laminate flooring can fit quite harmoniously into the interior of a house or apartment. They are collected taking into account the low load-bearing capacity of the material. Such designs are suitable for storing household small items - boxes, figurines, souvenirs. When attached directly to the wall, they are mounted on corners or brackets. The fixation of shelves in a rack made of laminate and its remains will be more reliable when installed in a groove cut into the edge of the base.
Boxes and drawers are popular elements in living spaces and storage rooms. They can easily be assembled from the lamellas remaining after repair, obtaining complete storage systems for household chemicals and tools, books and stationery, and toys. The frame for attaching light planks is made of chipboard, MDF or solid wood. You can literally assemble a box from 2-3 planks and scraps, fasten the lid on hinges, and make internal jumpers. In addition to the connection, the locks use self-tapping screws and glue in tubes, squeezed out through a gun. In the garage, such a “chest” can be used to store tools. Drawers on guides are combined with shelving to create a complete storage system.
Colors of floor sills
The modern construction market is saturated with panels of dozens of colors. In order not to make a mistake, at the planning stage, think about how exactly you see the threshold: inconspicuous, merging with the floor or brightly contrasting.
To avoid making a mistake in your decision, select the threshold to match the color of the doorway, baseboard, or covering elements. Try to choose the most identical shade and texture.
The most universal solution is a wood plank. It emphasizes naturalness, while at the same time looking unobtrusive and soft.
Photo background
A photo backdrop is a background surface for creating beautiful photographs. This product is ideal for people who are interested in the art of photography. The photophone will also be useful for needlewomen who prefer to take photographs and post the results of their work on social networks, and for culinary bloggers.
Nowadays, aged wood is a very popular material for photo backdrops, so you can easily find a suitable laminate. Also suitable for making a photophone is a material with colors that imitate leather, marble, and other types of stone. Textured laminate looks best. Smooth lamellas look less impressive, but are still used in design.
To make crafts, they look for pieces of laminate of a suitable size of one type or combine several textures together. The dimensions of the photophone depend on the needs of the user. To photograph small works (jewelry), items with a side of 15–20 cm are made. To display medium-sized objects (toys, hats, dishes), it is better to make a larger photo backdrop (50 x 50 cm or 60 x 60 cm). Large items are photographed using photophones up to 1 x 1 m.
Photophone made of laminated parquet
Making a photo backdrop is quite simple. You just need to connect the lamellas together, leave them in their original form or scratch them a little (aging them) and treat them with acrylic paint. To enhance the effect of aging, it is worth rubbing the half-dried paint with a sponge or cloth in certain places. Since the edge of the stand still does not fall into the frame, it is not necessary to process it, and defects in the middle can be hidden by the exposed objects.
Designer tips
Delicate panels in a snow-white room create a feeling of lightness and cleanliness. (photo No. 24)
A few recommendations from designers to help you create an interesting design project and select suitable panels.
- The classical design school recommends using no more than three colors in the interior: primary (up to 60-70%), additional (20-30%) and accent (10%).
- If there are more colors, they need to be selected with care so as not to turn out tacky.
- Designers recommend using no more than three colors in the interior: primary (up to 60-70%), additional (20-30%) and accent (10%).
- If you plan to cover one of the walls with laminate, choose panels of rich color. And make the rest of the walls plain, pastel shades. Complete the interior with matching furniture.
- Use a play of dark and light colors, vertical and horizontal lines to visually give the room the desired shape and size.
- A room or corridor where the floor and one of the walls are lined with the same laminate looks impressive. You can use the same boards in other rooms.
- If there are several zones in one room (kitchen and dining room, bedroom and office, etc.), they can be separated by decorating one of them with laminate.
Bright shades
There are no restrictions for creating a floor finish in bright colors and using eye-catching designs. In this case, it is important not to disturb the overall atmosphere of the room and remember its main purpose. For example, all colorful and flashy solutions will distract attention and distract you when working in your personal office or in your home library.
You should also avoid visual tension from the resulting surface and the competition of its design with the rest of the surroundings. The resulting coating can be one color or stand out in original contrasting combinations. The design project of such a floor should take into account the size of the lamellas, the choice of successful partner colors, and the frequency of repetition of the pattern or accent.
Winning options: checkerboard laying of multi-colored laminated tiles, the use of sequential installation with the effect of a three-dimensional pattern, laying a monolithic coating of the selected color.
Mosaic
Often, after repairs, there are pieces of different floor coverings that differ in appearance, color, and texture. They are used to make a mosaic, which is suitable for creating a picture, a functional area or finishing an entire wall. Various interior items are also decorated with mosaics. It is important that all materials have approximately the same thickness and similar technical parameters. Lay out the mosaic in any order on a sheet of plywood, starting from the border. This decor looks very beautiful if its outline is dark and the center is light.
Adhesive installation technology
It is important to carefully glue the entire surface of the board to the wall. (photo No. 22)
To attach the panels you need to stock up on silicone glue or liquid nails. Step-by-step algorithm of actions:
- Level, putty and prime the wall.
- Apply glue to the board from the back and sides, as well as to the wall.
- Press the panel to the surface.
- Level using a level (for horizontal installation) or a plumb line (for vertical installation).
- Remove any excess glue that has come out.
- In this way, glue all the boards one by one.