Laminate in the kitchen - which one can be installed, how to choose, types and 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.

Types and characteristics of material

Modern laminate is made from HDF boards, which contain resins that glue all the components together. Resin, as a water-repellent substance, prevents water and dampness from penetrating into the material, however, the structure of wood requires the presence of so-called bridges, through which a certain percentage of moisture still gets into the slabs. These bridges of wood fibers can often be seen at the ends of individual elements where the locks are located. It is worth noting that the more complex and intricate the structure of the lock, the greater the amount of water that can get inside the laminate.

There are 3 main types of laminate:

Material made from standard HDF panels with a density of 900 kg/m3. This type of coating can withstand 3-hour exposure to water without deforming.
Laminate made from HDF panels with a high resin content is more reliable because it can withstand 6-hour exposure to water. After drying, such material does not form swelling or other damage. As a rule, manufacturers put o on such products, which indicates that the laminate is moisture resistant.
The most resistant to moisture is a plastic laminate made from polyvinyl chloride. Due to the fact that there is no wood at all among the components of the material, such a laminate is absolutely not susceptible to the negative effects of humidity and water.

Waterproof laminate made from wood materials is protected from dampness in the following ways:

apply a resin layer to the surface of the slabs;
impregnate products with resin compositions;
provide the laminate with a reliable bottom layer, which also contains an increased amount of resins;
The ends and locks of the products are impregnated with substances based on wax or paraffin.

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.

View	Description
Regular laminate	This is a specialized consumable material that is capable of absorbing liquid or condensate no more than 8-16% of the volume. To ensure the water resistance of the product, it is impregnated with specialized compounds and glued to a moisture-resistant base using glue.
Moisture resistant	It has a lower percentage of water absorption, which ranges from 2-8%. The floor covering is protected from leakage for a short period of time, which protects the element from swelling. The main protection is a special polymer film.
Waterproof	Assumes moisture transmission of no more than two percent. Can be completely immersed in water, which will not make the material unusable. The presented variation is the most suitable for use.

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.

What does laminate consist of - design features

Most manufacturing companies have their own technologies for the production of kitchen laminate, but they are united by constant common principles. For example, the structure:

The stabilizing layer is the very first one in contact with the base. Serves as a substrate that protects against moisture and also serves as sound insulation.
Base layer or base . He is the one responsible for the load. The base can be: HDF - high-density fiberboard, MDF - medium-density fiberboard and high-strength plastic board.
Decorative layer - responsible for the pattern, which most often imitates wood in a longitudinal section.
Layer-protection . The resin coating provides the workpiece with high resistance to mechanical wear and stress. Laminate gets its name from the way the boards are coated with resins.

In addition to the base layers, there are a number of auxiliary layers that provide the material with various properties. For example, antistatic and relief.

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

Laminate floors in the kitchen interior (real photo examples)

Don't know how to fit laminate into your kitchen interior? A selection of photos for you!

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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

Lamella structure

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

A matrix that is made using polymers.
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

How to calculate the amount of laminate and installation secrets

Proper calculation of laminated materials for purchase will help save money.
In a typical box, there is usually enough flooring for 2 square meters. m of floor, although there are packages with material for 1.9 and 2.4 square meters. m. The required quantity should be calculated in advance.

Since during the installation process it is necessary to trim the edges, the laminate should be purchased taking into account the reserve. To calculate, you need to multiply the length of the kitchen by the width, adding 10% (reserve).

How to lay laminate flooring under a kitchen unit

Installation must be carried out before furniture is placed. To install the coating you will need the following materials:

primer for concrete foundations (polymer or membrane);
primer;
wooden beam and clamp for lining;
in cases where there is no adhesion, and glue is used for additional insulation of joints;
wedges (5 - 15 mm), to maintain the temperature opening from the walls;
laminate;
hammer, electric jigsaw or carpenter's saw;
baseboard;
The substrate, according to installers, is the most economical - foamed polyethylene, the popular thickness is 3 mm.
measuring tape, pencil, construction knife, corner;
wide tape for fastening the lining under the parquet board;

How to lay laminate under a kitchen unit, Direct installation process:

the base floor is scrupulously cleaned;
it is primed, and the log base is treated with an antiseptic;
a film or membrane is laid overlapping or butt jointed and secured with tape;

Experts advise starting work from the wall or corner closest to the window, fastening the slabs with locks.

Laying laminate flooring

The next row begins with the remaining piece; if it is shorter than 30 cm, it is necessary to cut half of the fresh board.
In any next row, you first need to assemble all the planks, then lift the entire row, insert it into the chamfer until it stops and, lowering it, snap it into place.
Taking into account the temperature gap, the last plank is cut.
The protruding edges of the substrate are trimmed and all wedges are removed.
The thermal gap is closed by a threshold.
A plinth is attached to the wall.

Installing a laminated board diagonally will create a special effect, visually expanding the space. But, laying in this way is more expensive, since the material consumption will increase by 10–15% of the usual method. But how to put laminate under the kitchen unit if the cabinets are already installed and need to be renovated? To do this, you need to free up as much space as possible, disassemble the damaged part and replace it with new slats.

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.

Class 31 has a service life of up to 12 years. Typically used in commercial and residential buildings with average traffic.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Selecting a coating based on wear resistance class

Laminate coatings are divided into 6 resistance classes and are marked with two numbers. The first means for which rooms the coating is intended, and the second means the degree of load: the higher the number, the greater the load the laminate can withstand. The following classes are intended for residential premises:

21 – for the bedroom and office;
22 – for the nursery and living room;
23 – for the kitchen, corridor, hallway.

Choosing a laminate
The higher the class, the more traffic it is designed for. For commercial premises, classes starting with 3 are intended:

31 – conference room, small office;
32 – office, boutique;
33 – gym, warehouse, restaurant.

For the kitchen and hallway, you can choose class 23 or 31. These coatings are designed for heavy loads, are resistant to abrasion, mechanical damage, and can withstand impacts.

Cons and pros

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

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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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
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.

Wood laminate decor for the kitchen

Imitation wood is the most common decor for laminate flooring in the kitchen. Modern printing technologies provide highly realistic drawings. Precious wood species are imitated, for example, wenge, walnut, zebrawood, ash, merbau, pine. Out of competition - oak in varying degrees of staining (aged, oiled, bleached, varnished, tinted and natural).

The more expensive the laminate for the kitchen, the more attention is paid to the image and structure of the wood; age rings, color transitions, wood pores and fibers can be clearly distinguished.

Compatibility with heated floors

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

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.
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.
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

How to decide on a pattern and color?

If the question arises, what color laminate to choose for the kitchen and which one for the hallway, then the variety of types of coating gives room for imagination. There are a large number of options that imitate natural materials: natural stone (granite, marble), wood (oak, alder, wenge). An option for ceramic tiles is also possible.

Laminate with Chrome Zone effect

When choosing a laminate that imitates natural wood, you can play with the texture of the material.

There are several types of texture:

with simple embossing;
with embossing in register;
brushing;
with Chrome Zone effect.

With simple embossing, grooves are pressed onto the top layer, which imitate various types of wood. Contamination is not so noticeable on such a coating, so it does not require frequent washing. The grooves on the embossed register match the pattern of the wood carved into the surface of the panel. This coating has a stylish look. When brushing, embossing is combined with painting, after which a second protective layer is applied. This technology increases the abrasion resistance of the coating.

Chrome zone is a method in which the grooves are decorated with a chromium alloy. The panels acquire a matte-glossy surface and additional strength. This laminate floor looks very impressive.

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.

Laying laminate flooring in the classic way with locks

In the traditional version, laying the laminate begins from the far wall of the kitchen, moving towards the front door. Soft spacers are first laid around the perimeter, pressing and limiting the laid laminate flooring. There should be a gap of 5-10 mm between the kitchen walls and the ends, which will later be closed by installing skirting boards.

The first lamella is sometimes laid with a clamp on the glue, the next board is installed from the narrow part, joined into a lock and leveled on the substrate. The next row begins with half a board, this ensures that the joints are offset by half the length. The slats can be laid offset by a third or a quarter of the size, but it is worth considering that the beginning or ending piece should not be less than 20 cm.

If the installation is carried out with sizing, then the end and longitudinal tenons are initially glued, then the lamella is inserted into engagement with the end of the previous board, laid on the substrate and clicked into the lock of the previous row. Everything is done by hand, no hammer blows.

The last lamellas have to be cut so that part of the canvas extends at least 15-20 mm under the base of the future kitchen threshold.

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

Is it possible to combine tiles and laminate?

Practice shows that a combined tile and laminate floor in the kitchen is the most effective way to solve the problem of flooring in the busiest room of the apartment. In this case, the combination is always carried out according to the same scheme: the work area is tiles, the dining area is wear-resistant laminate.

This approach eliminates several problems:

a safe sanitary area appears with a durable coating of tiles or porcelain stoneware, which is almost 2 times more wear-resistant than the best laminate;
water leakage under the kitchen unit can be easily eliminated without consequences for the floor;
the furniture and refrigerator sit on the tile like a glove - there is no play, like on laminate;
There was an opportunity to lay ordinary (non-moisture resistant) laminate in another part of the kitchen, where there is no grease and water.

But such a floor covering has other design-related problems: how to choose the right laminate for the tiles in the kitchen so that the floor is a single whole and does not create the impression of an ever-drawn-out renovation.

How is laminated board laid?

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

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.
Be sure to read the instructions before working with the product. Manufacturers always provide nuances regarding correct installation and operation.
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.
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
Read also: Wardrobe systems - TOP 130 photos and videos of wardrobe system options. Pros and cons of the wardrobe, features of types of designs
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.
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.
To ensure that the result meets your expectations, be sure to follow the instructions recommended by the manufacturer. This will avoid problems.
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.

Laying lining material

To arrange the floor in the kitchen, two types of linings are used - coniferous mats and cork cloth. The material is laid on concrete in rows with mandatory bandaging of the seams. The joints must be glued with tape so that under load the lining material does not spread to the walls of the room.

The standard thickness of the lining is only 8 mm, therefore, if the work is carried out with the dismantling of the subfloor, sometimes you have to lay out two layers in order to guess the height of the laminate relative to the threshold level.

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.

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.
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
Try not to exceed the temperature above 28 degrees. Otherwise, fragility and brittleness increases.
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

Basic rules when choosing flooring for the kitchen

In order to solve this problem correctly, when choosing a floor covering you need to answer several fundamental questions.

The first is the number of residents, i.e. how intensively the kitchen area will be used. For a calm and small family, there will be one list of recommended materials. Where the kitchen is, this is the center of the house for a large family - the list of floor coverings will be adjusted by such restrictions as surface wear resistance, moisture resistance, etc.

On a note! According to experts, wear resistance class 32 is quite suitable for residential premises. Therefore, you should not fall for the tricks of sellers who advise purchasing a product from class 33.
By purchasing material with a high safety margin, you will only unjustifiably increase repair costs.

The second is the features of the layout and design solutions. This item includes such points as the presence of zoning or the use of a modern open space stylistic solution (combining kitchen space with living space - photo).

Modern planning solutions - combining living and kitchen space

Third is the price. The cost of the material plays an important role when choosing flooring. Often we are faced with the dilemma of “I like it - I want it” and “I can afford it”. Therefore, before you start choosing, decide on the price category.
Fourth, here you will need to answer the question of who will carry out the installation. Because if you plan to lay the flooring yourself, you will need to choose a product with simple assembly that does not require professional skills. So that the usual instructions included in the package can become the main assistant and “guide” in repairing floors.

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.

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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring

Like any other coating, laminate has both its pros and cons. Let's take a closer look - this will help you make an informed decision and not encounter unpleasant surprises during operation or installation of the floor.

The undeniable advantages of laminate flooring include:

Durable, high-quality laminate has good resistance to damage. It is not afraid of falling objects, it does not show chips, scratches or cracks - unless you try to leave them yourself.
Due to the protective film, the laminate does not fade in the sun, and its color does not change due to temperature changes.
A good laminate does not wear out over time and retains its appearance for many years.
The material is very easy to care for. It is easy to clean, and often just water and a mild detergent are enough - the coating prevents dirt from penetrating deep into the laminate.
In its structure, laminate is much warmer than tiles, porcelain stoneware, and artificial stone. If the room is not cold, you can even walk barefoot.
You can install a warm floor under the laminate.
There are no traces left on the laminate from the legs of the refrigerator, furniture, or appliances. This allows you to make changes without worrying about the integrity of the coverage.
Wide design possibilities. It is easy to choose laminate flooring for any interior design.
Easy to install - you can even install this floor yourself.
Affordable price - laminate is much cheaper than most finishing materials.

As you can see, the list of advantages is quite wide. What about the shortcomings?

Perhaps we can highlight the following disadvantages of using laminate:

Laminate does not tolerate contact with water for a long time. If you spill something, you will have to wipe up the liquid immediately. If your neighbors flooded you or a pipe burst, it is very difficult to save the coating from deformation. However, you can increase the moisture resistance of the laminate by treating the joints with a special sealant.
Laminate floors are often criticized for noise - the characteristic ringing sound from footsteps, pet claws and fallen objects. The noise level can be reduced by placing a special soft substrate under the laminate.
If installed poorly, laminate flooring begins to creak. This problem is easy to solve - just entrust the flooring to professionals or do it yourself, as carefully as possible.
Laminate is quite resistant to damage, but scratches and chips may still appear on it. To correct the situation, you can buy special wax pencils to match the color of your floor and disguise the defect.

As you can see, the disadvantages of using laminate can be considered very conditional: all of them can be easily corrected or prevented.

Conclusion? This coating can be safely recommended for use in the kitchen.

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

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).

Preliminary calculation and selection of tools

The process of laying laminate flooring in the kitchen has one remarkable feature: if the calculation of the number of lamellas is made with an error, then the covering can be laid with one missing board, which will have to be hidden under the kitchen unit. It is clear that such a scheme significantly reduces the value and strength of a laminate floor. Most often, they resort to it if expensive imported installation material was brought to order, and one strip was missing. Considering the enormous weight of the furniture cabinets in the kitchen, nothing will happen to the floor.

To calculate the number of slats, you will need to know the dimensions of the kitchen and the dimensions of one strip. The calculation sequence is as follows:

We divide the longitudinal size of the kitchen by the length of one strip of laminate, we get the number of pieces, for example, 6.2;
We divide the width of the room by the transverse dimension of the lamella, we get the number of rows, for example, 17.7;
We round and multiply 7x18 = 126, with 8 pieces in a package we get 17 packs.

It is best to buy kitchen material in advance and store it in a cool, dry place. You can begin laying laminate flooring only after completing all renovation work in the kitchen.

To work, you will need a jigsaw, a tape measure, a construction square, a construction knife, a hammer, a set of dowels with plugs, tape and lining material.