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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.
Is it possible to install laminate flooring in a bathroom?
The bathroom is a room with high humidity and frequent presence of water on the floor.
Therefore, tiles are most often used to cover the floor of a room. For a long time, it was practically the only material used in decoration. Today there is a real opportunity to abandon tiles and replace them with laminate. The material has many advantages due to which it can be used as a floor covering. First of all, it is not as cold as ceramics. Walking on such a floor with bare feet is much more pleasant. However, ordinary laminate is “afraid” of moisture, since the base is wood. Therefore, it cannot be used in rooms with high humidity. The panels will swell and bulge over time, i.e. the floor will become unusable. But there is a solution!
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.
Criteria for choosing a laminate for a bathroom
When choosing a laminate, it is important to evaluate its quality, taking into account the fact that the floor surface must last a long time and maintain its original appearance. What to look for?
- The main indicator of laminate quality is wear resistance and strength, which is characterized by the class of the product. A laminate of 33-34 classes is suitable for a bathroom. Materials of such classes have high strength and durability of the coating. They do not wear out during long-term use at any intensity of walking on the floor, do not deform and, as a rule, have a warranty of more than 20 years.
- Check for the presence of the “aqua” sign on the laminate packaging, which indicates the possibility of its use in rooms with high humidity.
- Locking connections must be made with high quality - there should be no smearing traces of protective wax on them.
When choosing a laminate, be sure to pay attention to the quality of the locking connections, the smell, and the presence of the necessary marks on the packaging
- Laminate intended for installation in a bathroom must have a swelling coefficient of up to 18%, which corresponds to a 20-year guaranteed service life.
- The choice of texture and color of the laminate is consistent with the overall style of the home.
- When purchasing, they give preference to trusted companies that have a reliable reputation among consumers and sell their products in specialized construction stores.
How to choose the right laminate?
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.
Benefits of using linoleum in the bathroom
What arguments make linoleum for the bathroom an acceptable option? There are a lot of them.
- Possibility to ensure 100% moisture resistance of the floor.
- Cheapness. After paint, linoleum is one of the cheapest materials, and certainly cheaper than ceramic tiles and moisture-resistant laminate.
- Beautiful appearance. The surface of linoleum can imitate various materials with great accuracy - wood, tile, stone, laminate. By spending a relatively small amount, you can ensure complete harmony of the flooring with any material present in the interior. This is a very serious argument in favor of choosing linoleum for the bathroom.
- The laying technology is relatively simple compared to ceramic tiles (although some of its stages require certain skills).
- Durability - provided the right choice.
- Increased sound insulation compared to tiles.
- Comfort for bare feet. An important property for linoleum in the bathroom, which is not as warm as wood, but much warmer than ceramic tiles.
- Easy to care for. Rare material can compare in this regard with linoleum. It is enough to walk over it with a damp cloth, and its surface sparkles clean again.
Flaws
- The main one is the danger of the formation of fungi and mold under the coating if water penetrates there. It will no longer be able to evaporate from under the moisture-proof material.
- Slippery surface, especially if it has been exposed to water.
- Shorter service life than tiles. But this disadvantage can be significantly reduced by using commercial material.
Aluminum
An aluminum profile is installed on the edge of the laminate panel. The designer's idea is that no wooden elements are involved in connecting the parts. The greatest load in this case will fall on the aluminum metal profile.
The pioneer in this castle connection was ]Berry Alloc[/anchor]. This development is called 1G. The maximum load on the lock is 200 kg. Later, such locks were improved and options from 2G to 5G appeared. The lock is characterized as durable and absolutely reliable.
The most modern one today is a laminate with a 5G (fifth generation) lock. For example, the famous German manufacturer HARO presented its developments of such a connection as the 5 G lock. Laying laminate flooring with a 5 G lock, according to the manufacturer, is extremely convenient.
With literally one movement of the hand, the lamellas are connected simultaneously along both the long and end sides. The fact is that the 5 G lock in the laminate has special plastic latches-tongues at the ends of each panel.
Moisture-resistant laminate: main characteristics
To create the main layer of laminated boards, wood fiber is used, not sawdust, which absorbs moisture well. According to the technology, fibrous raw materials are pressed under high thermal pressure. As a result, HDF board is produced, which, unlike chipboard and fiberboard, is more resistant to short-term contact with moisture. HDF laminate is considered moisture resistant.
In terms of wear resistance and reliability, moisture-resistant laminate is divided into three classes: 32, 33, 34, which are characterized by the following parameters:
- resistance to mechanical loads, even quite large ones;
- strength and wear resistance during long-term use;
- high level of moisture resistance;
- long warranty period.
Floor installation specialists recommend laying moisture-resistant laminate with a class of 33 or higher. Class 34 laminate is more expensive, but it can resist moisture penetration for up to six hours.
Important! However, if in the event of an accident, moisture remains on the laminated floor or under it for a long time, it will swell and become unusable, which will require subsequent complete replacement.
Moisture-resistant laminate is not too afraid of water, but frequent exposure to it can still destroy its structure.
In private houses and cottages, subject to proper reliable installation of the laminated coating and water pipes, moisture-resistant laminate laid in bathrooms, swimming pools, saunas will last up to 20 or more years guaranteed by the manufacturers. But such coating must be used with caution, avoiding prolonged contact with moisture. If water spills, you should immediately clean it up with a dry, well-absorbent rag.
One of the important aspects of laying floors in rooms with high humidity is the reliability and tightness of the interlocking joints. When producing products, the manufacturer strengthens the joints of the boards by covering them with wax. To increase reliability when installing floors, the locks are coated with a special elastic sealant.
Recommendations for choosing a moisture-resistant laminate
Modern laminate flooring, presented on the sales market, is advertised by manufacturers as a moisture-resistant laminate for bathrooms. How to choose a quality product of this kind?
- On the packaging of the laminate, the manufacturer indicates many important parameters that characterize this particular type. It must bear the designation “aqua”, which corresponds to a product with increased moisture resistance.
- When purchasing a laminate, it is important to accurately determine the class of products offered, which are based on an HDF board.
- When choosing laminate, it is better to give preference to imported, European manufacturers. Their products have higher prices, but the quality is decent, incomparable to Chinese goods.
- When purchasing, ask your sales consultant in advance about the swelling coefficient, which should not exceed 18%.
- Pay attention to the price-quality ratio. The higher the class of laminate, the more expensive it is.
You should not buy the cheapest material - it is unlikely to “live” long
- The guaranteed service life of an expensive European product is over 20 years.
- When purchasing, be sure to look at the quality of the locking connections between the two plates - there should be no visible gaps between them through which moisture can penetrate.
- Preference is given to the corrugated, non-smooth texture of the surface of the laminated board, which prevents slipping on a wet bathroom floor.
waterproof laminate
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.
Classic version
Bathroom floors require that the products used have a special laminated coating. However, classic laminate does not meet these requirements, so its use in a shower room is not recommended. This material does not tolerate high humidity, as well as direct contact with water. As a result, its use is limited to living space or kitchen. Otherwise, you risk losing a significant amount, since deformation of the laminate occurs after a short period of time.
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.
Features of laying laminate flooring in the bathroom
Laying laminate flooring in a bathroom begins with taking measurements. This is necessary in order to accurately calculate the amount of material that will go on the floor. Once the bathroom flooring has been selected and purchased, you can get to work.
The installation technology is no different from installing conventional laminate. Still, the base floor must be pre-leveled, a substrate is used and assembly is carried out row by row in accordance with the instructions on the pack. Don't forget to stock up on the necessary tools so you don't get distracted while working.
It is worth paying special attention to the baseboard. Its installation should be carried out in such a way as to prevent water from entering under the floor surface as much as possible. To do this, sealant is applied to the lower edge of the baseboard. After installation, excess sealant is either immediately removed with a rag or cut off with a scalpel after 12 hours.
When working with a scalpel, be careful not to damage the protective layer of the laminate!
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
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.
Waterproof laminate for the bathroom. Laying rules
Which laminate is better for the bathroom: types, properties, tips on selection and proper installation, 6 best manufacturers
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
Algorithm for laying the floor in the bathroom
A high-quality and durable bathroom floor will be achieved by following the sequence and technology of laying all the necessary layers. This process is called preparatory and consists of the following:
- In the room, old floor material is removed, wooden structures are dismantled, if necessary, or damaged elements are replaced.
- The cleaned floor is inspected for damage and partial or major repairs are performed, cracks and chips are repaired, leveled, and protruding fragments are cut off. This stage of work must be completed in full, without saving money or time.
- The durability of the structure depends on waterproofing measures, which are mandatory.
- To prepare an even rough base for the finishing material, a screed is used. At this stage, the coolant is laid when installing a “warm floor” system. How to properly level the floor in the bathroom, read here.
Let's look at each of these stages in more detail.
Dismantling the old coating
Preparation
The list of preparatory work depends on the condition of the premises - it is located in a habitable apartment or in a new building. In the first case, as noted earlier, it is necessary to dismantle the existing finish. Usually in the bathroom these are floor tiles, so to dismantle them you will need a hammer drill. It is necessary to remove not only the tiles, but also the screed underneath them. It is easier to remove linoleum - pry it up with a knife and rip it off. If the floor is wooden, then a number of boards are sawed down and what remains is dismantled.
Removing tiles from the floor
Important! The process of removing old screed is aimed at creating a high-quality waterproofing layer.
If the apartment is new, then preparation consists of cleaning the floor from debris and dust, and sealing cracks, if any, using tile adhesive. When it dries, you can proceed to creating a waterproofing layer.
Concrete screed repair - sealing cracks
Waterproofing
To ensure high-quality adhesion between the waterproofing material and the ceiling, the latter is treated with a primer. There are several types of waterproofing.
Table 1. Types of waterproofing
Types of waterproofing Description
| Welded | A reliable way to create a high-quality waterproofing layer on floor slabs. The overlap on the walls is at least 25 cm. A rough screed is poured on top and another waterproofing layer is laid. |
| Coating | The most durable and easiest way. The composition is made in a 1:1 ratio by mixing the dry component with water. Apply to the floor with a brush or roller, first coating the junction of the wall and the floor around the perimeter of the room, first gluing waterproofing tape to the first layer, and then the remaining surface of the floor. After applying the first layer, maintain an interval of 4-6 hours, then apply the second layer and leave it for a day. |
| Roll | These are membranes with a bitumen coating and an adhesive layer for ease of fixation, cheaper roofing felt and roofing felt, and other rolled materials. When laying them, it is important to place the canvas around the perimeter of the walls to a height of at least 20 cm and carefully glue the joints. |
| Painting room | The method is short-lived - lasts for an average of 3 years, after which it needs to be updated. It is easy to apply using a brush or roller, covering walls to a height of 10 cm. |
Waterproofing can not only protect the concrete surface from destruction, but also protect the property of neighbors in the event of some unforeseen situations. You will find the installation technology in a special article.
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.
Advantages and disadvantages
The positive qualities of vinyl coating include:
- Absolutely neutral to moisture in all forms.
- The protective layer provides high wear resistance and abrasion resistance.
- Environmentally friendly material that does not contain formaldehyde or harmful resins.
- Laminate flooring is easy to install without the involvement of specialists.
- Vinyl laminate does not have high heat-saving qualities, which allows it to be used on heated floors.
- There is no fire hazard.
- If necessary, individual panels can be easily removed or replaced.
- Caring for the coating is simple and does not cause any problems.
Qualities that are perceived as weaknesses:
- Vinyl does not tolerate UV rays, it turns yellow and sometimes changes its structure, becoming more fragile.
- Vinyl does not like rubber; contact with it changes its properties.
- Disposing of vinyl laminate flooring is a serious problem; it does not degrade on its own.
- The material is quite expensive.
IMPORTANT!
The list of disadvantages is not that long, but it requires certain restrictions in use.
Factory marking
To avoid misunderstandings, you should learn to distinguish between types of flooring. At the enterprises of bona fide manufacturers, waterproof and moisture-resistant laminates receive additional markings. There are various designation options.
- The image of water droplets, the inscriptions WATER RESISTANCE, AQUA BLOCK or AQUA PROTECT, etc., are applied to moisture-resistant varieties.
- Confirmation of water resistance is the 100% WATER PROOF marking.
Additional information is present in the accompanying certificates attached to each batch of goods offered for sale.
Markings
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.
