Laminate in the bathroom: features and selection rules

Bathroom laminate flooring is represented in the collections of many manufacturers. This coating, which has proven itself in residential premises, is now produced in a special moisture-resistant format and harmoniously emphasizes the special aesthetics of the interior.

Moisture-resistant plastic laminate and other varieties for walls and floors can radically change all ideas about the decoration of premises with special requirements for the quality of materials. Of course, it is still unusual for many to see laminated panels in the bathroom. But the reviews of those who have already acquired such a decor indicate that such a floor covering can and should be part of the interior.

Designers have already appreciated the possibilities offered by laminate flooring in the bathroom space. With its help, you can easily create a modern finish, bring the spirit of Scandinavia or the laconicism of Japanese minimalism into the space. Lamellas are often used in combination with water-heated floors.

When choosing a laminate for a bathroom, it is worth learning as much as possible about its features and properties. This covering can be laid on the floor, walls, ceiling, and decorated with niches or ledges. Laminated top planks are made from different materials and are combined only by applying decor.

Among the features of a moisture-resistant laminate are the following.

1. Antiseptic impregnation that prevents the formation of mold or mildew. This is true for rooms with high humidity levels.
2. Non-slip outer cover. Even in contact with the wet soles of the feet, the material will not lead to a fall or injury.
3. Increased indicators of mechanical and physical strength. The floor can easily withstand shock loads or frequent wet cleaning.
4. Increased water resistance. Relevant for waterproof species.
5. Ability to withstand temperature extremes. The floor or wall covering must not lose its original geometry when exposed to steam and heat.

Since even moisture-resistant coatings have a certain tensile strength and absorbency, it is worth considering the characteristics of the material when choosing a place for laying it.

All types of bathroom laminate on the market today can be divided into 2 categories - waterproof and moisture resistant. Their main difference is that the structure of the coatings reacts differently to contact with liquids. It is worth considering these differences in more detail.

Moisture resistant laminate - This is a coating based on HDF-board with water-repellent components, impregnation on an antifungal basis, capable of protecting the material from any external negative influences for a long time. In direct contact with moisture, the material retains the ability to keep it on the surface for up to 2-3 hours.

The locking joint uses a mixture based on silicone and wax, which provides a high level of protection against moisture penetration inside. The substrate is thicker than conventional laminate, covered with paraffin or wax-based composition.

But moisture-resistant laminate has its own characteristics. With prolonged contact with water, it turns out to be unable to withstand its effects, gradually loses its waterproofness.

Waterproof or waterproof laminate is made with a base of the same high-density board and contains highly effective antifungal additives. In addition, its front side is covered with a polymer layer capable of excluding moisture absorption. Lamellas of this type are able to withstand 5-6 hours in direct contact with water, but with a longer stagnation of water they still deteriorate.

Plastic vinyl laminate is also water resistant.... It is made of PVC that meets safety requirements. Such a floor in the bathroom is absolutely not afraid of moisture and is able to keep it on the surface for a long time.

In order for the coating to be completely sealed, during laying, the seams and ends of the boards are additionally treated with sanitary silicone sealant. Many high-end products already have this coating applied at the factory.

Polymer laminates typically have a double structure with an air gap and stiffening ribs to improve thermal insulation properties. Plastic base lamellas have a decorative paper backing, capable of faithfully imitating the surface of wood, stone and other popular finishing materials. Outside applied acrylate resinsupplemented with corundum powder for increased wear resistance and chemical resistance.

A special decking board (decking), also made of polymer-wood composite, often acts as a waterproof laminate. The material can have a textured surface that prevents slipping.But such material has a smaller choice of textures and colors, so it is more difficult to match it to the interior of a house or apartment.

Laminate in the bathroom should be chosen based on its characteristics.

Among the basic criteria are the following.

1. Material class... For household series, it begins with number 2, for commercial laminate - from 3. It is better to choose a class of at least 33 for the bathroom and with an AC abrasion resistance of at least 5-6 units.
2. The purpose of the material. Laminate flooring must be waterproof and leak-proof. It is better to give preference to options on a polymer or vinyl base. On the wall, you can lay a laminate of household class 22-23, since it will be subject to less friction, an HDF board is suitable as a base.
3. Density of the slab. The higher it is, the better the material's ability to withstand moisture. In the presence of products with different indicators, it is recommended to choose those that will have the highest.
4. Surface smoothness... It is best to avoid overly glossy coatings that can slip on after showering or bathing. In addition, the grooved structure always looks more expensive and effective.
5. Swelling factor. It is important for moisture-resistant coatings and should not be more than 18%, otherwise the material will deform too much under the influence of water.
6. Features of connecting panels... Products with a lock connection are the most reliable, they provide high tightness. But the technology for laying laminate flooring requires strict adherence to all recommendations. Lamellas without a lock will have to be additionally sealed at the seams, otherwise such a floor will not be fully waterproof.
7. Availability of special markings... The packaging must be labeled “aqua protect” or “aqua resist”. Water resistance is also evidenced by images in the form of drops of water or an umbrella, a bath. It is better not to take the laminate without special marking, since in this case the manufacturer will not guarantee its water resistance.
8. Brand. The best brands of waterproof laminate are AquaStep, Dumaplast. These are European products manufactured in Belgium and France. Moisture-resistant panels should be chosen among the products of the brands Quick Step, Classen, Kaindl, Kronotex. The latter option is produced by a Russian-German joint venture offering high-quality goods at reasonable prices. It is not worth saving and choosing a cheaper Chinese laminate - the quality and service life of it will be much lower.
9. Design... It is better to choose wall laminate among products that resemble ceramic tiles or natural stone. For the floor, it is customary to choose products that imitate the texture of natural wood.

Among the most important and significant rules that must be observed when caring for a laminate flooring are - regular cleaning and protection of the outer coating from damage. If scratches, chips appear on the surface, they can be restored with a putty or a special pencil, if a wax coating is used, polishes on a similar basis are suitable. It is recommended to maintain the temperature regime in the room within +18 degrees and above.

It is worth considering that you can renew the polish layer on the floor surface no more than 2 times a year. When wet cleaning, use soft sponge mops or microfiber cloths that will not damage the floor covering. In addition, any traces of spilled water should be wiped up immediately without leaving them on the floor surface. It is imperative to seal the coating around the perimeter, where water can enter the area of ​​the joint with the wall under the panels. On average, the sealant loses its properties in 4-5 years, then it needs to be renewed.

The opinions of people who are already using laminate flooring in the bathroom interior look quite unambiguous: moisture-resistant coatings, when properly installed, justify themselves. Many collections from well-known manufacturers can withstand contact with moisture and even spilled water as well as tiles. And in terms of aesthetics, laminate flooring is even superior to most finishing materials.

The use of laminate for walls and floors is simply irreplaceable in stylish interiors that do not require the use of tiles. This material is pleasant enough for tactile contact.... In bathrooms in commercial premises, judging by the reviews, it is worth using coatings with the maximum indicators of wear resistance.

In the house or in the country, 32 classrooms will be enough. Plastic options withstand the most intensive use and are not at all afraid of moisture even with a full flood, many of them are compatible with underfloor heating systems.

Of the disadvantages of moisture-resistant laminate in the bathroom, it is noted fast abrasion... Many advertised coatings lose their decorative effect in less than 1 year of operation. In addition, when flooded, some types of laminate swell no worse than natural parquet.

The design of a bathroom with a laminate can be quite varied and original. Most often, the material imitates the texture of natural wood and can be made in a general color scheme or contrast with it. Beautiful examples of interior decoration will help you make sure of this.

Laminate in walnut shades is used for covering the floor and part of the walls. Mirrored panels and marble allow to harmoniously shade the texture and pattern of wood, without turning the interior into an example of vintage decor.

Laminate with an original pattern effectively complements the bathroom. Longitudinal stripes on the surface of the flooring create fancy color transitions.

Gorgeous light laminate with aged look looks great in both modern and classic interiors.

Features of laying laminate in the bathroom are shown in the following video.