Is it possible to lay laminate on balcony, kitchen, hallway and how to do it

Laminate has long gained popularity as one of the most functional and practical flooring with a long service life, durability, strength and excellent appearance. A huge selection of textures, patterns and colors allow you to implement any design solution for the repair of living room, bedroom, nursery, office. However, apart from these facilities the apartment has another kitchen, balcony, hallway. Can they put this coating? And if so, which laminate to choose?

In the kitchen ↑

The kitchen is the room with the biggest cross in the apartment, significant humidity and severe temperature fluctuations. These features dictate the choice of flooring. Familiar to us in the kitchen, ceramic tile steel and a budget option – linoleum. However, without disputing the advantages of these coverings, laminate flooring allows you to create floors, floor-difficult to distinguish from natural wood. Ceramic tile imitating wood, is somewhat far-fetched and undoubtedly much more expensive option.

Laminate structure ↑

Its structure is a multilayer panel, in which each layer is responsible for performing «his» tasks:

• Protection against deformation provides the bottom layer. It should be emphasised that appeared on the market the model of the laminate with an integrated part of the panel substrate.

• Heat and sound insulation properties and moisture resistance of the panel depend on the carrier layer. This layer is made of high density fiberboard (English, HDF). In the carrier layer is lock connection panel.

• For a decorative quality «answers» the layers of special craft paper or PVC film with printed pattern and texture.

• The top one or more layers of melamine or acrylate resin, which should protect the flooring from damage. The composition of the protective layer and number of layers applied depends on the lifetime of the laminate.

Moisture resistance is a relatively weak point of the conventional laminate, which «not friendly» with water. Protective layer of melamine or acrylic resins repels the moisture, but getting to the lock connection, water leads to swelling of the panel. For this reason, for installation in the kitchen it is recommended that water-resistant or even waterproof laminate. These are two different in composition and properties of flooring.

What is different are the woodworking ↑

In the name of the moisture-proof coating can include the word Aqua Protect (Resist), and the bearing layer is painted in a greenish color. So I decided to stain and moisture-resistant drywall. On the packaging to apply the icon with a crane or umbrella with straw.

The upper layer of the moisture-proof coating is often made corrugated in order to wet the surface was very slippery.

However, we must not forget that the panel will not stand a prolonged stay in water, will swell and be unusable for further operation. Therefore, the water from the floor surface once it is necessary to remove. This applies to any is the highest quality moisture-proof coating leading manufacturers.

For the experiment to test water-repellent abilities of such material and controlling the time as the panel may «to withstand» in water, it is better to take waste during installation. Remember, in the cult Soviet Comedy «Operation «S» phrase: «Train… kitties!»?

Features water-resistant laminate ↑

In the composition a water-resistant coating no carrier layer of hardboard. Base layer standard or water-resistant laminate in a water-resistant coating is replaced by a layer of extruded vinyl that is «pie» together with reinforcing mesh, quartz sand, decorative and protective layers. On the decorative layer by printing a drawing, and the protective layer is made of polyurethane varnish, to which is added aluminium oxide. In appearance vinyl laminate similar and standard and linoleum.

On the wear resistance of this coating belongs to the class of 43, and in the water is a few weeks. Anyway, so say its makers. Check their words in practice it is better not to hold – vinyl, most likely, stand and retain their properties, but the waterproofing screed…

How to choose the right coverage in the kitchen ↑

For selection of coating in the kitchen, where you will not be disappointed, follow simple rules:

• Quality waterproof laminate flooring from known manufacturers can cost less than 1300 rubles/m?. On the Internet you can find deals with the price of about 500 rubles/m, but this coating just will not have the guarantee of a quarter of a century. Moisture proof laminate refers to commercial, therefore can only be 31-33 classes. If you offer material 31 or 32 class, moisture-proof, for a very small price – a cheap imitation. On purchase, you will save, but the save operation will fail.
• The higher density wood-fiber base layer of the panel, the higher the quality of the coating and its resistance to moisture. Choose a coating with a density of 900 kg/m³. Another indicator is the rate of inflation, which determines the loss of the bar geometrical shape while in the water 24 hours. If the ratio is above 18%, then refrain from buying such a laminate.
• The optimal solution for kitchen experts believe water-resistant laminate 32 and 33 classes. In this case, and buyers and experts note that water resistance class 33 is considerably higher than its «fellow» 31 and 32 classes. The laminate 34 of the new class to buy for installation in the kitchen is not advisable because of price (much higher) quality.
• Place of interlock panels high-quality water-resistant laminate is processed with wax, the impregnation should be deep. Such impregnation will provide good protection of the vulnerable material.

From foreign producers of water-resistant laminate note on the products of Pergo, Tarkett, Classen, Witex, Kronospan. Do not turn away from the laminate produced in Russian factories or companies Tarkett Quick Step. It is cheaper but has good quality.

On the balcony ↑

Another room in the apartment where laying laminate often raises questions and doubts with a balcony. And to the question of whether to put on the balcony of this coating, without fear of negative consequences, the answer is Yes. Yes, it is possible, however, the choice of model will depend on the condition of the balcony.

For open or non-insulated balconies (for example, standing frames «cold» aluminum) will only fit a vinyl laminate. However, due to its high cost, the question whether the use of vinyl laminate flooring for outdoor balcony is at your discretion. Water-resistant and, moreover, standard laminate, temperature changes and constant rainfall will not stand.

Lay the laminate on the balcony in that case, there is installed a two – or three-chamber glazing, insulated walls, floor and ceiling. On this «protected» the balcony temperature even in the cold winters will not fall below 14°C and there is no threat of leaks. In such conditions it is possible to use conventional coatings, but this will depend on the function of the balcony. If you decide to create on the warmed balcony of the winter garden, it makes sense to think about laying of water-resistant laminate – is unlikely to completely eliminate the common contact of the floor with spilled water.

For installation on insulated balcony choice grade laminate will depend on your ability. Of course, the coating 31 of the class (and above) has excellent performance properties, but some sort of special wear-resistance material for you on the balcony is not required.

Be sure handle lock gel laminate. This treatment will improve the elasticity of the connection and will serve as an additional floor protection from moisture.

On the extended balcony of the paving is advantageously carried out perpendicular to the longest side. So will be able to visually extend the balcony. But in any case, a little square balcony, the problem of illumination of the seams between the panels will not be as relevant as in the rooms.

The choice of color, pattern and texture of the laminate – a matter of taste and your design ideas. Thus, the coating under the tree would be appropriate on the balcony with a winter garden or designed for recreation, sports, study.

In the corridor ↑

As a floor covering in the corridor can be used:

• Laminate.
• Parquet Board or a parquet.
• Ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles.
• Linoleum.
• Carpet (carpet).

It is possible that simultaneous use of different finishes of the corridor.

Come from the area of the corridor, loads and design of this building. Laminate is one of the best options in terms of price and quality.

In order to visually expand the narrow corridor, the panels should be laid across the room, perpendicular to the side walls. It is not only known design techniques, but also the most economical method of installation.

The choice in favor of the household (classes 21-23) or commercial (classes 31-33) coverage, it is advisable to do a simple comparison of their qualities, and on the basis of the actual load on the floor in the hallway in your apartment. If a family of 2-3 people, no small children and dogs, it makes sense to buy a much more expensive laminate 33 class just because he’s better, probably not. This is a commercial coating for areas with heavy traffic. You will walk the corridor of 50-70 office workers. Another thing is, little kids 2-3 kids constant running can equivalent to replace most of these office workers. So make the decision based on the size of your family.

As a conclusion ↑

Kitchen best water-resistant laminate 32-33 class.

On the balcony lay coverage is reasonable only under the condition that the balcony is glazed and insulated. Corridor restrictions on stacking no, the class material you should choose based on the actual load on the floor.

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