The contents
Performance laminate and rich selection of colors, textures and drawings, the relative ease of installation make you think about the possibility of using it to decorate the walls. Of course, first and foremost is the flooring, very popular, and as the wall is used not very often. However, laminate can make interesting and fresh «notes» in the design space that when it is used for its intended purpose. Which laminate to choose for laying on the wall and what are the specifics of this installation?
Arguments «for» ↑
At first glance, the idea to decorate with laminate wall or niche is quite unexpected. However, if you look, there are strong arguments in favor of this decision:
- Beautiful appearance. Some models of this coating is difficult to distinguish from natural wood of valuable breeds.
- The durability, strength and long service life. The upper protective layer protects the laminate from external influences.
- Antistatic.
- Simple installation that can fulfill literally any person.
- Easy-care laminate in the operation.
- Affordable price for a material with such characteristics and appearance.
This cover has all the qualities to become part of the original and stylish design of the room, even if not very usual «role». Laminate on the floor and on the wall, picked up in one color scheme will help visually expand the room.
The choice of laminate for the walls ↑
The choice of connection panels (glue or locking) depends on the class of laminate. Coating 21-23 classes are not available with Click-lock laminate of this class is the only glue joint. Laminate with an adhesive connection is mounted on the leveled surface while the adhesive is applied in a zigzag pattern on the back side of the panel. Then glue is applied to the end of the panel and put the following. Excess adhesive is immediately removed with a damp cloth that is moistened in a weak solution of vinegar. Under the bottom panel enclose the bar as it stops that the design did not start to slip down.
Laminate with locks Lock and the Thumb is attached to the wall using liquid nails and Kleimenov. Claimer is galvanized staples, they vary in size and form. One type of Kleimenov has teeth that are driven into the end of the panel and are fixed with screws or nails to furring or wall, other flat projection entering the groove of the panel. Claimer specially created for attaching siding, laminate and other similar coatings on the walls, providing a very secure attachment.
Where and how are we going to use? ↑
Let’s start with the rooms where lay the laminate on the wall should not be. This is the kitchen, bathroom, non-insulated balcony, cellar in the country house. Variations in humidity and temperature will affect the material and it will quickly lose the appearance.
Traditionally, the laminate is used to decorate the walls in the hallway the height of the panel. Make this covering part of the wall above the headboard in the bedroom, laminate is made of decorative panel for television in living room, surface mounted niche. The different shades of material in one color on the floor and on the wall creates an interesting effect.
Features of the installation process ↑
Laminate flooring is designed for installation on the floor, and the technology of its installation on the wall, taking into account all the specific characteristics of this material are not yet fully developed. Only recently some manufacturers began to produce a special frame for mounting the cover on the wall.
One group of experts refers to the extensive practical experience and in posted the online video shows the mount with liquid nails, Claymore and even screws and nails. Some manufacturers (e.g., Egger) in the video show that the first bottom panel is secured with screws at the bottom but at the top of hammered cloves (so attach the lining).
Another group of specialists argues, and argues rightly that the coating can not be fixed firmly on it and called «floating floors». And twisted the screw or nail is not very compatible with the notion «floating floor».
The truth, as usual, is somewhere in the middle. To abandon the use of the laminate as a material for decorating walls on the basis of theoretically correct judgments of the second group of specialists is not necessary. But these judgments, too, is impossible to ignore.
When the glue method of fixing the wall surface should be dry and very smooth. You cannot fasten the material to the drywall, which is simply glued to the wall under the weight of the whole structure collapses. It should be remembered that the laminate is sufficiently heavy material.
For mounting on a lathing step bars should not exceed 600 mm. For the vertical installation of laminate bars sheathing placed horizontally, and the horizontal bars are mounted vertically.
Between the structure of a laminate on the wall and the walls in the room you want to leave a distance of about 10 mm. the same distance should be between the structure and the floor. To respect this distance, use plastic wedges.
When laying laminate on the wall horizontally is required to comply with the stagger or offset the next row by one-third of the panel. Everything as if you were laying on the floor. With one long vertical seam of the load on the fastener increases. Installation is convenient to start from the left corner of the wall and move right. However, it is more convenient to work «the right-hander», «left-handers» more convenient to start from the right corner.
Conclusion ↑
You should avoid to use laminate for the decoration of walls in rooms with large variations in humidity and temperature.
The significant weight of this flooring requires secure mounting. The wall surface by the adhesive method must be smooth and dry. When mounting on the crate is better to avoid frequent rigid fixation material. Remember that the processing of end panel base for laminate will increase the elasticity of joints.
You’ll need quite a bit of time to practice to check these tips, then work will be easy. You will need only attention and accuracy. The reward for your work will be original and stylish design of the room.
