Waterproof laminate flooring - tips for selection and installation

When it comes to bathroom flooring, the first thing that comes to mind is ceramic tile. But what if you were to replace cold stone with laminate flooring? At first glance, the idea seems a little crazy, but time goes on, and technology for the production of flooring materials is changing for the better. Today's success is water-resistant laminate flooring for the bathroom, which can even withstand a flood.

Not so long ago, spilled water on the laminate floor seemed a real disaster. Even to wash the floor had to be with the utmost caution, so that from the excess moisture the coating did not swell. So how can such a floor be suitable for the bathroom?

The thing is that for rooms with a high level of humidity used laminated flooring with special characteristics. The base of the board is made of PVC, and all joints and joints are safely sealed with wax. Thanks to this, it is absolutely not afraid of moisture. Thus the basic requirements for flooring in the bathroom are provided: durability, wear resistance and increased resistance to moisture.

Features and improved characteristics of water-resistant laminate:

• durability, so mechanical damage from dropping cans, combs and other things are not afraid of it;
• it is not deformed and does not absorb moisture when exposed to water or steam for a long time;
• it does not slip because it is covered with a special layer providing safe walking on such a floor;
• withstands temperature fluctuations, does not change its structure under its influence and is not deformed;
• antistatic properties of this type of laminate prevent the deposition and accumulation of dust and pet hair on its surface;
• hygienic coating - laminate is not affected by fungus or mold, does not accumulate microbes and does not absorb odors;
• environmental safety - the materials used for its manufacture meet all safety standards and do not emit harmful substances even when heated.

The main disadvantage water-resistant laminate is its high cost. However, the use of this type of coating has undeniable advantages. Financial investments will pay off due to the long service life of the material, its aesthetic appeal, as well as the feeling of comfort and coziness.

The secret of the improved characteristics of laminate lies in its composition. The fact is that, unlike conventional laminate, this type of coating contains a PVC board at its core, not wood-fiber. Most often it has a honeycomb structure, which provides additional heat and sound insulation. A special waterproof carpet pad protects the floor from leaks in the event of a flood. On top of the PVC board is applied a decorative film, which determines the color of the board. To protect the laminate from damage, it is additionally reinforced with a protective coating. The surface structure is determined by the top layer of the film. Despite the fact that plastic is used for its production, the appearance is incredibly attractive and expensive.

To protect the floor from the spread of fungus and mold, water-resistant laminate is additionally treated with an antibacterial agent. The secret of the main characteristic of this coating - resistance to moisture - lies in the technology of its manufacture. The fact is that all the joints and the surface itself are treated with a protective layer of wax. The process of forming the board takes place under high pressure, which provides one hundred percent impermeability to the adhesion of the layers. An additional polymer surface layer protects the laminate flooring from water and moisture, as well as from mechanical damage.

If you compare water-resistant laminate with a more traditional coating for the bathroom - ceramic tiles, you can highlight the undeniable advantages of its use.

Firstly, it is much more pleasant to step on laminate than on cold tiles. Even if the floors will not be provided with a heating system, the board retains heat better and is therefore more pleasant to the touch.

Secondly, on wet laminate, the risk of slipping tends to be zero. But on ceramics, even a special anti-slip coating doesn't always save you.

Thirdly, the appearance of laminate flooring is several times better than tile. And when choosing between these two types of coating, you should take into account that the price of high-quality ceramic tile and waterproof laminate is not so different. It should also be added that the installation of the board is much easier than laying tiles and does not require additional costs. And the different sizes and shapes of the elements can even imitate tiles.

Much earlier on the market appeared waterproof laminate. It costs less than water-resistant, which is due to its differences. The first fundamental difference between the two types is the base.

The protective properties of water-resistant laminate is much higher due to hot wax embossing, as well as the presence of an additional layer of polymer. And air chambers provide better heat retention, soundproofing and durability.

Cellular type water-resistant laminates are predominantly produced. Air chambers provide better protection against moisture penetration, increase the thermal insulation properties of the material, as well as provide soundproofing.

However, full-body PVC variants are also on the market. They are slightly thinner than the hollow ones, but they are also able to retain heat.

As for colors, there are virtually no restrictions.

Waterproof laminate can imitate:

• parquet,
• stone,
• leather,
• ceramic tile,
• mats,
• marble,
• metal.

The embossed coating, visually resembling a mat, looks rather unusual. It provides an additional massage effect.

Choose a quality water-resistant laminate flooring for the bathroom is not so difficult. But to ensure that the money is not wasted, you need to consider some nuances when choosing laminate for the bathroom.

First of all, you need to make sure that it is water-resistant laminate. It is best to buy coverage 32-33 class, It will last longer due to the better characteristics of strength and durability.

The locks should be in perfect condition and a little slippery to the touch. This means that the impregnation is done well. The planking itself should also have no chips and cracks, the corners should be even. Any defects will affect its water-repellent properties.

It is best to buy water-resistant laminate in specialized stores, where you will be competently advised and, if necessary, provided with documents confirming the high quality and claimed characteristics of the coating. Preference should be given to manufacturers that are known and tested in practice.

Poor quality surface impregnation can be detected in a simple way: simply run your fingernail over the board. If a small layer is removed - sooner or later such a laminate will lose its properties.

When buying laminate, pay attention to its class and make sure there are quality certificates.

The laminate flooring should be stored in a warm room for at least one day before installation.

Joint glue can also be used to seal the joints and protect them from moisture.

The most popular flooring materials on the market are several foreign manufacturers. These are Berry Floor, AquaStep and Dumafloor.

The undisputed leaders in sales of water-resistant laminate are Belgian companies. AquaStep manufactures 32 class laminate flooring that is highly durable and has excellent water repellent properties. The locks are impregnated with a resin compound. The Uniclick system provides a strong connection that does not allow a single drop of water under the flooring.

Another Belgian company, Berry Floor, has appeared on the market relatively recently. Their products are distinguished by a high quality of materials and an increased level of protection of lamellae against moisture. Even prolonged contact with water does not break the structure of the boards.

Another leader is the French company Dumafloor. They produce water-resistant laminate of two types: 31 and 32 class. Water-repellent properties are enhanced with an electron-beam-treated coating. The Click lock system ensures quick installation and a secure bond.

All manufacturers offer laminate in different sizes, imitating wood, ceramic tiles or other materials.

Water-resistant laminate is quite easy to install, so its laying can be made even by yourself, without help.

First of all, it is necessary to prepare the room. The floor is carefully swept, its surface must be clean and even. If there are significant distortions and unevenness, it is better to make an additional screed with a self-levelling mixture.

Carpet pad for laminate flooring serves as a shock absorber and provides additional waterproofing. It should be laid over the entire area of the floor, and the joints should be fixed with masking tape. Start with the far left corner of the floor. Along the walls should remain gaps of about 8-10 mm, so that when the flooring expands, it does not deform. At the end of the installation they will be covered with a skirting board.

Laying is done "brick by brick", so that the seams do not coincide. To saw the boards will need a tape measure for measuring, a pencil and an electric jigsaw. The tongue and groove joints make it easy and quick to install the floor. For better joints, you can use a special sealing compound. With the help of a wooden bar and a rubber mallet, laminate panels are fitted closely together.

Several laying techniques can be used to visually expand the space:

• Diagonal - Especially relevant when using laminate, which imitates the square ceramic tiles. This method of laying visually extends the walls, but requires more effort and certain skills.
• Horizontal - Boards are laid across the room, thus expanding it.
• Vertical - The laminate flooring is installed longitudinally to visually lengthen the room.

In terms of care, water-resistant laminate is not much different from the usual. Despite its properties, it is better not to expose the coating unnecessarily prolonged exposure to water. Puddles and drops should be wiped dry with a rag.

Periodically, it should be washed with special care products to ensure that the floor is hygienically clean. Of course, this is not a prerequisite, but so its appearance will remain attractive longer, the surface will shine clean and protected from the negative effects of various factors. And special fragrances in detergents will provide a pleasant fragrance.

Compared to other types of flooring, laminate is always a winner. The water-resistant type of coating ensures that the floor is protected against leaks and bloating of the boards. In addition, the appearance of laminate is always superior to other materials. With such a floor, the bathroom will acquire an atmosphere of warmth and comfort and will look much more attractive and luxurious.