Laminate in the bathroom: features and rules of choice

Laminate for the bathroom is presented in the collections of many manufacturers. This coating, which has proven itself perfectly in residential premises, is now available in a special moisture-resistant format and harmoniously emphasizes the special aesthetics of the interior.

Moisture-resistant plastic laminate and other varieties on the wall and floor can radically change all ideas about the decoration of rooms with special requirements for the quality of materials. Of course, for many, 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 opportunities that a laminate gives in a bathroom. With it, you can easily create a modern finish, bring the spirit of Scandinavia or the laconicism of Japanese minimalism into space. Laying lamellas is often practiced in combination with water heated floors.

Choosing a laminate for a bathroom, you should learn as much as possible about its features and properties. This covering can be put on a floor, walls, a ceiling, to issue niches or ledges with its help. Laminated tops are made of different materials and are combined only by applying decor.

Among the features of a moisture resistant laminate, the following can be distinguished.

1. Antiseptic impregnation that prevents the formation of fungus or mold. This is true for rooms with a high level of humidity.
2. Non-slip outer coating. Even in contact with a moist sole of the feet, the material will not fall, resulting in personal injury.
3. Increased rates of mechanical and physical strength. The floor can easily withstand shock loads or frequent wet cleaning.
4. The increased water tightness. Actual for waterproof species.
5. The ability to withstand temperature changes. Floor or wall coverings under the influence of steam and heat should not lose their original geometry.

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 its installation.

All varieties of the bathroom laminate available 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 coating is based on an HDF-plate with water-repellent components, antifungal impregnation, which can protect the material from any external negative influences for a long time. In direct contact with moisture, the material retains the ability to hold it on the surface for up to 2-3 hours.

The castle compound uses a mixture of silicone and wax, which provides a high level of protection against the ingress of moisture inside. The substrate is thicker than a conventional laminate, coated with paraffin or a composition based on it.

But the moisture resistant laminate has its own characteristics. With prolonged contact with water, it is not able to withstand its effects, gradually loses its water resistance.

A waterproof or waterproof laminate is made with a base from the same high-density plate, and incorporates highly effective antifungal additives. In addition, its front side is covered with a polymer layer capable of eliminating moisture absorption. Lamels of this type are able to withstand 5-6 hours in direct contact with water, but with longer stagnation, water still deteriorates.

Water-resistant species include plastic vinyl laminate. It is made of PVC that meets safety requirements. Such a floor in the bathroom is completely not afraid of moisture and is capable of holding it on the surface for a long time.

To ensure that the coating is completely airtight, during masonry, the seams and ends of the boards are additionally treated with plumbing silicone sealant. Many high-end products already have such a coating applied at the factory.

Polymeric types of laminate usually have a double structure with an air gap and stiffeners to improve thermal insulation properties. Plastic base lamellas have a decorative coating on a paper basisable to reliably simulate the surface of wood, stone and other popular finishing materials. Applied outside acrylate resinsupplemented with corundum powder to increase wear resistance and chemical resistance.

As a waterproof laminate, a special terrace board (decking), also made of a polymer-wood composite, often acts. The material may have a textured surface that prevents slipping.But such a material has a smaller choice of textures and colors, so it’s more difficult to choose it for the interior of a house or apartment.

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

Among the basic criteria, the following can be noted.

1. Material grade. In household series, it starts with the number 2, in a commercial laminate - with 3. In the bathroom, it is better to choose a class of at least 33 and with an external abrasion resistance of AC of at least 5-6 units.
2. Purpose of the material. Laminate flooring should be waterproof, impervious to leaks. It is better to give preference to options on a polymer or vinyl basis. A laminate of the household class 22-23 can be laid on the wall, since it will be less subject to friction, and an HDF plate will be suitable as a basis.
3. Plate density. The higher it is, the better will be the ability of the material to withstand moisture. If there are products with different indicators, it is recommended to choose those that will have the highest.
4. Surface smoothness. It is better to avoid excessively glossy coatings that can slip on after taking a shower or bath. In addition, the corrugated structure always looks more expensive and spectacular.
5. Swelling coefficient. 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 joining panels. Locked products are the most reliable; they provide high tightness. But the technology of laying the laminate requires strict adherence to all recommendations. Lamels without a lock will have to be additionally sealed at the seams, otherwise such a floor will not be fully waterproof.
7. Special marking available. The packaging must bear the words “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. You should not save and choose a cheaper Chinese laminate - the quality and service life will be much lower.
9. Design. It is better to choose a wall laminate among products resembling 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 are: regular cleaning and protection of the outer coating from damage. If scratches, chips appear on the surface, they can be repaired with putty or a special pencil, if a wax coating is used, polishes on a similar basis are suitable. The temperature regime in the room is recommended to be maintained within +18 degrees and above.

It is worth considering that You can update the polish layer on the floor surface no more than 2 times a year. For wet cleaning, use soft sponge mops or microfiber rags that do not damage the floor. In addition, any traces of spilled water must be wiped off immediately without leaving them on the floor surface. It is necessary to seal the coating around the perimeter, where water can enter the area of ​​the junction with the wall under the panel. On average, the sealant loses its properties in 4-5 years, then it needs to be updated.

The opinions of people already using the laminate in the interior of the bathroom look quite unambiguously: moisture-resistant coatings with proper installation are fully justified. Many collections from well-known manufacturers withstand contact with moisture and even spilled water no worse than tiles. And in terms of aesthetics, the laminate completely surpasses most of the finishing materials.

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

In the house or in the country there will be enough 32 classes. 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 a moisture-resistant laminate in the bathroom, fast abrasion. Many advertised coatings lose their decorative effect in less than 1 year of operation. In addition, during the bay, some types of laminate swell no worse than natural parquet.

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

Laminate in walnut shades is used to cover the floor and part of the walls. Mirror panels and marble allow harmoniously to shade the invoice and drawing of a tree, without turning the interior into a sample of vintage decor.

The laminate with the original design effectively complements the bathroom. Longitudinal stripes on the surface of the flooring form bizarre color transitions.

Gorgeous light laminate with an aged surface effect Looks great in both modern and classic interiors.

Features laying laminate flooring in the bathroom are given in the following video.