Is it possible to lay laminate flooring in the kitchen?

Laminate is a multi-layer floor covering based on wood-fiber board. Its shelf life varies extremely widely. Some boards will last a maximum of 4 years, while others retain their function and appearance for 20–30 years. To achieve the latter option, you need to take a responsible approach to the selection of material for a specific room. Especially when it comes to the kitchen.

Possibility of laying laminate flooring in the kitchen

Having chosen laminate as the floor covering for the entire apartment, many owners doubt whether it can be laid in the kitchen as well. Experts are sure: there is no reason to abandon popular planks.

There are several advantages to this solution.

• The finished floor looks aesthetically pleasing.
• A flat surface is easier to clean and wash.
• You can walk on the surface barefoot without fear of damaging or freezing your feet. Laminate takes on air temperature well, so it is always warm at home.

IMPORTANT! Laminate boards can look as natural as possible. At the same time, finishing a room with this material will cost much less than, for example, parquet.

Which laminate to choose for the kitchen

Moisture resistance and strength are characteristics that are required from finishing materials in the kitchen. However, these properties are poorly expressed in conventional laminate. But they have improved modified versions of the coating.

To prevent your kitchen floor from swelling due to frequent cleaning and high air humidity, take a closer look at laminate flooring that has the word “Aqua” in its name or description. The marking says that the products in question are little susceptible to deformation and destruction upon contact with liquids and steam.

IMPORTANT! Check with the retailer to see if a particular laminate is moisture-resistant or water-resistant. The latter option is preferable; it can be placed in the kitchen without fear.

• The water resistance characteristic shows that the item is not afraid of direct contact with water and resists its action for 6 hours.
• Moisture resistance only speaks of resistance to moist air. Such a coating will deteriorate within 20–30 minutes after an unswept puddle appears.

Resistance to mechanical damage increases with class. The best option for the kitchen: laminate class 32 and higher. Such products will not leave a mark from a dropped plate, and frequent sitting at the table will not lead to premature wear of the coating. The floor will last 20-25 years, unless you use detergents with glycerin.

It is also necessary to ensure that the locks of the selected product are treated with water-repellent agents, and that the main layer is an HDF board with a density of 900 kg/m³.

Products from German, Austrian and Belgian manufacturers have excellent markings (AC). The bulk of laminate boards from these countries are classified as 32 and 33 classes. However, materials belonging to the same category may have different performance properties. These differences are reflected by the AC scale.

IMPORTANT! Material of class 32 AC4 and 33 AC5 is suitable for the kitchen.

Laying laminate flooring in the kitchen

Algorithm of actions for high-quality performance of work.

1. Leveling the base.Concrete floors will require a new screed.
2. Installation of the underlay (overlapping, around the entire perimeter of the floor).
3. Flooring (work is carried out from the corner of the room).
4. Installation of skirting boards.

The material is laid in a checkerboard pattern, since in this case the joint area is blocked. An indentation is made around the pipes and near the walls: at least 8 mm for walls, at least 20–30 mm in diameter for pipes. The gaps are then closed with skirting boards.