Modern technologies for the production of building materials have made it possible to create an excellent alternative to the usual floor coverings in bathrooms - waterproof and moisture-resistant laminate. In order to make an informed choice of a specific coating, you should briefly familiarize yourself with their characteristics and differences.
Laminate in the bathroom
Laminate for bathroom
Introduction
Water and humidity are the main enemies of such flooring
This coating will be an excellent alternative to boring tiles that are slippery and cold to the touch. It gives the room coziness and elegance. Although laminate does not seem like a suitable type of floor for a bathroom, modern developers of building materials, thanks to new technologies for processing boards, have managed to improve its moisture resistance.
So, if you choose the appropriate type of product, carry out installation according to all the rules, carry out careful maintenance, and correct operation, the floor will delight its owners for decades . Let's look at the types of corresponding floor boards and review the most popular brands on the market. We’ll also look at recommendations for laying the coating yourself.
Types of laminate
A room with a wooden floor looks very cozy
A typical high-quality laminate consists of at least four layers:
- The stabilizing substrate is a layer of thick paper (kraft cardboard) impregnated with paraffin or resin. It is laid under the base to provide the structure with moisture resistance and protection from curvature.
- The base is the thickest layer, which is responsible for the strength, resistance to deformation, and durability of the board. Connection locks are machined in this part
- A decorative element is a picture on paper that imitates a natural coating. The most popular images are wood, marble, granite, mat, leather, metal, ceramics
- A protective resin coating that protects the design from abrasion, gives it a glossy shine, and emphasizes the relief texture
Some manufacturers include an additional layer in the form of a special film that provides barrier protection against fungus and mold.
The product, which is suitable for installation in the bathroom, differs from ordinary boards in its higher moisture resistance characteristics. It does not swell, does not get wet, and with high-quality installation, water does not penetrate inside through the seams of the locking joint. There are two laminate options suitable for installation in bathrooms.
Moisture-resistant coating
Moisture-resistant board is afraid of prolonged contact with liquid
The base material used here is compressed wood fibers HDF (the English abbreviation means high-density board). There is a thick substrate treated with paraffin; locks and grooves of structural elements are also impregnated with it. All layers are connected with a special waterproof epoxy glue, and the top coating is made of a polymer film - it protects against abrasion, repels liquid, and holds it on the surface.
Such a floor is quite capable of withstanding short-term contact with water, but if an accident occurs and the room is flooded for a long time, the liquid will be absorbed through the joints and penetrate into the wood layer. As a result, the floor covering will swell, bulge, and become deformed. Also, the board gets wet over time due to frequent changes in humidity - so a moisture-resistant laminate is more suitable for a hallway, kitchen, or toilet that is not combined with a bathroom.
Waterproof coating
Here the base is made of durable, safe PVC plastic, which is absolutely insensitive to water. Even if the room floods in the event of a water pipe break, and the liquid sits for many hours, the board will not be damaged.
The weak point here is the seams, so all the ends and locks of the boards, in addition to the wax coating, are treated with a special silicone sealant
During installation, it is recommended to additionally coat the joints of the lamellas with an additional sealant. It will not hurt even if, according to the manufacturers of the chosen brand, the board has already been treated with a similar composition.
Most often, the plastic base consists of two levels, which are connected by vertical plates - as a result, a cellular air layer is formed inside, which provides reliable thermal insulation. The lamellas are more durable, resistant to damage, and durable. The plastic base is covered with decorative paper with a textured pattern, and the front layer is made of acrylate resin with the addition of corundum.
Corundum is a transparent mineral that has high hardness, resistance to acids, moisture, and temperatures. It is also called stone glass substitute.
The ends of the laminate are treated with silicone, the back side of the base is treated with wax. The top polymer film does not conduct static electricity. All levels are glued with a special waterproof glue.
Advantages of plastic laminate flooring
It's nice to step on this floor with bare feet.
So, we came to the conclusion that a product that is characterized as waterproof is more suitable for the bathroom. It is also called vinyl. What advantages does it have?
- It does not absorb moisture at all and does not allow it to pass through.
- The coating is durable, wear-resistant, does not swell, does not delaminate
- It is not afraid of intense loads and increased use
- Tolerates room temperature changes perfectly. It can be laid on uninsulated loggias and balconies, where the temperature can vary from -20°C to +50°C
- Mold does not grow in plastic and fungus does not spread
- Easy to care for, just wash
- The material is considered environmentally friendly and safe for health. It does not emit harmful fumes or toxic compounds into the air
- PVC lamellas are low-flammable products; when exposed to fire, they melt - which means they do not contribute to the rapid spread of flames
The disadvantages include the high cost - it is an order of magnitude higher than a regular board, and is priced a little more expensive than the moisture-resistant variety. The range of the latter, by the way, is much wider, so we will also consider the lower availability of waterproof laminate as a minus.
Classic version
Bathroom floors require that the products used have a special laminated coating. However, classic laminate does not meet these requirements, so its use in a shower room is not recommended. This material does not tolerate high humidity, as well as direct contact with water. As a result, its use is limited to living space or kitchen. Otherwise, you risk losing a significant amount, since deformation of the laminate occurs after a short period of time.
Board class
More details about class
Laminate flooring is usually distinguished by class categories. It should be noted that at present this concept is considered relative, because each manufacturer independently assigns a position to its products. The indicator is calculated based on the impact resistance, wear resistance, moisture resistance, and sound insulation of the product.
The higher the marking, the more expensive the price, the stronger the physical characteristics. Depending on the installation location, there are two groups of laminates: for home (domestic needs) and for commercial needs (products suitable for installation in premises with intensive use). The class of the former begins with the number “2”, and the latter with “3”.
The second number is responsible for the wear resistance of the load-bearing layer and the strength of the lamella as a whole, respectively, when it comes to choosing flooring for the bathroom - the higher the number, the better. Currently, classes 21, 22 and 23 are gradually disappearing from stores, since developers prefer to produce only categories 31, 32, 33, 34 - they are better sold out, because the product lasts much longer.
When assessing the quality of a laminate, there is another marking - the durability of the top, protective layer. It is designated by the letters AC and numbers from 3 to 6. That is, two lamellas of classes 32 and 34 can be approximately the same in terms of wear resistance if the front layer has a higher rating than the second.
How to choose
Hundreds of colors, brands, varieties await you in the store
We have determined that a waterproof or plastic (vinyl) laminate with markings 33-34 and AC 5-6 is more suitable for the bathroom. What else should you pay attention to when purchasing?
- Study the packaging - products with good water-repellent properties always have the designation “aqua”
- Pay attention to the country of origin - European goods are usually of higher quality than Chinese ones. Often 32 class Belgian laminate turns out to be more reliable than 34 eastern edition
- Find out in advance the prices for the same laminated boards in different stores - waterproof products are expensive, so even a slight reduction in cost can help you save a lot
- Directly ask the construction department to show how the locks work - are there any gaps left, does the mechanism snap easily
- Avoid products with a smooth face layer to avoid falls due to wet feet and how many floors. It is better to choose a corrugated texture
If you decide to buy a moisture-resistant coating, additionally check the swelling coefficient and the density of the wood fiber base. The first should not exceed 18%, and the value of the second should be as high as possible.
Self-leveling solutions
One way to level the surface quickly and easily is with a self-leveling self-leveling floor. Today there are many varieties of such solutions.
- They are not difficult to knead
- They have good spreadability;
- They freeze quickly.
Step-by-step instructions for preparing such a mixture are written on all packages; usually these are the same steps:
- Pour water into a large container;
- Pour in the mixture;
- Mix with a construction mixer or using a special drill attachment until a homogeneous mixture without lumps is formed;
- Pour the solution onto the floor, distribute it evenly with a spatula;
- Use a needle roller to get rid of any air bubbles that have formed;
- Cover the floor with plastic and let it harden.
Locking mechanism
Review of manufacturers
European manufacturers are the key to reliability and quality
Products manufactured in Europe are considered more reliable; their performance characteristics are far superior to those from China.
The best brands of plastic laminate
Aqua Step - waterproof board with perfect wood imitation
Let's take a look at the leading vinyl laminate manufacturers on the market:
| Name | Country of issue | Characteristic |
| Dumaplast | Belgium-France |
|
| AquaStep | Belgium |
|
Manufacturers of moisture-resistant laminate flooring
Choose a good coating so you don’t have to worry about a brand new renovation
Sometimes moisture-resistant laminate is also used for installation in the bathroom. Let's look at the best brands.
| Name | Country of issue | Characteristic |
| Quick Step | Belgium |
|
| Classen | Germany |
|
| Kaindl | Austria |
|
| Kronotex | Germany-Russia |
|
Product line from Quick Step
Semi-dry concrete
Concrete screed for laminate flooring is a very good choice, but installation will be labor-intensive.
- Before work, the surface must be cleaned and covered with a layer of primer;
- Correctly calculate the amount of solution;
- Place waterproofing tape;
- Install beacons, with the help of which the height of the concrete layer will be adjusted;
- Mix a solution of concrete and water;
- Pour the solution onto the floor;
- Allow to harden, periodically moistening with water to prevent cracks from forming.
It is advisable to do all the work in one day.
DIY installation tips
If you are afraid, trust the installation to a professional
It is difficult to describe how to lay laminate within one small section - separate articles with a larger volume are devoted to this. Here we will mention important subtleties, knowledge of which will protect you from incorrect actions:
- The quantity of the product is calculated based on the area of the room. Always buy 10% more to have extra in case of damaged or damaged items
- The purchased laminate must rest in its premises for at least 3 days (we open the packaging)
- It is important to prepare the floor surface: cover up cracks, level it, treat it with a primer for better adhesion
- The evenness of the floor is checked using a building level
- Consider additional waterproofing of the floor (not necessary, but recommended)
- Laying can be directly perpendicular to the walls and diagonal. The first one is much easier to do with your own hands.
- Before starting work, do not be lazy to draw a laying diagram
- Don’t forget to purchase a backing for the laminate – polystyrene foam layers
- Check the distance between the bottom of the door and the floor so that after laying the laminate, it does not turn out to be touching the coating when opening. If necessary, the door is removed from its hinges and shortened
The coating helps give the room a stylish look
Laminate that is suitable for installation in a bathroom must be resistant to moisture and must not allow water to pass through. These are the two main criteria for an ideal product that will last for many years without changes in appearance. Purchasing a waterproof or moisture-resistant board is an individual choice for each buyer.
Carefully study all the characteristics of potential applicants, consult with a repair specialist or, at worst, with a manager at a hardware store. We recommend choosing a laminate from a European developer, marked 33-34, preferably with a plastic base. If you are still inclined to choose a board made of super-durable fiberboard, purchase a collection specifically designed for rooms with changes in humidity.
Watch a video that clearly explains how to properly install laminate flooring in a bathroom:
Laminate for bathroom walls: features of selection, installation and care
Laminate flooring on the wall in the bathroom, selected in accordance with the interior of the room, looks original and unusual. To quickly finish the walls in the bathroom, choose a laminate with water-repellent properties. To fix the laminated slats, the construction of a lattice frame made of bars is required.
The lathing is installed strictly according to the level, the surfaces of the walls are treated with an antiseptic composition
The panels are attached to the sheathing using various fasteners:
- self-tapping screws;
- nails, including liquid ones;
- staples for a stapler.
Fastening with self-tapping screws
Fastening with a stapler
Fastening with clamps
Vinyl self-adhesive laminated sheets are quickly fixed to a pre-aligned and prepared wall sheet. The surface should be as flat as possible so that the lamellas are evenly glued over the entire area of their base. If there is no time and materials for preparatory work, then choose lathing.
Installation of a frame or sheathing is also necessary if interlocking or tongue-and-groove lamellas are purchased for wall finishing. The undeniable advantage of frame sheathing in comparison with the adhesive method of fixing lamellas is the presence of free space in which wiring and all other communications are hidden.
The main rules for caring for laminate flooring are regular cleaning and protecting the outer covering from damage.
Caring for laminated walls is easy. Wipe the smooth surface with a damp cloth, after which it shines like new.
In conclusion, it should be noted that manufacturers’ catalogs contain laminated finishing materials suitable for renovation work in bathrooms.
