Laminate is a proven flooring that is firmly and probably a long time in our lives. The material combines a good value for money. It is not as expensive and difficult to maintain as parquet, but more durable than linoleum. Today, such a coating can be used in almost any room, even in such problematic ones as a kitchen or a bathroom, in which most owners prefer to lay porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles.
If such a choice is justified in the bathroom, then in the kitchen it is not very pleasant to walk on the cold floor. Today, manufacturers of such a coating, in collaboration with designers, have developed a laminate with a pattern of stone or tile.
Where is this material used?
In the kitchen or hallway, in the living room andthe dining room, on the glazed loggia and in the bathroom, the use of such a coating is allowed. True, in the latter case, the requirements for a stone or tile laminate are more stringent. At the same time, it is necessary to carefully consider the ventilation system.
Features of ceramic tile coating
It is known that laminate is much warmer than tile, it is more pleasant to walk on it. Many buyers like a rough surface that mimics the natural texture. In addition, the laminate imitating ceramic floor tiles has an anti-slip effect, which distinguishes it from natural material.
Manufacturers offer such panels in the form of boards, consisting of two to four segments, or in the form of individual tiles. The latter option is difficult to distinguish from the original material, so its cost is much higher. And the second with an optical chamfer (image, pattern). It is more often used in rooms where the flooring is subjected to heavy loads, for example, in the hallway. In recent years, in addition to its direct purpose, a stone-like laminate is also mounted on the wall. This decision is justified when decorating a living room, kitchen or bedroom.
Can laminate replace tile?
To answer this question, it is necessary to take into account not only the advantages of the chosen flooring, but also the disadvantages of ceramics. Undoubtedly, tiles have many undeniable advantages: increased resistance to moisture and chemical attack, a variety of textures,drawings and colors. But, for families with young children who are constantly running around, hard tiles can play a cruel joke: falling on them, a child can be seriously injured. Tiles are not easy to install, keep heat worse and are also quite expensive.
Features of natural stone laminate flooring
Specialists know that natural stone, like tile, is quite difficult to install. In addition, it is a heavy material that costs much more than laminate. Manufacturers produce collections for sandstone, marble, granite. Board sizes vary. Unlike natural material, the color palette of the laminate is much more diverse, which allows you to choose an option for any interior.
The atmosphere of comfort will be created by shades of onyx and anthracite. And marble is more suitable for the hallway, loggia, kitchen.
Material advantages
It is important for many homeowners to know what advantages a stone-like laminate or ceramic tile has over natural material. This flooring meets the following parameters:
- Easy to install and repair. Even a non-professional can work with him. The panel can be easily removed for replacement or repair. Ceramic tiles cannot boast of this, and natural stone for replacement is extremely difficult to remove.
- Resistance to mechanical damage. Undoubtedly, ceramics are stronger, but laminate reacts more flexible to impacts: it will bend rather than burst under the impact of a heavy object.
- The material is not afraid of temperature changes.
Main coating characteristics:
- Wear resistance. The material is not prone to abrasion during operation. If you want it to last longer, choose Grade 33 stone or tile effect laminate: it retains its shape and appearance for a long time.
- Strength. This characteristic depends on the thickness of the lamellae, which ranges from 8 to 12 mm. This is quite enough to create a durable and very even floor. High strength materials are available. For premium collections, ceramic tile or stone laminate offers an extra layer of protective film.
- Moisture resistance. This is an indispensable condition for all rooms that have a high level of humidity - kitchens, bathrooms. In such materials, the ends of the planks are impregnated with a hydrophobic compound that increases moisture resistance.
How to choose a cover?
When choosing a laminate for a tile or stone in the kitchen, ask the manufacturer, ask the seller for quality certificates. The slats should be perfectly even with a layer of green. Be sure to pay attention to the oiliness of the wax and the strength of the locks.
It is necessary to take into account the illumination of the room, humidity, and the intensity of traffic on it. In a dark room of small size, you should give preference to a small pattern and light colors - this will noticeably increase the space.
When choosing a stone or ceramic effect laminate, choose a material with a lower formaldehyde content.
Popular Manufacturers
Large assortmentlaminate from European, as well as Russian and Chinese manufacturers raises many questions from buyers. We invite you to get acquainted with the best brands in 2018-2019, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of their products. We hope this helps you choose a quality laminate.
Witex
Witex (Germany) is one of the most famous manufacturers of laminated coatings. If you are interested in stone effect laminate, pay attention to the Marena Stone V4 collection. This is a rather expensive option. The unique locking connection Loc-Tec allows you to lay it quickly and efficiently, even for a person who does not have such experience. The collection includes 12 different decors imitating natural stone. This line can be used in the kitchen as well as in the bathroom due to its high water resistance.
Egge
Egger is one of the largest companies in Europe. It specializes in the production of laminated materials. Its factories are located in Germany and Austria, Sweden and Italy, Russia. Experts estimate that Egger laminate flooring is produced annually in excess of 30 million m². The company's products are of high European quality, durability, reliability, variety of decors and textures.
It's important to know that Egger Grade 32 and Grade 33 laminate is designed for use in all types of premises, as well as in commercial areas with an average floor load.
Quick Step
This manufacturer offers an excellent imitation with several finishes. slatsimitate stone, repeating its color scheme and texture. The boards have slightly bevelled edges giving the impression of a natural finish. Gray, very light or dark material decors look good in the kitchen and in the bedroom, hallway and living room.
As a rule, this material is laid perpendicular to each other. Very thin ribbed stripes create a stylish look.
Parador
Great grade 32. The collections are distinguished by the presence of patterns of granite, marble, as well as slate and mica. The combination of white and black marble looks original (Trendtime 4 collection). This option is suitable for a minimalist and strict interior.
The advantages of the stone-effect laminate from this manufacturer include the special design of the lamellas, as well as the materials used. The basis is a moisture-resistant plate with a high level of moisture resistance. In addition, the manufacturer has patented a special locking system that can easily withstand severe breaking loads.
Wineo Marena Stone V4
The decors of this collection are famous for the matte surface of the lamellas imitating polished stone. Tiles measuring 30 x 60 cm, have a V-shaped chamfer along the perimeter. This material is suitable for kitchens, living rooms and hallways. The manufacturer guarantees 20 years of operation.
B alterio
This manufacturer offers several interesting options for stone-look laminate, but the B alterio Pure Stone collection deserves special attention,combining the best qualities of the relief texture of natural stone and the highest quality laminated coating. Many buyers are attracted by the large size of the slats - they make any room spacious.
Mostflooring Marble
Belgian manufacturers offer buyers excellent material - laminate for ceramic tiles and stone "Mostflooring Marble". The basis of this coating is a fibreboard. Its thickness allows you to install the coating in various rooms.
Laminate Mostflooring meets all European and international quality standards, has excellent performance. Its advantages include strength, practicality, durability, moisture resistance, heat and sound insulation, hygiene, resistance to aggressive environments.
Alloc
The company offers a truly unique collection of Commercial Stone. The coating perfectly imitates the surface of the stone. The slats are equipped with a noise-absorbing substrate, which reduces household noise by 50%. In production, only the latest technologies are used, which provides products with protection from moisture. Coatings can be used in any room.
Features of the choice of laminate in the kitchen
We would like to draw your attention to this issue, since the kitchen is a special room where we cook and eat, and the he alth of our loved ones depends on how well the finishing materials for its design are chosen.
That's why you need to pay attention to the classenvironmental safety vending coverage. As a rule, the instructions on the packaging of the material contain information on whether it contains formaldehyde and other toxic substances. Laminate that does not contain formaldehyde is assigned an environmental class E1
Acoustic characteristics. This is not to say that the sonorous sound of steps on such a coating is a common problem. However, it can be annoying, especially if you're not used to it. Therefore, when laying laminate under a stone in the kitchen (especially dense), it is necessary to choose a material with a soundproof lining.
Laminate has a rather complicated relationship with moisture, which is in abundance in the kitchen. However, we found out that modern manufacturers offer materials with increased moisture and water resistance. It differs from ordinary laminate in the processing of the interlock and special impregnations, which allows for a long time to protect the wood board from moisture. Such material is somewhat more expensive, but it should be chosen for the kitchen. Moisture-resistant and waterproof laminate under a stone or tile differs only in the amount of impregnation. Therefore, you need to decide if you can keep the coating constantly dry: if so, then you can afford to save a little and buy moisture resistant, if not, then you should choose waterproof.
There is a laminate that seems to be made for the kitchen. The floor tile look is perfect for this space. Imitation is not limited to drawing - it is usuallyavailable with a texture of ceramics or natural stone. Class 33 coating is ideal for laying in the kitchen - it is the most resistant to abrasion and durable. At the same time, experts believe that it is permissible to use coverage of 31 and 32 classes. Their technical characteristics are quite enough to serve in a typical kitchen for 10 years or more.
How to care for laminate flooring?
Recommendations for caring for tile or stone laminate are no different from traditional ones:
- do not use metal brushes to avoid damaging the surface;
- it is strictly forbidden to use aggressive cleaning agents;
- for heavily soiled use gel-based detergents;
- even water- and moisture-resistant laminate should be wiped with a dry cloth after washing.
