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
Pros of waterproof laminate
Many people abandon ceramic tiles in favor of laminate: this material has real advantages. First of all, it is not as cold as tile.
It is much more pleasant to walk on the floor with bare feet on such a surface. In addition, laminate has higher sound insulation and is much easier to install.
If regular laminate cannot be used in rooms with high humidity, then waterproof types are perfect for finishing a modern bathroom. The popularity of such material is growing every day.
The main advantages of waterproof laminate:
- Speed and ease of installation;
- Huge selection of textures and shades;
- Resistance to mechanical damage;
- Long-term operation;
- Non-slip surface;
- Environmental Safety.
Moisture-resistant laminate flooring is a coating on which it is impossible to slip even when there is water on it.
During operation, the material does not create any problems: it does not become covered with cracks or scratches, does not form chips and maintains its integrity for decades.
Waterproof laminate is made on a plastic base, which completely eliminates the possibility of water penetration.
Laminate coatings can even withstand sudden flooding due to service breaks or washing machine leaks. Sometimes the joints are additionally protected with rubber seals.
Which one is best to choose?
Laminate, ideal for wall coverings in the bathroom, is divided into moisture- and water-resistant. The first is made on the basis of wood-based materials. It is not intended for direct and prolonged contact with water and has surface protection against atmospheric moisture. When wet for a long time, the material swells and loses its original properties. The waterproof material is made from artificial compounds and is therefore ideally protected from both dampness and water. It is most suitable for installation in the bathroom.
Types of waterproof laminate
Laminate with waterproof characteristics is produced on the basis of:
- Plastic or polyvinyl chloride.
- Vinyl multilayer.
PVC-based laminate has a simple single-layer structure. The lamellas have air pockets in their design. They serve to increase the sound and heat insulation properties of the material, as well as reduce its weight while maintaining strength. The front side of the panels has decorative and protective layers.
Vinyl is the most modern and ideal finishing material for bathrooms. Its structure includes at least 4 layers - protective, textured, elastic and responsible for strength. Available in different modifications - panels, tiles, rolls. There are also materials with a self-adhesive adhesive base.
Material selection
The price of laminate flooring for a bathroom depends on the service life and class of the product.
The material consists of several layers:
- Basic (PVC);
- Two wide PVC layers with the addition of quartz;
- Decorative;
- Protective (made of polyurethane).
The thickness of the last layer determines the durability of the waterproof coating.
To decorate a bathroom with a moisture-resistant laminate, you must use products with a class of at least 34. A properly laid coating will last 20 years or more without changing its qualities and appearance.
Moisture resistant
Made from compressed wood fibers. Moisture-resistant laminate slabs are highly dense. It has a thick backing that is treated with paraffin.
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The coating is securely bonded with epoxy adhesive. The top of the laminate is covered with a polymer film that protects against abrasions and the harmful effects of moisture.
This type of flooring can withstand contact with liquid for only a short period of time. Unfortunately, it will not cope with a large-scale water main break.
Appearance of waterproof laminate
Modern manufacturers produce vinyl laminate in a variety of colors. Material that imitates valuable wood species is very popular.
Visually distinguishing such a coating from natural wood is not at all easy. This type of finish will look great in a country style bathroom.
Where can I buy laminate flooring for the bathroom at a good price, which will suit the quality, color and price? Popular online stores of building materials offer a wide range of materials at an affordable price.
- Light-colored panels are great for decorating rooms in the popular Scandinavian style.
- For a minimalist interior, light materials are often combined with dark ones.
In the photo of the laminate flooring in the bathroom, you can see how compatible this finish is with natural stone and ceramic tiles. Exotic lovers often pay attention to materials that imitate animal skin, leather, metal, marble, granite.
Floor finishing
The thermal conductivity of waterproof laminate is almost the same as that of natural wood, so walking on the floor barefoot is very pleasant. In addition, the material has good sound insulation, which adds comfort.
The floor covering can be laid in a linear or shaped way. In the first option, they move from one wall to another or diagonally. The second method involves laying with a ladder, herringbone or squares. If a combined method is used, preliminary markings must be made to align the pattern.
Useful video
Until recently, laminate was used exclusively as flooring. But times are changing and now designers are actively expanding the scope of its application, offering to also cover walls with it. This is a rather interesting solution, but we still recommend that you consider its properties and installation options in more detail.
Wall decoration
Attaching panels to a vertical surface is not as easy as fixing them to the floor. To ensure reliable installation, the sheathing is first done.
- After this, each lamella is glued to the frame and fixed using a stapler, self-tapping screws or liquid nails.
- On walls pre-leveled with plasterboard, the cladding will be perfectly smooth, without gaps.
- The material is laid horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and also using combined methods.
Let's sum it up
The modern market is overflowing with materials that are ideal for decorating walls in the toilet. To make the right choice, you should highlight the main criteria that the finish must meet.
If the owner focuses on the hygiene of surfaces, it is better to give preference to ceramics and paint. If appearance comes first, you should consider laminate and decorative plaster. And if the main goal is savings, you can use roll finishing or its liquid analogues. Their use will not entail additional costs, and the appearance of the room will be very presentable. So the choice is yours.
Ceiling decoration
Ceiling cladding with laminate looks more stylish and noble than finishing with other coatings. Compared to ordinary plastic, panels imitating natural wood or marble are definitely superior.
- The lamellas on the ceiling are fixed to the lathing, due to which the height of the walls is slightly reduced.
- Thanks to their smooth surface, such coatings perfectly reflect light, improving the illumination of the room.
The ceiling in the bathroom made of laminate allows you to create an exclusive design and give a luxurious look to the interior.
Features of installing laminate flooring in the bathroom
In order to complete the finishing as efficiently as possible, the material must be placed on a flat horizontal surface and left for a day.
Only after this can you begin laying the lamellas. The surface on which the laminate is installed must be prepared and carefully leveled.
- If there is an old covering on the floor, it is completely dismantled, after which a screed is formed. A waterproofing layer of polystyrene or foamed PVC is laid on the dried base. If installation is carried out on a wooden base, it must be cleaned of paint and then treated with a sanding machine.
- Before facing the walls and ceiling, a frame or sheathing is formed. Laying the laminate begins after the surface has been cleaned of dirt. The slats are connected using a locking mechanism.
- The tightness of the coating can be increased by treating the joints with a special sealant. The product must be designed to work with laminate and have a silicone base. This composition reacts normally to expansion of the material associated with temperature changes.
When installed correctly, a perfectly smooth, completely sealed coating is formed.
It does not slip, does not create discomfort when walking barefoot, and does not absorb moisture. The installation is completed by installing corners and skirting boards.
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.
