Moisture-resistant laminate in the bathroom, being a modern, innovative coating, successfully replaces the more familiar traditional decoration materials. This material attracts a huge range of products, its decorativeness and ease of installation.
Is it possible to put a laminate in the bathroom?
Moisture-resistant laminate in the bathroom is not as popular as traditional finishing materials. This is due to the fact that the moisture-resistant laminate belongs to the expensive product category, many people are afraid to risk the quality of the finish. But by purchasing a special waterproof laminate for the bathroom, you can get not only an aesthetically attractive material for decoration, but also a high performance coating:
- moisture resistance;
- resistance to temperature changes;
- impact resistance;
- antistatic;
- protective properties of mold, fungus, putrefaction;
- ecological safety;
- material is not slippery.
Bathroom Laminate Flooring
Laminate for the bathroom needs to be purchased taking into account the wear resistance, at least 32-33 class, paying attention to the quality impregnation of locks (wax applied to them should not easily be scraped off). Possessing different water-repellent properties, the material is divided into the following categories:
- Waterproof. For its basis take whole wood fibers, press at high temperature and pressure, conduct special processing. Then the slabs are treated with a mixture of wax and various resins, the mold protecting compositions are applied. Moisture-resistant laminate in the bathroom, as a coating on the floor, can withstand frequent wet cleaning and excessive moisture exposure to it for up to three hours without compromising quality.
- Water resistant. The manufacturing process is similar to moisture resistant, the difference consists in an even greater pressure when pressing and coating the surface with hot wax. The floor filled with water does not absorb it for several hours.
- Waterproof. Its basis is polyvinyl chloride, it has all the properties of plastic (it does not deform, does not wear out, is durable in water). Among the shortcomings can be attributed to environmental degradation, low operating period, a small assortment of patterns and colors.
Laminate flooring in the bathroom
For the finishing of floors, experts recommend the use of waterproof laminate for the bathroom, as the most reliable option, without limitations. The criteria for selecting laminate flooring for the bathroom are the following:
- When buying, pay attention to the marking, there must be an indication of a water-resistant type of material (an image of a crane or umbrella with drops, the word "aqua" in the name).
- High resistance to abrasion.
- The rate of swelling for a water-resistant laminate should be at least 18%.
- Quality interlock locks (no gaps between joints).
- Reliability of the manufacturer (find out how many years the product is on the market, what is its warranty period, the price of the goods is also an indicator of reliability).
Laminate in the bathroom on the wall
Laminate on the wall in the bathroom is a relatively new stylistic solution, especially suitable for applications where there are uneven surfaces. Laminate mounted on the lath not only level the walls, but also serve as an additional means of sound and heat insulation. For walls it is better to use pile or blade types of laminate, they are panels that are connected with locks, and fastened more firmly than glue.
When choosing a laminate for wall finishing in the bathroom, it is preferable to use waterproof, rather than moisture-resistant material, in this room it will last longer. It is not recommended to use laminate in rooms with poor ventilation, it does not fit for the shower area, it is best on one of the walls, being the accent decor of the room.
Ceiling in the bathroom of laminate
Use moisture-resistant laminate for the bathroom in the finish of the ceiling surface, more often for decorative purposes, this coating looks original, perfectly fitting into the interior. In addition to the aesthetic solution, the moisture-resistant laminate used in the bathroom allows, thanks to a special frame, to have various engineering communication systems in the formed space, and on the surface - to place the recessed luminaires.
The disadvantages of such a coating include the fact that for a good moisture tolerance, a material with a solid protective layer is needed, but even as a result of the flood it can become worthless. Also, the skeleton system will reduce the height of the room, this can be avoided by applying an adhesive method of fixing the laminate panels, but it is only possible with perfectly flat surfaces.
Laminate for the bathroom
Plastic waterproof laminate for the bathroom is safe for health, it has no predisposition to the reproduction of mold, fungus, various microorganisms, it is characterized by:
- Relief non-slip coating.
- Increased wear resistance, long operating period.
- Reinforced locks, tightness.
- Absolute resistance to moisture, chemical attack, mechanical damage.
- Low combustible capacity.
Bathroom Vinyl Laminate
Vinyl laminate for the bathroom, thanks to its multi-layer structure, is significantly superior in quality to other coatings. To produce this material, the "sandwich" principle is applied, that is, each sheet has several layers:
- The top (protective) is made of polyurethane and aluminum oxide.
- Medium - from small crumbs of stone.
- Stabilization - from an additional vinyl substrate.
- Bottom - completely out of vinyl, responsible for strength.
Vinyl laminate is resistant to breaks, abrasion, it is moisture resistant. Its design capabilities are very extensive, especially the decor that imitates natural textures of wood, stone, ceramics or tiles is popular, it is easily installed and combined with other types of finishes. Disadvantages of this material can be considered:
- The impossibility of replacing individual elements (damage can be observed in cheap laminate types).
- Toxicity in case of fire.
PVC laminate for the bathroom
Plastic laminate is considered to be high-quality coatings, this is possible due to the fact that its basis is a polymer that is resistant to moisture. Finishing the walls in the bathroom with PVC laminates is an alternative to ceramic tiles, especially in terms of sound insulation. This material has a high class of strength, it is able to accumulate heat, it contains no harmful substances. PVC laminate consists of the following layers:
- transparent corrugated;
- waterproof;
- impregnated with acrylic, decorative layer;
- waterproof;
- locking system;
- The stabilizing layer formed by tarred paper.
Laying laminate in the bathroom
Before laying the laminate in the bathroom, you should level the surface or attach a crate to them. To prevent direct contact with wet concrete surfaces, a vapor barrier consisting of a diffuse membrane or conventional polyethylene must be laid. Laying the laminate on a base of wood, plywood, particle board - insulation does not produce. The method of fixing the laminate is glued or keyed. The stacking technology can be different:
- horizontal;
- vertical;
- herringbone.