Laminate flooring is the perfect candidate for anyone who is in love with the look and functionality of a wooden floor, but does not want to spend a lot of money on a floating parquet.

You will find laminate flooring available in various designs and qualities. But, not all models can be installed in bathrooms and kitchens. Yet, if you are thinking of placing this floor covering in humid rooms, then we will explain what you should take into account.

What Differentiates A Laminate Floor For Wet Rooms From A Conventional Laminate Floor?

Unlike parquet flooring, laminate flooring is not made of solid wood. Instead, the planks are made of a robust and stable wooden board with a high-quality decorative layer. In the case of waterproof laminate flooring , the backing plate contains a plastic profile called “Aqua Floor”, which resists moisture much better.

So that your kitchen or bathroom floor does not swell with moisture and constant splashes of water, the surfaces and edges of the planks are impregnated. In general, the wear layer is also additionally treated with synthetic resin to make it completely water vapor tight.

Especially for use in the bathroom, the surface of waterproof laminate flooring is treated with a vinyl coating for added slip resistance. The bumpy frame provides secure footing when stepping in with wet feet. Besides, this type of laminate flooring has an improved click system that connects particularly well. For added safety and moisture protection, the floor boards can be additionally joined and glued with waterproof glue.

More Laminate Flooring Protection For Wet Rooms

If you decide to buy waterproof laminate flooring, it is not enough to float or glue the floor, all connections must also be sealed. So, it is recommended to additionally seal skirting boards, joints and pipes with silicone. To prevent cracks and moisture intrusion, it is important to maintain a gap of at least 10mm from the walls. Also, silicone must also be added there.

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Unlike normal laminate flooring, its variant for wet areas is defined by its “swelling capacity”, which must not exceed 5%.

In order for laminate flooring installation for wet rooms to last longer, a few guidelines must be followed:

  • Puddles of water and stagnant water must be avoided at all costs (also during floor cleaning).
  • The shower stall must have a completely sealed door and the bathtub must be equipped with a curtain.
  • The floor should be checked for possible damage during cleaning.

Difference between Waterproof and Water Resistant

Waterproof – Water-proof laminate flooring is TOTALLY impervious to any form of water. Absolutely no quantity of spills or even moisture will actually damage your flooring. This specific quality are available between tiles, hybrid floors, vinyl!

Water Resistance – These types of floors make up the great majority and are able to moderately resist water damage. Top quality water-resistant laminate floors has much longer hrs of certifications against water.

Quick Installation And Great Durability Of Your Waterproof Laminate Floor

Install the waterproof laminate flooring for the kitchen yourself thanks to its click system, although you will have to pay attention to certain things.

You must seal the joints with silicone to rule out possible damage from water ingress. To do this, you must also glue the planks as close as possible. For a better result, it is recommended to add an extra adhesive to the floor to prevent water from seeping in and losing its stability.