Features of a laminate for tiles, the pros and cons of such a floor covering, the rules for choosing a material, the technology of laying and cutting panels. In addition, it is necessary to lay the laminate under the tiles according to a strict scheme, clearly observing the pattern of the panels and adjusting the boards. To do this, you need to trim the material to within a few millimeters. This is painstaking work that a beginner may not be able to do.
How to choose the right laminate for tiles
Due to the fact that this material is available in a wide tint and patterned palette, and also has several strength classes, it can be used in various types of premises:
- Class 31 laminate flooring is perfect for laying in a bedroom or study, where there is low traffic and the level of load.
- For the kitchen, hallway, living room or office, the best choice would be class 32 laminated boards.
- If a large load will be carried out on the floor, then purchase a 33 class laminate for such a room. Most often, this type of material is used in restaurants or shopping malls.
- Class 34 coating is a premium quality, it has impeccable technical qualities.
If the laminate with a pattern under the tiles is laid in a bedroom, living room or nursery, then the performance of the panels can be average. In these rooms, the floor, as a rule, does not experience serious stress.
The waterproof laminate flooring has significant advantages. It has a low abrasion rate and is suitable for installation in the kitchen or even in the bathroom. It will be a plus if the boards are treated with a special solution that will not allow the material to swell, as in such rooms drops of fat or various chemical detergents can fall on the floor.
The most popular are laminate boards, in which the type of connection is locking. Such a coating is easy to install on your own, and if one panel becomes unusable, it can be simply replaced.
It is very important that the flooring is not slippery, the surface of the boards should have a distinct texture.
Technology for laying laminate under tiles on the floor
Before starting the installation, it is necessary to carry out certain preparatory work. In particular, lay a layer of waterproofing, as well as protect the surface from sudden temperature changes. For this, it is recommended to install a plywood sub-floor.
In addition, laminate panels must be acclimated prior to assembly. They must be placed in the room where the installation is planned for a day. The optimum humidity level in the room should be about 55%, and the temperature should not exceed 24 degrees Celsius.
To perform a high-quality installation of laminate under the tiles, you will need tools such as an electric jigsaw, a construction tape, a hammer, a pencil and moisture-resistant tape.
There are several technologies that are most often used in the process of laying laminate flooring - these are adhesive and non-adhesive. The first is more reliable. But the second is the most popular, since with the glue-free method, the parts are connected to each other using a locking system. This way, you do not spend a lot of time gluing each cover element.
Installation of the laminate under the tile using the adhesive-free method is carried out according to the following scheme:
- Preparing the rough floor for work. The unevenness level should not exceed 18 mm. To level the work surface, it is necessary to install the substrate, which, moreover, will perform the functions of heat and sound insulation. Thanks to the lining on the surface of the laminate, the loads will be distributed more evenly. The lining material should be installed simultaneously with the main work.
- We decide in which direction the laminate boards will be laid. Panels imitating tiles must fit snugly together (for this, calculate the joints of the material in advance), otherwise an uneven pattern may result.
- After the direction of the panels is determined, we take measurements, according to the results of which the laminate will be cut. You can cut it using a circular or saber-type saw with fine teeth.
- We proceed to the installation of the laminate under the tiles. It must be laid, starting from the corners, moving towards the center of the room. It is also better to start working with the wall opposite to the door, and do not forget to leave a small distance between the wall and the boards (not less than a centimeter).
- Use a hammer and plank to make the panels join together better and stronger. But be careful not to damage the material when hitting with a hammer.
- After the first row of panels has been fixed, we proceed to laying the second one. We make sure that the drawing on the boards is completely symmetrical. We install the laminate board at an angle of 45 degrees, carefully lower it down and snap the lock well.
- After the material has been laid throughout the room, we check again that all the seams and patterns match. This is followed by the process of installing skirting boards around the entire perimeter of the room.
How to lay laminate flooring - watch the video:
Laminate for tiles is a practical option for finishing the floor in any room. Depending on where the panels will be installed, purchase the material of the required class and level of water resistance. Laying laminate flooring is a responsible process, but if you follow our recommendations, you will get a high-quality and durable flooring as a result.
