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» How to choose the best flooring for your kitchen. Floor covering for the kitchen: types of flooring and what is better to choose What to lay on the floor in the kitchen

How to choose the best flooring for your kitchen. Floor covering for the kitchen: types of flooring and what is better to choose What to lay on the floor in the kitchen

It is quite difficult to choose the floor covering for the kitchen. Such material must meet certain properties. Since the main occupation in this room is cooking, all surfaces are subject to constant contamination. As a rule, this is soot, fat. It is also very important that floor material was moisture resistant and easy to clean. This is necessary to maintain impeccable order and cleanliness. Mechanical resistance from external damage also does not hurt - scratches, abrasions and stains will ruin it appearance... Which flooring better for the kitchen? This question is, of course, individual. In order to understand it, consider all sorts of options.

Floor selection criteria

  1. The interior of the room is a fairly significant criterion. By creating a unified and harmonious space, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the stylistic design. For example, parquet will look organically only in classical spaces, but in high-tech it looks ridiculous.
  2. Kitchen flooring: what to choose? Sometimes the decision depends on the foundation already in place. Sometimes the quality of old floors is in poor condition, and during the renovation it is necessary to incur additional costs, making it practically from scratch.
  3. For the installation of underfloor heating, it is better to resort to the help of specialists, since without possession of certain skills and knowledge of the consistent technology of their correct installation impossible.
  4. When combining several types of coatings, the materials must be harmoniously matched.
  5. When choosing a floor covering, you need to know exactly what effect it will produce. For example, you can create a neutral background or, conversely, bright and catchy, which will become the main accent of the room.

Floor covering: required material properties

Any type of kitchen flooring must have the following properties:

  • practicality;
  • wear resistance;
  • hygiene;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • moisture resistance;
  • impact and scratch resistance.

As a rule, not all materials combine these criteria. Therefore, before buying, you must familiarize yourself with all the proposed options.

Parquet - a classic of the genre

The first thing to disclose is the cost. Such a floor covering for the kitchen has a very high price, as it is made of natural wood. After installation, it must be opened with a special compound that forms a protective film.

Advantages:

  • warm floor covering;
  • naturalness of color and texture;
  • aesthetics;
  • the possibility of partial restoration;
  • environmental friendliness.

Natural cork floors

This material has several rather significant disadvantages:

  • low level of wear resistance;
  • prone to damage, especially afraid of contact with sharp objects;
  • the top layer may suffer from impact high temperatures.

The high price of cork floors shows that such a coating, of course, has advantages:

  • antistatic;
  • soft and pleasant to the touch;
  • does not swell or rot;
  • the coating has antibacterial properties;
  • variety of assortment.

Floor tiles are the most common option

Ceramic tiles are the best flooring for a kitchen.

Advantages:

  • moisture resistance;
  • practicality;
  • not afraid of constant washing with various chemicals;
  • does not fade;
  • durable.

However, this coating also has disadvantages. But their importance is not as great as that of the advantages:

  • cold to the touch;
  • very slippery surface;
  • fallen glassware will surely break.

Laminate - the best option for the kitchen

Advantages:

  • easy installation;
  • surface imitating natural wood;
  • diversity colors;
  • moisture resistant;
  • not afraid of temperature changes;
  • locks form a solid solid surface;
  • partial reconstruction;
  • low cost.
  • synthetic material;
  • not resistant to mechanical damage;
  • requires perfect surface preparation before laying;
  • can not be washed with substances with a large percentage of abrasive particles.

Linoleum - an economical solution

Vinyl flooring for the kitchen and hallway is one of the most common. First of all, this is due to the low price and a wide selection of various colors and ornaments.

Advantages:

  • high level of moisture resistance;
  • designed for high cross-country ability;
  • easy to clean;
  • when cleaning, you can use different means, even the most aggressive;
  • not afraid of blows;
  • easy styling;
  • it is not necessary to pre-prepare the floor;
  • greasy stains are easily washed off without leaving any residue.

Cons of vinyl linoleum:

  • when a hot object hits the surface, the coating will melt;
  • heavy furniture can push it through or even tear it;
  • low-quality materials fade in the sun;
  • it is necessary to fix the edges of the coating with sills or skirting boards, otherwise over time they will crack and become unusable.

Self-leveling floors - a modern solution

Modern technologies make it possible to significantly expand design solutions. Self-leveling floors are still a rarity. However, thanks to their qualities, they will soon occupy a leading position among all types of flooring.

Advantages of self-leveling floors:

  • strength;
  • abrasion resistance;
  • exclusive appearance;
  • does not scratch, does not crack;
  • all ornaments are created using large format photo printing.

The disadvantages of the coating are only in the complexity of installation and the high total cost.

Combination is an original design move

Depending on the purpose of certain zones in modern kitchens you can use several types at once. For example, laminate flooring and ceramic tiles create a harmonious ensemble. With such a design move, it is necessary to take into account a clear division of space into zones. Naturally, a more durable and practical floor covering for the kitchen is suitable for the work area, in the area dining table- more convenient and comfortable material. There are several unspoken rules, the observance of which will help to arrange the floor in the most professional way.

  1. The transition must be without sharp changes heights.
  2. The joints are made out with the help of special devices.
  3. The paths are chosen as comfortable as possible in order to avoid subsequent injuries.

Self-adhesive PVC Tiles

This material has gained popularity due to its ease of installation and affordable cost. It resembles linoleum, only it is made not in a single roll, but in small strips. The principle of laying is similar to parquet: the tiles are glued to the base in a checkerboard pattern. You can also find other combinations, for example, a herringbone, brickwork... The disadvantage of such a floor covering is the large number of seams. This is what can lead to the fact that after moisture gets in, the material will come off. In order to avoid such incidents, it is necessary to process all joints with a special protective compound. PVC tiles are not practical enough:

  • instability to ultraviolet light;
  • sharp objects can cut the top layer;
  • Frequent moisture can lead to bloating;
  • the service life is no more than 5 years.

Is carpet in the kitchen the right solution?

Carpet is a fairly practical covering. Currently, there are many varieties that differ from each other in certain properties. If the decision is made to cover the floor with carpet, then it is better to choose the highest quality material intended for office space. This kitchen floor covering is easy to clean and can withstand heavy loads. However, it is worth noting that for high-quality care, you may need a washing vacuum cleaner and special care products for such material. And since the kitchen space is constantly getting dirty during cooking, you need to be prepared for frequent cleaning.

Professionals consider this coverage unprofitable, so this choice is dictated only by the personal preferences of the owners.

Finally about styles

  • Classicism will benefit from the kitchen space, where the floors will be tiled with ceramic tiles. dark shades, laminate or parquet.
  • Stone flooring for the kitchen will most harmoniously fit into the high-tech kitchen space (photo examples are widely presented in the article).
  • The parquet board, artificially aged, will emphasize the simplicity and brevity of such directions as country, Provence.
  • Retro is a return to the past. This floor tiles small sizes, sometimes in combination with carpet.

Updated: 10.10.2018

Choosing the right floor in the kitchen is very important, because the kitchen is a high-traffic room. Floors must be impact-resistant, easy to clean, scratch-resistant and of course stylish. Most often, tiles, laminate or linoleum are used for flooring, but there are more original options: cork, porcelain stoneware, liquid linoleum, wood floors.

Inexpensive, practical and beautiful.

With the help of it, it is easy to embody any design idea, because there are many colors and decorative elements on sale. You can buy tiles that imitate metal, stone, leather, wood, and even fabric. Buy unglazed tiles for the kitchen. You will not slip on it, even if you spill liquid. Take tiles of 4-5 hardness and 3-4 wear resistance to the kitchen according to the appropriate scales.

PEI classificationDescription
PEI Itiles of this group assume an easy degree of operation without the influence of abrasive particles (used for walls in bathrooms)
PEI IItiles of this group involve operation with a small presence of abrasive particles (used for walls / floors in bedrooms, offices, bathrooms)
PEI IIIthe tiles of the third group are laid in any residential premises and in small offices that do not have a direct entrance from the street. The tile is not suitable for stairs, corridors and other areas with high traffic
PEI IVtiles of this group have higher strength characteristics than tiles of the previous group, and therefore are suitable for any living room, as well as for covering stairs, hallways, corridors
PEI Vthe fifth group tile is the most durable and abrasion-resistant of the glazed tiles. Therefore, only it is used both in private and public interiors with above average traffic (offices, shops, cafes, restaurants)

Ceramics does not conduct electricity, transfers direct sunlight, and is resistant to any household chemicals. Its main drawback is “coldness”. To walk in the kitchen barefoot, you will have to make a warm floor. You should also protect it from blows, because a dropped pan or meat grinder can break a couple of tiles. The floors will need to be leveled before installation, which will increase the cost of the renovation.

Monuments Marron / Monuments Marron /
floor tiles

Hanoy Castano / Hanoi Castano /
floor tiles
15x45 cm

Wood floors- more design solution than practical. They will add respectability to the room, look great in classic style or country interiors and fit wooden furniture... However, their cost is high, both material and installation work.

Wood does not tolerate moisture well, suffers from temperature extremes, and is afraid of stains. Floors require regular maintenance and wood preservatives. It is better to lay wood floors only in the dining area, and lay out the working area with porcelain stoneware or ordinary tiles. To prevent dirt and water from absorbing into the wood, treat it with varnish.

NamePropertiesPrice
Solid board, oak, nature, 120 mmVariety: nature
Size, [mm.]: 120x20x400-2200
Material: oak
Coating: no
Manufacturer: ArtParket
1780.00
rub. / sq.m
Solid board, ash, rustic, 90 mmVariety: rustic

Material: ash
Coating: no
1500.00
rub. / sq.m
Solid board, oak, rustic, 90 mmVariety: rustic

Material: oak
Coating: no
Manufacturer: ArtParket
1200.00
rub. / sq.m
Solid board, oak, nature, 90 mmVariety: nature
Size, [mm.]: 90x20x400-2200
Material: oak
Coating: no
Manufacturer: ArtParket
1600.00
rub. / sq.m
Solid board, oak, select, 150 mmVariety: select

Material: oak
Coating: no
2300.00
rub. / sq.m
Solid board, oak, select, 170 mmVariety: select

Material: oak
Coating: no
2500.00
rub. / sq.m
Solid board, oak, radial, 90 mmVariety: radial
Size, [mm.]: 90x20x400-2100
Material: oak
Coating: no
2300.00
rub. / sq.m
Solid board, oak, radial, 130 mmVariety: radial
Size, [mm.]: 130x20x400-2100
Material: oak
Coating: no
2900.00
rub. / sq.m
Solid wood, oak, radial, 150 mm Solid wood, oak, radial, 150 mmVariety: radial
Size, [mm.]: 150x20x400-2100
Material: oak
Coating: no
3000.00
rub. / sq.m
Solid board, oak, radial, 170 mmVariety: radial
Size, [mm.]: 170x20x400-2100
Material: oak
Coating: no
3200.00
rub. / sq.m

inexpensive and easy to install. A wide range of colors and many available patterns will allow it to fit into any room design. It is an easy-to-clean material that is quite wear-resistant and provides excellent heat and sound insulation. Artificial linoleum will last 5-10 years, natural - 30-40 years. In terms of environmental friendliness, artificial is much inferior to natural, but it is easier to purchase and it is cheaper.

For the kitchen, you must definitely choose a fairly expensive and thick linoleum, because the load on the floors is high. Better to purchase semi-commercial linoleum. It has a durable top layer (0.35–0.7 mm), which is more resistant to mechanical damage.

There is a simple rule: the heavier such a coating, the longer the service life and the higher its strength.

Video - How to choose linoleum

Laminate- material resistant to scratches and impacts. It is quite environmentally friendly if you buy it from trusted manufacturers. The colors can mimic almost all woods, up to precious or exotic, making it a great budget substitute for wood flooring. It can also imitate tiles, marble, granite. Laminate is perfect for a warm floor. For the kitchen floor, they buy a 32 or even 33 class laminate, it is guaranteed to last up to 15 years.

Regular laminate flooring cannot be wetted; if water is spilled, it must be wiped off within half an hour maximum. For the kitchen, you can choose moisture resistant and even waterproof laminate... The first one uses HDF boards, the second is made on a PVC basis. The plastic base, unlike wood fiber board, does not absorb water at all. But for the kitchen floor, it is enough moisture-resistant with well-waterproofed joints.

Laminate is a "sonorous" material. For a comfortable stay, it is better to supplement it with a sound-insulating foam polystyrene or cork backing. The underlay not only absorbs impact noise and acts as a shock absorber, but also smoothes out unevenness in the floor. The underlay may be sold separately or already included in the laminate.

made from cork oak. Such a floor is not electrified and there is little dust on it, therefore it is well suited for allergy sufferers. It is good to walk on it barefoot. It always feels warm, absorbs well and relieves the spine, it is impossible to slip on it. The floor is soundproof, washable and stain-free. The price is quite high. For the kitchen, the floor is covered with a protective varnish.

Polymer self-leveling floor, it is also liquid linoleum, unpretentious and resistant to damage. Its surface is perfectly smooth. When renovating, this floor will be difficult to remove.

Porcelain stoneware similar to tiles in its properties, however, it is much harder and less moisture absorbing. Its strength is 8-9 on a 10-point scale. It does not react to temperature changes, it is frost-resistant. This is truly "everlasting coverage", albeit not a budget one. The disadvantages are the same as with tiles: coldness and slipperiness, so choose only unpolished, matte porcelain stoneware.

How to put tiles on the kitchen floor

Tip: the size of the tiles is chosen according to the size of the room. If you buy 10x10 tiles for a tiny kitchen, this will create cozy interior, avoid cutting the tiles and not leveling the floor so carefully.

Step 2. Required tools:

  • tile adhesive;
  • a bucket for glue;
  • tile cutter;
  • mallet;
  • building level;
  • marking cord;
  • drill with mixing attachment;
  • pencil;
  • ruler;
  • roulette;
  • sponge;
  • plastic crosses;
  • notched trowel 15–20 cm.

Step 3. Before laying, you will need to level the floor. Check its curvature not only visually, but also with the level. It should be perfectly flat, especially for large tiles (40 x 40, 60 x 60). Remove the beads with a sander, and widen the cracks and seal up with repair mortar. Then apply the screed and wait until it dries completely.

Tip: if you want to quickly level a difficult floor, make a self-leveling screed with a mixture.

Step 4. Remove the door frames, trims and baseboards.

Step 5. Make a layout in any graphics program to see the resulting pattern, the number of tiles and how you need to trim the tiles.

Step 6. To transfer the markings, mark the middle of the walls, pull the marking cord between the marks, lower it to the floor. Make a centerline like this along the length and width of the kitchen. For a diagonal layout of the tiles, you will also need lines connecting the corners with a diagonal.

Step 7. Lay the tiles on the floor, especially if the pattern is complex. This is how you will see the future result.

Step 8. Prepare the glue mixture according to the instructions. Stir the dry component in water with a drill with a nozzle.

Step 9. Lay the tiles from the corner to the door, starting with the whole tile. A small area is smeared with glue.

Advice: experienced craftsmen apply glue per meter of floor, it is better for a beginner to apply glue only to an area of ​​one tile.

Step 10. Laying algorithm: lay the tile, press down, check its level, tap with a mallet, remove the glue from the face of the tile, install crosses, remove excess glue from the edges with a spatula. Move on to the next tile.

Step 11. The crosses are removed in a day, the seams are rubbed after the glue is completely dry. V indoor conditions grouting is carried out not earlier than after 36 hours.

How to make a self-leveling floor

Step 1. Level and prime the kitchen floor.

Step 2. Install beacons from wooden planks along the walls. Their width should be 10-15 mm.

Step 3. Purchase special shoes or crampons and notched trowels.

Advice: it is more convenient to carry out the work together, one prepares a batch of the mixture, and the second pours and levels liquid linoleum.

Step 4. Prepare the mixture according to the instructions.

Step 5. Fill base layer all over the floor. Roll over the surface with a toothed roller to remove air bubbles.

Step 6. Wait a few days and fill with the finishing layer. Its thickness is 2-3 mm.

Step 7. Dry the self-leveling floor and cover it with a thin layer of varnish over the entire area.

Step 1. Required tools:

  • pencil;
  • bevel;
  • scotch tape protractor;
  • chisel;
  • bars;
  • ruler;
  • hacksaw or power saw;
  • thickness gauge;
  • rasp;
  • roulette.

Tip: Before laying, keep the material indoors for two days, especially in winter time otherwise the laminate will expand strongly from the heat after installation.

Step 2. Place blocks around the perimeter to give the laminate room to expand. It will expand by about 8 mm on each side and fill in the gaps.

Laminate floorboards are compacted through the block

Step 5. Prepare 2 rows for laying. If necessary, cut the board, the remaining piece will go to the second row.

Tip: saw the board with a hacksaw front side, and with a jigsaw from the bottom.

Step 6. Lay the boards so that the joints are at least 20 cm apart. The plank should be at least 40 cm long for proper stabilization.

Step 7. The last board will have to be sawed lengthwise. Keep it 5 cm wide or wider.

Step 8. Remove the stops, install the skirting boards. If the floor is laminated, they are attached to the wall.

Video - Laminate laying technology

Trim along the edges

Tip: linoleum is chosen the same width or slightly larger than the width of the room, there should be no seams.

Step 3. Linoleum can be laid with or without glue. The first method will help to avoid waves and increase the service life, but it will be difficult to dismantle such linoleum.

Step 4. You will need:

  • ruler;
  • fine-toothed glue spatula;
  • scissors;
  • paint roller;
  • hammer.

Tip: so as not to measure the length of the last plank each time, attach it to the board of the last row and draw a cutting line from the bottom side.

Step 5. Consider shrinkage. With a length of 6 m, the shrinkage will be 2 cm, with 10 m - 4 cm, over 10 m - up to 6 cm.Place the material 8 cm over the walls. Smooth it out so that no air bubbles remain and cut off the excess.

Step 6. When installing without glue, you will need double-sided tape. Stick it around the perimeter of the room without removing the top layer. Carefully cut off any excess linoleum by carefully smoothing the roll and removing the protective layer of tape.

Step 7. Attach the skirting boards.

Video - How to lay linoleum yourself

The cork floor is laid according to the laminate principle, but the floors are pre-covered with marmoleum or foil. Porcelain stoneware is mounted similarly to conventional tiles. The high price of such coatings as cork, porcelain stoneware or wood often forces you to turn to professionals so as not to risk it.

When choosing a coating, it is important to pay attention not only to cost, but also to ease of use, durability and general style of the room. If you decide to do the editing yourself, soberly assess your strengths and skills.

Having started repairs in the kitchen, many are faced with the problem of choosing a floor covering. Often doubts cause performance characteristics this or that material. And therefore, the risk of putting the wrong coating on the floor can result in an inaccurate picture of the design or simply damage to the material soon.

About what kind of coatings are ideal for arranging the kitchen floor and advice on which interior is better to put this or that material, we analyze in this article.

Ceramic tiles


The most familiar and proven flooring material since the days Soviet Union... Tile tiles have high strength and hardness. Therefore, such a floor covering is absolutely not afraid of mechanical stress, shock, abrasion, UV rays. In addition, ceramic tiles are inert to even large amounts of water on the floor, not to mention accidental drops on the floor. Tile also responds better than others to spilled products on the floor. Wine, fat, ketchup, etc. are washed off with a warm soapy solution without forming unsightly stains on their surface.

The disadvantages of such a practical floor covering are:

  • Moderately high price (especially if the tiles are bought from well-known European manufacturers);
  • Some dirty work when laying the material;
  • Coldness of the tiles. If you make the floor tiled, then walking on such a floor with bare feet is uncomfortable. The situation can be corrected with the help of room slippers or the "warm floor" system installed at the stage of the repair.

Important: ceramic tiles look best on the kitchen floor, made in classic, Provence or country styles.

Porcelain stoneware


Coating identical tile, but with higher strength and higher wear rates. Porcelain stoneware slabs are quite massive and have large parameters, unlike tiles.

This kitchen flooring can be done in the most different designs from monochromatic design to intricate design on each slab.

Porcelain stoneware, just like ceramic tiles, is not afraid of moisture, temperature extremes, mechanical stress and sunlight. The material is not subject to deformation and interacts well with any aggressive detergents.

It is better to lay porcelain stoneware in modern or classic kitchens. Solid slabs look perfect in spacious and bright kitchens with large-sized furniture, which allows you to do unusual interior in room.

The disadvantages of covering the field are:

  • Price;
  • Coldness of the stone (but this can be corrected either by heating the floor, or by slippers on your feet).

Important: it is best to choose porcelain stoneware slabs with a corrugated or rough surface. This will avoid possible injury in the kitchen on a wet floor.

Cork floor


This type of flooring is ideal for finishing kitchen floors. Moderately elastic cork boards have excellent thermal insulation properties and are very pleasant to use, which makes the kitchen cozy. Walking on the cork floor is a pleasure.

Cork slabs resemble laminate flooring (provided that it is laid using the lock method) or PVC tiles (provided that it is laid with an adhesive method). Both types of cork are good and unpretentious.

Kitchen cork flooring responds well to temperature changes, mechanical stress and UV rays. The only drawback of such a coating is its fear of water. As a result of a large amount of moisture on the floor, the cork swells and turns into crumb. To prevent this from happening, after installation, the cork floor is covered with two or three layers of special acrylic or water dispersion varnish. The product protects the floor from wear and tear and the negative effects of water.

Important: for the kitchen, it is still better to choose a cork with an adhesive fastener. Glue additionally protects the grooves between the slabs from accidentally trapped moisture.

Linoleum


Ideal for kitchen flooring. The coating is practical, durable, resistant to moisture and temperature extremes. In addition, the cost of linoleum for modern market the most affordable in comparison with all other floor coverings.

Modern technologies make it possible to produce linoleum, the durability of which is designed for 15 years or more. This is especially true of natural material made on the basis of linseed oil, jute fibers and wood flour.

Designers offer the modern buyer flooring with imitation of parquet, laminate, marble, natural stone or ceramic tiles... Which of the following is better should be determined based on the planned interior.

Important: when buying linoleum, you can sniff it. Natural flooring will smell like oil and natural ingredients. PVC linoleum will have a specific synthetic aroma.

Laminate


Moderately good coverage, but for very neat housewives. Laminate has long and firmly won positions in the market of finishing materials and is one of the most demanded. Its robust structure allows it to withstand quite high mechanical loads. Especially if corundum was added to the structure of the protective top layer during production.

In addition, laminate flooring provides a warm and comfortable finish. It creates coziness and warmth in the kitchen.

The weak point of laminate flooring is its fear of water. Spilled liquid trapped in the joints between the slabs can significantly damage the wood fiber material from which the laminate is made.

Advice: if you really want to lay a laminate in the kitchen, then it is better to make the floor combined. That is, in the working area, lay porcelain stoneware, tiles or linoleum, and dining area cover the kitchens with a laminate matching the color of the tiles. This solution looks original in any of the interiors. The main thing is to choose the right pattern on the tiles and the shade of the laminate.

PVC tile


This floor covering is akin to linoleum. The only difference is that the floor material is made in the form of modules. Sometimes such a covering is called "modular PVC floor".

PAH tiles are distinguished by high wear resistance and inert attitude to water, temperature extremes or any contamination. When PAX is laid, the tiles form a monolithic coating. The floor made of modular tiles is easy to clean and must be installed on the "warm floor" system. Tip: depending on the color and pattern of the tiles from PVC is better lay in modern, high-tech, art deco interiors.

Self-leveling floor


3D floor installation technology allows you to create truly original solutions in the kitchen. The self-leveling floor system implies laying a three-dimensional image on the base and pouring it special means based on polyurethane or epoxy resin. It is quite simple to make such a floor, but it is expensive. For example, a kitchen with an area of ​​2 to 5 m2 will require you to spend from $ 600.

Self-leveling floors are a monolithic coating that is not afraid of water, temperature changes and mechanical stress. The service life of such a floor is 40 years or more. At the same time, it is quite difficult to dismantle the coating.

Important: a self-leveling floor can also be made over the "warm floor" system.

Parquet


The most unfortunate solution for the kitchen. Though parquet board and is an environmentally friendly and attractive material, yet it is better not to use it for the kitchen. Such a coating is afraid of water and fire. And any debris that falls on the kitchen floor will eventually clog into the joints and cracks between the parquet planks. Even varnish won't save here. After a few years, you will have to thoroughly clean and renew the coating.

When choosing a floor for a kitchen, it is important to take into account many nuances. The ideal kitchen floor should be free from grease, moisture, and accidental scratches. It is easy to clean and stain-free. Today we will try to figure out how to choose the right floor covering for the kitchen and what you should pay special attention to.

What the flooring in your kitchen will be does not only depend on the style of the interior. It is very important to ensure that there is a suitable base for the flooring you choose. What surface will the new flooring cover? Perhaps we can get by with what we have. Or maybe you have to do the floor from scratch and perfectly level the surface.

The service life of the kitchen floor will depend on the quality of the surface preparation, so it is better to consult with a specialist before choosing a floor covering. Do you want to make a warm floor in the kitchen? Then you will have to use only those types of coatings that are specifically designed for heated floors and have a high thermal conductivity.

What will the new kitchen floor be like? Laconic, which serves only as a background for kitchen set, decoration and accessories, or spectacular, pretending to become the main element of the decor itself? Often, designers offer such a solution for the kitchen: combine two floor coverings, depending on the functional area.

For example, in the working area, the kitchen floor is tiled with practical ceramics - tiles or porcelain stoneware, and in the dining room natural wood, parquet or laminate is laid on the floor. This option is very good for a kitchen combined with a living room. For a small kitchen, you should choose a homogeneous and monochromatic floor covering. Such a floor will help to visually enlarge a small space and make it more harmonious.

Let's take a look at which flooring is suitable for the kitchen and what you need to know before making your choice.

Linoleum kitchen floor

Artificial and natural linoleum is a very practical option for kitchen flooring. He has a lot of advantages. First, an attractive price. At the same time, it is strikingly different from its Soviet predecessors, which were remembered for their dull colors and unimportant quality.

Tarkett

Modern synthetic linoleum lasts 8-10 years, is highly durable and creates good heat and sound insulation. For the kitchen floor, choose linoleum with a thicker protective layer.

Linoleum is very easy to care for. It is easy to clean and is an important plus for a kitchen floor. Great advantage linoleum is that you just put it on your own. In addition, linoleum provides tremendous opportunities for design experiments.

Manufacturers today offer linoleum in a variety of colors, patterns and textures. For example, it can imitate parquet, wood, stone and even metal. An interesting option- linoleum in the form of tiles, from which you can assemble various patterns and ornaments.

Of course, synthetic linoleum is not the most sustainable flooring option. Experts advise: do not buy cheap linoleum, especially in the markets. Pay attention to the smell - the stronger linoleum smells, the lower its environmental safety.

Read the labeling carefully - some types of linoleum can only be used in non-residential premises, for example, on a loggia. More expensive options - artoliums and mormoliums - are safer from an environmental point of view, but they are also more expensive than conventional linoleum.

You will find a very detailed and useful post about the types of linoleum for the home and the features of choosing this flooring.

Cork kitchen floor

Cork floors will appeal to lovers of natural, sustainable materials. Cork is made from the bark of cork, which is removed from a growing tree every few years. Cork floors are very comfortable for the feet and help reduce stress on the joints and spine.

Ibercork

The resilient cork is pleasantly "bouncy", creates the feeling of a warm floor and has excellent soundproofing. It is almost impossible to slip on such a floor. Since cork is a natural antistatic agent, it practically does not attract dust. Therefore, cork floors are perfect option for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.

It is believed that cork is unique for its bioenergetic properties and has a very beneficial effect on the human body. The cork floor in the kitchen is easy to clean and stain resistant. A cork floor will perfectly fit into almost any interior. Fortunately, cork coverings have a very different texture and come in a variety of shades.

The cork floor, covered with a special varnish, can be used without fear in the kitchen. A properly laid floor is not afraid of moisture and is quite capable of surviving small spills.

Liquid linoleum in the kitchen

Liquid linoleum is often called a polymer bulk floor. . Outwardly, this coating resembles linoleum, to the touch - tiles. The self-leveling floor is very unpretentious in operation and is not afraid mechanical damage... The beauty of this flooring is that the surface of the kitchen floor will turn out smooth and seamless.

The self-leveling floor can be made in any color and supplemented with a variety of patterns, inserts and other decorative elements. However, if you decide to change the flooring after a while, it will be quite difficult to remove the liquid linoleum.

A special room in each apartment is the kitchen. Its comfort and improvement largely depend on the right choice of finishing materials. The main loads fall on the kitchen floor, it must withstand numerous emergency situations, as well as be resistant to them, not lose its original appearance and be perfectly cleaned.

What floor to do in the kitchen, everyone decides for himself, based on the situation in this room, his preferences and money. You should carefully choose it, based on the recommendations of specialists, together with your experience.

What should be the kitchen floor?

Kitchen flooring exposed negative impact high temperatures high humidity, grease and chemically aggressive materials. This has a detrimental effect on the condition of the floor, entails its rapid wear. Therefore, when choosing a material, the main criteria must be taken into account:

  • moisture resistance;
  • high hygiene (the floor should be easy to clean);
  • mechanical strength (under various accidental impacts);
  • resistance to aggressive effects of detergents;
  • durability;
  • perfectly flat surface;
  • aesthetic appearance;
  • practicality;
  • wear resistance.

Many modern coatings meet these requirements, but all of them, without exception, have positive and negative sides. Let's consider each of the materials in more detail.

Varieties of flooring for the kitchen Decoration Materials: widely used tiles, wear-resistant linoleum, beautiful laminate, eco-friendly cork floor, perfectly flat self-leveling coating and even ordinary boards, if they are treated with special protective agents that will give them the desired properties.

Wooden floor (parquet, parquet board)

For the kitchen, you should choose a moisture-resistant version with a triple varnish application, pre-treated with special protective coatings for durability. It can be replaced by a parquet board. It has a multi-layer texture made from environmentally friendly materials. The strength of the board depends on the thickness of the top layer. Both of these coatings can demonstrate their strengths and weaknesses in service.

pros

  • made of natural materials;
  • provide warmth to the floor;
  • a wide selection of wood species;
  • environmentally friendly coating;
  • a variety of styling ("herringbone", "braid", etc.);
  • when repairing failed sections, it will not be necessary to dismantle the entire
  • surface, just replace the damaged part;
  • parquet board is easy to install, as it has special locks at the edges, which
  • provide a high density of adhesion of individual canvases;
  • do not require special care (they are well cleaned).

Minuses

  • a large amount of moisture can significantly affect the parquet and warp it;
  • high price;
  • falling heavy or sharp objects will leave marks on the surface.

Laminate

The peculiarity of this type is that it looks harmoniously with parquet, and also perfectly imitates the structure of any tree. Preference should be given to waterproof products above class 32. The top layer, which does not absorb and does not allow moisture, but cannot be left on their surface for more than three hours. This will lead to seepage of liquid into the depths where the pressed material is located, which tends to swell quickly when interacting with water.

pros

  • ease of installation (it has grooves for connecting the boards to each other);
  • affordable price;
  • beautiful appearance;
  • rich assortment of colors;
  • easy to replace damaged parts.

Minuses

  • made of artificial materials;
  • allows moisture to pass through, therefore it tends to swell;
  • gets dirty quickly;
  • difficult to clean from greasy and coloring spots;
  • its surface can only withstand light detergents;
  • unstable to mechanical stress.

Cork floor

It is a lightweight, natural and breathable lining material. This is a kind of magic coating that will protect young children from colds, because it tends to be constantly warm. It is comfortable not only to walk on it, but also to crawl. And for adults it will help relieve tension from the spine. He will give odds to any of his counterparts.

pros

  • natural warmth;
  • softness;
  • moisture resistance;
  • does not require special care, and can be easily cleaned if dirty;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • the cork is antistatic;
  • has a variety of structures.

Minuses

  • if the cork floor has protective coatings (varnish or wax), then they exclude the pleasant sensations from the natural structure of this material;
  • without protective coatings, it is unstable to various shocks and influences;
    high price.

Porcelain stoneware, stone or ceramic tiles

Since Soviet times, tiles have often been used both on the walls of the kitchen and on its floor. You should choose it with a rough surface in order to protect yourself from injury in the future. After all, even a small puddle or floors that have not yet dried after washing can cause falls on a smooth surface.

pros

  • solid surface;
  • not afraid of moisture and does not let it through;
  • appearance;
  • a wide range of colors and the ability to combine various options;
  • does not fade;
  • easy to clean;
  • resistant to various chemical influences;
  • does not deform.

Minuses

  • always gives off cold;
  • can easily crack from being hit by a heavy object. Stone tiles are not affected by this effect, but they have a high price.

In some ways it is similar to linoleum, only it is produced in the form of a square tile. It has a multi-layer structure, due to which it has a number of advantages over other types of coatings.

pros

  • easy to transport;
  • has higher strength characteristics than any type of linoleum;
  • a huge selection of colors;
  • imitates almost any structure;
  • much warmer than any tile or laminate;
  • not afraid of moisture;
  • does not swell or split;
  • easy to replace a separate part;
  • the possibility of various styling (staggered, rhombuses, etc.).

Minuses

  • a lot of butt seams that require some maintenance;
  • damaged by falling sharp objects;
  • fades;
  • made of artificial materials.

Linoleum

Its natural form called marmoleum is distinguished by its high strength and naturalness. It does not rot, is antistatic and is not subject to mechanical stress, but it costs much more than its artificial counterpart. More often than not, the choice is made in favor of the latter, therefore, we will consider its advantages and disadvantages.

pros

  • moisture resistance;
  • soft warm surface;
  • wear resistance;
  • acceptable price;
  • It does not require special care;
  • easy to clean and clean from fat;
  • a huge assortment of patterns and colors;
  • not damaged when heavy objects fall on it.

Minuses

  • afraid of high temperatures;
  • collects dust;
  • inconvenient transportation, as well as installation;
  • subject to deformation in places where fluid accumulates.

Self-leveling floor

It is also called liquid linoleum. Outwardly, he really looks like him, but in terms of contact sensations it is more similar to tiles. The self-leveling floor has a stunning look, its perfectly smooth surface can contain various inserts (wood, metal or plastic). Different patterns can be made on it, even with a 3D effect.

pros

  • unpretentious in care;
  • durable;
  • has a wonderful view;
  • its surface has no seams;
  • can be combined with various materials in the form of inserts;
  • moisture resistant;
  • does not react to mechanical damage.

Minuses

  • it is difficult to dismantle;
  • dries for a long time after washing.

Not the most the best choice for kitchen. If you really want to walk barefoot on a soft surface, it's easier to buy a carpet or a piece of this material. They can be individually cleaned or replaced.

pros

  • pleasant sensation for the feet;
  • surface heat;
  • creating comfort.

Minuses

  • carpet like a sponge absorbs all the dust, therefore it is contraindicated for asthmatics;
  • it is very difficult to clean it;
  • when moisture gets in, it absorbs it, dries up for a long time and can rot.

Combining flooring in the kitchen

After much thought and difficulties in choosing, you can stop at the option of using several coatings at the same time. This method is very useful when zoning the kitchen and dining room or living room in a studio apartment.

You can make the kitchen working area with linoleum, PVC tiles or its ceramic counterpart, and lay more in the rest of the room. warm material: carpet, parquet or cork. The main thing is that the thickness of the selected coatings is equal. The joints of materials of different texture should be correctly masked, not to attract visual attention to themselves and not to be felt when walking.

If you have not yet decided which floors are best for the kitchen, then you should heed the advice of professionals. Here are the most important ones:

  • for a small kitchen, large drawings and decorative elements on the floor should be avoided. Small images will not look intrusive and will embellish a small space;
  • parquet, laid with a simple and original "deck" method, will visually expand the territory of the kitchen;
  • to create a cozy atmosphere, you should choose a coating of warm colors;
  • the glossy surface of the floor expands the space of the room, and the matte surface conceals it.

Having talked about a few nuances of each type of flooring for the kitchen, we hope that we helped you to consciously approach its choice. After all, it should serve and delight you with its appearance for more than one year.