How to choose a flooring for your kitchen and consider all the options
It is not so easy to choose the floor covering for the kitchen. In order not to be mistaken, you need to know what to focus on when buying. We will tell you in more detail how to choose the right floor covering and what to look for.
Varieties of flooring for the kitchen
Of the popular in terms of price and quality, the following kitchen coatings can be distinguished:
- porcelain stoneware;
- linoleum;
- liquid linoleum;
- vinyl floor;
- laminate.
The above options have good performance characteristics. A reasonable question arises: which floor is better for the kitchen? High indicators of wear resistance allow the use of floor coverings in rooms with high traffic. What kind of flooring in the kitchen to give preference to, the consumer decides for himself. Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of popular categories.
Practical linoleum
With all the variety of materials, practical and inexpensive linoleum continues to be popular. Surface preparation is required prior to installation. Usually linoleum is laid on top of plywood or chipboard. It is convenient to lay linoleum over tiles in the kitchen. Dismantling the old coating is a tedious process. Linoleum simplifies your work.
There are two types of linoleum on sale. This is a natural flooring and synthetic linoleum. Each type has advantages and disadvantages.
Synthetic linoleum
The product is in demand among buyers, as it has a low price. A high-quality coating, if properly used, lasts 12-15 years.
Modern production produces the following types of synthetic linoleum:
- PVC linoleum;
- rubber (relin);
- nitrocellulose;
- alkyd.
The quality of the preparatory work is also important. You need to lay linoleum on a previously prepared surface covered with plywood or chipboard.
Natural linoleum
Environmentally friendly natural linoleum consists of a jute substrate impregnated with a special mixture. It is resistant to abrasion, resistant to chemicals, and easy to maintain. There are several varieties of natural linoleum, differing in appearance and thickness.
In addition to jute fiber, the composition includes:
- linseed oil;
- resin;
- limestone;
- pigments;
- wood flour.
Natural material is produced in rolls, tiles and planks.
With all the advantages of jute linoleum, there are significant disadvantages. Consumers are deterred by the high cost. The material is fragile. At the slightest impact, cracks and creases appear on the surface. The low coefficient of moisture resistance does not allow laying natural linoleum in places of high humidity, for example, in a bathroom and a sauna.
Self-leveling floors - modern exotic
Liquid linoleum is called a self-leveling floor. It is a liquid polymeric substance that is applied to a pre-leveled surface.
Externally self-leveling floor is no different from ordinary linoleum flooring. He possesses:
- strength;
- moisture resistance;
- resistance to damage and scratches.
Therefore, liquid linoleum is poured in the kitchen. Depending on the components included in the composition, the following types of liquid linoleum are distinguished:
- epoxy;
- polyurethane;
- methyl methacrylate.
Any surface can be poured with the polymer composition. It must be carefully leveled and primed. The self-leveling floor is unpretentious in operation, and is also resistant to heavy pollution. The cost of such coverage is low, so it is often preferred. Liquid kitchen floors can withstand wet cleaning and aggressive cleaning agents.
The polymer coating is suitable for the embodiment of the original design idea. You can choose any texture, pattern, image and color.
Glossy kitchen floors are popular with modern apartment owners. Monochrome, light and dark glossy finishes perfectly decorate the interior of the kitchen.
This material has disadvantages. This is the laboriousness of preparing and leveling the surface, a long solidification period from 5 to 6 days, the difficulty of dismantling.
Porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware is an artificial material for flooring, obtained by pressing. It is made from crumbs of rock quartz or spar with the addition of kaolin clay. Porcelain stoneware tiles perfectly tolerate moisture and the effects of aggressive detergents. Impact resistant coating suitable for the kitchen. This material has advantages.
Consider the main pros and cons of porcelain stoneware flooring:
- ecological cleanliness;
- a wide range of colors and models;
- moisture resistance;
- resistance to mechanical damage.
Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the complexity of installing porcelain stoneware tiles. The high cost is offset by an impressive variety of design options. There are materials on sale with polished, embossed, glazed and matte surfaces.
Evaluating the advantageous characteristics of porcelain stoneware for the floor, the pros and cons of this coating, you should give preference to the option with a matte surface. A matte finish works best for the kitchen. It does not slip even when wet. Even persistent pollution is not afraid of him.
Porcelain stoneware is suitable for interiors in Provence, classic or country styles.
Floor tiles
Apart from porcelain stoneware, there are several varieties of ceramic floor tiles. There is no definite answer to the question of which floor tiles are best for the kitchen. Each option has advantages and disadvantages.
The following varieties are popular with buyers:
- pressed tiles;
- glazed tiles;
- clinker tiles;
- metlakhskaya.
The above varieties are made from high quality clay with the addition of various mixtures. Each brand has specific features. Thus, the pressed tiles have a perfectly flat surface. Glazed tiles have a glossy sheen.
Metlakh tiles and clinker tiles are known for their strength and resistance to mechanical stress.
Vinyl flooring in the kitchen
In its structure, vinyl flooring resembles linoleum. It is based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC). On top of PVC, reinforcing fiberglass is applied, covered with a decorative film with a marble or wood pattern. The structure is crowned with an anti-slip polyurethane coating. Vinyl is available in rolls, tiles and modules.
It's hard to underestimate the benefits of vinyl kitchen flooring. The low-maintenance, wear-resistant coating is resistant to aggressive detergents. Vinyl floors have an increased margin of safety. With proper care, vinyl will last over 10 years. At the same time, its aesthetic qualities and appearance are preserved.
It is worth noting the following advantages of pvc floor tiles in the kitchen:
- moisture resistance;
- hygiene;
- impact resistance;
- low price.
Vinyl flooring also has disadvantages. In particular, they note its low environmental friendliness. This material is made from petroleum products. Vinyl does not lend itself to restoration. If the outer layer is damaged, the coating will have to be replaced completely.
High-quality PVC coating is in no way inferior to natural material. There is no need to spend money on expensive natural linoleum.
Laminate - aesthetics and comfort
Laminate is an inexpensive alternative to hardwood flooring. Consumers note its high aesthetic qualities. High-quality material faithfully copies an expensive floor covering. At the same time, the cost remains at an affordable level.
A moisture-resistant laminate with a protective coating should be considered as a floor covering for a kitchen.
When choosing a kitchen covering, you should pay attention to the following points:
- moisture resistance level;
- wear resistance class;
- manufacturer;
- thickness;
- connection type.
Suitable for the kitchen laminate not less than 8 mm thick, with a moisture resistance level of 33 class. When choosing, preference should be given to products with a matte non-slip surface. The type of lock connection is of no small importance. There are two types of connection: Click - prefabricated connection in grooves, and Lock in the form of a latch lock. The first option is considered reliable and convenient. In addition, it is easy to install.
Laminate has some disadvantages. If hot water gets on it, the coating may swell and warp. More often this happens when a pipe breaks. The material does not have a safety margin. With intensive use, scratches and chips may appear on its surface.
Combined floor in the kitchen
The modern kitchen is a well-equipped spacious room. It serves for cooking and family gatherings. The layout of the kitchen requires the division of space into a dining area and a cooking area.
There are several options for zoning a room. This is the arrangement of furniture, lighting system and combined floor in the kitchen. Tile and linoleum are ideally combined with each other. Warm linoleum will create comfort in the dining area. Hot liquid is often spilled in the cooking area. Heavy objects fall to the floor. Damage-resistant porcelain stoneware is the perfect finish for your work area.
Porcelain stoneware is combined with laminate, linoleum and parquet boards. Combination floors look sophisticated when the flooring is designed in a consistent color scheme.
The combination of porcelain stoneware and laminate in marble or wood look great. This combination is great for country-style designs.
The ergonomic interior of the kitchen will delight you for many years. Don't skimp on consumables. When deciding which floors are best done in the kitchen, all the nuances should be taken into account.
The design and color scheme of the kitchen is also important. Some floor coverings are unreasonably expensive. It may be worth abandoning any materials in favor of simple, but better quality products.
It is necessary to prepare a floor plan in advance, consider several options for how the floor in the kitchen will look. Planning a budget will help you avoid potential risks, unnecessary financial costs, and frustration.