What kind of floor to make in the kitchen: the most practical options When choosing a floor in the kitchen, consider all the risks. First, water: wet steam and possible leaks. Secondly, dirt: we wash the floors in the kitchen and in the hallway more often than in other rooms, which means that they wear out faster. Thirdly, contact with products: drops of wine inevitably fly to the floor or a conditional “beetroot” falls. What kind of flooring is better for the kitchen in terms of practicality? “The most suitable ones are ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, natural stone, polished concrete, self-leveling floors, vinyl and linoleum,” designer Evgenia Razuvaeva lists. - Nothing will happen to them if the dishwasher leaks or the water pipes break. An array, engineered or parquet board, laminate is also often used for the floor in the kitchen, but there is always a risk of damage. Even a small amount of spilled water will have to be cleaned up immediately, rather than waiting for it to dry on its own.”
Wood: pros and cons
Natural wood is the favorite finish of most designers. However, not everyone considers it suitable for the kitchen. According to Elena Andreeva, the wood will inevitably absorb drops, splashes and odors during cooking. In the course of time, the aesthetic finish layer of the parquet will “wear out” - the coating in the kitchen will look different from the same, for example, in the corridor. But designer Valeria Belousova urges not to be afraid of stereotypes: “If you don’t have small children and pets who constantly spill something in the kitchen, you can make a natural wood floor. It always looks very comfortable, soundly and expensive in the good sense of the word. Modern parquet is treated with special protective compounds, it is easy to care for it. The main thing is that the surface is not porous.”
Designer Irina Kashaeva names another reason not to combine floor coverings: “A person should not experience stress when stepping on a cold stone after warm wood! I have two favorite materials for the floor: warm practical marmoleum and cork under a good varnish - also warm, but more aesthetic than marmoleum. If the cork is a lock, be sure to glue the joints to prevent water from entering the pressed core. Laying should be carried out from the furniture installation site - this way you can replace the module if necessary. Architect Dmitry Korshunov also advocates laying out the floor in the combined kitchen-living room with one material - there are fewer differences and types of material when purchasing.
Subtleties of docking
“If there are tiles in the cooking area and wood in the dining area, it is very important to choose the coatings in advance and tell the builders the thickness of the tiles and boards for the correct formation of the finishing screed,” advises architect Irina Melkova. - Aesthetically important point: how to arrange the junction of wood / laminate and tiles. The easiest way is a T-shaped profile, matched by color. Minus - it protrudes, forming a small threshold. You can simply separate the tile from the wood with a strip of cork. If the cork does not match the color, it is advisable to carefully paint it. There are also metal L-shaped profiles of different colors that will close the cork and will look quite aesthetically pleasing.” Designer Evgenia Razuvaeva suggests choosing floor coverings that are glued to the base for combinations - as a way to avoid miserable thresholds.
You can combine different materials on the kitchen floor, for example, tiles and laminate, but also different colors and elements of the same coating. Designer Olga Karpova's favorite technique is a tile floor with various decorative elements. These can be borders, decors, mosaics and skirting boards, allowing you to beat different areas of the kitchen.
Design: how to make a non-boring floor It is obvious that practical surfaces are needed on the floor in the kitchen. But what if the design of the apartment has a clear style, and the tiles do not fit into it?
“Which coating is better for the kitchen is dictated by the general stylistic and coloristic concept,” designer Nadezhda Davydenko is sure. - You can always find options, complex or simple. For example, in the American classics, wooden floors are desirable in the kitchen, but with the modern level of technology, the board can be replaced with porcelain stoneware under the board.
“Modern porcelain stoneware has such a palette of textures and colors that it’s hard not to choose an option to your liking,” agrees architect Maria Kitaeva. - And also a very beautiful and cozy option - metlakh tiles. Warmer in sensations, it will give, where necessary, antiquity, set the scale of the room, add bright colors. If you really want wood, but are tormented by the question of practicality, take a closer look at wood-effect vinyl tiles or cork floors with a protective layer of varnish.
Designer Lyubov Kitova also recommends using floor tiles in a classic interior - both plain and combinations of shades and prints. Laconic tiles and laminate look good in modern kitchens and Scandinavian interiors - together and separately. “When combining, the best solution would be to play on contrasts or textures. If you're pairing tile and laminate but don't want them to look too different, opt for wood grain tile or porcelain stoneware. In this case, the layout of the tiles is best done perpendicular to the layout of the laminate. According to the designer, high-quality laminate perfectly tolerates frequent cleaning and is not afraid of water.
“For fans of extraordinary solutions, I suggest considering the option of a heat-treated board for the entire area of the kitchen-dining-living room,” adds Architect Irina Melkova. - Natural wood that has been heat treated looks very good, unifies the space, while removing the questions of operation. Another option suitable for extraordinary interiors is self-leveling floors with a pattern.
Summing up
According to designer Alevtina Zheltysheva, the answer to the question of which floor is better to make in the kitchen depends on many factors: the composition of the family and the habits of the owners, the design concept, the dimensions of the room, the location of the zones and their functionality. Nevertheless, general recommendations can be made.
1. If a married couple lives in an apartment without children and animals, the owners cook little - any floor will last a long time, be it parquet or laminate.
2. If the kitchen is small, the owners often cook, there are pets, often someone spills and drops something - it is better to choose tiles, porcelain stoneware or vinyl. These materials will also be optimal because the kitchen, like the bathroom, is considered a “wet zone” - there may be leaks here, neighbors can flood the kitchen. Not every coating will survive the water test.
3. In a room that combines several zones (kitchen, living room, dining room), you can use several coatings - they will help with zoning, make the interior more interesting and complex. In economy mode, they usually combine tiles and laminate, and when the budget allows, porcelain stoneware and parquet or cork board. But do not overdo it with textures and colors: there is a risk of getting a “flooring store” at the exit.
4. In a kitchen up to 5 square meters, it is better to make a floor from one material so as not to crush an already compact space.
5. If you decide to combine coatings, immediately decide whether you will use a warm floor and how to seal the seam - the structure and height of the subfloor depend on this. Instead of sills at the joints, it is better to use a cork compensator in the color of the parquet. It is almost invisible, it is flexible and allows the board to “walk”, protecting it from cracking.
6. To diversify the space of the kitchen-living room and highlight the dining area, you can set a different direction of tiles, laminate or boards when laying.7. Choosing what is better to lay on the floor in the kitchen - tiles or wood, it is not necessary to sacrifice aesthetics for the sake of practicality. Today it is easy to find tiles, porcelain stoneware or wood grain vinyl. You can even choose an aged texture.
A special room in each apartment is the kitchen. Its comfort and landscaping largely depend on the right choice of finishing materials. The main loads fall on the kitchen floor, it must withstand numerous emergencies, as well as be resistant to them, not lose its original appearance and be perfectly laundered.
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 experts together with your experience.
What should be the kitchen floor?
The floor covering of the kitchen is exposed to the negative effects of high temperatures, high humidity, grease and chemically aggressive materials. This adversely affects the condition of the floor, entails its rapid wear. Therefore, when choosing a material, it is necessary to take into account the main criteria:
- moisture resistance;
- high hygiene (the floor should be easy to clean);
- mechanical strength (with various random impacts);
- resistance to aggressive 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 floor coverings for the kitchenMany finishing materials meet the above requirements: widely used tiles, wear-resistant linoleum, beautiful laminate, eco-friendly cork floor, perfectly even 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 option with a triple lacquer application, pre-treated with special protective coatings for durability. Its replacement can be a parquet board. It has a multi-layer texture, consisting of 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 operation.
pros
- made from natural materials;
- provide warmth to the floor;
- a wide selection of wood species;
- eco-friendly coating;
- a variety of styling ("herringbone", "braid", etc.);
- when repairing failed sections, it will not be necessary to dismantle the entire
- surface, it is enough just to replace the damaged part;
- the parquet board is easy to install, as it has special locks along the edges, which
- provide a high density of fit of individual canvases;
- do not require special care (well cleaned).
Minuses
- a large amount of moisture can significantly affect the parquet and warp it;
- high price;
- falling heavy or sharp objects leave marks on such a surface.
Laminate
The peculiarity of this type is that it looks harmonious 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 let moisture through, but you can not leave it on their surface for more than three hours. This will lead to liquid seepage into the depth where the pressed material is located, which, when interacting with water, tends to swell quickly.
pros
- ease of installation (has grooves for connecting 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 wash off oily and coloring stains;
- its surface withstands only light detergents;
- resistant to mechanical influences.
cork floor
It is a light, natural and breathable facing material. This is a kind of magical 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 when dirty, it is easy to clean;
- environmental friendliness;
- cork is antistatic;
- has a variety of structures.
Minuses
- if the cork floor has protective coatings (varnish or wax), then they exclude pleasant sensations from the natural structure of this material;
- without protective coatings, it is unstable to various shocks and impacts;
high price.
Porcelain, 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
- hard surface;
- is not afraid of moisture and does not let it through;
- appearance;
- a wide range of colors and the possibility of combining different options;
- does not burn out;
- easy to clean;
- resistant to various chemical influences;
- does not deform.
Minuses
- always gives cold;
- can easily break from the impact of a heavy object. Stone tiles are not affected by this, but 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 multilayer 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 and does not split;
- easy to replace a single part;
- the possibility of various styling (staggered, diamonds, etc.).
Minuses
- many butt joints that require some care;
- damaged by falling sharp objects;
- fade;
- made from artificial materials.
Linoleum
Its natural appearance called marmoleum is highly durable and natural. It does not rot, is antistatic and is not subject to mechanical stress, but it costs much more than its artificial counterpart. Most often, however, the choice is made in favor of the latter, so 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 grease;
- a huge range of patterns and colors;
- not damaged by heavy objects falling 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, it really looks like it, but in terms of contact sensations it is more similar to tiles. The self-leveling floor has a stunning appearance, its perfectly smooth surface can contain various inserts (wooden, metal or plastic). Different drawings can be made on it, even with a 3D effect.
pros
- unpretentious in care;
- durable;
- has a beautiful view;
- its surface has no seams;
- can be combined with various materials in the form of inserts;
- moisture resistant;
- does not respond to mechanical damage.
Minuses
- it is difficult to dismantle;
- takes a long time to dry after washing.
Not the best choice for the 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 feeling for the legs;
- 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;
- when moisture enters, it absorbs it, dries for a long time and can rot.
Combination of floor coverings in the kitchen
After much thought and difficulty 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 working area of the kitchen with linoleum, PVC tiles or its ceramic counterpart, and lay warmer material in the rest of the room: carpet, parquet or cork. The main thing is that the thickness of the selected coatings be equal. Joints of materials with different textures should be properly camouflaged, not attract visual attention and not be felt when walking.
If you have not yet decided which floors are better to make in the kitchen, then you should heed the advice of professionals. Here are the most important ones:
- for a small kitchen, large patterns and decorative elements on the floor should be avoided. Small images will not look intrusive and 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 shades;
- the glossy surface of the floor expands the space of the room, and the matte one hides it.
Having talked about a few nuances of each type of flooring for the kitchen, we hope that we have helped you to consciously approach its choice. After all, it should serve and delight you with its appearance for more than one year.
The choice of material for finishing the floor in the kitchen is always a complex and important process. This is due to the fact that it must be durable, practical, reliable. In addition, such coatings should be easy to clean. That is why when choosing a floor for the kitchen, you need to be careful and take into account a number of nuances.
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Peculiarities
It is believed that in the kitchen, especially combined with the living room, households bring the most time. That is why the kitchen should have a good interior and high-quality finishes to make being in it more comfortable and cozy. Flooring plays an important role in providing comfort and safety.
Its feature is that It should be convenient for the hostess to move around the kitchen during the cooking process. At the same time, a number of important requirements are imposed on the floor. Since a lot of fumes are released into the air during cooking, the humidity level in the kitchen is always higher than in other rooms. That is why moisture and grease settle on such coatings. In the kitchen, wet cleaning is most often carried out, so the coating must be resistant to moisture. In addition, it should repel dirt and not absorb fat.
It is better if the coating can be cleaned with special scrapers and hard sponges.
Floors in the kitchen should be wear-resistant, since mechanical loads in this room are inevitable. Therefore, coatings must have a special protective layer that will not spoil the appearance and quality characteristics of the floor. In addition, they must be resistant to external influences and damage. This is due to the specifics of this room, since cutlery, knives, plates and even pots often fall in the kitchen. The floor must be very durable and strong.
Another feature of the floor in the kitchen is that it is changed infrequently, so it must be durable and reliable in operation. At the same time, due to high humidity, it can begin to slip, and many coatings can become unsafe because of this. On such a floor, it is easy to slip and fall, so matte non-slip surfaces are best suited.
A feature of many floor coverings designed for the kitchen is that they have at least a slight relief. Many coatings are quite expensive. This is due to the fact that the materials have a certain set of quality characteristics and have a good composition.
When choosing, it is important to initially think through all the details and choose the most suitable coatings for the interior and color design, while taking into account the quality characteristics. A feature of the floors for the kitchen is that they are brighter and more attractive than coatings in other rooms, so they are considered an element of decor.
This feature determines that the choice of flooring design should be taken seriously. A good kitchen floor is an original, functional and practical flooring.
Kinds
When choosing the type of material for finishing the kitchen floor, they usually take into account whether it will spread in an apartment or in a private house. In addition, it is often selected depending on the area of \u200b\u200bthe kitchen and on its size, so that the load level can be calculated. There are several basic types of materials for finishing the kitchen floor.
Porcelain stoneware
This is a classic option, its advantage is resistance to chemical detergents, as well as dirt and grease. It is quite easy to care for him and at the same time he retains his original appearance for a long time. But porcelain stoneware has rather large seams, which can collect a lot of dust and dirt. That's why, To avoid this problem, you need to do its styling efficiently and professionally.
Customer reviews show that improperly laid porcelain tiles are quickly damaged. This is especially true in cases where the seams are too large and there are voids between the cells.
Cork
Such floors are now one of the most popular. Although their cost is quite high, they have a number of advantages. So, this is one of the warmest coatings that is suitable for the kitchen. It is pleasant to walk barefoot on such a floor. cork pretty eco-friendly. Natural cork does not swell with water and does not rot. In addition, any dirt can be easily erased from it, even with the use of abrasive products.
Cork does not accumulate dust and is considered antistatic. In addition, if you put something hot on the cork floor, such as pans, a quality coating will not leave marks on itself if the contact is short-lived, which is not the case with other wooden floors. This feature of cork is due to its texture.
But still the bottleneck subjected to mechanical stress- in places where you dropped a fork or knife, there are traces. That is why cork is placed in the kitchen only if it is possible to cover it with special wax or varnish to protect the floor and give it greater strength. But such a cork floor does not look natural.
When choosing a cork floor, it is better not to purchase models that have an MDF base. Customer reviews show that such floors are short-lived and unreliable.
Glossy tile
For the kitchen, this option is good because it is easy to care for and wash stains, and it looks quite elegant and elegant. But at the same time, it can be very slippery, so models with relief are more suitable. But the tile is easy to lay out with your own hands. In addition, she has quite low price and lasts for many years Therefore, some of its advantages outweigh some of the disadvantages.
Wood
Wooden coverings such as natural boards or strip parquet, as well as parquet boards, are acceptable for laying in the kitchen. Their big advantage is elegant appearance and durability. Very important is their environmental friendliness. However, the material is expensive. It is necessary to purchase only those coatings that are well protected from moisture and have a special mark on the pack.
Water-resistant parquet is a great solution for a classic-style kitchen. It looks luxurious and is completely safe. But it is better not to abuse wet cleaning and take care of this floor with extreme caution.
Laminate
This is a great option for the kitchen if it belongs to a high wear resistance class. For this room, it is better to purchase models of at least class 31. They perfectly tolerate mechanical stress and do not wear out for many years. Outwardly, it can completely imitate natural wood. In addition, there are options for tiles, marble, natural stone. Laminate is resistant to moisture.
Linoleum
A good wear-resistant material that perfectly tolerates wet cleaning and exposure to grease and moisture. But such coatings can quickly fade in bright kitchens. Besides, linoleum is not suitable for placing hot objects on it. It is best to be careful with such material.
This is a great choice for those who want to save money and prefer brighter and bolder solutions.
self-leveling floor
This is an option that looks great in almost any kitchen. You can fill it with your own hands. Glossy self-leveling floors look bright and interesting. They are often matched to the countertop or to the design of the apron area. The only downside is that dismantling of this floor is not possible, but at the same time, the floors serve for a very long time and are resistant to external influences.
The self-leveling floor can be easily washed and cleaned even with a brush. Outwardly, it looks very presentable, but not always suitable for combination.
Color solutions
When choosing a flooring color, many tend to opt for more neutral hues that will work well with other surfaces such as suites, walls and ceilings. If you want to make the kitchen lighter and more spacious, then a beige, gray or white floor is perfect. It fills the room with lightness and makes it wider.
But most often, darker colors are preferred for decorating rooms and kitchens, since such floor coverings are more convenient and practical, they can make all floors not so easily soiled. You can make the floors black, brown, dark gray or dark green.
When choosing a floor color often play in contrast: dark set and light floor, or vice versa. Nowadays, brighter colors are often preferred, especially for modern kitchen interiors. Colored, most often glossy coatings are chosen.
Orange, yellow, green, purple floor is especially popular. In addition, it can be beautifully finished with red and white glossy tiles in the form of a mosaic. This colorful combination looks very juicy. But if you have a small kitchen, then it is better to give preference to more calm and neutral combinations.
With the right combination of colors and patterns on the floor, you can make the room more spacious. In a small kitchen, it is better to lay beige tiles with a diagonal pattern, combining adjacent shades from the same color range, but for wider kitchens, you can choose interesting and colorful solutions and combinations.
The color accent can be repeated in some interior details, so you can make the design of the kitchen more harmonious and complete.
Combination of coatings
Now, when finishing the floor in the kitchen, they are increasingly resorting to a combination of materials. Thus, the interior of the room becomes more interesting and original. This laying of the floor can be done easily with your own hands. But for this you need to choose the right materials, dividing the room into different functional areas. Most often, the kitchen is divided into a working area, where the hostess is engaged in cooking, as well as a dining area - part of the room for eating.
The dining room can be made more luxurious and you can choose almost any materials for this, but the apron area should have additional waterproofing. Therefore, the choice of flooring in this area should be approached more seriously.
For the apron area, tile or porcelain stoneware is perfect. But the eating area is most often finished using parquet, laminate and even natural wood. This area will be less subject to mechanical stress, so the quality characteristics and criteria for choosing the coverage of the dining area will not be so strict.
But when combining, it is important to consider rules for combining floor coverings. As a rule, they are selected by color matching. It is better that the texture of the coatings be the same in both zones, the shades belong to the same color range. Moreover, not all coatings can be easily connected to each other.
It is better to lay a special seam between them so that it hides a sharp contrast.
Also, if you combine laminate with another, harder material, such as tile, be aware that the laminate can expand over time and run into the tile. This combination will not look harmonious. That is why laying a special seam and leaving invisible gaps between the two coatings will be extremely necessary.
As for the color design of combined materials, it can be contrasting, but it is also important to take into account a number of qualities here. So, if you decide to combine floor coverings of different colors, then the furniture in these two areas should be different and match their floor covering in order to create a harmonious ensemble.
When combining, it is important to take into account the thickness of the floor coverings so that there are no obvious joints on the floor. Otherwise, you will need to use a multi-level floor. The combination of flooring makes the kitchen divided. In addition, this is a great solution for studio apartments.
In this case, you will be able to adapt to the taste of other household members, if you were unable to agree on the choice of flooring. In addition, tile is a colder material, so laminate or parquet in the dining area will be more pleasant for the feet, but tiles can be laid already in the apron area.
In modern kitchens, when choosing floors, many are faced with a choice: choose a simpler and more convenient coating that will be practical to use, or choose a more interesting decorative coating that will play an aesthetic role. But experts recommend proceeding from what you already have.
We will analyze the most popular coatings, and you will already decide which of the evils is the least.
First, take into account the initial data of the kitchen
Before thinking about what is better to put on the floor in the kitchen, you need to think about where exactly the room is located:
1.
If we are talking about a high-rise building and a middle floor, then almost any floor will be warm enough and it makes no sense to especially worry about warming.
2. A if you live on the ground floor or in a private house, then here the conversation is different, since in winter, without special heating, the floor can be simply icy.
Also important is the initial humidity of the room, which, again, depends on the location. Particularly wet kitchens are on the ground floors and in houses without a basement. Having laid a wooden floor in such a kitchen, for example, you should not count on the fact that it will lie for a long time and will not need scraping.
But let's go in order.
What floors are there and which ones are the most practical?
Of the most popular and affordable coatings today, we can distinguish:
There are, of course, also cork floors, there are stone ones, but this is no longer so popular, since the price “bites”. Therefore, we will not include them in our review, it is better to talk about them separately, taking into account all the nuances.
From all of the above, we can say that the most practical floors are tile and self-leveling.
But the tile has one big minus - it is cold. Self-leveling floors are quite expensive. But we are all Let's look at it in more detail in separate blocks. considering both advantages and disadvantages.
If desired, you can also make a combined floor, this is especially true for kitchens connected to the living room. Due to the transition of textures, it is possible to successfully zone the room.
About screed and insulation
When repairs are in full swing, the question of which coatings to prefer is not the most burning one. Now the main thing is the screed and leveling of the surface.
Before choosing the material from which the screed will be made, you need to think about what you will lay on top.
If it is a tile, then there is no difference what will be below and an ordinary cement mortar will do. And if it is a laminate, then it is much better to make a gypsum screed using a plaster mixture for this. Such a floor will come out much warmer and will be less moisture permeable.
Also, the thickness of the screed may depend on what type of insulation you choose.
And if you raised the screed high enough, then making wooden flooring is no longer very reasonable if your ceiling height is standard, that is, 2.5 meters. If you "steal" the extra 10 cm, then this will significantly affect the visual perception of the room.
And if you are also planning a hinged ceiling, then it will not be good at all. Now let's get closer to the topic and talk about specific coatings.
Laminate in the kitchen
The good thing about laminate flooring is that its installation is quite simple and you don’t need to involve professionals for this. Also, it is quite easy to care for him, he is quite durable, warm to the touch, and the choice of colors and textures is more than huge.
Overall, laminate flooring is a very good choice for a kitchen, as long as you buy it with durability in mind and don't go for the cheapest option.
Of course, a class for commercial premises is not always needed, but increased moisture resistance and resistance to chips will not hurt. By the way, just recently we wrote about that, be sure to read.
Keep in mind that a kitchen is a kitchen. A knife, a heavy frying pan, a meat grinder can fall out of your hands ... Anything. And it will be simply impossible to restore the floor later.
Also if your room is still damp, the same first floor, then laminate will not be the most brilliant choice for the reason that it has the property of "going". And if in a room of medium humidity it retains its original appearance for 10 years, then in a humid room in the fifth year, the joints will begin to “turn out”.
Do not forget that the kitchen is a place where you constantly water splashes. And the laminate does not like this very much, and you need to constantly wipe off the drops in order to keep the surface as long as possible.
Wooden floor
You can't lay parquet on your own, of course. It is expensive, subject to abrasion and, in general, not the best option for the kitchen.
But ordinary deck boards are what you need. The floor comes out very warm and without insulation, it is easy to take care of it and most importantly - no screeds are needed in this case, since the board is laid on the logs.
It is for sale ready-made, so you don’t need to scrape anything, just lay it evenly, setting the supports in level.
This option is not the most budgetary, but it is beautiful and environmentally friendly. And given that you also save on the screed, then this option has the right to be considered.
But here, too, do not forget that if a knife that fell from a height is stuck in a tree, a scratch will remain on it. But on the laminate - no. But it is unpleasant to walk barefoot on a laminate, like on oilcloth, and on a wooden one - very much so.
But, as we wrote above, it is very cold in winter.
So, if your kitchen is poorly heated, think thrice before settling on tiles. Not only is it cold in itself, it also lowers the overall degree of the room. Not much, but still.
But, if the cold does not bother you, or you are ready to insulate the floor at the stage of laying the screed, then you can consider this option.
The tile is very exacting to correctness and quality of laying. If it is poorly laid, and there are air gaps between it and the screed, then it will very quickly begin to “walk” in these places, and over time it will simply burst in this place. Also, the tile bursts from the fact that cast-iron pans fall on it ... It is unreasonable to renounce such an incident, because anything can happen and all options must be taken into account.
It is often impossible to find a replacement for broken fragments, since fashion changes quickly, the assortment in stores does too, so take this into account when buying building materials. Let you have a couple of extra tiles left for later.
Well, the last moment - the tile is often very slippery and it is very easy to slip on it if water is spilled on the floor. And falling on the tile hurts, yes. And the glasses crumble, falling on a hard surface instantly. But if they fell on a laminate or a tree, then nothing would happen to them.
As for which tile is better, it's hard to say. Naturally, it should not be for the walls, but for the floor.
If you don’t have a herd of rhinos running through your kitchen every day, you can choose the most ordinary, not the most impact-resistant. Expensive porcelain tile, for example, is definitely not needed, it is more suitable for outdoor patios.
Linoleum in the kitchen
Even a woman can put linoleum on the floor. But it must be laid exclusively on a flat surface, otherwise every grain of sand and recess will be visible under the coating. Not only is it simply ugly, it will also wipe itself in these places with incredible force.
The wear of linoleum depends on its initial characteristics. There are softer options that cannot be pressed with something hard, as a dent will instantly form. And there are denser ones, for offices and other commercial premises.
The main trouble with linoleum is that it does not shine with beautiful colors.
Color options in this case: grey, light grey, dark grey, blue. If you manage to find something more interesting and with a pattern, then it will be a great success. We do not recommend imitations of wood and tiles.
But linoleum has one big minus. On it, all the time there are black stripes from the soles, which are still a pleasure to wash. And, it's not just about street shoes.
So, if you have children in your house who run a lot and “slow down” with their soles, get ready for the fact that you will have to crawl with cotton wool soaked in acetone and wipe the marks.
Maintenance is absolutely minimal. this floor washes well. Also, it is not afraid of moisture, is not afraid of bumps and scratches, but at the same time it cannot be called very hard to the touch.
The self-leveling floor is not cold, therefore, it is much more pleasant to walk on it than on tiles.
Another big plus such floors - the ability to choose very non-standard colors. Here you can think of anything. Although the image of a volumetric aquarium with fish, with a full 3D effect.
But self-leveling floors are still a novelty, and therefore The price for them is not the most loyal.
Also of great importance is fitter skill. Some may do this very sloppily and the floor will look uneven. And considering that it is mostly glossy, every dot and bubble will be visible in the sun.
Therefore, before deciding on a self-leveling floor, look for the masters and see photos of their work, and also read reviews about this company.
And so, the self-leveling floor is very durable, they say that it has been serving for more than fifty years, while maintaining its original appearance. To be honest, we have doubts about this, since no one has canceled abrasion and micro-scratches. And, if even ceramic tiles wear out after 50 years, then how can a self-leveling floor be preserved if it is softer by definition?
Our article has come to an end and we hope you have decided a bit on which floor is better to make in the kitchen. We wish you all the best!
The kitchen is the central place in the house. For many, this is not just a room in which food is prepared, but also a dining room, a living room, a meeting place for all family members. She is never empty. And the aesthetic appearance and functionality of the kitchen will depend on how correctly the flooring is chosen.
Requirements
What are the main requirements for modern housewives for kitchen flooring? The biggest load in the house falls on the floor. They walk on it, sharp, piercing, breaking objects often fall on it, juices spill, splashes of fat fly. Therefore, there are many requirements for such a coating, all of them are very important.
- First and foremost, kitchen flooring should be easy to clean. After cleaning, it should not leave greasy spots and stains.
- The floor in the kitchen should not be afraid of water. Since it is constantly exposed to various contaminants, it is necessary to wash it very often and thoroughly.
- It must be shockproof and withstand mechanical stress. For example, to scratches from sharp and heavy objects.
- The kitchen floor must also be abrasion and wear resistant. From frequent visits to the premises, the coating can quickly become unusable.
- We must not forget about environmental friendliness. In the kitchen, a person spends a fairly long period of time and it is better if the coating does not emit harmful substances.
- It is very important that the floor in the kitchen is not slippery. Due to the frequent ingress of water, various splashes, too smooth and slippery surfaces can cause injury.
- An important point are the decorative properties of the coating. It should be in harmony with the general color background of the kitchen itself, give it a finished look and create a feeling of warmth and comfort.
- Mounting method. For some types of coatings, it is necessary to pre-prepare the floor. And also, it must be borne in mind that there are types of flooring that require the participation of professionals and special equipment.
- For those who want to make the floor in the kitchen warm with heating, it is better to choose a coating that can withstand temperature changes.
Types of flooring: advantages and disadvantages
The modern market and rapidly developing new technologies offer many different types of kitchen flooring.
PVC coatings are linoleum, PVC tiles, quartz vinyl tiles.
The most common flooring material is linoleum.. He is still the leader among floor coverings. The material is very different in color and texture. There are with imitation of stone, parquet, wood, smooth, textured, polished and matte.
Linoleum is household, commercial and semi-commercial. Household, designed for rooms with low traffic, its thickness is 0.3 mm. Semi-commercial and commercial linoleum is more resistant to abrasion. It can be used in service, industrial premises with high traffic of people. Its thickness varies between 0.5 - 0.7 mm. Even a non-professional can lay linoleum.
The advantages of linoleum include the fact that it is easy to lay on any surface, it is easy to care for it, it is not afraid of water. You can choose for any design solution. The price category is very wide, for every wallet. The main disadvantage is the most environmentally friendly material. Cheap options emit harmful, toxic substances. It cannot be laid on warm floors.
PVC tiles and quartz vinyl tiles. This is the same linoleum, only in the form of plates or tiles. Quartz vinyl tile is more harmless, as it consists of 70% quartz sand and only 30% PVC. The advantage of such a tile is that it is easy to lay, if over time damage appears on it in some places, such areas are easy to replace without disassembling the entire floor.
The main disadvantage of such a coating is that the surface must be carefully prepared for it, it must be perfectly even, and there are also many seams. For a room with high humidity, the presence of seams in the coating is not very good because moisture will gradually accumulate, as a result of which this will lead to peeling of the plates from the floor.
The next type is ceramic coatings. These include porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles.
Ceramic tiles are striking in their diversity. She has a lot of colors from plain to the most exotic. At the same time, it is suitable for people with different financial capabilities. And this is a big plus. It is the best suited for the kitchen, as it is not afraid of moisture, abrasion, damage and it is easy to wash.
However, the big disadvantage is that such tiles are too cold and hard. Therefore, before deciding on the use of tiles, it is necessary to provide underfloor heating. Do not use smooth and polished tiles, this is fraught with various falls and injuries. It is better to choose a matte or embossed texture.
Porcelain stoneware- the most durable artificial material. In terms of wear resistance, it is more practical than ceramic tiles and linoleum. It is almost impossible to scratch and will not wear off over time. According to its properties, porcelain stoneware is similar to ceramic tiles. It has the same pros and cons as the tile.
natural coatings. These include parquet, cork, natural wood, marmoleum.
Thanks to modern technologies, wood floors have become quite durable, wear-resistant and not afraid of moisture. This floor is well suited for lovers of everything natural. It is warm, not as hard as porcelain stoneware and tiles, varied in color and texture, can be polished and matte.
Such a coating requires careful maintenance, using special, expensive cleaning products. It may stain from juices and wine. Natural flooring is much more expensive than artificial flooring. Installation requires the skill of professionals.
Natural wood floors and parquet can be restored over time by removing a thin top layer. But this should be done by experts.
Marmoleum made from linen, jute, non-woven materials. It does not emit harmful substances at all. Very wear-resistant, can serve up to 45 years. Simple and easy to clean.
The disadvantages of marmoleum include its high price and the complexity of installation.
The most impractical kitchen floor covering is cork. It is too soft, porous, it has a thin protective layer, so it is afraid of moisture. The base for cork flooring must be perfectly flat.
Cork flooring is best laid in a nursery or bedroom.
Another not the best option for the kitchen floor is laminate. This is a fairly common inexpensive material. It can be laid on its own without resorting to the help of specialists; it does not require a perfect, even surface.
But no matter how good its protective coating is, it is not able to protect the laminate from swelling when water enters. And also it quickly stains, from spilled wines or juices. The service life of the laminate is not high, and with intensive use it will be completely halved.
And finally, the most original look that appeared on the market not so long ago - self-leveling floor. There are a lot of advantages to such coverage. Such a floor will please its owners for a long time. You can create the most incredible patterns and 3D drawings, even photos. Its perfectly flat surface is easy to clean and dirt will not clog into the seams, as they simply do not exist. At the same time, it does not emit harmful substances at all and is safe for health.
There were no significant downsides. One of them is a very high price. And another important point, only professionals can apply such a coating. You should be very careful in choosing specialists. Because the quality of the material and the method of filling will depend on its further operation.
Poor quality materials and work will lead to scratches and cracks, and such a self-leveling floor can fade and fade in the sun.
Combination of floor coverings
It is easy to get lost in such a large variety of floor coverings, but modern design offers an interesting solution - zoning space using different types of flooring. Coverage for the kitchen and corridor may be the same. In this case, the corridor is, as it were, a logical continuation of the kitchen and visually increases its size.
When zoning the kitchen space, there is a visual separation of the working area from the dining area. The working area is located directly in front of the stove, sink and cutting table. It is subject to maximum mechanical stress, moisture and grease. Accordingly, for this part of the kitchen it is worth choosing the most durable, durable material.
When combining floor coverings, it is necessary to take into account their thickness, how even the base is, the transition from one type to another, the color scheme and texture of the materials used.
The most suitable materials for the floor of the kitchen working area are tiles, porcelain stoneware, linoleum, PVC tiles. For the dining area, where you want comfort and coziness, laminate, linoleum, cork, parquet, in general, any softer and warmer coating that is pleasant for the feet, is great.
The most common combination is laminate and linoleum. They are in the same price category, are close in their properties and have a variety of colors. Of course, it is better to lay linoleum in the most actively used area, it is resistant to water. And give the recreation area under the laminate, so that the legs are warm and comfortable.
Choosing a floor for the style of the kitchen
The most pleasant and difficult thing in choosing a floor covering is the combination of the floor and the overall style of the kitchen.
In order for the overall design to please more than one year, you must follow simple rules:
- The light floor visually enlarges the space. Also, the space increases the glossy surface, while the matte, on the contrary, reduces.
- Beige, red, brownish shades create a more comfortable atmosphere.
- The black floor will add luxury and chic.
- White goes well with any kitchen, it is especially often used in modern interiors.
- Large prints are suitable for large rooms, for a small kitchen it is better to choose a plain floor or a small pattern.
- It is better to lay a bright coating in a restrained kitchen, without any frills, neutral colors.
The parquet floor looks very aristocratic, and it is used for a classic-style kitchen. For art deco kitchen designs, combined floors are often chosen. The combination of marble with parquet is especially successful.
For Provence, porcelain stoneware, tiles, natural wood with a worn effect, artificially aged, are well suited. Shades are better to use light, beige, blurry.
If the furniture is in a contrasting color, then the wood-like floor in natural shades will go well with it.
To create a vintage style, stylized ceramic tiles with a bright pattern are suitable, elegant and cheerful. Or you can choose linoleum with a geometric pattern. It will be interesting to look at tiles laid out in zigzags or herringbone.
