The choice of flooring for the kitchen. What to put on the floor in the kitchen: options for choosing What to put in the kitchen

10.11.2019

Choice floor covering for the kitchen, unlike living rooms, not only your taste and design preferences are influenced, but also practical requirements. good coverage for the floor in the kitchen should be strong enough, withstand any exposure to moisture, grease and other aggressive environments, and also easy to clean. On the other hand, today's abundance of materials in hardware stores makes it easy to choose a coating suitable for any design. Thus, you can make almost any floor in the kitchen - you can see photos of design rooms for an example below.

Only one question arises - how do the materials differ, what are the main pros and cons of each of them? You will find the answer to it in our article.

The most practical flooring can be called linoleum, the installation of which we wrote about.

Firstly, it is quite inexpensive and durable (the service life of the coating is on average about 8-10 years).
Secondly, it is easy to fit and does not require special care.
Thirdly, linoleum has excellent heat and sound insulation.
Finally, fourthly, there is now an extremely wide selection of linoleum designs.

Linoleum is divided into three types - household, semi-commercial and commercial. Each type corresponds to its wear resistance class:

Household linoleum

- Household linoleum has a low wear resistance class (21-23) and is used only in residential areas with a low surface load. Using such linoleum in the kitchen would not be the right decision.

semi-commercial linoleum

- Semi-commercial linoleum has increased stability to abrasion, its wear resistance class is 31-34. This is perfect option for kitchen.

commercial linoleum

Commercial linoleum is mainly used in industrial premises and major shopping malls with maximum surface load. The wear resistance class of commercial linoleum is 41-43. The use of this type of linoleum in the kitchen is possible, but not advisable due to the price of the material.

At first glance, it seems that linoleum is a suitable flooring in the kitchen. And yet, even it has its drawbacks. First of all, it is environmental safety - cheap options linoleum is not suitable for laying in a residential area Therefore, when buying, it is important to look at the markings. In addition, each type of linoleum involves the choice of a suitable adhesive, or mastic. Read our article about. More modern version linoleum, which is devoid of many of the shortcomings of its predecessor, is what we wrote about recently.

Ceramic tile

In popularity, ceramic tiles compete with linoleum. Indeed, it is durable, washes well, lasts a long time and without any problems endures all the unpleasant effects that the floor in the kitchen is often exposed to. Neither an accidentally dropped knife nor spilled fat will leave marks on its surface.

There are both cheap one-color tile options, and expensive ones that imitate other materials - marble, granite, fine wood or even onyx.

Tiles for the kitchen floor, selected according to the following parameters:

The appearance of the tiles depends on the layer of enamel

- Enamel type - responsible for appearance tiles and making it hard and waterproof.

Tile not resistant to mechanical stress

- Mechanical properties - bending resistance, surface hardness. Bending resistance is measured in mega-pascals (MPa). According to international standards (N 100 and ISO 1054-4), the resistance of unglazed tiles to bending should be no less than 27 MPa. As for hardness, according to the classification, it is divided into five classes. For the floor in the kitchen, tiles of the third and fourth classes are recommended.

Tiles must be resistant to active liquids

Resistance to aggressive environments - since the tiles in the kitchen are exposed to temperature, acid and alkaline liquids, their protection must be at least class B. The class of your tile can be found in the accompanying certificate or from the information on the package.

Among the shortcomings, one can mention the fact that many consider ceramics and tiles to be "cold" materials; however, this problem is solved.

Laminate

Tiles and linoleum are far from the only options for answering the question asked at the beginning of the article, what kind of floor to make in the kitchen. Laminate has long and firmly gained popularity as a floor covering for living rooms.

even easier than ceramic tiles, and a wide selection allows you to choose the material of any shade. However, the laminate does not like dirt, moisture and mechanical stress, and replacing a damaged part is not an easy task. Therefore, it is worth considering before ordering a floor made of this material for the kitchen.
Laminate, like linoleum, is divided into wear resistance classes:

The shortest service life of a laminate with 21 wear resistance classes. This type of laminate has a low price and bad specifications. It is enough to mention that such a laminate does not have protection against moisture, so it is strongly not recommended to use it in the kitchen.
Laminate having a wear resistance class of 22-23 can be used in the kitchen, but its service life will be no more than five years.
The most suitable option for the kitchen is a class 31-32 laminate. This material has a beautiful appearance and a high degree of protection against moisture and mechanical stress.

Below you can see the laminate classification table:

Laminate class table

wood floor

The wooden floor in the kitchen is not very common, but original version coverage, especially if it fits into the overall design of the apartment. The wooden floor in the kitchen can be of two types:

Parquet floor in the kitchen

- Parquet flooring may well be a good addition to the interior of the kitchen. However, parquet has almost the same drawbacks as laminate - it is not very resistant to moisture, despite the varnish coating. Even small scratches can damage the protective coating, and in the future - the entire floor.

Plank floor in the kitchen

Wooden floor from massive board well suited for the kitchen, of course, if the boards are properly processed. Instead of a conventional floorboard, it will be more reliable.

This material is environmentally friendly and very pleasant to the touch. It will serve you for many years, and when the surface is old, you can easily sand it and varnish it again. However, it is also one of the most expensive, especially if the price also includes expensive installation and fitting. It is also worth saying that the wooden floor is not suitable for any interior.

cork floor

Which floor to choose for the kitchen, if you want something more original? Perhaps first of all, the cork floor deserves mention. Cork floors are of several types:

Tiled cork floor in the kitchen

- Adhesive tiles - with or without a top protective layer. Installation method - laying on glue.

Cork floor in rolls

- Rolls, plates and granules - the use of this type of cork is carried out only for the formation of an insulating and soundproofing layer under the main coating.

Cork parquet in the kitchen

Cork parquet - the product is a rectangular MDF panel covered with a layer of cork. Way of installation - classical lock connections.

self-leveling floor

Another original material- polymer coating, otherwise called liquid linoleum. In fact, it is a fill that completely covers the subfloor. As a result, a solid monolithic surface is formed, which practically excludes the possibility of penetration of moisture and dust into the technological seams. The color of the floor can be any.
Familiarize yourself with the main types of self-leveling floors:

Polyurethane self-leveling floors

- Polyurethane bulk floors - differ in high elasticity and durability. Good resistance to temperature extremes and chemical attack.

Epoxy self-leveling floors

- Epoxy self-leveling floors - have good moisture resistance and high strength, can withstand strong mechanical stress.

Epoxy urethane flooring

Epoxy-urethane self-leveling floors are a combination of epoxy and urethane coatings. They have elasticity and increased strength.

Floors with 3d pattern

Particularly interesting are the floors made of transparent polymers, under which drawings can be placed. This floor is perfect for both high-tech kitchens and oriental style. However, if you decide to fill the floor in the kitchen with liquid linoleum, remember that it is possible to remove the coating that tightly adheres to the subfloor only together with the complete replacement of the latter.

As you can see, which floor is better in the kitchen is not the most difficult question, you just need to know the main features of each of the materials. In the photo below you can take a look at interesting floors in the interior of the kitchen.

Almost every person has to deal with the choice of floors for the kitchen at some time. There are many on the market today various materials that can be used to equip the kitchen floor. The main thing is that this material normally tolerates exposure to moisture, various kinds of pollutants and is not afraid of accidental scratches and other minor damage. The ideal flooring should be easy and quick to clean.

When choosing a specific material, you need to pay attention to a number of important points, without knowing which you can simply waste money.

The kitchen floor should, of course, fit well into the interior of this room.. However, this is not the most important point. First of all, you need to make sure that for the material you like there is suitable base. Consider whether you can make do with what is already in your kitchen, or whether you will have to deal with a radical redo of the floor. On the this stage you need to decide for yourself whether you are ready for this kind of cost.

The quality of the base directly affects the service life of the finish coating, so this issue should be taken with the utmost responsibility.

If you plan to deal with the arrangement of a warm floor, keep in mind that not every coating can interact normally with existing systems. In such situations, a material is needed, first of all, characterized by a high thermal conductivity.

Consider the design of the future kitchen floor. The coating can be concise and serve as a background for all interior elements, or it can be bright and independently set the main accents. Quite often, a technique is used, according to which two different coatings are combined taking into account the characteristics of a particular functional area.

For example, in the working part of the room for cladding, you can use simple and practical ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware, and at the installation site dining table finish the floor using natural wood or other materials based on it. This option is perfect for kitchens combined with living rooms and having a spacious area. In a small room, it is best to use a monophonic and homogeneous material, because. the combined coating will visually reduce the area of \u200b\u200bthe room even more.

Having dealt with the fundamental points, you can proceed to study the features of each of the most popular materials used as floor coverings in kitchens.

Linoleum can be made from natural and artificial materials. It is a very practical and convenient option for the kitchen with many significant advantages, among which one of the main ones is an affordable price. Modern linoleum perfectly serves for 10 years or more, is characterized by high resistance to various damages, excellent noise and heat insulation properties. In kitchens, material with a thickened protective layer is usually laid.

Another weighty argument in favor of linoleum is its unpretentiousness in care. The material is very easy to clean, which is especially important for kitchens. Linoleum is easy to install with your own hands. It does not require any special tools or knowledge.

If linoleum is laid on a wooden floor, read detailed instructions.
If you need to understand the intricacies of laying linoleum on a concrete floor, read the publication

There are many different textures and colors available on the modern market, so you can easily choose linoleum that fits perfectly into the interior of your particular kitchen.

Be sure to read the labeling of linoleum before buying it and additionally consult with the seller, because. some types of this material are suitable exclusively for non-residential premises. There are more modern improved versions of linoleum - this is marmoleums and artoleums. They win in terms of environmental friendliness, but lose in terms of cost.

Connoisseurs of natural finishes should turn their attention to cork flooring. For its manufacture, cork oak bark is used. Such material is pleasant and even useful for human feet. The material is absolutely safe for health, it is incredibly difficult to slip on the “cork”, even with a strong desire. Due to the fact that the cork almost does not attract dust and other small debris, such a floor is ideal for apartments and houses where asthmatics and people prone to allergies live.

The cork floor is unpretentious in leaving. Such a coating fits perfectly into the vast majority of interiors. Cork can have a wide variety of shades and textures. In the case of use in the kitchen, the material must be treated with a special protective varnish. This will make it as resistant to liquid as possible, but experts recommend avoiding even small “floods” if possible.

Features of the use of wood for arranging the floor in the kitchen

Natural wood is a wonderful material that can make the interior of any kitchen more respectable, refined and rich. Natural wood looks especially good in kitchens decorated in classical style and country style. The best addition to such a floor will be wood furniture and related accessories.

One of the main disadvantages, due to which many people refuse to use natural wood, is its high cost. In addition, such material does not tolerate temperature and humidity changes very well, therefore it is recommended to use it in the kitchen only for arranging the dining area, and cover the rest of the floor with porcelain stoneware or practical ceramic tiles.

Wood must be treated with a protective varnish or oil. Such processing will reduce the porosity of the material, help increase its strength and protect it from the harmful effects of moisture and various pollutants.

When choosing natural wood for arranging the floor in the kitchen, you need to be prepared for regular care and processing. Wood does not tolerate almost any stain.

However, despite the high cost and whimsical wood is the best option for presentability and safety for human health.

The use of laminate as a kitchen flooring

A good alternative to natural wood is high-quality laminate. It is not as environmentally friendly as cork and wood, but it also has a number of significant advantages, including higher resistance to various adverse external influences.

On the modern market there is a laminate that imitates all existing types of wood, even the most exotic and expensive ones. Some types of coatings very successfully imitate materials such as marble, granite, etc. Also, among the important advantages of the laminate, it is necessary to include the possibility of its sharing with the underfloor heating system. At the same time, the price of the material is quite affordable for almost everyone.

Among the disadvantages of such a floor is not the best resistance to moisture, therefore, when using it in the kitchen, special attention should be paid to waterproofing the base. In the future, you will have to constantly monitor so that excess moisture does not get on the coating. If you wish, you can spend a little more money and buy special moisture-resistant laminate panels.

When choosing a laminate, it is recommended to pay attention to the products of well-known and proven manufacturing companies. Be sure to ask the seller for a hygiene certificate. Do not forget to pay attention to what load each specific type of material is designed for.

The most popular coating most commonly used for finishing kitchen floors is ceramic tile. The tiles are very easy to use. It's practical and inexpensive material, presented in the widest variety of colors and design solutions. On the floor, ceramic coating can be laid in a parallel way or diagonally. The second option, if implemented correctly, looks more advantageous, but contributes to an increase in material consumption.

To the indisputable advantages of modern ceramic tiles refers to its ability to imitate almost all existing materials. The tile is completely safe for human health. He is not afraid of direct solar radiation, household chemicals and even electric current.

However, with all its many advantages, tiles also have a number of important disadvantages, the most significant of which is its "coldness". Tiled floors are unlikely to appeal to people who are used to walking around the house without shoes. Therefore, many owners decide to install the underfloor heating system before laying the tiles.

It is best to use unglazed matte tiles to cover the kitchen floor, because. it is not as slippery as compared to its glossy counterpart. In terms of hardness for the kitchen, an indicator of 4-5 will be quite enough, in terms of wear resistance - 3-4.
If, as a finishing material for the floor in the kitchen, the choice was tiles, about how to properly lay this type of coating, read the publication

Porcelain stoneware is an excellent material in terms of its performance characteristics. It normally tolerates temperature changes and is not afraid of moisture. It is very hard, especially when compared with tiles, material and is excellent for lining the kitchen floor.

Porcelain stoneware quite often imitates a variety of natural materials, which allows you to create the most original and successful interiors. It can have a matte and polished surface. In kitchens, it is preferable to use a matte version.

Useful information about self-leveling floors for the kitchen

Self-leveling floors are often called liquid linoleum. Outwardly, this material is similar to linoleum, but to the touch it is more like a tile. Among the main advantages of this material, high mechanical resistance and unpretentiousness in use should be noted.

When arranging liquid linoleum, you do not need to create seams, which makes the floor more beautiful and presentable.

A large selection of colors and design options for liquid linoleum is available for sale, which allows you to beautifully design the kitchen floor and fit it into the existing interior as organically as possible.

Before buying a material, consider the fact that it is quite difficult to get rid of liquid linoleum, so if in the future you want to use a different floor covering, this may cause all sorts of difficulties.

Thus, in the kitchen, you can make a floor using almost any material. Focus on the features of the operation of your particular kitchen, affordable budget and personal preferences, remember the features, benefits and weaknesses each material considered and you will be able to make the right choice.

The kitchen is one of the most demanding spaces. Not every material can withstand constant humidity, temperature changes and dirt. Therefore, the choice of cladding for the kitchen is quite difficult. What floor is best for the kitchen, we will understand in the article.

One of the most important criteria for choosing a material for the floor in the kitchen is ease of care. The kitchen is both a dining and cooking area. What does not happen there. Dirt can get on the floor at any time, and who wants to clean the floor every time, spending a lot of time on it? Therefore, the surface should be cleaned easily and simply, without fear of chemicals.
Another test for the kitchen floor is water. Even with great care, contact with water is inevitable. Something can be spilled or a container of water can be dropped. Therefore, the material needs to be waterproof.

In addition to the fact that something is constantly being prepared in the kitchen, the whole family gathers there. The floor covering must be wear-resistant and not lose its appearance from constant contact with shoes.
Inevitable in the kitchen and blows. At any moment, something can fall on the floor, from which the fragile coating can deteriorate. The material for the floor must withstand heavy loads and not be afraid of blows from a fallen knife, frying pan and other household items.

In addition to the practical side, the appearance also plays a role. A lot of time is spent in the kitchen, so an ugly interior can bring a lot of negative emotions.

And the last criterion is the budget. The material must be affordable. quality material it might as well be inexpensive. You need to choose based on your own budget. Another point of savings is installation. If the material is easy to install, then the work can be done independently, without the involvement of specialists.

Types of flooring for the kitchen

The modern market abounds a wide range various floor materials. But among this variety, not every material is suitable for the kitchen. Do not take the first option you like, first weigh the pros and cons, and after that stop at one. What are the kitchen floor options?

Laminate

AT modern world laminate flooring is in high demand. Not surprisingly, its appearance and characteristics are on top, while it is not so expensive in comparison with other materials.
Previously, laminate flooring was not used in the kitchen. But now there are types of material that are not afraid of water. For the price, it will be the most expensive, but it is worth it. Laminate is divided into classes. Only 33 and 34 can be used in the kitchen. These grades are waterproof, durable and hard wearing.
Even in the kitchen, they will serve you for at least 15 years. Laminate is easy to maintain. It is enough to periodically wipe it with a damp cloth. Even if a stain appears on the surface, it is not difficult to wipe it off.

You don't need to be an expert in this field to install laminate flooring. A beginner will also cope with the work, the main thing is to correctly calculate the material. Laminate is easy to install, the panels interlock with each other with locks. And if one of the slats has become unusable, then it can be easily replaced without changing the rest of the slats.

True, for this you will have to disassemble the entire floor. The abundance of pluses covers the minuses, but still, there are some. Despite its water resistance, the laminate will not withstand prolonged contact with water. It will last six hours, but after that you need to urgently wipe the water dry.
Another drawback of the laminate in the substrate. Its installation under the cover is required. And the cost of lining can reach the cost of the material itself.

Tile

Tiles are used in apartments very often. For laying in the bathroom or kitchen, it is most often used. This is due to its characteristics. Previously, the appearance of the tile left much to be desired, so many did not particularly like this option. But now its decorative properties leave no doubt. You can find tiles in any quality color, shape or pattern. A wide selection allows you to choose the material for any interior.
The tiles are very easy to clean. He is not afraid of any pollution, while for cleaning you can use any substances or brushes. The tile is not afraid of water, high temperatures. She absolutely does not care about all the conditions, over time she will not lose her decorative properties and will last at least 30 years.
Tiles are safe and environmentally friendly materials. It is made on the basis of clay and no toxins are used in the process of its manufacture. Therefore, it will not cause harm to health. It's hard to damage tiles. To do this, you need to drop something very heavy. It does not lend itself to mechanical damage.

One of the disadvantages of tiles is their slipperiness. This can cause injuries and bruises through carelessness, especially if there are children in the house. But it's easy to avoid it. You can buy unglazed tiles with a relief pattern, then its surface will not slip.

Another disadvantage of such a coating is its coldness. Some people install underfloor heating to avoid this. But not everyone can afford it. Self-installation of tiles is possible, but nevertheless, for beginners, it may seem overwhelming.

Working with tiles is not difficult, but not everyone can install it neatly and evenly.

In the price category, everyone associates tiles with something cheap. However, as its decorative properties improved, so did the cost. High-quality tiles will cost more than laminate.

Linoleum

Among other materials for the kitchen, linoleum remains the cheapest. Even the most expensive types will be much cheaper than other materials. As with tile, linoleum seems to some to be a relic of the past. However, its appearance today has become much better and significantly different from the material of Soviet times. You can find material of any color with a varied selection of patterns.
Laminate will last a little less than other materials. However, its service life reaches 10 years. But over time, linoleum will lose its appearance and wear off.
Linoleum is easy to install on your own, even those who have never made repairs will have no problems with it. In care, the material is not whimsical, it is easy to clean it. It can be washed or vacuumed. Linoleum is not afraid of blows, but at the same time it melts from high temperatures.

Linoleum does not belong to environmentally friendly materials, it is made from various polymers. There is natural linoleum, which is made only using natural ingredients, but its cost will be much higher, besides, it will not withstand the conditions of the kitchen.

self-leveling floor

This method of flooring is not yet in demand due to its novelty. This cover is perfect for the kitchen. It is durable, not afraid of mechanical stress.
Over time, it will not lose its decorative qualities. But at this stage, so far, self-leveling floors cannot be installed independently due to the complexity of the technology. In addition, the cost of the work will not be affordable for everyone.

Combination of materials

The kitchen is divided into two zones - working and dining. Therefore, the division of the kitchen into zones is widespread. So you can cover the dining area with laminate, and the work area with more practical tiles.
The zoning technique is widely used by designers. It looks beautiful, the main thing is to choose materials by color. Remember that the room should not have more than three primary colors.

Among consumers, tiles remain the most common flooring material. But usually warm floors are arranged in addition to it, which can end up being quite expensive. The tiles in the kitchen are not polished, otherwise injuries cannot be avoided on a slippery surface.

Laminate should be handled with care. Although there are also water-resistant types, remember that it will not withstand long contact with water. Therefore, leaving on vacation, turn off the water.
Linoleum is still in demand. But it does not apply to safe coatings. He is often complained about because of his bad smell. Especially when it's new. In addition, before laying it out, the floors need to be leveled to an ideal state, otherwise the material will lie crooked, which will spoil the whole appearance.
How to make a floor in the kitchen?

If you are planning to do repair work on your own, the suitable option- laminate, due to the ease of installation. Tiles and linoleum are much more difficult to lay. This is not due to the specifics of laying, but the complexity of the process. Leveling floors and laying tiles evenly is not so easy.

In addition to the practical side when choosing materials for repairs, you should pay attention to the decorative component. The general appearance of the room depends on the floor, and it cannot be launched.

Choose light colors for small kitchens. Glossy surfaces will also help visually expand the space. In a room with large dimensions, it is difficult to fill the void, so you need to stick to the sunny range of colors and choose matte surfaces with a pattern.

Where, besides the bathroom, is there the most humid air and temperature fluctuations? What about soot, dirt, spilled water or food? Certainly, . All this affects the durability, the appearance of the surfaces, their injury risk for the inhabitants of the housing. In this regard, the floor in the kitchen should have the following qualities:

Waterproof. Liquid must not be absorbed.
Strength. Even the most accurate people from the tables and from the hands of the dishes fall. Heavy pots and pans can leave scratches and chips.
Ease in processing. Laundering fat should not turn into a long, laborious process.
Security. A slippery surface is not only inconvenient, but also hazardous to health.
impact resistance detergents, brushes. There are in stores, but this is no longer so practical.
Compatibility with the rest of the apartment. If there is already a finish in the hallway that you will not change, find a shade that suits it.

Advice for those who have just started finishing in a new building! In such cases, you need to consider the location of the housing. If it is on the middle floors, then it is warm there. With socles, private houses, the first floor is a completely different matter. This will most likely require additional insulation.

Let's take a closer look at five coatings that are used in modern apartments. They can cover rooms with high humidity, high mechanical stress.

What is better to make a floor in the kitchen

Linoleum

Such a surface does not slip, does not absorb odors, and is not demanding in care. Ideal for homes that need heat and sound insulation. without even having the skills in this matter. Experts advise using with a wear resistance index of 31-34. It is thicker, more durable, and will last 12-15 years. Dents remain on thin household linoleum from heavy furniture.

The coating is natural and. The first does not fade in the sun, the second has this drawback. There are many colors on sale, including shades "under the tree" and "under the stone." It would seem that this is an almost perfect, inexpensive floor for the kitchen, but in fact it has one significant drawback. It will leave black stripes from shoes that are difficult to clean off.

And it's not just about street shoes and sneakers. Therefore, if you are not inspired by the idea of constantly rubbing marks, stop at other products or wear exclusively soft indoor shoes.

If you decide with this particular material, carefully study the label - it should indicate that the product is suitable for residential premises. Don't buy products with a strong scent.

Tile

No less popular flooring for rooms with temperature fluctuations and high humidity. It is durable (if you choose products with the right characteristics), harmless to health, easy to clean, beautiful to look at. The disadvantages include:

Complex masonry.
That you will need tools for cutting. Bulgarian, tile cutter or diamond blade.
Cold surface. If the room is poorly heated, it will be noticeable. The problem is being solved.
Bad soundproofing.
Some species may shatter if a heavy object is dropped on them.

Varieties of tiles

Ceramic. The tile is most prone to cracking. May be glossy or rough.
. Hard, resistant to all influences material with minimal moisture absorption. Unlike ordinary tiles, the pattern on porcelain stoneware does not fade over time. Can imitate stone, wood, metal, fabric.
. Inexpensive coating, which is linoleum, cut into slabs. It has all its advantages and disadvantages.

It is impossible to say exactly which floor is better to do in the kitchen. It all depends on the requests for a particular apartment and budget. Well, if it is possible to cover everything with porcelain stoneware - it is the most wear-resistant, as well as decorative. But to believe that less durable ceramics will break at the first opportunity is wrong. This is just a possibility. It may well last for many years. You just need to carefully read the information on the package.

Main characteristics

Wear resistance. Optimal value- 3-5 class.
Hardness. 4-5 units.
Matte or glossy surface. The first one is preferable because .
Porosity. The kitchen needs a low indicator.
Resistance to chemicals. If the label has the letters A or AA, the tile will not deteriorate from detergents.
The coefficient of friction is the best indicator of 0.75.

You can put the material different ways: herringbone, deck, bricks, kaleidoscope. In the photo - design options.

Laminate

Usually attracts with a beautiful texture. This is good replacement tree or parquet board and not bad - linoleum or tile. It is easy to handle with him - even a beginner without experience can lay the coating on his own.

Cannot be laid on the floor electrical system heating. Boards will dry out and warp.

Warm surface, no noise.
It does not leave marks from furniture or heels.
A large number of colors.

There are also disadvantages, but they all appear if you choose the wrong product. For example, there are moisture resistant and. It's not the same thing. The first material is not affected by moist air, but it can warp after water enters the seam. The second resists flooding for six hours. It is more expensive, but for the kitchen it is better to choose it. The designation in the description is water drops, a faucet or the words waterproof, aqua block, etc.

The disadvantages often include a ringing sound from falling objects or steps. It is easily eliminated by laying a sound-absorbing layer during installation. It can be polystyrene foam, cork and other linings.

Features to pay attention to

. Class 23 will last approximately five years, 31/32/34 - more than 12 years. Anything less will suffer from high humidity and mechanical influences.
Colour. Light and dark coatings are problematic options. They show all the chips, crumbs, wool. The most practical shades are gray and brown.
Thickness. The optimal value is 9 mm.
Relief. Choose a rough laminate to avoid slipping.
Connection type. Collapsible Click system is considered reliable. It is easier to lay, it will last longer and is suitable for a base with differences up to 3 mm.

The joints between the dies are treated with a transparent sealant - this helps to maintain the integrity of the masonry for a longer period. Scratches that appear can be masked wax pencil suitable color.

Cork

Making such a coating is not difficult and it has many advantages.

pros

Softness. Such a floor springs under your feet, absorbs every step - a good purchase for those who have joint problems. Dishes will not break when dropped.
Noiselessness. Cork muffles blows.
Long service life. Manufacturers guarantee at least 20 years of trouble-free condition.
No dents from furniture and heels. Provided by the cellular structure.
Fire resistance. The surface is only in danger of charring.
Hygiene. Does not absorb odors, grease, does not

Renovating a kitchen is not as natural a disaster as it might seem. He needs to pay special attention, because the kitchen is not just a room for preparing and consuming food. In most dwellings, the kitchen is the only place where the whole family gathers. Breakfast or dinner is a great time to build family bonds. So the kitchen is practically the heart of any home.

In addition to psychological functions, the kitchen also has a very practical purpose, which also receives special attention. When deciding which floor to choose for the kitchen, you need to take into account the following factors. The floor in the kitchen should be durable to withstand the weight of equipment and constant night trips for snacks, it should be easy to clean. But do not be afraid, choosing a floor covering for the kitchen is not difficult. Next, consider possible options coatings.

The choice of floor coverings today is very diverse.

Preparatory work

Before proceeding directly to the installation of floors in the kitchen, it is necessary to carefully prepare the base.

Important!
Even the highest quality coating will not last long if it is laid on a poorly prepared base.

Before laying the coating, it is important to level the surface on which it will be laid. It is necessary to achieve a flat, without holes and bulges, surface. This can be done using a concrete or bulk screed or in any other way, the main thing is that the floor is even. If a floor heating system will be installed in the kitchen, then it must be installed after leveling the surface of the base. Although there are some nuances here. With a bulk screed, for example, the installation of underfloor heating is carried out during surface leveling. With any preparation, it is worth considering which floor will be in the kitchen in the future, since each coating has its own characteristics.

Now, having dealt with the preparatory work, you can proceed to the choice of coverage. With the information below, you can accurately determine which floors to choose for the kitchen.

Linoleum

Modern linoleum is not like what it was 20-30 years ago. Now technologies make it possible to produce it both exclusively from artificial raw materials, and with the inclusion of natural components. The latter type is resistant to various aggressive environments, which makes it a practical solution for the kitchen.

At a relatively low cost, linoleum has good performance and aesthetic qualities. Manufacturers put on sale options with a variety of textures - from imitation natural stone, to patterns in the form of tiles or parquet.

pros

low cost;
ease of installation, linoleum is not difficult to lay with your own hands;
good waterproofing;
wide range colors, textures and patterns;
minimum number of seams, which facilitates the maintenance of cleanliness;
options from natural materials have antiseptic properties;
good soundproofing.

Minuses

loss of color under the influence of the sun;
polyvinyl chloride linoleum is not as environmentally friendly as other materials;
cheaper options are short-lived, combustible and at the same time emit toxic substances.

Linoleum is beautiful and easy to install.

Parquet and laminate

Respectable material for respectable interiors. But such a floor in the kitchen is not the best. the best way. Parquet, and even laminate, is not wear-resistant enough, it sharply perceives humidity and temperature changes. It can be used in combined flooring options.

pros

eco-friendly material;
a warm option for those who like to walk barefoot;
relatively soft cover- dropped dishes are unlikely to break into pieces;
a wide selection of floor colors.

Minuses

weak waterproofing, which can be dealt with with a sealant;
requires periodic treatment with special compounds, requires special care;
high price;
relatively little durability, but with proper handling, the service life is greatly increased.

Parquet is environmentally friendly, but not very durable

Cork

Innovation in our latitudes. The slight popularity of the cork floor can be explained by the fact that they simply do not know about it. The warning that this coating is intended only for dry rooms also plays its role. This coating will perfectly fit into the design of a certain style, as options for a variety of colors are available.

pros

absolutely natural and environmentally friendly material;
the warmest option for flooring;
hypoallergenic material;
the coating creates a pleasant tactile sensation while walking barefoot;
excellent sound insulation.

Minuses

the price of the material is high, the need for additional preparatory work before laying;
a small selection of colors;
water ingress into leaky joints can cause divergence of plates;
difficult to maintain material that is not recommended to be exposed to chemicals.

Cork floor provides good sound insulation

Tiles and porcelain tiles

Q: Which floors are the top flooring options? That's right - tiled. A durable coating that is easy to maintain and resistant to many types of impact. There are no limits to design solutions using tiles and porcelain stoneware. Manufacturers provide such a wide range of color and texture solutions that you can find an option for almost any kitchen, regardless of the style of the interior.

pros

long service life and resistance to various types impact;
ease of maintenance of cleanliness, resistance to the harmful effects of even the most aggressive detergents;
excellent waterproofing;
a wide range of colors and textures;
ecological cleanliness;
fire safety: the material does not burn and does not emit harmful substances;
Under the tile, a warm floor is easily mounted.

Minuses

cold coating, not suitable for those who are used to walking barefoot around the house;
tile is a slippery coating, especially if there is liquid on the surface, so it is better to choose a matte option;
solid material - a dropped plate has no chance;
the need for additional preparation of the base can significantly affect the cost of repairs for the worse.

Tile coating is durable, but cold

Self-leveling floor (liquid linoleum)

Another innovation in the flooring market is a polymer self-leveling floor. For residential premises, polyurethane is used for this purpose. The surface obtained using this type of coating is unpretentious in operation, durable and has no joints or seams. One distinguishing feature- the transparency of the coating, which allows you to place various images under it. Such a move opens up wide prospects for the flight of design fantasy.

pros

resistant to mechanical stress and does not require special care;
smooth surface without joints and seams;
resistance to aggressive chemical influences;
excellent waterproofing;
wide field for design solutions;
Fire safety;
long service life (about 40 years).

Minuses

labor-intensive pouring process;
high price;
replacement of the coating will be problematic;
a chemical smell that will take some time to get rid of.

Bulk coating is laborious, but has unusual design options

Concrete

Yes, it is more common to see concrete on the street or in some workshop, but with the tricks of modern processing methods, it can also be adapted for the kitchen. This flooring option is perfect for kitchens. Immune to most types of attack, concrete will provide a virtually permanent finish to your kitchen floor. If desired, a floor heating system can be placed in the screed, then it will be almost ideal. The floors are brightened by an acid staining process, which allows to achieve various effects, up to imitation of marble.

pros

Durable, almost eternal material;
Ultimate resistance to negative influences;
Well-established screed process;
Ecological cleanliness;
Absolute fire safety;
Excellent waterproofing.

Minuses

concrete - cold material, but this is solved by installing underfloor heating;
low sound insulation;
it is difficult to choose the color of the floor that matches the design.

Concrete coating with the help of modern means can be originally decorated

Combined coverage

For large kitchens suitable option flooring, using several types of material. The division usually occurs into the dining and functional areas. At the same time, in functional area most often, a durable, unpretentious coating is used, such as tile or porcelain stoneware. Great for dining area suitable coating from parquet, laminate or cork. Thus, it will be possible not to be afraid for the floor covering during cooking, and while eating it, enjoy comfort and coziness.