Linoleum Kitchen: features and recommendations on the choice

Among the various types of flooring for many years assured superiority keeps linoleum. Reasonable price, a wide range of models, easy installation and ease of care - the key qualities are the basis of consumer choice. Especially popular in homes and apartments. In this article, we will understand how best to choose linoleum for the kitchen, what are the advantages of this type of coverage, but what he gives tile and laminate; We show you how to make installation of the material and take care of him.

Linoleum in the kitchen: Features and species

As the most popular variant of floor covering, linoleum is used in various residential and household rooms, as well as in public institutions. Thanks to a number of positive qualities, such as easy cleaning and water resistance, it is widely used in the kitchen.

Linoleum came into our lives for a long time. It was invented back in the nineteenth century in the United Kingdom in the form of roll finishing factory and is used not only as a floor covering, but also for decorating the walls.

For a long time this material valued mainly for the availability of price and ease of installation. Currently, the modern manufacturers offer a wide range of products. Consumers recognize the material for the beautiful decor, a variety of colors and the ability to pick up an unusual texture.

Choosing which linoleum is better for apartments, zealous owners consider that quality coating is not afraid of water, it does not deform under the furniture, not conducive to bacterial growth and easily clean. In addition to the above, linoleumIn comparison with the samples of water-resistant flooring, and laminate, it is much cheaper, which makes it indispensable in the kitchen is.

What linoleum opt for an apartment: natural or artificial surface

Before you decide what linoleum choose for the kitchen, you need to get acquainted with his views. As it is natural or artificial, depending on the material.

For production of natural flooring using linseed oil, wood and cork flour, limestone powder, resin and organic pigments. As a basis taking natural fabrics or nonwoven fabrics. The main quality of this linoleum - environmentally friendly, hygienic in use and durability (up to 40 years of operation).

Natural coating has a special protective layer, which forms the flaxseed oil. This compound is a potent natural antiseptic, not only protects the coating against microbes, fungi and bacteria, but also contributing to decontaminate air in the kitchen. It should be noted that such a bactericidal effect is valid for the life of the coating.

Important!The main drawback of linoleum - its high price, which at times exceeds the cost of a synthetic analogue.

Natural grass is not afraid of the most powerful kitchen pollution, fire and aggressive household chemicals. It has good thermal and acoustic insulation. According to the positive properties of the material is almost as natural cork floor.

In the production of artificial linoleum use polyvinyl chloride, which has the qualities of natural coating, but is much less. Linoleum PVC, produced in accordance with the GOST and European standards EN, typically odorless and environmentally harmless.

Manufacturers of artificial linoleum take care of his safety. For this purpose, PVC-coating is treated with special antibacterial substances. Thus, specially designed layer prevents the growth of bacteria. Furthermore, these properties help protect against infectious diseases households. High-quality synthetic linoleum has an additional antifungal impregnation, but these properties weaken with time.

What linoleum is better to choose for the apartments: The material structure

Depending on the coating structure of the linoleum may be homogeneous and heterogeneous. Homogeneous has one layer that is homogeneous in composition, color and has a thickness of 3 mm. This type of coating is not very popular, as it has a meager supply of decorative patterns and colors. At the same time, he has a number of advantages:

• coating uniformity ensures strength and elasticity, prevents the bundle;
• due to surface roughness does not slip on it less noticeable dust and dirt;

• drawing material penetrating through the whole thickness, retains presentable linoleum.

The structure of the standard heterogeneous linoleum consists of several layers:

• thick polyvinyl chloride substrate provides acoustic and thermal insulation;
• fiberglass fiberglass makes the surface smooth or, alternatively, a rough;
• layer patterned or decorative;
• Protective ball;
• high density polyurethane layer provides additional protection.

Thickness heterogeneous linoleum - 6 mm. This option is more popular as a kitchen coating.

When deciding which to choose linoleum for home, preference should be given exactly the polyvinyl chloride. From kolloksivy, although durable, but highly flammable, therefore in a residential area it is forbidden. Gliphtal linoleum resistant to temperature changes and the positive qualities of rubber coating suitable for warehouse, industrial and sports facilities, but not for food.

PVC linoleum is variety. Depending on the permeability and wear resistance coating Improvement divided into domestic, commercial and semi-commercial. Kitchen high load is to select a material with a durable protective layer having a thickness of from 0.35 to 0.7 mm. In this case, suitable semi-commercial or commercial heterogeneous linoleum.

Useful advice! The selection of the coating for the kitchen, a simple rule of thumb: the heavier the linoleum, the higher the density, which means that it has the best performance and will last much longer.

How to choose linoleum for the kitchen: Correct myths

Substandard products, an unpleasant experience and the rudiments of the past century contributed to the generation of a number of myths about the linoleum, in particular:

1. Floor on which the bed linoleum, has an unpleasant odor. This refutes the myth, most modern producers of rating using in the manufacture of the coating quality materials that have little or no odor and harmful emissions.
2. On the surface of linoleum with time spots appear in areas with the largest cross-country. Such negative really has class household linoleum, semi-commercial and commercial types in your most resistant to aggressive household chemicals and even after a few years of use are not scuffs.
3. Thick linoleum will last longer. Statement is not entirely correct, because the commercial and semi-commercial coatings are generally thicker household. Be aware that in the wear resistance plays an important role Transparent, i.e. a protective layer whose thickness should exceed 0.5 mm.
4. Between the strips of linoleum seams disperse. In modern construction this problem is outdated, as the seams are imposed special trims, and the kitchen with a view of hygiene, as a rule, use the whole canvas.
5. Mold may form under the linoleum. Correctly postelennuyu coating eliminates formation of mold, especially if it is artificial, with an upper moisture barrier layer. Even during the flooding, simply bend the wet part of the linoleum and allow it to dry. In that case, if you often fill the neighbors or leaking pipes, it is better to choose tile.

Groups abrasion and wear resistance class linoleum

In this regard, how to choose linoleum, in addition to the type of coating, it is necessary to take into account its abrasion and wear resistance, which are the main quality criteria.

According to European certification EN660-1 friability is defined as the degree of wear of the upper protective layers under the influence of the abrasive wheel in a particular mode. Groups, of which there are four, denoted by Latin letters, in which:

• F - the lowest level of durability with high surface abrasion (change in thickness from 0.3 to 0.6 mm);
• M - low level of wear resistance with a moderate change in layer value (from 0.15 to 0.3 mm);
• P - average degree of durability with weak abrasion surface (0.08 to 0.15 mm);

• T - the most durable layer with a change in thickness to 0.08 mm.

The level of wear resistance as determined by a special classification European EN685. This marking is not their letters and two numbers, where the first indicates the type of premises, and the second - the level of the carrying capacity of the coating. It is these classes share the cover as follows:

• household with numbers 21-23 (living rooms);

Related article:

Waterproof laminate flooring for the kitchen: all about quality coatings

Distinctive parameters of moisture-resistant material, tips for choosing quality flooring, prices for good products.

• semi-commercial - 31-34 (for public buildings);
• commercial - 41-43 (industrial area).

Useful advice!Kitchen should be selected covering not less than 23 class. The best option - linoleum 32 class.

Tile, linoleum or laminate: it's better in the apartment

Most often in the kitchen as the floor coatings used linoleum, yet many owners prefer tile or laminate. The question, which is better - laminate or linoleum, the opinions of experts are inclined towards the latter, highlighting its advantages are:

1. The durability of linoleum (natural life - more than 40 years, the artificial - 15). Laminate flooring is up to 10 years.
2. Linoleum is easy to clean. With literally everything can be cleaned using detergents stains, but to remove traces of beet juice or red wine with laminate is difficult.
3. PVC coating is suitable for apartments with pets. If the laminate cracks get food or pet excrement, remove them will be quite difficult.
4. Heat and sound insulation laminate and tile are much lower, while the linoleum on the felt basis creates additional heat and is virtually silent.

In terms of the cost and benefits linoleum, the price per 1 sq. which m ranges from 150 to 800 rubles. Viable option for the kitchen costs about 350 rubles per square meter. The cost of laying linoleum, compared with tile, laminate, parquet board or self-leveling floors are more accessible. This coating can be spread by the hands, and even easier to dismantle.

It should be noted that the laminate - an artificial material, so with its linoleum generally difficult to compare. In addition, in the kitchen laminate requires an additional protective coating. At the same time, most of the models of linoleum it already has. Both types of flooring materials can mimic a variety of surfaces - from wood to stone. Thus, the laminate has several disadvantages compared with linoleum. He unnatural, short-lived, at least waterproof and has no impact resistance.

What's better – laminate or linoleum:reviews buyers

Consumers in their comments on the forums and construction sites prefer different materials. At the same time, characterized linoleum like wear resistant coating capable of withstanding strikes against falling acute and heavy objects. Moreover, contemporary high-quality PVC-coating by color and texture can perfectly simulate a linoleum flooring or wooden floor. There are options for tiling, leather or stone. About the color and texture variety show photos of linoleum in the interior, placed by consumers on the network.

Pointing to the many advantages of linoleum, users call and its disadvantages, in particular:

• from the furniture to the coating may appear dents, which excludes permutation variants in the kitchen;
• artificial kind of coverage - natural materials look more solid;

• due to improper installation of the coating can be deformed, "float" and will wear;
• in places pieces compounds often show signs of joints and cracks may be formed at the seams.

Thus, though a little laminate, linoleum but inferior, in particular as floor coverings for kitchens.

Useful advice! It is not necessary to deploy a roll immediately when purchasing linoleum, if the air temperature is below 10 ° C. It should lie for rolled at room temperature for a couple of days. Otherwise, during installation it can simply break.

What better linoleum for the kitchen: model selection and design

Based on the above, flooring for kitchens must be wear resistant, durable, reliable, easy to maintain, resistant to chemicals. On the kitchen floor should not be slippery to prevent injury. Many consumers because of these qualities listed prefer ceramic tile. Often buyers choice stops on the laminate.

Serious competition and laminate and tile is a modern high-quality linoleum. Too many wondered what coverage to choose for the kitchen - linoleum tile or under the under the laminate. Today's manufacturers offer a variety of models with the corresponding drawing and coloring of linoleum made from natural and synthetic materials. Which option to choose - it's up to the consumer, as long as the flooring consistent with the overall design and interior kitchen.

Kitchen floor linoleum suitable both matte and a glossy finish. Gloss is easier to care for, but its surface is more slippery. The range of this floor covering consists of colors and textures, simulating different materials, including:

• classic beige and brown tones linoleum under a tree;
• models that simulate natural stone or ceramic tiles;
• parquet or mosaic of images;
• fantastic texture with abstract patterns and uniform design;
• single-color coatings;
• textured models with simulation of the laminate;
• linoleum under the tile.

Linoleum Tile: Options for the kitchen

There is much reasons why consumers should buy linoleum for the kitchen is patterned under the tile, rather than the entire tile. Let us consider each of them.

1. Choose the classic pattern is quite simple under the tile. At the same time it will become a full part in the decoration of the room, carrying their immediate purpose and delighting all the advantages as a linoleum floor covering. Photos of linoleum in the kitchen under the tile clearly demonstrate its aesthetic appeal.
2. Linoleum for easy care. The hostess will not have to think about how to wash linoleum in the kitchen - just use regular detergents. A tile requires additional cleaning and renovation of joints.
3. Modern linoleum usually coated with a special anti-slip coating that provides protection against slipping, even on wet surfaces. Ceramic tiles, unfortunately, has no such properties.
4. Linoleum is highly resistant to deformation, while maintaining its original beauty.
5. Linoleum floor is much warmer and more pleasant in comparison with the cold and slippery tiles.

Useful advice! For long-term preservation of sex appeal better to buy a semi-commercial linoleum Tarkett a "tiled" pattern. This coating will perfectly fit into the overall style of the kitchen interior.

Linoleum under laminate: Features and Advantages

Linoleum with simulated laminate - a special coating, which consists of several layers, with a pattern simulating a laminate panel. A material as compared to a conventional laminate, has a number of features. The main advantage is that with proper selection and placement he looks virtually identical to the laminate, while having a better performance in terms of operation.

In addition, it is easier to lay linoleum, using a special glue, and for laying laminate panels with special locks will require a lot more time. It is important to note that the coating is placed under the laminate pieces, not one blade, which allows the maximum to simulate the ideal laminate flooring.

Linoleum flooring for a long time do not lose their color and are not deformed, have a longer lifespan. This is the best option for the room where the system "warm floor". Photo Linoleum under laminate also show the widest range of models with different textures and colors. The main advantage of linoleum - is the lower price. Together these benefits predispose consumers to choosing exactly as linoleum flooring.

Linoleum for the kitchen: Styling

Choosing a color linoleum, it should be noted that on a dark and too bright, the floor will be quite noticeable dust, stains and crumbs. Optimal variant colors - brown and gray tones. Dark coating visually conceals the space, so it is suitable only for large and airy kitchen.

Currently particularly popular figure under the made old board. He is perfect for the rooms, decorated in different styles: rustic, classic, Scandinavian and a loft. In the classical interior is better to pick a reliable imitation of ceramics.

Kitchen in the style of hi-tech and minimalist ideal monochromatic linoleum in cold or contrasting colors. Coating bright colors or with bulky geometric patterns applied in spacious rooms decorated in Scandinavian style, eclectic, or pop art. Visually enlarge the space will help bright linoleum cool colors. The flooring in warm colors makes the kitchen more comfortable, and bright and contrasting colors adds greater dynamism room.

In high demand right now enjoys the decor linoleum, modeling the technique of marquetry. This mosaic of wood of various types of veneer. It looks good in the interior of the kitchen linoleum, which simulates a massive board.

Courageous and extraordinary people designers are advised to choose the fancy colors with unusual decor and lovers of experiments - models with original geometric or abstract patterns. Linoleum under a stone (marble or granite) looks very impressive and unusual.

Useful advice!In choosing linoleum for the kitchen, has a small size, operates one rule: the transverse strip on the floor help visually expand the kitchen, and the vertical - its visual lengthening.

Do not buy furniture the same color as the linoleum, otherwise there is a sense that she "grew out of the floor." The same principle is applied to the walls, curtains and other subjects that are directly adjacent to the floor.

What is the width of linoleum: Calculation and dimensioning

Modern linoleum manufacturers offer a wide variety of sizes. It can be wide or narrow, thick and thin. Its release in rolls of varying length and width, or in the form of rings.

Length linoleum rolls ranges from 6 to 45 meters, width - from 2 to 5 m in increments of half a meter. Some manufacturers, as an exception, producing linoleum width of 6 meters, but these are characteristic sizes for the production area, so for the most spacious kitchens maximum width of linoleum - 5 meters. Such a variety of coating width enables it to pick up a maximum savings of cutting and to avoid seams.

Width linoleum selected depending on the size of the kitchen. Before you buy, measure the room. To do this, make measurement of the maximum width and length of the floor. Measured separately niches, window and door openings. For each measurement, it is desirable to add 8 cm, which will take into account the irregularities and create a reserve for possible shrinkage of linoleum.

For example, for kitchen 4 × 2,5 m advantageous acquire coating with a 3-meter wide (with the margin) and a length of 4.1. This option would allow to lay linoleum one piece without seams. Another option for such area - linoleum width of 4.5 meters and a length of 2.6 meters. In this case, it should be noted that the cost of such a choice will be more expensive, as linoleum price per square meter depends on the width of the roll: the more - the more expensive.

The choice of big rolls is necessary to take into account that it can not be placed in stairwells and elevators are not held when turning from one room to another. Transporting such coverage is problematic, so it is best to buy a linoleum delivery.

Laying linoleum on the floor: Rules and features

Linoleum - this is probably the most versatile flooring. He is practical, durable and inexpensive. In addition, this material is fairly simple to install. This is the power of even a novice, after analyzing all the features of packing.

Linoleum laying technology has its specific features. In particular, to secure the floor to make it smooth and maximize the life, you should use a professional construction tools. To lay linoleum on the wooden floor, it is necessary to conduct a preliminary alignment of the floor. This can be done using sheets of plywood, chipboard or fiberboard.

Laying linoleum with his hands includes the successive stages of the work. First dismantled old coating surface or purified if linoleum top plan lay. It is important to thoroughly remove all debris and dust.

Useful advice!Linoleum before laying must undergo acclimatization. For this roll are entered into the room with a ready base. The temperature of the room should be above 15 ° C. In such circumstances, linoleum leave for a couple of days.

What follows is one of the most challenging stages - is the alignment of the floor, sealing cracks, stacking the substrate. To align the floor with your hands is best to use Self-leveling liquid mixture. Screed must be given time to dry completely.

Linoleum unfold and leave for some time to equalize. After that, it is cut, for which it is necessary to use a special, very sharp knife construction. With the help of cutting material is quite easy to make smooth cuts will help markings on the reverse side up and down. Do not forget about the technological gaps that between the coating and the wall must be at least 5 mm.

The next stage - the consolidation of linoleum. To this end, it is glued with special glue over the entire area. You can use a faster method of fixation using on the entire perimeter of double-sided tape. Final fixing material provide baseboards.

Professional installation of linoleum: prices for stacking

If there is any doubt in their own abilities, if the floor surface is difficult to align yourself or the room has a lot of grooves, the work on the linoleum flooring is recommended to professionals. They are suitable for liability each stage and, in addition, if necessary, can conduct bonding joints using cold or hot welding.

Experts accurately and quickly produce packing Linoleum on the substrate or concrete floor, while the use of modern technologies and high-quality supplies. In addition, specialists can provide advice even before lay linoleum. The price of services is calculated based on the total volume of work and taking into account how much it costs per square meter of linoleum.

The list of services typically include:

• dismantling the old coating;
• cleaning and surface leveling;
• laying linoleum without adhesive base (the technology for mounting a natural coating) or via stacking coating mastic or adhesive.

To the list of basic or extra services workers also include mounting plinths.

To manually calculate how much laying linoleum per square meter, you must consider the entire scope of work, which includes the departure of the master, the removal of measurements and assistance in the purchase of materials. At present, the average price is 150-250 rubles. per m².

Care for the linoleum in the kitchen: the choice of means and materials

One of the main advantages in the use of linoleum in the kitchen - it is easy to care for. The hostess will not have to think about how to wash linoleum in the kitchen, as appropriate classical detergents. At the same time, given that the surface of the kitchen clogged faster care for the floor should be systematic and regular.

save linoleum from excessive dirt helps a protective layer that usually lay the producers themselves. Special protection can be applied to the floor once or twice a year. This measure significantly extends the life of the material and contributes to the repulsion of grease and dirt.

Useful advice! For purification can use a solution of baking soda and a conventional detergent. The ingredients were mixed in the proportions 1: 1 (on a spoonful of each) is filled with water. Next, using a brush clean the surface. To wash the floor and give the surface gloss, using acetic solution.

This simple procedure is sufficient to carry out once a month, taking into account the fact that the normal way to clean floors as pollution, but not less than once a week. Proper care of linoleum is significantly prolong the service life.

Manufacturers of linoleum for the kitchen: ratings and reviews

In the domestic market linoleum manufacturers have long and well established companies such as TARKETT, ARMSTRONG-DLW, FORBO, GERFLOR, JUTEKS, Upofloor, SOMMER, GRABOFLOOR. In the choice of the manufacturer should be guided not only by the company's website, but also to consumer reviews.

The most popular of these criteria is linoleum Tarkett. Photos illustrate the diversity of its models, which are used in the most stylish and sophisticated interiors. The company produces linoleum two brands - "Tarkett" and "Sinteros". Customer reviews noted the density and durability of the floor covering. In fairness it should be noted that Tarkett - a quality manufacturer, but not the only one of its kind.

In deciding what to choose linoleum for the kitchen, you should consider various features and advantages of the coating. It is not worth saving, as it was in the kitchen linoleum is exposed to greater stress and pollution. Choose the right model, color and texture - is not a problem thanks to the widest range of linoleum, which is considered the most popular floor covering.