The better to put linoleum floors or tiles. Linoleum under tiles. Conclusion - what is right for you

If you started a kitchen renovation, then you understand how important it is to choose the right one. flooring, which meets the many requirements for the floor in this room. A rainbow of colors and a variety of design options make linoleum good option for finishing the floor. Is it suitable for kitchen flooring? Our review will help to understand this by highlighting strengths and material imperfections. What kind of linoleum should I choose for my kitchen floor, and why is it better than alternative flooring? How to lay linoleum on your own and take care of it? You will find answers to these questions in the article.

Is commercial or semi-commercial linoleum suitable for the kitchen

The kitchen is a household room, but laying in this room is normal household linoleum experts do not advise. The desire to save money can turn back at great expense when the floor covering becomes unusable. And it will happen pretty soon. High traffic and various household troubles (spilled water, scratches, etc.) will do their job, and the floors will have to be repaired again. Therefore, the choice should be made between two more durable and wear-resistant types of material - commercial and semi-commercial linoleum.

The first one is more dense and rigid, has a protective layer thickness of 0.6 mm or more (class 33 and above). The strength of such a coating is not in doubt. However, there are a number of "buts":

• high cost of the material;
• the complexity of self-laying;
• dimensions (produced in rolls 2 meters wide, which will provide seams when laying, where water will fall in the future).

Reviews of consumers who have made a choice in his favor indicate that this material will have to be tinkered with. And the works and extra costs do not justify themselves in comparison with another, intermediate option.

The optimal solution is semi-commercial linoleum, which neutralizes the disadvantages of the other two types. Its thickness ranges from 0.4-0.5 mm (these are classes 31-32), which makes the material strong enough, wear-resistant, but not overly rigid. It can easily cope with increased load and resists minor troubles in the form of water and grease, and the width of the rolls will allow you to cover the kitchen floor without unnecessary seams. You will save on material costs and avoid the need for repeated repairs in the coming years.

Types of linoleum stylized as other materials

Linoleum under tiles

Linoleum imitating tile flooring, will appeal to those who prefer the classics in finishing the kitchen floor. It looks no less impressive than tile, but it feels much warmer and more pleasant for the feet. Linoleum in the form of small tiles will visually expand the space in the kitchen. good effect will give a drawing in the form large tiles cold shades, with it the interior will turn out modern and stylish. Linoleum under tiles in warm and dark colors recreate the cozy atmosphere of traditional cuisine.

Linoleum under laminate

If you dreamed of finishing the kitchen floor with laminate, but for some reason you cannot do this (you are not satisfied with the price or characteristics of the material), choose worthy alternative. Linoleum, made under the laminate, looks elegant and presentable, but it is much cheaper and less whimsical to care for. Modernity, comfort and style - this is how you can characterize the floor, finished with linoleum under the laminate. One of the leaders in the production of this material is the Tarkett company. In her collections you will find many design options and colors of such linoleum at reasonable prices.

Linoleum under parquet

The epitome of luxury and excellent taste is the parquet floor. Such flooring will make the kitchen elegant, expensive, spectacular. But just not practical. Parquet requires careful care, maintaining certain humidity air and temperature regime. By choosing linoleum for parquet, you will save money, increase the performance of the floor and not sacrifice its appearance. Modern options such linoleum is able to imitate not only the parquet pattern, but also its texture. Big choice design and colors (cedar, larch, oak) can be found in the construction departments of Leroy Merlin stores.

Linoleum under a tree

The most popular version of this material is linoleum under the tree. This choice is the simplest, but also one of the most successful. Wood imitation brings warmth and harmony to the room, creates a feeling of naturalness and environmental friendliness. Finishing the floor with linoleum under a tree will allow you to realize classic interior kitchens, realize rustic or country style. The uniqueness of the patterns and colors of natural wood makes this flooring always relevant, interesting and appropriate, regardless of the chosen design.

Advantages and disadvantages of linoleum over other coatings

Laminate or linoleum - which is better for the kitchen?

Repairing a kitchen floor is not an easy task, because when choosing a material, you need to pay special attention not to design, but to quality characteristics and operational properties coatings. If we compare linoleum and laminate, then they have a number of similar parameters that make these materials suitable for finishing the floor in the kitchen. The benefits of both coatings include:

1. Large selection of designs, can imitate any natural materials.
2. Ease of installation, including do-it-yourself.
3. Resistance to external influences.
4. Ease of care.
5. Affordable price.

There are also general shortcomings. Both laminate and linoleum should be laid only on a perfectly flat floor, this directly affects the life of the coating. If the material is relatively cheap, then its wear resistance and strength are low - it is quickly lost appearance and physical properties gender.

When choosing between laminate and linoleum, one should be guided by their significant differences. The laminate is not afraid of a serious load, scratches and tolerates high temperatures (a lit match). Unlike linoleum, its surface does not fade and does not absorb dyes, but it is worse to the effects of water. From excess liquid, the coating may deform and become unusable. Linoleum will not be affected by this problem. Above and the level of sound insulation of the latter - walking on a floor covered with linoleum is almost silent. If we talk about one price category, then linoleum will last longer than a laminate of the same cost.

Both materials are suitable for quality finishes kitchen floor. Their main parameters are similar, and the choice should be based on individual preferences, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each. A significant plus for quality linoleum- it is absolutely not afraid of water and is more durable in terms of performance characteristics and appearance.

The higher the proportion of quartz in the rock, the more stable the material. The resistance and natural texture, as well as the density of the material, make granite paving stones an ideal floor, especially for outdoors, because even heavy deformation covers almost nothing. The most common are paving stones on public roads in the form of cobblestone streets or at the entrance to a farm. In addition to being used for flooring, coatings, facade cladding or swimming pool cladding, granite can also be used for indoor applications.

In the case of wall cladding, stairs or window frames granite also makes a good figure because of its versatile uses. However, the material has only poor thermal insulation. Granite stains may meet in different shades because of their composition. Depending on the composition and quality, as well as the quality of the stones, prices are also different. Classic stones can be purchased for 70 cents. Yes, in line with exclusivity and size, the price class is also moving up. For the correct and stable laying of granite stones, it is necessary to professionally process the foundation before installation.

Ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware or linoleum - which is better for the kitchen?

The most traditional material that is used to cover the kitchen floor is tile. It is a very successful design solution for this room and has a number of significant advantages that make consumers opt for it:

• high wear resistance;
• low susceptibility to temperature conditions;
• water, grease and other contaminants are not afraid of this material;
• large selection of designs and colors.

However ideal solution it's hard to name it. The tiled floor in the kitchen is exposed to such influences as scratches or chips (for example, if you drop a heavy frying pan), it can be slippery and does not conduct heat well - your feet will constantly freeze. These shortcomings neutralize the linoleum coating. At the same time, high-quality linoleum has high strength and wear resistance, easy to install (unlike tiles) and does not cause maintenance problems. This material will be many times better and last longer than ceramic tiles at the same price.

More good decision for the kitchen floor is porcelain stoneware. This material has many advantages:

• super strength;
• water resistance;
• immunity to high temperature;
• presentability.

A significant drawback makes it inaccessible to many consumers - the high price of the material. Another downside is smooth surface porcelain stoneware will make the floor slippery, and embossed will cause inconvenience in cleaning.

For most homeowners best solution of the options presented will be the purchase of high-quality linoleum. This material is much more practical and more optimal in price. For those who are not indifferent to tiled floor as " kitchen classics» you can offer a worthy alternative - linoleum under the tile.

Wooden floor or linoleum - which is better for the kitchen?

Respectable appearance, environmental friendliness and an atmosphere of comfort - what you can get by choosing a floor finish natural wood. Few use this material for laying on kitchen floor. The main reason is the high cost. A wooden floor will cost much more than most other options. However, in most cases the choice is not justified.

Presentable appearance and naturalness are practically the only advantages of such a coating when it comes to repairing the floor in the kitchen. The wooden coating is afraid of high temperatures and moisture, is unstable to mechanical damage, requires careful maintenance, as stains easily remain on the floor. Laying a wooden floor makes sense only if the kitchen in the house is only “for show”, and money question it does not matter.

Comparison various materials for finishing the kitchen floor allows you to call optimal solution for most modern consumers - linoleum. It is durable, strong, copes well with various "kitchen troubles" (water, grease, scratches), is easy to install and maintain. The variety of textures, patterns and shades is another bonus in favor of linoleum. Imitation of wood, parquet, stone, metal, tiles and other materials allows you to choose the right design decision for any interior of your kitchen.

Do-it-yourself linoleum laying

In order to lay linoleum on your own, it is not necessary to have special skills. Brief instructions and helpful tips for finishing the floor will help you qualitatively, quickly and without problems to implement this process with your own hands.

Laying linoleum on concrete floor

The surface for laying linoleum must be perfectly flat. A concrete floor is rarely such, so the first stage of work will be to level it. You can do this in several ways:

• pour concrete screed;
• hammer the floor with plywood or fiberboard;
• seal the gaps with cement, putty or resin, then use self-levelling floors.

The result should be a flat floor with height differences of no more than 2 mm. Then it should dry completely (this can take up to 30-40 days).

Further work on finishing the floor:

1. Vacuum and mop the floor well. Let it dry completely. This is especially important if felt-based linoleum is being laid.
2. Make waterproofing ( polyethylene film, placed on concrete), sound insulation (foamed polyethylene, laid on top of the film) and a chipboard / plywood substrate. If you lay linoleum on a bare concrete floor, the coating will be cold.
3. Bring the linoleum into the kitchen, straighten it and leave it to acclimatize for 2 days. The material will straighten out. Now it can be cut, cut the edges if necessary. A small gap of 1-2 cm should be left between the coating and the wall in case the linoleum increases in size (this will prevent it from swelling).
4. The coating can be glued in whole or in part. Roll the linoleum into a roll and gradually unroll it, smearing its surface and laying it on the floor.
5. Skirting boards are fixed on the edges of the linoleum after some time.

Following this brief instructions, you can easily lay linoleum yourself. Remember to do it carefully and evenly.

How to put linoleum on a wooden floor

As in the case of concrete, the wooden floor should be leveled before laying linoleum. Stages of floor preparation:

1. Large irregularities are removed with a planer, small - sandpaper.
2. Sheets of plywood are laid on a flat floor and fixed with nails or self-tapping screws.
3. Once again, use sandpaper to minimize unevenness at the joints and edges.

The process of laying linoleum on a wooden floor is similar to that described for concrete. The material must first be spread, cut, left for a couple of days to adapt. It is not necessary to glue the entire linoleum - you can only fix its joints with adhesive tape. For semi-commercial and commercial material, the adhesive is applied around the perimeter and in a cross for each piece. Be sure to carefully smooth the glued part of the linoleum so that all the air that has fallen under the coating comes out from under it.

How to put linoleum on linoleum

If you plan to replace the old linoleum in the kitchen with a new coating, it is not necessary to dismantle the old one. It will serve as an ideal underlay for your new floor, performing the functions of insulation and soundproofing. However, it is important to make sure that the material is evenly and accurately glued. If there are blisters, all bubbles found will have to be cut out and sealed with mastic / putty.

A few tips for quality styling linoleum:

1. It is better to glue linoleum with one sheet. If the dimensions do not allow, then it is important to prevent the joints of the seams of the new coating with the old one.
2. In order for the linoleum to lie flat, place a heavy load on uneven places.
3. Leave the gaps near the walls the same as the old coating.

Now you can start gluing linoleum. Each sheet of material is folded to the middle, superimposed from the center to the edges double sided tape. Linoleum is laid on the floor and leveled.

Warm floor under linoleum

In some cases, the linoleum floor requires additional heating. Used for this underfloor heating. However, the features of linoleum as a floor covering have certain limitations when conducting a system of underfloor heating. To avoid unpleasant consequences, be guided by the following restrictions:

1. Linoleum with thermal insulation properties make the underfloor heating system useless. When buying, pay attention to this parameter.
2. Thin linoleum will demonstrate all the irregularities of the warm floor held under it.
3. Exceeding the prescribed temperature regime will lead to deformation of the linoleum, its swelling or lagging behind the floor surface, and can also cause the release of phenol.
4. A warm floor can cause a change in the color of linoleum, its fading.
5. In order to avoid deformation, linoleum should be laid at the same temperature at which the warm floor will work.

An ideal option for laying under linoleum would be an infrared warm floor. This is layered construction from warm film and reflective coating, on top of which sheets of plywood are placed for protection. After that, the entire floor is puttied and leveled for covering with linoleum.

Do I need a substrate for linoleum

The substrate can perform two functions - leveling and insulation. Depending on the goals, you should determine the need for this attribute and choose its type.

In order to achieve perfect flat surface floor, you will have to additionally use a substrate. It can be a professional screed, self-leveling floors, plywood / fiberboard sheets. Old linoleum can also act as a good substrate for new linoleum flooring. These tools are designed to remove bumps and other floor defects.

If the goal is insulation, then the substrate is used as a material for thermal insulation. Choose from the following options:

• jute;
• linen;
• combined - a mixture of wool, linen and jute fibers.

The substrate for thin linoleum should have a dense and rigid structure. Multi-layer thick linoleum already has a jute, fabric or PVC backing and usually does not need additional insulation. Under such a coating, a substrate for insulation is not required. If the floors are very cold, it makes sense to install a system of warm floors.

What glue to choose for linoleum

Glue when laying linoleum is not always used. But if more than two sheets are spread, or the flooring in the kitchen is finished with commercial linoleum, then it will have to be glued. For this, apply different kinds glue. Choose suitable option needed depending on the type of material:

1. Dispersive (on water based) - for gluing linoleum to the base, the glue is applied not to the material, but to the floor surface.
2. Acrylate - for homogeneous linoleum.
3. Gumilaks - for laying natural linoleum.
4. Bustilat - for felt-based linoleum.
5. Tocostatic - if antistatic linoleum is used.
6. Bituminous mastic - for gluing linoleum on a fabric basis.

When laying commercial linoleum, the ideal solution is a reaction adhesive, also called "cold welding".

Cold welding for linoleum

The reaction adhesive is called so because its components are polyurethane and epoxy resin- interact with each other, resulting in an adhesive effect. Since it is used to connect the joints of linoleum, it received a second name - cold welding.

Before use, the joints of linoleum sheets should be degreased, glued onto these strips masking tape and cut it along the seam lines. Fill each with glue, and remove the adhesive tape after complete drying. The adhesive enters with the material into chemical reaction, at which the edges of the linoleum melt and form a strong strip of joints dissolved in each other. This process is similar to welding. And the joints glued with the help of reaction glue become almost invisible.

Important: Use the adhesive with care and keep out of the reach of children. This product is explosive and has a pungent odor.

How to care for and how to wash linoleum floors

Caring for linoleum flooring is quite simple, but you still need to follow some rules. Cleaning can be carried out both dry and wet. The first is to remove dust with a napkin, brush or vacuum cleaner. The second - in washing floors with water using detergents. In this case, it is important to comply with special requirements:

• means should be soft;
• the use of aggressive cleaners is not allowed - with soda, solvents or ammonia;
• water should be warm, but not hot;
• linoleum should be washed twice - with a wet and then with a dry cloth.

Special polishes will help to give shine to the linoleum floor. If you want to provide additional protection covers, use foot pads kitchen furniture. Also, the surface of linoleum can be coated with a metallic varnish, which will provide an additional protective layer to your floor, extend its service life and maintain an attractive appearance.

High-quality linoleum is resistant to high traffic, is not afraid of water and scratches, is hygienic and easy to clean. This material will be an excellent covering for your kitchen floor. A bonus for avid cooks is that linoleum is soft and pleasant to the feet, which will not feel tired and uncomfortable even after several hours spent at the stove.

Ceramic tiles and linoleum are two of the most popular floor coverings in Russia. That's just where their similarity ends, but in order to find the answer to the question of what better tile or linoleum, you will have to sort through the bones of the advantages and disadvantages of both types of flooring.

Linoleum or tile? Who will win

Linoleum - universal coating which can be used in any residential area. In the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, hallway - everywhere it will be appropriate. A huge range of colors, designs, textures allows you to easily choose the right option for both the nursery and the bathroom. Linoleum under a tile, under a tree, under marble, under a parquet and a laminate - what only varieties of this floor covering do not exist, and there are many types of linoleum. You can buy natural linoleum, which is highly durable and environmentally friendly, you can opt for an artificial PVC coating, which is inexpensive and looks amazing. In general, while solid pluses.

Economic class artificial PVC coating

Linoleum under a tree - beautiful, original, fashionable

What else Benefits has linoleum?

1. Softness. When falling on linoleum, the likelihood of injury is minimal, since its surface is quite soft.
2. Elasticity. The structure of linoleum is elastic and pliable, which makes it easy to lay it on the base.
3. Strength. PVC coating does not crack, is resistant to abrasion, does not crumble, does not deform, as is often the case with tiled or wooden coverings. At correct styling linoleum (especially natural) can last from 20 to 30 years.
4. Ease of maintenance. You can wash linoleum with ordinary water using detergents or with a washing vacuum cleaner.
5. Ease of installation. Thanks to the substrate, the thickness of which can reach 4 mm, it is possible to lay artificial linoleum even on an uneven surface - height differences will not be noticeable.
6. Moisture resistance.
7. High rates of sound and heat insulation.
8. Relatively low price(compared to the same laminate, tile or parquet).
9. Artificial coatings do not rot, as they are made from polyvinyl chloride components.

Disadvantages of linoleum:

1. Artificial types of linoleum are quite sensitive to solvents, alkalis, fats and high temperatures. Some products may leave permanent stains on the surface of linoleum, and Sun rays permanently spoil the color of the material.
2. Low coefficient of frost resistance. When the temperature drops to -10-15 degrees, linoleum begins to break and crack, its elasticity in this case decreases.
3. Instability to mechanical influences. A knife, fork, legs of chairs and tables that have fallen to the floor can easily ruin linoleum.
4. Abrasion resistance. Over time, the surface of linoleum may be partially erased, because the pattern is applied not over the entire structure of the material, but only on its surface.
5. It is almost impossible to lay natural linoleum on your own; you will have to contact specialists.
6. Natural linoleum is fragile and cruel, but it is almost 2.5 times more reliable than its artificial counterparts - the service life of this coating can reach 40-50 years.

Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic tiles

Tiles, unlike linoleum, are not at all appropriate in a bedroom or a nursery - in these rooms you want something warm and cozy, and cold ceramics are not at all like these epithets. But on the other hand, in the kitchen, in the bathroom or in the hallway, durable tiles will come in handy. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of ceramic tiles.

Ceramic tiles - from a simple ...

… to elite

Advantages:

1. High strength. Thanks to a special manufacturing and firing technology, the tile has a rigid, durable structure.
2. Increased wear resistance.
3. Resistant to moisture, steam and temperature changes. It is these characteristics that make it possible to use tiles in saunas, baths and bathrooms.
4. Ease of maintenance.
5. Resistant to pollution. Ceramic tiles are not afraid of any stains, so for the kitchen and hallway - this is perhaps the only option.
6. High resistance to external influences. These include mechanical, chemical, and atmospheric influences.
7. Does not burn, does not rot, does not emit toxic substances when heated.

Disadvantages:

1. Low heat and sound insulation coefficients.
2. The surface of ceramic tiles is cold and hard. The last moment often causes injuries when falling, and the dishes, falling on the tiled floor, instantly shatter.
3. Difficulty in installation.

It is true that ceramic tiles are cold, although not all types of them have the same thermal conductivity coefficients. Glazed tile cools faster than matte, but neither one nor the other can boast of the comfort that linoleum provides. Walk barefoot in winter period time on a tiled floor is not very pleasant, but in summer, when it is hot outside, such a coating gives incredible bliss and even animals enjoy relaxing on ceramic tiles.

The problem of cold tiles can be easily solved thanks to modern technologies heating. A warm electric floor will warm even in the most severe frosts, and in summer this function can simply be turned off.

What to choose?

Both tiles and linoleum have their drawbacks, in principle, just like laminate and parquet. But still! The tile is several times stronger than linoleum, which means that it will last much longer, although no one is immune from accidental falling of a weight or anvil, which can end tragically even for the thickest tile. Linoleum loses here, because even a fork can “injure” the surface of the coating.

Linoleum is softer, which means that the fallen dishes have a chance to “stay alive”, and the child, stumbling, will not hurt his nose or knees. It turns out that linoleum is the winner here.

Ceramic is resistant to stains and dirt of any kind, linoleum cannot boast of this, but it is easy to lay, unlike tiles.

PVC coating is warm and cozy, tiles are cold, especially in winter and without heating.

What is the result? And the result is not unambiguous: both linoleum and tile can become perfect coverage for kitchen, bathroom, hallway. Both have their advantages, but also have their drawbacks. You still have to choose the flooring - compare all the available data, weigh your options and opt for the flooring to which both the soul and the wallet lie.