Tiled floor in the kitchen. Ceramic and stone floor tiles - is it worth laying tiles in the kitchen

The kitchen is a special room in any home, because here not only the whole family gathers for dining table, but there is also a special environment that dictates certain rules when choosing finishing materials. When choosing a floor covering for this room, it should be borne in mind that the intensity of movement in the kitchen is quite high, which means that the surface must have high wear resistance. In addition, during cooking, the floor in the kitchen is often contaminated with food debris, grease, which is why it is subjected to frequent washing, so it is better to choose a moisture-resistant coating. Equally important is product design and a large assortment colors, so it will be easier for you to choose the material for the interior of the kitchen. All these requirements are met by ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. In our article, you will find out which tile is better to choose so that your tiled floor in the kitchen will serve you faithfully. long years and pleasing to the eye throughout this time.

Material Specifications

Even at the stage of renovation planning, you think about which ceramic or porcelain tile is best suited for the kitchen. In this case, first of all, it is worth focusing not on reviews and on how much this material costs, but on its technical characteristics. If you do not know which tile to choose for the kitchen, pay attention to performance characteristics products. It must be resistant to:

mechanical stress and abrasion;
high humidity and high temperatures;
various types of pollution, including fat;
household chemicals, with which you will wash the floor;
the effect of water.

Important: since grease and food often get on the floor in the working area near the stove, it is better to lay tiles with a protective glazed coating in this place, which will not allow grease to penetrate deep into the material.

Both porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles are ideal for kitchen floors. The difference between them is in the design and how much the material cost as well specifications ah (porcelain stoneware is more durable, moisture resistant and durable). At the same time, if you make a choice, give preference to products marked "for laying on the floor", since wall Decoration Materials less durable. Let us consider in more detail the features, pros and cons of each of them.

Ceramic tile

This material is made from clay, which goes through the process of molding, pressing and firing. Today on sale you can find tiles different colors, sizes, with patterns, photo printing, with imitation of the surface under the tree and a natural stone. Such a wide range of colors and varied design allows you to easily choose the material for finishing the floor in the kitchen. The price of this material depends on the design and manufacturer and is in the range of 1-10 USD.

Before deciding which material is better for your kitchen, tile or porcelain stoneware, you should familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of each. Yes, the benefits ceramic tiles the following:

high strength, wear resistance;
moisture-resistant surface that is easy to clean with any cleaning products and does not absorb grease and dirt;
the surface is resistant to mechanical damage and shock;
a large selection of colors, textures, sizes and design options (you can choose a wood or stone coating);
reasonable price in comparison with porcelain stoneware;
ease of installation;
can be laid on wood concrete base, and also to use in systems with heating;
wood imitation coating will create indoors special atmosphere comfort.

However, this material also has its drawbacks, which include:

cold surface, which is not very pleasant for walking barefoot;
glossy tiles are very slippery, so it is better not to use them on the floor in the kitchen.

It is worth knowing: such a lack of tiles as a cold surface can be easily eliminated. To do this, it is enough to arrange heated floors.

Porcelain stoneware

Porcelain tiles are also made from clay. However, in addition to it, it contains quartz sand, mineral pigments and spar. The prepared mass is first molded, then pressed under high pressure, after which the product is placed in a kiln and fired at maximum temperatures. Thanks to this processing, porcelain stoneware acquires high technical and operational characteristics that exceed those of ceramic tiles.

Home distinctive feature porcelain stoneware is that it imitates wood very accurately. After laying on the photo, this material cannot be distinguished from coatings made of natural wood. That is why the design of such products is done in such a way that even with their shape and texture they resemble wood-like coatings (parquet and massive board, parquet, panel products). On numerous photos on the net, you can see that this material is used not only for interior decoration, but also for finishing the exterior of the house. Thanks to high strength and temperature resistance, porcelain stoneware can be used for finishing porches, floors on the balcony, verandas, loggias and even the facade of the house, since the wood-like design and the shape of the products only contribute to this.

If you decide to choose porcelain tiles for the floor in the kitchen, then you should know what advantages this material has:

The strength and impact resistance is much higher than that of ceramic products.
The material is resistant to high and low temperatures.
Large dimensions promote fast installation.
The product imitates wood very accurately.
Non-slip textured surface.

Before choosing this material, you should also find out its disadvantages, among which are the following points:

The porcelain stoneware design is quite poor. You won't find large selection colours, sizes and surface textures. It is for this reason that it can sometimes be very difficult to choose the right coating for the color and style of the kitchen.
The price of the material is rather big (from 3 to 20 USD), so many people decide to put more affordable ceramic tiles in the kitchen.
Due to its high strength and density, the material is very difficult to cut.
The impressive dimensions and thickness of the product lead to the fact that it weighs a lot, so it is a little difficult to carry out styling alone.

How to choose?

To decide which tile is better, you need not by photo, but by various characteristics material. When making a choice in the store, pay attention to the strength indicators of the product. There is a special classification according to which you can choose the right material:

Elements with designation PE I I designed for walls only.
Products marked PE I II not suitable for floors in high traffic areas. The maximum where they can be put is the floor in the bathroom or bedroom.
PE I III tiles are suitable for laying in any room, except for the hallway.
Coatings with PE I IV marking it is better to choose for laying in the corridor, hallway on the stairs. However, they are also suitable for the kitchen.
The most durable and wear-resistant tiles are considered products with PE I V marking. They can be used in places with high traffic and significant floor loads. But for the kitchen, the choice of such material would be impractical, since such a margin of safety in this room is not needed, and the extra costs for the purchase expensive material become unjustified.

Attention: for the kitchen, you can use ceramic tiles with strength markings from III to IV class.

Since the floor in the kitchen often has to be washed using aggressive household chemicals, some products with a fragile coating can be damaged. To prevent this from happening, the choice should be stopped on elements that have high class resistance to aggressive chemicals. They are marked with the letters "A" or "AA".

In addition, it is worth laying tiles in the kitchen that correspond to a certain safety class. In this case, we are talking about slip protection. This indicator of the material depends on the friction coefficient of the surface. In the store you can find floor tiles that correspond to one of four safety classes:

An indicator of 0.19 and below indicates high danger slip on such a floor, so it is better not to lay it in the kitchen, because on a wet floor the risk of falling increases even more.
A coefficient in the range of 0.2-0.39 indicates that the safety of the coating is at limit face. This material should also not be laid in the kitchen.
A tile friction index of 0.4 to 0.74 indicates good product safety. This material is suitable for laying on the floor.
A coefficient of friction greater than 0.75 indicates a high degree coverage security. This product can be safely put in the kitchen.

The choice of tiles must be made taking into account its dimensions, colors and dimensions of the room.

When choosing flooring for the kitchen, you need to take into account a lot of nuances - ease of cleaning, resistance to abrasion and moisture, and much more. How to choose the right coverage, and what you need to remember?

What exactly do you want?
How much coverage will the budget cover?
What coverage will be optimal in relation to the existing or proposed interior?
Does the selected option meet the requirements that are put forward for kitchen flooring?
Are the floors meant to be warm, or will you get by with the usual ones?
Will one material be used as a coating, or will a combination of materials be considered?
Do you need to visually increase the space, or is your kitchen large enough to choose the color of the flooring without restrictions?

Practical floors in the kitchen - properties that a kitchen floor covering should have

Of course, not every coating meets all these requirements. But you also need to remember the availability of a suitable base, as well as the aesthetics and compliance of the coating with the general appearance of the kitchen. Therefore, it is better to understand the types in advance floor coverings and their properties.

Types of flooring for the kitchen:

Parquet and parquet board in the kitchen - in the practice of the hostess

What should be remembered?
Moisture-resistant wooden parquet, which is produced according to new unique technologies, not afraid of moisture. Neither a parquet board, nor even a two-layer parquet, will suffer even from a sudden flood in the kitchen (unless, of course, the consequences of the flood are immediately eliminated).
When choosing parquet, pay attention to hardwood flooring - they are highly wear-resistant and durable.
The parquet board must be treated with a composition that prolongs the durability of the material. Also, the tree will protect against various negative influences. thick layer quality varnish.
Benefits of parquet parquet board

The wooden floor is the natural warmth in the kitchen.
A wide range of wood species, colors and plank laying options.
Additional comfort in the house.
Ecological purity.

Disadvantages of parquet, parquet board

Despite the moisture resistance of modern parquet boards, it is desirable to protect the coating from excessive exposure to moisture.
Heavy or sharp objects falling on the parquet leave marks, and the coating has to be restored.
High price.

Cork flooring for the kitchen - natural flooring

Coating Benefits:

Disadvantages of cork flooring for the kitchen

Despite the mass positive properties, the cork floor can be damaged by sharp objects, hot grease and flooding. You can avoid this if you purchase a cork cloth protected by a varnish (wax) coating.
Lacquer or wax coating, in turn, spoils the natural feel of the cork floor.
A cork floor based on MDF serves a multiple less than a pure cork floor.
High price.

Ceramic and stone floor tiles - is it worth laying tiles in the kitchen?

Advantages of ceramic and stone tiles

Disadvantages of ceramic coating

Ceramic tiles are afraid of hitting heavy objects. She will not survive the fall of a hammer or a cauldron.
Dishes that fall on the tiles will break in 99% of cases.
Stone tiles are more impact resistant, but here the downside is its high cost.
on stone and ceramic floor cold feet. If you are used to walking barefoot, then for this coverage you should buy yourself slippers, a moisture-resistant rug or a warm floor system.

What should be remembered when choosing ceramic and stone coating?

When choosing tiles for your kitchen, look for options with a surface finish that won't turn your floor into a skating rink when you cook.
If you have children in your home, or you're just worried that you might accidentally drop something, then buy tiles with a margin. In order to replace the chipped element with liquid nails in case of damage.

Laminate in the kitchen - cheap or cheerful?

Advantages of laminate for the kitchen

Disadvantages of laminate kitchen flooring

Synthetic coating (not natural).
Swelling at high volumes of moisture.
Easily damaged by falling heavy objects or moving furniture.
Afraid of exposure to aggressive chemicals.
It is difficult to wash off grease and dyes.
Picks up dust quickly.

Linoleum for the kitchen floor - an economical and sustainable coating

Advantages of linoleum for the kitchen floor

Disadvantages of linoleum for the floor in the kitchen

Afraid of hot objects and high temperatures.
Easily deformed in places where moisture accumulates.
Does not like aggressive cleaning with chemicals (spoils appearance).
Tears from heavy furniture, refrigerator, etc.
Collects dust very well.
Fades over time with exposure to the sun.
Inconvenient fit.

Of course, all these shortcomings relate more to vinyl coverings. Natural linoleum (marmoleum) very durable and environmentally friendly. It has antistatic properties, does not rot, and leaves no traces on it after furniture has been moved. But it also costs significantly more than its synthetic "copy".

PVC floor tiles in the kitchen - a floor covering that is easy to install and use

In fact, this is the same linoleum, but cut into strips or tiles. Accordingly, the main advantages and disadvantages are similar to the properties of linoleum.
Benefits of PVC Kitchen Floor Tiles

Disadvantages of PVC tiles

A large number of seams after laying, into which moisture enters after. As a result, the tiles peel off, and the floor covering loses its aesthetic appearance. To avoid this, all seams should be treated with a moisture-proof compound.
Over time, swelling around the edges is possible.
Damaged by falling sharp objects.
Blooms in the sun.
Short service life.

Cement is a durable kitchen flooring

Benefits of cement coating

Disadvantages of cement coating

Cold floor. You can't walk barefoot.
Complex styling. You can't do without professionals.
Porosity. And, accordingly, the need to create a special coating to protect against stains.

Bamboo floor in the kitchen - convenient or just fashionable?

Benefits of bamboo flooring

Disadvantages of bamboo flooring

Small assortment of flowers.
Less high resistance to moisture, in comparison with other materials.
Risk of deformation under conditions of high humidity.

Should I put carpet on the floor in the kitchen?

Benefits of carpeting

Pleasant to the touch.

Coating Disadvantages

Difficulty in cleaning. Washing grease or spilled soup from carpet is very difficult.
When wet, the carpet dries for a very long time and even begins to rot.
Collects dust very well.
Harmful for asthmatics.

In short, carpet is the worst flooring you can choose for your kitchen. If the desire to walk barefoot on the “soft” even in the kitchen is irresistible, then there is always such an option as carpet or a separate piece of carpet. It, in case of contamination, can be washed and dried on the balcony.

Combination of floor coverings in the kitchen

If you cannot decide on the choice of material, then think about the option of combining coatings. It will not only allow you to lay both coatings you like, but also visually zone the kitchen. For example, cover the working area with tiles that are not afraid of moisture and grease, and the dining area - cork coating. What you need to know when combining flooring in the kitchen?

Materials suitable for working area: linoleum, pvc tiles, ceramic tiles, natural stone.
Materials for the dining area: carpet, cork, parquet, parquet board.
Do not forget about the thickness of the materials - they must be equivalent. Or you will have to level the floor in one of the zones in accordance with the thickness of the materials.
Transitions and joints should not only be aesthetically pleasingly hidden, but also protected from injury. The hostess should not stumble when moving from one zone to another.

What should be the floor in the kitchen? As in any room in your apartment - perfectly flat. But the kitchen is the center modern apartment, the most visited area. It is unlikely that she will often be empty during the day if she lives in the house big family. The floor in the kitchen must be resistant to abrasion, soundproof, waterproof. Therefore, tiles for the kitchen on the floor - good choice rationally minded owners. It is easy to care for her, she looks very stylish.

Ceramic floor tiles are not only practical, but also important element kitchen decor

This material is made from clay, sand and other natural materials. Plates of various sizes are formed from the mixtures. Different types of tiles differ in properties. After all, ceramic tiles can be floor, wall, universal, decorative. There is a special facade tiles and pool tiles. In addition, tile sets are available in uniform style. This is a tile of one collection, the set includes floor, wall and decorative tiles for finishing. For the kitchen, it is advisable to purchase such sets if you decide to tile the room completely or use it for kitchen apron and floor tiles in the same style.

Tiled plates are fired at temperatures from 1000 to 12500 degrees. This explains its strength and durability. A whole arsenal of flooring materials is available to modern consumers, but all these materials have not been able to displace tiles from apartments. Firstly, the tile does not bend or deform. Even if the load on it is very high. The thicker the tile, the higher the stiffness index. Secondly, ceramic tiles are very durable. Of course, it can crack if something heavy falls on it, but this object must be very heavy. If the tile cracks, it will be enough to remove and replace one element, simply by gluing a new tile onto liquid nails. Another important advantage is that the tile does not change its color, even if it is constantly exposed to Sun rays. In addition, this material is very hygienic and easy to clean. It remains to add about the variety of colors, shapes and sizes of tiles. There are so many of them that many buyers are simply amazed. And some varieties finishing tiles can rightfully be considered a masterpiece of design thought.

The interior of some styles harmoniously fits ceramic tiles of different sizes, laid non-standard ways

How reliable and safe is tile flooring?

Tiles on the floor - perfect material in terms of security. It is even allowed to be used for lining stoves and fireplaces. After all, it is fireproof and fireproof. Ceramic tiles do not burn at all, and when heated, they do not emit substances harmful to human health. It is known that this material effectively protects walls from moisture, grease, fumes and odors. But, in addition, ceramic tiles protect the structures to which they are attached, so the risk of collapse during a fire is reduced. The chemical and physical inertness of the tile ensures safety facing material from the point of view of the accumulation of harmful substances.

Light floor with contrast geometric pattern will become a real decoration spacious kitchen

How to choose floor tiles in the kitchen

The first step is to determine color solution and the shape of your future tiles. Manufacturers offer square and rectangular. This is the most common tile shape. But there are also exotic eight or six-sided patterns. It is also proposed special tiles for facing cornices and corners, you can lay out a plinth from a tile original form. Sizes of ceramic floor tiles range from small to very large. There is also a very small mosaic tiles, but for the floor it is usually used only as a finish. Most often, tiles with a size of 30x30 or 50x50 cm are used for the floor.

According to the method of production of ceramics, tiles can be porous or dense (vitrified). The more pores on the back surface of the tile, the more water she absorbs. This can be determined visually: if the back surface is rough with large pores, the tile absorbs more water. But the same property helps the penetration of glue, and hence a more reliable bonding of the tile to the surface on which it is attached.

Designer experiments with different ways laying ceramic tiles can create interesting decorative effects

The type of enamel and its layer on the tile are responsible for its aesthetic parameters - gloss, pattern, color. In addition, the glaze makes the tile hard and waterproof. In today's construction market great amount proposals for ceramic tiles. This various options its design and specifications. There are exclusive expensive collections from famous designers, there is and budget options- domestic products, which are produced using Western technologies.

Since the kitchen floor is larger than the floor in other rooms, it is exposed to the most different types impact. This is especially noticeable near the stove, refrigerator, sink. That is why the kitchen floor needs tiles with high chemical and mechanical characteristics. Mechanical properties is the resistance to bending, the hardness of the surface. Bending resistance according to European standards is measured in megapascals (MPa). According to European and international standards (N 100 and ISO 1054-4), the bending resistance of unglazed tiles must be no less than 27 MPa. As for hardness, according to the European classification, it is divided into five classes. For the floor in the kitchen, tiles of the third and fourth classes are recommended.

Equally important is the indicator of resistance to temperature extremes, as well as alkaline and acid resistance. After all, the floor in the kitchen has to be washed frequently using detergents, besides, boiling water can spill on it. According to international standards, alkali and acid resistance kitchen tiles for the floor must be at least class B. Whether the tile you have chosen meets these standards can be found in the accompanying documentation (certificates, catalogs). Sometimes the characteristics are written on the packaging of the tile.

Floor tiling in the kitchen

Many people consider ceramic tiles the best option for kitchens and bathrooms. For the floor in the kitchen, it is best to use tiles with a thickness of 8 to 13 mm. It is better that the tile is durable and not too porous. In addition, floor tiles should have another quality - increased resistance to abrasion. According to international standards, there are five groups of such tiles. Tile number one is the least resistant to abrasion, the fifth is the most resistant.

Another important requirement to floor tiles - slip resistance. In the kitchen, it is desirable to use tiles with corundum coating or ribbed tiles with grooves. Glazed kitchen tiles are not recommended. After all, moisture on a glossy surface will turn the floor into a real ice rink.

negative quality ceramic tiles as a floor covering is considered its coldness. But it can be eliminated, thanks to the possibility of using floor heating systems.

Observing simple rules laying tiles on the floor, you can achieve visual magnification or downsizing the kitchen area. So, for example, if you use tiles on the floor small size, the room will appear larger if the large tile is smaller. It is important to remember that when laying tiles of a small size, evenness of the joints is more difficult to achieve.

Laying tiles, of course, can be done with your own hands, at first glance, there is nothing complicated about it. But it is better to entrust this business to professionals, because even the most expensive and beautiful tiles it will look terrible if it is laid somehow.

The impression of the combination of tiles different size enhanced by color contrast

Decorative potential of kitchen tiles

An interesting effect can be achieved using tiles of an unusual shape. For example, a hexagonal tile or a tile with rounded edges. Enhances the impression overall design and tile texture. Smooth surface makes the room brighter and more spacious, matte creates the impression of more cozy room.

If you correctly choose the color for the tiles on the floor in the kitchen, you can not only visually change the size of the room, but also create the most different atmospheres. For example, add air or light, focus on furniture or exclusive decor items.

Particularly popular are tiles, the pattern on which imitates wood, fabric, metal, floral patterns, borders and panels. When choosing a color, keep in mind different lighting your kitchen in different time days. At sunlight colors appear richer, halogen lamps make colors cooler, and ordinary light bulbs- warmer. So, for example, a blue tile with yellow lamps will appear green.

You should also pay attention to the reflection coefficient of the glaze. This factor also affects the visual perception of tiles as a design element. If you do not like the "gloss" in the kitchen, choose tiles with a matte finish. Keep in mind that soiling is less visible on dark grained or matte surfaces or tiles of non-uniform colors. If you opted for a glossy, and also plain, dark tile, remember that it is on it that scratches and chips are most visible. The pattern of tile laying can draw attention to the floor, or it can only serve as a backdrop for furniture. A single picture can become a separator between functional areas in the kitchen. Through drawing throughout the territory visually unites the space. Complex drawings make the room visually smaller, simple ones, on the contrary, increase it. Trowel color tile joints also matters. The thickness of the seams can be different - from 0 to 20 mm. Contrasting grout will make color scheme more contrast and will draw attention to the floor and to the pattern on the tile. Grouting to match will create the effect of a single surface. Another trick: grout more dark color will make the floor visually cleaner. Are you using light grout? There is a high chance of the opposite effect.

Well-chosen floor tiles will emphasize the dignity of the interior and features of the design style.

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