Which linoleum to choose for the kitchen?

Among many floor coverings, linoleum is one of the most popular. For the kitchen, this option is suitable due to the excellent characteristics and excellent qualities of the material. However, the specificity of the kitchen makes increased demands on which linoleum to choose for the kitchen. We will understand in this article how not to be mistaken when buying.

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Linoleum for the kitchen - the merits of the

material If you still doubt whether it is worth covering the floor with linoleum in the kitchen, the listed advantages of the material will be able to convince you:

• High degree of noise insulation.
• Excellent thermal insulation properties.
• The material is particularly durable.
• It is resistant to the influence of various detergents, including aggressive ones.
• Simple installation.
• Soft linoleum surface. Unlike a tile or a laminate, utensils, falling to the floor, most likely, will not break.
• Attractive price. The price range is very wide, depending on the quality of the linoleum, design and properties.

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What happens in the kitchen?

In order to understand how to choose a quality linoleum for the kitchen, you need to understand the conditions in which it will be used:

• It is obvious that the floor in the kitchen is subject to maximum loads. In this room are always members of the family: lunch, dinner and breakfast, drink tea and just talk. Also around the room, the hostess moves intensely during cooking. In addition to household members, in the kitchen, guests are sometimes received.
• Another feature of the flooring of the kitchen is its predisposition to contamination. Again, due to constant cooking, various crumbs fall on the floor, drops of tea and coffee, fatty oil. As a result, the floor in the room is often exposed to washing.

These factors are basic for choosing the best linoleum for the kitchen.

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Types of linoleum cover

So, after understanding the requirements for the material, let's take a closer look at what types of linoleum are. And also, what are their features, pros and cons.

Household, commercial and semi-commercial linoleum

How to choose the right linoleum for the kitchen, based on this classification? This division into species is based on the degree of wear resistance of the coating.

Consider each of them:

• Commercial. This type of linoleum is used to cover the floor in public places: office centers, hospitals, schools. Thus, the coating has to carry tangible loads, so the thickness of the protective film is up to 0.8 mm.
• Semi-commercial type. In such a linoleum, the thickness of the protective coating is not higher than 0.6 mm. The strength and durability of the material in the forces to withstand a sufficient load within the same housing. In addition, it is recommended to lay in corridors and hallways, where there is also increased patency. The price of such a flooring is not much higher. And the laying process is easy and simple.

Important! It is believed that this kind is the best linoleum for the kitchen in terms of the level of wear of the material.

• Household. By its qualities this species has the lowest characteristics. The thickness of the protective layer does not exceed 0.3 mm. For the kitchen, this coating is better not to use, it is more justified in living rooms with less load.

Also, the material of the floor covering is divided according to its composition into synthetic and natural.

Natural linoleum

Based on the name, it is not difficult to guess that the composition of this material includes natural components. These include:

• Wood flour. It gives the coating an appropriate smoothness, and also helps maintain the color of the linoleum for a long service life.
• Wood tar. Give strength and elasticity of the flooring.
• Flaxseed oil. It is the basis for creating a natural coating.
• Natural coloring pigments. With their help give different shades of linoleum.
• Jute fiber. This component is intended for the production of a substrate and is highly hygienic.

Which linoleum to choose for the kitchen - natural or artificial, will help determine their advantages. The natural material has such advantages:

• Environmentally friendly. Of course, this is the first advantage of coverage, which speaks about the health of all members of the family.
• Long service life of linoleum.

Important! Proper care will preserve the fine appearance of the coating for more than a decade.

• High degree of durability, wear resistance of such a linoleum.
• Hygiene. The material has bactericidal properties. Therefore, the possibility of the appearance of fungus or harmful bacteria, as well as their reproduction, is practically excluded.
• Not afraid of ultraviolet exposure, does not burn out.
• The surface of linoleum has an antistatic effect.
• Easy to clean and maintain the surface of the coating, the material does not react to the use of chemicals.

Important! Linoleum made of natural ingredients has a lot of designer designs - a variety of colors, textures, ornaments.

But there are some disadvantages of this flooring:

• High price. Sometimes the cost of such a linoleum is comparable to the price of an elite parquet or laminate.
• The possibility of parasites can not be ruled out if there are appropriate conditions in the room. This option is unlikely, but still it should be taken into account.
• The laying of the coating is a bit more complicated than the PVC material.

Artificial linoleum

If you are interested in how to choose a quality linoleum for the kitchen, you need to understand the difference between synthetic material and natural.

Features of artificial coatings are as follows:

• Composition from which the linoleum is made. The basis for artificial flooring is polyvinyl chloride.
• A different production technology than a natural material.
• Low cost.
• Performance characteristics.

As the basis of the material is PVC, linoleum has inherent qualities: strength, moisture resistance, wear resistance, thermal insulation.

Important! Artificial material with a wide layer of foamed PVC is able to withstand a noticeable load, and this parameter can even exceed natural flooring.

Another advantage of artificial material is its versatility. You can use it anywhere: in an apartment, in a country house, a summer house or a veranda.

Artificial linoleum, in turn, is divided into two types - single-layer and multi-layer.

Single-layer and multi-layer linoleum

We will try to find out which is the best linoleum for the kitchen, depending on its layering. First we learn what a homogeneous material is, that is, a single-layer material.

Important! This type of linoleum is homogeneous, does not have in its structure the basis, but it does not make it substandard. This material differs in strength and sufficient thickness of the coating.

Pros of single-layer linoleum:

• The thickness of the material does not exceed 3 mm, but this parameter is sufficient to ensure that the coating is durable and dense for kitchen conditions.
• Compared to other types, the homogeneous material is easier, which is convenient when transporting it.
• Low price. Below than a multi-layered species.
• The pattern is applied throughout the thickness of the linoleum, which provides good resistance to abrasion. In case the floor surface wears out unevenly, it will not be so noticeable.
• The material with a rough texture is well suited for the kitchen, since it makes it difficult to slide. And on such a surface, various kinds of pollution are less noticeable.

Important! A single-layer coating is distinguished by a short service life - about five years. But this period can be increased by treating the surface of linoleum with protective means, and also observe the rules of care and maintenance. Then the term will be about ten years. By the way, homogeneous linoleum is most often used for heated floors.

What kind of linoleum can I choose for the kitchen?- The opposite one-layered form is a multi-layered, or heterogeneous, material, which consists of the following layers:

• Glass-fiber mat impregnated with PVC-compound.
• Basis.
• Layer with a design.
• Protective transparent layer.
• Substrate. Can be chemical or mechanical.

Important! Due to this structure, the material has a high resistance to mechanical damage and various deformations, which is very important for the kitchen.

The main advantages of multi-layer linoleum are its high density and strength. In addition, there are a few more advantages:

1. Higher quality of sound and heat insulation than homogeneous coating. Such characteristics are determined by the thickness of the material within 6 mm.
2. A special role is played by the upper protective layer: the larger it is, the less damage will be on the linoleum, and its service life will increase.
3. In addition to the standard layers, manufacturers can complement the structure of linoleum to give it additional properties. For example, include a sixth layer that will have anti-slip or anti-static characteristics.

Important! The approximate period of use of such a linoleum is about ten years.

But there are several disadvantages of multi-layer coating:

• High cost.
• After a certain period of time, abrasions appear on the surface.
• Complex transportation.
• Linoleum is heavier, so its installation will be more difficult.

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Choosing a floor covering

You are already aware of the types of coverage and their features. It remains to learn how to choose the right linoleum for the kitchen, what exactly is it worth to focus on?

Let's list these nuances:

• The coating must have an absolute water resistance, because in the kitchen the evaporation always takes place, condensation forms, and it is possible that water or other liquids may spill. Under these conditions, the floor should not be susceptible to moisture.
• Linoleum with a relief or intricate texture will not be a good solution for the kitchen. In the process of cooking on the surface of furniture, machinery and floor, including, fat and steam settles. The floor with a smaller texture will be cleaned of dirt much easier and faster.
• However, the best linoleum for the kitchen - this is not a completely smooth option. In this case, the floor with traces of fat or just wet will become incredibly slippery and dangerous for the household.
• The design of the coating is not recommended to be overly ally. Complex ornament and motley colors most often "overload" the room of a small kitchen. And the interior of the room in most options is modest and concise.
• The kitchen floor is washed most often in the apartment. Sometimes cleaning is carried out several times a day. Therefore, it is so important that the surface of the linoleum does not react to the use of household chemicals.
• Note the antibacterial properties of the coating. For the kitchen is best to choose those species that have the highest hygiene.
• Thick material is more difficult to stack, and at the same time, it is necessary to provide for the design of seams, if any. Of course, ideally, you need to select a roll in the width of the room to avoid docking.
• To distinguish natural linoleum from artificial linoleum it is possible on two parametres: the price and a smell. The price of synthetic material is much lower, besides, it has a chemical smell. A natural coating has the aroma of natural oils that make up its composition. Another sign is the flexibility of the coating - natural bending is more difficult.
• Of course, the thicker the building material, the longer its life.

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Color and design of linoleum

If you determine which linoleum to choose for the kitchen in color, then this is the final stage of selecting the cover in the room. The assortment strikes with its diversity and versatility of design. Manufacturers of natural materials were able to come up with technologies that give the linoleum bright and rich colors. In addition, the colors do not burn out in the sun, and the coating will please you with its appearance for many years. Artificial linoleum is even more decorative.

Important! PVC flooring can qualitatively and naturally transfer natural materials: stone, wood, brick, ceramics.

Design principles:

• The floor covering in its shade should be combined with the color of the walls and the furniture set. Most often, linoleum is selected two tones lower than the base background.
• You can apply another, more contrast, reception. In case the kitchen is sustained in one tone, the finish of the floor of the opposite or bright color can make an accent.

Color solutions:

• The most popular color of linoleum is brown.
• In modern design, gray, beige, black, blue tones are also successfully used, as well as bright and rich shades.

Patterns and style

Which linoleum to choose for the kitchen: with or without a picture? Which ornament will be optimal?

• The design of the floor covering should be in tune with the stylistic direction of the situation. So, the interior of the kitchen in the Modern style will be supplemented with linoleum with a geometric pattern or with imitation "under parquet".
• The classic setting allows the use of material with floral patterns, as well as smooth curved ornaments.
• The floor of the kitchen in the style of Minimalism is decorated with a plain linoleum - the presence of patterns is out of the question, and discreet, elegant strokes on the surface are acceptable.

Important! One of the trendy trends in flooring has become a linoleum, the design of which is not made up of cells, but the original ornament in the center.

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Floor preparation

Now you know how to choose the right linoleum for the kitchen. It remains to install it. Start the process with the preparation of the floor surface. Installation of linoleum is carried out on a perfectly flat and hard floor.

Important! The smaller the thickness of the material, the smoother and smoother the surface should be. Otherwise, wear of the coating will occur much faster.

Procedure is as follows:

• If possible, remove the previous cover.
• Unevenness and protrusions on the floor, remove, and various cracks or potholes zashpaklyuyte.

Important! It is possible to make the floor absolutely smooth with a special composition for leveling. This option would be ideal for preparing the floor.

• After the treatment of the floor and its complete drying, the surface must be thoroughly sanded.
• Then we recommend to vacuum the floor and then just start laying the linoleum.

Important! The coating is laid only on an absolutely dry surface, otherwise - linoleum can swell. In addition, there will be an unpleasant smell of mustiness.

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Linoleum laying

There are three methods for spreading linoleum:

1. Roll. This standard laying forms in the kitchen a continuous surface of the coating without the presence of seams. The linoleum is fixed with floor skirting boards. Traditional linoleum does not require special skills, and you can cope with the laying yourself. In addition, manufacturers are happy to provide you with detailed instructions for each specific material.
2. Tiles. This method of installation is applied to linoleum tiles. The convenience of such a coating consists in the ability to transport the material on its own and spread it. Aesthetic appearance depends on careful installation, so each element is glued to the floor separately.
3. Liquid. This is the most modern way of finishing the floor, also known as a bulk floor. Liquid linoleum is poured on the prepared flat surface. The technology is rather complicated, so it's better to use the services of specialists.

Important! Thicker material is harder to stack.

Here we have analyzed how to choose a quality linoleum for the kitchen. Taking into account information about the types and characteristics of the coating, you can easily find the most optimal and stylish floor covering for the kitchen.