Choosing a kitchen floor design is considered one of the important tasks during the planning stages of renovation work. Decorative coating should not only be aesthetically pleasing from a perception point of view, but also of high quality, taking into account the execution technique.
Which kitchen floor is better to choose? What is important to consider when installing flooring? Our material contains descriptions of popular types of finishes, allowing you to select a decorative coating in accordance with technical requirements.
Brief overview of the article
What kind of floor should the kitchen have?
The floor in the kitchen, especially in homes where cooking is frequent, is subject to intensive use. And this leads to spillage of water, milk or oil, as well as falling peels, heavy knives or pots, breaking eggs or glasses. Therefore, the ideal floor should be:
- easy to clean;
- Resistant to stains, scratches and breakage.
It would also be nice if the kitchen floor is pleasant on your feet. The choice of finishing materials for this part of the room is huge, so the decision requires thought. It’s worth thinking about what is more important to you: practical or aesthetic considerations? Or maybe you can connect one to the other? Explore an overview of various materials. Look at the disadvantages and advantages of each. Choosing a kitchen floor is a decision that will last for many years.
Two main elements determine which floor to choose for the kitchen:
- the first is durability and ease of maintenance;
- second, it is important to integrate it into a holistic interior design.
The floor in the kitchen should be practical, but also decorate the room.
Coverage Requirements
What kind of floor should I make in the kitchen? This is a rather difficult question.
The flooring in the kitchen should take into account the specifics of this difficult room to decorate.
It is often hot and humid here, temperature changes are normal, and spills, falls and crumbles are common here.
Cleaning the kitchen floor daily is a necessity for many families.
Little children's feet are constantly running around here, adults' feet are shuffling, and animals' claws and claws are scurrying around.
The kitchen floor covering must be moisture-resistant, not easily soiled, resistant to mechanical damage, shock and cleaning agents, and highly resistant to abrasion.
At the same time, a warm, pleasant floor in the kitchen will help you enjoy this room in any weather and create an atmosphere of comfort.
And it must also suit the chosen design style, the design must correspond to the dimensions of this room and, if necessary, the material must perform zoning functions.
Natural stone floor in the kitchen: photos of beautiful ideas
Natural stone can come in the form of marble, slate, limestone, sandstone or travertine, but all require more or less long-term protection for the floor to last for many years. In terms of strength, granite will be an almost ideal stone for a kitchen floor, since it:
- has very high mechanical resistance, including abrasion;
- insensitive to moisture, high temperature;
- can be used in rooms with intensive use;
- chemically resistant.
While the colors and patterns available won't appeal to everyone, most varieties of this rock are characterized by a cool, heavy sheen, granite has a visually completely different tone than, for example, marble, sandstone or travertine, which offer warmer colors. However, granite has quirky, unique and intriguing patterns, but it all depends on individual taste.
Since it is a natural material, each option is different and will therefore be unique. The material is great as it is scratch and break resistant. Some types have a porous, rough texture and are susceptible to contamination, they can discolor and even absorb grease. Most stone floors require impregnation. Each flooring stone has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- natural;
- luxurious;
- very effective.
Flaws:
- cold and heavy;
- needs impregnation;
- Expensive.
Obviously, you need to have a much larger budget compared to the amount required to purchase tiles, but at the end of the day, stone is about undeniable style and elegance. Caring for the stone is simple, you just need to use cleaning products for this material.
Because it is a natural material, each stone (even of the same type) is different, so the floor will be unique. This type of floor can be used for years (especially with granite) because the stone is resistant to scratches and breakage. Some types, however, have a porous, rough texture and are susceptible to contamination; they can become discolored and even absorb grease. Most stone floors require impregnation.
Tree
Wood floors are still an elegant luxury. They will best convey the luxury of classics and the light charm of all country styles. A non-standard solution is a wooden floor in the form of tiles. Semicircular panels can visually increase the kitchen floor area.
An ordinary board will not be the most expensive purchase, but parquet will require a significant amount.
Before laying a wooden floor, you will have to worry about impregnating the material to protect it from moisture and all kinds of bark beetles. Only in this case will wooden floors last for a long time.
Wood is very pleasant to the tactile sensation, it always maintains a comfortable temperature, and is environmentally friendly.
There are many more disadvantages to such coverage. Wood is more difficult to care for; it does not tolerate water flows or sudden changes in the indoor microclimate.
Grease, dirty stains and soot can ruin the entire look of a cozy kitchen. Paint or varnish applied to the surface of a wooden floor can solve the problem.
Incorrect installation technology can lead to swelling of the coating, unpleasant squeaking, mold and mildew.
Wooden floor in the kitchen
Wood flooring in the kitchen never goes out of style, but can it be used in this area of the home since the room is exposed to a lot of splashes, stains, and impacts from falling objects? Yes, but it is worth choosing the right processing and ensuring safety. What if we have old boards or damaged parquet?
A wooden floor will definitely be warm, not only visually, but also physically, to the touch. Wood also has good sound insulation and looks the most natural of all types of flooring. Arranging with a wooden floor carries signs of comfort. In the kitchen, you can spill something on the floor or a sharp object will fall, so the surface must be resistant to moisture and mechanical damage.
It is recommended to use harder and less moisture-sensitive species of exotic trees, since they have a low shrinkage rate, these will be teak, iroko, merbau, dussey or conventionally native deciduous species, for example, oak, ash, larch. Exotic species contain a large amount of tannins in resin oils, which has a positive effect, for example, on resistance to fungi.
Advantages:
- warms and dampens the interior;
- the floor is warm and pleasant to the touch;
- timeless, elegant and durable;
- it can be updated.
Flaws:
- high price;
- demanding styling.
A wooden floor in a damp interior requires significant maintenance, so it must be lubricated with oil or varnish, but the first option best saturates the wood, penetrating deeply into its pores.
In the event of destruction, only parts of the surface of the oiled floor can be repaired, so that there will be no significant difference between the pieces of the surface. In the varnish option, here you need to clean and coat the entire floor with solution to make it perfect. Oil, wax or other special preparation can emphasize the pattern and structure of the wood, while the floor will take on a very natural look. Gloss varnish will give the floor shine because it reflects up to 90% of the light. Semi-matte varnish is also a good choice. If you want to emphasize the wood grain, you can use so-called “invisible” varnish; the floor will look raw. The only drawback of an oiled floor is the need for systematic application of paste and annual thorough impregnation. But a waxed surface requires even more care; it is in this case that the varnished version has an advantage in care.
PVC tiles
These tiles are the most budget-friendly option for flooring. It is quite warm, wear-resistant, and moisture resistant.
It has a non-slip surface and good sound insulation. Withstands chemicals and does not absorb grease and dirt. It sticks quite easily to a flat floor and has many color options.
We recommend reading:
Wood-look kitchen design in a modern style, premium wood-look kitchen design options, DIY wood kitchen from start to finish- Kitchen in neoclassical style
- Lamps above the dining table - design tricks
The disadvantage will be the chemical composition of this flooring.
Laminate flooring for kitchen
Laminate will be the cheapest solution, but not the most practical. An almost perfect imitation of wood structure and pattern, a huge variety of colors and patterns encourages modern buyers to purchase laminated panels. If you have already decided on it as a flooring material, then make sure that the stationary surface is flat, without depressions and bulges on which the panel joints can be deformed. The laminate must have a minimum wear class of AC4. It is difficult to damage such a floor with anything sharp; in this regard, it will be better than even the hardest wood. The disadvantage of laminate is its greater sensitivity to moisture, which can lead to lifting at the joints due to irreversible swelling of the MDF layer. Although there are special, more expensive panels on the market with elastic bands/gaskets at the joints, this will prevent water penetration to some extent, but not completely because this finish is a floating floor. Remember that a laminate coating will never be as durable and insensitive to moisture as a surface, for example, made of glazed porcelain tiles or natural stone.
Cold
The combination of cool colors in the kitchen interior is presented in a table to show all the win-win combination options so you know which kitchen color to choose.
Blue
Deep blue, if properly harmonized, will look advantageous even in a small room. Try to avoid circular twists in the kitchen area, preferring sharp joints.
Scientists have proven that white color in combination with blue psychologically calms a person.
In addition, there is a light yellow tint, which manifests itself in curtains and light bulbs. Therefore, use this trick to create comfort, tranquility, and a pleasant atmosphere.
Bluish combined with graphite is an interesting solution. The calming style of minimalism always looks flawless, visually increasing the space.
To dilute the cool color, an LED strip under the upper tier of cabinets will serve as an accent, making the dining area stand out against the “rough” background.
Pay attention to the marine color. This always puts you in a positive mood, excites the appetite, and does not have a negative impact.
With this you need to combine wooden furniture, a muted undertone tabletop. This way you will make your dining area look like something out of a magazine cover!
Bolotny
A variety of green is a marsh, seemingly dark, nondescript color. In fact, the shade is noble, never cheapening the appearance of the headset. It will give it a certain zest.
- Combine wood with marsh wood. It is better to exclude white wood; it will not fit here. “Green” loves plants, so the dining room can be decorated with flowers in vases, paintings, and stucco on the walls.
- To visually enlarge the room, use the trick of glass cabinet doors. They can be made from either frosted glass or shiny glass.
- You can add snow-white brick in the “sloppy” style to the swamp, a neutral set for the lower cabinets.
Mint
Almost no one considers mint as the main tone for a headset.
Although the paint itself is very gentle, soothing, relaxing, quite bright and “alive”. You won’t feel tired wearing this, and the dining room will visually increase in space.
Mint “loves” white. You can include it anywhere, even use it as ceramic flower pots on the windowsill.
You can connect a silver tint. It will be a refrigerator, kitchen equipment, and a countertop.
Consider colors a few shades darker. They will be rich green, bluish colors. You can “insert” them into your interior in place of curtains with silver tiebacks and white tulle.
Turquoise
Turquoise is somewhat similar to mint, but is more of a blue variety. With such a background, the kitchen area will always have a rich, cozy, cheerful atmosphere.
You can harmonize turquoise with any undertone, that’s its trick!
This:
- soft turquoise with lemon accent;
- in composition with black, shiny glass;
- combination with a matte wood base, pink addition;
- soft pastel lighting.
An option that doesn’t require you to think about how to choose the color of your kitchen would be snow-white combined with turquoise or graphite gray.
For an organic and cozy look, you can add soft coffee-with-milk colored chairs with light yellow lighting as an additional color scheme for the kitchen!
Are you choosing the right colors for yourself and doubting the correctness of your decision? Stick to neutral colors. They definitely won't let you down!
Remember that the environment should be pleasant and not cause excessive fatigue or a feeling of unease.
It’s not for nothing that there is a saying: “Whatever you call a boat, that’s how it will float!” Whichever palette you choose, so will your mood, because many people spend a lot of time eating. Sometimes banal colors can make a more favorable impression than pompous designs.
Porcelain tiles for the kitchen floor
Porcelain tile is a material with:
- low water absorption;
- very high abrasion resistance;
- resistance to various stains;
- cleaning with standard detergents;
- problematic damage to the surface by a hard and heavy object.
Polished porcelain tiles are as hard as glazed ones, but they have much higher water absorption, which makes them easy to stain, for example with coffee, wine, fruit juice or ink, although it can be cleaned with a special stain remover, but this is quite a hassle. If polished, the gloss may fade over the years in more used areas, but it certainly has its own charm, characterized by a more intense color. Polished porcelain tiles look more natural, but due to their micro-porosity they require impregnation immediately after installation.
Porcelain tiles are different from terracotta or clinker. These tiles, compared to hard ceramics, wear out faster and break more easily. There is also a natural and technical material called gres. It has all the advantages of glazed tiles, except for the aesthetic value, as it has slightly different proportions of components. The material contains high-quality clay, which affects aesthetics and color diversity. You may see natural grain on terraces or staircases, although some tile collections can match kitchen decor but in an extremely minimalist, almost ascetic style. Ceramic tiles on the floor of the cooking room are the most common option.
Gres is a type of very hard ceramic tile. It can be polished and looks impressive, but it is not resistant to stains and dirt that gets into the micropores, so it needs to be soaked. A tile called glazed gres does not require impregnation, as it does not leave stains and does not absorb moisture. Unfortunately, as a result of, for example, a blow or falling of a heavy object, a piece may break off. You can choose from a variety of surface finishes, including polished, satin, lappato. Gres will ideally imitate natural materials, such as wood or granite.
Marmoleum
Natural coating appeared relatively recently. Presented in the form of tiles or rolls.
It is made from plant resin, jute, and cork. Some models add flax oil, chalk, and wood flour to the composition. Dyes are added to the resulting composition, and then the mass is pressed and cut to the required sizes.
The technology for laying marmoleum is similar to installing linoleum, but is attached with a special glue. The coating can last about 50 years. Stains are easily removed from this coating, so it is easy to maintain.
The advantage of marmoleum is its antibacterial effect. Safe for allergy sufferers due to completely natural ingredients. It is able to withstand high temperatures, so you can install a floor heating system underneath it and does not fade in the sun.
Due to the strong hardness of the material, it is easy to damage during transportation and installation.
It's not cheap, but it can last up to 50 years and is completely safe for people, so it's worth the cost.
Ceramic tiles for kitchen flooring
Ceramic kitchen floor tiles are extremely popular and come in countless sizes, designs and colors. Everyone can easily choose the option that suits both their kitchen style and taste. In a modern design, uniform polished tiles measuring 60 x 60 cm are suitable, while rustic ones are matte with uneven edges, a little reminiscent of stone. In turn, wood tiles will make the interior more comfortable. You can easily find tiles at a price that suits your needs.
Advantages:
- resistant to damage and abrasion;
- easy to clean;
- you can find cheap and nice options;
- looks beautiful and elegant;
- There is a wide range of designs and colors available in the market.
Flaws:
- the floor is hard and cold, so you should consider heating it;
- if a heavy object falls, it may be damaged;
- polished material is very slippery, especially when wet.
Parquet
Wear resistance is the main advantage of parquet. A variety of colors and shades are produced.
This is not the cheapest material, but it is environmentally friendly and safe for humans, beautiful and pleasant to the senses. It is not suitable for the kitchen due to its low moisture resistance. It can additionally be treated with varnish, but it is still not recommended to spill the liquid.
For the kitchen, parquet boards in dark shades are suitable for 100% stain removal. Installation and processing is expensive, but it is cheaper than laying a wooden floor
Kitchen floor design - brick
A brick floor is a relatively rare solution, but extremely interesting. Gives the interior a somewhat old-fashioned and rustic look. Works well in a stylish country house or an apartment in an older building. Few people today decide to install such a floor in a newly built house, but if you bought a home with this finish, do not change it to another.
Advantages:
- very decorative and original;
- durable.
Flaws:
- bulky masonry;
- the brick floor is heavy;
- not very resistant to dirt because it has an uneven surface.
Kitchen floor - concrete
Concrete floors pair perfectly with minimalist interiors with large glass areas, as well as industrial and loft-style designs. Smooth concrete surfaces optically increase space and provide an excellent neutral background for kitchen furniture and accessories. They go well with any type of wood. Using special paint, you can paint such a floor entirely or according to a pattern using a template.
Advantages:
- relatively cheap solution;
- the floor is durable, resistant to abrasion and cracking;
- easy to clean (no gaps), does not require maintenance.
Flaws:
- cold and hard, so it is recommended to install heating;
- installation takes a lot of time.
Design creation
Kitchen Design
Modern opportunities provide a lot of materials. Wide variety of colors and types. This allows you to create designs to suit every taste.
When the style of the apartment requires wood in the kitchen, but the practical side of the material is in doubt, it can be replaced with wood-effect porcelain stoneware . It comes in such a wide variety that there is always something suitable. Or use metlakh tiles. It is warm, gives an antique look, sets the scale of the room, and adds bright colors.
Tiles, plain or combined from different colors and prints, are used mainly for interiors in a classic style. It also goes well with laminate. You can choose them with a similar wood structure. The view will improve if you place the layout of tiles and laminate perpendicular to each other. Today, laminate is produced of very high quality, which is waterproof and does not deteriorate from household chemicals.
Self-leveling floors are suitable for creating unusual designs. They are beautiful throughout, unify the space and are durable to use.
Kitchen Vinyl Flooring
Flexible and easy to install, vinyl flooring allows for quick transformation inside. And when you get tired of it, it’s easy to remove this coating yourself without taking much time. The price is comparable to laminated panels, but does not give the unpleasant “knocking” effect. New generation vinyl flooring also perfectly imitates natural materials such as wood, ceramic and stone. The range of designs is virtually unlimited, so it's easy to choose a finish to suit your interior style.
Advantages:
- can be laid on old floors;
- warm and pleasant to the feet;
- waterproof and non-slip coating;
- inexpensive material.
Flaws:
- not very resistant to scratches and cuts;
- Not everyone likes the “plastic” look.
Linoleum
Linoleum is a fairly common option for furnishing a kitchen. It satisfies all the characteristics in terms of convenience and quality.
Quite wear-resistant, hides small scratches on the material and is easy to clean. The thickness of linoleum should be at least 0.4 mm. This material is relatively inexpensive.
When installing the floor, no special knowledge or tools are required.
Kitchen floors: which is the best new material?
EcoMalta is a quartz solution. The main ingredient is quartz and other minerals and aggregates. The solution dries and becomes hard, very resistant to temperature changes, abrasion, and mechanical damage. It is also a moisture-resistant, washable floor that will not discolor. Thanks to its high flexibility, you can achieve up to several tens of meters of continuous, smooth surface. This surface gives the interior a slightly raw, industrial look, but unlike materials containing cement, it is warm and pleasant to the touch. However, it can be classified as an ecological floor, since it does not contain cement, lime, plaster, or epoxy resins. The diluent is water, thanks to which it does not cause allergies, does not increase CO2 production and does not dry out the air inside. EcoMalta is 2-3 mm thick and can also be used for underfloor heating.
Laminam is sintered quartz. It consists of only quartz and water, so it is 100% natural. Thanks to special technology, the mixture is subjected to very high temperatures and intense pressure, creating an extremely hard material. The boards are manufactured in 324 x 162 cm and 300 x 100 cm formats. They have better performance characteristics than natural stone, as they are durable, resistant to mechanical damage, high temperatures and staining (for example, fruit acid, wine). The material does not discolor or change its appearance for years.
Wooden board, solid
How often our mothers were upset when they looked at the freshly washed plank floor: the paint didn’t stick and the floorboards were dry and not fashionable. Isn't it fashionable? A modern massive deck board with a finished coating is a luxurious floor, but not a budget one.
This type of floor also doesn’t like it when anything sharp or heavy falls on it: it leaves scratches that cannot always be healed.
Warm floor in the kitchen - plug
Cork is natural and environmentally friendly. Excellent insulation thermally (comparable to polystyrene and mineral wool) and acoustically. The material is flexible because it can be pressed, but quickly returns to its previous state. It is easy to install because it is in the form of tiles or panels. The kitchen should be covered with a layer of moisture-resistant varnish. Cork is warm to the touch and electrostatic, as it does not attract dust, so it is safe for allergy sufferers. The material is resistant to fungi and mold. When in contact with fire, it ignites slowly and slowly. Interiors lined with cork seem more comfortable, and most importantly, warm.
Advantages:
- the floor is warm and pleasant for bare feet;
- soft, flexible and non-slip;
- improves internal acoustics.
Flaws:
- requires careful installation;
- Not everyone likes the grainy texture of cork.
Cork
Cork will be one of the most pleasant design options. Cork is environmentally friendly, warm, and has an unusual, attractive structure. The material is a little springy, so it is perfect for people with bad backs; the soft coating will soften the fall of children.
Cork is easy to care for and is not afraid of living in conditions of variable humidity and temperature. It will not warp or swell over time, and will not become a habitat for mold.
Most housewives would happily use it, but the price of the coating becomes an insurmountable barrier for many.
Floor in the kitchen-living room
As mentioned earlier, the floor is increasingly covered with one material over the entire surface of a house or apartment. This way you can optically enlarge the space and create a coherent layout. A very interesting visual effect can be achieved when, after crossing the threshold from the hallway level, you see that the floors in other rooms, including the kitchen, have been lined with the same material. This type of stylistic consistency gives interiors a harmonious expression.
Some designers discourage using the same flooring material in all rooms, so if the kitchen is combined with the living room, it is worth considering the possibility of covering the surfaces with different materials in this space, especially if you want the kitchen and living room to form an interesting tandem. This is a very common solution that allows you to create a fashionable and stylish living space.
Do-it-yourself floor installation
Before laying a new floor, it is necessary to dismantle the old one, clean the base and level the surface.
To level the floor, you can use a cement screed. The screed can isolate the surface from extraneous noise. The thickness of the screed should not exceed 3 cm.
Installation of the floor covering is carried out within a month. Now, there are compositions of cement screeds that allow installation to begin within 5 days.
Kitchen floor color
The floor in the kitchen should match the color of the interior and also be in harmony with other rooms. Therefore, a good and increasingly used solution is to lay the entire house or apartment with one material. When choosing a color, remember that the kitchen floor should be versatile and timeless enough that it looks good when changing furniture or accessories, and, despite the length of use, still pleases with its impeccable beauty.
White floor in the kitchen
It may seem like white flooring won't work in a kitchen, but with the right impregnation, it can be protected from stains or other dirt. Thanks to several varnish coatings using UV technology, the floor will meet high quality criteria. It is very important that the varnish layer does not create an artificial effect on the boards, because the natural structure of the oak stands out from under it. Thus, a white floor is both practical and beautiful.
Light floor in the kitchen
A light kitchen floor is not just white. You can also choose boards coated with clear or lightly colored oils or varnishes. Many interesting offers can be found in the photo gallery. People who prefer light kitchen floors that delight with their naturalness will certainly like boards such as: honey, vanilla, champagne, prosecco, etc.
Gray floor in the kitchen
Currently, gray is very popular in interiors. Today you can choose colors in several shades. Among them are the boards: white and gray pearl. Gray flooring fits very well in kitchens with white and brown cabinetry.
Kitchen with dark floor
A black floor is more of a solution for brave people who like brighter color accents in the interior. It will look especially good against a light background such as walls, furniture and other equipment. This way, you will not overload the room, but rather increase its visual qualities.
Black and white floor in the kitchen
Can't decide on just one color for your kitchen floor? Perhaps in this case you will like the idea of combining white and black boards, arranged, for example, in a French, Hungarian or traditional herringbone pattern. The herringbone flooring method is now very fashionable again and looks stylish. Can be used in both modern and traditional interiors. This flooring will add class and elegance to any interior. Consider a checkerboard design, which offers virtually unlimited possibilities when it comes to perfect kitchen interiors.
What is important when choosing
Kitchen
What kind of flooring should be in the kitchen depends on where the room is located. On middle floors in multi-story buildings, any covering will be warm. There is no need to think about additional insulation here. The floors on the first floors in a private house are often cold in winter. It is worth worrying about special heating and a coating with high thermal conductivity.
When choosing a material, you need to take into account the initial humidity of the room. Kitchens on the first floors and in houses without a basement have higher humidity, so wood will not last long, because... is not waterproof. It is also worth thinking in advance about a possible leak in the dishwasher or a broken water supply pipe.
Elegant kitchen interior
The kitchen is washed much more often because... regularly exposed to household and food contamination, in the form of spilled liquids and falling food. The surface should be easy to clean, without staining, strong, durable, resistant to greasy splashes, aggressive detergents, and not deteriorate.
There are a lot of heavy, sharp objects in the kitchen. It happens that they fall. When sitting at the dining table, chairs are regularly moved. The coating must be resistant to impacts and not deform from any action.
According to experienced craftsmen, there are the most optimal options for kitchen coverings. These are ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, natural stone, polished concrete, self-leveling floors, vinyl, linoleum. They are very resistant to any impact. Solid wood, engineered or parquet boards, laminate are good materials, although they are fragile in use.
Wood and parquet
Natural wood adds sophistication to the room. It fits into any environment. A variety of colors and textures create a comfortable atmosphere. This option is not very suitable for families with small children and pets. The material is not cheap. It is not entirely suitable for the kitchen due to impracticality. But the interior always looks elegant and stylish.
The tree suffers from water and temperature changes. It needs to be treated with special means. This makes it stronger. However, such a coating requires regular maintenance and treatment with wood preservatives so that it absorbs less dirt and moisture. Spilled tea, juice or just water can leave stains on the surface of the boards, which are sometimes very difficult to get rid of.
Corner kitchen
Wooden covering can be of 2 types:
1 Parquet, parquet board. It will create a natural atmosphere of naturalness and nobility. You won't be able to make the bed yourself. It is afraid of even small scratches that destroy the protective coating, but has little resistance to moisture. For example, a two-layer piece parquet may not suffer much, even if there is a small flood from the neighbors. You just need to try to remove the consequences in time.
Despite the fact that this material is already treated with a special compound to extend its life, experts advise covering it with another layer of varnish. To restore, you do not need to change the entire coating, it is enough to change a separate part of it.
2 Solid board suitable for the kitchen. But it must be properly processed. Also afraid of scratches. The material will be very warm even without insulation. The boards are sold ready-made; nothing needs to be sanded. No screed is required during installation. Walking on this surface barefoot is very pleasant.
Parquet in the kitchen
A significant disadvantage is the high price of the material. Its components and installation work are also not cheap. However, such qualities as beauty, naturalness, environmental friendliness, durability cannot be compared with any other materials. If properly cared for, it will last a very long time. And the aged wooden covering will give the interior style a special note of aristocracy.
This coverage option is not suitable for a large family. He will quickly lose his beautiful appearance. If the size of the kitchen allows or it is combined with a living area, then the most successful would be to combine wood in the dining area and tiles in the cooking area.
If you choose the natural beauty of wood, you can get an ideal option from an environmental point of view. These are great opportunities for creating any design. If your budget allows, then it is worth purchasing material made from deciduous wood. This breed is strong and durable. Do not forget about treating the floor with special wax and oils, which will increase its wear resistance.
Currently, technology makes it possible for wood to obtain even properties that are uncharacteristic for it - moisture resistance, fire resistance, and not rotting. It perfectly withstands all kinds of loads. For example, thermowood parquet is made from wood maintained at high temperatures. It has practically no disadvantages. It is resistant to water, does not deteriorate over time, and is not afraid of temperature changes. Always looks great. Does not lose its properties.
Floor tiles
Kitchen floor tiles
According to consumers, this material is often used in the kitchen. They are distinguished by their practicality. Is affordable.
Tiles, or ceramic tiles, come in a wide variety of colors and designs. The material is safe for human health. Not afraid of direct sunlight or household chemicals. Excess moisture, even a flood, cannot harm it.
It can be used to create a variety of floor designs. A large selection of imitations of noble materials: valuable wood, genuine leather, precious metals, marble and other expensive stones. Or all sorts of patterns are created. Only ceramics are very fragile. If a heavy object falls on it, it will break.
Matte and textured surfaces of kitchen tiles are most suitable because... less dangerous, for example, from falling if liquid spills on the floor. It has a big drawback - the tiled floor is cold. Before installation, many owners install a heated floor system or simply lay a mat on the tiles. Only seams can spoil the appearance of a tile floor. Over time, they become clogged with dirt. Therefore, it is advisable to periodically treat them with a special water-repellent impregnation and monitor cleanliness more often.
Kitchen floor tiles
The tiles must be laid correctly and efficiently. Due to the formed air gaps, over time in these places it begins to wander and burst. Although it breaks more often from heavy kitchen objects falling on it. It is very difficult to replace a damaged fragment if there are no extra tiles left after the repair. The store assortment changes very quickly, so it is almost impossible to find tiles of exactly the same type.
Currently, designers are increasingly using quartz-vinyl tiles - an innovation in flooring. It consists of PVC and quartz sand, the share of which reaches 80%. It has increased strength, ease of cleaning and its beauty. Or art vinyl - another innovation of modern technology that imitates any texture. Easily fits into a variety of designs. Does not change its shape thanks to the fiberglass included in the composition. The material is moisture resistant, durable and very pleasant to the touch.
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles for the kitchen
Porcelain tiles are a wonderful modern material. It is resistant to moisture and temperature changes. Withstands pinpoint impacts from sharp and heavy objects falling on the floor. Large selection of imitations of natural materials.
More expensive than regular tiles. It is an alternative to natural stone. It is made from a mixture of clay, minerals and sand and is painted throughout its thickness. It has less porosity, greater density, no microcracks, and is completely environmentally friendly. It is little exposed to pollution, does not fade from household chemicals, and is a very easy material to care for.
How long this coating will last depends on the quality of work during its installation. It is characterized by strength and durability. If there is emptiness underneath, the tile will crack and break at the slightest impact. Therefore, it is better to entrust the work to a good master.
Linoleum
This is a very popular flooring material. Belongs to the “cheap and cheerful” category. The opinion about the poor quality of linoleum is incorrect. Often they lay it themselves and violate the technology. As a result, the floors swell, quickly wear out, tear, and after a very short time become unusable.
Linoleum itself is a beautiful and durable polymer material, resistant to abrasion, moisture, hot steam, easy to clean and does not require special care. Will not be harmed by the fall of a heavy object, except for sharp knives. True, bulky furniture leaves dents on it. Has good sound and heat insulation. There are types with insulation.
Linoleum in the kitchen
The material is affordable. Sold in a large assortment, both in plain colors and in the appearance of other materials: tiles, parquet, leather, stone, metal or with an abstract pattern.
There are 2 types of coverage:
- synthetic, PVC linoleum
- natural
Cheap synthetic material sold on the market is not advisable for use in houses and apartments. It is not safe for health due to a large number of harmful impurities that emit a strong unpleasant odor.
The natural look is unpretentious and quite economical. Environmentally friendly material, because the fabric is coated with a mixture of resins, lime, linseed oil and wood flour.
Semi-commercial class linoleum is most suitable for kitchen floors , because... its protective layer is thicker. It withstands extreme operating conditions. Currently, a wide variety of this material is produced, which does not lose its appearance even under the aggressive influence of household chemicals. The covering can simply be laid on the floor, or it can be glued, which is much better.
There are significant disadvantages of this coating:
- there is no need to place hot food on such a floor, marks will remain
- in places where moisture often accumulates, linoleum deteriorates
- the appearance of the coating will be ruined by too frequent and aggressive cleaning
- Due to the accumulation of electrical charge, dust will be attracted. The problem can be solved if, when cleaning, you remove static with products with an antistatic effect.
- the shoes leave marks. In a house where there are children, the floors are often painted with black stripes that can only be removed with acetone.
Laminate
Laminate for the kitchen
A synthetic, cheaper alternative to wood flooring in the kitchen is laminate. It is created on the basis of wood fiber board, which is covered with a decorative film. The material is wear-resistant.
There is a large assortment on sale that imitates almost all types of wood or ceramic tiles, granite, and marble. Floors with such a coating are quite warm, but are afraid of high humidity. Accumulated moisture must be removed immediately, otherwise the base will simply swell and the floors will be irrevocably damaged. Although there are moisture-resistant types with high water-repellent ability. But this is not a guarantee either. Weak points are joints. They must be treated with special protective waterproofing impregnations.
The coating is not scratched or crushed. If you remove dirt on time, it retains its beautiful appearance for a very long time. Doesn't like aggressive detergents, they can ruin it. Very easily damaged by falling heavy objects. Provides great possibilities for combination.
It is safer to choose laminate from well-known and trusted manufacturers. Be sure to require a hygiene certificate, look at what load this type of material is calculated for.
Self-leveling floor
Liquid linoleum
A modern and original option for flooring in the kitchen is self-leveling flooring, or liquid linoleum. It has no seams or joints, with a mirror surface. Has increased resistance to adverse conditions. It is very easy to care for. If the floors have been installed correctly, they will last a long time. They are made in a variety of colors and with different decor. Has a glossy finish. The self-leveling floor is not cold.
The downside is the chemical smell, which takes a few weeks to dissipate. It has a high cost. If you get tired of the drawing, it will be difficult to replace it. The floors are poured onto the concrete base and firmly adhere to it.
Main types:
- Polyurethane self-leveling floors
- Epoxy self-leveling floors
- Epoxy-urethane self-leveling floors
Of particular interest are floors made of transparent polymers, under which drawings are placed. You can create various designs and use 3D drawings.
To lay such a floor, you need to carefully choose a specialist , because sloppy work in the sun will be visible in every dot and bubble.