Linoleum for the kitchen





When it comes to choosing flooring for a kitchen, the most common materials are tile and linoleum. This is because it is in the kitchen that the floor is subjected to maximum loads. In addition, the kitchen floor gets dirty quickly, because even the most tidy owners periodically spill coffee, tea or soup. Hence the requirements for the choice of flooring: strength, reliability, ease of care. Let's consider what advantages linoleum has for kitchens over ceramic tiles and whether it is worth giving preference.

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The benefits of laying linoleum:

1. Softness. If you accidentally drop a plate or cup, then it may not break on linoleum, and it will probably break on ceramics.
2. Good heat and sound insulation. The kitchen is a place where the whole family gathers after a busy day, and I want peace and silence.
3. Affordable price. The cost of linoleum is lower than that of a tile, and it is easier to lay it.

Before you purchase a floor covering, you need to make a choice, find out which linoleum is better for the kitchen, because the range of products on the market is really huge, and you need to choose the material that will not only please the eye, but also last a long time .

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The main stages of selection

In order not to be completely at a loss when choosing linoleum, it is advisable to adhere to the following algorithm:

• Type of coating.
• Additional properties.
• Colors.
• Manufacturer.

We will deal with each of these stages in more detail.

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Natural or synthetic product?

So, let's try to answer the question: what to choose linoleum for the kitchen? The statement that exclusively artificial materials are used to make linoleum is incorrect. In fact, this flooring is made from both natural and synthetic materials.

Natural

Natural linoleum for the kitchen is an environmentally friendly material, for the manufacture of which cork or wood flour, linseed oil, lime powder, as well as natural coloring substances are used. The basis of such linoleum is also natural - it is non-woven materials or jute fiber.

The benefits of natural linoleum coating include:

• high abrasion resistance;
• strength;
• neutrality to chemically aggressive detergents;
• Fire safety;
• good antistatic qualities;
• excellent heat and sound insulation properties;
• hygiene and environmental cleanliness;
• long term of operation (up to 40 years);
• ease of care.

Important! Of the minuses, only high cost can be called, especially when compared with a synthetic floor covering.

Artificial

Artificial linoleum is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This is what is alarming many consumers, forcing doubts about the environmental cleanliness of the material. However, according to experts, if a floor covering made of synthetic raw materials is made in accordance with standards (GOST, EN standards), then it is completely safe for health.

Important! This coating option is more affordable and, by quality, is sometimes better than natural material. It all depends on the integrity of the manufacturer.

How to distinguish natural from synthetic?

It is quite simple:

• Take a sniff. The natural product has a characteristic “oil” odor. Artificial linoleum smells like “chemistry."
• The wrong side of natural linoleum has a clearly visible jute rosary.
• The product from natural raw materials is harder and more brittle. It is not possible to break a piece from synthetic linoleum: just cut it off.

Important! Both natural and synthetic products are covered with a special protective layer that protects against pollution. It can be both mastic from natural raw materials and a synthetic coating.

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Single or multilayer linoleum?

Do you prefer synthetic linoleum? Decide how to choose linoleum in the kitchen by its structure. Floor coverings from synthetic materials are single and multi-layer:

1. A single-layer (homogeneous) coating has a small thickness, it does not have a base, however, it is quite elastic and strong. The figure penetrates such linoleum throughout its thickness, which allows you to save a presentable appearance for longer. A feature of a single-layer synthetic material is that it has a rough surface on which dirt is less noticeable. The service life of a single layer coating is from 5 to 7 years.
2. A multilayer (heterogeneous) coating is a kind of “layer cake”, which includes fiberglass, a foamed layer of PVC with a printed pattern, a protective layer and a substrate. The greater the mass of such linoleum, the more durable and sound it is.

Important! The linoleum, made on a foam basis, is strong, elastic, resistant to moisture, is well cleaned from pollution. Therefore, it is ideal for placing a kitchen.

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Which linoleum is better in the kitchen: domestic or semi-commercial?

The strength, reliability and durability of the floor covering depends on the thickness of the protective coating. Based on this parameter, the following types of multilayer linoleum are distinguished:

• Household (the thickness of the transparent layer is 0.1-0.3 mm).
• Semi-commercial (transparent layer has a thickness of 0.4-0.5 mm).
• Commercial, with a transparency thickness of 0.6 mm or more.

Important! Experts advise choosing a semi-commercial class 31-32 linoleum rather than a household one for the kitchen, because it combines the ease of installation inherent in the domestic version and the wear resistance that commercial linoleum is different from. The linoleum thickness for the kitchen will be more than for the household version.

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Additional protective layer

Many modern types of linoleum, in addition to the transparent layer, are covered with an additional protective layer. This is a matte or glossy varnish, which greatly facilitates the maintenance of the floor covering. For the placement of the kitchen is very important. For example, a shiny lacquer coating creates the illusion of a freshly washed floor.

When choosing a linoleum coating, you need to pay attention to protecting it from damage by mold and fungi:

1. Natural linseed oil-based coating in itself is a good natural antiseptic that is not only unattractive to bacteria and fungi, but also naturally disinfects the air.
2. Some types of artificial linoleum have an antifungal and disinfecting coating with silver microparticles. Silver ions, which secrete such a protective layer, prevent the multiplication of pathogens on the floor surface.

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Release form

The following forms of release of linoleum are distinguished:

• Rolls. The width of the roll is up to 5 m, and the total length is up to 45 m. The correct choice of roll size allows you to lay linoleum in the kitchen without unnecessary seams.
• Linoleum tile.It has the form of squares, rectangles or polygons with an imitation of the texture of sand, wood or ornamental stone. The disadvantage of this coating are: laborious cleaning from contamination and the complexity of installation.
• Liquid linoleum in the kitchen. This is one of the modern types of flooring, which makes it possible to achieve the best decorative effect. The bulk floors are based on a polymeric material with a hardener made of polyurethane or epoxy resin.

Important! The advantage of bulk floors is the complete absence of seams, a perfectly smooth and durable surface. Installation of a bulk floor with a volumetric pattern is possible.

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Types of textures and colors

A huge selection of linoleum colors helps to create a wide variety of kitchen interiors - cozy, beautiful and stylish. Synthetic heterogeneous linoleum has the most color options. This is a classic beige and brown color scheme, and a realistic imitation of ceramic tiles, wood, ornamental stone.

Important! The most widely used linoleum with imitation of expensive floor coverings: parquet, marble, mosaic pattern. At the same time, manufacturers are able to realistically reproduce the texture and shades of such exotic types of wood as bamboo, zebrano or rosewood. A coating that imitates a mosaic made of wood veneer looks spectacular.

Here are some examples to figure out which linoleum to choose for your kitchen:

• The interior, designed in the styles of Country or Provence, will be perfectly complemented by a coating that imitates a massive board.
• For a kitchen in the “high-tech” Minimalism or High-Tech style, plain linoleum is suitable, and its coloring can be muffled and bright (to create a color accent).
• Do you like design experiments? At your service are coatings with the most unusual patterns, including those with a three-dimensional effect.
• For a kitchen designed in a classic style, imitation of ceramic tiles is suitable. The drawing “small tiles laid diagonally” allows you to visually enlarge a small kitchen space. A similar effect can be achieved by spreading light linoleum of a cold shade in the kitchen.

Important! Warm shades create an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility, a monotonous drawing calms. The use of bright, contrasting shades has an invigorating effect.

Using linoleum in the kitchen of various colors and textures, you can zoning the room (for example, separate the kitchen area from the dining room).

Important! When choosing natural linoleum for your kitchen, keep in mind that over time this coating changes color due to the drying of vegetable oils. The beige coating acquires a yellowish tint, while gray and blue become greenish.

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What else to consider when buying?

Here are a few tips that will come in handy when buying linoleum:

• The embossed embossed surface gives the coating anti-slip properties, which will increase the safety much needed in the kitchen.
• The width of the linoleum roll is 1500-4000 mm. Having picked up a wide covering, you can do without ugly seams.
• Make sure that all linoleum purchased is from the same batch. This will avoid inconsistencies in shades and textures.
• Before transporting, unfold linoleum, let it lie down and only then fold back. This will make it possible to avoid cracking of the material.

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Linoleum and floor heating

Many are interested in the question: is it possible to combine underfloor heating and linoleum for the kitchen? There is such an opportunity, but before buying you need to consult with the seller or a specialist who is entrusted with the installation of flooring. It is recommended to turn on the built-in heating system a month before laying linoleum, and turn it off a day before starting installation work.

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Stock footage

Now you have complete information on how linoleum is suitable for the kitchen and how to choose it correctly by design and technical specifications. We hope you successfully managed to cope with the task and you get real pleasure from the new kitchen decor.