According to statistics, linoleum is considered the most popular floor covering in Russia. This is a cheap and durable material that is also easy to care for. Ceramic tiles take only third place, giving honorable second place to laminate. But when it comes to the kitchen, few people decide to buy laminate, since this material is afraid of moisture. This means you need to determine what is better – tiles or linoleum for your kitchen.

Which is better - tiles or linoleum

Advantages and disadvantages of linoleum

This flooring is made of polyvinyl chloride, which can be heterogeneous or homogeneous. Heterogeneous polyvinyl chloride consists of several layers. The first (bottom) layer is a base made of felt, polyester, jute, PVC. The second layer (there may be several) is fiberglass, vinyl foam. The third (top) layer is a transparent layer of heavy-duty vinyl.

Linoleum for the kitchen

Pros of linoleum

• Wide variety of designs and colors. Any hardware store will offer more than 20 options for this coating, and its color will be whatever your heart desires: with geometric shapes, patterns, marble or wood, tiles or laminate.
• Linoleum is inexpensive. The lower price threshold is from 120 rubles per linear meter.
• It is very easy to work with the material; even a person who is far from repair work can lay this covering.
• Linoleum is easy to care for and does not require any special detergents.
• The material is pleasant to the touch, not as cold as tiles. The floor covered with linoleum is elastic and at the same time quite soft. The coating is quite durable, especially when it comes to wear-resistant linoleum.
• Linoleum, designed for areas with high traffic, serves for decades without losing its attractive appearance. Household linoleum will also last quite a long time if you handle it carefully.

Linoleum for the kitchen

Cons of linoleum

• If there is a lot of sunlight in the room, any linoleum may lose color (fading in the sun).
• The material is not sufficiently resistant to mechanical stress. If a knife or fork falls on it, or if you walk on it in high-heeled shoes, this can cause damage to the floor covering.
• Linoleum does not tolerate temperature changes.
• It may appear stained. For example, grease, acetone, paint and other unpleasant substances are washed off from the surface of linoleum very poorly. But the stain will not appear if you immediately react and wipe up what has dripped or spilled.
• Linoleum is afraid of chemicals. It can be damaged by some harsh detergents. Stains, stains, and even bald spots remain, so use only products intended for linoleum when cleaning the floor.

Poorly laid linoleum can ruin the interior

Ceramic tiles for kitchen floors

The kitchen is considered a high-traffic area, so many people use ceramic tiles as flooring. Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of this material.

Advantages of ceramics

• Tiles are much stronger than linoleum. It can serve for decades, and at the same time its appearance will remain attractive.
• A huge range of colors and textures. In hardware stores you can see not only ceramic tiles, but also various types of porcelain tiles, as well as glass tiles. Ceramic tiles can have a matte or glossy surface, and be decorated with wood, stone, or metal patterns.
• Ceramic tiles are resistant to temperature changes, so they can be laid both indoors and outdoors (for example, on a porch or open terrace).
• The moisture resistance of the material is high. The tile will easily survive any flood, if one happens.
• The tiles are stain and chemical resistant. It will be easy for you to take care of the floor on which the tiles are laid, because the material is not afraid of any chemicals, and stains do not “stick” to it.

Tiles in the kitchen interior

Disadvantages of tiles

• Despite all the advantages, tiles also have a number of disadvantages. And the main one is her coldness. You can heat the tiles only by installing a “warm floor” system.
• High (compared to linoleum) price. Sometimes, to buy floor tiles, you need to shell out a significant amount of money, especially if you buy expensive, high-quality tiles and not cheap Chinese knockoffs.
• Tiles are a rather difficult material to install. And if not only a novice builder, but also a person who is far from repair work can cope with linoleum, then only an experienced tile master can lay tiles efficiently. Installing tiles is a complex and painstaking job, and if you want them to be laid beautifully, you will have to pay not only for the tiles themselves, but also for the work of a specialist.
• The grout quickly loses its appearance. If the tile retains its attractive appearance for decades, the grout for tile joints fails quite quickly. Therefore, use darker grout and choose special products for caring for tile joints. SILIT BANG spray is excellent for tile care. It removes mold and all kinds of dirt. It should be sprayed onto the tiles and grout, left for 10 minutes and rinsed with water.
• Risk of injury. If a nimble child running around the kitchen falls on a linoleum floor, it will not hurt as much as if he falls on a tile floor. In addition, tiles on which water is spilled become very slippery. But most manufacturers have already paid attention to this, and in order to eliminate the problem, they create tiles with a special relief coating. Thanks to it, you can feel confident even on a wet floor.

Tiles are a beautiful and wear-resistant material

Which is better - tiles or linoleum: drawing conclusions

Summarizing all of the above, it can be noted that both materials are suitable for installation in the kitchen. However, linoleum may fail quite quickly, because any unfortunate fall of heavy and sharp objects, which are used in abundance in the kitchen, can cause its damage. The same can be said about stains. Sandwiches, spilled juice, coffee or hot oil can cause stains.

Tiles are a finishing material that is ideal for the kitchen, if you do not take into account its coldness. Although, if you wear house shoes, you won't care. The main thing is to buy tiles with a matte surface, as glossy ones can cause injuries.

Combination of tiles and linoleum on the floor in the kitchen

Thus, the tiles are stronger, more reliable and durable than linoleum. But this does not mean that linoleum cannot be used in the kitchen. You'll just have to be careful with this coating. Or you can even combine these two materials by placing durable tiles in the work area, and pleasant-to-touch linoleum in the dining area.

When it comes to tiling the floor of a hallway, kitchen, or balcony, the question often arises: is PVC tile or regular linoleum better suited? Both materials have similar and different characteristics, so analyze and compare them.

Despite the similarities, PVC tiles have some significant differences from linoleum

Features of PVC tiles

First of all, let's look at what PVC tiles are. The abbreviation stands for the abbreviation of the substance from which it is made - polyvinyl chloride. The product consists of several layers. The upper ones are represented by a film with a pattern and protection from damage.

The multilayer structure of PVC tiles ensures resistance to wear and moisture penetration

To better understand the properties of PVC tiles and linoleum, let's consider their main advantageous characteristics. For PVC coating this is:

• Moisture resistance. The tiles are absolutely insensitive to water and are not afraid of even floods, preventing liquid from penetrating into the structure of the subfloor.
• Chemical inertness. Does not react to contact with most substances. This allows you to clean the surface without fear of using various types of household chemicals and cosmetics near the coating.
• Antistatic. Does not accumulate static electricity, which means it does not attract dust.
• Fire safety. Does not burn or release toxins when exposed to high temperatures.
• Environmentally friendly. Made from raw materials that are safe for human health. Please check this indicator for each product separately.
• Impact resistance. It is not afraid of objects falling onto its surface, contact with shoes and other damage. It is almost impossible to create a chip or crack on it.
• Soundproofing. Partially dampens noise both from outside and from the back.
• Wear resistance. The decorative layer practically does not wear out, and a minimum of scratches and damage occurs on the surface. Such material is considered eternal.

Thanks to the multilayer structure, PVC tiles have good sound insulation

The exact list of positive qualities is considered in the context of an analysis of the products of a specific manufacturer.

Features of linoleum

This material is also of artificial origin. Rolled flooring, similar to the previous type of floor finishing. But it differs in composition and some characteristics. First, we note that linoleum consists of more layers. To prevent slipping, a special underlay is used on the floor, usually made of jute or felt. Then there is a soft foam layer and fiberglass. The front side has a design covered with a protective film with additional features to prevent wear.

The structure of linoleum provides a variety of colors and designs, softness and ease of installation

Among the useful qualities of linoleum, we highlight the following:

• Soundproofing. It perfectly muffles footsteps and other noises; when objects fall, it does not create a ringing sound and prevents their destruction.
• Thermal insulation. The bottom layer maintains temperature and separates the coating from the cold concrete.
• Moisture resistance. The outer surface does not allow water to pass through and is not afraid of direct contact with it. You can safely wash it with a wet cloth.
• Decorative. Linoleum imitates various coatings: tiles, stone, parquet, laminate. A room with such a floor looks quite decent.
• Installation. It is enough to spread the roll and secure its edges. Even a beginner can cope with this task.

Linoleum is produced in the form of rolls from 6 to 45 m long

What to choose in different types of premises

It is quite difficult to decide which is better: linoleum or simple PVC tiles. Let's look at some of the disadvantages and other features of the products.

For linoleum, we note that not every type is able to withstand contact with chemicals. This is fraught with the formation of stains and drips. When heated, low-quality samples emit harmful substances, in particular formaldehyde, which provoke the development of cancer in humans. When water gets under the flooring, it becomes deformed and cannot be restored, and mechanical damage can only be eliminated by applying a patch.

Regarding the tiles, the coating is not so pleasant to the touch and requires heating. In addition, its installation requires glue and drying time. Otherwise, it is devoid of obvious flaws.

Regarding installation, in both cases a perfectly flat surface is prepared. When laying linoleum, just spread out the roll and secure the edges of the piece. The tiles are glued to a special polymer adhesive, which is applied in a thin layer to the floor.

Installation of PVC tiles is carried out using glue applied to the entire surface, which eliminates the possibility of water flowing under the coating

In general, the service life for both materials is practically unlimited. But PVC tiles win in some ways, since they are not so susceptible to interaction with ultraviolet radiation and are more durable. If the coating is damaged, it is difficult to hide the defect on the linoleum. For this purpose, select the same piece of material by color and thickness, and then cut it in instead of the damaged area. When repairing tiles, things are simpler: just replace the damaged element.

Another aspect is floor heating. Cheap linoleum emits harmful substances and changes its properties, even appearance. But a heated floor system is installed under the tiles.

Regarding moisture resistance, we will also say that linoleum loses. It, like laminate, can withstand surface contact with water. However, if the second one swells when moisture gets into the joints, the flow of water under the coating becomes fatal for linoleum. The tiles are securely glued to the floor and this problem does not arise.

The result of water flowing under the linoleum is the replacement of the damaged coating

Combination possibilities

If you cannot limit yourself to using only one material, take advantage of the possibility of combining different products. For example, combine similar coatings. If you choose the right pattern, you will achieve an interesting effect.

They combine not only PVC tiles with linoleum, but also laminate. This looks especially good in studio rooms. Areas most susceptible to contact with moisture and dirt are covered with the materials described above, and the dining room or living room is covered with laminate.

To disguise the transition, a special decorative threshold is used.

It is difficult to choose which is better: linoleum, PVC tiles, laminate. Much depends on the quality of the product, the style of the room and the personal preferences of the owners. In other words, the answer to the question is rather subjective.

If you have started a kitchen renovation, then you understand how important it is to choose the right flooring that meets the many requirements for the floor in this room. A rainbow of colors and a variety of design options make linoleum a good option for flooring. Is it suitable as a kitchen flooring? Our review will help you figure this out, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the material. Which linoleum should you choose for your kitchen floor, and why is it better than alternative floor coverings? How to lay linoleum yourself and care for it? You will find answers to these questions in the article.

Is commercial or semi-commercial linoleum suitable for the kitchen?

The kitchen is a household space, but experts do not recommend laying ordinary household linoleum in this room. The desire to save can result in even greater costs when the flooring becomes unusable. And this will happen quite soon. High traffic and various everyday troubles (spilled water, scratches, etc.) will take their toll, and the floors will have to be repaired again. Therefore, the choice should be made between two more durable and wear-resistant types of material - commercial and semi-commercial linoleum.

The first is more dense and rigid, has a protective layer thickness of 0.6 mm (class 33 and higher). The strength of such a coating is beyond doubt. However, there are a number of “buts”:

• high cost of material;
• difficulty of self-installation;
• sizes (produced in rolls 2 meters wide, which will provide seams during installation where water will subsequently enter).

Reviews from consumers who have chosen it indicate that you will have to tinker with this material. But the work and extra costs are not worth it in comparison with another, intermediate option.

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

Types of linoleum, stylized as other materials

Linoleum under tiles

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

Linoleum under laminate

If you dreamed of finishing your kitchen floor with laminate, but for some reason you can’t do it (you’re not happy with the price or characteristics of the material), choose a worthy alternative. Linoleum made like a laminate looks elegant and presentable, but is much cheaper and less maintenance-friendly. Modernity, comfort and style - this is how you can characterize a floor finished with linoleum under a laminate. One of the leaders in the production of this material is the Tarkett company. In her collections you will find many design and color options for such linoleum at reasonable prices.

Linoleum for parquet

The embodiment of luxury and excellent taste is a parquet floor. This flooring will make the kitchen elegant, expensive, and spectacular. But not practical. Parquet requires careful maintenance, maintaining a certain air humidity and temperature conditions. By choosing linoleum for parquet, you will save money, increase the performance properties of the floor and not sacrifice its appearance. Modern versions of such linoleum can imitate not only the pattern of parquet, but also its texture. A large selection of designs and colors (cedar, larch, oak) can be found in the construction departments of Leroy Merlin stores.

Wood-look linoleum

The most popular version of this material is wood-look linoleum. This choice is the simplest, but also one of the most successful. Imitation wood brings warmth and harmony to the room, creating a feeling of naturalness and environmental friendliness. Finishing the floor with wood-like linoleum will allow you to embody a classic kitchen interior, implement a rustic or country style. The uniqueness of the patterns and colors of natural wood makes this flooring always relevant, interesting and appropriate, regardless of the chosen design.

Advantages and disadvantages of linoleum over other coatings

Laminate or linoleum - which is better for the kitchen?

Repairing a kitchen floor is not a simple matter, since when choosing a material you need to pay special attention not to the design, but to the quality characteristics and performance properties of the coating. If we compare linoleum and laminate, they have a number of similar parameters that make these materials suitable for finishing kitchen floors. The advantages of both coatings include:

1. Large selection of designs, can imitate any natural materials.
2. Easy to install, even with your own hands.
3. Resistance to external influences.
4. Easy to care for.
5. Affordable price.

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

When choosing between laminate and linoleum, you should be guided by their significant differences. Laminate is not afraid of heavy loads, scratches and can withstand high temperatures (like a lighted match). Unlike linoleum, its surface does not fade and does not absorb dyes, but it is less resistant to water. Excess liquid may cause the coating to deform and become unusable. This problem will not affect linoleum. The level of sound insulation of the latter is also higher - walking on a linoleum-covered floor is almost silent. If we talk about one price category, then linoleum will last longer than a laminate of similar cost.

Both materials are suitable for high-quality finishing of kitchen floors. Their basic parameters are similar, and the choice should be based on individual preferences, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each. A significant plus in favor of high-quality linoleum is that it is absolutely not afraid of water and is more durable in terms of performance and appearance.

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

The most traditional material used to cover kitchen floors is tile. It is a very successful design solution for this room and has a number of significant advantages that force consumers to make a choice in its favor:

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

However, it is difficult to call it an ideal solution. The tile floor in the kitchen is subject to impacts such as scratches or chips (for example, if you drop a heavy frying pan), it can be slippery and does not conduct heat well - your feet will be constantly cold. These shortcomings are neutralized by linoleum coating. At the same time, high-quality linoleum has high strength and wear resistance, is easy to install (unlike tiles) and does not cause maintenance problems. This material will be many times better quality and will last longer than ceramic tiles at the same price.

A better solution for a kitchen floor is porcelain stoneware. This material has many advantages:

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

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

For most homeowners, the best solution from the options presented would be to purchase high-quality linoleum. This material is much more practical and more affordable. For those who are partial to tiled floors as a “kitchen classic,” we can offer a worthy alternative - linoleum under the tiles.

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

Respectable appearance, environmental friendliness and a cozy atmosphere - this is what you can get by choosing natural wood flooring. Few people use this material for installation on kitchen floors. The main reason is high cost. Wood flooring will cost much more than most other options. However, in most cases the choice is not justified.

Presentable appearance and naturalness are practically the only advantages of such a coating when it comes to renovating the kitchen floor. Wooden flooring is resistant to high temperatures and moisture, is not resistant to mechanical damage, and requires careful care, as stains easily remain on the floor. Laying a wooden floor makes sense only if the kitchen in the house is just for show, and the money issue does not matter at all.

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

Laying linoleum with your own hands

In order to lay linoleum yourself, you do not need to have special skills. Brief instructions and useful tips on finishing the floor will help you carry out this process with your own hands efficiently, quickly and without problems.

Laying linoleum on a concrete floor

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

• pour concrete screed;
• fill the floor with plywood or fiberboard;
• seal the cracks with cement, putty or resin, then use self-leveling floors.

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

Further work on finishing the floor:

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

By following these brief instructions, you can easily lay linoleum yourself. Remember to do this carefully and evenly.

How to lay linoleum on a wooden floor

As with concrete, a wooden floor should be leveled before laying linoleum. Floor preparation steps:

1. Large irregularities are removed with a plane, small ones - with sandpaper.
2. Sheets of plywood are laid on a flat floor and secured with nails or self-tapping screws.
3. Use sandpaper again to minimize roughness at the joints and edges.

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

How to lay linoleum on linoleum

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

A few tips for high-quality installation of linoleum:

1. It is better to glue linoleum in one sheet. If the dimensions do not allow, then it is important to prevent joints between the seams of the new coating and the old one.
2. To ensure that the linoleum lays flat, place a heavy weight on uneven places.
3. Leave the gaps near the walls the same as with the old covering.

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

Warm floor under linoleum

In some cases, linoleum flooring requires additional heating. A warm floor is used for this. However, the features of linoleum as a floor covering have certain limitations when installing a heated floor system. To avoid unpleasant consequences, follow the following restrictions:

1. Linoleum with thermal insulation properties will render a heated floor system useless. When purchasing, pay attention to this parameter.
2. Thin linoleum will demonstrate all the unevenness of the heated floor installed underneath it.
3. Exceeding the prescribed temperature will lead to deformation of the linoleum, its swelling or detachment from the floor surface, and may also cause the release of phenol.
4. Warm floors can cause linoleum to change color and fade.
5. In order to avoid deformation, linoleum should be laid at the same temperature at which the heated floor will operate.

An ideal option for laying under linoleum would be an infrared heated floor. This is a multi-layer structure made of a warm film and a reflective coating, on top of which sheets of plywood are placed for protection. After which the entire floor is puttied and leveled for covering with linoleum.

Do you need a backing for linoleum?

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

In order to achieve a perfectly flat floor surface, you will have to additionally use a substrate. This can be a professional screed, self-leveling floors, plywood/fibreboard sheets. Old linoleum can also act as a good substrate for a new linoleum coating. The listed products are designed to remove unevenness and other floor defects.

If the goal is insulation, then the substrate is used as a material for thermal insulation. It is better to choose from the following options:

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

The substrate for thin linoleum should have a dense and rigid structure. Multilayer thick linoleum already has a base made of jute, fabric or PVC and usually does not require additional insulation. No insulation underlay is required for this type of coating. If the floors are very cold, it makes sense to install a heated floor system.

Which glue to choose for linoleum

Glue is not always used when laying linoleum. But if more than two sheets are laid or the kitchen floor is finished with commercial linoleum, then it will have to be glued. For this, various types of glue are used. You need to choose the appropriate option depending on the type of material:

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

When installing commercial linoleum, the ideal solution is a reaction adhesive, also called “cold welding.”

Cold welding for linoleum

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

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

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

How to care for and how to wash linoleum floors

Caring for linoleum flooring is quite simple, but you still need to follow some rules. Cleaning can be done both dry and wet. The first is to remove dust with a cloth, brush or vacuum cleaner. The second is in washing floors with water and detergents. It is important to comply with special requirements:

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

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

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

To make the right choice of flooring for the kitchen, we will evaluate and compare finishing materials according to several criteria:

1. Wear resistance. The kitchen is a room with high traffic and the likelihood of contamination. The material for finishing the floor should be as resistant to abrasion as possible. In terms of wear resistance, tiles win, but semi-commercial (commercial) or reinforced household linoleum for the kitchen is also suitable.
2. Moisture resistance. In the kitchen, the floor covering must withstand high humidity (condensation, puddles) - not swell, bulge or crack. Both coatings do not absorb liquid, so high air humidity and spilled liquids will not harm them. If water gets under the linoleum (for example, your neighbors flooded you), the PVC coating may become deformed or mold may appear.
3. Range. Both of these materials have a variety of designs and patterns, textures that imitate parquet, stone, fabric, and metal. The surface of the finishing material can be matte or glossy.
4. Impact resistance. In this regard, linoleum wins because it will not break or crack if you drop a pot or pan on it. Tiles are a fragile material and a fallen heavy object will cause cracks and chips.
   
5. Mechanical resistance. If you drop a sharp object or rearrange heavy furniture unsuccessfully, cuts and dents may remain on the linoleum. Therefore, when choosing linoleum for the kitchen, choose a material with a maximum protective layer or vinyl tiles. In case of damage, you can easily replace the worn area with a new one. Ceramic tiles are dense and hard, so there are no scratches, marks from furniture legs or heels on them.
6. Hygiene. The kitchen floor should always be kept clean with minimal time and effort. Finished with tiles or linoleum, it is easily washed from household dirt. In addition, you can choose an absolutely natural and harmless coating - marmoleum. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which are very important for hygiene in the kitchen.
7. Comfort. It is more pleasant to walk barefoot on linoleum, which is warmer to the touch. If the apartment has cold floors, take heat-insulating linoleum. The tile surface is cold, so it will be better to lay carpets or mats in the kitchen.
   
8. Resistant to stains and chemicals. According to this criterion, ceramic tiles are the leader. Grease stains and alkaline detergents can corrode the surface or discolor the linoleum.
9. Installation. The process of laying linoleum is simpler and faster. can be done independently in 1-3 hours. Laying tiles requires certain knowledge and skills. Therefore, this work should be entrusted to a specialist.

What is better tiles or linoleum in the kitchen?

Both of these materials are great for kitchen flooring. PVC coating is cheaper and less traumatic, especially if you choose anti-slip linoleum, compared to ceramic tiles. Household linoleum is less durable, but it is easy to replace with a new one. Tiles are more expensive in price and installation costs, but the prospects for their use are longer-term.

An excellent option would be to do combined flooring in the kitchen. To do this, the working area near the stove, which is subject to maximum loads, should be tiled, and the dining area should be covered with linoleum.

The junction of linoleum and tiles in the kitchen can be hidden with special thresholds made of MDF, plastic, cork or metal.

Choosing flooring materials for your kitchen can be quite challenging. Many people want to show their design talent and, for the sake of fashion, install modern coverings in the kitchen: natural cork, self-leveling floors with artistic prints, etc. However, most of these materials are quite expensive and difficult to install. In addition, it is still unknown how this or the next new product will behave in a kitchen where the temperature and humidity regularly rise.

Therefore, the most far-sighted owners decide to install time-tested materials in the kitchen: ceramic tiles or linoleum. Which of these coatings is better? Let's try to understand this issue by comparing these two materials according to the most important criteria necessary in difficult kitchen conditions.

Criterion #1. Wear resistance

The kitchen is one of the most visited rooms in the house. According to some reports, a nimble housewife walks around the kitchen about 2 km per day! To withstand such loads, the floor must be as wear-resistant as possible. Otherwise, visible wear and scratches will appear on it within a couple of months.

In general, the wear resistance of tiles is at a higher level than that of linoleum. In order for scratches and worn spots to appear on a ceramic surface, it is necessary to make a significant effort or use the tile for decades. Tiles are divided into several classes based on wear resistance. For the kitchen, it is advisable to select material with class 3-5 markings.

There is also a gradation in wear resistance for linoleums. By choosing linoleum of a higher class, you can practically equalize the wear resistance of linoleum and tiles.

Depending on the class, linoleums are divided into:

• household - classes 21-23;
• semi-commercial - classes 31-34;
• commercial - classes 41-43.

Household grades of linoleum are intended for residential premises, semi-commercial - for offices and various institutions, commercial - for industrial premises. However, all these divisions are rather arbitrary. “According to the rules,” household linoleums of class 22-23 are suitable for the kitchen. But in order to increase the durability of the coating, professionals recommend increasing the wear resistance class and choosing linoleum for the kitchen from a range of semi-commercial or commercial linoleums.

Criterion #2. Moisture resistance

The second important requirement for kitchen coatings is moisture resistance. The fact is that people periodically cook something here and wash dishes, so the air humidity is very high. Droplets of moisture in the air impact the floor surface and settle on it. Since water is constantly used in the kitchen, spills are a common occurrence. In other words, the flooring in the kitchen must withstand high humidity (in the form of condensation, standing puddles): not swell, not crack, not deform.

Linoleum does not absorb liquid, so condensation, humid air and even spilled liquid will not harm it. However, if a flood occurs (for example, your upstairs neighbors will flood you) and water gets under the linoleum, the coating may become deformed (swelling). Another prospect in this situation: the appearance of mold and fungal infection under wet linoleum. To prevent this from happening, the coating will have to be removed and dried.

The moisture resistance of the tiles is at a higher level. If we remember that even swimming pools are tiled, we can conclude that this material is absolutely moisture resistant. And even a flood and flooding by neighbors will not cause any harm to the tiles!

Criterion #3. Rich assortment

The range of linoleum and tiles in stores is simply huge. The variety concerns both the types of coatings and their colors, textures, characteristics and operating features.

There are two types of PVC linoleum: homogeneous and heterogeneous. Homogeneous is a single-layer layer of polyvinyl chloride with a pattern throughout its entire thickness, protected on top by a thin layer of transparent polyurethane. Heterogeneous linoleum is a multilayer material consisting of several layers of PVC, stabilizing fiberglass (fiberglass mesh) and a protective transparent layer of vinyl and polyurethane. For the kitchen you can use both types of PVC linoleum.

In addition to PVC rolls, you can find (although much less frequently!) natural linoleum on the market - marmoleum. This is a completely natural material, in the production of which a compressed mixture of linseed (or soybean) oil, wood resin, crushed cork or wood flour, and limestone is applied to a jute base. In addition to its naturalness, and therefore harmlessness, marmoleum has many other useful qualities that are not inherent in PVC linoleum. For example, antiseptic and fungicidal properties that protect the floor surface from the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi on it. Accordingly, marmoleum is very hygienic. Also, natural linoleum is resistant to solvents, fats, ethyl alcohol, and non-concentrated acids. In addition, it is fire resistant. Unfortunately, none of these qualities can be attributed to ordinary PVC linoleum. Its only winning feature is its lower price. The cost of some brands of marmoleum can reach the price of elite parquet!

As for the colors of linoleum, there is plenty to choose from: a full range of “pure colors”; marble coloring; various drawings; patterns imitating parquet, tiles, leather, stone, etc. As a rule, these are heterogeneous synthetic linoleums. The range of colors of homogeneous linoleums is much more modest - it is either a solid color or marble spotting. Marmoleums, as a rule, are also plain or with patterns in the form of spots and stains. Sometimes there are collections that imitate other materials, for example, crocodile skin.

Tiles do not lag behind linoleum in variety. It can be matte or glossy, in different sizes and colors. Often its surface is decorated with drawings or patterns. Many modern collections consist of tiles that, when laid, form one large pattern, for example, a poppy field or a panel of frolicking butterflies.

The ability of ceramic tiles to imitate other materials is limitless. Tiles are produced that are practically indistinguishable from parquet, metal, fabric, and genuine leather. Moreover, not only the pattern of these materials is imitated, but also the texture.

Criterion #4. Impact resistance

Impact resistance is the strong point of linoleum. If you drop a pan, glass or plate on it, nothing will happen to the coating. Linoleum will not break or crack. The only thing he is afraid of is sharp objects, such as knives or forks. Such objects can leave punctures or cuts in the linoleum.

Tile, on the contrary, is a fragile material. A heavy object, such as a hammer, falling on it is more likely to cause cracks and chips.

Criterion #5. Resistance to mechanical stress

Linoleum is a material whose appearance is easily spoiled by mechanical stress. It leaves cuts from fallen knives and forks, scratches from cat claws or unsuccessfully moved furniture. There is also no escape from dents - marks from hairpins, legs of kitchen furniture and appliances. Therefore, when choosing linoleum, you need to pay attention to the thickness of its protective layer. The thicker it is, the more stable the linoleum will be.

As for tiles, this material is denser and harder, and does not change its shape under the influence of external factors. Therefore, unlike linoleum, it is impossible to leave dents on it from heels or furniture legs.

Criterion #6. Easy to care for, hygienic

Sometimes kitchen floors have to be washed several times a day. Therefore, they simply must have dirt-repellent abilities and under no circumstances accumulate dust and debris. Kitchen floors should require minimal maintenance to keep them clean.

Caring for linoleum and tiles is equally easy. These materials are easily washed from household stains. Dust, street debris, splashes of grease or household chemicals that get on them - everything remains on the surface. And to remove all the excess, just wash the floor and rub the overly dirty areas with a soft cloth. There are lines of specialized products for caring for tiles and linoleum, but in fact, owners of floors made from these materials wash them with plain water with the addition of any household cleaner.

It should be noted that in order to increase hygiene, some brands of PVC linoleum are impregnated with antibacterial and antifungal compounds. This does not mean that such material is self-cleaning, but the proliferation of bacteria and fungi caught on it is significantly slowed down. Compared to artificial linoleum, marmoleum does not require any impregnation at all. It initially contains substances with bactericidal and fungicidal effects, that is, it is a kind of antiseptic.

Criterion #7. Comfort during use

Linoleum feels “warm” to the touch and is pleasant to walk on barefoot. Moreover, the thicker the material, the more heat it retains. The most comfortable linoleums in this regard are those with a backing made of PVC foam, jute or felt. For wet kitchens, it is better to choose foam-based linoleums. This substrate is not afraid of water, unlike natural jute and felt.

Tiles, on the contrary, have a cold surface, so walking on them in winter is not comfortable. There are two ways out of this situation. You can cover a cold floor with rugs and rugs. Or use a more radical method - install a heated floor system under the tiles. When it is turned on, the temperature of the tile will be maintained within a comfortable range for humans.

Criterion #8. Compatibility with underfloor heating system

The tile has low thermal insulation properties, so it conducts heat rays well. Heating elements laid under the floor surface will transfer all their heat to the tile, and it, in turn, to the kitchen area.

The thermal insulation properties of linoleum are higher, and PVC coatings can release harmful substances when heated. Therefore, not every linoleum can be laid over water and electric heated floor systems. Permission to use a specific product is indicated on the packaging in the form of markings. To prevent linoleum from working as a heat insulator in this case, you should select a thin material without an insulating backing.

Criterion #9. Heat resistance

The tiles are resistant to both heat and temperature changes. Linoleum cannot be heated above 28-30°C. Therefore, when laying linoleum over a heated floor, it is necessary to equip the system with a thermostat. If the temperature regime is not observed, the degree of coloration of the coating in heating areas may change. If something hot falls on the linoleum (a hot frying pan, for example), its surface will melt and unsightly marks will remain.

Criterion #10. Resistance to chemicals and aggressive environments

By this criterion, ceramic tiles are undoubtedly the leader. Grease stains or puddles of household chemicals used in the kitchen do not corrode the surface of the tile and do not change its color. Linoleum is much more capricious. Aggressive substances that get on linoleum are difficult to wash off. Some of them (alkali, acid) are capable of corroding the top protective layer and leaving behind stains, stains, and bald spots.

Criterion #11. Resistant to fading

If linoleum is laid in a sunny kitchen, after a couple of years you can notice a significant fading of its colors and patterns. This disadvantage does not apply to marmoleum.

Unlike linoleum, tiles do not change color when exposed to intense sunlight. It is not for nothing that some types of ceramic tiles (with increased frost resistance and wear resistance) are used for cladding outdoor objects - terraces, patios, open areas.

Criterion #12. Natural and environmentally friendly

Ceramic tiles are produced by pressing from kaolin clays with the addition of dyes. PVC linoleum is made from synthetic polyvinyl chloride. Marmoleum (natural linoleum) - made from linseed oil and tree resin, fixed on a jute base. In other words, tiles and marmoleum are natural and completely safe materials. Synthetic linoleum loses in this regard. It is especially unpleasant that it is capable of evaporating polyvinyl chloride when overheated.

Criterion #13. Easy and quick installation

The process of installing linoleum usually does not require the involvement of professional craftsmen and is carried out independently. In a standard kitchen, laying linoleum takes 1-2 hours.

Tiles are much more difficult to work with. To install tiles, certain skills are required. Therefore, specialists are often involved in this work, who complete the tiling of the kitchen floor, on average, in 1 day.

Criterion #14. Price

Synthetic linoleum is one of the most inexpensive flooring materials. This is its huge advantage over tiles. However, this only applies to artificial linoleum. Marmoleum is an expensive material and can give a head start in price not only to tiles, but also to wooden parquet.

Conclusions - which is right for you?

As a result, we can conclude: both tiles and linoleum are excellent for the kitchen. However, linoleum will almost certainly turn out to be a more budget-friendly and safer (non-traumatic) option, although less durable. At the same time, when worn out, it is easy to replace with a new one. Tiles are expensive both in terms of their own price and installation costs. However, its use is longer term. It retains its original appearance longer than linoleum and wears out less.

Therefore, choose the material that is right for you in specific conditions. In some cases, both options are combined. The working area, which is subject to the greatest loads, is tiled, and the dining area is covered with linoleum.