Best lvt flooring for kitchen
Vinyl Flooring for Kitchen Best Options
Vinyl Flooring for Kitchen Best OptionsPhoto: hikesterson / iStock / Getty Images
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From unexpected spills to splatters from bubbling soups and stews, kitchens need strong, durable flooring to withstand all the action they see throughout the years. Vinyl flooring is a natural fit for spaces like these because of how surprisingly durable yet wallet-friendly it can be.
Whether you’re on a budget or not, find out why vinyl flooring is deserving of your attention, as well as how to choose the best option for your kitchen.
Why Should I Consider Vinyl Flooring for My Kitchen?
Vinyl flooring is especially suited to zones that see a lot of traffic or moisture like a kitchen might. But there are also a few reasons you may decide to choose or skip this option after all. Here are all the pros and cons to consider before committing to vinyl flooring in your kitchen.
Pros
Vinyl flooring is relatively more affordable than other flooring options. On average, vinyl flooring costs $3 to $7 per square foot for both materials and labor, whereas the price of hardwood and tile flooring ranges from $6 to $22 per square foot.
It’s durable and easy to maintain. This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone zones—from your kitchen to your mudroom. Some varieties are waterproof as well.
Vinyl flooring is available in countless styles for just about any taste or setup. It’s easy to personalize, and it’s a versatile material for spaces with plenty of architectural quirks.
Installing it yourself is relatively easy to do. While laying down wood floors may require a professional's trained eye and hand, installing vinyl flooring is a realistic project to tackle yourself, even for beginner DIYers.
Cons
Vinyl flooring is almost impossible to restore once it has sustained damage. Unlike hardwood, you can’t refinish it, and it can’t be recycled or repaired like tile.
It feels softer than wood or tile to the touch, which can be a pro or con depending on preference. For example, you might be better off with hardwood or tile if you prefer the feeling of solid ground under your feet. But a padded surface might appeal to you if you prefer rugs or carpeting.
It isn’t as eco-friendly as other flooring options because of a production process involving carcinogens like dioxin. Some vinyl flooring options can contain such large concentrations of phthalates that release volatile organic compounds (or VOCs) and are known to impact health in spaces with poor ventilation. When in doubt, check the manufacturing information to ensure that what you’re purchasing is free of phthalates to be as safe as possible.
The Best Types of Vinyl Flooring for Kitchens by Treatment
Photo: JR-stock / iStock / Getty Images
There are several different types of vinyl flooring, and each option comes with a couple of upsides and downsides. Keep reading to find out which choice is best for you depending on factors like the style you’re trying to achieve and the accidents you’re trying to prevent.
Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
While all vinyl flooring is technically water-resistant, the waterproof varieties withstand even the smallest drop of moisture. This may be the best option for you if you live in a damp region, struggle with leaks, or are prone to accidental spills.
Scratch-Resistant Vinyl Flooring
Full houses and frequent chefs alike will appreciate the staying power of scratch-resistant vinyl flooring. It can stand up to everything from untrimmed pet nails to dirty shoes thanks to a thicker top layer, which can be anywhere from 6 to 20 extra millimeters of protection.
The Best Types of Vinyl Flooring by Style
Sheet Vinyl
As its name suggests, sheet vinyl comes in the sheets and can easily be rolled out and cut to fit just about any space. It can be either waterproof or scratch-resistant (often both at the same time), and it’s easier to install than luxury vinyl plank or tile flooring. Although it’s usually relatively inexpensive, it’s also a less durable alternative.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank flooring (or LVP) comes in strips or planks, not unlike actual wood flooring, and you can install LVP yourself. Though this type of vinyl flooring has a longer, more involved installation process, the results are generally long-lasting. It’s also available in different kinds of wood tones, grains, and washes, so it’s not hard to find one that fits your style. And it’s almost always waterproof and scratch-resistant, too, meaning luxury vinyl flooring is perfect for pets.
Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring
Photo: pics721 / Adobe Stock
Much like LVP, luxury vinyl tile flooring (or LVT) is fashioned into individual squares and mimics the look of actual tile.
Your choices vary from stone to marble. If you’re interested in LVP or LVT, contact a local vinyl flooring company to learn more about upgrading your kitchen with vinyl.
The Best Vinyl Flooring Installation Methods for Kitchens
In addition to different vinyl flooring styles, there are also a few installation methods to choose from. From peel-and-stick to click-and-lock, here’s what will give you the best and longest-lasting results.
Peel-and-Stick Vinyl
Photo: ellinnur / Adobe Stock
This type of vinyl flooring works a lot like peel-and-stick wallpaper. Simply remove a thin, plastic layer from the back and smoothly stick it to your floor. Sheet vinyl, LVP, and LVT are all available in this format if you decide it’s the best for you. But the process requires patience to ensure that no bubbles or wrinkles form.
Glue Down Vinyl
This option requires you to invest in vinyl flooring adhesive and planks, sheets, or tiles, and it takes longer to do because of factors like extra prep and extended drying times.
It’s neither more durable nor attractive than your other choices, but it’s ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly flooring option.
Click-and-Lock Vinyl
This interlocking vinyl flooring makes installing LVP or LVT quick and efficient. Rather than having to apply glue or navigate a tricky peel-and-stick procedure, all you have to do is click the planks or tile together directly onto the floor. However, the vinyl is also likely to rise or lift since it’s not sealed to the floor.
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Kitchen Vinyl Flooring | Different Types, Best Brands and Prices
Are Vinyl Floors the Best Kitchen Flooring Option?
Vinyl is one of the most popular kitchen flooring options and a top choice for most homeowners.
Water-resistant or Waterproof vinyl flooring is perfect for the kitchen which is prone to spills and moisture. Its durability is valuable in the high traffic kitchen environment and being easy to clean makes kitchen flooring maintenance a breeze.
This page is about the best vinyl kitchen flooring for your home – and why vinyl is a material worth considering.
The four main types of vinyl flooring for kitchens are discussed – what they are and how much they cost. Information on waterproof options, today’s top vinyl flooring brands and things to think about when choosing vinyl for the kitchen are included.
Kitchen vinyl flooring comes in four main types. From cheap to premium, they are peel and stick ($), sheet vinyl ($-$$), LVP or luxury vinyl plank ($$-$$$) and EVP or engineered vinyl plank ($$$-$$$$).
Why vinyl for the kitchen? Let’s count the ways. It is water resistant or waterproof depending on the type, so it stands up to splashes and spills.
The best stuff is tough enough to handle a high volume of traffic. And you have attractive options to fit your budget level.
Attractive? If your vision of vinyl is the plasticky stuff your grandmother had in her kitchen, take another look. Today’s vinyl mimics better than ever the appearance of genuine wood, stone and tile. The best LVP and EVP are hard to distinguish from the real thing.
PROS AND CONS OF KITCHEN VINYLHere’s a quick take on the advantages and disadvantages of installing vinyl flooring in the kitchen instead of other popular options like engineered hardwood and tile.
Pros
- Flooring for every budget
- Water-resistant, waterproof flooring
- Great range of styles
- Choices for durability from 7-20+ years
- LVP/EVP looks almost exactly like real wood or tile
- Costs less than hardwood, ceramic or stone tile
- Easy DIY or pro installation
- Low-maintenance flooring
- Suitable choices for in-floor heating
- Warmer to touch than tile
- Slip-resistant
Cons
- Low resale value compared to hardwood and tile
- The least expensive options look cheap and have poor durability
- Must choose FloorScore flooring to avoid VOCs
- Peel and stick and cheap sheet vinyl shows furniture marks
- Not environmentally friendly (oil-based)
Here’s a table showing four types of vinyl flooring for the kitchen and how much they cost.
Full details on the materials, cost factors, installation requirements and labor cost are below the table.
| Type | Cost Range/sq. ft. | Average/sq. ft. |
| Peel and Stick | $0.40 – $2.25 | $1.25 |
| Sheet Vinyl | $0.65 – $5.00 | $1.90 |
| LVP | $1.50 – $7.00 | $3.35 |
| EVP | $3.90 – $9.50 | $5.50 |
This section on vinyl flooring for kitchen installation will assist in choosing one that fits your preferences for cost, durability and features.
PEEL AND STICK VINYL FLOORING: Improved yet budget-friendly for Smaller, Low-traffic KitchensSome readers are snickering because we included peel and stick vinyl flooring in a respectable post – and we understand.
The perception of this material is terrible – but while this is still affordable kitchen flooring, it has been improved in quality and appearance.
What it is: AKA peel & stick and peel-n-stick vinyl flooring, it is now more like sheet vinyl but cut into planks or tiles with an adhesive backing. This vinyl flooring is worth considering if you’re on a budget and/or want to install it yourself. Home Depot offers a good tip: Buy all flooring for the project from the same lot or run of flooring to ensure consistent color shade. The lot/run should be stamped on each box of tiles.
Installation: The adhesive isn’t super-sticky, it’s really just grippy enough to hold it firmly in place against a clean subfloor, preferably plywood, though it works on a concrete slab too. You can also install it over sheet vinyl in good condition – but beware that imperfections will show through, something called “telegraphing.”
Cost: $0.40 (40 cents) to $2.
25 per square foot. The average cost is about $1.00 to $1.50.
Best Use: We like peel and stick for smaller kitchens, like a galley kitchen that isn’t the main “hangout” in the house. It’s a suitable flooring for a quick, DIY makeover that serves the purpose for 5-10 years. If the kitchen gets a lot of traffic, choose another vinyl flooring type.
SHEET VINYL: Popular for Budget and Midrange Remodeling ProjectsThis tried-and-proven flooring has been upgraded in construction and appearance over the last decade.
What it is: It comes in felt-backed, full glue sheet flooring, vinyl-backed perimeter-glue options and fiberglass-backed loose lay sheet vinyl.
Sheet vinyl now features multiple layers in the core for beefier strength and full waterproof performance.
The core is topped with a digitally produced photograph of genuine wood, stone or ceramic tile – yes, an exact image of the real thing.
A durable wear layer covers the flooring. It is resistant to scratches and yellowing to make sheet vinyl longer lasting than ever.
Installation: Pro installation is a good idea, especially if the floor layout is complex. We suggest this because one false cut can ruin a large sheet of material. If you want to tackle the job yourself take a look at how to install vinyl sheet flooring. The best material is now loose-lay vinyl that doesn’t require gluing anywhere, and you’ll still find material that requires perimeter or full gluing.
Cost: Less than $1.00 to about $5.00 per square foot with an average close to $2.00.
Best use: It’s an excellent choice in most kitchens, and it won’t harm resale unless your home is decidedly upscale – and then you are better off choosing LVP or EVP.
LUXURY VINYL PLANK/TILE, aka LVP/LVT: A Great Choice When Appearance and Performance Matter
This is today’s best-selling plank vinyl flooring, and most of it is waterproof.
The rest offers excellent water resistance.
What it is: This material is produced in two basic types. Standard vinyl planks have no core or a foam core. Rigid core vinyl has a waterproof core, either stone polymer composite (SPC) or wood polymer composite (WPC). Wear layers of 12 to 20 mils are common, though some premium plank vinyl has a thicker wear layer.
Installation: Plank vinyl flooring is a DIY-friendly material. It cuts easily, and most fits together with locking edges or is loose lay flooring – the planks have a fiberglass mat back that “hug” the floor and requires no adhesive.
Cost: Cheap vinyl plank flooring starts at about $1.50 per square foot and ranges to $7.00 or more for a few super-premium options. Most homeowners pay an average $2.75 to $4.00 per square foot for the material.
Best use: It is an ideal choice for any kitchen except those in which hardwood or premium ceramic and stone tile are the only materials consistent with the value of the home.
EVP flooring is a newer designation for some rigid core plank vinyl flooring, both WPC and SPC types. Both offer waterproof performance – though you shouldn’t expect them to survive undamaged if your kitchen floods and the water remains on it for days. But go ahead and wet-mop the floor, and a glass of spilled water or even a tipped bucket won’t cause a problem.
What it is: EVP is premium SPC or WPC rigid core vinyl plank flooring that offers good dimensional stability. Above the core, the design layer features a photo-realistic image of whatever the floor is designed to look like – wood, stone or tile.
The image is covered with clear vinyl and a scratch-resistant wear layer. Most EVP has attached pad for sound-dampening and a softer feel under foot.
Installation: Like standard vinyl planks, engineered vinyl plank flooring comes in click-together and loose-lay options.
Cost: About $4 to $10 per square foot with an average around $5 or $6. Keep in mind that these prices are comparable to engineered hardwood, which is another very good kitchen flooring choice.
Best use: If vinyl is consistent with homes in your area, then this is your premium choice in kitchen vinyl flooring.
HOW MUCH DOES INSTALLATION COSTWell, for starters, peel and stick is almost always DIY.
Sheet vinyl installation costs $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot based on the complexity of the work.
The average cost to install vinyl plank flooring is $2.00 to $4.50, again based on how much trimming and working around obstacles is required in your kitchen. Most homeowners pay between $2.00 and $3.50 per square foot.
HOW TO FIND THE BEST VINYL FLOORING FOR YOUR KITCHENHere are a few tips that will help you make an informed buying decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.
- Keep up with the neighborhood: You’ll protect your home’s value by choosing kitchen flooring consistent with what is commonly used where you live. Don’t know what fits your street? Ask a realtor – they’ve been through hundreds of homes near you and can advise you.
- Understand wear layer and durability: There are two factors to consider. The first is the thickness of the wear layer. Cheap vinyl has a thin wear layer in the 4 to 8 mils range – a mil is 1/1000th of an inch. If you want the floor to look good for a decade-plus, then choose material with a wear layer of at least 10 or 12 mils especially in a high traffic kitchen; 16-20 or more is better. Secondly, consider what’s in the wear layer. Is it urethane? That’s good, but if it’s treated for enhanced resistance to scratches and stains, that’s a more durable choice.
- Make it healthy: We’re all concerned with indoor air quality (IAQ), and your kitchen flooring material matters.
Regardless of which specific material you select, look for brands with a FloorScore or GreenGuard rating for zero or low levels of VOC toxins. - Protect your investment with care and maintenance: Put pads on chair legs and furniture legs. Lift and move rather than drag heavy objects. Keep your pet’s nails trimmed. Reduce running and rowdy play for kids and adults alike.
A shoes-off policy always helps. Pick up dust and dirt regularly, so it won’t act like an abrasive under your feet – and do the job with a brushless vacuum. Oh, and clean up spills, especially those that might stain, pretty quickly. Quality kitchen vinyl doesn’t need to be pampered, but a little TLC will go a long way toward keeping it looking its best.
What about vinyl flooring in other rooms of your home?
Vinyl Flooring for Bathrooms
Vinyl Flooring for Basements
BEST VINYL FLOORING BRANDS FOR THE KITCHENFrom cheap to premium, brands seek to fill one or more cost/quality niches with flooring that will catch your attention.
If your budget maxes out at $1.00 or $2.00 per square foot, then consider peel and stick or sheet vinyl. We’d steer clear of the cheapest plank vinyl because it wears quickly and the click-lock joints are weak.
Brands to consider are TrafficMaster at Home Depot, store brands at Lowes and Menards, and the more affordable vinyl options from well-known brands like Shaw, Congoleum, Home Decorators and Armstrong.
MID-PRICED OPTIONS:You’ve got more choice in the $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot range than either cheaper or pricier tiers. Literally every major manufacturer makes vinyl flooring for kitchens in this range.
You’ll find premium sheet vinyl and good-quality WPC and SPC rigid core flooring from Shaw, Mannington, CoreTec, Tarkett, Mohawk, Armstrong, NuCore, SmartCore, StainMaster, Karndean – and more.
PREMIUM VINYL FLOORING FOR KITCHENS:The best vinyl flooring for kitchens includes a few top of the line sheet vinyl choices, but most of it is rigid core WPC and SPC choices – that is, engineered vinyl plank or EVP.
Brands? Our EVP report recommends COREtec for selection, Mohawk SolidTech for easy DIY, Karndean Korlok for photo-realistic appearance. Pergo Extreme (yes, Pergo now makes LVP) is also worth considering.
FINAL THOUGHTS FROM HOME FLOORING PROS- Today’s vinyl flooring is better than ever at every level – peel and stick to sheet to LVP/EVP. In other words, don’t automatically overlook kitchen vinyl flooring you’ve long considered cheap. Pleasant surprises might await.
- It’s also true that you get what you pay for – better appearance and durability, less susceptibility to dents and scratches, plus waterproof protection, comes at a higher cost.
- WPC is softer underfoot and thicker than SPC flooring – FWIW.
- There’s no shame in sheet vinyl! Today’s options look great, are 100% waterproof and hold up better than earlier generations of this flooring.
- If you plan radiant floor heating, check with the manufacturer to be sure its flooring is rated for it
- Healthy flooring with a FloorScore certification or GreenGuard rating is easy to find, especially in better sheet vinyl and vinyl plank flooring.
- Interested in green, sustainable flooring? Then you’re better off choosing engineered hardwood or bamboo for the kitchen.
- Wear layer is essential to durability, always opt for kitchen vinyl with the thickest wear layer you can afford.
More Kitchen Flooring Reports:
Epoxy Kitchen Flooring
Jamie Sandford
Jamie Sandford is the Owner and Chief Editor of Home Flooring Pros (find out more). After 10 years’ experience in screen and stage set construction followed by a further 15 years working in the home renovation/remodeling business he now writes and curates online home improvement advice.
“Buying and installing home flooring should be a fairly straightforward process, but often it isn’t. After more than 15 years’ experience in home flooring and remodeling, I started Home Flooring Pros in 2013 to help homeowners navigate the often-overcomplicated process of choosing, buying and installing a home floor.
The aim is to save you time and money by helping you to make better floor buying decisions.”
Kitchen flooring, which floor to choose for the kitchen
Kitchen flooring can cause a lot of trouble during operation or quietly serve faithfully for many years. It all depends on the chosen material and the quality of laying the floor. A bad example of is laminate on HDF board without waterproof treatment: after 1-2 years of regular changes in humidity levels, the fiberboard will begin to dry out, the floorboards will creak, and the parted seams will quickly fill with dirt, blacken, and become moldy.
As for the design value, almost all modern coatings - porcelain stoneware, PVC tiles, cork flooring, parquet boards, waterproof laminate, linoleum - are represented by a wide variety of collections with decors for wood, natural stone, matting, with patterns and classic ornaments, and also with thematic drawings. Thanks to this, there is always a suitable decor, it remains only to figure out which floor is better to choose for the kitchen according to technical characteristics and cost.
Basic requirements for kitchen flooring
- Moisture resistance. The kitchen is an area with constant changes in temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is very important that the material is 100% moisture resistant, as well as water resistant (without deformation of the floorboards in direct prolonged contact with water). In addition, the joints of tiles or planks should not let liquids into the screed.
- Easy care. The flooring in the kitchen is constantly exposed to specific influences: spilled coffee, wine, stains from dyes, household chemicals. Difficult pollution should be removed effortlessly, not penetrate into the structure.
- Abrasion resistance, impact resistance. Falling heavy objects - typical kitchen floor damage, the coating must be impact resistant. In addition, it is necessary to choose the right wear resistance class with sufficient protection against abrasion.
- Antibacterial, odor resistant.
Bacteriostatic - the ability of a material to stop the development of bacteria. The kitchen is a breeding ground for all kinds of microbes, bacteria and fungi, so the hygiene of the flooring will ensure the cleanliness and sterility of the room. - Fire safety. For an area with an increased risk of fire, it is important to choose a fireproof finish.
- Durability. Unlike living rooms, the interior of the kitchen is updated less frequently, so the forced replacement of the flooring after 1-2 years of operation is undesirable.
- Compatibility with floor heating systems. Floor coverings come in warm and cold surfaces, but it's always nice to be able to control the heating temperature.
Best Choice: Kitchen Floor Coverings
Quartz Vinyl Tile
Quartz Vinyl or PVC Tile - not perfect, but probably the closest floor covering: absorption of dyes, compatibility with underfloor heating (effective heat transfer, but there is also a limitation on surface heating - 26-28 ° C).
Under the vinyl floor you will need a perfectly even base, especially under adhesive PVC tiles, the thickness of which is only 2-3 mm, and all screed defects will be displayed on the finish surface.
✔ Details about the pros and cons of quartz vinyl tiles.
The Polov catalog presents a chic assortment of lock and adhesive vinyl tiles with wood and natural stone decors. In addition, we offer the latest SPC laminate, "pressed stone": flooring on a rigid PVC composite board and a mineral filler, usually calcium carbonate. Due to the rigid base (not inferior in density to porcelain stoneware), base defects are allowed, as well as the use of a warm floor with increased heating - up to 40 ° C. The shortcomings of quartz vinyl tiles have been eliminated without increasing the cost.
Porcelain stoneware
Ceramic tiles are a classic for kitchen floors. With all the obvious advantages - water resistance, strength, wear resistance, a variety of decors, practicality - porcelain stoneware has a number of significant disadvantages: expensive and complex installation (with the involvement of a tiler), difficult cutting, slippery and cold surface, blackening of seams.
However, all the flaws are offset by the low cost of porcelain stoneware.
Cork floor
Cork is the choice for connoisseurs of natural finishing materials. Cork flooring is quite expensive (the price is comparable to a solid board or oak parquet), but very practical flooring for the kitchen: elastic, but durable structure, 100% natural material, wear-resistant varnish, a variety of decors (natural veneer or wood or stone photo printing) ), moisture resistance and water resistance, additional sound and heat insulation. At the same time, the floor surface is warm without heating due to the very low thermal conductivity.
All of the above advantages apply only to a glued cork floor: the interlocking variant with HDF in the structure does not tolerate moisture changes and does not blend well with the operating conditions in the kitchen. For laying the adhesive cork, as well as for PVC tiles, a perfectly even screed is required.
Natural wood flooring
Wood flooring is not the best, but it is possible for the kitchen.
Three-layer parquet board is resistant to moisture, but only with moderate drops. As for massive parquet, the water resistance is even less due to the natural property of wood to absorb and give off excess moisture. Wood is a pleasure to walk barefoot on: a chic choice for a bedroom or living room, but a more practical material is needed for the kitchen.
Laminate on HDF board
Unless waterproof treatment of HDF base is provided, the laminate is not suitable for the kitchen. Fibreboard is stable only in rooms with moderate humidity: with regular drops, ordinary laminate slowly delaminates, the edges swell, blacken, mold. Even a waterproof laminate, for all its practicality, will not last more than 3-5 years in the kitchen.
Linoleum
PVC linoleum is a budget choice for kitchen flooring. Rolled floor covering is durable, wear-resistant, water-resistant, unpretentious in maintenance, unbeatable in price.
However, linoleum is too popular and competitive material: there are many cheap and dangerous fakes on the market. Choosing a more expensive option, it is appropriate to consider quartz vinyl tiles.
We invite you to Polov showrooms in Moscow and Odintsovo: look at samples of kitchen floor coverings, ask related questions to managers, order inexpensive delivery!
Which flooring to choose for the kitchen
The floors of the kitchen are made of ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware. There are also traditional wooden coatings in the kitchen, and if there is little money - linoleum or waterproof laminate. Many people like the self-leveling floor or the novelty - stone-polymer tile, it is also quartz-vinyl spc or lvt (luxury vinyl tile, it is also pvc tile). Of great interest is cork flooring, an environmentally friendly material.
Kitchen floor requirements
In modern apartments, the kitchen has a dual function.
Food is prepared in this room, and in the evenings the whole family gathers for dinner. Therefore, the flooring should be practical, create comfort and fit the interior of the room.
The list of main criteria for its selection:
- Strength.
- Moisture resistant.
- Hygiene.
- Environmental safety.
- Aesthetics.
An important criterion is the external attractiveness of the material and the ability to maintain, and sometimes emphasize the chosen style of interior design.
Kitchen flooring must withstand temperature extremes and high humidity.
Popular materials
The list of popular materials includes the following:
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles.
- Linoleum.
- Wood products.
- Cork.
- Quartz vinyl laminate and tile.
Each of these types has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Ceramic tiles
The main advantage of ceramics lies in its practicality and easy maintenance.
In the construction markets, ceramic tiles are presented in all colors of the rainbow and with the texture of natural wood or natural stone. Multicolored patterns, floral prints, marbled or granite tiles, polished and matt, solid and colored - such a rich assortment of ceramics allows you to choose tiles for every taste.
Ceramic tiles and its variety - porcelain stoneware, are ideal for heated engineering systems "warm floor". Ceramic products are laid on a prepared base on a cement screed.
Pros:
- inexpensive;
- does not require a perfectly even screed;
- water resistance;
- anti-vandal coating.
Flaws:
- Cold material, an engineering system "warm floor" is needed - this is an additional cost.
- Laying requires high-quality glue and a good specialist.
- If dishes fall on the tiles, they will shatter.
- Wet and damp tile surfaces become slippery. If the child falls, it may be injured.
- Over time, the grout at the joints becomes dirty and does not look aesthetically pleasing, and usually no one does the re-grouting.
- If something falls on the tile, the tile may be chipped and difficult to replace.
Selection Tips:
- The wear resistance should correspond to grades 3-4, and in hardness grades 4-5.
- Use floor tiles designed for floor coverings. Wall ceramics, due to their fragility and slippery surface, are not suitable for these purposes.
- When choosing a ceramic floor, it is better to give preference to porcelain stoneware tiles. This is due to the fact that in its manufacture, crumbs of the strongest natural stone, granite, are used.
Linoleum
It is difficult to find a person who does not know this material. Older people remember that in Soviet times, rubber linoleum - relin - was laid on the floor, and such a coating has successfully served for many years.
Modern linoleum in its characteristics is fundamentally different from its predecessor. Increased abrasion resistance, good heat and sound insulation properties, long service life up to 20 years and affordable price are weighty arguments in its favor. An abundance of colors and patterns can make a worthy replacement for traditional carpets. Floor coverings with imitation wood, laminate and parquet in appearance practically do not differ from these materials.
Pros:
- inexpensive
- easy installation process, you can do it yourself
Flaws:
- Linoleum is dented by furniture and heels, as well as cuts and damage from falling sharp knives.
- If a sharp object falls or kitchen furniture (refrigerator, for example) is moved, linoleum breaks. The gap can be hidden by cold welding, but the impact will still leave a mark and will annoy perfectionists.
- If you put a hot object on such a floor, marks and stains will remain on the linoleum.
Selection Tips:
- Polyurethane-based linoleum is best suited for the kitchen. Dents remain on the felt base, and the upper surface layer is quickly erased.
- It is better to lay the flooring without joints from wall to wall in a single sheet.
Wood products for kitchen floor
A kitchen with natural wood looks respectable and grateful. In such a room there is an atmosphere of home comfort and special comfort. The only negative is the high price, constant care and periodic surface painting is required.
In addition to natural wood, the floors in the kitchen are made of modern wood products: parquet and engineered boards, piece parquet.
Parquet
Piece and modular parquet is made of natural wood and is laid exclusively with glue. After its laying, the surface is polished, and a special impregnation, varnish or oil is applied on top.
Its huge advantage of piece parquet lies in its naturalness.
This is a 100% ecological product.
Minuses:
- roughness remains on it, if the knife falls, the point can knock off the parquet.
- over time, a creak may appear, it will be necessary to strengthen individual dies.
Parquet board
This material consists of three layers: the two lower layers are made of coniferous wood, the top layer is made of valuable or exotic wood. The coating is laid with adhesive or locking method. The three-layer structure ensures the stability and strength of the coating, it is pleasant to walk on it. Parquet board is cheaper than parquet. This is due to the fact that the parquet is made from solid wood, and the board is essentially a gluing together of several words of wood.
Pros:
- Can be scraped and sanded, i.e. restored, every 10 years.
- With proper care, it will last 100 years.
- Pleasant tactile sensations
Minuses:
- High price.
- Requires professional styling.
Engineering board
It differs from the parquet board with a plywood base. It is laid in the same way with a parquet board: with glue and locking method.
Pros:
- Feel good
- Moderately waterproof (capable of holding water for up to 2 hours without damage).
- Cover restoration possible.
Minuses:
- High price.
- Limited choice of colors.
- For better protection of the cork surface, a protective varnish treatment is recommended.
Quartz-vinyl
Vinyl flooring combines the best properties of modern finishing materials. From linoleum, he got flexibility and elasticity, from natural stone - stability and strength, from laminate - simplicity and speed of installation. The result of this symbiosis is a modern product for kitchen flooring with unique performance characteristics, versatile design and uncomplicated flooring technology.
Different names for vinyl tiles (quartz vinyl, waterproof, vinyl and stone laminate, LVT, WPS, SPS, Rigid, PVC tiles) are misleading and make it difficult to choose this type of flooring. Such an abundance of names is the result of a kind of marketing approach that encourages to increase interest and consumer demand for vinyl coatings. In fact, it is more correct to classify the material according to production technology, on the methods of which the quality of the tile depends.
CPS technology
This vinyl flooring is a stone-polymer composite. It consists of 70-80% natural material - calcium carbonate (chalk, limestone) and a binder - PVC. The tile is similar to ceramic tiles, only a durable polyurethane coating is applied on top.
Inexpensive natural raw materials are used for manufacturing, so this material has a low price.
Pros:
- High product rigidity.
- Affordable cost.
- Tolerates uneven floors well
- The material transmits heat well and is suitable for "warm" floors.
Minuses:
- Cold to the touch surface.
- Fragility of interlocks, which makes it difficult to transport and lay the floor.
This type of tile is made only in China. It is impossible to track what standards the manufacturers follow and how this tile is produced.
WPS technology
Wood polymer composite consists of a base consisting of calcium carbonate, wood flour and PVC.
Pros:
- Walking comfort.
- The material is warm to the touch.
- Geometric rigidity for easy installation.
Minuses:
- Tiles can be crushed by heavy objects.
- High cost.
LVT technology
Luxury vinyl tile is made up of several words of vinyl with a hard pressed PVC backing. Some manufacturers add quartz sand to the composition, which leads to a reduction in the cost of this product. Hence the name "quartz-vinyl" laminate.
Experts believe that the fewer additives in pvc tiles, the better its technical performance.
