Which is better, PVC tiles or linoleum: main selection criteria. What is better tiles or linoleum: choosing the optimal coating What is cheaper linoleum or tiles

The flooring in the kitchen experiences enormous loads every day, so you should choose the material based on the operating conditions. Of course, this does not mean giving up beautiful and original solutions. Most best option for the kitchen or dining room - linoleum or tiles. They are distinguished by good technical properties and durability. Which is better: tiles or linoleum in the kitchen and other rooms – let’s try to figure it out.

Kitchen floor requirements

The kitchen floor should be:

Anti-slip;
Impact resistant;
Moisture resistant;
Wear-resistant;
Practical;
Safe.

All of these criteria are met by linoleum and ceramic tiles that comply with GOST. Laminate is not suitable for such purposes, since it is not moisture resistant.

Properties of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of the most durable, resistant and durable coatings. Clay, quartz sand, as well as feldspar and carbonates are used for production. Thanks to the firing process, it is extremely hard and durable.

All tiles are classified into two groups:

Glazed;
Unglazed.

First of all, this is excellent wear resistance, which neither laminate nor parquet board. It takes at least 10 years, or even more, for ceramic tiles to become scratched or scuffed.

The choice should fall on products of wear resistance class 3-5. Class 3 coating is suitable for rooms with medium traffic intensity, class 4 – with medium and high traffic. Products of class 5 are the most resistant and durable.

Absolute moisture resistance. Therefore, tiles are used for cladding swimming pools and saunas.
Resistance to mechanical damage. The unique hardness and density make the likelihood of geometry changes or dents almost zero.
Resistance to sudden changes in temperature, heat, and fire resistance.
Practicality that allows you to easily carry out daily wet cleaning. For cleaning, you can use both specialized products and chemical compositions.
Possibility of installation on a heated floor system;
Color and light fastness, due to which the brightness of colors and the aesthetics of the tile do not change over time or under the influence of sunlight.
Environmental friendliness and safety.

Foam backing;
Fiberglass;
Base for decorative layer;
Decorative layer;
Reinforced protective layer.

Some manufacturers may coat the material with another additional protective layer.

Like tiles, linoleum is divided into classes. It is more preferable to use semi-commercial 33-34 class or commercial. Linoleum 33 cl. suitable for rooms with normal and high level cross-country ability, and 34 – with very high.

Good wear resistance, which applies to coatings of classes 33-34 and above. Commercial linoleum generally has wear resistance indicators similar to ceramic tiles.
Linoleum does not tend to absorb liquid. The material perfectly tolerates high humidity or liquid spilled on the surface.
Increased impact resistance, which is, perhaps, the main advantage in comparison with tiles. A dropped hammer, pan or any other object will not cause damage.
Easy to care for. For daily cleaning, household cleaning products are needed, and for deeper cleaning, professional ones (strippers), as well as polishes. Do Cleaning the material is recommended every day.
Easy and quick installation that any non-professional can handle.
Heat and sound insulation abilities;
Attractive price.

When it comes to tiling the floor of a hallway, kitchen, or balcony, the question often arises: would be better suited PVC tiles or regular linoleum? 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 against 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 different types of coatings near it. household chemicals and cosmetic preparations.
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.
Environmental friendliness. 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 is formed 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.

As statistics have shown, the most popular and budget-friendly building materials for floor design in our country are laminate, ceramic and vinyl tiles or linoleum. All of these floor coverings have a number of advantages and disadvantages that are taken into account when choosing one option or another.

In this case, the type of room where you plan to lay the floors must be taken into account, since, for example, when it comes to the kitchen, a special approach is already needed. So, laminate will be completely inappropriate in it, because even a moisture-resistant option will still swell when exposed to large amounts of water.

As you know, this space is most at risk of flooding, since food is prepared using water in the dining room every day, and spills are a common occurrence. Therefore, there are 2 options left for finishing the floor in it, which we will compare to determine which is better: PVC tiles or linoleum.

But before proceeding with the comparative characteristics, you need to know what qualities the material used to make kitchen floors should have.

So, in this zone they should be:

non-slip;
impact resistant;
moisture resistant;
easy to clean;
wear-resistant;
environmentally friendly;
fireproof;
even.

All of the above parameters can be achieved using linoleum or tiles. But each of them has some qualities that prevail over others. In this regard, in order to understand whether linoleum or tiles are more appropriate in the kitchen, it is necessary to consider in detail each option separately.

Description of linoleum as a floor covering used in the dining room

So, linoleum or tiles: which is better? The first version of the material is considered the most budget-friendly, since its price is approximately 20-50% lower cost other floor coverings, so it is accessible to anyone, even with little income.

In addition, thanks to the large variety, linoleum covering can be used in any room, including the dining room. A large selection of colors allows you to combine it with any interior.

Note! Not all types of linoleum are suitable for the kitchen. So, the best option for this room would be a heterogeneous PVC-based coating, since it has a multi-layer structure, therefore, this option is much stronger than a homogeneous one.

In addition to the budget cost of attractiveness, this material has other advantages. Let's look at them in chronological order in descending order.

Pros of linoleum

As already noted, if you look from the point of view of benefits, then such building materials definitely take first place in terms of their low cost. Also, significant budget savings when choosing it occur due to the ease of its installation, since for this you do not need to hire specialists, because any adult can lay such a covering with his own hands.

According to its properties, linoleum has the following positive parameters:

If the type is chosen correctly, the floors in the kitchen will not slip, which eliminates the possibility of household injuries by almost 100%.
This material retains heat well. This is a very important point, since heated floors are the key to comfort, as well as human health. In addition, if they are covered with linoleum, for example, on a jute or felt base, then such floors do not require additional thermal insulation.
Linoleum has excellent sound insulation. Dropping a heavy cauldron or frying pan on such a floor will not create a noise in the apartment. This coating also eliminates the possibility of breakage of household items, which often fall on the floor.
It is very pleasant to walk on such material, even barefoot, as it has a soft structure.
Such floors are moisture resistant, provided that no water gets under the coating.
Linoleum is easy to clean, provided it is not exposed to any chemicals or products that come into contact with it and leave stubborn stains.

Cons of linoleum

Like all materials, this option has its negative sides.

This list includes such disadvantages as:

Linoleum is not a fire-resistant material. At any temperature it begins to melt.
Sharp objects should not be dropped onto this type of flooring., since it is not endowed with high resistance to mechanical damage.
This material is susceptible to chemicals. Therefore, it cannot be washed with aggressive detergents. Also, some caustic products may leave stains that are difficult to remove if the floors are not wiped immediately.
This material tends to fade in sunlight.
If there is a strong flood in the kitchen, and moisture gets under such a covering, then when drying, the material may shrink severely, and it will also move in such a way that it turns into an “accordion”. All this will negatively affect the appearance of the floor as a whole.

Description of tiles as flooring used in dining room

The main advantage of this option over the previous one is that it is stronger and more durable. In addition, the tiles can be harmoniously combined with any design, since the choice of colors available is huge.

Pros of tiles

In addition to the above positive qualities, a floor made of such building material is endowed with the following advantages:

The tiles have high moisture resistance, and even a large flood is not scary for such material.
This coating is highly resistant to strong temperature changes, therefore, floors made from it will have good fire resistance. This property is especially important in the work area where the stove is located.
Tiles of any type do not lose their color when exposed to sunlight.
This flooring is resistant to chemicals and does not stain.
The tiled floor is not afraid of sharp objects.

Cons of tiles

The main disadvantages of this option are the risk of injury when using such a floor, as well as the high price of both the material itself and its installation. Drawing up a wiring diagram for a heated floor thermostat and that’s it installation work must be carried out by specialists.

In order to install tiles on the floor, special knowledge and construction skills are required, so not every person can do it with their own hands.

In addition, this flooring has the following disadvantages:

Tiled floors tend to be cold, so they will need to be insulated with a system "warm floor", which will entail significant additional costs.
Despite the fact that the tiles do not lose their attractiveness, however, if not properly cared for, the joints between the tiles quickly lose their aesthetic appearance. Therefore, this type of floor requires special care.
This material is very hard, therefore, for comfort in some places you will need to lay floor coverings under your feet.

Advice! If you decide to use tiles as a floor covering in the dining room, then the construction instructions state that the material should be purchased with a matte surface, otherwise the gloss can cause serious injuries.

Conclusion

From everything we can conclude that both described options are optimally suited for the kitchen, however, linoleum will last less than tiles, but, in turn, will be much safer. The best option would be to combine two building materials so that the work area is covered with tiles and the dining space is covered with linoleum.

The video in this article will provide equally useful information on this topic, watch it visually!

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

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.
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.
Range. Both of these materials have a variety of designs and patterns, textures that imitate parquet, stone, fabric, and metal. Surface finishing material can be matte or glossy.
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.
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.
Hygiene. The kitchen floor should always be kept clean with minimal costs 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.
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.
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.
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.

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 regime. 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 an easy task, since when choosing a material you need Special attention focus not on design, but on 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:

Large selection of designs, can imitate any natural materials.
Easy to install, even with your own hands.
Resistance to external influences.
Easy to care for.
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 - it is quickly lost appearance and physical properties of the floor.

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 characteristics 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 covering afraid of high temperatures and moisture, unstable to mechanical damage, 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.

Comparison various materials for finishing a kitchen floor 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 floor finishing specialists will help you implement 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:

Vacuum and wash the floor well. Let it dry completely. This is especially important if linoleum is laid on a felt base.
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.
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).
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.
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:

Large irregularities are removed with a plane, small ones - sandpaper.
Sheets of plywood are laid on a flat floor and secured with nails or self-tapping screws.
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:

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.
To ensure that the linoleum lays flat, place a heavy weight on uneven places.
Leave the gaps near the walls the same as with the old coating.

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:

Linoleum with thermal insulation properties will render a heated floor system useless. When purchasing, pay attention to this parameter.
Thin linoleum will demonstrate all the unevenness of the heated floor installed underneath it.
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.
Warm floors can cause linoleum to change color and fade.
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 purpose they use different kinds glue. You need to choose the appropriate option depending on the type of material:

Dispersion (water-based) - for gluing linoleum to the base, the glue is applied not to the material, but to the floor surface.
Acrylate - for homogeneous linoleum.
Gumilax - for laying natural linoleum.
Bustilate - for felt-based linoleum.
Tocostatic - if antistatic linoleum is installed.
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.