What is better in the kitchen - tiles or laminate? How to choose a good flooring?

The key to a successful renovation is not only the use of beautiful materials, but also the durability and ease of use of the finished work. It is especially important to maintain a certain balance between beauty and functionality when performing kitchen renovation work. Odors, greasy splashes, and pieces of food falling on the floor can easily ruin an impractical coating. Therefore, people often try to figure out the question in advance: what is better in the kitchen - tiles or laminate? How to choose a flooring so that it is reliable and pleasing to the eye? Read more below.

What is better in the kitchen - tiles or laminate?

Which is better - laminate or tile?

Before making final conclusions, you should understand the conditions under which the floor covering will be used. This is very important and will help you understand why you shouldn’t lay, say, carpet in the kitchen, but rather replace it with some kind of easy-to-clean covering.

Kitchen flooring

Features of the premises and evaluation criteria

Under what conditions will the flooring be used? Perhaps, it is the factors that will influence it that are the most significant when choosing a finishing material. So, the cuisine is different:

• high humidity levels . There is no escape from moisture in the kitchen - it is present both when washing dishes and during cooking in large quantities. Also, hot/cold water may be repeatedly spilled on the floors;
• significant temperature changes . If the kitchen is actively cooking and the stove is running, the air temperature will easily rise to +30 degrees or more. If you open the window for ventilation, the temperature quickly drops to +5-10 degrees in the floor area.
• high cross-country ability . The kitchen is a room in which a person appears quite a large number of times during the day. At the same time, the kitchen is often not only a place for preparing food, but also a dining room.

Determining flooring requirements

The choice of flooring will largely depend on these factors. Only the right material will be easy to use and look very beautiful.

Ceramic tiles on the kitchen floor

Flooring requirements

It remains to understand what the floor covering should be so that, under the conditions described above, it can serve for many years without losing its decorative qualities. So, the material for finishing the floor should not just be beautiful - it is desirable that it be somewhat pliable, not too hard . In some cases, this will help save dropped dishes from damage. And the floor itself will be more intact in case of falling dishes and heavy objects.

What should the floor be like in the kitchen?

It is also advisable that the floors are not too cold . If the material has low thermal conductivity, this can be achieved even without a floor heating system.

Choosing the right flooring for the kitchen

On a note! The material itself will not heat up in any case. But it is well known that walking on tiles is much less pleasant because of the feeling of cold than on linoleum, wood or carpet.

Laminate for the kitchen

The coating may have high levels of noise and heat insulation , but this is not necessary. The main thing is that the coating is easy to wash and free from grease and stains of various origins. It is important to remember that the kitchen should not have any covering with lint, otherwise it will be extremely difficult to clean it.

Main characteristics of laminate

Laminate flooring has successfully replaced parquet flooring for those who prefer wooden floors. The main component of the product: high-quality wood-fiber panel (fiberboard). Unlike PVC tiles, flexible laminated boards are 100% natural material.

Laminate structure and coating advantages

If you have a choice: vinyl tiles or laminated flooring in the hallway, then professionals give preference to the natural components of the laminate. The bottom of the laminated panel is protected by a moisture-resistant paper layer. The top of the product consists of:

• made of PVC film that protects against dampness;
• decorative paper;
• layer of acrylic resin or varnish.

Standard size of laminated panels:

• Width from 185 mm to 195 mm;
• Length from 1260 mm to 1380 mm;
• Thickness from 6 mm to 14 mm.

The quality of a laminated coating directly depends on its class.

Class 32 panels

The floor product has a thickness of 8 mm. The scope of application of this class of coating is large: offices, school auditoriums, apartments, cottages. For buyers choosing what is better in the hallway, class 32 tiles or laminate, it all depends on the overall style of the apartment. The panels are cheaper, but the guaranteed service life is 7-15 years.

Class 33 panels

The material is a class above. It is stronger and more resistant to stress. The product is denser, has better insulation and retains heat well. Scope of application: residential buildings, children's preschool rooms, hospitals, hospitals, government institutions.

From the point of view of moisture resistance, linoleum, laminate and tiles in the corridor and rooms where wet cleaning is required are completely interchangeable. Therefore, class 33 panels are installed in dressing rooms, bathrooms, toilets, and kitchens.

If during the renovation process the question arose of what to choose for the bathroom - PVC tiles or laminate, then class 33 boards can be safely chosen for finishing the floor in a room with a shower. In a residential area, the material will last more than 20 years. Installed in public places, 12-15 years.

Class 34 panels

The purpose of this laminate is: halls and auditoriums with maximum traffic. It can withstand loads comparable to a pressure of 1 ton per 1 square meter. This flooring has a panel thickness of 14 mm. It is used during installation:

• at train stations;
• in large shopping centers;
• in airport waiting rooms.

Another material compared to a parquet panel is linoleum. If the question arises of what to choose in the hallway - linoleum or laminated covering, the masters are unanimous: panels of 34 classes. They will last a long time, are easy to install and maintain.

At maximum load, the service life is 20-30 years. In a residential area up to 50-60 years.

Comparison of laminate and tiles

The most popular types of flooring used in the kitchen are laminate, linoleum, tile and vinyl. And if linoleum is now purchased less and less often, then other types of coating compete sharply with each other. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, knowing which you can make the right choice.

What is better in the kitchen - laminate or tile?

Strengths

Thanks to its advantages, laminate flooring for tiles compares favorably with its counterparts:

Resistance to moisture is an order of magnitude higher than conventional laminate products. This is a very important, if not the main factor for use in the kitchen. You won't have to worry about the surface even if you spill something on it. It will not swell or get wet.

The external appearance of the product is very pleasing to the eye. Imitation of far from cheap marble, terracotta or granite tiles will leave a very pleasant impression. The variety of material is very large. The question of choosing a product will never arise. Various models provide the opportunity for all kinds of design options from classic to high-tech in your kitchen.

The ease of maintenance of laminate under tiles is a joy for the housewife. It has an antistatic effect, which prevents dust from accumulating. Unpretentiousness in caring for the coating makes cleaning the room a pleasure.

Laminate in your kitchen - pros and cons

Laminate was previously considered almost an elite type of flooring, but over time it became available to the majority of the population with average earnings. At the same time, the material costs much less than a coating made from solid natural wood, but it looks no worse - its decorative qualities can be rated a solid five.

Laminate flooring in the kitchen - photo

Expert opinion

Afanasyev E.V.

Chief editor of the pol-exp.com project Engineer.

Laminate is a layered material that is made from wood-fiber boards that have an outer decorative and protective layer. In this case, the layer that gives the appearance of the lamellas is usually paper with a pattern applied to it, covered with a protective layer of acrylic or melamine.

Laminate structure

On a note! Laminate can perfectly imitate not only wood, but also tiles, marble, and have a single color. Sometimes it is extremely difficult to distinguish a “fake” from the original by eye.

Laminate marking

Advantages of laminate allowing it to be used in the kitchen:

• weak reaction to various chemicals;
• excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
• ease of care;
• Easy to clean - just wipe the coating with a damp cloth;
• the material does not seem cold when walking barefoot and retains heat for a long time;
• high levels of noise insulation;
• plasticity and elasticity.

Light laminate in the kitchen interior

Disadvantages of laminate that limit its use in the kitchen:

• tendency to mechanical damage caused by sharp objects - dents and scratches may remain on the coating, which can lead to moisture getting inside the material;
• laminate is afraid of water and if it gets under the protective layer (at the joints or in places where the lamellas are damaged) it swells, bulges, and loses its appearance. To avoid this, it is necessary to carry out the installation correctly, and also protect the end parts of the lamellas from moisture - this is the weakest point of the coating;
• in the event of a flood, the floors will be hopelessly damaged.

Scratch on laminate

Advice! To reduce the risk of rapid wear of the material, you need to make your choice responsibly and purchase high-quality, high-quality coating. Also, many aspects will depend on the quality of installation.

Variety of laminate types

You will find detailed step-by-step instructions for laying laminate flooring in the article . ” We talk about the nuances, choosing a substrate and its types, the installation process and how to cut holes.

Ceramic coating

When deciding what to cover the floor with, many people prefer to choose floor tiles in the hallway.

There are two main varieties of this material. The actual floor ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. Despite the fact that in both cases the raw materials are clay, feldspar and quartz, the production technology is different.

Firstly, porcelain stoneware is fired under pressure, and secondly, at a higher temperature.

The result of this process is the following differences:

1. Porcelain tile is a less porous and denser material than tile. Thus, water absorption is reduced to a minimum.
2. The hardness of porcelain stoneware is 7 on the Mohs scale, while for tiles this figure is no higher than 6. Accordingly, porcelain stoneware is stronger.

Let's add to this that both coatings are not afraid of temperature changes over a very wide range. Both tiles and porcelain tiles are resistant to solvents and other aggressive liquids. The surface of these materials is perfectly washed from any stains, including grease and paint.

However, there are also significant disadvantages:

• if dishes and kitchen utensils fall onto such a floor, either the items themselves or the coating may be damaged;
• Ceramics have a fairly high thermal conductivity, and the floor feels cold;
• You need to know how to lay tiles.

Tiles in the kitchen - advantages and disadvantages

Ceramic tiles are a coating that is considered, perhaps, the standard for finishing a kitchen or bathroom, that is, places where there is a high level of humidity. But still, it occurs much more often in the bathroom.

Ceramic floor tiles

Advantages of ceramic floor tiles in the kitchen:

• high wear resistance - tiles can easily serve for decades if installed correctly;
• excellent resistance to moisture;

Ceramic tile

On a note! If the floor is completely covered with tiles, and the seams between the individual elements are sealed properly, then the tiles will not allow water to seep into the neighbors below in the event of a flood.

Cersanit Dublin. Floor tile

• resistance to mechanical damage as a result of falling knives;
• a lot of color variations;
• environmentally friendly material that does not harm human health;
• resistance to chemicals, inertness;
• the material does not burn and does not conduct electricity;
• Finally, the tiles are easy to care for - just wipe it off.

Floor tiles Imola Forest

Disadvantages of ceramic floor tiles in the kitchen:

• If installed incorrectly, it may peel off or break;
• may break if something heavy is dropped (provided that voids have formed under the tiles during installation. To avoid this, the adhesive is applied in one continuous layer, and not in “slaps”);
• depending on the texture, it can be very slippery;
• more difficult to install compared to laminate;
• due to temperature fluctuations and poor glue, it may peel off from the screed;
• dishes that fall on the floor break, because the tiles are very hard;
• The tiled floor is cold and has low sound insulation.

Ceramic tiles for kitchen finishing

It is almost impossible to cope with the shortcomings of a tiled coating. Unless you can warm it up using a heated floor system. Ceramic tiles are difficult to transport and install, and are also quite expensive.

When purchasing tiles, it is recommended to take them with some reserve, since the shade of the same tile may differ in different batches. Find a calculator for calculating the number of tiles to decorate a room in a special article.

Main technical characteristics of tiles

Both coatings have universal qualities:

• environmentally friendly raw materials are used for manufacturing;
• create comfort in the home;
• wide range of different price categories.

Construction tiles are a product made from baked clay. The shape of the finished material may vary. More often they produce square or rectangular products. But you can buy tiles with curved lines on the sides, with complex geometric mosaics.

Typically, one of the following compositions is used for its manufacture:

1. Base: clay or substances containing it. The material is elastic, moist, and easy to mold.
2. Quartz is used to create the core (skeleton) of the product. This provides high strength.
3. The composition contains natural minerals (silicates), which give the tile density and, when fired, a glassy structure.

Production of ceramic floor tiles
The product is produced in several stages. Clay is brought from the area where it is deposited. In the workshops, kneading is carried out: all components are thoroughly mixed until smooth. To give the material the desired shape, use one of the following methods:

1. Pressing. The finished product has standard sizes and shapes.
2. Extrusion. This method allows you to make tiles with decorative uneven edges and a concave or convex surface.

To remove excess moisture, the products are dried with streams of hot air. A workpiece processed in this way will not crack or deform. The first firing is carried out.

At the next stage, a decorative coating (pattern) is applied. The second firing fixes the paints and gives the product the desired characteristics and properties. The temperature in the oven is 1000°C-1200°C. The naturally cooled product is stored and transported to the warehouse.

What to choose for the kitchen - tiles or laminate? We take a scientific approach

Each floor covering has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we found out by carefully studying the information and text about them above. A summary table will help you in your choice, which demonstrates all the qualities that a floor covering should have, as well as the extent to which the materials are endowed with them.

Variety of vinyl floor tiles

Table. Comparison of PVC tiles, tiles and laminate.

PVC tiles with click lock

Recommendations for choosing coatings for an apartment

The choice is obvious. In regions with warm climates, ceramic tiles are chosen. This floor will add natural coolness on hot days. Wood lovers prefer the classic colors of laminated panels: rustic oak, clear oak, dark walnut or wild cherry.

Porcelain tiles in the bathroom are suitable if the floor is not very level. Although vinyl floor tiles in an apartment look good, class 32 laminated boards are chosen for an apartment with low traffic and a minimal budget.

Conclusions: preferences and trade-offs

On most points, ceramic tiles have become the undisputed leader, but the main disadvantages are so significant that they force many to abandon them and give preference to laminate or PVC tiles. At the same time, laminate, even of the highest class, will swell when the apartment is flooded. The likelihood of this happening is low, but the risk still exists.

Even a non-professional consumer can easily distinguish moisture-resistant laminate. It contains a specific green HDF board that is noticeable when the material is cut. It is this layer that is absolutely resistant to moisture and dampness, prevents the growth of fungus and bacteria due to antibacterial impregnation

The problem with tiles is the lack of comfort in the room where they are located. With laminate or PVC tiles, the kitchen will look much more attractive. But the tiles are not afraid of water. In general, you should still focus on personal preferences and budget. Laminate, of course, will cost less than ceramics.

Tiles and laminate in the kitchen

Advice! If you want to cover the kitchen floors with both laminate and tiles, then you can combine them. This combination looks very harmonious. For example, you can cover the floors near the work areas with tiles, and lay laminate where the dining table is. By the way, both types of flooring require proper installation and careful leveling of the subfloor.

How to connect laminate and tiles. Aluminum molding

Joint between tiles and laminate

Video - Which is better, laminate or tile?

Performance Comparison

To form a final decision on what material to lay tiles or laminate in the kitchen, living room or bedroom, you need to compare both options according to the main criteria and choose which is more profitable in a particular case:

Which is more environmentally friendly?

At standard temperature conditions, both materials are almost completely safe, but when the temperature in the room increases from +28 degrees, the process of evaporation of volatile substances begins in the tile. Laminate does not have this problem.

Therefore, when choosing a coating, you need to take this point into account, and use mainly laminate for your sleeping area, office, bedroom or living room. Tiles or laminate flooring in the hallway can be laid without danger.

Installation of PVC tiles

PVC tiles are a cross between ceramics and laminate in terms of performance characteristics. That is why it is worth getting acquainted with the installation of this flooring.

Step 1 . All subfloors are first cleared of debris.

Step 2. Some planks will have to be cut, because the covering needs to be laid so that the joints of the two planks are offset. The tiles are cut as follows: first, the required distance is measured on one strip, equal to the length from the end of the last whole tile in the row to the wall. Markings are made, an incision is made with a stationery knife. The tile is bent along the cut line, broken and cut to the end.

The required distance is measured

PVC tiles are being cut

The tile is bent along the cut line

The product is cut through to the end

Step 3. The floor area is divided into 4 parts. Two lines are drawn perpendicular to each other through the center of the room.

Floor marking

Step 4. Next, the tiles are calibrated - laid out on the surface of the subfloor as they will be glued. You need to start from the identified center in the direction of the wall farthest from the door. You can also lay tiles starting from the far wall in rows.

Laying PVC tiles without glue

Advice! To avoid further confusion when laying tiles, it is recommended to lay out the floors according to the diagram (for beginners).

Step 5. Before you start laying tiles, close the window in the kitchen - there should be no drafts. Special adhesive for vinyl tiles is thoroughly mixed to a uniform consistency. To apply and level the glue, purchase a special notched trowel.

You will need a notched spatula for this work.

Step 6. Since the drying time of the glue is short (about 20 minutes), the glue is applied in small portions in an even thin layer and leveled.

Applying glue in small portions

The glue layer is leveled

Step 7. Next, the tile is laid strictly in one direction according to the arrows on its reverse side. It is not glued all at once, but starting from one edge. The tile is slammed down and then processed with a roller to compact it. This will remove excess air from under the tiles.

Arrow on the back of the tile

Gluing PVC tiles

Processing tiles with a roller

Step 8. Next, glue is applied again, and the next tile is laid joint to joint. The edges of the planks must be clearly aligned with each other.

The next tile is laid close to the previous one

Attention! There should be a gap of about 5-7 mm wide along the wall. It will subsequently be covered with a plinth.

In this way, vinyl tiles are laid over the entire surface. Excess adhesive from the surface can be removed with a damp cloth.

Requirements for materials for kitchen finishing

To be called a worthy floor covering for the kitchen, the material must have a considerable list of properties. Among them:

• moisture resistance,
• impact resistance,
• low hygroscopicity,
• hygiene,
• wear resistance,
• resistance to temperature changes,
• high coefficient of friction,
• ease of care.

Additionally, you need to take into account the abrasion resistance of the coating, since the kitchen is one of the most visited rooms in the house. If there is no opportunity or desire to lay the base, you should pay attention to those coatings that can be used on an existing flooring. With the help of the right type of material, color and pattern, you can adjust the design of the kitchen: zone the room, visually expand or narrow the space.