In modern interiors, you can increasingly find flooring consisting of different materials. Such a move allows you to add uniqueness and beauty to the space, and in some cases, divide the room into two functional zones. For example, when zoning a kitchen, they use ceramics, which will highlight the work area, and linoleum, which emphasizes the dining area. Thus, you can divide any space, the main thing is that it looks appropriate and harmonious.
Varieties of materials
To combine space with two opposite materials, you need to use special sills. They can be plastic, aluminum, wood plywood or cork expansion joints. They are produced in huge quantities, different in appearance, shape and color, which allows each buyer to choose the ideal option for creating a joint.
If the floor covering is a semicircular, wavy or other shape, then a metal profile is well suited.
It can be used to combine different forms of flooring materials, including multi-level floors.
The cork base is capable of changing its thickness, narrowing and expanding. When installing the expansion joint, it is necessary to stick it firmly inward so that it cannot be noticed. It is possible to join ceramics and linoleum without additional fasteners. In this case, only sealant can be used.
Advantages and disadvantages of combined coatings
Combined floor coverings can often be found in modern apartments. This design method makes it possible to rationally use the unique qualities of each material, since the load on the surface can be very different. It is often found in the kitchen-living room, and sometimes in the hallway.
The load can be carried out not only by the furniture, but also by contact with water, dirt or chemicals. For such areas, it is ideal to use tiles that will add strength and resistance to mechanical stress on the surface.
The main advantage of linoleum is its ability to give off heat, which is important for the dining area.
In addition, it does not have as many threats as there are in the working part of the kitchen.
Another plus of combined coatings is cost savings. Linoleum and tiles have a low cost, unlike laminate and natural wood.
These two materials are easy to work with, therefore, you can cope with the task of combining yourself. The colors of the coatings are so varied that you can easily find the right tones.
Installation rules
Any work requires special preparation, and therefore, starting the connection of tiles and linoleum, you must adhere to some rules. Without basic knowledge in the construction field and without the skills of working with tools, it will not be possible to create the perfect floor.
When choosing floor coverings, it is important to consider their color scheme. They can be of the same shade, or they can be in contrast to each other. It all depends on the general style of the interior and the purpose of the materials.
If the floor is planned to be multi-level, it is necessary to ensure a smooth transition. It should look as natural as possible and not be conspicuous.
The height should be such as not to cause discomfort when moving around the room.
When installing floor coverings, you should carefully monitor the quality of the fastening. It must be strong enough and level enough so that water and debris do not get into the cracks. Well-done work guarantees the floor heat and sound insulation and water resistance.
When buying connecting elements, it is important to pay close attention to their quality. If a nut is chosen, then you need to make sure that the fasteners are not visible, and that its dimensions are equal to the specific requirements. The best option is considered to be a T-shaped threshold, which reliably unites linoleum and tiles and fixes them firmly to the surface.
Docking methods
The joining of linoleum and tiles can be carried out in several ways, which are distinguished by the complexity of installation.
By means of a nut and profile
An aluminum threshold will help to connect the two materials. To do this, you only need to attach the pre-drilled connector and drill it to the floor. But if the base consists of concrete, then you need to measure the attachment points, make holes, and then strengthen the plate with a dowel.
You can purchase a nut that will consist of two strips. One of them should be fixed to the floor surface, and the other on top of the covering. In this case, only the lower bar is mounted, while the upper one is fixed using a special tool. This method is called hidden because it allows you to hide the slice.
Ceramic tiles are thicker than linoleum in thickness, so they must be equalized during installation.
To do this, you can fill the floor with a solution to raise the rough base. But for this, it is imperative to carefully measure the distance in the place where the linoleum will be located, and fill the solution strictly to a certain level.
There is the simplest method of leveling the level - a backing in the form of a sheet of plywood. To install it, it is necessary to provide a place for fixing the profile in advance.
To simplify the installation of the nut, you need to make a recess in the sheet, into which one end of the profile will subsequently be inserted, and the other will be fixed under the ceramics. This method is preferred by a beginner.
The profiles can be fixed to the floor by means of point fixing. That is, not over the entire surface, but at a short distance (30-35 cm). If there are irregularities on it, then it is necessary to fix the profile on the floor at a distance of 20 cm.
Adhesive bonding
Some people find it easiest to seal two different flooring materials with a sealant. However, it is not. To join the linoleum with the tile, you will have to lay the coating so that the linoleum slightly covers the tile. Once both coatings are glued, you need to make a cardboard template that will follow the shape of the joint. This template must be put on linoleum, circle with a pencil and carefully remove the excess.
In the same way, the linoleum cut line is applied to the tile, after which it is cut evenly.
To facilitate the work, the sealant is applied a little short of the edges, and after the final trimming it is glued. This is especially important if work is being carried out in the corridor under the door.
Regardless of the installation method, the joints still need to be glued. When they are completely ready, you need to apply an adhesive between them and wait until they dry. It is important to do everything carefully so that the glue is not visible on the tiles. At the end of the work, all seams are grinded with grout and the surface is cleaned.
If a combined option is chosen when decorating the floor in a room, then it is important that both materials are in harmony with each other and with the surrounding environment. This will create a unique and cozy interior.
You will learn more about how to make a tile and linoleum joint in the following video.