Which linoleum is better for an apartment? Which linoleum is better for an apartment. Which linoleum company should I choose for my apartment?

Comfortable for feet, easy to install, durable, yet affordable and accessible to everyone - these are the properties of linoleum, which has been used for more than a century as a floor covering. There are many types of material on the market, a wide variety of external design options. Let's figure out which linoleum to choose for your home? When purchasing flooring, you should take into account the characteristics of the room and the technical characteristics of the material.

A consumer who wants to purchase linoleum for their home often gets confused when they see a wide range of products. To buy the right material, you need to consider the following:

• what room in the house requires coverage (kitchen, hallway, children's room, living room, bathroom);
• the maximum load recommended for a certain type of material, room parameters (how many people live in the apartment, what is the room’s traffic);
• desired qualities of the future floor (level of heat and sound insulation, degree of moisture resistance);
• the ability of the flooring to harmonize with the interior of the home.

Natural

The material has the following advantages:

• environmentally friendly, made from natural substances (linseed oil, flax and jute fiber, limestone, wood flour, natural resin);
• has high strength, wear resistance, bactericidal properties;
• easy to maintain, the flooring can be easily tidied up using ordinary detergents;
• does not electrify, is resistant to sun exposure and fire.

Armstrong brand natural type

The disadvantages of environmentally friendly linoleum for the home include:

• high price;
• exposure to moisture;
• reduced elasticity, making styling difficult in a cold room;
• a specific smell of freshly laid material, which disappears after several months.

Polyvinyl chloride

PVC linoleum for home is equipped with a fabric or non-woven thermal insulation base and has one or several layers. The benefits of the coating include:

• reduced thermal conductivity;
• dielectric property;
• environmental cleanliness;
• rot resistance;
• variety of options exterior finishing in the house;
• ease of installation.

Polyvinyl chloride type

The material has the following disadvantages:

• afraid of high temperature;
• unstable to chemical solvents, fats, alkalis;
• loses elasticity in the cold, which leads to cracks.

Alkyd

Another name for the coating is glypthal. The material has a fabric bottom layer, on top of which resins are applied using a special technology. Flooring has the following advantages:

• absorbs sound well;
• retains heat well;
• has high wear resistance;
• ease of care.

Alkyd look

To the disadvantages alkyd material relate:

• decreased elasticity when exposed to cold;
• need for professional styling;
• low fire resistance of linoleum, limiting its use in a wooden house.

Rubber linoleum (Relin)

The coating has a two-layer structure. The lining is made of rubber with the addition of bitumen. The top layer is obtained by combining rubber, filler, and coloring pigment. The undoubted advantages of flooring:

• excellent elasticity, high resistance to moisture;
• anti-slip property;
• long service life.

Rubber type

The disadvantages of rubber sheeting are:

• high toxicity;
• impossibility of use in residential premises.

Nitrocellulose (colloxylin)

The material belongs to the category of baseless. The basic component used in the production of the coating is nitrocellulose. Colloxylin linoleum has the following advantages:

• resistance to water;
• excellent elasticity;
• low flammability;
• brilliant appearance.

Nitrocellulose type

When choosing linoleum for a bathroom in a wooden house, it is important to consider the disadvantages of the coating:

• possibility of shrinkage after installation of the floor;
• instability to sudden temperature changes.

The best linoleum for the home

The abundance of information on types of floor finishing makes it difficult to select materials. What is better - laminate or linoleum in the house? Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. It is difficult to say definitively which coating is better. It all depends on the type of laminate or linoleum, type of room, operating conditions of the floor, features of the exterior decoration, personal preferences of the consumer and other factors.

Choosing linoleum suitable for arranging heated floors in a particular room is also not an easy task. The canvas can be a combination of several different layers. Which linoleum is best for the home? Western manufacturers have developed special standardization based on the purpose of the floor covering and the strength characteristics of the flooring.

Domestic

Home covering is intended for installation of heated floors in residential premises. The flooring is affordable and has a short service life. The name suggests that this particular material is suitable for apartments and houses. The use of cheap household coating is justified when carrying out renovations in rented housing or if the property is planned to be sold or the owners like to frequently change the exterior finish.

We sorted everything out: characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Inexpensive household type

Semi-commercial

This coating combines the characteristics of household and commercial materials. Semi-commercial linoleum is recommended for use in a frame residential building with a large load on the floor, for example, if a large family lives in the apartment. Another option is to use it in an office where there is not much traffic.

The coating is more durable than household materials, costs less than commercial flooring, but costs more than home linoleum.

Semi-commercial type in a residential building

Commercial

The material is laid in rooms where the load on the floor is especially high. The flooring is designed for active movement of equipment and people. A special reinforcing layer increases the service life of the decking, which is up to 25 years. The canvas gives minimal shrinkage after installation.
The cost of commercial canvas is high. In addition, increased strength is not always required for an ordinary residential building. The use of commercial coating in an apartment does not make sense.

Commercial type structure

Protective layer thickness

Linoleum in most cases is equipped protective film made from pure PVC. The thickness of the top layer varies, depending on the purpose of the coating and the degree of load on the floor. The gradation offered by manufacturers looks like this:

• film thickness 0.15 mm suitable for floors in the living room, bedroom;
• a layer of 0.2 mm is optimal for a children's room;
• 0.25 mm film is intended for the kitchen, hallway, corridor;
• a layer of 0.3 mm is recommended for offices with light traffic;
• film with a thickness of 0.5 mm is designed for high and very high traffic.

Linoleum marking

When purchasing a covering for your home, you should pay attention to the technical characteristics of the canvas. The manufacturer leaves the logo and the necessary information on back side material:

Graphic marking

• Linoleum class. The first digit indicates the type of premises (2 - residential, 3 - public, 4 - industrial), the second indicates permissible load(1 - moderate, light, 2 - medium, 3 - intense);
• Batch number. If you need to purchase a large amount of material, it is desirable that it be from the same batch. This will avoid discrepancies in external design;
• Date of manufacture. The canvas can be stored for no more than 12 months after production, then it begins to lose its characteristics.
• Additional pictograms. The applied drawings indicate additional properties of the coating.

Advantages of linoleum in the home

The coating has gained wide popularity thanks to:

• Ease of transportation. The elastic fabric is easily rolled into rolls, which simplifies the delivery process;
• Ease of installation. Self-sufficiency in the house is simple and does not require highly specialized skills or a perfectly level base;
• Easy to care for. The coating is not afraid of water. The flooring is easy to clean with ordinary detergents;

Coating in the interior

• Strength, wear resistance;
• Non-slip top. This property makes the material convenient for use at home;
• Wide variety of exterior design options. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of colors and patterns, making it easier to choose linoleum for your home.

Flaws

When purchasing this or that coating, it is important to consider the disadvantages of linoleum in a frame house:

• The presence of seams formed after installation. In a small room it is possible to lay a single piece of fabric. A spacious room cannot do without joints. Over time, the seams begin to separate, peel off from the floor, and curl up. This situation requires minor repairs. When choosing material for your home, it is better to give preference to a wider canvas. This will minimize the number of joints;
• The appearance of air voids as a result of non-compliance with installation rules;

Air voids during installation

• Loss of elasticity. Improper care, long-term use leads to deterioration in elongation. The coating becomes hard and hard, which leads to cracks and deformation;
• Susceptibility to mechanical damage. The flooring is afraid of physical impact. The flooring can be accidentally burned, damaged by a falling knife, or scratched by a metal heel. Picking up suitable covering, you need to give preference to durable options that are not afraid of high humidity and sudden temperature changes.

Having prepared heated floors in a wooden house for linoleum, you need to wisely choose the appropriate finish. Accounting technical characteristics material, room features allows you to choose the best option and arrange a beautiful and comfortable floor. Proper care behind the flooring, careful operation increases the service life of the coating.

The topic of renovation in modern times is more popular than ever. It is no wonder that the size of construction in modern times has exceeded all possible expectations and records. People who are starting renovations in their home often wonder: which linoleum is better to choose - natural, or linoleum for laminate (We recommend reading -). Laminated panels are significantly superior in quality.

At the same time, the polymer coating looks quite impressive. If you do not want to overpay, then inexpensive linoleum, with colors made to match the laminate, is perfect for you. Thanks to the favorable price-quality ratio, linoleum has won a record number of sales among domestic buyers.

Nowadays there is a huge variety of floor coverings. Today, everyone can find material according to their taste and cost. Due to the fact that during the production process they use modern technologies, the demand for this material has increased. Range building materials is expanding every year, and therefore, the buyer often wonders which linoleum is best suited.

Thanks to the wide range, the necessary products in hardware store It's not easy to choose. Before choosing a material, you need to decide in which room the linoleum will be located. Experts recommend taking into account the characteristics of the room, including the maximum traffic in each residential area.

So, you need to decide on the purpose of the room, check the conditions in which the linoleum will be located. Take care to choose wisely desired type from the many offers in the store. To choose a high-quality product suitable for your premises, you need to ensure that the material contains only natural components that are not harmful to human health. Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to carefully choose linoleum for your room.

Natural linoleum

In the composition of linoleum you can find cork and wood flour, lime powder, and natural dyes. The use of such coatings can be used both in children's rooms and in rooms for allergy sufferers.

The advantages of this material include the high bactericidal properties of the material, it does not fade or fade in the sun, and a variety of colors allows you to choose the material that best suits your interior. At the same time, the disadvantages of this material include poor resistance to moisture. Cracks may form on the surface. In addition, the cost of such material is considered high.

The advantages of this type of linoleum include high resistance to moisture, it is easy to install, and there is a huge variety of colors. The disadvantages of the material include instability to alkalis and solvents. This material, when exposed to low temperatures, reduces elasticity, which, in turn, can lead to cracking.

There are two types of PVC - household with a thickness of 1-4 mm and commercial. Household ones can have a polyester or foam base. Life time similar product, on average is 5 years. Commercial linoleum differs from other types in that it has a high degree of resistance to mechanical stress. Thanks to its durable protective layer, this material has gained wide popularity in offices and some work areas. Commercial linoleum will serve its owner from 1 to 25 years.

Semi-commercial linoleum

Semi-commercial linoleum, according to external characteristics, resembles a household one. It has a dense protective layer. This material has gained wide popularity among owners. office premises with low traffic.

The next type of floor covering is bactericidal. This type contains antifungal and antibacterial additives. The next type is called anti-slip, due to the addition of quartz chips. This coating has a relief structure. Glyphthalic linoleum, unlike the above types, has increased sound insulation properties.

At the same time, this type of material is quite fragile and must be laid with the utmost care. Colloxyline linoleum is produced using treated wood, fillers and plasticizers. Thanks to these special additives, it becomes possible to maintain flexibility and moisture resistance. This could not but affect the risk of material shrinkage. There is also a high negative reaction to temperature changes.

A special type of linoleum is the type called Relin. This is a two-layer flooring material, the top layer of which is made of natural rubber. This gives the material high strength and quality. The bottom layer contains rubber, which has increased hardness and strength. The disadvantages of this material include high thermal conductivity, as well as instability to solvents. While the advantages include firmness and elasticity.

In order to avoid mistakes in the process of choosing linoleum for a specific room, you need to become more familiar with the types of product labeling.

The main values ​​are:

1. Designed for use in rooms with low traffic;
2. Linoleum used in residential premises;
3. For use in office premises;
4. For use in industrial premises.

It is known that the living room has relatively little traffic, for this reason you can choose inexpensive material with low strength indicators - it will cost slightly less. People try to purchase linoleum for a children's room, which has certain environmental and safety characteristics. When purchasing it for a child's room, you need to make sure that your child is in a safe place.

In the bedroom, linoleum with a thickness of 1.2 mm can be placed as a suitable option. In the corridor, it would be nice to lay a durable type of linoleum with an elastic base, since this area has high traffic.

Currently there is such a thing on the market a large number of different floor coverings, so that everyone can find what suits them best. For some people the choice suitable material It may turn out to be an interesting activity, but for others, such a process turns into something difficult and unthinkable, due to the fact that each material has a number of its own characteristics, both in appearance and in quality characteristics. This article will be about what kind of linoleum would be better suited for various rooms of a living space.

Pros and cons of PVC flooring

Perhaps there is no other floor covering than linoleum, about which there would not be so many myths and different opinions. This should not be surprising, because it is linoleum that has a leading position among other floor coverings in Russia.

Compared to other floor coverings, the best linoleum has the following advantages:

• a bunch of design solutions: by shades, colors, patterns imitating wood, stone, and even laminate (read also: " ");
• a variety of types of material in terms of wear resistance, which affects its placement in a particular room;
• cleaning it requires a minimum of time;
• it is easy to install even without the help of specialists;
• affordable price (about 180-450 rubles per 1 m2);
• small unevenness of the base is easily hidden under it;
• not afraid of exposure to water;
• the coating is so versatile that it can be installed in many types of premises.

However, PVC-based linoleum also has a number of disadvantages:

• the presence of an unpleasant odor for some time after installation;
• easily damaged due to direct mechanical impact;
• has an artificial base;
• is quite slippery;
• cheap varieties look bad in appearance.

However, the advantages of linoleum outweigh the disadvantages in a ratio that exceeds that of other floor coverings. The newest one, the most good linoleum, has virtually no disadvantages.

Existing on this moment sanitary and fire regulations guarantee the presence on the market of materials free of unpleasant odors, while they are maximally environmentally friendly. The latest technologies have made it possible to develop linoleum even with an antibacterial coating. In addition, the latest models are equipped with a reinforced polyethylene layer and embossing, which makes linoleum as similar as possible to natural materials.

Choosing the best linoleum

In order for the choice of linoleum for your home to be the most successful, you first need to decide in which room it will be used. As a rule, this criterion is decisive. Let's figure out which type of linoleum is best to choose for the floor in this or that case.

The types of premises are as follows:

• household;
• office;
• production

In this case, the linoleum marking may contain a number or pictogram: house (2); building (3) or factory (4).

The force of impact on linoleum can be low, medium, high and very high. This is reflected on the linoleum with a pictogram in the form of men - from 1 to 4.

All factors together - the type of room and the load on the coating, form linoleum wear resistance classes, which are:

• 21-24 – for home;
• 31-34 – for the office;
• 41-44 – for industrial premises.

Linoleum, parquet, laminate, carpet and tile are divided into the same classes, even despite completely different characteristics.

It is worth talking in detail about the two types of premises, office and residential.

To choose linoleum for your home - which one is best suited in a particular case, it is worth highlighting 3 types of premises:

1. A bedroom, office or wardrobe has a low load - class 21 is suitable.
2. In the living room and children's room there is an average load on the coating - class 22.
3. In the corridor, hallway and children's room with several children there is a high load - grade 23.

Offices can also be divided into three types:

1. Offices without visitors and hotel rooms - low load - 31 class.
2. Meeting rooms in business institutions, premises for banquets, reception areas - average load - 32 class.
3. Schools, institutes, offices with high attendance, shopping centers, corridors of hotels and hospitals - high load - 33, 34 classes.

That is, knowing what type of room a particular room belongs to, you can choose a fairly durable linoleum. The only thing you need to take into account is that the higher the strength class of the material, the more expensive it is. Therefore, you should approach the choice of material based on expediency, thinking about whether it is worth overpaying for a material with inflated strength indicators, or, conversely, whether it is worth saving.

In addition to wear resistance, you need to pay attention to other characteristics.

Some types of linoleum have the following advantages:

• the presence of an auxiliary protective layer of varnish makes cleaning much easier;
• antibacterial layer – prevents bacteria from developing on the floor surface;
• double base – gives the coating additional strength and softness, the floor absorbs noise better and retains heat better;
• natural relief – Newest technologies allow you to create a texture as close as possible to natural material - such a coating has a higher cost.

Selecting a base

Which linoleum base is best suited for your room will be most influenced by: the appearance of the coating, your personal preferences, strength, softness, safety.

The linoleum base can be of several types:

• jute;
• felt;
• polyester;
• made of polyvinyl chloride;
• combined.

The disadvantages of a base made of jute and felt include the impossibility of using such material in a humid environment; in addition, various microorganisms can grow on it. This is because these materials are natural. The overwhelming number of currently existing varieties of linoleum have a synthetic base made of PVC or polyester.

But the best choice is still materials based on a combined base of PVC and polyester. This linoleum has improved characteristics acquired from these materials.

Among them are:

• sound and heat insulation;
• increased strength;
• consistency of size;
• complete resistance to moisture;
• prevents mold and mildew from occurring.

Glue selection

Since the technology for laying linoleum involves gluing it to the floor to extend its service life, it is desirable that the glue be of sufficient quality and correctly selected.

To glue linoleum to the base, you need to purchase dispersion glue. Reaction glue called " cold welding", will be required for gluing the joints. It temporarily softens the linoleum, thanks to which the joints are joined into one whole. You can also resort to hot gluing, but in this case you will need to get a hair dryer.

Deciding on the color

Once you have decided on what basis linoleum will best perform its functions, you can move on to choosing color range. It is natural that universal solution in this case it simply cannot be, there are only tips on combining color shades.

Keep in mind that the same color may look different in rooms with different sizes, as well as with other lighting.

A number of combinations that are suitable in one case or another:

• shades of yellow and green are best for relieving fatigue;
• Shades of beige and soft yellow will bring warmth and comfort into the room;
• to add freshness to the bathroom, you can choose a turquoise shade (read also: " ");
• in meeting rooms, as well as in bedrooms, the best colors are blue and light blue, which are very relaxing and can cause a sleepy state;
• red, yellow and bright orange colors will tone the body, invigorate, give a positive mood and warmth;
• to create a working environment, you can choose gray linoleum;
• designers can pay attention to the white color; it goes with all shades.

Myths about linoleum

Linoleum cracks and dries out

Indeed, cracks often appeared on the old linoleum of Soviet times, and it also dried out over time. This happens because the manufacturer incorrectly selects the materials to form the base. Currently well-known companies, such as Tarkett, IVC, Sinteros, produce products exclusively from high-quality materials.

It is worth noting that if linoleum is brought into a room from the street, where the temperature was below 15 o C, it needs time to reach the room temperature, usually 24-48 hours, otherwise it will crack, regardless of the quality of the material.

Over time, on light linoleum, the surface wears away from traces

Naturally, the coating may lose its brightness over time. However, as a rule, this is influenced not by the quality of the material, but by the technology of laying linoleum and its operation.

Firstly, this happens if linoleum is laid on a painted wooden floor, or if it is exposed with chemical mixtures, for example, bitumen or drying oil. After some time, these substances are able to penetrate through linoleum.

Secondly, if the installation of linoleum was carried out in a room with an aggressive environment.

In such cases, it is better to pay attention to hard linoleum and not buy light shades. In addition, try to lay linoleum on a perfectly flat base, this will extend the life of the linoleum.

Bottom line

When choosing linoleum, remember that you need to pay attention not only to the class of the product, but also take into account the base on which it will be laid. Even if you buy the most expensive type of linoleum, you cannot be sure that it will last long if the basic technology of its installation is not followed. And do not forget that the base must be carefully prepared for laying linoleum.

Linoleum is a publicly available, democratic material that has been used to cover floors for the second century. Despite the variety of existing floor coverings, linoleum is still quite popular in our country today. This is natural, because it is interesting in design, easy to install and relatively cheap. This flooring differs from others in its softness and springiness, and at the same time it is durable - it does not crack, like, for example, a wooden or ceramic coating. Today consumers have a huge choice available various types this floor covering, and, as you know, a competent choice of linoleum is the key to the durability of this material. How to choose linoleum and what to look for when buying it, so as not to worry about wasted money later? We will try to figure this out in this article.

The color and texture of linoleum is an important selection criterion

Criteria for choosing linoleum

When purchasing linoleum for your home, you need to focus on the following selection criteria:
1. Is the coating suitable for its purpose (for a nursery, hallway, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom).
2. Will it withstand the load on the floor, taking into account the number of residents and the degree of traffic of the place.
3. Does the selected coating meet the requirements (antistatic, thermal insulation, moisture resistance, noise absorption, antibacterial properties).
4. Does it fit into the design of the apartment (it can be monochromatic, with an abstract pattern, or imitating various textures - fabric, wood, tiles, stone, etc.).

In terms of color and texture, the traditional solution for these premises is linoleum under ceramic tiles.

Living room

Traffic in the living room is moderate. Therefore, linoleum with a thickness of 1.5 mm would be optimal.

Household linoleum in the living room

Bedroom

For a bedroom, as a room with low traffic, you can choose thinner linoleum - from 1.2 to 1.5 mm thick.

Good for bedroom household linoleum polyester based

The best option– polyester household linoleum or linoleum on a foamed polyvinyl chloride base.

Children's room

A children's room is considered a room with an average level of traffic, but with a high probability of mechanical damage.

PVC linoleum on a foam basis in a children's room

Therefore, in a children’s room you can lay household linoleum on a polyvinyl chloride foam base, or even better - semi-commercial linoleum with a protective top layer not less than 0.25 mm.

Balcony

On the balcony, in an unheated loggia, as well as in the veranda and garden gazebo any linoleum will deteriorate very quickly, since this material does not tolerate direct sunlight and temperature changes.

Choice of decor and colors

Linoleum is attractive in an endless palette of designs and colors. Manufacturers give natural linoleum bright, rich colors that do not fade over time. The decorative capabilities of synthetic linoleum are even better. It can very accurately imitate natural materials such as stone, wood, and ceramic tiles.

Dense semi-commercial linoleum imitating ceramic tiles

IN Lately types of decor that imitate expensive parquet or parquet board. Linoleum perfectly reproduces oak, beech, cherry, as well as such exotic tree species as, for example, zebrawood, bamboo, rosewood. The flooring reproduces both the pattern and texture of natural wood.
Linoleum imitating mosaic on wood and solid wood boards are in great demand.
Brave and extraordinary people will choose fancy decors and unusual colors.

Fantasy linoleum decor - for brave and extraordinary people

For those who like to experiment with interior design, manufacturers offer original geometric and abstract designs.
Linoleum imitating stone – granite or marble – looks very impressive.

Linoleum imitating stone - granite or marble - looks impressive

Sometimes there are coatings that reproduce artificially “aged” materials - wood with traces of time or worn stone.

Let's look at how to choose the right linoleum for your home.
1. First of all, let’s trust our sense of smell: the presence of a pungent odor indicates the low quality of the coating and that it contains additives that are harmful to health. High-quality natural and synthetic linoleum does not smell of anything. In addition, good linoleum should not have a greasy sheen, the pattern should be distinct and look natural, the optimal number of layers is at least five.
2. The width of the covering should, as a rule, match the size of the room. But you need to take it with a reserve - for adjusting the pattern, trimming the panel at the joints. When making calculations, it is necessary to take into account the presence of thresholds, niches for batteries, and other protrusions in the room.
3. It is recommended to buy the coating not on the market, but preferably in a heated room. It’s also more convenient to check its quality in a store.
4. It is worth checking the coating for compliance with safety standards. The material that has passed a special examination is marked accordingly, and the seller must have a hygiene certificate.
5. You need to check the quality in a rolled out form to see if there are any waves or bumps on the surface, or areas where the top film is peeling off. These indicators indicate a defect; such coverage cannot be purchased; existing unevenness will not be smoothed out in any way.
6. When buying the same linoleum in several rooms, it is better to purchase it in one piece. But at the same time, it is necessary to first calculate whether it will be possible to bring a long roll into the room and whether it will be possible to transport it through narrow openings and stairs.
7. Folding the panels in half is strictly prohibited. Do not stick tape to the front surface, as it will leave a sticky residue that is difficult to remove. Roll the linoleum with the front side inward, and if it is rolled with the front side out, the roll must be wrapped in protective film.
8. When choosing a coating, preference should be given to linoleum, which has a special protective layer. This linoleum is easy to clean and will retain its beautiful appearance for a long time.
9. If possible, samples of linoleum should be inspected in the room where it will be laid. This is convenient for more accurately selecting the appropriate tone in the interior (cold or), because doing this from memory is not so easy.
10. All purchased linoleum must be from the same batch, since different batches sometimes differ in color, even when their articles are completely the same.
All the above tips, recommendations and explanations will help you do successful purchase linoleum from any price segment.

From this article you will learn:

• What types of linoleum are there?
• How to understand the classes of linoleum
• How to choose linoleum for a specific room
• Which company's linoleum is better to choose?

The modern building materials market in Moscow offers a wide range of products for finishing floors in apartments. Anyone planning a renovation faces difficult choices. How to determine which coating is better if all manufacturers, without exception, recommend their collections, noting their exceptional quality and practicality. At the same time, the cost of such materials is not always affordable for the average buyer. If among all the selection criteria, price comes first for you, then it is better to pay attention to good old linoleum. At an affordable cost, this material has a number of advantages, which will be discussed in this article. You can learn about the various characteristics of rolled flooring and figure out which linoleum is best for an apartment.

Which linoleum is better to lay in an apartment, based on the type

Linoleum is a moisture-resistant floor covering that has the following characteristics: flexibility, polymer composition and colors that imitate the texture of natural natural materials. Manufacturers offer a wide range of such products, differing not only in color.

There is a stereotype that linoleum refers to modern artificial floor coverings. But this material appeared quite a long time ago and was originally made from natural raw materials. Its name is a combination of two words linum (linen or linen) and oleum (oil). A patent for such material was received in England by F. Walton in 1860.

Its manufacturing technology at that time was based on the production of a woven base made of flax or jute, which was treated with oxidized vegetable oil mixed with balsa wood flour. The development of industrial technologies has contributed to the constant improvement of linoleum. Various designs and patterns began to appear on its surface.

The reduction in the cost of linoleum was facilitated by the use of industrial chemical synthesis, as a result of which expensive natural components were replaced with affordable synthetic fabrics. This happened in the 60s of the last century. From that moment on, a completely new artificial covering began to be produced under the name linoleum.

Nevertheless, the emergence of demand for natural products made it possible to revive production traditions natural material, whose sales volumes are constantly growing. Today, linoleum is rightfully considered the most popular flooring option. Given the wide variety, it is necessary to understand the types of linoleum produced and their characteristics. This classification will allow you to choose the option that is best suited for your apartment.

Natural linoleum

Natural linoleum is the best option for furnishing residential premises. It consists exclusively of natural ingredients: flax oil, wood flour and resin, woven fabric made of jute or flax, limestone. To color this type of floor covering, a wide range of natural-based dyes are used.

Advantages natural linoleum:

• The strength characteristics of natural linoleum allow this material to withstand loads of up to 16 MPa.
• Flax oil provides the bactericidal properties of the coating.
• Thanks to its wear-resistant characteristics, such linoleum retains its aesthetic and performance characteristics for 30 to 50 years.
• Environmentally friendly and harmless to human health.
• The material does not absorb dirt, is easy to clean and wash with conventional means.
• Lack of ability to accumulate static electricity.
• Resistant to fading when exposed to sunlight.
• Low flammability.

The list of advantages of natural linoleum inspires respect for this coating.

But he also has his own flaws:

• High cost, which is comparable to natural wood coatings.
• It is better not to use natural linoleum in rooms with high humidity, as its base can rot.
• It is better not to use this option of natural covering for arranging floors in cold rooms, as it has low elasticity.
• The options for patterns and colors of natural linoleum are not as diverse as those artificial species this coating.
• New natural linoleum has a specific smell that will remain in the apartment for some time after the covering is laid.

To summarize, it can be noted that natural linoleum will be an excellent option for flooring in an apartment if you prefer environmentally friendly housing and are willing to spend certain expenses for this. At the same time, it is better not to use it in bathrooms, kitchens or hallways, since the natural coating is susceptible to moisture.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) linoleum

Polyvinyl chloride linoleum is the most common coating today. Its international designation is PVC. It can be produced without a base or with the following types of bases:

1. The base is made of natural (jute) or synthetic (fiberglass, etc.) fabric. This base is covered with a layer of PVC with a pattern. The total thickness of this coating is up to 5 mm.
2. Non-woven base made of synthetic raw materials or felt. A coating with such a base retains heat better, but is completely unsuitable for use in damp areas of the apartment and in places with high intensity of use of the floor surface (corridors).
3. The base made of foamed polyvinyl chloride appeared in the nineties of the last century and today is the most used for the manufacture of linoleum. Porous PVC perfectly withstands high loads and smoothes out minor unevenness in the floor. Application of foamed polyvinyl chloride can be carried out mechanically or chemically. It is better to choose a material with a mechanically applied base, as it does not wrinkle under high loads.

Some manufacturers offer linoleum that combines several types of bases described above. Such coatings are called heterogeneous. Accordingly, linoleum with one base is called homogeneous. Number of base layers and high-quality composition may vary significantly depending on the purpose of the linoleum.

Homogeneous linoleum is distinguished by the fact that its pattern extends throughout the entire depth of the coating, so abrasion of the top layer during operation does not lead to deterioration appearance. The thickness of this type of linoleum ranges from 1.5 to 3 mm. It is better to buy homogeneous linoleum for places with high traffic, but it is not advisable to use such material in an apartment, since it has a high price.

PVC linoleum has gained popularity as a material for finishing floors in apartments due to the following characteristics:

• The elasticity of the polyvinyl chloride coating greatly simplifies its installation.
• Wide choose colors and patterns allow you to better highlight the features of various interiors.
• Affordable price.
• High quality PVC linoleum the best manufacturers is a non-toxic material, which is confirmed by hygienic certificates.

Polyvinyl chloride linoleum also has its own flaws:

• It is better not to use PVC linoleum in rooms where temperature changes are possible, as this leads to shrinkage of the floor covering.
• New polyvinyl chloride linoleum has a specific smell that can last for several weeks.

Alkyd linoleum

Another name for this coating is glyphthalic linoleum. It is produced on a fabric basis with the application of modified resins (alkyd or glyphthalic) using a special technology. To improve performance and aesthetic characteristics, add to resins various fillers and pigments.

Advantages alkyd linoleum:

• It retains heat better and serves as an effective soundproofing material.
• Thanks to its high abrasion resistance, it lasts up to 50 years.
• Cleans well from various contaminants.

Flaws glypthal linoleum:

• When the temperature drops to 0°C, this coating loses its elasticity.
• Installation must be carried out by experienced craftsmen.
• Given the low fire resistance, it is better not to use alkyd linoleum for flooring in apartments.

Alkyd linoleum is used as a floor covering in public transport: railway cars, subways, airplanes, etc.

Rubber linoleum (Relin)

This type of flooring has two layers. The bottom layer is made from recycled rubber, and the top layer is made from artificial rubber with added dyes. The layers are fastened together with bitumen-based mastic.

Advantages rubber linoleum:

• Due to its high resistance to moisture, relin can be laid in the most humid areas.
• Wear resistance, strength and elasticity.
• High anti-slip characteristics.
• Long service life.

Relin is best used for arranging floors near swimming pools, in garages, in gyms, but not in residential premises. Laying such a coating in an apartment is undesirable, as it releases substances harmful to health.

Nitrocellulose (colloxylin) linoleum

Single-layer nitrocellulose flooring is called colloxylin linoleum. To improve performance characteristics, components such as gypsum, plasticizers and pigments are added to it. Due to its high flammability, today such linoleum is practically not used for finishing floors.

Which class of linoleum is best for an apartment?

The difficulty of choosing flooring for an apartment is due to the fact that most materials are heterogeneous, combining several layers with different characteristics. To simplify the task, European brands decided to create the EN685 standard, which classifies linoleums by strength and areas of application. To designate representatives of different classes, digital markings with a two-digit digital code and a special pictogram are used.

The first digital symbol of the class marking indicates where it is best to apply such coverage:

• Number 2 indicates that the coating is best used for apartments and other residential properties.
• The number 3 marks materials for flooring in offices.
• The number 4 is used to designate products intended for use in industrial environments.

The 2nd digit of the class marking demonstrates the level of load for which the coating is designed:

• 1 – low.
• 2 – average.
• 3 – high.
• 4 – very high.

Household flooring

The correct answer to the question “which linoleum is best for an apartment” is household linoleum of class 21 to 23. Its characteristics are described in the EN685 standard:

• Specific gravity: 1.25-2.25 kilograms per square meter.
• Coating thickness: from 0.15 to 3 millimeters.
• The elasticity of household linoleum should ensure the ability to be wound onto a sleeve with a cross-section of 45 mm without creases or cracks.
• Ability to absorb sound up to 18 dB.
• Water absorption up to 1.5%.
• Shrinkage does not exceed 0.2 mm per 1 meter.

Semi-commercial linoleum

Semi-commercial linoleum includes materials of classes from 31 to 34. They are used for flooring in commercial and office premises. They differ in the following characteristics:

• Specific gravity 1.6-2.5 kg/m2.
• The elasticity of semi-commercial linoleum should ensure the absence of cracks when winding the material onto a cylinder with a cross-section from 10 to 40 mm.
• The sound-absorbing properties of such a coating are in the range of 12-16 dB.
• Operational shrinkage should not exceed 0.1 mm per 1 meter of material length.
• The period of operation guaranteed by the manufacturer while maintaining the properties of the coating is from 7 to 20 years.

Commercial linoleum

Commercial linoleum belongs to classes from 41 to 43. It is used in facilities with high traffic. Abrasion resistance is ensured by the presence of a reinforced film layer up to 8 mm thick. Commercial linoleum retains its dimensions better (material shrinkage up to 1 mm/m). Manufacturers guarantee that the characteristics of this type of flooring will be maintained for a period of 10 to 25 years.

Many companies produce commercial linoleum with high-strength polyvinyl chloride film. The thickness of the protective layer is selected taking into account the specific operation of the room:

1. A protective layer with a thickness of 0.15 mm is better suited for arranging floors in living rooms and bedrooms.
2. Products with PVC film 0.20 mm – a good option for children's rooms in the apartment.
3. A layer of 0.25 mm is an excellent choice for floors in the kitchen and hallway.
4. Linoleum with a film of 0.30 mm is best used in rooms with an average level.
5. A protective film with a thickness of more than 0.50 mm will cope well with high loads.

Sellers of linoleum are required to provide the buyer with certificates confirming its compliance with current standards and hygiene requirements. As a rule, data regarding the characteristics of the material are printed on the back of the coating along with the manufacturer’s logo.

This information will help you better choose linoleum:

• Coverage class.
• Batch number (it is better to buy products from one batch).
• Date of manufacture.

In addition to this information, pictograms may be presented here that inform about the special characteristics of linoleum:

Which linoleum to choose for a specific room

In this section, we will figure out which linoleum is best to buy for various rooms in the apartment, taking into account their characteristics and traffic.

Linoleum for the kitchen

For the kitchen floor, it is better to choose linoleum with high mechanical strength and moisture resistance. The optimal material option for this room is natural marmoleum. This coating has fabric base, which is usually made from jute fiber. Marmoleum is different long term service and simple cleaning from dirt using detergents.

Of course, it is better to buy natural linoleum for an apartment, but if you are limited in finances, then you can install synthetic linoleum in the kitchen. When choosing such a coating, pay attention to its service life declared by the manufacturer, and also make sure it complies with GOST standards and hygienic requirements. Experts in the field of flooring say that it is better to use semi-commercial linoleum for the kitchen. This material is distinguished by an abrasion-resistant decorative layer and has a reliable protective covering and density to withstand mechanical loads resulting from kitchen utensils falling onto the floor.

From a design point of view, for the kitchen floor it is better to use linoleum with a pattern that imitates a natural stone, parquet board or tiles. When choosing materials for flooring in an apartment, pay attention to the antiseptic characteristics of linoleum. Natural linoleum with a flax base has these properties. If you decide to buy artificial linoleum, it is better to use materials with antiseptic properties as a substrate.

The width of the roll should be such as to minimize operations on cutting the material and reduce the number of joints (it is the joints that are the most vulnerable point of linoleum in the kitchen).

Linoleum for the corridor and hallway in the apartment

The most trafficked places in the apartment are the corridor and hallway. Therefore, when choosing linoleum for such premises, it is better to first pay attention to its abrasion resistance. Of course, if no more than 2 people live in an apartment, then you can choose coatings of class 22 or 23, rather than overpay for more expensive products. If you have a large family, then you will need material with a thickness of at least 4 mm, which has a protective layer exceeding 0.25 mm. The most reliable brands of linoleum of 31 or 32 classes are best used for finishing floors in the corridors of offices or commercial enterprises.

Before you start laying linoleum in the apartment, make sure that the floor does not have significant bulges and depressions . For high-quality styling For floors in the hallway, it is better to use a backing made of polyvinyl chloride or cork (natural backing made of jute or flax is not dense enough to withstand high mechanical loads and abrasion).

Linoleum for an office and bedroom in an apartment

To install floors in a bedroom or office in an apartment, it is better to use linoleum on a soft foam base. In these rooms there is no need to use high-density coatings, so you can take care of maximum comfort. These conditions are best met by class 21 artificial linoleum with a base of foamed polyvinyl chloride. You can also use a single-layer coating complete with a soft backing made of linen or jute fabric.

If we are talking about a children's bedroom, then experts recommend natural linoleum with higher strength. Coatings of classes 22 and 23 will better withstand the loads that arise when children play with various toys.

Linoleum for a living room in an apartment

When choosing which linoleum is best for the living room, you need to take into account possible loads on the floor surface. So, for a family consisting of more than 3 people, which has traditions of receiving guests, we can recommend semi-commercial covering of classes 31 and 32 (similar linoleum is also suitable for the corridor). In addition, if you often have guests, it is better not to buy expensive linoleum, since the service life of such material will be 7-9 years.

For the living room in a small family apartment, you can use household linoleum of class 22 or 23 with a protective layer of 0.15 to 0.20 mm.

Linoleum for a balcony in an apartment

Balconies feature frequently changing temperature conditions, therefore, for finishing the floor here it is better to use materials with minimal shrinkage and high strength. In addition, it is necessary to take into account factors such as exposure to ultraviolet rays and high humidity. As a rule, moisture-resistant, frost-resistant and anti-slip coatings are chosen for apartment balconies. It is best to choose the same linoleum as for office spaces with high loads.

Which company is better to choose linoleum for an apartment: review of manufacturers

The best linoleum for an apartment, no matter which company you choose, must meet the following criteria:

• High wear-water-chemical resistance, as well as bacteriostaticity and absence of characteristic odors.
• Service life of at least 7 years.
• Stain resistant and easy to maintain.
• Compliance with hygiene standards and safety requirements.

To answer the question of which company’s linoleum is best to choose for an apartment, we provide an overview of the brands represented on the domestic flooring market.

Tarkett

This manufacturer is known as one of the world's largest brands in the segment of natural and synthetic floor coverings. Its history goes back about 130 years, and today the concern has its representative offices in many countries around the world. The concern's products are supplied to more than 140 countries.

Product line:

1. Natural linoleum and polyvinyl chloride coatings (household, semi-commercial, commercial, special).
2. Parquet board.
3. Laminated parquet.
4. Cork coverings.
5. Accessories, Consumables and other floor finishing products.

The brand's enterprise appeared in Russia in 1995 (Otradny, Samara Region). PVC coatings are produced here. In addition, on domestic market Products manufactured by the Tarkett concern at Eastern European factories are supplied. The company produces products under 4 brands:

• Tarkett (EU, RF). The manufacturer's catalog presents about twenty collections of premium-level tiles and roll materials made from natural raw materials and PVC. This brand produces all types of linoleum with wear resistance classes ranging from 21 to 43. The main advantage of Tarkett products is the variety of patterns on the smooth and textured surface of the coating.
• Sinteros (RF). This brand produces economy-level PVC materials with wear resistance classes from 21 to 34. Consumers choose Sinteros linoleum for its practicality and affordable cost.
• Vinisin (Ukraine). The products manufactured under this brand are similar to Sinteros linoleum.
• Polystyl (RF) - belongs to the middle price category. The brand's catalog contains 6 collections of coatings of classes 23, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 41.

Advantages linoleum for Tarkett apartment:

• Floor coverings of this brand are highly durable and wear-resistant, which is ensured by the presence of a transparent layer with a protective layer (Extreme Protection, Titan, etc.).
• Thanks to the use of fiberglass reinforcement, Tarkett linoleum has increased resistance to deformation.
• The best choice design and color options compared to competitors' products.
• The Tarkett collections offer consumers a choice of linoleum with three base options: foamed polyvinyl chloride, artificial felt, and duplicated base.
• Tarkett materials are approved for use in health facilities.
• The safety of flooring from this brand is confirmed by various evidence, including documents
• Good information support.
• Simple installation and low maintenance.
• Availability of offers in different price segments.
• The service life, depending on the type of linoleum, ranges from 7 to 50 years.

Flaws:

• Tarkett products are relatively expensive;
• Linoleum, presented in the budget line, may smell unpleasant at first.

Forbo

The Forbo group of companies has a large number manufacturing enterprises, working in different directions. The largest division unites seven European factories that produce products for finishing floors and walls.

For about twenty years the company has been producing natural coatings under the Marmoleum brand. The catalog presents coatings of all classes in various forms. In our country, Forbo production facilities were launched in 2012 in the Kaluga region.

Advantages Forbo linoleum:

• This brand produces natural and environmentally friendly products.
• The manufacturer's line includes roll materials, tiles, as well as combined coatings based on HDF boards.
• Wide selection of color and design options (wood, stone, etc. linoleum).
• Resistance to abrasion and components household chemicals and deformation.
• Forbo linoleum is characterized by bacteriostatic properties and low thermal conductivity.
• Permanent mineral dyes are used to color floor coverings.
• Forbo coatings are approved for flooring in sanatoriums and institutions for children.
• Good information support allows you to more accurately determine which linoleum is best for an apartment.
• The quality and safety of materials are confirmed by a full package of EN certificates.
• Easy installation and low maintenance.
• The service life, depending on the type of linoleum, ranges from 10 to 30 years.

Flaws:

• High cost of all collections.
• Many decor options are only available upon pre-order with a waiting period of one month.

Grabo

The flooring manufacturer from Hungary began its activities with a small workshop for the production of tarpaulin and oilcloth products. Currently, the company's production facilities include four modern factories for the production of wood and PVC materials for finishing floors and walls.

Grabo catalogs present synthetic linoleums of all classes (21-23, 31-34, 41-43). In the household series, you can choose a covering option with a variety of decor in different color shades(it should be noted that the choice, although large, is not as rich as that of competitors).

Grabo also produces special PVC linoleum, including coatings for transport, gyms, as well as bacteriostatic, soundproofing and anti-slip products.

Advantages linoleum Grabo:

• The high degree of abrasion resistance and deformation elasticity of Grabo linoleums is ensured by the use of fiberglass for reinforcing the materials.
• Variety of designs, including unique avant-garde and children's series.
• Grabo products comply with European CE safety and health standards.
• Simple installation and easy maintenance.
• Affordable prices for all collections regardless of coverage class.
• Operational life from 10 to 25 years.

Flaws Grabo linoleum:

• A small selection of design solutions on the Russian market.
• Most of Grabo products cannot be used for heated floors.
• Low degree of resistance to contamination.

Juteks

Utex is a company with a long history. Back in 1939, a packaging manufacturing plant was created. Over time, a large European concern for the production of floor coverings and wall decoration grew from the enterprise. In the Juteks product line, the PVC linoleum segment with wear resistance class 21-34 is most widely represented. In our country, Yutex production was opened in 2009 in the city of Kameshkovo (Vladimir region).

The company produces its products under the following brands:

• Juteks is a premium segment of linoleum with a smooth or structured surface. Products under this brand are manufactured in factories located in Belgium, Slovenia and the Russian Federation.
• Beauflor – business level coverage. (Produced at enterprises in Slovenia and the Russian Federation).
• Ideal – economy segment of floor coverings.

Advantages Utex:

• High resistance to abrasion and moisture, which is ensured by additional protective layers.
• The presence of reinforcing fiberglass prevents shrinkage and deformation of the coating.
• Every year the manufacturer updates about 40 collections with a wide variety of decor.
• All products presented in the Utex catalog have been certified for compliance with domestic and European quality requirements. Eco-expertise reports are provided for luxury linoleum.
• Easy to install and maintain.
• Affordable price.
• Service life from 7 to 30 years.

Flaws:

• Economy segment products have a low density base layer and have a fairly slippery surface. In addition, such linoleum long time retains an unpleasant odor.
• Linoleum with a textured surface gets dirty quickly and is difficult to clean. To remove contaminants you will need special detergents.
• It is better not to use coatings from budget series for heated floors.

Komitex LIN

The production facilities of this brand have been located in the city of Syktyvkar since 2002. Here they make linoleum based on foamed PVC and synthetic felt.

You can choose material in 5 wear resistance classes (21-23 and 31-32) from 9 collections. These are household and semi-commercial coatings, as well as a commercial series. The design is limited to patterns under natural wood, ceramic tiles or marble chips. All coatings have a laminating film supplied from China.

Advantages Komitex LIN products:

• Linoleum of this brand has a waterproof surface that is resistant to active substances included in household chemicals and intensive operating loads.
• The quality of the products is confirmed by all necessary certificates.
• Easy installation.
• Affordable price.
• Service life is from 5 to 7 years.

Flaws:

• Due to insufficient density, Komitex LIN linoleum is susceptible to dents.
• Unpleasant smell remains for a long time after installation.
• It is better not to use products from this brand for heated floors.

1. The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing linoleum for an apartment is the smell of the material. The less the smell, the better material, since it contains minimal amount harmful substances. High quality natural or synthetic material has virtually no odor. The outer surface of the coating should not be shiny, and the design on it should be clearly visible.
2. It’s good if the width of the canvas matches the size of the room. You need to buy floor coverings with a small margin, since during the installation process you will need to ensure that the pattern matches. In addition, to accurately calculate the material, it is necessary to take into account the presence of niches, thresholds and other features of the room.
3. It is better not to buy linoleum on the market. It must be stored in a heated room. In addition, it will be more convenient to check the quality characteristics of the material in a store environment.
4. Be sure to check whether the linoleum meets hygiene requirements and safety standards. Products that have passed the examination are marked accordingly, and the seller must present the buyer with a hygiene certificate.
5. It is better to check the quality of linoleum in rolled form. It should not have any bumps, waves or areas with peeling protective film. All these points indicate a defect, and therefore, such material should not be purchased for an apartment.
6. If you decide to use the same flooring for several rooms, it is better to buy the material in one piece. You just need to take into account the possibility of transporting a large roll along the landing.
7. You cannot fold linoleum in half and stick tape to the front surface of the material. For transportation, it is better to roll linoleum with the front side inward. If the roll is rolled “face” out, it should be packaged in protective film.
8. In order for linoleum to last as long as possible and retain its attractive appearance, it is better to choose a coating with a special protective layer.
9. It’s good if you have the opportunity to bring samples of linoleum to those rooms of the apartment where you plan to install it. This will help you choose the material that best harmonizes with the interior.
10. If you need to cover large floors with linoleum, it is better to buy material from one batch, since the coating produced in different time, may vary slightly in color shades.

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