Which linoleum is better for an apartment - household or semi-commercial, foam-based, or felt? Which linoleum is better for an apartment: class, base, thickness

Linoleum is a fairly specific type of flooring. In order not to be among those who have to complain about the fragility or impracticality of linoleum, let's look at what are the features of its use, why there are so many types on the market, and how to choose the material you need.

What is modern linoleum

Linoleum manufacturing technology has been known for a very long time: a coarse woven fabric made from hemp or linen fibers was impregnated with polymerized linseed oil and dissolved pine resin, which resulted in elastic and durable sheets.

Natural materials have not lost their popularity: as a filler, ordinary or cork wood chips are still used, and the bonding fill - linoleum cement - is made from rubber, specially prepared vegetable oils and wood resins.

An example of the structure of linoleum: 1 - non-woven base; 2 - foam layer; 3 - fiberglass; 4 - front layer with a pattern; 5 - the main layer of protection; 6 - additional protective layer

The basis can be a synthetic canvas, fiberglass or polyester, cement is made mainly from polyvinyl chloride. Synthetic coatings can be single- and multi-layer, in technical terms, homo- and heterogeneous. Homogeneous linoleum does not differ in a variety of patterns and colors, but is characterized by increased wear resistance. Heterogeneous coatings are quite complicated; for cheap samples, artistic delights almost always work to the detriment of physical and mechanical qualities.

Types and their application

Household varieties are characterized by high environmental friendliness and a variety of patterns. High-quality natural linoleum is not inferior in its characteristics to the newfangled synthetic, while it looks natural and very warm. Linoleum for residential premises can be either single or multilayer, the latter for the most part refers to non-natural coatings.

"Commercial" linoleum general purpose usually synthetic. It is characterized by high wear resistance, which is useful for laying in areas with high throughput loads: office, industrial and commercial premises, utility rooms or corridors. The color of such linoleum is usually monochrome and has neutral tones. Single-color materials are of a homogeneous type, patterns and textures are characteristic of multilayer coatings.

There are also special varieties. These include heterogeneous linoleum with a surface reinforced with polyurethane, the purpose of which is sports and gyms, warehouses, and in some cases even parking lots and open areas. Due to its high density and strength, this linoleum tolerates both static and intense dynamic loads well.

Thickness and width of linoleum

The scope of linoleum is determined by its wear resistance. It, in turn, depends on the thickness of the protective coating, the strength of the base canvas and the elasticity of the filler. Linoleum up to 1.5 mm thick usually has only a thin (up to 0.2 mm) vinyl film on the surface, or not protected at all. The other extreme is the absence of woven canvas in thin linoleum. This is the fault of baseless products, some of which, in fairness, do not really need it. Thin coatings are completely renewed every 3-4 years during cosmetic repairs. The advantage is cheapness, plus more often there will be an opportunity to “play” with the design of the room. Such linoleum is ideal for bedrooms, but it is also applicable in other rooms if the passage area is covered with a carpet.

A good thick coating has linoleum with a thickness of 2-2.5 mm. It is better to roll this out in the kitchen or in children's rooms, where there is a high risk of damaging the floor. It is not suitable for the hallway and corridors, it is better to lay 3, 3.5 and 4 mm canvases with a protective coating layer of 0.5-0.7 mm in them. The maximum thickness of linoleum is 4.5 mm, these are already commercial options. The rule "the thicker - the stronger" is almost always true, with the exception of some varieties of synthetic linoleum: due to more advanced production technology, they have a high density and a smaller thickness with the same strength.

Standard widths are from 1.5 to 5 meters, "neighboring" sizes differ by 0.5 meters. You need to choose in such a way that the linoleum is wider than the short wall of the room, that is, it lays down as a solid canvas. If this is not possible, you will have to resort to soldering, solderless connection or floor zoning.

Texture, texture and color

In abundance of art and design solutions only laminate can compete with linoleum.

The simplest coatings are monochrome. Due to their single layer, they represent a thick and durable film, which is almost insensitive to mechanical stress. It wears out over time, especially in the passage areas, but this can be easily eliminated by resurfacing sanding. It is used mainly in offices and public institutions, although when soldering several monochrome coatings into a pattern, the floor takes on a completely prestigious look for a living space. A subspecies of monochrome coatings is granular linoleum imitating granite.

Linoleum is known to almost everyone, imitating wood fibers with its pattern. Quite often, for a change, a floral or geometric ornament is applied to them. Almost half of the "woody" varieties are coatings that imitate palace or artistic parquet. In any case, the pattern can also be accompanied by embossing, such linoleum looks even more natural.

Actually, it makes no difference to manufacturers what kind of pattern to print, so their regional representatives are happy to take on exclusive orders. There are options up to photo printing or applying a company logo. This costs money, but also provides additional opportunities for large companies and individual design projects.

The main arguments against linoleum on the floor

In conclusion, consider the main excuses to abandon linoleum and how justified they are.

One of the myths is that linoleum on the floor will be very cold. There is some truth in this, but in terms of thermal conductivity, natural linoleum is comparable to wood. Synthetic linoleum prevents the outflow of heat somewhat worse, but this is eliminated by a foam or jute backing.

The second argument against linoleum is also related to tactile sensations: because of the soft glossy film, the floor literally sticks to the feet. This is true, although embossed coatings have a less noticeable effect.

Short-lived linoleum is another subject of constant discussion. Cheap - of course, it all depends on the wear resistance class and proper installation, for some products, manufacturers call service life of more than 10 years.

Finally, linoleum is often called a material hazardous to health. Judge for yourself: natural linoleum contains only natural components, while synthetic linoleum consists of very stable and chemically inert polymers. In the latter case, a high level of radiological safety can be cited as a plus: there are practically no impurities in industrial raw materials, which cannot be said with certainty about natural ones.

A completely fair disadvantage of linoleum is that it must be completely changed in case of damage. For the most part, this happens when strong dyes, ink, brilliant green are spilled on the floor. Stains and dirt eat into linoleum really hard, so it needs frequent wet cleaning.

May 27, 2016
Specialization: facade finishing, interior decoration, construction of dachas, garages. The experience of an amateur gardener and horticulturist. He also has experience in repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing the guitar and much more, for which there is not enough time :)

Linoleum is one of the most common floor coverings which is familiar to everyone. Nevertheless, many people, coming to the store, discover many varieties of it, which, at times, confuses them. Therefore, below I will tell you what to look for when buying, and which linoleum to choose for an apartment in different rooms.

Features of the choice of linoleum

When buying linoleum, first of all, you need to pay attention to the following points:

Parameter number 1: material

Currently, you can find canvases made from a variety of materials.

However, the following types are the most common:

polyvinyl chloride or PVC for short- canvases made of this material are the most common nowadays, due to the fact that the cost of products is affordable, moreover, vinyl is harmless to humans.
I must say that PVC linoleum is one of the most versatile, as it can be used not only in dry, but also in wet areas. True, it must be borne in mind that many characteristics of the coating depend on the number of layers, the base and some other points;

natural- the main feature of this coating is that it is made from natural, environmentally friendly raw materials. True, at the same time, the material also has some disadvantages - it costs much more than vinyl sheets.
In addition, the coating does not like sudden changes in temperature and high humidity. Therefore, it should not be used in bathrooms, as well as in country houses intended for seasonal living;

glyphthalic (alkyd)- these canvases are a good alternative to PVC coating. In particular, it has good heat and sound insulation qualities;
rubber (relin)- the coating consists of two layers. Upper layer most often made of artificial rubber, and the bottom of crushed rubber. This covering differs in elasticity, good wear resistance, and also resistance to influence of moisture.

foam base- This type of material is relatively new. I must say that there is an opinion among the people that such a base is inferior in performance to natural, for example, felt. In fact, the foam layer is more durable, and at the same time it retains heat well, and perfectly hides the flaws of the floor.

As we can see, the choice of base also largely depends on the operating conditions of the coating.

Parameter number 3: classifications of wear resistance and abrasion

According to wear resistance, the coating is divided into several classes, which determine, first of all, its thickness:

Wear class	Peculiarities
21-23 (household linoleum)	This flooring material has the least wear resistance and is intended for use exclusively in residential areas. Moreover, class 21 can only be used in rooms with low traffic. Otherwise, the coating will quickly become unusable and will need to be replaced.
31 -34	Cloths of this class are called semi-commercial. Their thickness is from 2 to 3.2 mm (meaning the protective layer). Accordingly, the material is much more resistant to abrasion than household. Flooring of this class can be used in the hallway if you want the flooring to be durable.
41 — 43	This linoleum is called commercial, as it has the greatest wear resistance and is suitable even for use in in public places with high traffic. Its only drawback is the high price and more modest design choices. Although, these canvases can also be used for residential premises.

At first glance, it may seem that the thicker the linoleum, the better.
However, when choosing, it is also necessary to focus on the operating conditions.
For example, in the case of laying on a "warm floor" it is better to use a thinner coating.

If the wear resistance class tells us about the thickness of the sheets, then such a parameter as the abrasion class is responsible for the resistance of the coating to mechanical stress. Accordingly, it does not depend on the thickness.

Below are the main abrasion groups:

It should be noted that the above figures are conditional, obtained empirically under certain conditions. In reality, wear depends on a number of factors.

When choosing a material, attention should also be paid to the flammability class.
Slightly combustible are canvases that belong to class G1 (most models).
The most combustible are canvases of class G4.

Parameter number 4: number of layers

So, we figured out the classes of abrasion and wear resistance, we choose linoleum for the apartment further, and now we will pay attention to the structure.

According to this parameter, products can be divided into two types:

with a homogeneous structure - such webs have the same structure throughout the entire thickness. In their production, PVC granules and various dyes are used. As a result, the pattern is located over the entire thickness of the material, respectively, is not erased.
Thanks to this, linoleum can maintain an attractive appearance for years;
with a heterogeneous structure - given material consists of several layers (from two to six or even seven). Coatings with this structure are made for both industrial and domestic use.
Models with the most complex structure usually contain a backing made of natural fabric, as well as PVC foam, non-woven fabric, etc. This ultimately ensures optimal sound absorption and minimum thermal conductivity.
The pattern of such canvases, of course, does not pass through the entire structure. However, in expensive models, it is protected by a transparent protective layer, which ensures its durability.

The choice in this case depends on individual preferences and financial capabilities. It should be noted that the range

Therefore, it is advisable to purchase canvases in large stores. And be sure to ask for a certificate to make sure that the material meets generally accepted standards of quality and sanitary safety.

As for the cost, below are the prices for some models, which will help you navigate when buying:

Of course, prices may vary slightly from store to store. However, if the coverage is suspiciously cheap, it is hardly worth buying it and thereby trying to save money.

Here, perhaps, is the entire instruction for choosing linoleum for an apartment. Given all the above nuances of coverage, each of you will be able to choose the best model for yourself.

Conclusion

Linoleum, as we found out, differs in a number of important parameters. Therefore, when choosing, first of all, it is necessary to determine the conditions in which the coating will be used and the basic requirements for it. Otherwise, the choice should take into account the above information.

You can find additional nuances on the topic voiced from the video in this article. If after reading the material you have any questions regarding the choice of linoleum, leave them in the comments, and I will be happy to answer them.

May 27, 2016

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The modern variety of floor coverings involuntarily puts any person making repairs in an apartment or a house in front of the "throes" of choice. Eminent manufacturers, perfectly building their advertising policy, persistently recommend their products, which are really good. But, it happens that for this you will have to part with the amount that was not planned. And for some reason, the good old linoleum is undeservedly relegated to the background, considering it a choice for the poor. In fact, it has a number of advantages that the consumer is most likely not aware of. Perhaps you should be more aware of this popular flooring and find out which linoleum is best for your home.

Linoleum is mistakenly attributed to modern and artificial materials, but its historical roots are hidden in the name. The word linoleum consists of Latin: linum - meaning linen or linen, as well as oleum - oil. Linoleum was patented in 1860 by the Englishman Frederick Walton. Originally, this flooring used a linen or jute woven backing on which an oxidized vegetable oil combined with cork flour. Technologies were constantly improving, manufacturers learned how to apply a pattern to linoleum and at the beginning of the 20th century it was one of the most popular materials.

Due to the high cost of plant raw materials and the development of chemical synthesis, in the 60s of the last century they began to produce synthetic-based floor roll coverings, which were left with the old name - linoleum, although this is a completely different material. In the 90s, they remembered the traditions of the production of natural linoleum, and the volume of its production is constantly increasing, since there is a steady demand for it. Thus, under the name of linoleum, a very wide class of floor coverings, both natural and synthetic, has united.

Types of linoleum

To make it easier to navigate in the ocean of proposals and make right choice, it is worth learning about the types of existing linoleums and specifically which ones are suitable for the home.

natural linoleum

One of best choices- This is natural linoleum. For its production, only natural ingredients are used: linseed oil, wood flour, jute or linen cloth, natural tree resin, limestone. A rich palette of natural dyes along with modern technologies allow you to paint in any color this wonderful coating. Natural linoleum has a number of undeniable advantages:

High strength. Natural linoleum can withstand pressure up to 16 MPa.
Linseed oil, which is part of the composition, makes such a coating bactericidal.
High wear resistance determines long term service: up to 30-50 years.
Exclusively natural components determine its environmental friendliness.
Natural linoleum does not absorb pollution and is easily cleaned from various contaminants with detergents.
Static electricity does not accumulate on natural linoleum.
Not afraid of ultraviolet rays, does not fade from the sun.
Has low flammability.

With such impressive list advantages, natural linoleum is still not without drawbacks:

Natural linoleum has a high price, comparable to a parquet board.
In rooms where a natural linoleum coating is planned, there should not be high humidity, since natural base subject to decay.
Low elasticity limits the use of natural linoleum in cold rooms and complicates its installation.
Features of manufacturing technology limit the variety of patterns and ornaments.
Only the laid natural linoleum coating has a specific smell, which may not be to everyone's liking. However, the smell disappears after a few months.

For all eco-home enthusiasts willing to go to high expense, natural linoleum is a great choice for living spaces. Low moisture resistance limits its use in kitchens, bathrooms and hallways.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) linoleum

PVC linoleum (international designation - PVC) is the most widely used. It can be both without a base and with various types basics:

Fabric base. Both natural jute and synthetic fabrics, such as fiberglass, can be used for it. The upper cover, which has a pattern, is made of PVC. Such linoleum can have an impressive thickness - up to 5 mm.
A non-woven base made of natural felt or synthetic materials improves thermal insulation properties, but in areas with high attendance and high humidity you should not use such linoleum, as it does not like intense loads, and the porous base will perfectly absorb moisture.

Foamed PVC backing. Such linoleum began to be produced in the 90s of the last century, and this type of substrate is one of the most popular. The main porous PVC layer perceives all loads and "forgives" small irregularities in the base, and the reinforcing fabric maintains the geometric dimensions of the web. PVC foam can be applied chemically and more progressively. mechanically, which is better, since such linoleum will not wrinkle under high loads.

Some types of linoleum are also made, which combine several types of the above layers. Linoleum, which has several of them, is called heterogeneous, and one is called homogeneous. The number of layers and their purpose in linoleum for various purposes can vary greatly from each other.

The advantage of homogeneous linoleum is that its pattern is present throughout the entire depth, so when it inevitably wears out, the pattern will not be erased. The thickness of such linoleum can be from 1.5 to 3 millimeters, and it is designed for rooms with high traffic. Its use in apartments and houses is impractical. The main disadvantages of homogeneous linoleum are its high price, as well as the impossibility of applying complex patterns.

PVC linoleum has a set of advantages that explain its widespread use.

PVC linoleum has a high elasticity, which greatly simplifies its installation.
A variety of patterns and textures of PVC linoleum will allow you to realize any idea of interior design.
PVC linoleum has a reasonable price.
Easily cleaned from dirt.
Linoleum from well-known manufacturers is non-toxic, which must be confirmed by a hygiene certificate.

The disadvantages of PVC linoleum are:

When exposed high temperatures linoleum is shrinking.
Only after laying the PVC linoleum coating has an unpleasant specific smell, which disappears after a few weeks of operation.

Alkyd linoleum

Alkyd, also called glyptal, linoleum is always made on fabric basis, on which, according to a special technology, modified alkyd or glyphthalic resins are applied with special fillers that improve the properties of the coating. Pigments and dyes are also introduced, which make linoleum either one-color or multi-color. The advantages of this type of linoleum are:

In comparison with PVC linoleums, glyphthalic ones have better heat and sound insulation properties.
Such linoleums are extremely wear-resistant, they can serve 40-50 years.
Pollution from such a coating is removed more easily than from PVC.

The disadvantages of alkyd linoleums are:

Low elasticity at temperatures close to zero.
Alkyd linoleums require skilled installation.
Insufficient fire safety severely limits their use in residential areas.

Glyptal linoleum is widely used in transport: flooring in carriages, cabins of sea transport, aircraft.

Rubber linoleum (relin)

Such linoleum is made two-layer: the lower one is made of recycled rubber, the upper one is made of synthetic rubber painted in various colors. These layers are interconnected bituminous mastic. Such floor coverings have some advantages:

Excellent water resistance allows you to lay relin in the most “wet” rooms.
High elasticity and strength.
Excellent anti-slip properties.
Long service life.

Rubber linoleums can be used near swimming pools, in garages, workshops, sports rooms and halls, but their use is contraindicated in residential premises, as they emit harmful substances into the surrounding air.

Nitrocellulose ( colloxylin) linoleum

These types of linoleums are a single-layer baseless coating made from nitrocellulose with the addition of various components: gypsum, minium, plasticizers and dyes. Currently, such coatings from this material are not used due to the increased fire hazard.

It is possible that such an abundance of information about the types of linoleums will further complicate the choice. Moreover, most modern linoleums are heterogeneous and can combine several different layers. That is why European manufacturers have developed a special standard EN685, in which linoleums are divided into classes depending on the strength characteristics and scope in certain rooms. Each class is identified by a two-digit numeric code and a corresponding pictogram.

The first digit in the class means:

2 - linoleum is intended for residential premises.
3 - for office or commercial premises.
4 - for industrial premises.

The second digit in the class indicates the degree of load that linoleum can withstand:

Household linoleum

Linoleum, belonging to classes 21-23, is commonly called household. According to EN685 standards, it must have the following characteristics:

Specific gravity 1.25-2.25 kg / m 2.
Thickness - from 0.15 to 3 mm.
Flexibility and elasticity must be such that when wound on a rod with a diameter of 45 mm no cracks should form.
Sound absorption - not less than 13-18 dB.
Water absorption should be no more than 1-1.5%.
Shrinkage during operation - no more than 0.2 mm per 1 meter.

The cost of household linoleum from well-known manufacturers can range from 3 to 10 euros per square meter.

semi-commercial linoleum

Linoleum, belonging to classes 31-34, is called semi-commercial, and it is intended mainly for office and office space. Must have the following characteristics:

Specific gravity 1.6-2.5 kg / m 2.
Elasticity and flexibility should be such that when wound on a cylinder with a diameter of 10-40 mm, cracks should not form in linoleum.
Sound absorption should be at least 12-16 dB.
Shrinkage during operation - no more than 0.1 mm per 1 meter.
The service life guaranteed by the manufacturer is at least 7-20 years.

Semi-commercial linoleum - perfect solution for modern offices

The cost of semi-commercial linoleum is from 5 to 15 euros per square meter. A small difference in the price of domestic and semi-commercial linoleum makes it expedient to use it for domestic purposes in those areas where there is an increased load on the floor covering: kitchens, hallways and others.

commercial linoleum

If linoleum belongs to classes from 41 to 43, then it is called commercial. Its purpose is floor coverings in rooms with intensive movement of people and equipment. Such linoleums have a reinforced film layer (up to 0.8 mm), even lower shrinkage (0.02-0.1 mm / m) and a warranty period of operation (from 10 to 25 years).

The relatively high cost of such linoleum (10-40 euros per square meter), combined with excessive technical characteristics for apartments and houses, makes its use in residential premises impractical. Some commercial linoleums may have a special purpose:

Sports surfaces with softness and elasticity for good contact with sports shoes.
Coatings that are resistant to chemical reagents and have bactericidal properties, which is very useful in medical institutions.
Anti-slip coatings near pools and in other areas with high humidity.
Antistatic coatings.

The thickness of the protective layer of linoleum

Most modern linoleums have a strong surface on their surface. protective film made of pure PVC. It is its thickness that should be taken into account when choosing linoleum, depending on the purpose of the room. Manufacturers offer the following gradation:

A film with a thickness of 0.15 mm is quite suitable for using such linoleum in living rooms and bedrooms.
A protective layer of 0.20 mm will be optimal for children's rooms.
0.25 mm - for kitchens, hallways and corridors.
0.30 mm - service and office rooms with medium load.
Protective layer of 0.50 mm or more - for rooms with high and very high loads.

Linoleum marking

When choosing linoleum, all its technical data must be provided by the seller along with the necessary certificates: conformity and hygienic. Manufacturers of quality linoleum reverse side they always put their logo, as well as all the information that will greatly help the buyer:

Linoleum class - will help you make the right choice.
Batch number - if you plan to purchase a large number linoleum, it is desirable that it be from the same batch.
Date of manufacture.

Also, the manufacturer can apply additional pictograms that indicate the special properties of the coating. Such possible designations are shown in the figure.

How to choose linoleum correctly?

Now that there is complete clarity with the types of existing linoleums, you can point out a number of important points that will help you make the right choice.

Linoleum should be purchased only in specialized stores where all storage requirements are met, and there is also a complete set accompanying documents confirming compliance with standards and safety.

Depending on the purpose of the room, a class of linoleum is selected and it is better to do this with some margin: one step higher than necessary.
Particular attention should be paid to the thickness of the linoleum, its strength and the presence of an upper protective layer.
It is necessary to strive to ensure that the linoleum flooring does not have connecting seams or there are a minimum of them. This is achieved by careful measurement of the premises and the choice of rolls of the desired width.
The modern variety of colors, textures, patterns of linoleum allows you to make any choice, but you must take into account the purpose of the room, pleasant color schemes for a comfortable stay in it and the preference of all households.
In rooms with possible severe pollution, it is better to use glossy linoleum.
When buying, you must carefully examine the entire surface of the linoleum and make sure that there is no damage.
Poor preparation of the base and illiterate linoleum flooring can negate all the advantages of this coating.

Video: How to choose the right linoleum for your home?

The long-awaited season of repairs is coming. Many apartment owners are thinking about which linoleum is best for an apartment. Let's try to understand this issue and in the huge range offered by trade organizations to help you choose exactly the option you need.

material requirements

First of all, you need to decide in which room this flooring will be located. This depends on the requirements for it. Will it be able to withstand the loads that are placed on it in a particular room. Will the selected linoleum answer technical specifications such as moisture resistance, sound absorption, etc. Does the material match the interior of the room.

Specifications

When deciding for yourself which linoleum is best for an apartment, you should familiarize yourself with the regulatory classification of this material. WITH wrong side linoleum you will be able to see two figures. One of them means the type of premises: 2 (residential building), 3 (office building), 4 ( production room). The second number indicates the strength of the material. In accordance with the loads, linoleum is divided into three groups:

Household is a thin material that can withstand 1.25 kg per 1 square meter. Rolled into a roll, it does not crack. Such material will be quite appropriate in the bedroom or hallway. Not suitable for kitchen or bathroom.
Commercial - wear-resistant and durable material. Choosing which linoleum
better for an apartment, you can confidently opt for this option.
Semi-commercial - strong enough and not thick material.

Hallway

In this room, the load on the flooring is maximum, so it is more advisable to lay semi-commercial linoleum, which will last you for many years.

Bathroom

This is a special room in any home, if only because it is characterized by high humidity. Much more often they are used here as a floor covering. But if for some reason you decide to abandon it, then you can use Imitating granite or marble, it looks very impressive and modern, especially if the bathroom is decorated in high-tech style. Naturally, it will cost you more than traditional samples, but the result is worth it. It has increased moisture resistance, and given that the floor area in this room is usually not too large, then the cost of such coverage will not be too burdensome for your budget.

Living room

Many are interested in whether it is worth using linoleum for the hall. In an apartment, this is probably the room with the least load on the floor. Therefore, the use of classic linoleum in it is fully justified, especially if it is partially covered with carpets. It is important to choose the right color. If you want to make the floor stand out from the crowd, choose a linoleum color that contrasts with the walls and furniture. To make the room look harmonious, pick up a few accessories to match the color of the floor. It can be textiles, souvenirs, vases, etc.

Kitchen

It is clear that this room needs special flooring. They can become linoleum with a protective layer. Usually it is a natural material. You need to know that linseed oil, which is part of natural linoleum, is a powerful antiseptic that can not only protect the floor from germs, but also disinfect the air in the kitchen.

An important element overall design are the floors in the apartment. Linoleum for the kitchen, in addition to being attractive and matching the style of the color, must necessarily have anti-slip properties. It's no secret that it gets wet quite often. Therefore, the anti-slip properties will protect you from injury.

Experts advise choosing a wide linoleum for the kitchen so that you can lay it without unnecessary seams. When transporting, roll it up, otherwise it may crack. At home, the roll should be unrolled and let the material rest well.

Children's room

Room to lay best linoleum. For an apartment where a baby room is equipped, it is especially important to make the right choice. The floor will not be used too intensively, but it should be borne in mind that a little man will crawl on it, spank with bare feet, and therefore you need to pay Special attention his safety.

The most floor covering is natural linoleum. Flaxseed oil, which is part of its composition, has bactericidal properties, antistatic properties. In other words - this best option. But you should know that its price is twice as expensive as synthetic. If you decide that this material is too expensive for you, then lay its top layer on a jute or felt base. Such material for the nursery is decorated with bright and colorful images of animals or favorite cartoon characters, which will certainly please the baby.

Is linoleum harmful?

Starting a home renovation, each person is concerned with the question of how to choose safe, environmentally friendly materials. Is linoleum harmful? In the apartment, natural material is completely safe. Today, however, manufacturers offer much more synthetic coatings PVC. Their manufacturers claim that they are also safe, subject to certain operating rules:

do not lay alkyd (rubber) linoleum in residential premises;
commercial linoleum is not suitable for flooring in an apartment, as it contains plasticizers (to increase strength);
you should not buy an uncertified product - it may contain

If the initial smell has not disappeared after two weeks, then, most likely, the material was manufactured with technological violations.

Today we tried to figure out which linoleum is best for an apartment. We hope that our advice will help you make the right choice. Linoleum is a coating that has long term operation, so I would like it to please you with excellent quality for many years.

This finishing material enjoyed great popularity a couple of decades ago. At that moment, its advantageous difference from other types of flooring was its relatively low cost. In addition, a clear advantage of linoleum is its wear resistance. Cheap and for a long time - these are the words that could characterize this material. But now the situation in the market has changed, of course, the price is still very important. However, many people prefer, albeit expensive, but natural materials. Linoleum again began to be in demand, he practically survived the "second birth". What is the reason for such popularity? And how not to get confused in the many types and types of linoleum?

Linoleum types

Before buying material and even detailed interior planning, you need to decide on the type of linoleum that you need. Classify materials according to various criteria. The simplest division by the presence of a substrate: basic and non-basic type of coating. The latter option is characterized by low price, small thickness (up to 1.6 mm) and fragility. This is only on a perfectly flat floor, since it quickly takes the form of a base, including all tubercles and pits. However, this type of coating is practically not used, as it wears out quickly and loses its appearance.

The main type includes all other linoleums with a substrate. But they also have their own characteristics and differences. There are three classes:

on a warm base
foam base,
multilayer.

Linoleum on a warm basis consists of two layers: polymer top and lining. The basis is synthetic or natural felt (jute is also used). The maximum thickness of such linoleum is 5 mm, and only 1.5 mm of them is occupied by the top layer. Basic the disadvantage of this material is low moisture resistance, warm-based linoleum is not suitable for kitchens either. But it will look great in the bedroom, nursery or living room.

foam base allows you to use this flooring in the hallway and bathroom, as well as in the kitchen. Such linoleum is not afraid of water and heavy soiling, grease stains can be easily removed from it. The thickness of the material is from 2 to 3.5 mm.

Multilayer linoleum is particularly wear-resistant and durable. Restrictions on use are imposed by the substrate, which can be either jute or polyester or made of foamed PVC. Linoleum itself of this type made from fiberglass, special impregnation is also used.

Also share linoleums according to the materials used. In this case, it is possible to distinguish natural linoleum, rubber, PVC, giftal and nitrocellulose.

by the most the best properties has linoleum, manufactured from natural materials . Wood resin, linseed oil and cork flour are commonly used. Such a floor covering will last for many years, will not fade or crack. natural option is an excellent choice for the kitchen as it does not absorb grease and creates an environment in which it is difficult for bacteria to thrive. In addition, natural linoleum retains its size, color and structure for many years.

Rubber linoleum is different high level plasticity. The top layer is made of a special filler and rubber. Also, this material is resistant to moisture.

Common PVC linoleum can be recognized by a specific smell, which disappears for a very long time. The coating is produced on different bases (and without a base at all). Attractive appearance, flexibility and elasticity, as well as an affordable price - all these parameters brought PVC linoleum to the top of sales. But it also has a significant drawback - at low temperatures, the coating can crack and even burst.

Giftal linoleum inferior to the PVC counterpart in terms of strength and flexibility. Cracks often appear on it. At the same time, it has excellent performance in terms of sound and heat insulation, suitable for apartments in houses with good audibility. It is worth considering one of its features: over time, it increases in the width of the strips, but decreases in length.

Nitrocellulose provides the floor covering with elasticity and moisture resistance. This linoleum has a specific luster. But there is also a clear drawback - a high fire hazard.

Varieties of linoleum

There is another classification of floor coverings of this type: depending on the place of application. This is due to the special requirements for the strength and wear resistance of the material. Allocate linoleum:

for household purposes
semi-commercial,
commercial.

The first type includes material with a thickness of not more than 4 mm, which is usually made on a foam basis. Among its advantages are ease of installation, unpretentiousness and the presence of a wide range of colors and textures. But there are also disadvantages: under heavy load, it loses its attractive appearance very quickly, wears out.

The second type is also often used in houses and apartments, despite the fact that it was originally intended for finishing small offices, hotel rooms, etc. This material is characterized by increased durability, because a special protective covering. The thickness of the additional layer is 0.7 mm, which greatly increases the service life. Otherwise, the properties are close to standard household linoleum.

Commercial linoleum was designed for high traffic areas. These are not only large offices and halls of business centers, but also schools, hospitals, museums, etc. To maintain an attractive appearance with such a high load on the coating, PVC is usually used.

How to choose the right linoleum?

It is very difficult not to get lost in such a variety of options. To understand what type and type of material you need, analyze your flooring requirements.