Which is more durable: laminate or linoleum? Choosing a floor covering: which is better - laminate or linoleum. Which interacts better with water?

Have you planned and are deciding which is better: laminate or linoleum? Yes, it’s really difficult to determine the leader: the price of laminate good quality and linoleum are almost the same. Each material has its pros and cons; it is necessary to analyze the characteristics in more detail along with visual perception. Before choosing, you should decide for which room the coating is selected, important role Passability, humidity, and the likelihood of mechanical impacts play a role. In today's review, the Homius.ru editors will try to help you choose between these two materials, revealing some of the nuances of operational parameters. All you have to do is choose the color.

Depending on the thickness of the layer and the purpose of linoleum, three categories can be distinguished.

Base structure

According to its structure, the coating can be divided into the following types:

• homogeneous, or single layer,- it is made from granules with the addition of dyes. Its thickness is no more than 2 mm, the pattern is applied not to the top coating, but throughout the entire thickness. This explains the low abrasion of a single-layer material. It is suitable for high traffic areas. It is important to remember: the thinner the layer, the higher its wear resistance;
• heterogeneous- this is a more versatile linoleum, it can contain up to 6 layers. The thickness of the coating reaches 6 mm. The top layer is made only of PVC; sometimes granules are added during the production process, due to which the material acquires a 3D effect. For reinforcement, polyurethane may be included in the composition, which improves wear resistance.

Coating thickness

Thickness is one of the important parameters of linoleum, it can reach up to 0.7-5 mm. Material with a thickness of up to 1 mm is quite rare, and it is not suitable for apartments and houses at all. Ideal for household use opt for linoleum with a thickness of 2-4 mm, and it is important to remember that heat and sound insulation will depend on this parameter. In addition, the characteristics of a thicker base are much better.

You should know this! You may come across the opinion that durability is primarily affected by the thickness of the coating, but this is a misconception. The increase in service life is affected by the thickness of the protective layer, or, to be more precise, by its wear life.

Linoleum classes for wear resistance

Wear resistance is the ability to withstand mechanical and physical loads that arise during operation. Another indicator is abrasion, which determines the time at which the thickness of the upper protective layer decreases over the entire period of use. The laminate class, depending on its purpose, consists of two numbers:

• the first digit is the area of ​​application of the coating: residential, office or industrial premises;
• the second number (1−4) is the intensity of the load.

For use in residential premises, you should choose a coating of class 21-23; class 23 has the best performance. Classes 31 and 32 are intended for offices, but for shopping centers and stores the choice should be made on classes 32 and 33, their characteristics are much higher.

Linoleum: pros and cons

In order to objectively compare in the future which is better - laminate or linoleum in a house, you need to analyze their parameters: service life, wear resistance, environmental friendliness, heat, noise and moisture insulation, risk of injury and price. Let us highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of linoleum.

1. Affordable cost - almost anyone can afford such a purchase.
2. Moisture- and vapor-tightness - therefore it is recommended to install it in kitchens, corridors and bathrooms.
3. High wear resistance, resistance to mechanical damage. He is not afraid of women's heels and movement.
4. High sound and heat insulation - the coating is equal in these qualities to wood.
5. No additional protective layer is required.
6. Injury-proof - even the glossy coating has additional slip protection.
7. Linoleum can be laid on a substrate or placed underneath it.
8. The pattern on the coating is made by adding dye to the material; therefore, the pattern will remain the entire period of operation.
9. Easy care - can be used during cleaning.

For an objective assessment, the negative aspects of linoleum should also be noted:

• it consists of artificial materials, all layers are glued together, and also contains rubber. Only in some types can you find natural fabric in the structure. Therefore, a rather specific smell emanates from it, passing through 2 weeks after laying;
• on the coating there are stripes from shoes with black soles, which are quite difficult to remove;
• requires prior .

Main characteristics of laminate

Laminate is a great alternative to hardwood flooring, but at a much lower cost. In addition, it has undoubted advantages that are characteristic of parquet.

Board structure

A high-quality laminate with a thickness of 5-11 mm consists of five layers, budget coatings can have only 3 layers. Let's consider the composition of the material for grades 31–33.

Manufacturers can add or change layers to improve performance.

Classes

Laminate is widely used in all residential premises, the only exception is, as well as in offices, warehouses, shopping centers. Manufacturers produce coverage in six classes: 21-23 are intended for housing, 31-33 - for public institutions. For a hallway in an apartment, it is recommended to use a higher one - class 23 or 31, but for a bedroom where the load is low, you can save money and limit yourself to class 21. There is another coating class - 34, it appeared in 2005 and is characterized by increased strength, due to which its service life is much longer.

Strength criteria

The strength criteria of the laminate are determined after testing, in which the panel is fixed on a special fixture and acted upon with an abrasive disc. Two indicators are needed for the study:

• after what number of revolutions the first scratches will appear;
• after what number of revolutions will the complete destruction of the upper layer occur.

The arithmetic mean of these values ​​determines the quality standard of the laminate.

Appearance

If you compare laminate with linoleum in appearance, it is difficult to identify a leader in this characteristic. Manufacturers offer imitation wood, parquet, stone and tile in both coatings, a variety of color scheme, tint solutions.

Laminate: advantages and disadvantages

For an objective assessment of both coatings, we highlight positive traits and disadvantages of laminate.

1. High wear resistance, resistance to abrasion and mechanical stress.
2. Fire resistance is higher than that of linoleum.
3. Easy care - no special products required.
4. Anti-allergenic - environmentally friendly materials are used in production. In this regard, it is recommended for installation in children's rooms.
5. Simple installation - laying on a substrate or “warm floor” is acceptable.
6. Service life at correct selection and installation can last up to 20 years.
7. Low cost - it is affordable for the average buyer.

The disadvantages of laminate include:

• it is important to correctly determine the wear resistance class of the laminate for each room; for this, you should first study the main characteristics and recommendations of the manufacturer;
• required preliminary preparation base to perfect evenness;
• laminated panels do not tolerate excess moisture. After installation, it is recommended to treat the butt joints by special means with protective function;
• if broken, swelling of the surface is possible, the appearance of a creak during operation;
• cost of coverage high class may exceed the price of even a parquet board.

We compare the parameters and draw conclusions about what to choose: laminate or linoleum

To determine which coating is better, you need to compare all the pros and cons of linoleum and laminate. The decisive word will not be the cost at all, but the purpose of the premises for which the material is selected, because it is from the right choice and depends on the durability and quality of use.

Difficulty of installation

Linoleum or laminate: which is cheaper to operate?

Linoleum different classes still cheaper than a laminate with the same characteristics, this is due to its composition: environmentally friendly materials are used for the production of panels. But with regard to operation, it must be borne in mind that, if the linoleum is seriously damaged in a conspicuous place, it will be necessary to replace the entire canvas, while with a laminate it is possible to replace the deformed section with a similar one.

What is more expensive: linoleum or laminate

The cost of some classes of laminate can exceed the price of linoleum by approximately 2-2.5 times.

Which is better: laminate or linoleum, according to an expert

We have analyzed all the main parameters and have already determined for ourselves which of the materials is better. I wonder if our conclusions will coincide, which is better in an apartment: laminate or linoleum, according to a professional? According to experts, the laminate has an undeniable advantage - environmental friendliness, a wide variety of textures, durability, resistance to mechanical damage. Otherwise, linoleum shows the best performance: it is easy to maintain, install, moisture resistant, it has higher sound and heat insulation.

Conclusion! Linoleum is best for office premises, loggias, kitchens and entrance areas. Laminate should be chosen for bedrooms, living rooms and hallways, as it has a more presentable appearance.

Which is better: laminate or linoleum, according to reviews on the forums

If we analyze consumer reviews, their opinions on popular sites are divided approximately equally. Someone likes the characteristics of moisture resistance of linoleum, someone likes the environmental friendliness of the laminate. Therefore, before choosing what to lay on the floor in the apartment, our advice is to analyze the relevant topics on construction forums, see what consumers are dissatisfied with over time, and only then make a choice in favor of one of the materials. Many speak in favor of linoleum thanks to simple care, however, at the same time they emphasize that the price matters, since "the more expensive, the better."

More details on MasterGrad: http://www.mastergrad.com/forums/t14152-linoleum-ili-laminat/?page=4.

But the next consumer speaks specifically about the environmental friendliness of the laminate.

More details on ForumHouse: https://www.forumhouse.ru/threads/318083/page-2.

Another opinion is in favor of linoleum for a family with small children, although coating defects were found after repair during operation.

And in conclusion, we invite you to watch another professional opinion in the video.

Better, more durable, more pleasant, more reliable, of course, are natural floors. However, the cost of parquet, cork and natural stone often inspires a desire to find an economical alternative. Especially if the owners are planning only short-term cosmetic changes. In such situations, predominantly two fighters enter the flooring ring, each of whom stands for the budget materials club. Let's see who wins the battle: linoleum or laminate - which will look better, cost less and last longer.

Criteria for the upcoming fight

Let's try on the status of an independent referee, impartially evaluating opponents, and distribute the rounds. We will choose the winner in single combat based on the following qualities:

• aesthetic indicators;
• cost framework;
• safety;
• ease of installation, because we obviously assume that the buyer wants to equip himself with his own hands;
• operational terms;
• attitude to water, to wet cleaning and to household products care;
• thermal and sound insulation properties;
• scope of use;
• vicissitudes of transportation.

We will make verdicts after comparing the “fighters” according to each of the criteria.

Consistent comparison of consumer qualities

Round one: aesthetics

Both types of flooring, due to their affordability, are understandably popular. The result was the supply to the market of a considerable number of brands with a wide range of designs. The buyer is offered numerous options so as not to group comrades by taste and color. In both cases, you can choose imitation wood, marble, onyx, granite, even reptile skin, abstraction, etc. True, a couple of decades ago linoleum was classified as a “soviet” coating, but new options completely refute the old opinion. Draw.

Round two: price

The initial preponderance of forces is on the side of the PVC coating, i.e. linoleum. Note, not its expensive natural prototype, created from a mixture of resins, oil, wood and dolomite flour, applied on a jute base, but a synthetic material with a very low price. The difference between the cheapest representatives of linoleum and laminate will be a multiple of approximately two. The middle link of a laminated parquet will be approximately 2.5 times more expensive than a PVC coating of the same class. There are no upper limits, because The brand names of the competition participants are sometimes more expensive than parquet.

In the championship under the motto “which is cheaper: laminate or linoleum” for the last fighter victory.

Glue linoleum to concrete floor You can do it yourself if you know how and what is the best way to do it. We'll tell you about this in our article: .

Round three: safety

The concept is versatile, so we will cover each of the facets:

• Ecology . Both opponents belong to the category of synthetic materials. Despite the 80% content of waste lumber in the laminate, their connection is still carried out artificially using polymer binders and chemical adhesives. Budget linoleum is generally more correctly called. The production of both laminate and vinyl material does not upset the balance of the environmental situation, but recycling laminated floors does not cause difficulties, and disposing of old linoleum is not so easy. It does not decompose on its own, and when burned it smokes terribly.
• The ability to cause allergies. In both cases, before purchasing, you need to study the certificate, which indicates the possibility of its use for furnishing housing and public institutions. Information about the maximum concentration of formaldehyde should also be indicated there. It is desirable that the number indicating it persistently tends to zero. IN as a last resort, was an insignificant number with one, two, or better yet three zeros in front of it. If the product does not have a certificate, you should refuse to purchase it.
• Risk of injury when moving. In order to eliminate this unsightly property, the coatings are given a relief, which at the same time increases the realism of the simulated structure. They say you can slip on a damp or oil-filled cheap laminate floor, but... You can’t fill it with water or oil, so these cases belong to the category of conversations.

Attention. Both types of budget flooring are classified as combustible finishing materials.

Many people are tormented by the question - is it possible to put laminate flooring on loggias? We will analyze in more detail the conditions and features of installation, and also help you choose the coating and substrate in the material: .

Conclusion: in clarifying the questions of which material is safer and which is more environmentally friendly: laminate or linoleum, there are no clear winners. Each criterion has caveats, just as there are pros and cons to both options.

Round four: styling

Let's start with preparation. Deviations when checking the rough base with a 2-meter lath applied to the floor plane in an arbitrary direction should not exceed 2 mm, both for laminated floors and for PVC material. Otherwise, the linoleum will be deformed, frayed, or even break through in poor-quality areas, and the locking system of the laminate will be damaged and the floor will have to be completely replaced.

The underlay is placed under both coverings, but it is not necessary for laying linoleum. Moreover, if the back side of the PVC coating is pre-equipped with a layer of felt or foamed polystyrene. Economic plus.

Let's compare the technological qualities of our rivals:

• Laying large panels of linoleum on the floor is faster and easier than cutting, adjusting and joining laminated boards. However, it is not an extremely complex labor-intensive work; it simply requires compliance step-by-step instructions and takes more time.
• Linoleum must be attached to the base with glue or double-sided adhesive tape. This is an additional expense item. Laminate floors are now extremely rarely constructed by joining boards together with glue. according to the floating scheme, they are not attached to the base.
• Errors in laying linoleum “planted” with glue cannot be corrected. Laminate flooring can be disassembled into strips and laid again. Not necessarily in the same place.

Both coatings are compatible with underfloor heating systems for water and electric type. Verdict: the score is again “draw”.

Round five: service life

Unconditional primacy behind linoleum. You won’t have to think about replacing it for 10 years, and a number of manufacturers sincerely convince you of 3 dozen years of blameless service and issue guarantees for this period.

exploit cheap laminate more than 5 years will not work. On average, 2-3 years, which attracts those who like to frequently change the furnishings and decoration. An expensive commercial grade laminate floor will last 10, and good care and more years, but its cost is significantly higher than cheap linoleum.

Round six: practical side

Laminate flooring cannot be washed, much less filled with water, as it will warp. You will have to part with him. Maximum rare care with a very thoroughly wrung out damp cloth. Strength testing by impact with a randomly dropped heavy object should be abandoned. But its acrylic or melamine protective and decorative coating will not allow stains to be absorbed, will protect against match and cigarette burns, and will not allow scratches to appear.

Attention. Caring for laminate floors with chemical solvents and abrasives is not permitted.

Linoleum can be washed using the “deck” method if it is laid with one continuous carpet. Just like vinyl covering, made up of several panels with welded seams. If the seams are not welded, you should forget about the deck maintenance method, because... a wet substrate can become a breeding ground for fungi and mold. You can burn it without much effort, except for a heat-resistant brand. Linoleum is indifferent to impacts, but it does not respect stiletto heels, thin legs of heavy furniture, or the sharp claws of pets, and a dropped corkscrew or knife blade can leave a hole in it.

Let's draw a balance and decide what is more practical: laminate or linoleum. We award the victory to vinyl material, taking into account the fact that it lasts significantly longer.

Round seven: heat engineering with sound insulation

The insulating qualities of both materials compared leave much to be desired for further improvement. They directly depend on the thickness of the laminated dies and on the presence of a backing on the back side of the linoleum. By themselves, neither vinyl nor particle boards prevent the passage of heat and noise. This work is done for them by polystyrene foam, felt, cork or a composite layer.

High-quality artistic laminate - a worthy replacement piece parquet. You can read more about what kind of coating this is, what types there are and how to install it yourself on our website:.

Because The laminate is laid using a floating method and is not attached to a rough base; the use of a backing is a necessity. Otherwise, it will “clack” under your feet. Soft flexible linoleum does not respond to footsteps as noisily. However, a cement floor finished with linoleum without an insulating backing will be incredibly cold. In short, it's a draw.

Round Eight: Scope of Use

The laminated floor looks a little more noble than its rustic rival, but it is very capricious and sensitive to moisture. Therefore, it is not used in hygienic rooms and kitchens. Most often they are used where repairs need to be done with a certain frequency: in children's rooms, in hallways, and less often in living rooms and bedrooms.

Linoleum doesn't mind all the troubles. You can wash and scrub it as much as you like using any means. Only an abrasive is undesirable if it is not homogeneous, i.e. full-thickness dyed material. The top layer of a homogeneous coating can also be erased due to abrasive action, but this cannot be determined visually. In theory, vinyl flooring can be placed wherever you want. True, there are rarely fans of arranging linoleum floors in bedrooms, children's rooms, offices, and living rooms. This “workhorse” serves in kitchens and bathrooms, and works great on the floor in hallways.

Conclusion: no material is without limitations. Draw.

Round nine: transportation

It is easier to deliver to the object laminate, neatly packaged in easy-to-move packs. You can transport it in the trunk of your personal car or deliver it to the apartment by elevator. It’s more difficult with linoleum: it is sold in rolls. The larger the area of ​​​​the room being finished, the more the uncomfortable, too high bundle with a height of 2 m or more will weigh. Sometimes it can not be pushed into the elevator. You will need to splurge on delivery and loader services. Laminate won.

So what's the end result?

The score is three-one in favor of linoleum. However, neither the practicality nor the long-term durability of vinyl flooring will convince those who have made a firm decision to purchase and install laminate flooring. We sincerely wish them success in the difficult path of independent finishing.

Comparison of materials by basic parameters

As you can see, there are a lot of parameters and all of them must be taken into account when planning repairs. If you neglect something important, then the purchase will not bring pleasure and will simply interfere with your life! Judging by the reviews of those who chose flooring without thinking, the shortcomings have been very annoying for years.

What is better to lay on the floor - laminate or linoleum - is decided taking into account the requirements for a particular room. A comparison of floor coverings based on the most significant parameters will help you make your choice.

Laminate or linoleum - which is better to choose for an apartment?

We looked at all the pros and cons of two popular floors and, in our opinion, there is not much difference between these coatings. Neither one nor the other lasts forever, unlike the same tile floor, for example (although it is cold).

Judging by consumer reviews, laminate is not the best choice for the kitchen, since keeping track of moisture there is simply unrealistic and the floor deteriorates much faster.

So, if service life is of great importance to you, then it is better to choose linoleum for the kitchen.

Although, according to some experts from construction markets, moisture resistant laminate- also acceptable.

It is almost impossible to find a person who, at least once in his life, has not faced the need to do big renovation of your home. Modern features market of materials for construction and repair provide the broadest opportunities for those who would like to make their home not only habitable, but also beautiful, cozy and 100% safe.

Laminate design diagram.

For residential premises, you can choose a less toxic laminate. In addition, it is more fashionable and pleasant to the touch. Laminate flooring is ideal for the living room, bedroom, home hallway.

For the kitchen you can give preference to linoleum. If a laminate is laid in the kitchen, then most likely, after 4-7 years its aesthetic appearance will deteriorate and you will have to change it.

For offices, it is recommended to use commercial linoleum. After all, laminated floors begin to creak over time. Of course, this can negatively affect the company's image. In addition, there is another significant drawback. Laminate flooring has poor sound insulation. If there are a lot of people walking along the corridors in the office, it creates noise. Such an environment is not conducive to good employee performance.

If there is a question about flooring for a balcony or loggia, we recommend asking the price for linoleum. From high humidity and in the cold the laminate becomes unusable. Linoleum is good for such flooring.

So what is better, beautiful linoleum or laminate - it’s up to you to decide. But don't always trust sellers. Sometimes they just want to sell a product quickly and profitably. Determine for yourself the criteria for choosing a coating: for what room, whether color, texture, quality are important. This will help you not make a mistake when choosing.

When carrying out renovations, the question often arises: what is better - laminate or linoleum in an apartment? There is no definite answer, since each of the materials has several categories that differ significantly in basic performance characteristics. In addition, the choice is largely determined by the characteristics of the room - traffic, humidity, the need for sanitation, the likelihood mechanical damage and so on. There is one more nuance - some properties of floor coverings depend on the installation - the quality of its execution, the use of the underlay, etc.

Laminate is sometimes called a natural material due to the presence of cellulose (wood) fibers in its composition, however, this statement is not entirely true, because the binding component for them is a polymer resin. In fact, the basis of the laminate is pressed hardboard (more precisely, MDF or HDF), and in general the material is multi-layered - the base is covered with protective layers on both sides.

On the back side, a polymer layer or kraft paper with phenolic impregnation protects mainly from moisture, and the outer (front) surface has a multifunctional coating of acrylic or melamine resin, which partially prevents exposure to moisture (it is possible to wipe the laminate with a wrung out wet cloth, but in case of direct contact water, the coating deteriorates) and protects against mechanical damage.

The question of what is better to lay: laminate or linoleum is decided for a specific room, for example, for a kitchen with high humidity, laminate will not be the best solution.

The thickness of the surface protective layer determines the strength class of the material, but even for the most resistant coatings it does not exceed 1 mm.

Laminate is a block floor covering (as opposed to rolled linoleum), which is assembled from small “planks”.

• The most common is laminate, in which the ends of all elements are click latches. The installation of such a coating is simplified as much as possible, although some call the disadvantage of click laminate the presence of small gaps between the blocks into which moisture can get. The obvious advantages of this type of laminate include the ability to create a “floating” coating that does not have rigid adhesion to the base floor over the entire surface.
• Adhesive laminates are less common, their installation is more difficult; due to the rigid connection with the floor surface, cracks from thermal deformation may occur if the temperature in the room changes sharply, but the gaps between the laminate boards are impenetrable to moisture when installed correctly.
• The most rare type is tongue and groove laminate with a characteristic relief on the end sides.

Types of laminate joints

The main disadvantage of laminate is its susceptibility to moisture. Coatings of this type of any class do not tolerate water, warp, deform and cannot be restored. If moisture gets in, damaged elements can be replaced, and for a click coating, it will be enough to disassemble the damaged area, and the boards “planted” on the glue will have to be cut out.

Laminate classes

The class of flooring and its purpose is determined by the strength of the material and the thickness of the upper protective layer.

• Class 31 - the least protected and designed for low-intensity use, typical for bedrooms, pantries and other similar premises. In an apartment or in a house, the service life of such a laminate, depending on the conditions, will be 10-12 years.
• Class 32 laminate can bear an average load, so it is quite suitable for home use, where it will last 12-15 years, but for commercial premises it is not advisable to choose such a coating.
• Class 33 laminate is considered commercial, although it is the least durable in its category. Such a coating can be used when finishing sports halls, and at home it can be chosen for the most visited rooms (for example, living rooms).

Laminate in the interior of the apartment

Appearance

Initially, laminate was used as a floor covering, visually almost indistinguishable from natural wood. Similar models Until now, they are popular as attractive in appearance and organically combined with various interior styles. The range of the most famous manufacturers usually includes classic and original wood grain laminate options:

• natural (a thin layer of varnish is almost invisible and the coating looks like ordinary wood),
• glossy (in such models the varnish coating is not only noticeable, but also characteristic feature, the coating imitates varnished wood),
• matte (visually similar to well-oiled natural parquet),
• aged (the color of this coating is darker, like that of wood “with experience”),
• textured (similar to rough-cut boards),
• waxed (warm and soft shine of boards, characteristic of waxed wooden floors).

Laminate can also be patterned

Laminate production technology allows you to create coatings that are completely different from wood; the most original and fashionable include laminates that look like stone and look like leather.

Linoleum is a rolled floor covering, the main advantages of which are moisture resistance and water resistance. Such material not only easily withstands wet cleaning, including the use of detergents, but also (subject to proper installation) is capable of retaining spilled or leaking water in small quantities in emergency cases.

Variants of linoleum patterns also differ in variety.

In many ways, the qualities and characteristics of linoleum are determined by its type.

• Natural linoleum is so different from other types in composition, characteristics and price that it is increasingly being classified as a separate category of floor coverings and called marmoleum. On a jute base of marmoleum, a coating is made only from natural components - chalk and wood flour, bound by oxidized linseed oil and resins, and the design is made using natural dyes. Due to its high price, marmoleum should be excluded from comparative analysis, the purpose of which is to determine which is better, linoleum or laminate in the house.
• Nitrocellulose coatings are distinguished by their plasticity and high strength with a small thickness. However, nitrocellulose linoleum is not recommended for use due to its high flammability.
• Linoleum made of glyphthal (a special type of plastic) is produced on a fabric basis and therefore has increased heat and sound insulation. During operation, it deforms - it stretches in width and “shrinks” in length.
• Rubber linoleum is the most moisture-resistant and elastic, so it can easily be laid on an uneven base. It is not used at home because it is highly toxic.
• PVC linoleum is the most common type used for commercial premises, rooms in apartments and houses, so in the future the properties and purpose of this particular type of flooring will be considered. PVC linoleum may shrink a little over time. Such material is produced baseless or on a fabric, foam, or fiber base.

According to the manufacturing method, PVC linoleum can be homo- or heterogeneous.

• The choice of colors of heterogeneous linoleum is much larger due to the fact that the coating pattern is exclusively in top layer multilayer material. This production technology removes almost all restrictions regarding the choice of scale and complexity of the design. Fiberglass in heterogeneous linoleum prevents tensile and compressive deformation of the floor covering.
• The pattern of homogeneous linoleum is carried out over the entire thickness of the coating, due to which it becomes resistant to abrasion. Unlike heterogeneous, homogeneous linoleum can be restored if the surface is noticeably worn - such coatings are “polished”, removing 1/20-1/5 of the thickness of the coating with a uniform structure. The advantage of homogeneous varieties is high strength and durability. Such linoleum not only withstands people's steps, but also retains its qualities when carts and gurneys move over it. In this case, the service life of the coating reaches 25 years or more.

1. Which is cheaper: laminate or linoleum?

As we wrote above, it all depends on the manufacturer.

There is laminate, which is much cheaper than linoleum, for example. But, if we take into account average prices, then laminate will always be more expensive. Of course, if different types laminate, but there is no point in discussing them now.

In addition, if linoleum can be laid just like that, on a screed, then you definitely need to purchase a backing for the laminate. This is not to say that this is very expensive, but still, in the end it increases the cost per square meter.

If you skimp on the substrate, the laminate will clatter a lot and will last much less, since it will be pressed hard on the slightest irregularities.

Objective difficulty of choice

• On the first floors of high-rise buildings, especially in new buildings, it is recommended to lay linoleum. The premises on the ground floor of the house are a risk zone for the penetration of high humidity from the basement, and if you lay laminate flooring in all rooms at once, a situation may arise when, within a short period of time, the joints of the lamellas swell and the coating becomes unusable. This problem can only be dealt with by organizing reliable waterproofing.
• In a private house the situation will be similar. You should not lay laminate flooring until you have received reliable information about the degree of humidity in each room. In this case, it is recommended to lay linoleum, parquet boards or arrange traditional plank floors.
• For one-room studios, it is best to use laminate, but in the kitchen area it is still advisable to put rolled material.
• It is advisable to use laminate flooring to furnish the living room. This material fits harmoniously into any interior of the main room and allows you to show the level of wealth of the home owners.
• The corridor, hallway and kitchen are the areas with the highest traffic and pollution levels. Accordingly, it is recommended to lay only linoleum in these rooms.
• A balcony is a room where significant changes in temperature and humidity occur, so laminate cannot be used in this case; it is better to install durable and practical linoleum.
• For children's rooms and bedrooms, it is necessary to use laminate flooring that has higher environmental characteristics.

However, a wide range of such goods at the same time seems to be a rather difficult problem in many cases. Indeed, it is not easy to understand the numerous shades and technical specifications, for example, floor coverings. Manufacturers of this type of building materials offer many impeccable new products that literally decorate both standard apartments and luxurious mansions. In view of all this, the fundamental choice - linoleum or laminate - for an inexperienced consumer causes a lot of trouble.

Diagram of differences between laminate locks.

In this case, they will come in handy useful tips, designed to help a person choose exactly the option that would satisfy his highest requirements. In this sense, probably ideal option there would be a floor made of well-treated, but at the same time quite expensive wooden planks or sophisticated parquet. But considerations of practicality and the moderate cost of flooring often force us to look for other ways to give the interior a harmonious look.

When choosing a floor covering, of course, you want to choose something more reliable, durable, natural and pleasant. But the price of natural stone, cork, and parquet makes the consumer want to find a more economical alternative. This is especially true for those owners who are planning only short-term cosmetic transformations. In these situations, you can compare two options for materials, namely linoleum and laminate. It would be best to consider these two flooring options based on several factors that are most important to today's consumer, including cost and shelf life.

The most important selection criteria

If you are faced with the task of deciding which is better - laminate or linoleum in an apartment, then you need to pay attention to the price of the material, external indicators, ease of installation, and safety. It is important to take into account that you will most likely be laying the material yourself, so that a budget floor does not turn out to be more expensive due to the use of professional help. It is also important to pay attention to how each type of material tolerates exposure to water, since you will periodically have to do wet cleaning. Sound insulation and thermal characteristics are also important qualities.

Comparison of materials by external characteristics

If you are thinking about what is better - laminate or linoleum in an apartment, then you need to pay attention to the aesthetic indicators of both coatings. Due to the fact that the described finishing materials have a fairly low price, they are both popular among consumers. The buyer in the store is presented with numerous options that have all kinds of colors and textures. You can choose both linoleum and laminate in imitation natural materials like granite, wood, marble and even leather. In this fight for external sign it is impossible to determine the winner, since linoleum and laminate today are available in very attractive design solutions.

Comparison of materials by cost

If you still haven’t decided which is better - linoleum or laminate, consumer reviews are worth considering. Initially, the advantage in terms of price is on the side of the PVC coating, which applies to linoleum. It is worth noting that its expensive natural prototype loses in this race. The laminated coating will be 2.5 times more expensive than PVC material. This indicates that linoleum is significantly cheaper than laminate in all respects. If we compare average prices, then linoleum, of course, will be cheaper.

Comparison of safety materials

If you are faced with the question of which is better - linoleum or laminate, reviews on this parameter needs to be studied. The issue of safety is of great interest to consumers; it is divided into several criteria, one of which is environmental friendliness. Both materials are synthetic. Despite the fact that the laminate contains 80 percent lumber, their connection is carried out using an artificial method, which uses polymer binders, as well as chemical components. If we consider budget linoleum, then it can be classified as vinyl coatings. It is made as a laminate in terms of environmental balance, however, it will be quite simple to dispose of laminate flooring, which cannot be said about linoleum.

Consumers often pay attention to this when they think about whether laminate or linoleum is better for a bedroom. The latter version of the material does not decompose on its own, but when exposed to fire, it begins to smoke. It has the ability to develop allergies in humans. In both cases, before purchasing, you need to read the certificate, which should indicate the possibility of using the coating for furnishing residential premises and public institutions. These documents must indicate the amount of formaldehyde. Experts say that this figure should be close to zero. At most, this number should be insignificant. If the product does not have a certificate, then it is advisable to refuse to purchase it.

Risk of injury

If you are thinking about whether to lay laminate or linoleum on the floor, then you also need to pay attention to the ability of each material to put a person in danger when using it. So, there is a risk of injury when moving on the surface. In order to eliminate such an unpleasant property, the manufacturer gives the surface of the coating a relief, which, at the same time, increases the realism of the simulated structure.

If a cheap laminate flooring is filled with oil or water, you can slip on it, but you need to take into account what finishing coat does not withstand exposure to oil or water, so this case can only be classified as talk. It should also be taken into account that both types of materials described are classified as flammable. That is why, when figuring out which material is more environmentally friendly and safer, it is not possible to identify a winner in this area.

Styling features

If you are thinking about what to choose before purchasing laminate or linoleum, then you need to take into account that deviations when checking the rough base should not exceed 2 millimeters, as for laminated and PVC coatings. Otherwise, the linoleum may become deformed and tear in poor-quality areas, and as for the laminate, its locking system may require complete replacement.

The substrate must be laid under both coverings, however, such manipulations are not necessary for laying linoleum. Moreover, the reverse side of the coating is equipped with a layer of foamed polystyrene or felt. Based on this, and also taking into account own experience, you can choose the coverage that suits you.

Economic benefits

When considering purchasing linoleum or laminate, the pros and cons of each coating definitely need to be studied. It's important to compare technological features. Thus, if you want to complete the work in a shorter time and spend less effort, then it is preferable to choose large-sized linoleum. After all, it will be much easier, because laminated boards need to be adjusted to size and connected to each other. But experts say that laying laminate flooring is not such a difficult and time-consuming task; you will only need to follow the instructions and follow the rules. However, this will still require more time, which is why it is worth considering what to choose - laminate or linoleum.

What is better, an expert’s opinion will help you understand. Experts say that linoleum can be fixed to the surface with glue or double-sided adhesive tape. This can be considered an additional expense item. Laminate floors are rarely installed by joining the elements with glue. When laying laminate using a technology called floating, there is no attachment to the base. Whereas if linoleum is laid with glue, then it will no longer be possible to correct the errors. Laminate flooring can be disassembled and reinstalled after installation. It is not necessary to do this in the same place; it is permissible to use boards in any other room. Quite often, consumers think about what to choose - linoleum or laminate when they want to install a heating system in their home. Both coatings are compatible with heated floors, whether electric or water. In the fight according to this criterion, none of the coatings breaks out into the first positions.

Best before date

If you don’t know what to choose - linoleum or laminate, then you can pay attention to one more criterion, which is expressed in terms of service life. In this matter, primacy can be given to linoleum. The owners will not have to think about replacing it for 10 years; some manufacturers guarantee the possibility of using this floor for 30 years.

If you buy a cheap laminate, it will last about 5 years, and then it will begin to lose its quality characteristics and appearance. Such coverage quite often attracts those buyers who are used to changing the situation every three years. If you choose a laminated floor, which is an expensive option, then its shelf life will be 10 years. If you take good care of such a floor, its quality characteristics will be better than cheap linoleum.

Practical component

Thinking about what to choose - laminate or linoleum, you must also pay attention to the features of the operation of each coating. It is impossible to wash a laminate, for example, as well as fill it with water, as it can warp. You will have to part with such a coating after exposure to water. The maximum that you can afford with this floor is processing with well-wrung rags. But such a coating will not withstand the impact of heavy objects at all. However, an acrylic or melamine coating will prevent the formation of dents, protect against cigarette burns, and also prevent scratches. Caring for laminated flooring using chemicals and abrasives is prohibited. If you are thinking about what to choose - laminate or linoleum, you need to consider that the latter option can be cleaned by deck cleaning. This is true if the installation was carried out with a continuous carpet.

Such cleaning can also be carried out if there is a coating that is made up of separate sheets welded with seams. If the seams have not been welded, then you should forget about this method of care, since the substrate will be wet and become a breeding ground for mold and fungi. You can burn through such a coating quite easily, which cannot be said about the heat-resistant variety of the brand. Linoleum can easily withstand impacts, but heels and thin legs of furniture, as well as sharp claws of pets, will be destructive for it. When thinking about what is better - laminate or linoleum in terms of practicality, it is worth awarding the victory to vinyl-based material, since it lasts longer.

Sound insulation and thermal characteristics

If you still haven’t decided for yourself which is better - laminate or linoleum, then you also need to pay attention to sound and thermal insulation. The insulating properties of both materials leave much to be desired. These indicators directly depend on the thickness of the laminated boards and the presence of a substrate on back side linoleum.

If we talk about vinyl and wood chip bases, they do not interfere with the passage of noise and heat. These tasks must be performed by felt, composite layer, and expanded polystyrene. Due to the fact that the laminate is laid using floating technology and is not fixed to the rough base, the use of the substrate acts as necessary stage. Otherwise, it will clatter under your feet.

When choosing laminate or linoleum, which is better for the kitchen, you need to think about it in advance. If we talk about soft linoleum, then it does not make so much noise when you step. But if it was laid on a cement floor without using a heat-insulating lining, then the coating will be very cold. In this matter, none of the materials can be awarded primacy either.

Application area

Many consumers do not know what to choose - laminate or linoleum. What's better? An expert's opinion can help you decide. Experts say that it is definitely worth considering the appearance of the coating. For example, laminate looks somewhat more noble compared to linoleum, but it is more capricious and sensitive to moisture. This indicates that it is used less frequently in kitchens and sanitary areas. It is most often used where the need for repairs periodically arises (this applies to hallways, children's rooms, bedrooms and living rooms). But linoleum does not care about all the problems. You can wipe it off from dirt as much as you like, using any means (except abrasive ones). Vinyl flooring can be installed anywhere, but it is quite rare to meet consumers who want to lay linoleum in children’s rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. Quite often, its installation is carried out in bathrooms or hallways. As a conclusion, we can say with confidence that none of the materials is without restrictions, so in this matter it will not be possible to award primacy to anyone.

Features of transportation

If you are thinking about what is better to lay - laminate or linoleum, then you first need to pay attention to the transportation features. It will be quite simple to deliver exactly the laminate, which is carefully packaged by the manufacturer in separate packs. You can even transport the material in the trunk of your car, but an elevator will help with delivery to your apartment.

In this matter, with linoleum everything is more complicated. If the kitchen requires renovation, laminate or linoleum can be laid on the floor. However, before this you need to choose one material. It should be taken into account that it will be quite difficult to handle linoleum upon delivery, since it is sold in dimensional rolls. The larger the area of ​​the room, the more the material will weigh, and the roll will be too bulky to drag into the elevator. It will be necessary to spend additional cash for delivery and loader services. When it comes to ease of transportation, laminate flooring for your home wins.

Finally

If you are thinking about what material to lay - laminate or linoleum in your apartment, then you need to consider all the parameters of each covering. If we take into account the above circumstances, then linoleum wins this race with a score of 3:1. But the long service life and practicality of vinyl coating will not convince the consumer that it is necessary to use it, and not a noble-looking laminate, which is based on material from the woodworking industry.

Quite often for the consumer important points are not all, but only a few criteria, which are expressed in cost and appearance. Buyers pay attention to whether the material is environmentally friendly. But not many people know how to verify the seller’s words are true. Quite often, certificates and other documentation are simply hidden from the consumer. You should never put up with this if you are concerned about the health of your loved ones.

Many people consider laminate flooring not comfortable enough for a living space, since it is quite difficult to move around it, for example, in slippers on a hard rubber base, without creating a lot of noise. This can be a real problem for families with small children. That is why, before purchasing, you need to especially carefully consider all the most important criteria for choosing flooring, taking into account the interests of all household members, financial capabilities, interior features, etc.