How to choose linoleum for an apartment? The best linoleum for an apartment: quality, thickness, purpose and price. Types of linoleum: photo, characteristics, choice

Thanks to the huge range, choosing linoleum is not difficult. Despite a large number of other floor coverings, linoleum still remains quite popular. And this is not surprising - he has interesting design, is characterized by low cost and ease of installation.

Given flooring characterized by springiness, softness and sufficient strength.

What to look for when choosing how to choose the right quality linoleum for your home?

Linoleum selection options

When choosing a floor covering, consider the following parameters.

1. Is linoleum suitable for the room?
2. Number of residents, space traffic and floor load.
3. Does the coating have the necessary properties: thermal insulation, noise absorption, moisture resistance, antistatic, antibacterial properties.
4. Does linoleum fit into the design of the apartment? It can be with an abstract pattern, plain or with imitation of various textures - fabric, wood, stone, tiles, etc.

What type of linoleum to choose?

First you need to understand what types of it exist. Today on the market there are many varieties of linoleum made from synthetic and natural materials.

There are the following types of this flooring:

• natural;
• colloxylin;
• rubber;
• glyphthalic;
• polyvinyl chloride.

Natural linoleum

To make natural linoleum use:

• pine resin;
• cork flour;
• wood flour;
• limestone powder;
• linseed oil;
• natural dyes;
• jute fabric.

Linoleum made from natural materials is great for residential premises. People suffering from asthma or allergies will like it and will become excellent option for a children's room.

Advantages of natural linoleum

• Abrasion resistance.
• Environmental friendliness.
• Does not fade from the sun.
• Does not change color or structure over time.
• Has bactericidal properties.
• Does not support combustion.
• It is easy to care for.
• A wide selection of different colors (with a plain or marble pattern).

Flaws

• Relative fragility (when linoleum is bent, cracks may appear; it should not be thrown during transportation and installation).
• It is not advisable to use the coating in a room with high humidity - a bathroom, toilet.
• Quite a big price.

Polyvinyl chloride linoleum is made on a woven or non-woven thermal insulation base. This coating can be either multi-layer or single-layer.

Advantages of PVC linoleum

• Low thermal conductivity.
• Dielectric properties.
• Environmental friendliness.
• Doesn't rot.
• Wide range of shades, patterns and designs.
• Easy to install.

Minuses

• Sensitivity to high temperatures.
• Instability to alkalis, fats and chemical solvents.
• When the temperature drops, the elasticity of linoleum decreases sharply and it may crack.

Synthetic linoleum is:

1. semi-commercial;
2. commercial;
3. household

Linoleum for home (household) is cheaper, thinner and not very durable (its service life is no more than 3-5 years).

Commercial linoleum (for work and office premises) has the highest wear resistance, it is the thickest and most durable, and can last more than twenty years.

Semi-commercial linoleum is used either in houses and apartments with high traffic, or in commercial premises with low traffic. It lasts 7-20 years.

There are a huge number different types linoleum PVC: antistatic, noise-absorbing, electrically conductive.

Alkyd (glypthal) linoleum

This type of linoleum is made by applying alkyd resin to a fabric base. Its advantages include good heat and sound insulation properties.

Disadvantages include fragility and, as a result, difficulty in installation, as well as a tendency to fractures and cracks. Before installation, this linoleum must be kept in warm room, otherwise it may become deformed - its width will increase and its length will decrease.

This type of linoleum is made from nitrocellulose. Usually it is released without a base.

pros

• Elasticity.
• Moisture resistance.
• Decorative shine.
• Fire safety.

Minuses

• Tendency to shrink.
• Sensitivity to temperature changes.

This linoleum is two-layer. Its lining is made from old crushed rubber with bitumen. The front (top) layer is made by mixing rubber, filler and pigment.

pros

• High moisture resistance.
• Elasticity.

Minuses

Linoleum contains substances harmful to humans, which is why it is not recommended to lay it in residential premises.

How to choose linoleum for different rooms

Linoleum is classified and labeled in accordance with the purpose of the premises.
The first digit ranges from 1 to 4:

• 1 - premises with minimal traffic;
• 2 — industrial premises;
• 3 - office premises;
• 4 - living quarters.

The second number indicates the expected load:

• 1 - lowest;
• 4 is the highest.

For example, class 21 coverage is suitable for the bedroom and office. For a kitchen or hallway for a family of 4-5 people, a floor covering of class 23-24 or class 31-33 is suitable.

Linoleum in the hallway, corridor, kitchen

These rooms have quite a lot of traffic, so we recommend laying 3 mm linoleum here.

In these rooms you can use polyvinyl chloride household linoleum, but also the best option- semi-commercial. As for texture and color, linoleum for ceramic tiles is a traditional solution for these premises.

To the living room

The living room has moderate traffic, for which 1.5 mm thick linoleum is the best option.

This room has a low probability of mechanical damage, so you can lay PVC linoleum or inexpensive household polyester linoleum here.

Linoleum in the bedroom

The bedroom is a room with low traffic; it needs thinner linoleum - from 1.2 to 1.5 mm.

For the bedroom, the most optimal is household polyester linoleum or polyvinyl chloride foam coating.

To the children's room

The children's room has an average degree of traffic, but a high probability of mechanical damage.

In the nursery, you can lay household linoleum made of foamed polyvinyl chloride, or better yet semi-commercial, with a protective top layer of at least 0.25 mm.

Linoleum on the balcony

Linoleum does not tolerate temperature changes and sunlight. Any type of it will quickly deteriorate when used on the veranda, in garden gazebo, in an unheated loggia or on a balcony.

How to choose decor and colors of linoleum

Linoleum comes in a huge range of colors and designs. During production, it is given rich, bright colors that do not fade over time. Synthetic linoleum has even better decorative capabilities. It very reliably imitates ceramic tiles, wood or stone.

IN Lately Decor that imitates parquet boards or parquet is in great demand. Linoleum can perfectly reproduce cherry, beech, oak, as well as exotic woods - rosewood, zebrawood, bamboo.

The flooring reproduces texture and pattern natural wood. Linoleum with imitation solid wood boards and wood mosaics is in good demand. Extraordinary and brave people Unusual colors and fancy decors are suitable.

Those who like to experiment will be able to choose abstract and original geometric designs. Very impressive linoleum with imitation stone - marble or granite.

You can find coatings that can reproduce artificially aged materials - worn stone or wood with traces of time.

When choosing linoleum for your home, you should adhere to the following tips.

1. Trust your sense of smell - the pungent smell of linoleum indicates its low quality. It may contain additives that are harmful to health. Natural or synthetic linoleum good quality practically no smell.
2. High-quality linoleum does not have a greasy sheen; its pattern should look natural and be distinct. The coating must have at least five layers.
3. The width of the linoleum sheet should match the size of the room. But it is necessary to take the coating with a reserve so that you can adjust the pattern and trim the canvas at the joints. When making calculations, be sure to take into account the presence of thresholds, niches under radiators and other protrusions in the room.
4. We advise you to buy linoleum not in the market, but in a heated room. In addition, it is more convenient to check its quality in the store.
5. Be sure to check that the coating meets safety standards. Linoleum that has passed a special examination must have appropriate markings. The seller must have a hygiene certificate.
6. You need to check the quality of linoleum in rolled form. This way you can see bumps and waves on the surface or areas with peeling top film. These indicators indicate marriage. You cannot buy such a coating, as existing unevenness will not be smoothed out in any way.
7. When purchasing the same linoleum for several rooms, it is better to buy it in one piece. But first calculate whether it will be possible to carry a long roll into the room and whether it can be transported along stairs and narrow openings.
8. It is strictly forbidden to fold the canvas in half. We do not recommend gluing tape to the front surface, as it leaves a sticky residue that is difficult to remove. It is necessary to roll up linoleum front side inside. If it is folded with the front side out, then it needs to be wrapped in protective film.
9. When choosing linoleum, give preference to a coating with a special protective layer. This coating washes well and retains its excellent quality for a long time. appearance.
10. If possible, look at samples of linoleum in the room in which it will be laid. This will help you more accurately select the appropriate colors for the interior.
11. You need to purchase linoleum in one batch. Different batches often differ in color, even when their SKUs are the same.

Video: how to choose linoleum

Linoleum, which is one of the most popular materials for furnishing floors in residential premises, is very widely represented in many trade enterprises, which allows you to decorate the interior in strict accordance with the tastes of each homeowner. Knowing how to choose linoleum correctly, you can choose a version of this universal floor covering that would both suit personal preferences and have excellent performance characteristics.

So, what points should you decide on when choosing linoleum? Let's talk.

The first question: where do we put it?

Since the linoleum options offered for sale differ significantly in their qualities, depending on the installation location, they can be divided into the following groups:

• for flooring - here it is best to use linoleum made of polyvinyl chloride: the high durability of such a material, the possibility of processing it chemicals, which is especially important when it comes into contact with fats, allows you to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the floor covering. The presence of a protective top layer increases the degree of resistance to mechanical stress and aggressive substances;

• floor covering in living rooms It is better to make it with multilayer linoleum on a foam base: the presence of increased noise and heat insulating properties ensures the maintenance of the required temperature in the room and the absence of extraneous sounds.

The pattern for the kitchen is preferably discreet, but in the rooms you can already select a pattern on the linoleum to suit your taste: floral, “like parquet” - any options in the living room will look great, emphasizing the individuality of the room, its style and the owner’s taste.

Question two: what is the optimal width of the roll and what are its other dimensional characteristics?

When deciding which linoleum to choose for your apartment, you should pay close attention to the width of the roll. The standard sizes are in the range of 1.5-4.0 m with a step of 0.5 m. The material consumption when laying on the floor largely depends on the width, as well as the degree of complexity of cutting and quantity (they still have to be sealed!).

Typically, the length of one sheet of linoleum in a roll is 3 m or more, which allows you to cut a piece of the required length and thereby minimize material consumption during installation.

The thickness of the coating can also vary significantly: from 1.6 to 5.0 mm. The average thickness of linoleum intended for laying in a living room can be considered 2.5 mm.

Binder material - question three

When choosing linoleum that will be installed in rooms with high traffic (corridors, rooms without carpets), you should choose options that are as resistant to abrasion as possible. All types of alkyd linoleum with high levels of heat and sound insulation perfectly retain their original qualities and appearance. However, their low resistance to moisture makes this option not very suitable for the kitchen.

The most resistant to moisture is considered to be linoleum made from PVC. It is represented quite widely on the shelves of trade enterprises. As practice shows, the slightly higher cost of this type of flooring is a direct consequence of its improved qualities.

Color solution

The variety of colors of linoleum pleases the eye, but also makes it difficult to choose. Linoleum with a simple pattern (like parquet, in squares) is the easiest to cut. In this regard, imported production options differ from domestic brands in a positive direction. The convenience of their installation lies in the fact that the pattern on imported linoleums is often applied in such a way that the opposite edges of the roll have a pattern that is a continuation of itself.

The basic rule for choosing a pattern when choosing linoleum is that a large pattern looks most impressive in large rooms, and a small pattern will “play out” in small rooms.

Matching wallpaper and color range floor covering creates a harmonious impression of the room. Therefore, when choosing, it is necessary to take into account the prevailing color in the room.

When deciding which linoleum is best to choose, you should follow the following tips from professionals:

1. You should buy slightly more linoleum than is required according to the measurements of the room being designed.
2. The presence of a quality certificate can protect the buyer from low-quality counterfeits that have low hygienic and performance properties.
3. You can check the quality of the selected type of linoleum in the following way: crush a small sample of it in your hand. In the absence of creases, pronounced cracks and loss of brightness of colors, we can safely say that the product is of high quality.
4. Selecting coating samples based on foamed PVC will provide more long term service of linoleum due to the absence of its contact with concrete slab floor.
5. The clarity of the applied pattern and the absence of blur also indicate the high quality of the material.

A rating compiled by experts of the main brands of this flooring will undoubtedly help you guide you when choosing linoleum.

The following video will certainly help you navigate the world of linoleum:

Overview of the main characteristics of linoleum, such as width, thickness and classes. In this article you will find detailed description advantages and disadvantages of certain types of linoleum, learn how to select the class of linoleum for any room.

On this moment The linoleum market is actively developing. The assortment is so large that your eyes will diverge. You can buy both natural and synthetic linoleum.

In addition, the price range is very pleasing, because you can opt for expensive heterogeneous linoleum or cheap homogeneous one. To choose the most suitable type, you should familiarize yourself with their technical characteristics. First of all, measure how many meters the width of your largest room in the house is so that you can select the covering based on this.

Main characteristics

Which coating to choose from all the variety in stores? First of all, you should pay attention to the thickness of the coating, as well as the protective layer and its service life. However, the main characteristics are:

• Moisture resistance
• Density
• Abrasion and indentation resistance
• Flammability
• Chemical resistance
• Sound and heat insulation
• Antistatic
• Residential, semi-commercial or commercial

Modern linoleum (Tarkett) is becoming more difficult to distinguish from laminate, parquet board or ceramic tiles. However, despite the excellent quality, you should not go to the store and buy the first roll you come across. Initially, you should find out about the materials from which it is made, its purpose and technical features.

The main advantage of linoleum is its versatility. It can be used in any kind of premises, taking into account the necessary of this premises materials and width. The material is very easy to care for, is very soft and elastic, and is available in all sizes.

In terms of loads, linoleum is a durable material that is not susceptible to cracking or crumbling, it has good abrasion resistance, and is also not prone to deformation, unlike wooden coverings. If properly installed, linoleum will withstand heavy loads and last a very long time (often it ranges from 25 to 30 years). And commercial and semi-commercial types of coating can be used for flooring even in large enterprises (see photo).

Linoleum also has excellent sound-proofing and heat-insulating properties, and its moisture resistance is worth highlighting. This is an important property that wooden coatings cannot boast of.

Main types of linoleum

1. Natural linoleum. It is created from natural materials. There is linoleum with or without a base. The base itself is made of fabric or other materials, but in any case they are natural. The thickness of such a coating is usually greater. Such linoleum because environmental safety fits the premium class classification, which affects the final price of each square meter coverings. Which one is natural can be read on the label.

2. Polyvinyl chloride linoleum or PVC. Such products are manufactured on different bases:

• Non-woven base, which has excellent sound and heat insulation.
• Fabric base.
• Foamed fiberglass base.

It is worth highlighting their advantages and disadvantages separately.

Advantages of PVC coatings

Compared to the amazing majority of materials, it is quite advantageous in price. Also, this linoleum has low thermal conductivity and is a dielectric, limited soluble, and not subject to rotting due to the fact that it is made from synthetic components. Technical characteristics, depending on the wear resistance class, are suitable for almost any task.

The installation technology is simple. It can be installed without the help of professionals - with your own hands. For large sizes rooms, it is recommended to use glue or metal thresholds. Commercial linoleum of this type is characterized by increased strength.

Disadvantages of PVC coatings

The main disadvantage is that it is made from synthetics (“chemical” components) and it is naturally not suitable for lovers of natural products.
Also, such coatings are sensitive to high temperature and are unstable to acetone and any other solvents.

With sudden drops in temperature, PVC loses its elasticity, as a result of which cracks may appear on a large coating.

Advantages of natural linoleum

The main advantage is its natural origin, because this linoleum contains linseed oil. Thanks to it, natural linoleum has good antibacterial and fungicidal properties, and it is also a natural antiseptic. Also, natural Tarkett linoleum can be recycled. Depending on the wear resistance class, it will suit both residential buildings both apartments and office premises.

You can often find an insulated type of linoleum on construction markets, with a natural bottom covering.

From a decorative point of view, such linoleum has unique colors and patterns that cannot be reproduced technologically. And the width of the roll allows it to be laid in one piece even in a large room. Examples can be seen in the photo.

It is fire-resistant, which means that an accidentally dropped match will not cause damage to the surface, much less cause a fire. The increased thickness (sometimes up to 5 mm), due to the natural thickness, will allow you to hide minor unevenness in the floor.

Disadvantages of natural linoleum

It is quite difficult to install, which means the installation of such a coating must be carried out by professionals. It also has a high cost.

Caring for natural linoleum is more difficult than caring for PVC. Professionals advise periodically rubbing it with mastic. The minimum period is about six months.

Which coating is better? - It's up to you to decide.

Other types of linoleum

Colloxin linoleum. Often this type is made in a single layer. It is elastic and has increased resistance to moisture. But it has a significant disadvantage - it is a fire hazard. Due to such specific technical characteristics, this type is not very common.

Glypthal linoleum. It has a fabric base. The main advantage is the excellent sound and thermal insulation properties. In some models they are even better than PVC. But this type shrinks in length and stretches in width over time.

Rubber linoleum. It has two layers: in the bottom there is used rubber, which has been crushed, in the top there is rubber, which is mixed with filler.

Wear resistance classes

• Wear resistance is the ability of linoleum to withstand the loads that affect the material during use.
• Abrasion is the time during which the thickness of the coating decreases during use.

There are application classes: residential, office and industrial, respectively, the first digit of the class is 2, 3 or 4. The second digit in the linoleum class means the expected load intensity (from 1 to 4). Respectively:

For residential premises, houses and apartments, classes 21, 22 and 23 are suitable, while in the corridor, kitchen and other places with intense traffic, it is advisable to choose the latest version of Tarkett linoleum. For an apartment it is better to choose class 23, because... it is the most reliable.

Classes 31, 32, 33 and 34 will be appropriate in office premises, shops, shopping centers, etc. The first two classes are suitable for ordinary offices, and for shops and shopping centers, it is better to choose the latter, with improved characteristics.

Linoleum classes 41, 42 and 43 are exclusively commercial (technical) and are used mainly in factories and factories. This coating can withstand almost any load.

Width of linoleum - main dimensions

The main characteristics in this case are the width of the roll and its thickness. At the moment, linoleum has a standard width ranging from 1.5 to 5 meters. Often the step is equal to half a meter. This means that rolls with widths of 1.5 m, 2 m, 2.5 m, 3 m, 3.5 m, 4 m, 4.5 m, 5 m, 6 m can be found on sale. Maximum standard width linoleum is six meters; for large rooms, in such cases, it is necessary to use cold welding.

However, not all linoleum manufacturers can offer products of such sizes. For example, household linoleum often measures no more than three meters, and rolls with a size of five meters are usually found in industrial series.

The most popular size ranges from 2 to 4 meters, since when using a coating of exactly this size, you can easily cover the floor in almost any living space with one piece. Therefore, in order to choose the required width, you need to know the exact dimensions of the room.

The width of the roll should match or slightly exceed the length of one of the sides in the room. For example, if the room has dimensions of 4.87 x 5.88, then the most optimal choice would be a roll 5 meters wide. In this way, you can cover a room using one piece of linoleum and greatly simplify cutting.

In rooms with unusual geometry, linoleum with an abstract pattern is perfect. In such cases, the coating is laid in the most convenient way. All this will greatly facilitate the work, because during the installation process you will not need to worry about joining the pieces and soldering the seams.

It is important to note that width significantly affects the price of the coating. The most expensive rolls have the largest width. Prices are indicated per 1 sq. m., so it’s easy to compare the cost of several rolls of different widths and choose the most suitable one. The coverage width is standard throughout.

Thickness of linoleum. The polyvinyl chloride coating is made with a thickness of 0.7 to 5 mm. You can least often find alkyd linoleum thinner than a millimeter, and even for living conditions he doesn't fit. The best option for the home there will be products with a thickness of 2 to 4 millimeters, because it is worth understanding that the heat and sound insulation of the coating directly depends on the thickness. In addition, the thicker the coating, the better characteristics coverings. Therefore, before choosing any of the options, consider which characteristics are especially important to you.

There is an opinion that the overall thickness of linoleum affects the durability and specifications. This is a misconception - the durability of linoleum is affected by the thickness of the protective layer, namely its abrasion period. However, it is worth taking into account that the thickness of the roll and its massiveness directly affect its total weight. Therefore, it is important to take this into account during transportation.

Despite the fact that the market is presented wide choose finishing coatings For flooring, linoleum continues to be in great demand. The reason for the demand for this material is explained by its constant improvement. Today, the texture and types of linoleum are so diverse that everyone can easily find something interesting for themselves. However, when choosing, the consumer faces a lot of questions. This article will help you understand the existing diversity.

What types of linoleum are there? Below is a classification according to the material from which the coating is made.

1. . Composition of linoleum: lime, tree resin, flaxseed oil and cork meal. It has excellent antistatic properties, does not absorb grease and is not susceptible to fire.
2. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). What it is made of is clear from the name. The base can be different: non-woven, foam or thermal insulation. In addition, the coating can be either single-layer or two-layer, which affects its density.
3. Alkyd (glypthal). This type is made using alkyd resins and pigments based on woven material. Technical properties: fragility, high level heat and sound insulation.
4. Rubber (relin). It is based on bitumen and crushed rubber that was used; The top layer is synthetic rubber with backfiller. This type of flooring is flexible and moisture resistant.
5. Nitrocellulose (colloxylin). Unlike previous varieties, it does not have a base. It is a thin elastic material that is resistant to moisture.

Despite the variety of manufacturing materials, it is PVC linoleum that is most popular among consumers

Types of linoleum by properties

Linoleum can be divided into classes depending on what technical properties he has. The most important among them are the indicators of abrasion and wear resistance.

Abrasion refers to how rapidly the coating thickness decreases under load. There is a European classification EN660-1, on the basis of which linoleum is divided into four groups and has the following markings (the change in thickness after rolling in with a special roller is indicated in brackets):

1. F – the cheapest and fastest abrasive class (0.6 mm);
2. M – linoleum, which wears moderately (0.3 mm);
3. P – low abrasion (0.15 mm);
4. T – the most durable class (0.08 mm).

The wear resistance classification is based on the ability of the coating to withstand mechanical stress. The characteristics of linoleum are affected by its thickness if it is single-layer (homogeneous). If the material is , then the level of wear resistance depends on the thickness of the top layer.

To determine the wear resistance class, the marking of the European system EN 685 is used. The index consists of two digits. The first defines the scope:

• 2 – residential premises (houses, apartments, etc.);
• 3 – public places (kindergartens, schools, hospitals, offices, etc.);
• 4 – production premises (workshops, train stations, airports, etc.).

The second digit in the index indicates the intensity of the load:

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

When choosing, the following varieties are most optimal:

1. 21 – for bedrooms, storage rooms and other rooms where the load on the coating is minimal;
2. 22 – for children's rooms and living rooms;
3. 23 – for vestibules, hallways with high intensity of use.

You can use other types of linoleum more high class wear resistance. However, the higher the class of floor covering, the more expensive it is.

Today, such types of linoleum are used as household, semi-commercial, and special. They have different densities and areas of application. If you already know what type you will use, all that remains is to measure the room and decide on the standard size of the material.

The width of the purchased canvas must be at least 100 mm greater than the length of the wall against which measurements are taken.

How wide is linoleum? Manufacturers produce a wide range of linoleum coverings. Its width can be from 1.5 to 5 m in increments of 0.5 m. Thus, for any room you can easily select a roll of the appropriate size.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before choosing a floor covering, you should study not only the technical characteristics of linoleum, but also the positive and negative qualities of this material. The undoubted advantages include:

• Easy to care for and simple to use. Dirt is least noticeable on linoleum, which is especially important for floors in in public places.
• Easy to install. You don’t need professional skills to lay the covering, so it’s easy.
• High degree of resistance to moisture and impact chemicals. This allows you to lay the coating in places where wet cleaning is often carried out.
• Significant degree of sound and heat insulation.
• Low level of slipping, which is important for the movement of people.
• A wide palette of colors, giving freedom to make design decisions.

As you can see, in the market finishing materials There is a wide range of linoleum coverings. In order to do right choice, you just need to study the types of linoleum, the classification of the material and its technical properties (wear resistance, abrasion, density, etc.).

May 27, 2016
Specialization: facade finishing, interior decoration, construction of cottages, garages. Experience of an amateur gardener and gardener. We also have experience in repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing the guitar and many other things that I don’t have time for :)

Linoleum is one of the most common floor coverings that everyone is familiar with. However, many people, when they come to the store, discover many of its varieties, which sometimes 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 choosing linoleum

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

Parameter No. 1: material

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

However, the most common types are the following:

• polyvinyl chloride or PVC for short– canvases made from this material are the most common in our time, due to the fact that the cost of the products is affordable, and vinyl is harmless to humans.
  It must be said that PVC linoleum is one of the most versatile, since it can be used not only in dry, but also in wet rooms. True, it is necessary to take into account that many characteristics of the coating depend on the number of layers, 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 temperature changes and high humidity. Therefore, you should not use it in bathrooms, as well as in country houses intended for seasonal residence;

• glyphthalic (alkyd)– these fabrics are a good alternative to polyvinyl chloride coating. In particular, it has good heat and sound insulation qualities;
• rubber (relin)– the coating consists of two layers. Upper layer Most often it is made of artificial rubber, and the lower one is made of crushed rubber. This coating is characterized by elasticity, good wear resistance, and resistance to moisture.

• foam based– this type of material is relatively new. It must be said that there is an opinion among people that such a base is inferior in performance to a natural one, for example, felt. In fact, the foam layer is more durable, and at the same time it retains heat well and hides imperfections in the floor.

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

Parameter No. 3: classification of wear resistance and abrasion

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

Wear resistance class	Peculiarities
21-23 (household linoleum)	This flooring material is characterized by the least wear resistance and is intended for use exclusively in residential areas. Moreover, class 21 can be used only in rooms with low traffic. Otherwise, the coating will quickly become unusable and will need to be replaced.
31 -34	Canvases of this class are called semi-commercial. Their thickness ranges from 2 to 3.2 mm (meaning the protective layer). Accordingly, the material is much more resistant to abrasion than household material. This class of coating 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 even suitable for use 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 operating conditions.
For example, when 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 a parameter such as the abrasion class is responsible for the resistance of the coating to mechanical loads. Accordingly, it does not depend on 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, you should also pay attention to the flammability class.
Low-flammable canvases are those that belong to class G1 (most models).
The most flammable are G4 class sheets.

Parameter No. 4: number of layers

So, we’ve sorted out the abrasion and wear resistance classes, we’ll choose linoleum for the apartment next, and now we’ll pay attention to the structure.

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

• with a homogeneous structure - such canvases have the same structure throughout the entire thickness. In their production, PVC granules and all kinds of dyes are used. As a result, the pattern is located throughout the entire thickness of the material and, accordingly, is not erased.
  Thanks to this, linoleum can maintain an attractive appearance for years;
• with a heterogeneous structure – this 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 foamed PVC, non-woven fabric, etc. This ultimately ensures optimal noise absorption and minimal thermal conductivity.
  The pattern of such canvases, of course, does not go 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. Moreover, you must ask for a certificate to ensure 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 purchasing:

Of course, prices may vary slightly in different stores. However, if the coating is suspiciously cheap, it is hardly worth purchasing it and thereby trying to save money.

Here, perhaps, are all the instructions for choosing linoleum for an apartment. Taking into account all the above nuances of coverage, each of you will be able to choose the optimal 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, when choosing, you should take into account the information presented above.

You can find additional nuances on the topic discussed in 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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