Linoleum for home– quite democratic, publicly accessible material. As a practical flooring it has been used for over a hundred years. What explains its continued popularity? It has a relatively low price, is easy to install, and is available in many options. In addition, it is comfortable to use: soft and springy underfoot. At the same time, the coating has the necessary strength - it does not tear, crack, or swell from water, like laminate. The modern consumer has the opportunity wide choice from the numerous types offered by the market. A competent choice of good linoleum will be the key to its successful and long service. So how to choose and lay linoleum at home correctly, what should you pay attention to so that the linoleum serves faithfully for its intended time? Let's figure it out together.
- Thickness from 0.15 to 3 millimeters.
- Weight 1.25 - 2.25 kg per square meter.
- It must have such elasticity and flexibility that it does not break or crack when wound on a standard rod d 45 mm.
- The water absorption rate is no more than 1.5%.
- Indicators and - from 13-18 dB.
- Shrinkage during use should not exceed 0.2 mm per meter.
Semi-commercial linoleum
This is linoleum from 31 to 34 classes, which is usually used in typical office spaces and service areas.
It has the following characteristics:
Belongs to classes 41-43. It is used as a floor covering in rooms where the floor bears a particularly high load, and where there is active movement of people and even equipment. It is equipped with a special reinforcing layer, has minimal shrinkage, and has a service life of up to 25 years. The combination of the high price of such material with technical characteristics that are not required for ordinary residential apartments makes its use at home impractical.
Individual linoleums of this group are produced for a special purpose, these are:
- Sports coverings. They are characterized by special elasticity and softness, which provide excellent grip floor surfaces with shoes.
- Antistatic coatings.
- Coatings that are resistant to chemicals and have high bactericidal qualities. Designed for various medical institutions.
- Anti-slip coatings. Used in swimming pools and other areas characterized by high level humidity.
How to choose linoleum?
We looked in detail different types and types of linoleum. Based on their descriptions, we identified those important conditions, guided by which, it will be easier for you to make the maximum choice suitable material For .
Characteristic signs of high-quality linoleum are the absence of a strong odor, greasy shine, but the presence of relief. The drawing in the original high-quality coating looks natural and clear. A one and a half meter pattern step is considered the most preferable. Manufacturers of flooring always put a special corporate logo on their products. Also linoleum high class must have at least five layers.
The modern variety of floor coverings involuntarily puts any person making renovations in an apartment or house before the “torment” of choice. Famous manufacturers, perfectly building their advertising policies, persistently recommend their products, which are really good. But it happens that for this you will have to part with an 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 it is worth being more aware of this popular floor covering, and finding out which linoleum is best for your home.
Historical reference
Linoleum is mistakenly attributed to modern and artificial materials, but its historical roots are hidden in the name. The word linoleum consists of the Latin words: linum - meaning linen or linen, and oleum - oil. Linoleum was patented back in 1860 by the Englishman Frederick Walton. Initially, this floor covering used a woven base made of flax or jute, onto which oxidized vegetable oil in combination with cork flour. Technologies were constantly improving, manufacturers learned to apply patterns on 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 floor roll coverings on a synthetic basis, which retained the old name - linoleum, although this is a completely different material. In the 90s, they remembered the traditions of producing natural linoleum, and the volume of its production is constantly increasing, as there is a steady demand for it. Thus, a very wide class of floor coverings, both natural and synthetic, has come together under the name linoleum.
Types of linoleum
To make it easier to navigate the ocean of offers and make right choice, it’s worth finding out about the types of existing linoleums and specifically which ones are suitable for your home.
Natural linoleum
One of the best choices is natural linoleum. For its production, exclusively natural ingredients are used: linseed oil, wood flour, jute or linen, natural tree resin, limestone. A rich palette of natural dyes along with modern technologies This wonderful coating can be painted any color. Natural linoleum has a number of undeniable advantages:
- High strength. Natural linoleum can withstand pressure up to 16 MPa.
- The linseed oil included in the composition makes this coating bactericidal.
- High wear resistance determines long term service: up to 30-50 years.
- Exclusively natural ingredients determine its environmental friendliness.
- Natural linoleum does not absorb dirt and is easy to clean from various stains 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 this impressive list advantages, natural linoleum is still not without its disadvantages:
- Natural linoleum has a high price, comparable to parquet boards.
- In rooms where natural linoleum coating is planned, there should not be high humidity, since natural base subject to rotting.
- Low elasticity limits the use of natural linoleum in cold rooms and complicates its installation.
- Features of manufacturing technology limit the variety of designs and ornaments.
- Only laid natural linoleum coating has a specific smell, which may not be to everyone’s liking. However, after a few months the smell disappears.
For all supporters of eco-friendly housing who are willing to spend a lot of money, natural linoleum will be an excellent choice for residential premises. Low moisture resistance limits its use in bathrooms and hallways.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) linoleum
PVC linoleum (international designation - PVC) is the most widely used. It can be either without a base or with various types basics:
- Fabric base. It can be used both natural jute and synthetic fabrics, for example, fiberglass. The top covering, which has a pattern, is made of PVC. Such linoleum can have an impressive thickness - up to 5 mm.
- Non-woven base made of natural felt or synthetic materials allows you to improve thermal insulation properties, but in rooms with high traffic and high humidity, you should not use such linoleum, since it does not like intense loads, and the porous base will perfectly absorb moisture.
- PVC foam base. This type of 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 absorbs all loads and forgives minor unevenness of the base, and the reinforcing fabric maintains the geometric dimensions of the canvas. Foamed PVC can be applied using chemical and more advanced methods mechanically, which is better, since such linoleum will not wrinkle under high loads.
Some types of linoleum are also produced, which combine several types of the above layers. Linoleum that has several of them is called heterogeneous, and one is called homogeneous. The number of layers and their purpose for linoleum for different purposes can vary greatly from each other.
The advantage of homogeneous linoleum is that its pattern is present throughout its entire depth, so with inevitable wear and tear, the pattern will not be erased. The thickness of such linoleum can be from 1.5 to 3 millimeters, and it is intended for rooms with high traffic. Its use in apartments and houses is inappropriate. The main disadvantages of homogeneous linoleum are its high price, as well as the impossibility of applying complex patterns.
Polyvinyl chloride linoleum has a set of advantages that explain its widespread use.
- PVC linoleum has high elasticity, which greatly simplifies its installation.
- A variety of patterns and textures of PVC linoleum will allow you to realize any interior design idea.
- PVC linoleum has a reasonable price.
- Easy to clean from dirt.
- Linoleum from well-known manufacturers is non-toxic, which must be confirmed by the presence of a hygiene certificate.
The disadvantages of PVC linoleum are:
- When exposed high temperatures shrinkage of linoleum occurs.
- Only after installation, the PVC linoleum coating has an unpleasant specific odor, which disappears after a few weeks of use.
Alkyd linoleum
Alkyd, also called glypthal, linoleum is always made on tissue based, onto which modified alkyd or glyphthalic resins with special fillers that improve the properties of the coating are applied using a special technology. Pigments and dyes are also added, which make linoleum either one-color or multi-color. The advantages of this type of linoleum are:
- Compared to PVC linoleums, glyptal ones have better heat and sound insulation properties.
- Such linoleums are extremely wear-resistant; they can last 40-50 years.
- Contamination from such a coating is easier to remove than from PVC.
The disadvantages of alkyd linoleums are:
- Low elasticity at temperatures close to zero.
- Alkyd linoleums require skilled installation.
- Insufficient fire safety greatly limits their use in residential premises.
Glyphthalic linoleum is widely used in transport: flooring in carriages, marine transport cabins, and airplanes.
Rubber linoleum (Relin)
This linoleum is made of two layers: the bottom one is made of recycled rubber, the top one is made of synthetic rubber painted in various colors. These layers are connected to each other bitumen mastic. Such floor coverings have some advantages:
- Excellent water resistance allows you to lay Relin in the wettest 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 in residential premises is contraindicated, as they release into the surrounding air harmful substances.
Nitrocellulose ( colloxylin) linoleum
These types of linoleums are a single-layer coating without a base, made from nitrocellulose with the addition of various components: gypsum, red lead, plasticizers and dyes. Currently, such coatings made 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 linoleum will make the choice even more difficult. 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 strength characteristics and areas of application in certain premises. Each class is designated by a two-digit digital code and its 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 number in the class indicates the degree of load that linoleum can withstand:
Household linoleum
Linoleum belonging to classes 21-23 is usually called household. According to EN685 standards, it must have the following characteristics:
- Specific gravity 1.25-2.25 kg/m2.
- Thickness – from 0.15 to 3 mm.
- Flexibility and elasticity should be such that when wound on a rod with a diameter of 45 mm, no cracks should form.
- Sound absorption – at least 13-18 dB.
- Water absorption should be no more than 1-1.5%.
- Shrinkage during operation is 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 service premises. Must have the following characteristics:
- Specific gravity 1.6-2.5 kg/m2.
- Elasticity and flexibility should be such that when wound on a cylinder with a diameter of 10-40 mm, cracks should not form in the linoleum.
- Sound absorption should be at least 12-16 dB.
- Shrinkage during operation is 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 ranges from 5 to 15 euros per square meter. The slight difference in the price of household and semi-commercial linoleum makes it advisable to use it for domestic purposes in those rooms 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 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 (from 10 to 25 years).
The relatively high cost of such linoleum (10-40 euros per square meter), combined with technical characteristics that are excessive for apartments and houses, makes its use in residential premises impractical. Some commercial linoleums may have a special purpose:
- Sports surfaces that are soft and resilient for good contact with sports shoes.
- Coatings that are resistant to chemicals and have bactericidal properties, which is very useful in medical institutions.
- Anti-slip coatings near swimming pools and other areas with high humidity.
- Antistatic coatings.
Thickness of the protective layer of linoleum
Most modern linoleums have a durable protective film of pure PVC on their surface. 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 premises with average load.
- A protective layer of 0.50 mm or more - for rooms with high and very high loads.
Find out what methods are used for, from our new article.
Linoleum marking
When choosing linoleum, all its technical data must be provided by the seller along with the necessary certificates: compliance and hygiene. Manufacturers of quality linoleum in back 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 amount of linoleum, then it is desirable that it be from the same batch.
- Date of manufacture.
The manufacturer can also apply additional pictograms that indicate the special properties of the coating. Such possible designations are shown in the figure.
Prices for a popular line of linoleums for the home
Linoleum for home
How to choose linoleum correctly?
Now that there is complete clarity about the types of existing linoleums, you can indicate a number of important points that will help you make the right choice.
- You should purchase linoleum only in specialized stores, where all storage requirements are met, and a complete set is available accompanying documents, confirming compliance with standards and safety.
- Depending on the purpose of the room, the 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 linoleum, its strength and the presence of a top protective layer.
- It is necessary to strive to ensure that the linoleum floor covering does not have connecting seams or has a minimum of them. This is achieved by carefully measuring the premises and choosing rolls of the required width.
- The modern variety of colors, textures, and 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 preferences of all household members.
- In rooms with possible heavy contamination, it is better to use glossy linoleum.
- When purchasing, you must carefully examine the entire surface of the linoleum and make sure there is no damage.
- Poor preparation of the base and illiteracy can negate all the advantages of this coating.
Video: How to choose the right linoleum for your home?
Currently there is such a thing on the market a large number of different floor coverings, so that everyone can find what suits them best. For some people, choosing the right material can be an interesting task, but for others, such a process turns into something difficult and unthinkable, due to the fact that each material has a number of its own characteristics, both in appearance and in quality characteristics. This article will be about what kind of linoleum would be better suited for various rooms of a living space.
Pros and cons of PVC flooring
Perhaps there is no other floor covering than linoleum, about which there would not be so many myths and different opinions. This should not be surprising, because it is linoleum that has a leading position among other floor coverings in Russia.
Compared to other floor coverings, the most best linoleum has the following advantages:
- a bunch of design solutions: by shades, colors, patterns imitating wood, stone, and even laminate (read also: " ");
- a variety of types of material in terms of wear resistance, which affects its placement in a particular room;
- cleaning it requires a minimum of time;
- it is easy to install even without the help of specialists;
- affordable price (about 180-450 rubles per 1 m2);
- small unevenness of the base is easily hidden under it;
- not afraid of exposure to water;
- the coating is so versatile that it can be installed in many types of premises.
However, PVC-based linoleum also has a number of disadvantages:
- Availability unpleasant odor some time after its installation;
- easily damaged due to direct mechanical impact;
- has an artificial base;
- is quite slippery;
- cheap varieties look bad in appearance.
However, the advantages of linoleum outweigh the disadvantages in a ratio that exceeds that of other floor coverings. The newest, best linoleum has practically no flaws.
Existing on this moment sanitary and fire regulations guarantee the presence on the market of materials free of unpleasant odors, while they are maximally environmentally friendly. The latest technologies have made it possible to develop linoleum even with an antibacterial coating. In addition, the latest models are equipped with a reinforced polyethylene layer and embossing, which makes linoleum as similar as possible to natural materials.
Choosing the best linoleum
In order for the choice of linoleum for your home to be the most successful, you first need to decide in which room it will be used. As a rule, this criterion is decisive. Let's figure out which type of linoleum is best to choose for the floor in this or that case.
The types of premises are as follows:
- household;
- office;
- production
In this case, the linoleum marking may contain a number or pictogram: house (2); building (3) or factory (4).
The force of impact on linoleum can be low, medium, high and very high. This is reflected on the linoleum with a pictogram in the form of men - from 1 to 4.
All factors together - the type of room and the load on the coating, form linoleum wear resistance classes, which are:
- 21-24 – for home;
- 31-34 – for the office;
- 41-44 – for industrial premises.
Linoleum, parquet, laminate, carpet and tile are divided into the same classes, even despite completely different characteristics.
It is worth talking in detail about the two types of premises, office and residential.
To choose linoleum for your home - which one is best suited in a particular case, it is worth highlighting 3 types of premises:
- A bedroom, office or wardrobe has a low load - class 21 is suitable.
- In the living room and children's room there is an average load on the coating - class 22.
- In the corridor, hallway and children's room with several children there is a high load - grade 23.
Offices can also be divided into three types:
- Offices without visitors and hotel rooms - low load - 31 class.
- Meeting rooms in business institutions, premises for banquets, reception areas - average load - 32 class.
- Schools, institutes, offices with high attendance, shopping centers, corridors of hotels and hospitals - high load - 33, 34 classes.
That is, knowing what type of room a particular room belongs to, you can choose a fairly durable linoleum. The only thing you need to take into account is that the higher the strength class of the material, the more expensive it is. Therefore, you should approach the choice of material based on expediency, thinking about whether it is worth overpaying for a material with inflated strength indicators, or, conversely, whether it is worth saving.
In addition to wear resistance, you need to pay attention to other characteristics.
Some types of linoleum have the following advantages:
- the presence of an auxiliary protective layer of varnish makes cleaning much easier;
- antibacterial layer – prevents bacteria from developing on the floor surface;
- double base – gives the coating additional strength and softness, the floor absorbs noise better and retains heat better;
- natural relief – Newest technologies allow you to create a texture as close as possible to natural material - such a coating has a higher cost.
Selecting a base
Which linoleum base is best suited for your room will be most influenced by: appearance coatings, your personal preferences, strength, softness, safety.
The linoleum base can be of several types:
- jute;
- felt;
- polyester;
- made of polyvinyl chloride;
- combined.
The disadvantages of a base made of jute and felt include the impossibility of using such material in a humid environment; in addition, various microorganisms can grow on it. This is because these materials are natural. The overwhelming number of currently existing varieties of linoleum have a synthetic base made of PVC or polyester.
But best choice There are still materials on a combined base of PVC and polyester. This linoleum has improved characteristics acquired from these materials.
Among them are:
- sound and heat insulation;
- increased strength;
- consistency of size;
- complete resistance to moisture;
- prevents mold and mildew from occurring.
Glue selection
Since the technology for laying linoleum involves gluing it to the floor to extend its service life, it is desirable that the glue be of sufficient quality and correctly selected.
To glue linoleum to the base, you need to purchase dispersion glue. Reaction glue called " cold welding", will be required for gluing the joints. It temporarily softens the linoleum, thanks to which the joints are joined into one whole. You can also resort to hot gluing, but in this case you will need to get a hair dryer.
Deciding on the color
Once you have decided on what basis better linoleum will perform its functions, you can proceed to the selection color range. It is natural that universal solution in this case it simply cannot be, there are only tips on combining color shades.
Keep in mind that the same color may look different in rooms with different sizes, as well as with other lighting.
A number of combinations that are suitable in one case or another:
- shades of yellow and green are best for relieving fatigue;
- Shades of beige and soft yellow will bring warmth and comfort into the room;
- to add freshness to the bathroom, you can choose a turquoise shade (read also: " ");
- in meeting rooms, as well as in bedrooms, the best colors are blue and light blue, which are very relaxing and can cause a sleepy state;
- red, yellow and bright orange colors will tone the body, invigorate, give a positive mood and warmth;
- to create a working environment, you can choose gray linoleum;
- designers can pay attention to White color, it goes with all shades.
Myths about linoleum
Linoleum cracks and dries out
Indeed, cracks often appeared on the old linoleum of Soviet times, and it also dried out over time. This happens because the manufacturer incorrectly selects the materials to form the base. Currently well-known companies, such as Tarkett, IVC, Sinteros, produce products exclusively from high-quality materials.
It is worth noting that if linoleum is brought into a room from the street, where the temperature was below 15 o C, it needs time to reach the room temperature, usually 24-48 hours, otherwise it will crack, regardless of the quality of the material.
Over time, on light linoleum, the surface wears away from traces
Naturally, the coating may lose its brightness over time. However, as a rule, this is influenced not by the quality of the material, but by the technology of laying linoleum and its operation.
Firstly, this happens if linoleum is laid on a painted wooden floor, or if it is exposed with chemical mixtures, for example, bitumen or drying oil. After some time, these substances are able to penetrate through linoleum.
Secondly, if the installation of linoleum was carried out in a room with an aggressive environment.
In such cases, it is better to pay attention to hard linoleum and not buy light shades. In addition, try to lay linoleum on a perfectly flat base, this will extend the life of the linoleum.
Bottom line
When choosing linoleum, remember that you need to pay attention not only to the class of the product, but also take into account the base on which it will be laid. Even if you buy the most expensive type of linoleum, you cannot be sure that it will last long if the basic technology of its installation is not followed. And do not forget that the base must be carefully prepared for laying linoleum.
Linoleum – The best decision for apartment
Today, linoleum is a popular coating used everywhere. It is used not only in public buildings, offices, but also in private apartments and houses. Low price, good operational properties, as well as a variety of colors makes it universal, allowing it to fit into any home interior.
Even professionals find it difficult to decide on the variety of materials, not to mention ordinary people. To choose the right linoleum for an apartment, consider existing species, their characteristics and selection principle.
The difficulty of choice is obvious. Especially if the criteria are different for each person. In order not to regret the purchased floor covering, you need to focus on the following basic parameters when choosing:
- purpose of the room;
- special requirements for flooring, depending on living conditions;
- apartment design.
In order to choose the right linoleum, you need to take into account the above parameters. This will help you enjoy the beauty and quality of the chosen linoleum for a long time.
Types of linoleum
Types - from synthetic materials to natural ingredients Before making a choice, you need to study what materials are available. Today, the list of types of linoleum is diverse, ranging from synthetic materials to natural components. Having studied the types of linoleum, their positive and negative sides, you can decide what to lay in the apartment.
Natural linoleum
Brand Armstrong This type is made from a mixture of wood flour, flax oil, limestone powder, various resins, cork flour and natural dyes, which is applied to a base of jute woven material. It is used in rooms where there are people with asthmatic and allergic problems, as well as children.
Advantages:
- natural;
- abrasion resistance;
- does not fade in the sun;
- type of design;
- has bactericidal properties.
Flaws:
- expensive;
- fragile;
- afraid of moisture.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride type Among synthetic materials, it is popular with different bases (baseless, foam backed or woven backed).
When laying in an apartment, preference is given to PVC material on a felt basis. Thanks to its thick layer, it does not require a substrate and does not require gluing to the floor.
The main disadvantage of this coating is that it shrinks over time, as well as the presence of a specific odor. There is an opinion that synthetic material is capable of releasing harmful substances - production technology allows them to be made harmless, which is confirmed by quality certificates.
Glypthal linoleum
Glypthal type This coating is obtained by fixing alkyd resin to fabric. The material has good sound and heat insulating properties. But the inherent fragility of the composition complicates the installation process due to the likelihood of chips and cracks. It is recommended to keep the material warm before installation to avoid deformation.
Colloxin
Colloxin type This type of coating is made from nitrocellulose. This type of linoleum does not have a base: it is not afraid of moisture, is not flammable, and has a decorative shine. But its negative aspects are: reaction to temperature changes and the ability to shrink.
Linoleum-relin
Rubber type It is a two-layer composition, which has a lower layer - a bitumen-rubber mixture, and an upper layer - a mixture of rubber, paint and filler.
The coating is elastic and resistant to moisture. But the presence of toxic, volatile components does not make it possible to lay it in apartments and where people live.
Wear resistance classes
Wear resistance classes - commercial, semi-commercial and household When determining which linoleum to choose for an apartment, you need to take into account the wear resistance of the material and the type of room. Depending on the speed of abrasion and the size of the applied protection layer, all linoleums are divided into three classes.
Commercial
It is characterized by a high degree of wear resistance. This coating can be single-layer or multi-layer. Strength is achieved different ways: by compacting the material or by adding special stabilizing substances. It is used in offices, schools, and hospitals.
Semi-commercial
This class is more durable than household ones. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It can be laid in the kitchen, hallway, living room. Reacts well to moving furniture and moderate loads.
Domestic
This linoleum has little resistance to abrasion, but has a large selection of colors and designs. It is usually used in rooms with low traffic (bedroom). The low price does not affect the material; it looks high quality and expensive. It is not recommended to lay it in areas of the apartment with high traffic.
Abrasion groups
Selection by abrasion group Linoleum is also selected according to its abrasion group. What is this parameter and what is it for?
This construction parameter shows the rate of wear of the coating. According to European standards, it is defined as follows: a piece of material is brought to a rotating abrasive. It must withstand 25 thousand rotations. After the experiment, the layer thickness is measured and the group is determined. There are several groups:
- T – the coating has no inclusions and decreases by 0.08 mm (high wear);
- P – layer decreases in thickness by 0.8-0.15 mm (average wear);
- M - material decreases in thickness by 0.15-0.3 mm (low wear);
- F – layer decreases in thickness by 0.3-0.6 mm (fragile material).
Inclusions that may be in the material consist of a mixture of quartz sand and chalk. This mixture reduces the wear resistance of the material. Clean material resists abrasion well and has a high wear resistance group.
Which linoleum to choose for an apartment
When determining which linoleum to choose, you should understand the markings that are applied to the material. It indicates the coverage class and consists of two numbers. The first classifies the type of room, and the second classifies the expected traffic. For the living room and bedroom, choose class 21; for the corridor and kitchen, give preference to the 23-24 marking.
Living room
Dark colors are suitable for the living room IN this room the throughput load is average. Therefore, linoleum can be laid here with a thickness of 1.5 mm. Give preference to household PVC linoleum with a low price.
Bedroom
In the bedroom you can use household polyester or PVC Determining the traffic flow in the room will help determine which linoleum to choose for the bedroom. The load on the floor here is small, so for flooring you can use household polyester or PVC foam-based linoleum with a thickness of 1.2 mm.
Kitchen
In the kitchen we use durable semi-commercial wear resistance class This room has high traffic, high humidity, presence of dirt and exposure cleaning solutions. Therefore, for the kitchen it is recommended to choose durable semi-commercial material with a thickness of at least 3 mm. They described it in detail so that it would last longer. For this room, a ceramic tile design is preferable.
Children's room
Only natural materials in the children's room The materials in this room are subject to increased demands. Here you can use only natural material. Of course, the service life will be shorter, but the health of the child in this case is more important.
Balcony
Balcony – moisture-resistant and frost-resistant materials Temperature changes, exposure to sunlight, possible humidity - all these negative factors test the strength of the floor covering on the balcony. Typically, moisture-resistant and frost-resistant materials that have an anti-slip coating are chosen for this room. The material is selected as for office premises with a heavy load.
Corridor
In the corridor - PVC To choose linoleum for a hallway or corridor, you need to understand that this is a room with high traffic and pollution. PVC linoleum (household or semi-commercial), 3 mm thick, which is recommended to be placed in the corridor, can withstand such loads.
Choosing a good floor covering from the variety presented is not an easy task. In order not to be disappointed and get high-quality linoleum for your apartment, trust your intuition and follow the basic tips when choosing:
- the absence of a pungent odor indicates the absence of harmful substances;
- a distinct pattern on the coating without a greasy sheen;
- the material must have certificates of quality and safe composition;
- the presence of a protective layer will help preserve the material in its original form for a long time;
- material should be purchased with a reserve for adjustment (pattern, protrusions, niches, thresholds);
- check upper layer linoleum for defects and flaws.
Taking into account all the nuances, choosing a floor covering will not be difficult, and the purchase will not cause unpleasant impressions during operation.
Which linoleum to choose for the hall
Hall – PVC covering on jute or felt base For the hall it is better to choose a universal moisture-resistant flooring. It is resistant to impact sun rays, repels dirt. Affordable price and ease of installation make the coating an ideal option.
Choose PVC covering on a jute or felt basis for the hall. This material is elastic, soft and warm, allowing you to walk on it barefoot without discomfort. The pattern is applied across the entire thickness of the linoleum for the apartment, so its erasure will not be noticeable. This linoleum is easy to maintain and does not attract dust and debris.
Cleanable with ordinary detergents.
Which company's linoleum is better to choose for an apartment?
Coverage of different companies There is a wide variety of coatings on the market, both from domestic and foreign manufacturers. How to choose the right linoleum for your home, which manufacturer to choose? We can say with confidence that the material we produce is not inferior in characteristics to European ones. The Tarkett company has proven itself well. Among foreign manufacturers, give preference to such companies as
- Gerflor;
- Juteks;
- Forbo;
- Grabo.
Tarkett is a world leader in the manufacture of floor coverings. PVC linoleum from this company is available in different price ranges and is durable and wear-resistant.
The French company Gerflor produces products of excellent quality, taking into account decorative and technical characteristics. These coatings are easy to install even without the help of professionals. They are easy to maintain and have good sound and heat insulation properties.
Despite the fact that today there is a huge selection of floor coverings, linoleum remains the most popular. By purchasing this material, the consumer for a relatively a small amount receives reliable and solid foundation, which is not afraid of moisture or mechanical damage. Next, we will analyze in more detail the advantages and disadvantages of this material. The article will also tell you which linoleum to buy for your apartment.
Main characteristics
Until recently, the main drawback that prevented us from choosing linoleum for an apartment as the material of choice was considered to be the large number of synthetic components in it. However, today natural ingredients are increasingly used in production. Therefore, when asked by consumers whether linoleum in an apartment is harmful, manufacturers confidently answer in the negative. One of the most important indicators of a material is its strength. High-quality linoleum is not subject to mechanical damage from a fallen object or the heels of women's shoes. Thus, another important indicator is the thickness of the linoleum. For an apartment, the average value is preferable. If the flooring experiences increased loads (for example, in the hallway), then it is more advisable to purchase a denser material. The elasticity of the coating is also important. Thanks to this property, it is almost impossible to damage it during operation or installation.
Ease of installation
For home craftsmen, it is important that the material can be easily laid. The process of covering a floor with linoleum does not require special knowledge or special skills. In this case, installation takes place without dust and dirt. Covering the floor with linoleum does not require serious financial costs, and you can easily cope with the work yourself.
Appearance
This indicator is also important. Technologies used in modern production make it possible to obtain various combinations of patterns, colors and textures. Thanks to the wide range, you can choose a coating for any interior style. Linoleum goes well with various materials used in interior decoration.
Structure
Linoleum is produced in two types. The material can be hetero- or homogeneous. The second type of coating is thin. It is usually from 1.5 to 2 mm. The pattern is applied to the material using end-to-end technology. Due to this, the pattern does not wear off during use. It is this quality that allows this type of material to be installed in areas subject to intense traffic. If you need to purchase linoleum for the kitchen, then it is better to give preference to a homogeneous coating. A material with such a structure is perfect for a corridor. Heterogeneous linoleum is considered to be of higher quality. Its density is much higher than that of homogeneous. It can be up to 6 mm. The structure of the material contains several layers. The back cover is made of foamed polyvinyl chloride. This is followed by a layer of fiberglass. It is quite strong and serves as reinforcement. Next comes a layer of PVC. A drawing is applied to it. The final step is a varnish coating. It contains bactericidal impregnation, which, among other things, has protective and decorative purposes. Heterogeneous linoleum is perfect for bathrooms, balconies, and dining rooms. Coverings with this structure are often laid in hallways. Mixed types of material are also available. This linoleum also has a multilayer structure. A homogeneous material is used as a base. A layer of PVC is glued on top, then fiberglass and polyurethane film. The latter provides protection for the coating from mechanical damage. If you need to lay linoleum in a recreation room, then a mixed type material is ideal.
"Household" coating: main characteristics
Speaking about how to choose linoleum for an apartment, it is necessary to talk about some of the most important characteristics. First of all, the size of the load is important. For rooms where there are no special requirements for the floor covering, it is perfect household linoleum. Its thickness is relatively small, and its density is assessed as average. Weight per 1 m2 can range from 1.25 to 2.25 kg. The deformation rate can be up to 2 mm. Installation of the coating is quite easy. Its undoubted advantage is that when rolled into a roll, cracks do not form on it. In addition, household linoleum has a high level of sound absorption. You can purchase material with a width of 1.5-4 meters. As a rule, this type of covering is used in bedrooms.
Flaws
As practice shows, household linoleum perfectly attracts dirt. At the first stage you can see small gray islands near the rapids. Over time, numerous “paths” are observed, clearly showing the paths along which the inhabitants of the housing usually move. This type of coating is very easy to find in a store. The cost of the material is the lowest. In some stores the price per meter does not exceed 100 rubles.
"Commercial" type of material: characteristics
Many consumers ask: “How to choose linoleum for an apartment so that it lasts for many years?” Experts give a very clear answer to this question: “You should purchase a commercial type of material.” The cost of coverage will, of course, be more expensive (from 500 rubles). However, as a result, you can purchase high-quality and durable coating. This category offers a huge variety of textures and patterns. In the assortment presented by the manufacturers, it is quite possible to find a coating for any room in the house. They often purchase commercial linoleum for the kitchen and hallway. In these areas, the flooring must withstand increased loads and be moisture and wear resistant. The service life of the coating is at least 25 years. The material has a high degree of sound absorption, providing acoustic comfort in the room. The degree of deformation of the material is no more than 1 mm. The covering can be purchased in widths of 2.5-5 m.
Semi-commercial type of material: characteristics
According to many experts, this is the best linoleum for an apartment. The average cost of a meter of material is within 250 rubles. The assortment is represented by both products of Russian and foreign companies. From the name it becomes clear that semi-commercial linoleum is something between household and commercial. This material is very practical. It is thinner than commercial ones. But this makes installation much easier. Moreover, its quality is much higher than that of household products. Thanks to this, semi-commercial linoleum is perfect for bedrooms and children's rooms. Its service life is about 10-12 years. The surface of the material is coated with a special protective film. This makes it easy to wash off dirt using a regular sponge and soap solution.
Specialized Material Types
In addition to those listed above, manufacturers produce varieties of linoleum that have some distinct properties. Among them are:
Base material
How to choose the right linoleum for an apartment? What should the material be like - with or without a base? It should be said that previously linoleum was produced on a felt basis. This material retains heat very well. In addition, walking on such a surface is pleasant - it is soft. Thanks to the felt base, the material perfectly absorbs sound. But the disadvantage of such a base is its too short service life. Moisture penetration and mechanical damage are especially harmful to felt. This natural material was replaced by synthetic ones. The latter have all the necessary characteristics. At the same time, the artificial base is devoid of the disadvantages inherent natural materials. The synthetic backing layer can have different thicknesses. It all depends on the purpose of the room. For example, coatings with a base are produced for bedrooms, kitchens or children's rooms. In addition to the fact that the backing layer increases the heat and sound insulation properties of the material, it evens out minor surface defects. As a result, the floor covering becomes, if not perfectly smooth, then very close to it.
Material without base
This type of coating is usually laid on a well-prepared surface. Today there are a large number of self-leveling floors “like linoleum”. The actual surface produced should be perfectly flat, but without protective coating. This task is performed by linoleum. Material without a base is quite easy to identify. First of all, this coating is heavy. The material also doesn't bend well. Very often it is covered with a thick laminated layer. In this case, the problem of which linoleum to choose for an apartment, with or without a base, is solved taking into account the condition of the floor.
Material color
Speaking about how to choose linoleum for an apartment, it should be said that the material should fit organically into the interior. Today the range of coatings is quite wide. There are models in a wide variety of colors on the market. Linoleum in an apartment (photos of the coating can be seen in the article) must correspond in color to the purpose of the room and its design. For example, in the bedroom a coating of soft warm tones - golden, beige, cream - will look good. It is preferable to choose a material without a pattern, plain or with soft transitions. Most a good option can become an imitation of the surface of natural marble or wooden covering. Both bright and rich and calm shades are suitable for the living room. Linoleum with an ornament or pattern will look original. Bright colors are suitable for a children's room. In combination with a variety of contrasting patterns, they will look great.
Which manufacturers should you give preference to?
A successful combination of pattern and color scheme of the coating is a definite plus. However, these characteristics are not the main ones when choosing linoleum. Of particular importance is environmental friendliness, safety of the material, as well as its compliance with quality standards. If you choose a cheap coating, the composition of which is unknown even to the manufacturer itself, there is a high probability of getting serious illnesses as a result of exposure to toxic emissions. By purchasing a model from a trusted company, the consumer is guaranteed to receive a high-quality product that can be used in any room of the house without fear. Today, among domestic brands of flooring, the products of the Tarkett company are popular. This company uses only modern materials and technology. The products meet all sanitary, hygienic and fire safety standards. The products are also distinguished by a variety of design solutions.
