How to choose high-quality linoleum for an apartment? How to choose the right linoleum for your apartment and kitchen Dense linoleum

Almost everyone who is faced with arranging their own home needs to know how to choose quality linoleum for an apartment. Here you should be especially careful, because for each specific room you need to select flooring certain quality.

In addition to its versatility, linoleum also attracts with its bright design and low cost. This coating has other advantages:

• convenience and ease of installation;
• soft and springy base;
• does not crack.

Of course, in order for the material to last as long as possible, you need to know how to choose it correctly.

The first step is to understand what types of coatings are produced. For example, there is:

• polyvinyl chloride material;
• glyphthalic;
• colloxin;
• relin.

It is clear that each of the above materials has its own distinctive characteristics.

In order to accurately understand which linoleum is best for an apartment, any buyer should focus on the following criteria when choosing:

• clarify the purpose of the coating;
• what kind of load can it withstand, for example, will it be possible to install a table, bed, set, sofa or other piece of furniture;
• does it have sufficient antistatic properties, as well as heat-insulating and noise-absorbing properties;
• Does it fit with the main design of the home?

Some experts say it's best to buy natural products. But I would like to refute this opinion; today there are quite good synthetic materials that differ good characteristics and are suitable for both a private house or apartment, and for office premises. But in order to more accurately understand which coating should be preferred, you need to familiarize yourself with more detailed information about how they differ from each other.

What are the advantages of natural linoleum?

First of all, it is worth saying that the composition of natural linoleum includes:

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

Linoleum is a popular material that can also be used for living room flooring.

Due to the fact that this material contains exclusively natural components, it is quite logical that such linoleum can be laid both in the bedroom and in the office hallway. True, the only thing worth paying attention to is that for each specific room you need to select a coating with a certain thickness and density. Natural linoleum is suitable for premises intended for living and working of people who suffer from various allergic diseases or asthma.

But besides the fact that the canvas contains only natural materials, it also has other positive properties:

• quite resistant to abrasion;
• environmentally friendly product;
• does not fade in the sun;
• its structure does not change;
• has good antibacterial properties;
• does not ignite, even if a spark hits the floor;
• it is quite easy to care for;
• has a very original design.

In order to accurately understand which linoleum to choose for an apartment, you should also understand what negative aspects a particular coating has. For example, if we talk about natural materials, they have the following negative qualities:

• very fragile, it is forbidden to bend it too much;
• It is undesirable to use in rooms with high humidity;
• the cost is higher than that of synthetic linoleum.

Linoleum flooring is the right hygienic solution for the bathroom

It is necessary to take into account both the pros and cons so that the choice of linoleum for the floor of the apartment is correct.

How to choose a synthetic material?

If we talk about synthetics, then we also need to take into account that each individual type of material has its own characteristics. For example, polyvinyl chloride is made on two different bases– fabric and non-woven. The coating can be either two-layer or single-layer. Has the following advantages:

• low thermal conductivity;
• environmentally friendly;
• does not rot;
• has a very interesting and original design;
• has very good dielectric properties.

But, as with the previous material, it has its drawbacks. The material has the following disadvantages:

• very sensitive to too high temperatures;
• has low level resistance to various chemical solvents;
• If the air temperature drops sharply, the coating will begin to lose its elasticity.

Durable linoleum covering - a practical solution for a mini-gym

It is clear that anyone synthetic material divided into household, commercial and semi-commercial linoleum. Therefore, in order to understand which linoleum is best to choose for an apartment, you need to know not only what material it is made from, but also what parameters it has. For example, residential coating is much thinner than commercial coating. Accordingly, it is cheaper and has a shorter service life - approximately 3 to 5 years.

If we talk about glypthal coating, then a special production process should be noted. It is made by applying alkyd resin to a special fabric base. The advantages of such material are quite clear, they are:

• very good sound insulation;
• good thermal insulation properties.

But here are some of the disadvantages that should be noted:

• high level of fragility;
• difficulty in the installation process.

Many buyers are interested in the question of how to properly lay linoleum in an apartment. If we talk about glyptal coating, then before laying the linoleum should stand in a warm room. This will help avoid possible deformation.

As mentioned above, when choosing linoleum it is very important to consider in which room it will be located.

Linoleum imitating parquet - ideal design solution for living room

For example, the well-known colloxin coating has a nitrocellulose base. Therefore it has very good moisture resistance. It is most often installed in the bathroom or kitchen. It also has good fire-fighting properties and an original external design; the decorative shine that such linoleum emits allows it to be used in almost any interior.

Natural polyvinyl chloride is the most popular type of linoleum at present

Relin is best laid in public places, and in areas where people are not present for a long time. This is due to the fact that it contains materials that have a negative effect on the human body. Although over time they almost completely disappear. In addition, this two-layer coating has very good moisture-resistant properties and can withstand heavy loads.

But if we talk about how to choose linoleum for an apartment, then it would be more correct to pay attention to the markings and various classifications which are very important. For example, the first digit in the marking indicates the type of room for which the coating is suitable:

1. a room with the lowest level of human traffic;
2. rooms where people live;
3. a room in which there are a large number of people (offices, shops, administrative buildings);
4. industrial premises.

The second digit indicates the immediate load class. Accordingly, 1 is the lowest level, and 4 is the highest.

You need to understand that twenty-first class coverage is suitable for a bedroom or office. In the hallway or kitchen - 23rd and 24th grade. Well, the highest class is 33. Most often, buyers choose class 31 linoleum. It has the most loyal characteristics and has a fairly reasonable price.

What is better for the kitchen, hallway and hallway?

If we talk about how to choose good linoleum for an apartment, it is important to consider where exactly this coating will be located. For example, if we are talking about a vestibule, kitchen or hallway, then you need to pay attention to traffic. Its thickness must be at least 3 mm. It is clear that in the kitchen it is best to lay household linoleum, which is made on a polyvinyl chloride base. Of course, it is best to use a fairly high-quality semi-commercial coating. But it just has a very high cost compared to household coating.

Linoleum is perfect combination prices and quality, ease of care

Of course, you should pay attention to the external design of linoleum. In the living room the level of traffic is slightly less, so a 1.5 mm thick coating can be used here. It is entirely permissible to lay household coverings in this room. This can be a product made of PVC or polyester. For the bedroom, you can choose an even thinner coating - from 1.2 to 1.5 mm; it is better to give preference to products made from polyester.

And, of course, before you make a purchase, you need to know exactly how to choose linoleum for your apartment, based on the requirements of the interior of the room.

How to make the right choice?

The basic recommendations that will help you do this have already been described above. right choice. But you should understand how to choose linoleum for an apartment, based on existing requirements. To remember all this, you need to summarize all the recommendations. It looks like this:

1. First of all, you should trust your taste and smell. We must remember that really quality linoleum does not have a pronounced odor. You should also pay attention to the fact that it does not have a greasy sheen, so the pattern on it is very distinct.
2. The width of the coating must completely match the size of the room. At the same time, you also need to take into account that the drawing must correctly match the dimensions of the room. Therefore, linoleum is often purchased with a reserve.
3. It is best to buy coverage in a store where good heating, not on the market.
4. It is also important to check whether the product complies with all established rules security. To do this, pay attention to the markings and other data that are indicated on the material itself.
5. Before purchasing, you should roll out the linoleum to be sure that the film on the top layer does not peel off. If, for example, there are bumps or other irregularities, then this indicates poor quality of the material.
6. Some store employees may fold the roll in half, but this is prohibited.
7. Of course, the coating must have a special protective layer.
8. If there is such an opportunity, then it is better to “try on” - look at samples of linoleum in the room where it will be laid.

It is clear that any buyer strives to purchase high-quality and durable coating that will last as long as possible. To do this, of course, you should take into account in which specific room the linoleum will be laid and what characteristics it should have.

I like

Choosing linoleum is not just about dark or light. Not only with or without lint, matte or glossy. High-quality linoleum should not be pressed through furniture legs or tear. That is why when choosing, it is important to pay attention to technical specifications. Simple recommendations How to choose linoleum for an apartment will help you clearly decide.

It is not necessary to buy the most expensive material. After all, the cost of linoleum can be $5 or $25 per square meter. In order not to overpay for unnecessary properties, we understand the features and types of linoleum.

When choosing linoleum it is important:

• Know clearly in which room it will be installed (not everyone is suitable for the kitchen and bathroom);
• Decide on the color of the linoleum (to expand/narrow the space, wash the floor less often);
• Choose the type and class of coating that is suitable specifically for your apartment (the difference in price between them is significant);
• Measure the room correctly so that you don’t have to make seams and joints when laying it.

Types of linoleum for flooring, which one to lay in an apartment

How to choose linoleum and not get confused? In fact, out of 5 types of flooring, only 2 options are suitable for an apartment. We will consider these main types in more detail. Let's talk about their pros and cons in order to know the advantages and disadvantages of each material.

• Natural linoleum;
• PVC or polyvinyl chloride linoleum.

Natural linoleum (or marmoleum)

This is the most environmentally friendly floor covering (among linoleums), made from 98% natural materials. Many people have probably never even heard of him.

It includes:

• Jute (burlap) or linen fabric (canvas 2 meters wide) - serves as the basis;
• An infused mixture of linseed oil, resin coniferous trees, ground limestone, wood flour and natural color pigments - applied to the base by pressing, through rolling shafts;
• A layer of varnish for protection against abrasion and ease of cleaning.

This type of linoleum is produced in rolls up to 2 meters wide. Sheet material is also available for sale. After installation, the smell of linseed oil emanates from it for some time. But it disappears after a few days.

Advantages of natural linoleum:

1. Harmless to health, does not emit hazardous (toxic) substances;
2. Dense hard material(due to pressing), practically not pressed through by furniture;
3. Resistant to abrasion (difficult to scratch), thanks to the protective layer of varnish;
4. High fire resistance;
5. Easy to clean;
6. The service life under the warranty is 15 years (in fact, it will last all 30).

When choosing marmoleum, you should pay attention to the features of its operation, installation and cost. And remember, there are no wood or tile colors here. Only solid shades. The best manufacturers Tarkett and Forbo.

Disadvantages of coverage:

• Very high price. You can buy a square meter from 25-30 dollars (for this money you can). Natural linoleum is rarely sold in a regular store. Either made to order or searched online;
• Do not bend too much (it may break). Be very careful when transporting and stowing;
• You won’t be able to lay the bed yourself; you’ll have to look for craftsmen;
• Requires a very flat floor, like for laminate. If you don't want it to crack, you'll have to fill the screed.
• If the width of the room is more than 2 meters, you will have to join. In this case, all seams are welded using the “hot” method. You need a special device and a welding cord of a suitable color.

PVC or polyvinyl chloride linoleum

It is this linoleum that fills 99% of store shelves. This is a common material found in many homes (some). It contains no natural substances (only synthetics). However quality product meets all environmental requirements. The best companies Tarkett, Juteks, Komitex LIN.

At a price you can choose linoleum for a PVC apartment to suit any budget. The counters are full of different colors. Available in widths up to 5 meters. Will close any room without seams. It won't be difficult to install it yourself.

However, we choose floor coverings not only by color. Remember the technical aspects.

PVC linoleum, in turn, is divided into 2 more types:

• Hetero gene (multilayer structure);
• Homo gene (single-layer structure).

Consists of many layers - 5 or more. Each layer plays its role and is responsible for certain characteristics. It is important to know their purpose so as not to overpay in the store.

Structure of heterogeneous linoleum:

1. Fiberglass is the base or skeleton onto which all subsequent layers are applied. Production begins with it. Prevents linoleum from stretching;
2. A layer of white PVC foam is applied on top of the fiberglass. A pattern is printed on top of the foam (this is the next stage), which we see on linoleum;
3. Protective transparent layer (transparent) of polyvinyl chloride in the figure. Provides resistance to abrasion, scratching and fading. Very its thickness is important when choosing linoleum. The thicker the top layer, the more difficult it is to scratch the linoleum and push it through furniture;
4. Additional protective varnish. Almost all manufacturers apply it. It is needed to seal the top protective layer. Linoleum is produced under the influence high temperatures, and micropores appear in the protective layer.
5. WITH reverse side The bottom layer of fiberglass is applied. It can be foamed PVC, felt or other warm base. Purpose - noise absorption and insulation of the final coating. If the bottom layer of felt is additional insulation. But you can’t put such linoleum in the kitchen; felt is afraid of water and gets pressed down over the years. For the kitchen, wet and highly trafficked rooms, we take a coating with a PVC base.

Heterogeneous material can be matte, glossy, rough or smooth. This depends on the properties of the top transparent film. Glossy is very slippery, and embossed linoleum is more difficult to wash (dirt, over time, eats into the structure).

The coating is single-layer, although an additional protective varnish is always applied on top. It has a homogeneous and very dense structure. It is difficult to push through it with the legs of a chair or sofa. If you cut this material along its entire depth, the pattern will be the same.

Even if you scratch homogeneous linoleum, visually the damage is practically invisible. Mostly used in shops, offices, schools, hospitals and so on.

Classification by load, how to choose linoleum by class

According to the European standard BS EN ISO 10874 (old EN 685), the main types of linoleum (natural and PVC) are divided into classes. The classification implies the intensity of use of the room and its type.

The assigned class determines maximum loads that the coating will withstand. This means that in rooms with the highest traffic (kitchen, living room, corridor, hallway) you need to lay linoleum of a higher class.

The class of linoleum is not always indicated in the store. It can be determined by the thickness of the upper protective layer (transparent). The thicker this layer, the higher the class.

Heterogeneous linoleum coatings are divided into classes by class:

• Household – classes 21-23 (top layer thickness 0.15-0.35 mm). This is the most cheap linoleum. Price per square meter is 5-6 dollars. If you take it to your apartment, then only class 23;
• Semi-commercial - classes 31-34 (protective layer 0.35-0.6 millimeters). Here is the most normal and durable material for the floor. It costs 2 times more than a household one. Can be laid in public areas, small office or store. And grades 33 and 34 can even be put into school;
• Commercial – classes 41-43 (top layer 0.6-0.8 mm). It has the longest service life. But the prices are already very high, almost like marmoleum. This implies installation in production workshops and office buildings.

The division into occurs according to a different principle. And the pan-European classification of premises is as follows.

By playing with shades you can create various effects in your room. The right color will easily make the room lighter and wider. Colors represent our mood, purity, lightness and comfort.

What to look for when choosing the color of linoleum:

1. You should not match the floor to the color of the doors. You definitely won’t match the shade, and it won’t look very good. But the baseboards and doors are always chosen in color;

1. On dark linoleum, everything is visible - every speck of dust, wool, scratch and stains after washing the floor;
2. Stains and dirt are better visible on light-colored linoleum;

Color combinations in the interior are of great importance. Shades visually change the space.

• If you want to expand the room, you need a dark floor under light walls and ceiling;
• It is necessary to reduce the height of the room - leave the walls light, and make the floor and ceiling in dark colors;
• The tunnel effect is achieved by making the back wall light, while the side walls, ceiling and floor are made darker;
• I would like to emphasize the horizontal lines - leave the floor and ceiling light, and paint all the walls in dark colors.

How to correctly calculate the amount of linoleum

I don’t want to make joints, weld seams and run to the store for an extra piece. Therefore, before going for linoleum, you need to correctly measure the room. This also has its own characteristics. It is very important to take them into account when calculating the amount of material.

• You need to measure the width of the room both at the beginning of the room and at the end. After all, it can both narrow and expand. The same goes for length. Our builders always do everything by eye;
• When taking measurements, remember about doors and other niches and protrusions. You need to take a little more linoleum to cover this space too;
• Write everything down in a notebook and take it with you to the store.

Cheat sheet to the store for choosing linoleum

1. Natural or PVC (heterogeneous, homogeneous). ?)))
2. Dark coating – dust and scratches are more noticeable (you need to constantly wipe). Light linoleum - clean before it gets stained, the room looks lighter and cleaner;
3. In the most trafficked rooms (entrance hall, corridor, kitchen) you need to take a class of linoleum from semi-commercial (31-34) and higher. We look at the thickness of the protective layer;
4. Material with a smooth top layer (but it is slippery) is more convenient and faster to clean. If there is a relief (practically non-slip), dirt will get stuck in it;
5. Specifically for the kitchen, it is better to choose linoleum with a foamed bottom layer. This also applies to the bathroom and toilet (wet areas). Foam is not afraid of water, unlike felt, and does not shrink over the years;
6. If you are buying coverage for the entire apartment, check that all the rolls are from the same batch (so that the color matches);
7. Write down the exact length and width of the room at home, because no one needs joints and seams;

So, it has been decided that there will be linoleum on the floor. Now you can go buy something “fun”. However, there is no need to rush. After all, there is a whole range of products on the market with different performance parameters. How choose linoleum? You need to navigate these parameters.Tatyana Kuznetsova, marketing director for the “Household Linoleum” category of the company, will answer the most frequently asked questions from customers. Tarkett in Eastern Europe.

- What are the advantages of using linoleum as a floor covering?

Let's start with the fact that the decision to use it is a great choice in itself. This - unique material, combining high performance. It is wear-resistant, not afraid of moisture, and easy to install. It is easy to care for. At the same time it has good performance heat and sound insulation. From the old days, the opinion remains that linoleum is something unpresentable. But today such coating provides the greatest freedom in interior design. Manufacturers are constantly bringing new current collections to the market, and you can choose a design for any room in your apartment.

- They are most often chosen according to the drawing. Is this correct or should we pay attention to something else first?

- It is clear that first a person looks at color and design. Well, we can start with this. However, in any case, you need to find out whether the product you like meets your requirements. I would advise first of all to remember, strange as it may sound, about health. The best way To protect yourself, ask the seller for a hygiene certificate. Also look for special signs on the label. Products that have passed an examination that has confirmed them environmental cleanliness, are marked. It should be noted that the only Russian label today recognized by the international community and included in the Global Ecolabel Network (GEN) is "Leaf of Life" It is issued by the St. Petersburg Ecological Union. Among our products, linoleum collections are marked with this sign "Moda", "Discovery" And "Idyll".

- When choosing linoleum, do you need to take into account the room in which it will be placed?

Yes, today there are types of coverage with different characteristics. The easiest way to determine for what operating conditions a particular linoleum is intended is to use European system classification for floor coverings EN 685, also used in Russia. According to her, everything rooms are divided into three types. Number 2 denotes residential, number 3 - office, number 4 - industrial. Another number determines the intensity of the load: 1 - low, 2 - medium, 3 - high, 4 - very high. A combination of two numbers and the corresponding pictogram (house and men) indicates flooring class. For example: 22 - residential premises with average load, 33 - office space with high load, etc. What type of coverage do you need?, you can look in the catalog or ask your sales consultant. So, for a bedroom or office, linoleum of class 21 is suitable, for the kitchen and corridor in an apartment where 1-2 people live - 23. And the same kitchen in an apartment where 3 or more people live needs class 31.

- Is it possible to tell by eye whether a given linoleum is wear-resistant or not?

It is difficult to determine this parameter just by looking at the coating. The fact is that how resistant the material will be to abrasion depends on the design of the coating as a whole and, first of all, on the thickness of its upper working layer. It is also called transparent (meaning transparent). Modern linoleum is a “layer cake” in which each layer has a special role. So, the worker is made of pure PVC, a very durable material. The transparency protects the drawing. The thicker the layer, the longer the coating will last. The classification of heterogeneous linoleums is largely associated with this indicator. They are separated for household(grade 21-23; transparency thickness 0.1-0.3 mm), light commercial or semi-commercial(31-32 class; 0.4-0.5 mm) and commercial(grade 33 and onwards; not less than 0.6 mm). The coating class is determined not only by the thickness of the transparent layer, but also by compliance with many other requirements. Therefore, even at home, there may be areas corresponding to load class 31 or even 32 (for example, a kitchen or corridor)

However, as you can understand, due to the small thickness, compare the transparent layer of the two different linoleums It's not that easy for a layman to see. Therefore, it is better to focus on wear resistance classes.

- What linoleum will not stretch?

Well, this flaw is definitely a ghost of the past. The “skeleton” for most modern coatings is fiberglass. It is located in the middle of the “pie” and ensures stability of linear dimensions. It is thanks to fiberglass that linoleum does not shrink or stretch. Unfortunately, today coatings without fiberglass can still be found on the Russian market, but they are quite easy to “identify”.

- What other characteristics should you pay attention to?

We have already said that modern linoleum has several layers ev. The thickest of them is the back one. Most often it is made of PVC foam, also called the base. Rear - because it is located on the back side of the fiberglass. Several important characteristics depend on it. Firstly, sound and heat insulation. And the thicker the foam, the warmer the floor. You can navigate by the total thickness of the coating, which is mainly determined by the back layer. At the same time, these characteristics depend on the density of the foam. The smaller it is, the greater the sound and heat insulation. But during operation, the buyer is unlikely to feel the difference, which is determined by the density of the foam, since the very presence of a foam base already makes the linoleum warm.

Further, the base provides linoleum with resistance to deformation - from heels, furniture legs, etc. To ensure that no traces remain after such point loads, the base must have sufficient density. And the higher the density, the more resistant the linoleum will be to such influences. This parameter can be assessed by comparing the weight of several coatings with the same thickness (the heaviest material is the densest). Another way is to press the linoleum with your fingers. The less the thickness of the coating changes under pressure, the higher the density of the base and vice versa.

The foamed PVC base is sometimes complemented by a duplicating one made of polyester. The main advantage of combining these materials is manifested when used in country houses seasonal accommodation. A layer of polyester located under the layer of foam protects it from freezing. This is important because PVC foam does not withstand freeze-thaw cycles well. Polyester provides reliable protection. Delamination is excluded here, since both materials are interconnected at the molecular level. Thus, coatings on a duplicated basis - perfect choice for summer residents.

- Are there linoleums that are best suited for specific premises, for example for the kitchen?

In addition to wear resistance, it is worth paying attention to the additional protection of the material. Large manufacturers apply another additional protective layer on top of the transparency - varnish. By covering micro-irregularities, it greatly facilitates cleaning, preventing the penetration of dirt into the coating structure, which is very important in the kitchen. In this case, matte and glossy varnish is used. The latter gives the impression of a freshly washed floor at any time. Tarkett has, for example, products with combined varnish coating. Glossy and matte areas alternate in accordance with the pattern, creating an original effect. Another protective layer - antibacterial - may be relevant for the kitchen or nursery. The mechanism of its action is simple and does not entail any side effects. Upon contact with air moisture, silver ions are released from the layer, which have antibacterial properties. Thus, the proliferation of microbes on the floor surface becomes impossible. Usually similar virtues Manufacturers don’t hide it, so you just need to read the label more carefully.

Firstly, of course, the color scheme should match the use of the room. Cool light shades visually enlarge the space, while warm ones make the room more comfortable. A bright, contrasting pattern invigorates, while a monotonous pattern calms. For example, a living room in warm, muted colors encourages relaxation, reflection, and calm communication, while intense, cold colors with clear elements give energy and create the mood for friendly parties. All this also applies to flooring. Especially if a complete change of interior begins with linoleum. But even if the task is simply to renew the floor, then here too you can achieve excellent result. The covering will visually enlarge the room if for small kitchen choose small tiles as a design. The same effect is obtained when any “tile” or “board” pattern is placed diagonally. Abstract floor design wonderfully emphasizes the advantages of interior items - furniture, decorative elements. Lovers of everything original can choose linoleum with a three-dimensional, three-dimensional design. It is created by fusing pieces of PVC (called “chips”) into the transparency, as well as other artistic techniques.

Now we are armed enough with knowledge to go to the store. Based on the expert's answers: how to choose linoleum, any buyer can choose quality linoleum, meeting all requirements.

When choosing flooring for your home, you need to approach this issue quite seriously. After all, it carries not only an aesthetic component, but is also a restraining element for loads.

Not all areas in the apartment are subject to the same impacts. The most trafficked areas, and therefore those that have the greatest load on the floor, are the corridor and the kitchen. The living room is a special room in which we not only spend our leisure time, but also receive guests. Therefore, the flooring in it should be not only practical, but also beautiful.

Varieties

For many years, linoleum has been the undoubted leader among floor coverings. It is suitable for any room, you just need to make the right choice. The hall is no exception.

Here are the main points you should pay attention to when choosing linoleum flooring for your living room.

There are several variations of linoleum types:

• household: wear resistance class – 21-23, protective layer thickness – 0.3 mm, withstands light loads;
• semi-commercial: wear resistance class – 31-32, protective layer thickness – 0.5 mm, withstands medium loads;
• commercial: wear resistance class – 33, protective layer thickness – 0.6 mm, withstands fairly large and long-term loads.

For the living room household linoleum will be enough, since the traffic of this room is small.

Great value has material. There are products to choose from: polyvinyl chloride, rubber, natural, colloxylin, glyphthalic.

For the hall, choose PVC covering with jute or felt base. Professionals say that this material is best suited for a living room.

There are several types of it:

• homogeneous: has 1 layer with lime impurities and quartz sand. It is elastic and quite easy to shape. But due to its small thickness it quickly becomes unusable. In addition, all the unevenness of the floor is visible through it;
• heterogeneous: consists of several layers, each of which performs its own function: protective, shock-absorbing, decorative.

Choose the second option for the hall PVC coating. It will hide floor defects, provide thermal insulation, and will last for quite a long time.

How to choose?

To choose high-quality flooring for your room, follow some recommendations:

• During the cold season, it is better to purchase linoleum in a store rather than on the market, since it tends to deform under the influence of low temperatures. In addition, it is more convenient to inspect the canvas for defects in the store.
• To find out what size the product you are purchasing should be, measure the area of ​​your room and leave allowances of a few centimeters on all sides.

• Pay attention to the smell. A quality product should not emit a “fragrance”. This is unacceptable for a recreation area.
• This type of linoleum, such as marmoleum, cannot be ignored. It is made from natural materials and has two positive qualities: odorless and antibacterial effect. And this is very important if there are children in your house, because the living room often becomes their play area.
• A product with an anti-slip layer is ideal for a living room if it does not have carpeting.

One thing should also be taken into account. If you choose linoleum not for an apartment, but for a sports, concert, or assembly hall, then the selection criteria are slightly different. The main thing we have to rely on is that all of the above audiences have high degree cross-country ability, that is, they are subjected to heavy mechanical load: walking, rearranging furniture, exposure to heels. Therefore, the linoleum covering for these halls must, first of all, be durable.

For this purpose, choose at least a semi-commercial type, and preferably a commercial one, with anti-slip properties.

Color range

After the choice on the structure of linoleum has been made, the most pleasant thing remains - deciding on the color. There are also some rules here.

If your living room is spacious enough, any colors will suit the floor: light, dark, bright. Moreover, dark shades will be more practical to use. If the living room is small in size, choose linoleum flooring light colors. They will visually expand the space and relieve the oppressive atmosphere.

It must be remembered that the floor, like any other part of the room, must be combined with the interior.

If your living room is designed in classic style, for it use linoleum in warm, discreet tones. For modern styles would be more suitable bold decisions in the form bright colors. And minimalism is favorably emphasized by floor coverings in black and white.

The floor can become the focal point of your room. If the interior items are made in a calm, discreet style, and there is no carpet, liven up the room with beautiful linoleum with an ornament or a large pattern.

Properly chosen, they can visually stretch or expand the space, if necessary.

If your floor is nevertheless decorated with a carpet, then the linoleum covering should be laid in a monochromatic and discreet manner so that it creates a background and favorably emphasizes the pattern of the carpet. It is also recommended to observe modesty in color if all components of the interior have rich, catchy tones.

Linoleum made to look like parquet or laminate looks beautiful and noble. It looks especially impressive in a room with wooden furniture. Currently, the production of linoleum has stepped far forward. There is no limit to the imagination in its decoration. Therefore, you can easily choose an option for your particular room.

Peculiarities

Modern technologies for manufacturing linoleum have brought it to new level. And now it can compete in quality with other, more presentable types of flooring.

Based on the fact that the hall is a room for the whole family, as well as for guests, properly selected linoleum will provide you with it:

• heat and sound insulation;
• minimum dust;
• antiallergic, antibacterial effects;
• will reduce the sliding effect, which is especially important if children are running around in the living room;
• use for “warm” floors;
• moisture resistance;
• ease of care;
• minimum costs.

As you can see, each room has its own criteria for choosing linoleum. Knowing all the nuances, you can choose a product wisely that will serve you for many years and will delight you with its appearance.

The following video shows how to choose linoleum.

Linoleum is a moisture-resistant, hard, woven covering designed for finishing floors, and the thickness of linoleum is important criterion. It has advantages over other floor coverings. A universal material that is suitable for both domestic and public use. Many people prefer this economical and reliable flooring.

When choosing linoleum as a floor covering, the buyer pays attention to the decorative side and to indicators that directly determine how long the linoleum will last.

An important role influencing technical qualities material, thickness plays a role linoleum covering. It is important to remember that not only the protective top layer is responsible for the service life, but also the thickness of the coating as a whole.

It depends on what purposes linoleum is purchased for. It can be laid as for home use, and in public places: shops, cinemas, clinics, shopping and entertainment centers, offices, production workshops and other premises with varying furniture loads and people traffic.

MATERIAL USED IN PRODUCTION

Natural linoleum has advantages unique to this variety:

No matter what exceptional positive characteristics it has, there are still several disadvantages:

• The main disadvantage of this coating is the very high price of the product.
• Made from natural ingredients, this flooring is susceptible to rot.
• Its use in unheated rooms is not recommended because it is less elastic than its synthetic counterparts.
• Fairly low variation in colors and patterns.
• The new coating has a peculiar smell that disappears after a few months.

This type of linoleum is not suitable for installation in damp rooms, but people who value environmentally friendly materials will find in this coating something that suits their needs. healthy image life.

PVC linoleum is the most common floor covering in the modern world. It is popular and continues to collect positive reviews. It can be based on foamed PVC, fabric, felt or synthetic.

PVC coating is divided into a homogeneous product, consisting of a single layer, and a heterogeneous product, having several different layers in its structure.

In single-layer flooring, the pattern or design runs through the entire thickness of the product, so it retains its color and clear outline during use. Although large selection no pattern appears.

Basically the surface resembles natural materials: marble, stone or wood. The thickness of the product varies from 1.5 to 3 millimeters and it is mainly laid in production workshops or areas with high traffic. The main disadvantage of such linoleum is its high cost.

Why is PVC flooring so valued among consumers? The advantages that make the coating so popular will help us answer this question.

• Affordable price is an important aspect that influences the choice.
• A variety of patterns and shades allows you to choose linoleum for any interior.
• High elasticity allows it to be installed in any room and conditions.
• High-quality coating, confirmed by a certificate, does not highlight toxic substances.
• Easy to clean, practically resistant to any chemicals and solvents.

However, it shrinks when the air temperature rises, so they lay it, leaving reserves under the baseboards. When new it has a specific chemical smell, but after a few weeks it dissipates.

Alkyd linoleum is a roll product on a fabric basis, impregnated with resins: glyphthalic or alkyd.

The advantages of such linoleum are the same as those of PVC flooring, the significant difference is that it is more resistant to wear and abrasion.

The disadvantage is its fire hazard. The resins with which the product is impregnated are very flammable, so this flooring should not be installed in rooms with a large number equipment and where, excess air temperature is normal.

Such linoleum is laid mainly on the floor of transport: road, rail, sea and air.

There is another type of coating - relin. This is an all-rubber two-layer surface consisting of a layer of rubber with the addition of dyes and a layer of rubber recycled from the secondary market.

Suitable for use in rooms with high humidity. A very durable coating and elastic, due to its components. It has an anti-slip surface, so it can be found everywhere in gyms and swimming pools.

Colloxylin flooring is made from nitrocellulose fiber with the addition of various substances: dyes, plasticizers, red lead and gypsum. Due to the fact that the product ignites and burns well, its use is banned today.

Classification of linoleum by thickness and class

In accordance with EN685 standards, coatings are divided into classes. They help determine the room in which it is best to use it and the degree of load in a given place. The classes distinguish between commercial, household and semi-commercial linoleum.

Good sound insulation up to 18 dB. The thickness can be from 1.5 to 3 millimeters. It is not intended for high loads, so it is not advisable to install such a coating in public places. Moisture-resistant, flexible and elastic flooring that shrinks during use no more than 0.2 millimeters per 1 square meter.

Choose the width of the linoleum so that when installed on the surface there are a maximum of two seams, fortunately manufacturers offer rolls different sizes. There are plenty to choose from.

The color of the coating should correspond not only to your preference, but also to the purpose of the room. It is very difficult, for example, to eat in a kitchen where the floor is bright, saturated colors, and in a bedroom in red tones it is not possible to fall asleep at all.

Having made a choice and selected desired color and size, roll out the purchased product from the roll and inspect it. It should not have cracks, dents or other mechanical damage that indicate improper storage and transportation of the goods.

Conclusion

In the article we examined the question of how thick linoleum should be. According to the standards of European companies, the thickness of the protective face layer should be from 0.3 to 0.6 millimeters, depending on the coating: household, semi-commercial or commercial.

There is plenty to choose from among the floorings presented today. Make a choice, not only by thickness.

Pay attention to the material from which the linoleum is made.

This will ensure that you buy a coating that suits your space and suits your preferences. From all the variety presented, you can always find a compromise solution between the thickness and cost of the product.