Expert advice - which linoleum is better to choose. Which linoleum is better for an apartment - household or semi-commercial, foam-based or felt? Which linoleum is better to lay in a room?

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 the technical characteristics. 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 and 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:

Harmless to health, does not emit hazardous (toxic) substances;
Dense hard material(due to pressing), practically not pressed through by furniture;
Resistant to abrasion (difficult to scratch), thanks to the protective layer of varnish;
High fire resistance;
Easy to clean;
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 are 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, a high-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:

Fiberglass is the base or skeleton onto which all subsequent layers are applied. Production begins with it. Prevents linoleum from stretching;
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;
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;
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.
The bottom layer is applied to the back side of the fiberglass. 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 the 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). He has the most long term services. 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:

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;

On dark linoleum, everything is visible - every speck of dust, wool, scratch and stains after washing the floor;
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

Natural or PVC (heterogeneous, homogeneous). ?)))
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;
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;
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;
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;
If you are buying coverage for the entire apartment, check that all the rolls are from the same batch (so that the color matches);
Write down the exact length and width of the room at home, because no one needs joints and seams;

Despite the expansion of the flooring market, linoleum production is not slowing down. The use of safe technologies and an affordable price have made this product one of the most popular products in its category. At the same time, buyers are increasingly concerned about the issue of choice. The range is expanding every year, raising the pressing question: “which linoleum is better?” Today we will try to give you the answer to this question.

What to focus on when choosing linoleum?

Making a choice is always very difficult. Criteria that are of paramount importance to some are not so important to others. In order not to regret your choice in the future, you should consider in which room the linoleum will be laid. When making a purchase, focus on the characteristics of the rooms, namely:

Maximum room traffic;
Purpose of the room;
Premises requiring special conditions (protection from moisture, grease, abrasion);
General design of the rooms.

Types of linoleum

To understand which linoleum is best for an apartment, you need to understand its varieties. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each, you can choose the necessary product without being disappointed later.

Natural linoleum

Natural linoleum contains only harmless components. In addition to the jute fabric base, pine resins, cork and wood flour are used in the production of such products. linseed oil, lime powder, natural dyes. The use of such coatings is acceptable even in children's rooms. It is also safe for allergy sufferers.

Components found in natural linoleum

Advantages:

compliance with environmental standards;
bactericidal properties of the material;
abrasion resistance;
does not fade over time;
does not fade in the sun;
does not support combustion;
variety of colors;
ease of use.

Flaws:

not resistant to moisture, which is why it is not advisable to lay it in the kitchen and hallway;
when linoleum is bent, cracks may appear on the surface; this should be taken into account when transporting and working with the product;
quite high price compared to artificial linoleums.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) linoleum

Main binder in PVC linoleums is polyvinyl chloride. The product also contains plasticizers, fillers, stabilizers and dyes.

Advantages:

antistatic coating;
low thermal conductivity;
moisture resistance;
ease of installation;
environmental safety;
variety of colors.

Flaws:

instability to alkalis and solvents;
shrinks after laying;
When exposed to low temperatures, the elasticity of the material decreases, which can lead to cracking.

PVC linoleums come with a base (fabric, non-fabric, foam), without a base, single-layer, multi-layer

According to purpose, PVC linoleum is divided into:

Domestic. The thickness of household linoleum is 1-4 mm. It may have a polyester or foam base. The service life of household PVC linoleum is no more than 5 years;
Commercial. Commercial linoleum has a very high degree of wear resistance. It has a very thick protective layer. It is used in office and work areas. The service life of commercial linoleum is 1-25 years;
Semi-commercial. The structure of semi-commercial linoleum is similar to household linoleum, but has a thickened protective layer (up to 0.7 mm). It is laid in apartment rooms with the highest traffic (kitchens, hallways), and in office premises with low traffic. The service life of semi-commercial linoleum is 7-20 years;
Specialized. This linoleum is developed for specific tasks. Sports - covered with a polyurethane layer that improves wear resistance. Bactericidal - contains antifungal and antibacterial additives. Anti-slip - thanks to the quartz chips added to it, it has a relief surface. Sound-absorbing – has a thickened base.

Glypthal

Glyphthalic linoleum is made by applying alkyd resin to a fabric base. Before laying it, the product should lie in a warm room. So that after installation it does not become deformed.

Advantages:

increased thermal insulation;
increased sound insulation.

Flaws:

fragility of the material;
Difficulty in installation due to the possibility of cracks.

Colloxylin

Colloxyline linoleum is a baseless single-layer floor covering.

It is made from wood or cotton cellulose nitrate, plasticizers, fillers, stabilizers.

Advantages:

moisture resistance;
flexibility (maintains even at low temperatures);
elasticity.

Flaws:

risk of shrinkage;
instability to organic solvents, alkalis, acids;
high heat absorption coefficient;
reacts to temperature changes.

Relin linoleum is a two-layer flooring material.

The top layer is rubber made from natural rubber, which has increased strength and hardness. The bottom layer is rubber based on styrene rubber, which has medium hardness and improves the shock-absorbing properties of the material.

Advantages:

low slip level;
good shock-absorbing properties;
firmness and elasticity.

Flaws:

high thermal conductivity;
instability to solvents;
the presence of harmful substances that evaporate over time.

Choosing linoleum based on the purpose of the room

To know which linoleum is best to choose for a particular room, you need to know the product labeling. It consists of two numbers. First digit:

1 - means that the product is intended for rooms with minimal traffic,
2 – for residential premises,
3 – office,
4 – production.

The second means possible loads on the coating and varies from 1 (lowest) to 4 (highest).

What is better to put in the living room?

The traffic in the guest room is moderate. A coating with a thickness of 1.5 mm is chosen for it. Since the susceptibility to mechanical stress is low, an inexpensive household linoleum based on PVC.

Inexpensive household linoleum is suitable for the living room

Children's room

In children's rooms, the main attention is paid to environmentally friendly coatings. Therefore it is better to choose natural product. It may not be as durable, but it will not harm the child’s health.

It is better to lay natural linoleum in a children's room

Sleeping area

The bedroom is a low traffic area. Here you can lay linoleum with a thickness of 1.2 mm. As an option - PVC linoleum on a foam base or household polyester.

Hallway, kitchen, corridor

These rooms have the most traffic in the apartment. Here it is advisable to lay linoleum 3mm thick. For such premises, you can choose household PVC linoleum or even semi-commercial.

For the kitchen you can choose a floor commercial linoleum

In conclusion

Understanding which company's linoleum is better, we can say with confidence that the domestic industry does not lag behind its European competitors. One of the leading domestic companies producing floor coverings can be called Tarkett. Imported linoleums are represented by such companies as Juteks, Forbo, Venus, IVS.

In addition to the described characteristics, when choosing linoleum for an apartment, you should pay attention to its appearance. The presence of relief and greasy shine should alert you. The strong smell of the product indicates its harmfulness. It is unlikely that such linoleum can be laid in residential premises. Therefore, take your time with your choice. As they say: “Measure twice, cut once!”

You can listen to this article!

The problem of choice has always been considered one of the most difficult tasks for humans. The question of how to choose the right linoleum for a house or apartment includes huge amount pitfalls. Let's figure it out.

Which linoleum to choose for your home and apartment

Today, two main types of linoleum predominate on the market - natural and polyvinyl chloride.

The first type of linoleum is made from natural ingredients, which include oils, resins and flax. The performance qualities of this material are indisputable and confirm its antistatic properties and environmental friendliness. He is not influenced household chemicals and aggressive environment. The structure of the natural coating remains unchanged even when laid on a heated floor. Linoleum can be laid on a base or without it. As a rule, non-woven materials or natural fabrics are used as a base.

The second type is linoleum made from synthetic material PVC - polyvinyl chloride. The safety of this material depends only on the production technology and is confirmed by the presence of a hygienic certificate.

To understand how to choose good linoleum for the home, you need to know the varieties of this material.

Linoleum, which is made from PVC, is divided into homogeneous, heterogeneous and mixed.

Homogeneous linoleum

Homogeneous linoleum is a homogeneous fabric with a thickness from one and a half to three millimeters. His drawing is only simple. The main advantages include the application of a through pattern that cannot be erased. Therefore, this linoleum is used in rooms with high traffic - in front doors, shops, train cars and other places. Due to the fact that PVC is considered an expensive material, it is “diluted” with limestone, talc or kaolin.

Advice! It is very easy to check for excess filler - you need to bend the linoleum strongly. If a white stripe remains at the bend, then the norm has been exceeded, and if the linoleum is cracked, then it is better to refuse the purchase altogether.

Heterogeneous linoleum

Composite linoleum is also called heterogeneous. Its thickness is from two to six millimeters . To choose high-quality linoleum, it is worth considering the structure of “heterogenes,” which consists of several components. Namely:

Fiberglass - a reinforcing “skeleton”, having a thickness of one and a half to four millimeters, is made of fiberglass.
A foamed PVC layer is applied to the fiberglass.
A pattern is applied on top of the PVC.
The design is covered with a transparency - a protective film, which is considered a very important element of the “design”. It affects the service life.
The protective film can be supplemented with a varnish coating, which eliminates micro-irregularities, prevents dirt from entering the structure of the material and greatly simplifies cleaning.

Another layer can also be used, which concerns the protection of the hosts. This is an antibacterial coating, the effect of which is to release silver ions into the air when linoleum comes into contact with moisture.

At the bottom of the linoleum there is a backing. It is made from natural fabrics, cork oak bark, felt or synthetics.

Mixed linoleum

The latest type of linoleum is much simpler in structure. It consists of a homogeneous coating and a core of glass fiber reinforced PVC foam, protective film made of polyurethane. This film saves the lime located in the main homogeneous layer from moisture. Until the film is erased, lime will not appear on the surface in the form of white stripes that cannot be removed by any means. The film also protects the coating from marks left by rubber shoes.

How to choose linoleum by quality

Linoleum, depending on the characteristics of its constituent parts, is divided into different groups. Namely:

household,
semi-commercial,
commercial.

Linoleum can be characterized by such indicators as the length and width of the roll, the thickness of the coating, and the thickness of the protective layer of the material. The last two are directly related to the service life of the coating.

The main technical characteristics of linoleum are:

water resistance;
density;
abrasion;
resistance to temperature changes, flammability;
resistance to chemicals;
sound and heat insulation properties;
antistatic.

The main indicators that you should focus on when choosing linoleum are wear resistance and abrasion. These factors determine the class of linoleum.

The class determines the type of premises in which it is optimal to use this coating.

For example,

Class 23 - recommended for use in residential areas with high traffic (hallway, kitchen) and this is the most popular type of coating.
Class 33 - in rooms with average traffic (offices, small shops).
Class 34 - used in areas with high traffic (large stores, airports).
41-43 class - used in production premises such as warehouses, workshops, and so on.

For apartments and country houses, you can choose household or semi-commercial linoleum.

On the roll marking you can also find wearability symbols. There are 4 groups in total, which are determined depending on the reaction of the fabric to a pinpoint abrasive effect. Based on the results of the examination for compliance with the standards of the EN660-1 standard, linoleum is assigned the appropriate marking:

T - linoleum of high wear resistance, the thickness changes during the test period by only 0.08 mm;
P - hard linoleum, the material wears out no more than 0.15 mm
M - the thickness of the working layer of linoleum is reduced by 0.3 mm,
F - thickness reduction reaches 0.6 mm. These are the most highly abraded representatives of this type of floor covering.

Clue. Heavy linoleum is considered the best. It does not press through or tear, since a high concentration of PVC ensures high density.

Among the signs of good quality linoleum, it is worth noting the absence of a strong odor, greasy sheen and the presence of relief. IN high-quality coating the drawing looks clear and natural. A one and a half meter step of drawings is considered optimal. Manufacturers quality linoleum They always put a logo on their products. In addition, it is worth remembering that high-quality and durable linoleum must have at least five layers.

How to choose linoleum for the kitchen

To choose a good linoleum for the kitchen, you need to know its advantages over any other floor coverings.

We choose linoleum for the kitchen because it:

It has high wear resistance and load resistance - can withstand falling sharp and heavy objects.
Durable, average term linoleum service life - 15 years.
It has sound and heat insulation properties.
Easy to care for - washes well, does not absorb liquids, and does not form stubborn stains.
Cheaper than many other floor coverings.
May have antibacterial and anti-slip properties.
Presented in a wide range of designs.

We suggest choosing the following parameters: abrasion class T (extra durable coating) or P (low abrasion), wear resistance level not lower than class 23.

Try to buy linoleum in specialized heated stores, where you can check its quality and compliance with safety standards. Ask the seller for a hygiene certificate; linoleum must have a special marking, which indicates that it has passed the appropriate examination.
Buy the canvas not strictly according to the size of the room, but with a margin so that you can adjust the design. Add 8 cm to each measurement. Do not forget about various protrusions in the form of thresholds, niches under heating radiators, etc.
Pay attention to whether there is a pungent odor, which indicates the low quality of linoleum. Synthetic and natural linoleum do not smell.
When purchasing several pieces of panels, try to ensure that the linoleum is from the same batch. Rolls from different batches may differ in color even with the same markings.
Check the quality of the rolled linoleum, so you will notice tubercles, creases or peeling protective coating.
When purchasing a wide roll, consider whether you can carry it down narrow stairs and into the room. It may be worth buying linoleum in two or more panels.
For transportation, linoleum must be rolled. When folding the panel in half, bends and fractures are formed. Do not secure the edges with tape; it leaves a sticky residue that is difficult to remove. If the linoleum is rolled up with the front side facing out, to avoid scratches on the outer layer, wrap it with film.

Hello Dear blog readers! Get ready, as this topic will be very voluminous and dedicated to which linoleum is best for an apartment. In the modern construction market you can see hundreds of options various quality and from different manufacturers. The color variations of linoleum can also excite the imagination. Why is linoleum so popular? The fact is that this is the most popular flooring among the population with average income. They also love it for its durability and ergonomics. In our topic, let's start with everything in order.

Summary of this article:

Which linoleum is better to choose for an apartment - domestic, commercial or semi-commercial?

There is no specific and uniquely correct answer to this question. If we start talking about household linoleum, then, as the name suggests, it is used mainly only in residential areas.

Among the advantages in it are the following:

Economical. It has a very attractive price.

Very easy to care for. You don't need any expensive special equipment.

As we stated, it has a rich color palette.

Very elastic and easy to transport.

It insulates the room well.

Has good moisture resistance.

As for the semi-commercial option, it is worth saying that it is something between the household and commercial options. It can be laid in areas with moderate traffic, which basically means you can lay it in if you have a large family home. It has almost the same advantages. It's just a little more expensive.

It’s up to you to decide which linoleum is best to lay, commercial or semi-commercial, or household. All options are well suited for home use. The last thing that could be noted is that when choosing household linoleum you still have great freedom in terms of color and type of coating (there are those imitating wood, parquet and others).

Commercial linoleum is not often used for laying on apartment floors, because... its cost compared to household and semi-commercial types is very high. If your budget for repair costs is “rubbery,” then this is a pretty good option for flooring that will easily serve you for more than 10 years without any jams, creases, etc.

Which linoleum is better - foam or felt?

Foam-based linoleum is usually made using foamed PVC onto fiberglass. The advantage of foam-based linoleum is its strength. Also resistant to high moisture. One of the disadvantages of such linoleum is the price, which is several points higher than its analogues.

As for the felt base, the advantages of such linoleum include its elasticity and softness of the coating. This, by the way, directly affects the comfort of use.

This option is much cheaper than a foam base, but unlike the latter, the pattern in linoleum with a felt base is applied to its entire thickness, which means that when “wiping” it will not lose its appearance.

Based on this, we can conclude that in this matter you should be guided by what is most important to you - durability and strength or appearance. As you can see, everything is extremely simple.

What sizes of linoleum are there?

Now let's move on to the numbers part. As for the size of linoleum, the situation is as follows:

According to building codes, the thickness of linoleum ranges from 0.7 mm to 4.5 mm. There is also an option less than a millimeter thick, but such material, as you might already guess, is completely unsuitable for everyday use.

The most common thickness of linoleum is from 1.5 to 3 mm. Thanks to this thickness, sound insulation and thermal insulation are well maintained.

How wide is linoleum?

Regarding width, the following options are available on the construction market:

2 meters.

2.5 meters.

3 meters.

3.5 meters.

4 meters.

5 meters.

As you can see, there are enough variations in width, which will allow you to avoid a large number of seams when laying. We already spoke in more detail about the possible width of linoleum once in an article - be sure to study what width linoleum is.

What classes is linoleum divided into based on wear resistance and fire safety?

According to wear resistance, linoleum is divided into the following classes:

Virtually indestructible (dense wear-resistant linoleum).

Lightly abraded.

Moderately abrasive.

Heavily abraded.

As for fire safety, things are much more interesting here. To protect yourself, you should choose it according to the following parameters:

Flammability.

Toxicity.

Smoke formation.

Speed of smoke spread.

Now in more detail..

Flammability is one of the most important indicators of fire safety. In this regard, linoleum has the following marks - from G1 to G4. In this case, G1 indicates low or no flammability, while G4 is an indicator of easy flammability.

When purchasing coverage, be sure to pay attention to these labels. Especially if the linoleum is placed in a room where there is frequent contact with fire. Practice shows that G4 linoleum is prohibited from being laid where it is necessary to evacuate people in case of fire.

As for toxicity, this indicator characterizes the amount emitted during a fire. toxic substances. The toxicity level here is determined in a similar way to the flammability marks - from T1 to T4.

The T1 coating is low-toxic, while the T4 coating is highly toxic and can cause rapid poisoning of the body when the material burns.

Smoke production is another important factor. It shows the amount of smoke released during combustion. D1 – practically does not emit smoke when burning. D4 – when burning, a large amount of smoke is generated and the room becomes smoky very quickly.

The speed of smoke spread refers to the indicators above. RP1 – smoke spreads slowly or does not spread at all. RP4 – when a fire occurs, almost instantaneous smoke occurs.

To summarize, let’s say that when choosing linoleum, do not forget to pay attention to all the accompanying marks. This will protect you and your home from unforeseen circumstances.

According to European standards, linoleum has certain markings of two digits. The first number characterizes the type of room. The second is the intensity of the load.

The first number is as follows:

2 – living quarters.

3 – office premises.

4 – production premises.

The second number is as follows:

1 – low load intensity.

2 – average load intensity.

3 – high load intensity.

4 – very high load intensity.

If you choose linoleum, then follow the following markings:

21 – premises for short-term use (this includes, for example, bedrooms)

22 – linoleum for living rooms, kitchens, children's rooms.

23 – linoleum for hallways, corridors and places public use in communal apartments.

These are the main residential markings. After them there are already markings for numbers 3 and 4. This linoleum is already suitable only for hotels, commercial premises, shops, warehouses, etc.

Is natural or artificial linoleum better for an apartment?

This question is very interesting and almost always excites the minds of those who are going to choose linoleum. So let's figure out which linoleum to choose for your apartment.

In the production of linoleum from natural components, oak bark flour and ordinary wood flour are used. Various organic oils and pine resin are often added.

Practice shows that linoleum made from natural ingredients is an environmentally friendly material and is especially popular among those people who have children or allergies.

It is suitable for those who decide to save money, but it is worth remembering that this material not as fireproof as its natural counterpart (due to the lack of oils). It also has a rather unpleasant chemical smell.

Our advice is the following - if you are faced with the choice of natural or artificial linoleum, then pay attention to such factors as the frequency of use of the room and the presence of children or pets. These are the most basic things to focus on.

These two concepts may turn out to be a dark forest for the average buyer. In fact, everything is simpler than it seems, and we will help you not to get confused in this terminology and easily distinguish one material from another and not make a mistake when purchasing.

Heterogeneous linoleum what is it?

Heterogeneous linoleum is linoleum that consists of several layers. Their thickness is usually from 2 to 6 mm. The basis of such linoleum is reinforcing fiberglass, which is coated with PVC.

Various patterns are applied to the PVC on top. It is worth saying that heterogeneous linoleum is a rather difficult material to produce.

Homogeneous linoleum what is it?

Unlike heterogeneous linoleum, homogeneous is a homogeneous material. Its thickness varies from 1.5 to 3 mm. Also, the main difference between homogeneous linoleum is that it provides a narrower selection of patterns.

It is also worth considering that this linoleum already has a specialization - it is most often used in shops, corridors of public places, and front doors.

Now let's move on to the main question - which of these two linoleum is better for an apartment?

The answer will be clear - the best option for an apartment is a heterogeneous option. Homogeneous ones have one very unpleasant property - it is almost impossible to clean it with ordinary detergents due to the presence of lime in it.

It absorbs dirt well and may need to be cleaned grinding machine, which is not a very good option at home. Therefore it is worth leaving this option more for technical rooms.

As for heterogeneous linoleum, in terms of cleaning, a regular soap-based detergent is sufficient, which is always available at home.

Most people are interested in a reasonable question - which company is the best linoleum for laying on the floor in an apartment? We answer... Today, linoleum from the Tarkett company is considered the best and most reliable option.

Of course, there are other linoleum manufacturers, whose products can also be safely laid on the floors of apartments. For example, such as Grabo (Grabo), Forbo (Forbo), Ideal (Ideal), Gerflor (Gerflor), Juteks (Juteks) and others.

Their price/quality ratio is very good performance, i.e. When laying on the floor, you can be sure that the floor covering will not wear out to holes in the coming years.

That's all. Now you know which company (brand) is best to lay linoleum on the floor in your apartment. The choice is naturally yours - we only give advice and recommendations.

Next, we will consider the nuances of choosing linoleum for certain type home premises. This is a very important part of our article, since, based on all of the above, you can see that linoleum is not such a simple material as it might seem at first glance.

Which linoleum to choose for the kitchen?

There is no need to hide the fact that linoleum has already become a traditional material for the kitchen, which continues to be popular. The kitchen is a very finicky place, so the choice of flooring should be approached with the utmost care.

Most main question What should you consider when choosing linoleum - natural or synthetic coating?

If you decide to choose a natural coating, you can be sure that it will consist of environmentally friendly materials. It will have the following advantages:

The coating will be hygienic.

Fire resistant thanks to natural materials.

You can choose from a wide variety of coloring pages.

It is resistant to heat, which means that a heated floor system can be installed underneath it.

Synthetic material differs from natural material only in some respects. Advantages of synthetics:

Has dielectric properties.

Resistant to heat.

It has a low price, unlike its natural counterpart.

So what should you choose? Here it is worth considering that natural material is more expensive, while synthetic material is more accessible. The main advice is that if you have the money, then of course you should choose the natural option.

But if you decide to save money, then synthetics will also be a good choice. We talked in more detail about choosing linoleum specifically for the kitchen in the article - I advise you to study which linoleum for the kitchen to choose.

What is the best linoleum for the bathroom?

Regarding the choice of linoleum for the bathroom, there are the following basic tips that must be strictly followed:

Choose waterproof linoleum. In the bathroom the humidity is much higher than in other parts of the house/apartment.

You should definitely choose options with a coating that has ribbed elements. They will protect you from unexpected falls, since linoleum becomes a very slippery surface after water gets in.

Also choose linoleum that will be resistant to the physical stress of objects pressing on it ( washing machine, sink, etc.), and which will withstand the impact of various detergents.

Masters advise putting homogeneous coatings in the bathtub.

How to choose the right linoleum for the bedroom?

Everyone knows that a person spends almost a third of his life in the bedroom. And for the bedroom, linoleum made only from natural materials is more suitable than ever.

Since such linoleum is bactericidal, it will have a pleasant effect on your well-being. It also withstands sunlight well and does not emit harmful substances into the air.

By the way, natural linoleum in the bedroom is very good suitable for people with allergies or bronchial asthma.

How to choose the right linoleum for a living room in an apartment?

For the hall you should choose household linoleum. Pay attention to the thickness - it should be average, since the hall is a place with moderate load.

A semi-commercial option is perfect. It must have a wear resistance class of 21-23. Good options for the hall you can call linoleum on a jute or felt basis.

These materials are quite elastic, soft and retain heat well. It is very pleasant to walk on them and they are absolutely safe for your health. A nice bonus is that these materials are easy to wash and easy to care for.

If you have pets, then due to the antistatic properties, wool will not stick to them (the materials).

Which linoleum should I use for the hallway and corridor?

Most craftsmen advise choosing semi-commercial type linoleum for the hallway and corridor. It is ideal for the reasons that the corridor is the place with the highest traffic in the apartment.

Semi-commercial linoleum will not allow shoe marks to appear on it. Also, practice shows that it is almost impossible to damage this coating by force.

Choose semi-commercial linoleum on a foam basis - it will last longer, unlike other options. As for colors, semi-commercial linoleum, although not replete with the same print options as are available in household ones, still has plenty to choose from.

How to choose linoleum for a children's room?

The most basic advice in choosing linoleum for a children's room is naturalness. Among children, recently there may be large number allergy sufferers and linoleum made from natural materials in this case will be your best choice.

Remember that a children's room is a rather aggressive place. Your child will play with toys there and drop things on the floor. Naturally this will affect its integrity.

The second main piece of advice is to avoid frequent replacement of the floor covering, you should choose linoleum with a thickness of at least 3 mm for the children's room. Foam-based household linoleum is perfect.

As for colors, it is better to choose a material as bright as possible for the children's room. This will delight and cheer up not only you, but also your child.

Which linoleum is best to lay on a wooden floor?

Perhaps most people experience severe wear and tear wooden surfaces. This is especially true for gender. Over time, it loses its original appearance, which even careful polishing cannot restore. What to do in this case? The answer is simple - lay linoleum. But the next question arises - which linoleum is best placed on a wooden floor?

For laying on a wooden floor, it is better to choose linoleum with good thermal insulation properties. In combination with wood, this will give an excellent effect and the heat will remain in the room for a long time. As for its options, it all depends on the room in which it will be used, so it’s up to you to decide whether to choose a household, semi-commercial or commercial option.

As for the specifics, fabric-based linoleum is well suited for wooden floors. Also linoleum without a base, which has a uniform structure. Experts also recommend colloxyl linoleum; it is flexible and easy to install, but if the room is not ventilated for several days, a slight chemical smell remains.

Which linoleum is better to lay on a concrete floor?

Since a concrete floor is an inhospitable, cold surface, when choosing linoleum you should give preference only to multilayer options with a foamed and insulated base.

Why only this type? If you choose any other linoleum, then, of course, it will also fit well on concrete, but all year round you will notice that the floor is cold. This can have a major impact on your health.

Is it possible to paint linoleum and with what paint?

It just so happens that not everyone has the opportunity to immediately re-cover the entire coating after defects appear on the linoleum. Most resort to cunning methods. One of them is painting. Let's say straight away - linoleum can be painted. Another question is what coloring composition should I use to make sure it doesn’t turn out worse?

The most popular paints for linoleum are oil, alkyd and acrylic options. With them in order:

Oil paints are the most budget option. If you follow the dynamics of development construction market, then this paint is already outdated. But it fits well on the surface and does not create unevenness. Of the minuses, one can highlight only a rather sharp and bad smell during painting and during the drying process. This paint also needs to be renewed periodically, as it wears off over time.

Alkyd paints are much more advanced, unlike the oil version. This paint is very elastic, resistant to water and is distinguished by its durability. Also resistant to fading sun rays. Dries quite quickly (in just a couple of hours). The only negative is that, like the oil version, it has a pungent odor when painting.

Acrylic paints are the most suitable option for linoleum. Dries quickly and withstands mechanical damage well. The service life of such paints is very long. One of the nice little things is that the paint composition withstands chemical attack well (especially useful when you need to wash the floor with various means).

As we were able to find out, linoleum can be painted. The approach to paint depends only on the size of your budget. Of course, if it is not large, then oil paints are suitable for you; if it is medium or good, then alkyd and acrylic paints. But practice shows that it is better to pay money once for good material than to spend a lot of money on redoing the work later.

Is linoleum harmful to health?

After everything that we have listed in this article, a specific question creeps in - is linoleum harmful to health? As we found out, linoleum can be made from natural material, or it can be made from PVC and its analogues. The first one, of course, is completely safe.

The second can be harmful to children and adults with allergies. In fact, with proper care, linoleum made from artificial materials will also be safe. Simply, you should not neglect the rules of installation and care of the latter.

Most importantly, remember:

If you have artificial linoleum, then ventilate the room at least once a day.

Do not place artificial material in children's rooms and bedrooms.

Use only specialized detergents.

Modern household linoleum is very different from the coating that was produced at the end of the last century and the beginning of the two thousandth. Now it is a safe material with high technical and performance qualities, which is not inferior to more expensive floor coverings.

The variety of assortment is both surprising and involuntarily confusing. In the budget segment alone, there are more than three types of material with a dozen different characteristics. Let's look in more detail at which linoleum is best for an apartment.

Requirements for household flooring

Choice facing materials carried out taking into account a number of criteria

A typical one-room and multi-room apartment consists of several types of premises: for sleeping, leisure, personal hygiene, household needs, moving and storing items.

In each room, the load on the floor covering is different and depends on the degree of traffic, the amount of furniture and the conditions that are created during the life of the residents. This is worth remembering and taking into account when choosing linoleum for each room separately.

In general cases, the requirements for linoleum are as follows:

safety – the coating must be environmentally friendly, not emit harmful substances, not be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and prevent their spread;
wear resistance is a basic requirement that applies to any cladding. The material must be durable, not scratched, and able to withstand abrasive loads;
strength - heavy furniture and accidentally dropped objects should not cause severe damage to the front layer;
ease of maintenance - the floor surface should provide the possibility of carrying out wet cleaning using detergents. Absorption of moisture and increased slipperiness are excluded;
ease of installation - the material should enable the buyer to prepare the old surface and linoleum flooring with his own hands (after reading the instructions).

Compliance with these points guarantees, especially in the case of linoleum, that the floor covering will not cause significant harm to human health. This is especially important for families with infants and small children.

Which type of linoleum is better?

PVC linoleum universal coating for use in apartments and houses

There are several classifications and varieties of linoleum. We will consider the classification of only household varieties, since industrial options are not intended for use in an apartment.

The simplest and most correct from the point of view of understanding is the division of the material depending on its scope. This sorting allows you to understand which linoleum is better, which coating is suitable for specific premises, and which one is better to refuse.

Among the linoleums that are best laid in an apartment are:

natural – linoleum based on natural raw materials: recycled wood, cork flour, pine resins, flax oil, lime, natural dyes. The coating is completely environmentally friendly and safe. It has a long service life, high strength, good wear resistance and an aesthetically pleasing appearance;
household - artificial coating based on polyvinyl chloride, chemical stabilizers and fillers. Has average technical qualities, designed for 7-10 years of careful use. It has low thermal conductivity, resistance to moisture and aggressive substances. Total thickness – 1-2 mm, thickness of the protective layer – 0.15-2 mm, wear resistance class 21-23;
semi-commercial - the coating is almost completely similar to the household variety of linoleum. The total thickness is 2-3.5 mm, the thickness of the protective layer is 0.3-0.5 mm, wear resistance class 31-34. Service life in residential premises is at least 12 years;
commercial - available in various variations, but for an apartment it is better to lay a PVC-based coating. It is an improved version of semi-commercial linoleum. That is, the material has even more impressive characteristics. In everyday life it can last up to 15 years or more. The total thickness is 2-4 mm, the thickness of the protective layer is 0.7-0.8 mm, wear resistance class 41-43.

Combination various types allows you to more accurately select the floor covering, focusing on the specific purpose of the room. This also saves money, since it makes no sense to lay a more wear-resistant coating where its qualities will not be used.

Technical characteristics and qualities

The main technical characteristics that will help you understand which linoleum is best for your home are the wear resistance class, the thickness of the protective layer, moisture resistance, and toxicity. In addition, you can consider materials on additional safety qualities: class fire danger, flame spread, flammability.

Wear resistance class is the first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a material.

According to the European standard EN685, wear resistance is marked with a digital code, which is printed on a pictogram next to a schematic drawing. An example of a pictogram is shown in the photo above.

The first number in the code means:

2 – living space;
3 – office and commercial premises;
4 – production premises.

The scope of application of linoleum does not always indicate that it is in this area that the coating needs to be laid. Many manufacturers have commercial-type cladding, which they themselves recommend for use in rooms with high loads.

The second number indicates the degree of load that the product can withstand. Designated similarly from 1 (low) to 4 (very high).

The thickness of the protective layer is the second important indicator, which is better to consider when choosing. The protective layer determines the strength of the material and its abrasion resistance.

Gradation of thickness of the front layer:

up to 0.2 mm – for low-traffic areas intended for storage;
0.2 mm – low-traffic areas for sleeping and leisure;
0.3 mm – residential premises with average traffic;
0.5 mm and above – for rooms with high traffic and load.

To identify other characteristics, they are assigned a corresponding alphanumeric code. Toxicity is indicated capital letter“T” and numbers from 1-4. The lower the number, the less ability of linoleum to evaporate and decompose into harmful chemicals.

Fire hazard class in capital letters “KM” and a number from 0-5. It includes characteristics such as fire spread, flammability, smoke production, etc. Their designation is similar, that is, than less number indicated next to the capital letter, the safer the linoleum is.

There is no need to remember all the additional characteristics, the main thing is to remember this rule. If necessary, you can make a short list of what is worth more detailed consideration.

Covering for bedrooms and children's rooms

Can be used in children's room and bedroom everyday look 23 classes

In the bedroom and rooms intended exclusively for sleeping and private leisure, the load on the flooring is very low. A person uses premises strictly for their intended purpose, and usable area The premises are quite small.

For the bedroom it is better to choose household linoleum class 23 with a thickness of 2 mm. You can choose a coating with a thermal insulation base, which will make the floor warmer and make staying in the room more comfortable.

In a children's room, it is most important that the material is safe. Optimal installation of natural linoleum minimum thickness. If the child is very active, then it is better to choose a household type based on PVC.

For both rooms, a coating from the Tarkett company under the Europe Akron 6 brand is well suited. The total thickness of the material is 3 mm with 0.25 mm of the front layer, which allows you not to worry about the safety of the material even with increased activity of children. The cost of the material starts from 340 rubles/m2.

Covering for the hall and living room

The living room and hall are narrowly focused rooms where a person spends his leisure time and gathers with family and friends. The load level varies greatly and depends on the person’s social activity, the number of residents and family members.

In general cases, we can recommend semi-commercial PVC linoleum class 31-32 with a thickness of 2.5-3 mm. The presence of a thermal insulation base and anti-slip coating It will only be a plus. The use of natural coating is irrational due to its high cost.

For example, it could be Tarkett linoleum from the Moda, Colibri, Iskra collection. This moisture resistant material with a thickness of 3.5 mm with a thickness of the front layer of 0.6 mm.

Covering for the kitchen and hallway

In the kitchen and hallway it is advisable to lay wear-resistant linoleum class 33

Floor cladding in the kitchen, hallway and corridor faces the most unfavorable conditions. In the kitchen there is a risk of exposure to aggressive substances, moisture, falling heavy objects, etc.

There is a high abrasive load in the hallway and corridor. Dust, sand, dirt in the warm season. Moisture, water and snow in autumn and winter. Moreover, these rooms do not have a large area, which also affects the rate of abrasion of the cladding.

It is optimal if it is semi-commercial PVC linoleum of class 33 for the kitchen and commercial homogeneous coating of class 34-43 for the hallway.

For example, this could be a cladding from Tarkett IQ Monolit Cmoni. This is a homogeneous linoleum with a thickness of 2 mm and wear resistance class 34-43. Average cost from 900 rub/m2. You can also choose a simpler coating that costs from 600 rubles/m2.

Covering for bathrooms and toilets

The bathroom and toilet are rooms for personal hygiene. There is a risk of water ingress and constant high humidity. Oddly enough, the load in these rooms is high due to the very small area of the room.

It is best to lay moisture-resistant heterogeneous commercial linoleum at a minimal cost. From some manufacturers this material can be purchased from 400-450 rubles/m2, since the material has a small width.