Laminate, how to choose the right one for your apartment. Choosing linoleum for an apartment - important purchasing rules Choosing good linoleum for a room

The range of flooring materials is expanding with new types, introducing us to such exotic materials as cork and self-leveling flooring. But this in no way reduces the popularity of linoleum, which still remains one of the budget and at the same time durable floor coverings.

Different rooms - different linoleum

Today you can find linoleum that differs not only in shade and pattern, but also in performance characteristics and purpose (for apartments, industrial or public premises). How to choose linoleum? Find out what type of room the linoleum is intended for, possible by marking consisting of two numbers, the first of which indicates the type of room:

• 1 - apartment;
• 2 - office;
• 3 - public or industrial premises.

The second number indicates the level of coating strength:

• 1 - low strength;
• 2 - average strength;
• 3 - high strength;
• 4 - very high strength.

Marking 23 indicates that such linoleum can be laid in the kitchen of an apartment shared by two people. In the same room, but with a large number of residents, you will need class 31 linoleum.

You can find out what type of room the linoleum is intended for by the marking, which consists of two numbers, the first of which indicates the type of room, the second - well, the level of strength of the coating.

Here are the main rules for choosing linoleum or how to choose linoleum:

• pay attention to the smell of the material. A pungent odor indicates the presence of a large number of harmful chemical impurities, which means low quality. High-quality linoleum has no odor;
• choose linoleum with an additional protective coating (antibacterial or varnish). A floor with such a coating is easier to clean; dirt does not eat into it;
• To determine the quality of the coating, you need to unroll the entire roll. Only in this way will protrusions and irregularities, bumps and peeling of the film become noticeable, in a word, defects that cannot be corrected;
• pay attention to the shade of linoleum. There should be no foreign inclusions on the surface (their presence indicates the content of various impurities that are not present in high-quality material);
• When buying several rolls, make sure that they are from the same batch, since samples from different batches will differ in color, even if their article number is the same.

Purchased linoleum cannot be folded in half, and tape should not be glued to its front side. To avoid damage to the material during transportation, it must be rolled up with the front side inward.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of linoleum are the following:

• ease of care. The material is easy to wash with a damp cloth, it is moisture resistant, it is only important to ensure the quality of its installation, since improper installation will lead to damage to the coating due to water getting inside;
• strength and durability. The correctly chosen type of coating will last for decades, linoleum does not wear out and is not afraid of mechanical damage;
• environmental friendliness. Natural linoleum or high-quality PVC material does not emit harmful compounds and does not attract dust, which allows it to be used even in medical institutions;
• high sound insulation. Unlike porcelain tiles, linoleum muffles sound from impacts, falling heavy objects, and even walking in heels;
• budget. Compared to other analogues (parquet, tiles, self-leveling flooring), the cost of linoleum is several times lower.

Natural linoleum or high-quality PVC material does not emit harmful compounds and does not attract dust, which allows it to be used even in medical institutions;

The disadvantages of linoleum are:

• Seams. When laying on large area there is a need to join several sheets. Over time, dust accumulates in the formed seams, which greatly damages the appearance gender;
• swelling of the surface, which is a consequence of unprofessional installation;
• sensitivity to temperature. No matter how durable linoleum is, it is still not a tile and you should not place hot pots on it.

Which linoleum to choose from a bunch of types

Linoleum is divided into several types depending on:

• materials of manufacture: natural, PVC, alkyd, rubber, nitrocellulose;
• purposes: household, semi-commercial, commercial;
• presence of a base: with or without a base;
• number of layers: heterogeneous (multilayer) or homogeneous (single-layer).

The highest quality, and therefore most expensive, is natural linoleum. Its basis is jute, tree resin, cork, linseed oil and mineral supplements. This material has high strength and thermal insulation, has a noble appearance and is safe for health. The disadvantages are the homogeneity of the structure (only one layer), a limited palette of shades and high cost compared to synthetic analogues.

PVC linoleum can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous. The type of material depends on the number of layers. The most durable is commercial, followed by semi-commercial and household. Linoleum of the first type is indispensable for the kitchen and hallway, living room, children's room and other rooms with massive furniture can be laid on the floor commercial linoleum . Household linoleum is the most vulnerable, so it is only suitable for a bedroom or guest room.

Alkyd linoleum has high heat and sound insulation characteristics, but low strength and low resistance to temperature fluctuations.

Rubber linoleum(Relin) is made from synthetic rubber mixed with bitumen. This is a fairly elastic and moisture-resistant material, but is not suitable for use in residential premises due to hygiene requirements.

A special approach for the kitchen

The requirements for a kitchen floor are much higher than for the flooring in any other room in the apartment. This includes strength, moisture resistance, heat resistance, and a noble appearance. Optimal choice will be for the kitchen commercial PVC linoleum class 31. This coating will withstand temperature changes, high humidity, and the ingress of chemicals. Natural linoleum is not used in the kitchen due to its low strength.

Which linoleum is best for the kitchen. Kitchen linoleum should have a multilayer (heterogeneous) structure with a protective layer thickness of 0.35 - 0.7 mm. Homogeneous linoleum is not suitable for the reason that it does not have a protective layer, and without it the design will very soon be erased.

The strength of linoleum directly depends on its density; the denser the material, the stronger it is. When purchasing, this can be easily determined by weight: dense linoleum it will be heavier.

As for the shade, most often the kitchen floor is finished linoleum in warm shades(natural tan and beige tones). You can visually enlarge a small space by laying linoleum with a small pattern on the floor. But a coating with a large ornament will highlight the furniture favorably. Next, we will discuss which linoleum is better.

Popular brands and approximate cost

Which linoleum manufacturer is better? Depending on the material of manufacture and type of linoleum, its cost per sq. m. m. can range from 168 rubles. (household) up to 880 rub. (commercial). The cost of semi-commercial linoleum averages 314 - 747 rubles per sq. m. m.

The highest quality products are from the following manufacturers or which linoleum is the best:

• Tarkett. The company provides a huge range of household and commercial linoleum with different performance characteristics. Among the presented products you can find options in different price categories (from 300 to 1300 rubles per sq. m.).
• Juteks also produces products of high quality and average cost (235 - 326 rubles per sq. m.).
• Gerflor- a French company offering exquisite and high-quality products (369 - 895 rubles per sq. m.).
• IVC- a Belgian brand that produces linoleum imitation stone, wood, wool and marble (250 - 416 rubles per sq. m.).

Laying linoleum.

It is easiest to trim along the edges; the resulting unevenness can be hidden with a plinth. When laying overlapping sheets, it is necessary to trim the joint as carefully and precisely as possible. This is easier to do by laying two pieces overlapping each other and cutting through them.

Installation begins with calculating the required amount of material. For this it is necessary calculate the area of ​​the room by measuring the length and width. When taking measurements, you need to take into account the doorways, leaving 10 cm for their share. Since the pieces of linoleum will have to be joined, you need to add another 5-7 cm to the results obtained. For example, to finish the floor in a room 3 by 5 meters you will need 16 meters of linoleum (3 m + 7 cm of stock) * (5 m + 10 cm for the doorway + 7 cm of stock) = 16 square meters.

How wide is linoleum? Linoleum Available in widths 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 or 4 meters. The optimal option would be one in which the linoleum lies over the entire area with minimum quantity joints

Next, you need to adjust the linoleum to the size of the room. It is easiest to trim along the edges; the resulting unevenness can be hidden with a plinth. When laying overlapping sheets, it is necessary to trim the joint as carefully and accurately as possible. This is easier to do by laying two pieces overlapping each other and cutting through them.

It is necessary to lay linoleum on the most flat surface possible. Surface preparation consists of cleaning it, removing debris and old coating. If there are protrusions on the concrete base, they need to be shot down, but unevenness (you can read about leveling the floor).

IN small spaces with low traffic, linoleum can not be glued, but secured with skirting boards around the perimeter. The disadvantage of this method is that after a while blisters will appear on the floor.

If you leveled using self-leveling mixtures or concrete, then you need to wait until the surface is completely dry, because under the linoleum the moisture will not evaporate and will lead to rotting and the development of mold under the floor.

You can attach linoleum to the floor using glue or baseboards. The first option is suitable for large rooms and when laying overlapping. To do this, you need to apply construction adhesive to the floor surface and unroll a roll of linoleum on it, previously adjusted to the size of the room.

In small rooms with low traffic, linoleum can not be glued, but secured with skirting boards around the perimeter. The disadvantage of this method is that after a while blisters will appear on the floor. Thus, laying linoleum without taking into account preparatory workwill take about 2 hours.

• It is better to lay linoleum not on bare concrete, but on a backing made of wool, jute, or flax.
• If linoleum already has a fabric base, then it is better to glue it with dispersion glue or bitumen mastic.
• Linoleum must be laid at a temperature not lower than 15 degrees.
• Sealing of seams can be done using wide-headed nails, aluminum strips and cold welding(special glue). The latter option allows you to make the seams less noticeable.

How much will it cost to install linoleum by a professional?

The cost of laying linoleum depends on its type. So, installation of household and commercial linoleum with glue will cost approximately 250 - 350 rubles per sq.m. (together with the material), installation of a linear meter of plinth 70 - 100 rubles, installation of a threshold 100 - 150 rubles. per linear meter. If there is a need for additional work (dismantling the old floor, leveling, constructing a screed), then the total cost of laying linoleum increases.

The word "linoleum" actually means oiled linen. Even the ancient Vikings oiled the sails of their ships to protect them from exposure to water and moisture.

They began covering floors with this material in the mid-18th century. And then he was completely natural.

In the middle of the 20th century, due to a shortage of raw materials, natural linoleum gave way to polyvinyl chloride.

Nowadays, linoleum is the most common type of flooring. There is a huge selection of it in construction supermarkets and markets.

Consumers want to choose linoleum that will last longer, be safe for health and look beautiful. And for this you need to know how to choose it correctly.

Types of linoleum depend on:

• material from which it is made: natural, polyvinyl chloride, rubber, nitrocellulose, alkyd.
• Application areas: household, commercial and semi-commercial.
• the presence of a basis: based and unfounded.
• structures (number of layers): homogeneous and heterogeneous.

Main selection criteria

Which linoleum is better to choose for an apartment?

Destination

An unprepared buyer pays attention only to color and design. Those who have already encountered or studied the issue of choosing linoleum for an apartment know that you need to start from the type of room.

IN different rooms– different load on flooring. This means that linoleum in different rooms should differ in its quality characteristics.

Ecological purity, naturalness

More and more consumers prefer natural materials. And flooring is no exception.

The ideal solution would be to choose high-quality natural linoleum for your apartment; it is also called marmoleum.

It is made from natural ingredients: vegetable oil, resin, cork flour, limestone powder and burlap (jute fabric).

Natural dyes are also used.

It happens that for greater wear resistance, such linoleum is coated with a polymer, but you can also find a 100% natural coating. The composition most often includes linseed oil, and it has bactericidal properties.

• Good fire resistance.
• Easy to clean dry.
• Wet cleaning is acceptable.
• Does not accumulate static electricity.
• The colors do not fade.

This coating will be ideal for the floor of a bedroom, nursery, or living room.

Only the high price can frighten the consumer, and also the fact that this material is quite fragile and only a professional can lay it.

Concentrated acids, alkalis, piercing and cutting objects and high humidity can ruin it.

Low price, waterproofness, noise-absorbing ability, variety of colors, ease of maintenance attracts people to synthetic linoleum. But be careful: it may contain substances harmful to health.

Therefore, to protect yourself from harmful purchases, ask the seller for certificates.

As a rule, household linoleum intended for residential premises is safe for people.

Thickness and density

For many, the wear resistance of the coating is important: so that the linoleum does not “press through”, is resistant to mechanical damage, and so that the paint does not wear off.

It is not always better to choose linoleum for an apartment based only on its thickness; thicker does not mean better. It depends on what for.

If children's safety is important, a really thick foam cover with a polyester backing is the best.

But for heels and furniture legs - not always, a semi-commercial option will be better, and it will look thinner than a household one.

Additional coverage

This is protection from deep penetration dirt, it is easier to care for such a coating. The protective layer, also called the working layer, is found on all types of linoleum. This is the top layer of coating. It can be from 0.15 – 0.6 mm thick.

It is he who protects from abrasion. On, in the corridor and vestibule, a coating with a PVC base with a thickness of at least 3 mm is suitable, and the thickness of the working layer should be higher than 0.25 mm. Semi-commercial linoleum will also work well here.

Linoleum base

Its sound and thermal insulation depend on the base. It can be made of foamed polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This linoleum can be of different thicknesses. The foam base is moisture resistant and has a service life of 10 years.

Baseless linoleum is homogeneous PVC, its second name is homogeneous. This is a fairly thin linoleum (1.2-1.6 mm). The service life is 5-7 years; to extend it, linoleum needs to be treated with special protective agents.

Linoleum on a heat and sound insulating base is also popular. TZI - material, manufactured in accordance with all sanitary and hygienic standards, has good warmth and soundproofing. This explains its popularity. But he doesn't like moisture.

The double base - foam and polyester - gives linoleum more strength.

In addition to wear resistance, other characteristics make linoleum convenient and comfortable to use.

Important criteria when choosing are thermal insulation, noise absorption, and moisture resistance. There may also be requirements that it be antibacterial (for a nursery) and antistatic (for example, for an office).

We determined the type of room where linoleum needed to be laid, and found out what the load intensity was there. Now you can look at the product labeling.

How to read the label correctly

It is generally accepted that, according to load intensity, all premises are divided into residential, industrial and office.

Floor coverings have pictograms on the packaging that indicate the room.

A house, which denotes living quarters (number 2), an image of a multi-storey building indicates an office space (number 3), and an image of a factory building (number 4) - industrial premises.

Each room has a different intensity of impact on the flooring.

On the same packages it is indicated by pictograms - men: one, two, three and four men.

The more figures, the greater the intensity of the load. The coverage class can be shown by numbers, or by a combination of pictograms.

For example, a house and two men indicate that the coating is suitable for residential buildings with low load intensity.

• Classes 21, 22, 23 are for residential premises.
• From 31 to 34 – for office premises.
• From 41 to 44 – production.

Some manufacturers also provide additional markings:

	Coating thickness, mm.
	Working layer thickness, mm.
	Weight of one square meter, kg.
	Moisture resistant
	Can be used for underfloor heating, max. 27°C
	Resistant to furniture on caster feet
	Impact resistant furniture legs and heels
	Resistant to color fading
	Indicator fire safety(V2, RP1, D2, T2)
	Abrasion, g/m³
	Absolute residual deformation, mm.
	Change in linear dimensions, %
	Winding of a standard roller, r.m.
	Width in the current collection, m.

How to choose a class of linoleum

What kind of linoleum to lay in different rooms in an apartment?

• For the bedroom, office, dressing room - they have low intensity loads, 21 classes of coatings are used.
• If 1-2 people live in the apartment, you can lay class 22 carpet in the living room.
• With children's rooms it is a little more difficult, you need to take into account the behavior of children: for a child under one year old or a calm older child - it is enough to lay linoleum of class 22, but if the children are active, give preference to class 23.
• In living rooms and bedrooms, you can lay a thinner coating (about 1.5 mm), with a working layer of 0.2 mm.
• Class 23 carpeting should also be laid in the hallway if the family is small. When the traffic is high, it is worth thinking about coatings of classes 31 and 32; these are, by the way, installed in small offices.

It has been noticed that the more wear-resistant the coating, the higher its cost. It is not always advisable to overpay.

It is better to choose a fairly reasonable covering option that suits the premises so that it serves its intended purpose for a long time and does not overpay.

And the best part is the choice of design

Having decided on the class, you can approach the most pleasant and exciting thing - choosing the design of the future floor. Here, too, it’s hard not to get confused, because the colors large number. There are patterns:

• Color associations.

For most, beige is associated with warmth and comfort, orange, bright yellow, red - invigorate, blue - calms, blue induces drowsiness, gray creates a working mood.

• Remember cool and warm colors.

The play of colors is often based design techniques. For example, if you need to visually enlarge a room, use a coating of cool, light colors. And warm colors will visually make the room smaller and make it cozy.

“Northern” room, they will add heat warm shades, and a bright, sunny room will be refreshed on a hot day summer day cool colors. Bright colors are invigorating, attract attention, they are ideal for accents, and are good for demarcating zones.

• Use of geometric patterns on flooring.

If you need to expand a narrow room, direct lines across long walls or diagonally.

Small tiles will be appropriate only in a small room and will visually enlarge it, while large squares are suitable for large room. The design of natural wood and stone gives the room an “expensive” and “eco-friendly” look.

Subtleties of purchase

Of course, store sellers will praise their goods, but you must be vigilant. Having decided on the design, look at the linoleum again before paying for the purchase.

In the store, rolls should not lie on a horizontal surface; they either stand in rolls or are fixed horizontally.

Otherwise, they may become deformed and these irregularities will be difficult to smooth out. When choosing a material, pay attention to this.

Feel free to smell the linoleum. High-quality - both natural and synthetic, should be odorless, if it smells like outright chemicals - it’s better not to buy such a coating!

Ask for a hygiene certificate.

Bend the linoleum - if a white stripe forms on the fold, it may mean that there is a lot of lime in the composition, so stains may appear on it over time.

Check the quality of the coating in its unfolded form, there should be no peeling, no bumps, the pattern should be clear, the color should be the same everywhere, there should be no greasy sheen.

You cannot fold linoleum - the creases may not be smoothed out, and in general the material may break.

You cannot use tape on the front surface, because it will be very difficult to wash off the mark and you can damage the coating.

The variety of colors and textures gives great freedom in the design of any interior. And the correctly chosen and best linoleum for an apartment will last a long time, delighting you with its unchanging qualities.

Thanks to huge assortment choosing linoleum for an apartment or house is not difficult. It still remains popular despite the large number of other flooring options available. Buyers are attracted interesting design with a variety of colors, material characteristics - springiness, softness and sufficient strength, low cost and ease of installation. Let's consider how to choose linoleum by quality and color, how to choose it correctly for the kitchen, living room, bedroom, hallway and other rooms.

Selection options

Answers to the following questions will help you make the right choice:

• number of residents, space traffic and floor load;
• does the coating have the necessary properties: thermal insulation, noise absorption, moisture resistance, antistatic, antibacterial properties;
• Does linoleum fit into the design of the apartment - it can be with an abstract pattern, plain or with imitation of various textures: fabric, wood, stone, tiles, etc.

Which linoleum to choose

The following types of linoleum made from synthetic and natural materials are available on the market:

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

Natural linoleum

For its manufacture it is used:

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

Natural flooring is great for living rooms. It will appeal to people suffering from asthma or allergies and will be an excellent option for a children's room.

Advantages

• abrasion resistance;
• environmental friendliness;
• does not fade from the sun;
• does not change color and structure over time;
• has bactericidal properties;
• does not support combustion;
• it is easy to care for;
• a wide selection of different colors - with a plain or marble pattern.

Flaws

• relative fragility - cracks may appear when bent; you should not throw it during transportation and installation;
• It is not advisable to use indoors with high humidity- bathroom, toilet;
• quite a big price.

Linoleum made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride coating is produced on a fabric or non-woven thermal insulation base. It can be either multi-layer or single-layer.

Pros

• low thermal conductivity;
• dielectric properties;
• environmental friendliness;
• does not rot;
• variety of shades, patterns and designs;
• ease of installation.

Cons

• sensitivity to high temperatures;
• instability to alkalis, fats and chemical solvents;
• When the temperature drops, the elasticity decreases sharply and may crack.

Types of PVC linoleum

1. Semi-commercial.
2. Commercial.
3. Domestic.

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

Commercial - for work and office premises, has the highest wear resistance. It is the thickest and most durable and can last for more than twenty years.

For home (household) it is cheaper, thin and not very durable, service life is no more than 3-5 years.

Other types of synthetic coatings are PVC: antistatic, noise-absorbing, electrically conductive.

Alkyd (glypthal) linoleum

It is produced by applying an alkyd resin to a fabric base. The advantages include good heat and sound insulation properties.

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

Made from nitrocellulose, it is usually produced without a base.

Pros

• elasticity;
• moisture resistance;
• decorative shine;
• fire safety.

Cons

• tendency to shrink;
• sensitivity to temperature changes.

The coating is two-layer: the lining is made of crushed rubber with bitumen, the outer top layer consists of a mixture of rubber, filler and pigment.

Pros

• high moisture resistance;
• elasticity.

Cons

It contains substances harmful to humans; it is not recommended to lay it in living rooms.

How to choose linoleum

The material is classified and labeled in accordance with the purpose of the room.

The first digit ranges from 1 to 4:

• 1 - rooms with minimal traffic;
• 2 - production areas;
• 3 - offices;
• 4 - residential apartments and houses.

The second number indicates the expected load:

• 1 - the lowest;
• 4 - the highest.

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

In the hallway, corridor, kitchen

The rooms have high traffic; it is recommended to lay 3 mm thick fabric here.

You can use household polyvinyl chloride, but it is better to choose a semi-commercial one. As for texture and color, the traditional solution is under ceramic tiles.

To the living room

The living room has moderate traffic, for which a thickness of 1.5 mm would be optimal.

The likelihood of mechanical damage is small; here you can lay PVC or inexpensive household polyester.

To the bedroom

The bedroom has low traffic; it needs a thinner fabric - from 1.2 to 1.5 mm.

For the bedroom, household linoleum made of polyester or foamed polyvinyl chloride is optimal.

To the children's room

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

You can lay a household flooring made of foamed polyvinyl chloride in a children's room, or better yet a semi-commercial one with a protective top layer of at least 0.25 mm.

To the balcony

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

How to choose decor and colors

The range of colors and designs is simply huge. During production, linoleum is given juicy and bright colors that do not fade over time.

Synthetic material has good decorative capabilities. It very reliably imitates ceramic tiles, wood or stone.

Imitation of parquet boards or parquet is in demand. Cherry, beech, oak, as well as exotic woods such as rosewood, zebrawood, and bamboo are perfectly reproduced.

Popular texture and pattern natural wood. Imitation of solid wood boards and wood mosaics are in good demand.

Unusual colors and fancy decors suit extraordinary people.

Those who like to experiment can choose abstract and original geometric designs. Imitation of stone - marble or granite - is very impressive.

You can find options for aged surfaces - worn stone or wood with traces of time.

When selecting, you should adhere to the following tips.

• Trust your sense of smell - a strong smell indicates poor quality. May contain additives that are harmful to health. Natural or synthetic material good quality practically no smell.
• High-quality linoleum does not have a greasy sheen; its pattern should look natural and be distinct. The material must have at least five layers.
• The width of the canvas should match the size of the room. It must be taken with a reserve so that the design can be adjusted and trimmed at the joints. When making calculations, be sure to take into account the presence of thresholds, niches under batteries and other protrusions.
• We advise you to buy not at the market, but in a heated store. In addition, it is more convenient to check the quality.
• Be sure to check compliance with safety standards. Linoleum that has passed a special examination must have appropriate markings. The seller must have a hygiene certificate.
• You need to check the quality in rolled form. This way you can see bumps and waves on the surface or areas with a peeling top film. These indicators indicate marriage. This type of flooring cannot be purchased, as existing unevenness will not be smoothed out in any way.
• When buying the same linoleum for several rooms, it is better to buy it in one piece. But first calculate whether it will be possible to carry a long roll and whether it can be transported along stairs and narrow openings.
• It is strictly forbidden to fold the canvas in half. We do not recommend gluing tape to the front surface, as it leaves a sticky residue that is difficult to remove. It must be rolled with the front side inward. If folded right side out, wrap protective film.
• Give preference to material with special protective layer. It washes well and retains its wonderful appearance for a long time.
• If possible, look at samples of the linen in the room where it will be laid. This will help you more accurately select the appropriate colors for the interior.
• Buy one batch. Different batches often differ in color, even when their SKUs are the same.

Video: how to choose linoleum

Despite the fact that today there is a huge selection of floor coverings, linoleum remains the most popular. By purchasing this material, the consumer, for a relatively small amount, receives a reliable and durable base that is not susceptible to moisture or mechanical damage. Next, we will analyze in more detail the advantages and disadvantages of this material. The article will also tell you which linoleum to buy for your apartment.

Main Features

Until recently, the main drawback that prevented us from choosing linoleum for an apartment as the material of choice was considered to be the large number of synthetic components in it. However, today natural ingredients are increasingly used in production. Therefore, when asked by consumers whether linoleum in an apartment is harmful, manufacturers confidently answer in the negative. One of the most important indicators of a material is its strength. High-quality linoleum is not subject to mechanical damage from a fallen object or the heels of women's shoes. Thus, one more important indicator is the thickness of the linoleum. For an apartment, the average value is preferable. If the flooring experiences increased loads (for example, in the hallway), then it is more advisable to purchase a denser material. The elasticity of the coating is also important. Thanks to this property, it is almost impossible to damage it during operation or installation.

Ease of installation

For home craftsmen, it is important that the material can be easily laid. The process of covering a floor with linoleum does not require special knowledge or special skills. In this case, installation takes place without dust and dirt. Covering the floor with linoleum does not require serious financial costs, and you can easily cope with the work yourself.

Appearance

This indicator is also important. Technologies used in modern production, allow you to get various combinations of patterns, colors and textures. Thanks to the wide range, you can choose a coating for any interior style. Linoleum goes well with various materials used in interior decoration.

Structure

Linoleum is produced in two types. The material can be hetero- or homogeneous. The second type of coating is thin. It is usually from 1.5 to 2 mm. The pattern is applied to the material using end-to-end technology. Due to this, the pattern does not wear off during use. It is this quality that allows this type of material to be installed in areas subject to intense traffic. If you need to purchase linoleum for the kitchen, then it is better to give preference to a homogeneous coating. A material with such a structure is perfect for a corridor. Heterogeneous linoleum is considered to be of higher quality. Its density is much higher than that of homogeneous. It can be up to 6 mm. The structure of the material contains several layers. The back cover is made of foamed polyvinyl chloride. This is followed by a layer of fiberglass. It is quite strong and serves as reinforcement. Next comes a layer of PVC. A drawing is applied to it. The final step is a varnish coating. It contains a bactericidal impregnation, which, among other things, has protective and decorative purpose. Heterogeneous linoleum is perfect for bathrooms, balconies, and dining rooms. Coverings with this structure are often laid in hallways. Mixed types of material are also available. This linoleum also has a multilayer structure. A homogeneous material is used as a base. A layer of PVC is glued on top, then fiberglass and polyurethane film. The latter provides protection for the coating from mechanical damage. If you need to lay linoleum in a recreation room, then a mixed type material is ideal.

"Household" coating: main characteristics

Speaking about how to choose linoleum for an apartment, it is necessary to talk about some of the most important characteristics. First of all, the size of the load is important. For rooms where there are no special requirements for the flooring, household linoleum is perfect. Its thickness is relatively small, and its density is assessed as average. Weight per 1 m2 can range from 1.25 to 2.25 kg. The deformation rate can be up to 2 mm. Installation of the coating is quite easy. Its undoubted advantage is that when rolled into a roll, cracks do not form on it. In addition, household linoleum has a high level of sound absorption. You can purchase material with a width of 1.5-4 meters. As a rule, this type of covering is used in bedrooms.

Flaws

As practice shows, household linoleum perfectly attracts dirt. At the first stage you can see small gray islands near the rapids. Over time, numerous “paths” are observed, clearly showing the paths along which the inhabitants of the housing usually move. This type of coating is very easy to find in a store. The cost of the material is the lowest. In some stores the price per meter does not exceed 100 rubles.

"Commercial" type of material: characteristics

Many consumers ask: “How to choose linoleum for an apartment so that it lasts for many years?” Experts give a very clear answer to this question: “You should purchase a commercial type of material.” The cost of coverage will, of course, be more expensive (from 500 rubles). However, as a result, you can purchase high-quality and durable coating. This category offers a huge variety of textures and patterns. In the assortment presented by the manufacturers, it is quite possible to find a coating for any room in the house. They often purchase commercial linoleum for the kitchen and hallway. In these areas, the flooring must withstand increased loads and be moisture and wear resistant. The service life of the coating is at least 25 years. The material has a high degree of sound absorption, providing acoustic comfort in the room. The degree of deformation of the material is no more than 1 mm. The covering can be purchased in widths of 2.5-5 m.

Semi-commercial type of material: characteristics

According to many experts, this is the best linoleum for an apartment. The average cost of a meter of material is within 250 rubles. The assortment is represented by both products of Russian and foreign companies. From the name it becomes clear that semi-commercial linoleum is something between household and commercial. This material is very practical. It is thinner than commercial ones. But this makes installation much easier. Moreover, its quality is much higher than that of household products. Thanks to this, semi-commercial linoleum is perfect for bedrooms and children's rooms. Its service life is about 10-12 years. The surface of the material is covered with a special protective film. This makes it easy to wash off dirt using a regular sponge and soap solution.

Specialized Material Types

In addition to those listed above, manufacturers produce varieties of linoleum that have some distinct properties. Among them are:

Base material

How to choose the right linoleum for an apartment? What should the material be like - with or without a base? It should be said that previously linoleum was produced on felt base. This material retains heat very well. In addition, walking on such a surface is pleasant - it is soft. Thanks to the felt base, the material perfectly absorbs sound. But the disadvantage of such a basis is that it is too short term services. Moisture penetration and mechanical damage are especially harmful to felt. This natural material was replaced by synthetic ones. The latter have all the necessary characteristics. At the same time, the artificial base is devoid of the disadvantages inherent in natural materials. The synthetic backing layer can have different thicknesses. It all depends on the purpose of the room. For example, coatings with a base are produced for bedrooms, kitchens or children's rooms. In addition to the fact that the backing layer increases the heat and sound insulation properties of the material, it evens out minor surface defects. As a result, the floor covering becomes, if not perfectly smooth, then very close to it.

Material without base

This type of coating is usually laid on a well-prepared surface. Today there are a large number of self-leveling floors “like linoleum”. The actual surface produced should be perfectly flat, but without protective coating. This task is performed by linoleum. Material without a base is quite easy to identify. First of all, this coating is heavy. The material also doesn't bend well. Very often it is covered with a thick laminated layer. In this case, the problem of which linoleum to choose for an apartment, with or without a base, is solved taking into account the condition of the floor.

Material color

Speaking about how to choose linoleum for an apartment, it should be said that the material should fit organically into the interior. Today the range of coatings is quite wide. There are models in a wide variety of colors on the market. Linoleum in an apartment (photos of the coating can be seen in the article) must correspond in color to the purpose of the room and its design. For example, in the bedroom a coating of soft warm tones - golden, beige, cream - will look good. It is preferable to choose a material without a pattern, plain or with soft transitions. The most successful option may be to imitate the surface of natural marble or wooden covering. Both bright and rich and calm shades are suitable for the living room. Linoleum with an ornament or pattern will look original. Bright colors are suitable for a children's room. In combination with a variety of contrasting patterns, they will look great.

Which manufacturers should you give preference to?

A successful combination of drawing and color range coatings are a definite plus. However, these characteristics are not the main ones when choosing linoleum. Of particular importance is environmental friendliness, safety of the material, as well as its compliance with quality standards. If you choose a cheap coating, the composition of which is unknown even to the manufacturer itself, there is a high probability of getting serious illnesses as a result of exposure to toxic emissions. By purchasing a model from a trusted company, the consumer is guaranteed to receive a high-quality product that can be used in any room of the house without fear. Today among domestic brands For flooring, the products of the Tarkett company are popular. This company uses only modern materials and technology. The products meet all sanitary, hygienic and fire safety standards. The products are also distinguished by a variety of design solutions.

Linoleum – best solution for apartment

Today, linoleum is a popular coating used everywhere. It is used not only in public buildings, offices, but also in private apartments and houses. Low price, good operational properties, as well as a variety of colors makes it universal, allowing it to fit into any home interior.

Even professionals find it difficult to decide on the variety of materials, not to mention ordinary people. To choose the right linoleum for an apartment, consider existing species, their characteristics and selection principle.

The difficulty of choice is obvious. Especially if the criteria are different for each person. In order not to regret the purchased floor covering, you need to focus on the following basic parameters when choosing:

• purpose of the room;
• special requirements for flooring, depending on living conditions;
• apartment design.

In order to choose the right linoleum, you need to take into account the above parameters. This will help you enjoy the beauty and quality of the chosen linoleum for a long time.

Types of linoleum

Types - from synthetic materials to natural ingredients

Before making a choice, you need to study what materials are available. Today, the list of types of linoleum is diverse, ranging from synthetic materials to natural components. Having studied the types of linoleum, their positive and negative sides, you can decide what to lay in the apartment.

Natural linoleum

Brand Armstrong

This type is made from a mixture of wood flour, flax oil, limestone powder, various resins, cork flour and natural dyes, which is applied to a base of jute woven material. It is used in rooms where there are people with asthmatic and allergic problems, as well as children.

Advantages:

• natural;
• abrasion resistance;
• does not fade in the sun;
• type of design;
• has bactericidal properties.

Flaws:

• expensive;
• fragile;
• afraid of moisture.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride type

Among synthetic materials, it is popular with different bases (baseless, foam backed or woven backed).

When installing in an apartment, preference is given to PVC material on a felt basis. Thanks to its thick layer, it does not require a substrate and does not require gluing to the floor.

The main disadvantage of this coating is that it shrinks over time, as well as the presence of a specific odor. There is an opinion that synthetic material is capable of releasing harmful substances - production technology allows them to be made harmless, which is confirmed by quality certificates.

Glypthal linoleum

Glypthal type

This coating is obtained by fixing alkyd resin to fabric. The material has good sound and heat insulating properties. But the inherent fragility of the composition complicates the installation process due to the likelihood of chips and cracks. It is recommended to keep the material warm before laying to avoid deformation.

Colloxin

Colloxin type

This type of coating is made from nitrocellulose. This type of linoleum does not have a base: it is not afraid of moisture, is not flammable, and has a decorative shine. But its negative aspects are: reaction to temperature changes and the ability to shrink.

Linoleum-relin

Rubber type

It is a two-layer composition, which has a lower layer - a bitumen-rubber mixture, and an upper layer - a mixture of rubber, paint and filler.

The coating is elastic and resistant to moisture. But the presence of toxic, volatile components does not make it possible to lay it in apartments and where people live.

Wear resistance classes

Wear resistance classes - commercial, semi-commercial and household

When determining which linoleum to choose for an apartment, you need to take into account the wear resistance of the material and the type of room. Depending on the speed of abrasion and the size of the applied protection layer, all linoleums are divided into three classes.

Commercial

It is characteristic of him high degree wear resistance. This coating can be single-layer or multi-layer. Strength is achieved in different ways: by compacting the material or by adding special stabilizing substances. It is used in offices, schools, and hospitals.

Semi-commercial

This class is more durable than household ones. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It can be laid in the kitchen, hallway, living room. Reacts well to moving furniture and moderate loads.

Domestic

Such linoleum weakly resists abrasion, but it has large selection colors and designs. It is usually used in rooms with low traffic (bedroom). The low price does not affect the material; it looks high quality and expensive. It is not recommended to lay it in areas of the apartment with high traffic.

Abrasion groups

Selection by abrasion group

Linoleum is also selected according to its abrasion group. What is this parameter and what is it for?

This construction parameter shows the rate of wear of the coating. According to European standards, it is defined as follows: a piece of material is brought to a rotating abrasive. It must withstand 25 thousand rotations. After the experiment, the layer thickness is measured and the group is determined. There are several groups:

• T – the coating has no inclusions and decreases by 0.08 mm (high wear);
• P – layer decreases in thickness by 0.8-0.15 mm (average wear);
• M - material decreases in thickness by 0.15-0.3 mm (low wear);
• F – layer decreases in thickness by 0.3-0.6 mm (fragile material).

Inclusions that may be in the material consist of a mixture quartz sand and chalk. This mixture reduces the wear resistance of the material. Clean material resists abrasion well and has a high wear resistance group.

Which linoleum to choose for an apartment

When determining which linoleum to choose, you should understand the markings that are applied to the material. It indicates the coverage class and consists of two numbers. The first classifies the type of room, and the second classifies the expected traffic. For the living room and bedroom, choose class 21; for the corridor and kitchen, give preference to the 23-24 marking.

Living room

Dark colors are suitable for the living room

The traffic load in this room is average. Therefore, linoleum can be laid here with a thickness of 1.5 mm. Give preference to household PVC linoleum with a low price.

Bedroom

In the bedroom you can use household polyester or PVC

Determining the traffic flow in the room will help determine which linoleum to choose for the bedroom. The load on the floor here is small, so for flooring you can use household polyester or PVC foam-based linoleum with a thickness of 1.2 mm.

Kitchen

In the kitchen we use durable semi-commercial wear resistance class

This room has high traffic, high humidity, presence of dirt and exposure to cleaning solutions. Therefore, for the kitchen it is recommended to choose durable semi-commercial material with a thickness of at least 3 mm. They described it in detail so that it would last longer. For this room, a design in the form of ceramic tiles is preferable.

Children's room

Only in the children's room natural material

The materials in this room are subject to increased demands. Here you can use only natural material. Of course, the service life will be shorter, but the health of the child in this case is more important.

Balcony

Balcony – moisture-resistant and frost-resistant materials

Temperature changes, exposure to sunlight, possible humidity - all these negative factors test the strength of the flooring on the balcony. Typically, moisture-resistant and frost-resistant materials that have an anti-slip coating are chosen for this room. The material is selected as for office premises with heavy loads.

Corridor

In the corridor - PVC

To choose linoleum for a hallway or corridor, you need to understand that this is a room with high traffic and pollution. PVC linoleum (household or semi-commercial), 3 mm thick, which is recommended to be placed in the corridor, can withstand such loads.

Choosing a good floor covering from the variety presented is not an easy task. In order not to be disappointed and get quality linoleum for an apartment, trust your intuition and follow the basic tips when choosing:

• the absence of a pungent odor indicates the absence of harmful substances;
• a distinct pattern on the coating without a greasy sheen;
• the material must have certificates of quality and safe composition;
• the presence of a protective layer will help preserve the material in its original form for a long time;
• material should be purchased with a reserve for adjustment (pattern, protrusions, niches, thresholds);
• check the top layer of linoleum for defects and flaws.

Taking into account all the nuances, choosing a floor covering will not be difficult, and the purchase will not cause unpleasant impressions during operation.

Which linoleum to choose for the hall

Hall - PVC coating on jute or felt basis

For the hall it is better to choose a universal moisture-resistant flooring. It is resistant to impact sun rays, repels dirt. Affordable price and ease of installation make the coating an ideal option.

Choose PVC covering on a jute or felt basis for the hall. This material is elastic, soft and warm, allowing you to walk on it barefoot without discomfort. The pattern is applied across the entire thickness of the linoleum for the apartment, so its erasure will not be noticeable. This linoleum is easy to maintain and does not attract dust and debris.

Can be cleaned with ordinary detergents.

Which company is better to choose linoleum for an apartment?

Coverage of different companies

There are a wide variety of coatings on the market, such as: domestic producers, and foreign. How to choose the right linoleum for your home, which manufacturer to choose? We can say with confidence that the material we produce is not inferior in characteristics to European ones. The Tarkett company has proven itself well. Among foreign manufacturers, give preference to such companies as

• Gerflor;
• Juteks;
• Forbo;
• Grabo.

Tarkett is a world leader in the manufacture of floor coverings. PVC linoleum from this company is available in different price ranges and is durable and wear-resistant.

The French company Gerflor produces products of excellent quality, taking into account decorative and technical characteristics. These coatings are easy to install even without the help of professionals. They are easy to care for and have good sound and heat insulation properties.