Which linoleum is better for an apartment - household or semi-commercial, foam-based or felt? How to choose linoleum for an apartment? The best linoleum for an apartment: quality, thickness, purpose and price How to choose linoleum for a room

Choosing a floor covering for your home is always a difficult process, since choosing simply by color is not enough; you also need to have an idea of ​​its quality and application features.

We will talk about which linoleum is best for an apartment and why, as well as about the varieties of this material later in the article.

What to choose among the variety of materials

Since there is a huge selection of linoleums on the market, it is impossible to choose best option for all occasions. Each type of coating has its own characteristics and is designed for use in certain conditions.

Therefore, when answering the question of how to choose the right linoleum, you should take into account its class and type, as well as where it will be used.

Classification of linoleums

Depending on the main component, linoleum is divided into:

• alkyd;
• natural;
• nitrocellulose;
• polyvinyl chloride;
• rubber.

Of course, the best linoleum for residential premises is natural, as well as PVC. Both one and the other can be found on sale in construction stores. However, for the price natural material will cost much more than synthetic linoleum.

Most safe linoleum– this is, of course, natural, since it does not contain chemical components and does not emit any toxins or odors.

Natural linoleum has a number of advantages:

• antistatic, that is, it does not accumulate electricity;
• wear-resistant;
• durable;
• not subject to mechanical abrasion and tensile strength;
• practically non-flammable;
• insensitive to alkalis and acids;
• attractive in appearance;
• environmentally friendly and safe for health.

However, in fairness, we note a few negative aspects when using natural linoleum. Firstly, such material cannot withstand sudden temperature changes - it begins to deteriorate and crumble. Secondly, it is sensitive to permanent low temperatures– becomes brittle and brittle.

Therefore, even natural linoleum good quality It is not recommended to lay in country houses, where people live permanently only in the summer.

In addition, material made from natural fibers is afraid of moisture, because it causes back side the coating begins to grow fungus and mold, the fibers begin to rot.

For apartment premises that differ high humidity and intensity of use, such as kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, it is advisable to choose high-quality PVC-based linoleum.

Although PVC coating is completely synthetic, it has a number of positive qualities, such as:

• reasonable price;
• rich palette of colors and textures;
• wide range sizes and shapes;
• resistance to fungus formation and rotting;
• mechanical strength and abrasion resistance;
• good heat and sound insulation.

If you are in doubt about how to choose linoleum color to match your interior, you will not have any problems with PVC coating. Because this material Available in a wide variety of colors, you can easily find exactly what you need for your specific occasion. Based on its structure, PVC linoleum is divided into heterogeneous and homogeneous.

Homogeneous PVC linoleum

This type of material assumes that its composition is uniform throughout the entire thickness of the coating. That is, during the manufacturing process, granulated polyvinyl chloride is mixed with dyes. Thus, a distribution of the pattern is achieved not only on the surface, but throughout the entire thickness of the linoleum.

This quality of homogeneous material allows it to be used for more than 10 years, and appearance coverage remains unchanged.

Heterogeneous linoleum

This type of material is a multilayer coating. As a rule, the number of layers can reach 6. The areas of application of these coatings include both domestic and commercial use. The main components of this material are fiberglass and polyvinyl chloride granules.

A number of materials include several dissimilar materials, e.g. natural fibers as a substrate, foamed PVC as a layer, non-woven fabric and others. Such a complex structure of the floor covering is made in order to optimize its characteristics, reduce thermal conductivity and enhance noise-absorbing qualities.

It is noteworthy that linoleum with a heterogeneous structure can be used both in residential premises and in utility rooms.

Areas of application of PVC linoleum

You can answer the question of how to choose quality linoleum for an apartment if you consider in detail the distribution of varieties of this coating by area of ​​application.

So, according to the intensity of use, linoleum can be distinguished:

• domestic;
• semi-commercial;
• commercial;
• special purpose.

Household linoleum

This material is intended for installation in rooms where the load level is low. The basis for the manufacture of such material is foamed polyester.

According to the thickness of household PVC type linoleum ranges from 1-4 mm. The service life of this material is short, therefore, after 5 years flooring requires complete replacement.

Coatings for household use on a polyvinyl chloride basis.

Advantages of household PVC linoleum:

• ease of installation;
• weakly conducts vibration and extraneous noise;
• soft;
• does not require specialized care during use;
• wide range color solutions and textures.

Semi-commercial linoleum

When solving the problem of how to choose a good linoleum, it is worthwhile to dwell in more detail on this type of coating. The structure of this type of linoleum is similar to household linoleum, that is, it contains a base, a decorative layer and protection.

However, semi-commercial linoleum has a protective layer thickness of 1 mm, which allows it to be used in rooms with heavy loads, for example in offices, as well as in public places (more details: ""). This linoleum is optimally suitable for installation in residential premises.

Commercial linoleum

This material is more durable because it is intended for rooms where the load on it is extremely high.

Commercial linoleum is characterized by a high degree of wear resistance, however, the number of textures and colors is very small (read also: " "). Although such materials are initially manufactured for use in public places with maximum load, no one forbids choosing such a coating for your home.

The advantage of commercial linoleum over household linoleum is the availability of a wide range of standard sizes of the material.

Special purpose linoleum

This group of materials contains coatings used for gyms, medical institutions or commercial organizations. Each of the linoleum models from this category is adapted to certain operating conditions inherent in any specific area.

In particular, linoleums are made with antibacterial protection that can protect family members from contracting infectious diseases.

Regardless of which linoleum is best to choose for installation in a particular room, installation of such a covering is not particularly difficult and can be done independently.

The subfloor under the linoleum must be perfectly level. Although household linoleum is easier to handle due to its smaller thickness, it is very demanding on the quality of the base, since even the smallest flaws will be clearly visible.

Laying commercial linoleum does not require special tools, so it can be done with your own hands. In this case, it is only important to carefully fix the coating on the subfloor.

Since the household type of coating is light in weight and thin, it is successfully used for fixing it. double sided tape, mastic or glue.

At the same time, for semi-commercial, commercial and special types of linoleum, only mastic or glue can be used - adhesive tape is not suitable in this case.

Another difference between types of linoleum is the method of fastening the seams.

In particular, the seams of household linoleum can be masked cold welding. But for all other materials you will need special equipment, since their thickness does not allow the use of adhesives.

Results

Thus, if you decide to renovate your apartment and prefer to lay linoleum, then when choosing a coating, base it primarily on your aesthetic preferences. Carefully select the color and texture of the coating to suit the style of your interior.

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 disadvantage that prevented one from choosing linoleum for an apartment as the material of choice was considered large number 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 not subject to mechanical damage from fallen object or heels 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 one is 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 the floor covering does not require special requirements, will fit perfectly household linoleum. Its thickness is relatively small, and its density is assessed as average. Weight per 1 m2 can range from 1.25 to 2.25 kg. The deformation rate can be up to 2 mm. Installation of the coating is quite easy. Its undoubted advantage is that when rolled into a roll, cracks do not form on it. In addition, household linoleum is different high level 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. Often purchased 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 high degree sound absorption, providing acoustic comfort in the room. The degree of deformation of the material is no more than 1 mm. The covering can be purchased in widths of 2.5-5 m.

Semi-commercial type of material: characteristics

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

Specialized Material Types

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

Base material

How to choose the right linoleum for an apartment? What should the material be like - with or without a base? It should be said that previously linoleum was produced on a felt basis. This material retains heat very well. In addition, walking on such a surface is pleasant - it is soft. Thanks to the felt base, the material perfectly absorbs sound. But the disadvantage of such a 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. Suitable for children's room bright colors. 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 is a moisture-resistant, hard, woven covering designed for finishing floors, and the thickness of linoleum is important criterion. It has advantages over other floor coverings. Universal material, which is suitable for both domestic and public use. Many people prefer this economical and reliable flooring.

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

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

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

MATERIAL USED IN PRODUCTION

Natural linoleum has advantages unique to this variety:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Classification of linoleum by thickness and class

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

The long-awaited renovation season is coming. Many apartment owners think about which linoleum is best for their apartment. Let's try to understand this issue and the huge assortment offered by trade organizations to help you choose exactly the option you need.

Material requirements

First of all, you need to decide in which room this flooring will be located. The requirements placed on it depend on this. Will it be able to withstand the loads that are placed on it in a particular room? Will the selected linoleum answer technical specifications, such as moisture resistance, sound absorption, etc. Does the material match the interior of the room.

Specifications

When deciding for yourself which linoleum is best for an apartment, you should familiarize yourself with the regulatory classification of this material. On the reverse side of the linoleum you can see two numbers. One of them means the type of premises: 2 (residential building), 3 ( office building), 4 (production premises). The second number indicates the strength of the material. In accordance with the loads, linoleum is divided into three groups:

1. Household is a thin material that can withstand 1.25 kg per 1 square meter. Rolled up, it does not crack. This material would be quite appropriate in a bedroom or hallway. It is not suitable for the kitchen or bathroom.
2. Commercial - wear-resistant and durable material. Choosing which linoleum
   better for an apartment, you can confidently choose this option.
3. Semi-commercial - quite durable and not thick material.

Hallway

In this room, the load on the flooring is maximum, so it is more advisable to lay semi-commercial linoleum, which will serve you for many years.

Bathroom

This is a special room in any home, if only because it is characterized by high humidity. It is much more often used here as a floor covering. But if for some reason you decide to abandon it, then you can use Imitating granite or marble; it looks very impressive and modern, especially if the bathroom is decorated in high-tech style. Naturally, it will cost you more than traditional samples, but the result is worth it. It has increased moisture resistance, and if you consider that the floor area in this room, as a rule, is not too large, then the cost of such a coating will not be too burdensome for your budget.

Living room

Many people are wondering whether it is worth using linoleum for the hall. In an apartment, this is probably the room with the least load on the floor. Therefore, it is quite justified to use classic linoleum in it, especially if it is partially covered with carpets. It is important to choose the right color. If you want to highlight the floor against the general background, choose a linoleum color that contrasts with the walls and furniture. To make the room look harmonious, select several accessories to match the color of the floor. This could be textiles, souvenirs, vases, etc.

Kitchen

It is obvious that this room needs a special floor covering. It could be linoleum with protective layer. This is usually a natural material. You need to know that linseed oil, which is part of natural linoleum, is a powerful antiseptic that can not only protect the floor from germs, but also disinfect the air in the kitchen.

An important element general design are the floors in the apartment. Linoleum for the kitchen, in addition to its attractive and style-appropriate colors, mandatory must have anti-slip properties. It's no secret that it's quite often wet. Therefore, the anti-slip properties will protect you from injury.

Experts advise choosing wide linoleum for the kitchen so that it can be laid without unnecessary seams. When transporting, roll it up, otherwise it may crack. At home, the roll should be unrolled and the material should be allowed to rest well.

Children's room

The room where the best linoleum should be laid. For an apartment where there is a room for a baby, it is especially important to do right choice. The floor will not be used too intensively, but it should be taken into account that a small person will be crawling on it and splashing with his bare feet, and therefore you need to pay attention special attention his safety.

The most floor covering is natural linoleum. Flaxseed oil, which is included in its composition, has bactericidal properties and antistatic properties. In other words, this is the best option. But you should know that its price is twice as expensive as the synthetic one. If you decide that this material is too expensive for you, then lay its top layer glued to jute or felt base. Such material for children's rooms is decorated with bright and colorful images of animals or favorite cartoon characters, which the baby will certainly like.

Is linoleum harmful?

When starting a home renovation, every person is concerned about how to choose safe, environmentally friendly materials. Is linoleum harmful? In the apartment, natural material is completely safe. However, today manufacturers offer much more synthetic PVC coverings. Their manufacturers claim that they are also safe provided that certain operating rules are followed:

• You should not lay alkyd (rubber) linoleum in residential premises;
• commercial linoleum is not suitable for flooring in an apartment, as it contains plasticizers (to increase strength);
• You should not purchase a non-certified product - it may contain

If after two weeks the initial smell has not disappeared, then most likely the material was manufactured with technological violations.

Today we tried to figure out which linoleum is best for an apartment. We hope that our advice will help you make the right choice. Linoleum is a coating that has a long service life, so I would like it to please you with its excellent quality for many years.

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 workers 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 installation it is necessary to keep it in 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 at home.

The second number indicates the expected load:

• 1 - the lowest;
• 4 - the highest.

For example, class 21 is suitable for the bedroom and office. In the kitchen or hallway for a family of 4-5 the person will come 23-24 or 31-33 grade.

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 sun rays. 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 rich 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 is in demand parquet board or parquet. 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, almost 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 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 with protective film.
• Give preference to material with a 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