Rules for selecting linoleum for different rooms in the apartment. How to choose linoleum for an apartment? The best linoleum for an apartment: quality, thickness, purpose and price What is the best thickness of linoleum to buy for a nursery

Thanks to the huge range, 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 undesirable to use in a room with high humidity - a 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

Semi-commercial.
Commercial.
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 synthetic coatings their 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 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 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. Good quality natural or synthetic material has virtually no odor.
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 with protective film.
Give preference to material with a special protective layer. It washes well and remains wonderful for a long time appearance.
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

You can listen to this article!

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

Which linoleum to choose for your home and apartment

Today, the market is dominated by two main types of linoleum - natural and polyvinyl chloride.

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

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

In order to understand how to choose a good linoleum for your home, you need to know the varieties of this material.

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

Homogeneous linoleum

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

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

Heterogeneous linoleum

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

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

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

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

Mixed linoleum

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

How to choose linoleum by quality

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

household,
semi-commercial,
commercial.

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

The main technical characteristics of linoleum are:

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

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

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

For example,

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

For apartment and country house you can choose household or semi-commercial linoleum.

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

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

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

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

How to choose linoleum for the kitchen

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

We choose linoleum for the kitchen because it:

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

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

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

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 fallen object or heels women's shoes. Thus, another important indicator is the thickness of the linoleum. For an apartment, the average value is preferable. If the flooring experiences increased loads (for example, in the hallway), then it is more advisable to purchase a denser material. The elasticity of the coating is also important. Thanks to this property, it is almost impossible to damage it during operation or installation.

Ease of installation

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

Appearance

This indicator is also important. Technologies used in modern production, 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 has, among other things, 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, 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, no cracks 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 a 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 pattern and color scheme of the coating is a definite plus. However, these characteristics are not the main ones when choosing linoleum. Of particular importance is environmental friendliness, safety of the material, as well as its compliance with quality standards. If you choose a cheap coating, the composition of which is unknown even to the manufacturer itself, there is a high probability of getting serious illnesses as a result of exposure to toxic emissions. By purchasing a model from a trusted company, the consumer is guaranteed to receive a high-quality product that can be used in any room of the house without fear. Today among domestic brands flooring The products of the Tarkett company are popular. This company uses only modern materials and technologies in production. The products meet all sanitary, hygienic and fire safety standards. The products are also distinguished by a variety of design solutions.

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 large quantity 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 spoils the appearance of the floor;
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 additives. 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 you can lay semi-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. It is quite elastic and moisture resistant material, but is not suitable for use in residential premises due to hygiene requirements.

A special approach for the kitchen

Requirements for kitchen floor much higher than the floor covering in any other room of 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 exposure to 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 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). Cost of semi commercial linoleum the average is 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 accurately 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).

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 material), installation linear meter skirting boards 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.