The most durable linoleum for an apartment. How to choose the color of linoleum? A special approach for the kitchen

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

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

When choosing linoleum it is important:

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

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

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

Natural linoleum;
PVC or polyvinyl chloride linoleum.

Natural linoleum (or marmoleum)

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

It includes:

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

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

Advantages of natural linoleum:

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

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

Disadvantages of coverage:

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

PVC or polyvinyl chloride linoleum

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

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

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

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

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

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

Structure of heterogeneous linoleum:

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

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

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

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

Classification by load, how to choose linoleum by class

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

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

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

Heterogeneous linoleum coatings are divided into classes by class:

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

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

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

What to look for when choosing the color of linoleum:

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

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

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

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

How to correctly calculate the amount of linoleum

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

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

Cheat sheet to the store for choosing linoleum

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

Modern linoleum coatings are wear-resistant, versatile and durable products that are completely safe for health and approved for use in any facility: from residential premises to industrial buildings. The assortment is not just wide - huge!

The history of linoleum goes back more than 270 years. Initially, it was a completely natural product, made from jute, cotton or timber fabric, onto which a hot mixture of oils, resin-resin, wood flour and pigments was applied. Actually the name is elastic flooring derived from its main component: linum - flax, oleum - oil.

In natural finishing material a synthetic alternative made of PVC appeared about 60 years ago. The reason is simple to the point of banality - a shortage of initial components and a sharp rise in prices for them.

Today many different types of linoleum products are produced. All elastic coatings are classified according to several criteria:

Product composition

According to this criterion, two types of roll materials are produced for the household sphere:

Marmoleum or natural linoleum

Strong, durable and safe flooring made from natural ingredients. Contains:

The base is jute or linen woven fabric;
Linoleum granulate applied by thermopressing is a mixture of coniferous tree resin, modified linseed oil, wood flour, fillers and pigments;
Wax or varnish that protects the surface from abrasion and other loads (used for certain series).

The finished coating is produced in the form of rolls up to 4 m wide and no more than 30 m long, linoleum planks or tiles, and also in combination with a base of HDF boards. All varieties are characterized by:

Product disadvantages:

High requirements during installation;
Characteristic oily smell;
High cost.

Natural flooring can be installed in any room, from a children's room to a sales area, but marmoleum must be selected taking into account the load class.

Synthetic linoleum

In Europe, this type of elastic material is called PVC coating. Developed in our country in the late 50s. as an affordable alternative to natural products. Consists of a calendered plastic thermopolymer or is combined from:

Bases (foamed PVC, PE felt, combined);
Front layer (thin layer of dense PVC with a decorative pattern);
Fiberglass (a reinforcing element used by well-known manufacturers to make the material resistant to tensile and deformation loads);
Transparency (wear-resistant surface coating made of polyurethane and other protective elastic materials).

Pros of synthetic linoleum:

Moisture and wear resistance;
Unlimited choice of designs and colors;
Easy to style and care;
Partial maintainability;
Reasonable cost;
Durability.

The disadvantages of the material include an unpleasant chemical odor (dissipates within 1-3 weeks), toxicity when ignited, and the slippery surface of budget series.

Product structure

What if some consultants insist on purchasing a baseless coating, while others recommend purchasing a product with a base? The fact is that natural and synthetic products are available in two varieties:

Heterogeneous - multilayer flooring materials, structurally consisting of a base, decor and protection;
Homogeneous - homogeneous or single-layer coatings, characterized by extremely high wear resistance and the presence of one pattern throughout the entire depth of the product.

The former can be used in any environment, from a private home to a hotel lobby. But the latter, due to their characteristics and high cost, are used only in trade, commercial, industrial and other similar facilities.

Areas of application

Coatings are divided into:

Household – heterogeneous materials for residential premises and offices with light foot traffic. The width of roll coverings is from 1.5 to 6 m, the length reaches 35 m, and the thickness is up to 5 mm. On average, a high-quality product can last 7-10 years or more.
Semi-commercial - multi-layer, stronger, denser and more durable analogue of household series. Recommended for use in residential, office and commercial premises with medium load levels.
Commercial – single- and multi-layer finishing materials for premises with heavy traffic (retail, public, industrial and other facilities). The operational period is considerable - at least 15 years, subject to proper selection and installation.
Special – floor coverings for rooms with special requirements: sports, dance halls, transport, hospitals, etc. The thickness of linoleum can reach 10 mm, and the service life is 40 years.

Wear resistance class

If you are not familiar with the basic characteristics of the material, it is enough to find out what load class the manufacturer classifies it as. Each collection is usually assigned a set of pictograms, including wear resistance. To determine the most suitable option see table below.

So, when choosing an elastic covering for an apartment, keep in mind: you need natural or synthetic linoleum with a heterogeneous structure from a household or semi-commercial series belonging to classes 21-23 or 31. Next, focus on your taste and budget.

Review of manufacturers

High-quality linoleum chosen for an apartment must meet several criteria:

Be distinguished by good wear-, water- and chemical resistance, bacteriostaticity, and absence of odors;
Serve for at least 7 years without signs of wear;
Be easy to care for;
Comply with Russian Federation safety standards.

Large manufacturers necessarily send each new collection for research and, as a result, receive a whole package of various certificates: sanitary and hygienic, fire safety, compliance, voluntary testing for the environmental friendliness of the product, etc.

Only well-known manufacturers can provide the best linoleum for an apartment. We present you an overview of the most common brands:

Tarkett

The concern is known as one of the world's largest producers of natural and synthetic coatings for floors and walls. Its history is more than 130 years of ups and downs, phenomenal breakthroughs and implementation of projects with high risks. The company has opened its factories almost all over the world, and products are supplied to 140 countries.

The product line includes:

Natural and PVC linoleum for walls and floors of all series: household, semi-commercial, commercial and special;
Parquet board;
Laminated parquet;
Cork coverings;
A variety of related products and components.

In 1995 in Samara region, Otradny, a plant for the production of PVC linoleum was opened. Its products complement Tarket's assortment, imported from factories in Eastern Europe. In total, the company owns 4 brands:

Tarkett (EU, Russia) – more than 20 collections of premium series roll and tile products made from PVC and natural raw materials. Available in all wear resistance classes: from 21 to 43. The range includes all varieties, from household to special. The main advantage of the brand is the widest selection of designs on smooth or textured fabric;
Sinteros (Russia) - an economical series of polyvinyl chloride coatings of all types in classes from 21 to 34. Buyers are attracted by the affordability and practicality of the products.
Vinisin (Ukraine) - an analogue of the previous line of universal and durable coatings for home and public buildings;
Polystyl (Russia) – 6 collections from the mid-price category. The selection of designs in classes 23, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 41 is quite modest compared to other brands.

Advantages:

High level of density and wear resistance of products due to the use of transparency with additional protective coatings (Extreme Protection, Titan, etc.);
The presence of reinforcing fiberglass in the linoleum composition, which ensures the deformation resistance of the material;
The most extensive selection of designs and shades compared to competitors.
Three types of base for the buyer’s choice: foamed PVC, polyester felt, duplicated;
Allowed for use in children's and medical institutions;
The safety of products for the health of users has been proven by numerous certificates. Including voluntary testing for environmental friendliness “Leaf of Life”;
Excellent information support, including media materials and various recommendation brochures;
Easy installation and maintenance;
Prices for any wallet;
Long operational period - from 7 to 50 years.

Flaws:

High price of Tarket brand collections;
Cheap series may emit an unpleasant odor for the first few days.

Forbo

Forbo Group of Companies is huge amount enterprises of different directions. One of the largest divisions is rightfully considered an association of 7 European factories that produce floor and wall coverings - Forbo Flooring Systems.

For more than 20 years, the concern has been producing natural linoleum under the Marmoleum brand in different formats and in all classes (21-43). In Russia, a similar plant was opened not so long ago - in 2012 (Kaluga region).

Advantages:

A completely natural and safe product for health;
The assortment includes both rolled coverings and cut into tiles, strips and even combined ones based on HDF boards;
A good selection of shades and designs for boards, stone, flock, etc.;
High resistance to various abrasive and other abiogenic factors ( household chemicals, deformations), etc.;
Bacteriostatic with low thermal conductivity;
Durable mineral pigments are used in production;
Approved for use in sanatorium-resort, medical and children's institutions;
Good information support that makes it easier to choose linoleum for an apartment, house or commercial facility.
Proven high level quality and environmental friendliness (full package of EN certificates);
Easy installation and maintenance at no extra cost;
Long service life - from 10 to 30 years.

Flaws:

Excessively high price for all collections;
Most decors must be ordered at the factory, and the waiting period is a month or more.

Grabo

The Hungarian company Grabo has a century-old history. It all started with a workshop for the production of tarpaulin and oilcloth products. Today the company consists of 4 factories that produce a variety of floor and wall coverings made of wood and polyvinyl chloride.

Synthetic linoleum products are manufactured in all classes: 21-23, 31-34, 41-43. The household series is presented in a good range of decors and shades, but much more modest than those of its competitors.

The company’s special pride is linoleum PVC special, including transport, sports, bacteriostatic, soundproofing, anti-slip and others.

Advantages:

Wear-resistant coatings with a good level of deformation elasticity (due to the presence of fiberglass);
Wide range of designs. Even children's and avant-garde series are always available.
Product compliance with European safety and health certification standards according to the CE Code.
Effortless styling and care.
Reasonable price for all collections and classes.
Service life – 10-25 years.

Flaws:

Modest selection of designs in domestic stores.
Most series are not recommended for use in combination with underfloor heating systems.
Over time, dirt can literally eat into the transparency, so care with special products is necessary.

Juteks

The Utex concern traces its history back to 1938. From a small plant producing packaging products, one of the largest European industrial enterprises. The main specialization is the production of floor and wall PVC linoleum of 21-34 wear resistance classes. In 2009, a plant was opened on the territory of the Russian Federation, in the Vladimir region (Kameshkovo).

The enterprises owned by the concern produce linoleum under several brands

Juteks - premium products with a smooth and textured surface, manufactured at factories in Belgium, Slovenia and the Russian Federation;
Beauflor is a business series in the most popular designs. Manufactured in Slovenia and Russia;
Ideal is an economy category of rolled linoleum for Russian buyers.

Advantages:

Good level of wear and water resistance of the transparency due to the use of additional protective layers(Protective Coating, Wear Resistant, etc.).
Used in the composition of reinforcing fiberglass, which prevents stretching and tearing of the fabric.
More than 40 annually updated collections with a variety of decors on a polyvinyl chloride and polyester basis.
Mandatory product certification according to Russian and European standards. Luxury collections have environmental impact assessment reports.
Easy installation and maintenance.
Reasonable price.
Service life – 7-30 years.

Flaws:

Budget series are characterized by a low density of the base layer, a slippery surface, and emit an unpleasant chemical odor for a long time.
Textured embossed coatings are difficult to clean from dirt. Special care products are required.
Inexpensive series are not recommended for laying on bases with a built-in “warm floor” system.

Komitex LIN

In 2002, a plant was launched in Syktyvkar (Komi Republic) for the production of floor PVC linoleum on a foam and polyester basis. To produce the latter, there is a workshop for the production of synthetic felt.

Rolled floor coverings from Komitex OJSC are produced in 5 wear resistance classes (21-23 and 31-32) and 9 collections. There are household, semi-commercial and one commercial series. The number of designs is limited to traditional wood decors, as well as tile or marble chips. The surface is a calendered laminating film, which is purchased in China. Finished products are certified in accordance with Russian sanitary quality and safety standards.

Advantages:

The surface is waterproof, inert to household chemicals, and can withstand frequent foot traffic.
Availability of the necessary package of certificates.
Easy installation.
Low cost.
The average operating period is about 5-7 years.

Flaws:

The fabric is loose and dents appear quickly.
Gives off an unpleasant chemical odor for a long time.
It is prohibited to lay on heated floors.

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

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

Requirements for household flooring

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which type of linoleum is better?

PVC linoleum universal coating for use in apartments and houses

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

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

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

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

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

Technical characteristics and qualities

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

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

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

The first number in the code means:

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

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

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

The thickness of the protective layer is the second important indicator that is best taken into account when choosing. The protective layer determines the strength of the material and its abrasion resistance.

Gradation of thickness of the front layer:

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

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

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

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

Covering for bedrooms and children's rooms

In the children's room and bedroom you can use a household type of class 23

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

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

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

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

Covering for the hall and living room

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

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

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

Covering for the kitchen and hallway

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

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

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

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

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

Covering for bathrooms and toilets

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

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

Repair topic in modern times more popular than ever. It is no wonder that the size of construction in modern times has exceeded all possible expectations and records. People who are starting renovations in their home often wonder: which linoleum is better to choose - natural, or linoleum for laminate (We recommend reading -). Laminated panels are significantly superior in quality.

At the same time, the polymer coating looks quite impressive. If you don't want to overpay, then this is perfect for you inexpensive linoleum, with colors made to match laminate. Thanks to the favorable price-quality ratio, linoleum has won a record number of sales among domestic buyers.

Nowadays there is a huge variety of floor coverings. Today, everyone can find material according to their taste and cost. Due to the fact that during the production process they use modern technologies, the demand for this material has increased. Assortment building materials is expanding every year, and therefore, the buyer often wonders which linoleum is best suited.

Thanks to the wide range, the necessary products in hardware store It's not easy to choose. Before choosing a material, you need to decide in which room the linoleum will be located. Experts recommend taking into account the characteristics of the room, including the maximum traffic in each residential area.

So, you need to decide on the purpose of the room, check the conditions in which the linoleum will be located. Take care to choose wisely desired type from the many offers in the store. To choose a high-quality product suitable for your premises, you need to ensure that the material contains only natural components that are not harmful to human health. Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to carefully choose linoleum for your room.

Natural linoleum

In the composition of linoleum you can find cork and wood flour, lime powder, and natural dyes. The use of such coatings can be used both in children's rooms and in rooms for allergy sufferers.

The advantages of this material include the high bactericidal properties of the material, it does not fade or fade in the sun, and a variety of colors allows you to choose the material that best suits your interior. At the same time, the disadvantages of this material include poor resistance to moisture. Cracks may form on the surface. In addition, the cost of such material is considered high.

The advantages of this type of linoleum include high resistance to moisture, it is easy to install, and there is a huge variety of colors. The disadvantages of the material include instability to alkalis and solvents. This material, when exposed to low temperatures, reduces elasticity, which, in turn, can lead to cracking.

There are two types of PVC - household with a thickness of 1-4 mm and commercial. Household ones can have a polyester or foam base. The service life of such a product is on average 5 years. Commercial linoleum differs from other types in that it has high degree resistance to mechanical stress. Thanks to its durable protective layer, this material has gained wide popularity in offices and some work areas. Commercial linoleum will serve its owner from 1 to 25 years.

Semi-commercial linoleum

Semi-commercial linoleum, in terms of external characteristics, resembles household linoleum. It has a dense protective layer. This material has gained wide popularity among owners. office premises with low traffic.

The next type of floor covering is bactericidal. This type contains antifungal and antibacterial additives. The next type is called anti-slip, due to the addition of quartz chips. This coating has a relief structure. Glyphthalic linoleum, unlike the above types, has increased sound insulation properties.

At the same time, this type of material is quite fragile and must be laid with the utmost care. Colloxyline linoleum is produced using treated wood, fillers and plasticizers. Thanks to these special additives, it becomes possible to maintain flexibility and moisture resistance. This could not but affect the risk of material shrinkage. There is also a high negative reaction to temperature changes.

A special type of linoleum is the type called Relin. This is a two-layer flooring material, the top layer of which is made of natural rubber. This gives the material high strength and quality. The bottom layer contains rubber, which has increased hardness and strength. The disadvantages of this material include high thermal conductivity, as well as instability to solvents. While the advantages include firmness and elasticity.

In order to avoid mistakes in the process of choosing linoleum for a specific room, you need to become more familiar with the types of product labeling.

The main values are:

Designed for use in low-traffic areas;
Linoleum used in residential premises;
For use in office premises;
For use in industrial premises.

It is known that the living room has relatively little traffic, for this reason you can choose inexpensive material with low strength indicators - it will cost slightly less. They try to purchase linoleum for a children's room, which has certain environmentally friendly and safety characteristics. When purchasing it for a child's room, you need to make sure that your child is in a safe place.

In the bedroom, linoleum with a thickness of 1.2 mm can be placed as a suitable option. In the corridor it would be a good idea to lay a durable type of linoleum with an elastic base, since this area has high traffic.

Linoleum is a moisture-resistant, hard, woven coating intended 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.

Thickness plays an important role in influencing the technical qualities of the material. 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 receive 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 there is not a large choice of patterns.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Classification of linoleum by thickness and class

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

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

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

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

Having made your choice and selected the desired color and size, roll out the purchased product from a 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.