How to choose linoleum - nuances and selection criteria. Which linoleum is best for an apartment: complete classification and characteristics of each type The thickest linoleum for an apartment

Modern household linoleum 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 is not inferior to more expensive floor coverings.

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

Requirements for household flooring

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

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

In each room the load is flooring varies 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 should provide the possibility of carrying out wet cleaning using detergents. Absorption of moisture and increased slipperiness are excluded;
ease of installation - the material should enable the buyer to 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. Has long term service, high strength, good wear resistance and 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.

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

Technical characteristics and qualities

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

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

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

The first number in the code means:

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

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

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

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

Gradation of thickness of the front layer:

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

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

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

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

Covering for bedrooms and children's rooms

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

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

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

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

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

Covering for the hall and living room

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

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

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

Covering for the kitchen and hallway

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

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

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

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

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

Covering for bathrooms and toilets

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

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

However, when choosing this material you should know the subtleties.

Which linoleum is better to choose for an apartment or house: domestic or commercial?

There are three types of linoleum with different thicknesses of the protective layer and resistance to wear.

household - with protective layer 0.3 mm and the first number is 1-2;
semi-commercial - with a protective layer of 0.6 mm and the first number 3;
commercial - with a protective layer of more than 0.6 mm and the first number 3-4.

The thicker the protective layer, the so-called transparency, the better linoleum withstands the impact of furniture legs and wheels, high-heeled shoes, etc. Do you doubt what thickness of linoleum to choose? There is no need to buy a thick commercial coating for your home; good household linoleum with a transparency of 0.35-0.5 mm and markings 21-33 will be enough.

Materials, secret and not so secret

There are two types of linoleum in composition:

natural;
synthetic.

Natural linoleum is made from vegetable oils, wood flour and limestone, and jute serves as the base. This coating is expensive, but pleases the owner with its naturalness or hypoallergenicity.

Synthetic linoleum is made from polymer materials, may have an additional polyester base and a felt or foam backing. This coating will give you the perfect balance of price and quality.

Backing: foam or felt?

To give the material good properties sound and heat insulation, to make it “springy”, manufacturers process the inside in a special way. Air bubbles in the foam substrate can act as insulation and shock absorbers, synthetic fibers- in the felt room. Be sure to make sure that the chosen linoleum has one of these substrates, otherwise the slightest unevenness of the base will protrude through the coating, and furniture legs and heels will quickly render the floor unusable. All other properties being equal, a felt substrate is more preferable.

Abrasion group: how long will the floor “live”?

Each sample of linoleum is necessarily tested for abrasion. As a result, it is assigned one of the classes:

T - the most durable;
F - least durable.

If the question is how to choose good linoleum for a bedroom or other “quiet” room, then feel free to take material marked M.

Another thing is rooms with high floor loads. If you have to choose quality linoleum for a children's room or in the corridor, then both M and T are suitable.

Which linoleum to choose for the kitchen, living room, corridor and other rooms?

For the living room and children's room, it is better to choose high-quality linoleum, both foam and felt, with a good protective coating.

Suitable for low-traffic areas such as a bedroom or office inexpensive linoleum with a thin backing.

Are there rooms in the house that you often enter, where you wash the floor every day? Be as careful as possible when choosing the right linoleum for the hallway, kitchen and bathroom. In order not to re-cover a worn-out floor after just a year, buy good-quality linoleum with an antibacterial coating, a thick protective layer and good thickness.

How to choose linoleum for rooms of different types and sizes?

Please note that modern linoleum does not shrink, so it can be purchased end-to-end, without allowances. To calculate the size of the piece, measure the room twice, paying attention to:

niches;
projections;
width differences.

The width of the canvas can be from 1.5 to 6 meters. It is better to take a wide piece so that there are no seams on the floor. If you purchase two pieces, make sure they are from the same batch.

How to choose linoleum for an apartment and not be mistaken in quality?

A high price and a well-known manufacturer almost always guarantee quality. However, pay attention to additional signs of quality material:

texture and design - floors with imitation wood, shiny “chips”, varnished linoleum look most advantageous;
The safety coating has no odor;
good linoleum always has a certificate.

There are other markings that will tell you more:

“lightning” icon - does not accumulate static electricity;
“wheel” icon - resistant to furniture;
"warm floor" icon - suitable for installing heated floors.

In this article we will try to dissuade you and tell you which linoleum is best to choose for your apartment. Characteristics and description will be given here different types, as well as recommendations for choosing optimal parameters for certain rooms.

Rumors about linoleum and their debunking

Let's start by listing everything contrived shortcomings coverage and explain why these fears are unfounded. We deliberately begin the article with this information., because, without understanding some of the main points, it will be difficult for you to choose, and you will always remember all sorts of “buts” that will speak against the purchase.

But it’s worth buying linoleum, since it is a completely budget-friendly and very practical floor covering. Well, let's go...

Myth #1: Incredibly unhealthy

Some people are very afraid that linoleum emits toxic fumes, and they believe that it is this coating that emits them, almost for life and in huge quantities.

What can I say? Yes, I have harmful linoleum, but there is also harmful laminate, harmful carpet and even harmful boards covered with low-quality and cheap varnish. Yes, we will tell you more. There are harmful wallpapers, paints and suspended ceilings...

The point here is not at all that it is linoleum, but in production technology and initial components.

Everyone knows that it’s better not to deal with the Chinese: the guys are slapdash and reduce the cost of production as much as possible. As a result, their products contain such an amount of phenol that it simply fills the room with an unpleasant, chemical smell. And it is practically impossible to weather it.

And it’s difficult to determine in a store which coating has a smell and which doesn’t, since there is phenol in the air and it seems that all the coatings are the wrong one...

Therefore, there is only one way out: look not only at the colors and parameters, but also at the manufacturer. You should not take on faith what is written on the price tag in the store, since supermarkets often provide information that is not entirely correct.

It’s better to write this name down on a piece of paper, and at home, on the Internet, already read reviews about it people who used it. If it has a smell, then you will certainly read about it somewhere; now many people write online and share their advice.

By the way, in the modern market there are even safe linoleum, environmentally friendly. It is made from natural ingredients, but its price, of course, completely negates these advantages.

It is often easier to put a real board on the floor than to buy linoleum without chemicals. Moreover, the selection of flowers there is quite limited. But since it’s on sale, it means someone is taking it. The rich have their own quirks, as they say.

Myth #2: Only suitable for narrow rooms

Anyone who has not gone to a construction market for a long time is simply confident that the linoleum panels have not changed and there is a choice of widths from 1.5 to 3 meters. This means that in a larger room it will be necessary to make ugly joints from plastic or iron strips, and no beauty or integrity will come out.

But we hasten to please you: things haven't been like this for a long time.

Firstly, there are now both four and five meter panels on the market, but there are certainly far fewer of them than standard ones. If you don’t find the right color from the wide canvases, then don’t worry either: no strips are needed.

Secondly, now there is a special welding for linoleum, and the seam is almost invisible. This name is, of course, very approximate. In fact, welding is nothing more than the usual butt gluing of seams, but the composition of the fastening composition is such that it literally dissolves the linoleum and splices the pieces together. As a result, the surface comes out intact and cannot burst at the joint.

Myth #3: Very impractical and short-lived

And here we, too, as in the first block, will say: depending on what kind of linoleum.

Yes, to this day there are coatings on the surface of which the slightest pressure leaves dented marks, not to mention marks from heels and other aggressive things. But not all linoleum is like this!

There are incredibly durable floors that will serve you faithfully for decades, without losing their original appearance. But we talk about this moment in more detail below, in a separate block, since the topic the right choice- extensive.

What is important here is the class, the top coating and many other things that are worth paying attention to.

We can only say that in 90% of cases, the base of linoleum is fiberglass, and this guarantees that the canvas will not “sit down” over time and will not deform, and there is also no reason to fear that it will tear from some little thing.

Myth No. 4: it’s not prestigious and it’s embarrassing

Here yes, if you take the most cheap linoleum, which will be painted in unnatural colors and looks like oilcloth - that’s right, it looks disgusting, to put it mildly. But if you choose something more expensive, with good texture and color, without any oilcloth reflections, then the floor will look pretty decent.

Often, good linoleum is much more impressive than inexpensive laminate. And more practical, which is the most important thing. You need to take care of the laminate: under no circumstances allow drops of water to get on it, otherwise it will swell... And linoleum is an absolutely unpretentious thing.

Myth No. 5: the floor must be perfectly leveled under linoleum

Many people believe that linoleum requires too careful leveling of the screed, but this is expensive and, in this case, it seems that the game is not worth the candle. You'll save on the coating, but you'll lose on the screed. Isn't it easier then to take carpet or laminate?

It’s not easier, because leveling the floor is necessary for any covering, especially laminate! If linoleum can withstand small unevenness, then laminate will definitely not, and over time, in places of small holes, the locks of the boards will diverge... Under carpet, however, you can’t really compare it if we are talking about a high-pile carpet. But caring for it is also more difficult.

Try to make a bed soft covering to a house where children are present. Yes, in a year they will turn the once nice floor into something sloppy... And it’s simply impossible to clean it on your own.

Here, in general, is the entire list of common prejudices that simply do not allow buyers to visit stands with linoleum. As you can see, there is definitely no basis for categorical judgments here and it’s all about the quality of the material itself.

What classes does it come in?

Now let's move on to specifics. In this block you will learn what linoleum is and how to choose it.

Linoleum comes in several classes, here they are:

1st class	The most short-lived, but also the most inexpensive. Designed for rooms with very little traffic and, on such surfaces, it is advisable not to wear heels. It would be ideal if a rug is placed in areas of greatest trampling (for example, by the bed, if such linoleum is in the bedroom).
2nd class	This species is already stronger, and, by and large, Suitable for all living spaces. But its service life is short, about seven years, and it also needs to be handled with care.
3rd grade	Commercial linoleum, very strong, durable, not afraid of heels and moving furniture. One problem is that the colors in this class are rather weak. As a rule, commercial linoleum has a neutral color, monochromatic and not very bright. Let's say gray and blue coatings are popular.
4th grade	Industrial. Very durable linoleum, is not afraid of practically anything. But, as in the previous case, this class cannot boast of original colors

In addition to these classes, linoleum has varieties based on manufacturing materials, which you also need to know in order to make right choice. But we will talk about them in a separate block, and now we will look at which class is suitable for specific rooms.

So what do we have? Or very durable coatings, but not distinguished by original colors, or beautiful, stylish, but their service life is not so long.

In our opinion, there is no point in chasing excessive strength, since third-class linoleum, subject to certain conditions, can please you not for ten years, but much more.

Most universal option– this is 3rd class linoleum.

In general, it’s very good when the flooring covers the entire apartment one color. Therefore, sometimes there is no point in talking about the classes of linoleum for rooms. In fact, you wouldn’t cover the kitchen with one color, and the corridor with another, because it is less passable and, therefore, you can get linoleum cheaper?

Now let's talk about the materials from which linoleum is made.

What material?

PVC

The most common linoleum, it is made of PVC, that is, polyvinyl chloride. There is no need to be afraid of this terrible word, there is nothing harmful in it, provided that the product was produced by a decent company and does not have a sharp, unpleasant odor.

This is a good choice, since PVC is practical material. Naturally, it is not eternal, and it must be protected. He is afraid of fire, he cannot put hot pans on it (absurd, but the same children can even think of such a thing), he does not “like” shoes with heels...

Otherwise, this is a problem-free and easy-to-care coating.

Natural linoleum

Absolutely environmentally friendly, suitable for children's rooms and allergy sufferers. Made from jute fabric, wood flour, natural resins. There are a lot of colors and they, as a rule, look very natural and expensive.

But it is very expensive, that’s one thing, but the second is that it is afraid of moisture. Therefore, if we are talking about a children's room, then this is not the most best choice, since children can spill water often and thickly. Due to this, the coating will look sloppy and be covered with indelible stains.

Glypthal linoleum

This is linoleum made from alkyd resin, which is applied to a fabric base.

Its advantages are that it is quite strong and wear-resistant, but at the same time fragile, and before spreading it, the roll must rest in warm room(especially if you bought it in winter time, and he froze during delivery). If you spread it right away, there is a high probability of cracks appearing.

Colloxylin

This is linoleum without a base at all, there is no fabric or rubber underneath. Made from cellulose and, in general, it is also quite environmentally friendly material. But, unlike purely natural linoleum, this coating is not afraid of water.

It is unpretentious in care and is in no way inferior to PVC in properties. The only bad thing is that such coatings are rare in supermarkets, and ordering such an item via the Internet is a big risk.

We read a review on one of the forums: there a woman complained that she had purchased one color, but was sent another. In general, we do not recommend doing this. This is exactly the kind of product you need to see and touch before you buy...

Relin

It's not even linoleum, but rather a rubber coating. Very durable, comfortable, has good soundproofing properties. But, if we are talking about an apartment, it is not recommended to lay such linoleum, since it still contains harmful fumes that do not erode for a very long time.

Yes, it is resistant to pressure, and the only place where it can and should be used is the vestibule where you take off your shoes. Not a corridor, but a vestibule in which people stay for a few minutes. And his price is fair, by the way.

Which brand of linoleum is better to choose?

And finally, let's touch on the topic of manufacturers. Naturally, ideal option- European manufacturers, but the price of such coating is “biting” in comparison with domestic or Chinese factories.

There is no point in listing the names of companies, since they are expanding every day, and it is not easy to keep track of them all.

The only thing that can be said is that European linoleum is better than domestic, and domestic is better than Chinese.

That is, look for yourself, think for yourself, but be sure to pay attention to the smell!

As we already wrote above, it is advisable to first look at linoleum, then read about it real reviews and only then give the command to the sellers: “Cut!”

In conclusion, what more can be said? We have told you all the possible nuances, and now you will be quite savvy when you come to the store. You now know which material is better in quality, what width and thickness linoleum is and what size is the most optimal.

Linoleum is the most popular flooring among people with an average standard of living. Firstly, the price is not as high as parquet or carpet, and secondly, the service life is normal. And today’s manufacturers offer a wide variety of colors, choose any! But it turns out that even though this material is well known to consumers, there are many nuances that must be taken into account when purchasing. Therefore, this article is devoted to the question of which linoleum to choose, because the house has different rooms with their own operational characteristics.

What to look for before buying?

To understand in detail how to choose linoleum for your home, you should know the main criteria for a rational purchase:

correspondence to the intended purpose - a nursery is a room, or a bedroom, a kitchen;
characteristics - degree of wear resistance, noise absorption, antistatic, moisture resistance, antibacterial properties;
will the linoleum be able to withstand the load, taking into account the number of people living and the traffic rate;
is harmony created in the interior - linoleum can be monochromatic, with abstract patterns, or with imitation of different textures: wood, tile, stone.

If we take into account all the above criteria, the buyer will not get lost in the modern variety, because he will know exactly how to choose linoleum for an apartment, as well as for a private house.

What kind of linoleum is there?

Perhaps linoleum can be called the most affordable floor covering. The arguments to confirm these words are significant, because the material is installed in schools, in offices, and, of course, in a house/apartment. Therefore, it is clear why the market offers various types of linoleum: how to choose the best one? The question is not difficult, you just need to understand the problem and then everything will become clear.

– made from wood flour, pine resin, limestone powder, natural dyes, and the base is jute fabric. Due to the fact that this material is made from purely natural components, it is excellent for children's rooms and rooms where asthmatics and allergy sufferers live. Therefore, if you are deciding which linoleum to choose for your apartment, this is an excellent option - the material is environmentally friendly, not harmful to health, and also resistant to abrasion, does not fade in the sun, and has bactericidal properties.

PVC linoleum is made either on a fabric basis or on a non-woven thermal insulation material. Domestic manufacturers use European technologies, so anyone can afford such linoleum, because the price of the products is affordable.

Advantages:

low thermal conductivity;
wide palette of patterns, shades;
pronounced dielectric characteristics;
ease of installation.

There are also certain disadvantages, we are talking about sensitivity to high temperature, instability to chemicals. So, if the temperature in the room drops sharply, then elasticity is lost and PVC linoleum may crack.

In addition, the floor covering in question can be alkyd, colloxin, and linoleum-relin is also common.

Classification and marking of coatings

To accurately answer the question of how to choose the right linoleum, you need to understand the markings that correspond to the purpose of the room. As for the first digit of this very marking, it varies from one to four:

1 – for rooms with minimal traffic;
2 – residential rooms;
3 - offices;
4 – production premises.

And the second digit indicates the expected load, this means that one is, accordingly, the lowest, four is the highest load. For example, class 21 coating is perfect for an office and bedroom; for the kitchen and hallway it is advisable to buy class 23-24 linoleum.

To cover the topic in more detail, we need to give a few more examples. Let's take the hallway for example. Of course, the hallway and corridor are rooms with a very high degree of traffic. This means that the most best option– linoleum with a thickness of at least 3 mm.

Important: it is advisable to pay increased attention for the thickness of the protective layer, it must be at least 0.25 mm.

Also, before purchasing, you need to evaluate the quality of the surface on which this flooring will be laid in the future. The smoother the surface, the thinner the linoleum can be and vice versa. The ideal solution for the hallway is household linoleum with a foam base. Or it could be expensive semi-commercial linoleum, which is characterized by increased strength.

How to choose good linoleum? This multifaceted issue worries many consumers. To prevent your purchase from becoming a cause for disappointment due to poor quality in the future, you should adhere to the following instructions:

trust your own sense of smell: the presence of a pungent odor clearly indicates that the coating contains harmful additives. High-quality linoleum, both synthetic and natural, does not have an unpleasant odor;
the drawing must be clear;
compliance with safety standards - good linoleum undergoes a special examination, is marked, and the seller must also present a hygiene certificate;
The quality must be checked in rolled form: for the absence of bumps and areas with peeled film. These indicators indicate a defect; such coverage cannot be purchased, because existing unevenness cannot be smoothed out;
it is advisable to give preference to material with special protective film– this linoleum is easy to clean and retains its original appearance for a long time;
all linoleum must be from the same batch - even when the article numbers are the same, differences in color are possible.

The question of choice is not so difficult if you know all the subtleties and nuances. All of the above tips will help buyers make the right choice; the purchase will not bring disappointment in the future, that is, during operation.

Linoleum – best solution for apartment

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

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

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

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

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

Types of linoleum

Types - from synthetic materials to natural ingredients

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

Natural linoleum

Brand Armstrong

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

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

expensive;
fragile;
afraid of moisture.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride type

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

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

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

Glypthal linoleum

Glypthal type

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

Colloxin

Colloxin type

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

Linoleum-relin

Rubber type

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

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

Wear resistance classes

Wear resistance classes - commercial, semi-commercial and household

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

Commercial

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

Semi-commercial

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

Domestic

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

Abrasion groups

Selection by abrasion group

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

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

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

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

Which linoleum to choose for an apartment

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

Living room

Dark colors are suitable for the living room

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

Bedroom

In the bedroom you can use household polyester or PVC

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

Kitchen

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

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

Children's room

Only in the children's room natural material

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

Balcony

Balcony – moisture-resistant and frost-resistant materials

Temperature changes, exposure to sunlight, possible humidity - all these negative factors test the strength of the floor covering on the balcony. Typically, moisture-resistant and frost-resistant materials that have anti-slip coating. The material is selected as for office premises with a heavy load.

Corridor

In the corridor - PVC

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

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

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

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

Which linoleum to choose for the hall

Hall - PVC coating on jute or felt basis

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

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

Can be cleaned with ordinary detergents.

Which company is better to choose linoleum for an apartment?

Coverage of different companies

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

Gerflor;
Juteks;
Forbo;
Grabo.

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

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