Which linoleum is better to choose - expert advice. How to choose linoleum for home and country? Good quality household linoleum

20.06.2020

The modern variety of floor coverings involuntarily puts any person making repairs in an apartment or a house in front of the "throes" of choice. Eminent manufacturers, perfectly building their advertising policy, persistently recommend their products, which are really good. But, it happens that for this you will have to part with the amount that was not planned. And for some reason, the good old linoleum is undeservedly relegated to the background, considering it a choice for the poor. In fact, it has a number of advantages that the consumer is most likely not aware of. Perhaps you should be more aware of this popular flooring and find out which linoleum is best for your home.

History reference

Linoleum is mistakenly attributed to modern and artificial materials, but its historical roots are hidden in the name. The word linoleum consists of Latin: linum - meaning linen or linen, as well as oleum - oil. Linoleum was patented in 1860 by the Englishman Frederick Walton. Initially, this flooring used a woven backing of linen or jute, which was coated with oxidized vegetable oil combined with cork flour. Technologies were constantly improving, manufacturers learned how to apply a pattern to linoleum, and at the beginning of the 20th century it was one of the most popular materials.

Due to the high cost of plant raw materials and the development of chemical synthesis, in the 60s of the last century, they began to produce floor roll coatings on a synthetic basis, which left the old name - linoleum, although this is a completely different material. In the 90s, they remembered the traditions of the production of natural linoleum, and the volume of its production is constantly increasing, since there is a steady demand for it. Thus, under the name of linoleum, a very wide class of floor coverings, both natural and synthetic, has united.

Types of linoleum

To make it easier to navigate in the ocean of proposals and make right choice, it is worth learning about the types of existing linoleums and specifically which ones are suitable for the home.

natural linoleum

One of the best choices is natural linoleum. For its production, only natural ingredients are used: linseed oil, wood flour, jute or linen, natural wood resin, limestone. A rich palette of natural dyes along with modern technologies allow you to paint in any color this wonderful coating. Natural linoleum has a number of undeniable advantages:

High strength. Natural linoleum can withstand pressure up to 16 MPa.
Linseed oil, included in the composition, makes such a coating bactericidal.
High wear resistance determines a long service life: up to 30-50 years.
Exclusively natural components determine its environmental friendliness.
Natural linoleum does not absorb pollution and is easily cleaned from various contaminants with detergents.
Static electricity does not accumulate on natural linoleum.
Not afraid ultraviolet rays, does not fade from the sun.
Has low flammability.

With such an impressive list of advantages, natural linoleum is still not without drawbacks:

Natural linoleum has a high price, comparable to a parquet board.
In rooms where a natural linoleum coating is planned, there should not be high humidity, since the natural base is prone to decay.
Low elasticity limits the use of natural linoleum in cold rooms and complicates its installation.
Features of manufacturing technology limit the variety of patterns and ornaments.
Only the laid natural linoleum coating has a specific smell, which may not be to everyone's liking. However, the smell disappears after a few months.

For all eco-home enthusiasts willing to go to high expense, natural linoleum is a great choice for living spaces. Low moisture resistance limits its use on, in bathrooms and hallways.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) linoleum

PVC linoleum (international designation - PVC) is the most widely used. It can be both without a base and with various types basics:

Fabric base. Both natural jute and synthetic fabrics, such as fiberglass, can be used for it. Top Coat, which has a pattern, is made of PVC. Such linoleum can have an impressive thickness - up to 5 mm.
A non-woven base made of natural felt or synthetic materials can improve thermal insulation properties, but such linoleum should not be used in rooms with high traffic and high humidity, as it does not like intense loads, and the porous base will perfectly absorb moisture.

Foamed PVC backing. Such linoleum began to be produced in the 90s of the last century, and this type of substrate is one of the most popular. The main porous PVC layer perceives all loads and "forgives" small irregularities in the base, and the reinforcing fabric maintains the geometric dimensions of the canvas. PVC foam can be applied chemically and more progressively. mechanically, which is better, since such linoleum will not wrinkle under high loads.

Some types of linoleum are also made, which combine several types of the above layers. Linoleum, which has several of them, is called heterogeneous, and one is called homogeneous. The number of layers and their purpose in linoleum for various purposes can vary greatly from each other.

The advantage of homogeneous linoleum is that its pattern is present throughout the entire depth, so when it inevitably wears out, the pattern will not be erased. The thickness of such linoleum can be from 1.5 to 3 millimeters, and it is designed for rooms with high traffic. Its use in apartments and houses is impractical. The main disadvantages of homogeneous linoleum are its high price, as well as the impossibility of applying complex patterns.

PVC linoleum has a set of advantages that explain its widespread use.

PVC linoleum has a high elasticity, which greatly simplifies its installation.
A variety of patterns and textures of PVC linoleum will allow you to realize any idea of interior design.
PVC linoleum has a reasonable price.
Easily cleaned from dirt.
Linoleum from well-known manufacturers is non-toxic, which must be confirmed by a hygiene certificate.

The disadvantages of PVC linoleum are:

When exposed to high temperatures, linoleum shrinks.
Only after laying the PVC linoleum coating has an unpleasant specific smell, which disappears after a few weeks of operation.

Alkyd linoleum

Alkyd, also called glyphthalic, linoleum is always made on a fabric basis, on which modified alkyd or glyphthalic resins are applied using special technology with special fillers that improve the properties of the coating. Pigments and dyes are also introduced, which make linoleum either one-color or multi-color. The advantages of this type of linoleum are:

In comparison with PVC linoleums, glyphthalic ones have better heat and sound insulation properties.
Such linoleums are extremely wear-resistant, they can serve 40-50 years.
Pollution from such a coating is removed more easily than from PVC.

The disadvantages of alkyd linoleums are:

Low elasticity at temperatures close to zero.
Alkyd linoleums require skilled installation.
Insufficient fire safety severely limits their use in residential areas.

Glyptal linoleum is widely used in transport: flooring in carriages, cabins of sea transport, aircraft.

Rubber linoleum (relin)

Such linoleum is made two-layer: the lower one is made of recycled rubber, the upper one is made of dyed rubber. various colors synthetic rubber. These layers are interconnected bituminous mastic. Such floor coverings have some advantages:

Excellent water resistance allows you to lay relin in the most “wet” rooms.
High elasticity and strength.
Excellent anti-slip properties.
Long service life.

Rubber linoleums can be used near swimming pools, in garages, workshops, sports rooms and halls, but their use is contraindicated in residential premises, as they emit into the surrounding air harmful substances.

Nitrocellulose ( colloxylin) linoleum

These types of linoleums are a single-layer baseless coating made from nitrocellulose with the addition of various components: gypsum, minium, plasticizers and dyes. Currently, such coatings from this material are not used due to the increased fire hazard.

It is possible that such an abundance of information about the types of linoleums will further complicate the choice. Moreover, most modern linoleums are heterogeneous and can combine several different layers. That is why European manufacturers have developed a special standard EN685, in which linoleums are divided into classes depending on the strength characteristics and scope in certain rooms. Each class is identified by a two-digit numeric code and a corresponding pictogram.

The first digit in the class means:

2 - linoleum is intended for residential premises.
3 - for office or commercial premises.
4 - for industrial premises.

The second digit in the class indicates the degree of load that linoleum can withstand:

Household linoleum

Linoleum, belonging to classes 21-23, is commonly called household. According to EN685 standards, it must have the following characteristics:

Specific gravity 1.25-2.25 kg / m 2.
Thickness - from 0.15 to 3 mm.
Flexibility and elasticity must be such that when wound on a rod with a diameter of 45 mm no cracks should form.
Sound absorption - not less than 13-18 dB.
Water absorption should be no more than 1-1.5%.
Shrinkage during operation - no more than 0.2 mm per 1 meter.

The cost of household linoleum from well-known manufacturers can range from 3 to 10 euros per square meter.

semi-commercial linoleum

Linoleum, belonging to classes 31-34, is called semi-commercial, and it is intended mainly for office and office space. Must have the following characteristics:

Specific gravity 1.6-2.5 kg / m 2.
Elasticity and flexibility should be such that when wound on a cylinder with a diameter of 10-40 mm, cracks should not form in linoleum.
Sound absorption should be at least 12-16 dB.
Shrinkage during operation - no more than 0.1 mm per 1 meter.
The service life guaranteed by the manufacturer is at least 7-20 years.

Semi-commercial linoleum is a great solution for modern offices

The cost of semi-commercial linoleum is from 5 to 15 euros per square meter. A small difference in the price of domestic and semi-commercial linoleum makes it expedient to use it for domestic purposes in those areas where there is an increased load on the floor covering: kitchens, hallways and others.

commercial linoleum

If linoleum belongs to classes from 41 to 43, then it is called commercial. Its purpose is in rooms with intensive movement of people and equipment. Such linoleums have a reinforced film layer (up to 0.8 mm), even lower shrinkage (0.02-0.1 mm / m) and a warranty period of operation (from 10 to 25 years).

The relatively high cost of such linoleum (10-40 euros per square meter), combined with excessive technical characteristics for apartments and houses, makes its use in residential premises impractical. Some commercial linoleums may have a special purpose:

Sports surfaces with softness and elasticity for good contact with sports shoes.
Coatings resistant to chemicals and having bactericidal properties, which is very useful in medical institutions.
Anti-slip coatings near pools and in other areas with high humidity.
Antistatic coatings.

The thickness of the protective layer of linoleum

Most modern linoleums have a strong protective film of pure PVC on their surface. It is its thickness that should be taken into account when choosing linoleum, depending on the purpose of the room. Manufacturers offer the following gradation:

A film with a thickness of 0.15 mm is quite suitable for using such linoleum in living rooms and bedrooms.
A protective layer of 0.20 mm will be optimal for children's rooms.
0.25 mm - for kitchens, hallways and corridors.
0.30 mm - service and office premises with an average load.
Protective layer of 0.50 mm or more - for rooms with high and very high loads.

Find out what methods are used for, from our new article.

Linoleum marking

When choosing linoleum, all its technical data must be provided by the seller along with the necessary certificates: conformity and hygienic. Manufacturers of quality linoleum reverse side they always put their logo, as well as all the information that will greatly help the buyer:

Linoleum class - will help you make the right choice.
Batch number - if you plan to purchase a large amount of linoleum, then it is desirable that it be from the same batch.
Date of manufacture.

Also, the manufacturer can apply additional pictograms that indicate the special properties of the coating. Such possible designations are shown in the figure.

Prices for the popular line of linoleums for the home

Linoleum for home

How to choose linoleum correctly?

Now that there is complete clarity with the types of existing linoleums, you can specify a number important points to help you make the right choice.

Linoleum should be purchased only in specialized stores where all storage requirements are met, and there is also a complete set of accompanying documents confirming compliance with standards and safety.

Depending on the purpose of the room, a class of linoleum is selected and it is better to do this with some margin: one step higher than necessary.
Particular attention should be paid to the thickness of the linoleum, its strength and the presence of an upper protective layer.
It is necessary to strive to ensure that the linoleum flooring does not have connecting seams or there are a minimum of them. This is achieved by careful measurement of the premises and the choice of rolls of the desired width.
The modern variety of colors, textures, patterns of linoleum allows you to make any choice, but at the same time, you must take into account the purpose of the room, pleasant colors for a comfortable stay in it and the preferences of all households.
In rooms with possible severe pollution, it is better to use glossy linoleum.
When buying, you must carefully examine the entire surface of the linoleum and make sure that there is no damage.
Poor base preparation and illiterate can negate all the advantages of this coating.

Video: How to choose the right linoleum for your home?

Tarkett, the world's largest manufacturer of flooring materials with a 130-year history, produces one of the highest quality and most durable coatings - PVC linoleum. Its factories are open all over the world, including in Russia. Since 1995, a plant has been operating in the city of Otradny, Samara Region, for the production of:

Household roll floors designed for residential use;
Semi-commercial materials used in medium traffic areas (offices, halls, conference rooms);
Commercial homogeneous (homogeneous) and heterogeneous (multilayer) flexible PVC used for commercial, commercial, industrial facilities.

In domestic stores, Tarkett products are sold under 4 brands:

Tarkett- the most expensive segment of the best high-quality linoleum 23, 31-33 and 41-43 classes. The assortment includes more than 20 collections for domestic, semi-commercial, commercial and special purposes. characteristic feature series is a variety of designs, as well as an interesting appearance with a believable imitation of the textured surface of parquet, solid board, porcelain stoneware, etc.
Sinteros - a budget option household and commercial PVC coatings 21-23, 31-34 classes. The advantages of linoleum are versatility, practicality and durability. An analogue of this line is the products of the Ukrainian plant Vinisin.
polystyle- vinyl material of 23, 31-34 and 41 classes, combining an affordable price and Tarkett quality. Available in 6 collections, the assortment is chosen so that each design can be used in any type of premises.

Thus, the Tarkett company produces high-quality PVC linoleum in a huge assortment for every taste, color and budget.

Main advantages:

High level resistance of linoleum to abrasion and tensile loads. Thanks to a transparent polyurethane tarnsparent and additional protective coatings Extreme Protection, Titanium, R.MAX and others, the surface of the material is inert to water, aggressive household chemicals, abrasives, shoes. And the use as part of fiberglass ensures the stability of the floor finish to deforming factors.
Sanitary and hygienic, fire safety and environmental friendliness. Tarkett's products are the only ones in the Russian Federation that have received the Leaf of Life voluntary eco-testing certificate.
Huge selection of designs and textures for parquet, massive board, marble, ceramics, natural stone, textiles and more. There are more than 1000 decors in various shades in the assortment.
Possibility to choose felt-based linoleum or foam-based PVC. The first is warmer, recommended for use on the screed. The second is universal.
Approved for use in preschool, educational and medical institutions.
Easy installation and maintenance.
Available in many collections price.
Long service life - from 10 to 40 years.

The long-awaited season of repairs is coming. Many apartment owners are thinking about which linoleum is best for an apartment. Let's try to understand this issue and in the huge range offered by trade organizations to help you choose exactly the option you need.

material requirements

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

Specifications

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

Household is a thin material that can withstand 1.25 kg per 1 square meter. Rolled into a roll, it does not crack. Such material will be quite appropriate in the bedroom or hallway. Not suitable for kitchen or bathroom.
Commercial - wear-resistant and durable material. Choosing which linoleum
better for an apartment, you can confidently opt for this option.
Semi-commercial - strong enough and not thick material.

Hallway

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

Bathroom

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

Living room

Many are interested in whether it is worth using linoleum for the hall. In an apartment, this is probably the room with the least load on the floor. Therefore, the use of classic linoleum in it is fully justified, especially if it is partially covered with carpets. It is important to choose the right color. If you want to make the floor stand out from the crowd, choose a linoleum color that contrasts with the walls and furniture. To make the room look harmonious, pick up a few accessories to match the color of the floor. It can be textiles, souvenirs, vases, etc.

Kitchen

It is clear that this room needs special flooring. They can become linoleum with a protective layer. Usually it is a natural material. You need to know that linseed oil, which is part of natural linoleum, is a powerful antiseptic that can not only protect the floor from germs, but also disinfect the air in the kitchen.

An important element of the overall design are the floors in the apartment. Linoleum for the kitchen, in addition to being attractive and matching the style of the color, must necessarily have anti-slip properties. It's no secret that it gets wet quite often. Therefore, the anti-slip properties will protect you from injury.

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

Children's room

The room where the best linoleum should be laid. For an apartment where a baby room is equipped, it is especially important to make the right choice. The floor will not be used too intensively, but it should be borne in mind that a little man will crawl on it, spank with bare feet, and therefore special attention should be paid to its safety.

The most floor covering is natural linoleum. Flaxseed oil, which is part of its composition, has bactericidal properties, antistatic properties. In other words, this is the best option. But you should know that its price is twice as expensive as synthetic. If you decide that this material is too expensive for you, then lay it upper layer glued on a jute or felt base. Such material for the nursery is decorated with bright and colorful images of animals or favorite cartoon characters, which will certainly please the baby.

Is linoleum harmful?

Starting a home renovation, each person is concerned with the question of how to choose safe, environmentally friendly materials. Is linoleum harmful? In the apartment, natural material is completely safe. Today, however, manufacturers offer many more synthetic PVC coatings. Their manufacturers claim that they are also safe, subject to certain operating rules:

do not lay alkyd (rubber) linoleum in residential premises;
commercial linoleum is not suitable for flooring in an apartment, as it contains plasticizers (to increase strength);
you should not buy an uncertified product - it may contain

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

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

Linoleum - the best solution for an apartment

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

Even professionals find it difficult to decide on a 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 complexity of the choice is obvious. Especially if the criteria for each person are different. 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 consider the above parameters. This will help you enjoy the beauty and quality of the selected linoleum for a long time.

Types of linoleum

Types - from synthetic materials to natural components

Before you make a choice, you need to study what materials are available. To date, 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)

PVC type

Among synthetic materials, it is popular with a different base (baseless, foam-based or woven-based).

When laying in an apartment, preference is given to felt-based PVC material. Thanks to its thick layer, it does not need an underlay and does not require gluing to the floor.

The main disadvantage of such a 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 - the production technology makes it possible to make them harmless, which is confirmed by quality certificates.

Glyptal linoleum

glyptal type

This coating is obtained by fixing alkyd resin on the fabric. The material has good sound and heat insulating properties. But the inherent fragility of the composition complicates the laying 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. Linoleum of this type does not have a base: it is not afraid of moisture, it is not flammable, it has a decorative sheen. But, its negative sides 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 resists moisture. But the presence of toxic, volatile components does not make it possible to lay it in apartments and where people live.

Wear classes

Wear 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 erasing and the size of the layer of protection applied, all linoleums are divided into three classes.

Commercial

It is characterized by a high degree of wear resistance. Such a coating may be single-layer or multi-layer. Strength achieved different ways: due to compaction of the material or by adding special stabilizing agents. It is used in offices, schools, hospitals.

semi-commercial

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

Domestic

Such linoleum poorly resists abrasion, but it has a large selection of colors and designs. It is usually used in rooms where there is low traffic (bedroom). low price does not affect the material, it looks high quality and expensive. In places of an apartment with high traffic, it is not recommended to lay it.

Abrasion groups

Selection by abrasion group

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

This construction parameter indicates 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 - the layer decreases in thickness by 0.8-0.15 mm (medium wear);
M - the material is reduced in thickness by 0.15-0.3 mm (low wear);
F - the layer decreases in thickness by 0.3-0.6 mm (weak material).

Inclusions that may be in the material consist of a mixture of quartz sand and chalk. This mixture reduces the wear resistance of the material. The 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 digits. 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 marking 23-24.

Living room

Dark colors in the living room

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

Bedroom

The bedroom can use household polyester or PVC

Determining the patency in the room will help determine which linoleum to choose in 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 or more.

Kitchen

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

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

Children's room

In the children's room only natural material

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

Balcony

Balcony - moisture-resistant and frost-resistant materials

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

The corridor

In the corridor - PVC

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

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

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

Considering all the nuances, it will not be difficult to choose a floor covering, and the purchase will not bring unpleasant impressions during operation.

Which linoleum to choose for the hall

Hall - PVC coating on a jute or felt basis

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

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

Cleans with common detergents.

Which company's linoleum is better to choose for an apartment

Coverage by different companies

On the market, the coating is presented in a wide variety, both domestic and foreign manufacturers. How to choose the right linoleum for the home, which manufacturer to prefer? We can say with confidence that the material of our production is not inferior in terms of characteristics to European ones. The Tarkett company has proven itself well. Among foreign manufacturers, give preference to such firms as

Gerflor;
Juteks;
Forbo;
Grabo.

Tarkett is the world's leading manufacturer of floor coverings. PVC linoleum of this company is available in a different price range and is durable and wear resistant.

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

Currently on the market there is a large number of different floor coverings, so that everyone can find what suits them best. For some people the choice suitable material may turn out to be an interesting activity, for others, such a process turns into something difficult and unthinkable, due to the fact that each material has a number of its own characteristics, both in appearance and in quality characteristics. This article will be about which linoleum better fit for various rooms residential premises.

Pros and cons of PVC flooring

Perhaps there is no other floor covering than linoleum, about which so many myths would not go and there were no different opinions. This should not be surprising, because it is linoleum that is assigned the leading position among other floor coverings in Russia.

Compared to other floor coverings, the best linoleum has the following advantages:

many design solutions: in shades, colors, patterns imitating wood, stone, and even laminate (read also: "");
a variety of types of material in terms of wear resistance, which affects its placement in a particular room;
it takes a minimum of time to clean it;
it is easy to lay even without the help of specialists;
affordable price (about 180-450 rubles per 1 m 2);
under it, small irregularities of the base are easily hidden;
not afraid of exposure to water;
the coating is so versatile that it can be laid in many types of premises.

However, PVC-based linoleum has a number of disadvantages:

Availability bad smell some time after its laying;
easily damaged due to direct mechanical impact;
has an artificial basis;
is rather slippery;
cheap varieties look bad on the outside.

However, the advantages of linoleum outweigh the disadvantages in a ratio greater than that of other floor coverings. The latest, the best linoleum, has practically no flaws.

Currently existing sanitary and fire regulations guarantee the presence on the market of materials that are devoid of unpleasant odors, while they have the maximum environmental friendliness. The latest technology has made it possible to develop linoleum even with an antibacterial coating. In addition, the latest models are equipped with a reinforced polyethylene layer, embossed, which makes linoleum as similar as possible to natural materials.

Choosing the best linoleum

In order for the choice of linoleum for the house to be the most successful, you first need to decide in which room it will be used. As a rule, this criterion is decisive. Let's figure out which type of linoleum to choose for the floor is best in this or that case.

Room types are as follows:

household;
office;
production.

In this case, the linoleum marking may contain a number or a pictogram: house (2); building (3) or factory (4).

The force of impact on linoleum is low, medium, high and very high. On linoleum, this is reflected by a pictogram in the form of little men - from 1 to 4.

All factors together - the type of room and the load on the coating, form wear resistance classes of linoleum, which are:

21-24 - for the home;
31-34 - for the office;
41-44 - for industrial premises.

Linoleum, parquet, laminate, carpet and tiles are divided into the same classes, even though they have completely different characteristics.

It is worth talking about these two types of premises, such as office and residential, in detail.

To choose linoleum for the home - which one is better suited in a particular case, it is worth highlighting 3 types of premises:

The bedroom, study or wardrobe have a low load - class 21 is suitable.
In the living room and children's room, the average load on the coating is 22 class.
In the corridor, hallway and children's room with several children - a high load - 23 class.

Offices can also be divided into three types:

Offices without visitors and hotel rooms - low load - 31 class.
Negotiation rooms in business establishments, banquet rooms, reception rooms - average load - 32 class.
Schools, institutes, offices with high attendance, shopping centers, corridors of hotels and hospitals - high load - 33, 34 classes.

That is, knowing what type of room this or that room belongs to, you can choose a fairly strong linoleum. The only thing to consider is that the higher the strength class of the material, the more expensive it is. Therefore, one should approach the choice of material, starting from expediency, thinking about whether it is worth overpaying for a material with high strength indicators, or, conversely, is it worth saving.

In addition to wear resistance, you need to pay attention to other characteristics.

Some types of linoleums have the following advantages:

the presence of an auxiliary protective layer of varnish - makes cleaning much easier;
antibacterial layer - does not allow bacteria to develop on the floor surface;
double base - gives the coating additional strength and softness, the floor absorbs noise better and retains heat better;
natural terrain - the latest technology allow you to create a texture that is as close as possible to natural material– such coverage has a higher cost.

Base selection

Which base of linoleum is best suited for your premises will be most influenced by: the appearance of the coating, your personal preferences, strength, softness, safety.

The basis of linoleum can be of several types:

jute;
felt;
polyester;
from polyvinyl chloride;
combined.

The disadvantages of the basis of jute and felt include the impossibility of using such material in a humid environment, in addition, various microorganisms can start on it. This is because these materials are natural. The vast majority of currently existing varieties of linoleum have a synthetic base made of PVC or polyester.

But the best choice still there are materials on a combined basis of PVC and polyester. Such linoleum has improved characteristics acquired from these materials.

Among them are:

sound and heat insulation;
increased strength;
size constancy;
complete resistance to moisture;
prevents mold and mildew from forming.

Adhesive selection

Since the technology of laying linoleum involves gluing it to the floor to extend its service life, it is desirable that the adhesive be of sufficient quality and correctly selected.

To glue linoleum to the base, you need to purchase a dispersion adhesive. Reactive adhesive, referred to as " cold welding”, will be required for gluing joints. It temporarily softens the linoleum, due to which the joints are connected into one. You can also resort to hot gluing, but in this case you will need to get a building hair dryer.

Deciding on a color

Once you have decided on what basis better linoleum will perform its functions, you can proceed to the selection colors. Naturally, in this case there simply cannot be a universal solution, there are only tips on combining color shades.

Keep in mind that the same color scheme may look different in rooms with different sizes, as well as with other lighting.

A number of combinations that are suitable in one case or another:

shades of yellow and green are best suited to relieve fatigue;
warmth and comfort will be brought into the room by shades of beige and pale yellow;
to give the bathroom freshness, you can choose turquoise shade(read also: "");
in meeting rooms, as well as in bedrooms, the best way blue and blue colors are suitable, which relax well and can cause a sleepy state;
bring the body into tone, invigorate, endow with a positive mood and warmth red, yellow and bright orange colors;
to create a working environment, you can choose gray linoleum;
designers can pay attention to White color, it is combined with all shades.

Myths about linoleum

Linoleum cracks and dries

On the old Soviet-era linoleum, cracks did often occur, and it also dried out over time. This happens because the manufacturer chooses the wrong materials to form the base. Currently well-known companies, such as Tarkett, IVC, Sinteros, produce products exclusively from high-quality materials.

It is worth noting that if linoleum is brought into a room from the street where the temperature was below 15 ° C, it needs time to reach the temperature of the room, usually 24-48 hours, otherwise it will crack, regardless of the quality of the material.

Over time, on light linoleum, the surface wears out from traces

Naturally, the coating may lose its brightness over time. However, as a rule, this is not affected by the quality of the material, but by the technology of laying linoleum and its operation.

Firstly, this happens if linoleum is laid on a painted wooden floor, or if it is opened with chemical mixtures, such as bitumen or drying oil. After some time, these substances are able to penetrate through the linoleum.

Secondly, if the installation of linoleum was made in a room with an aggressive environment.

In such cases, it is better to pay attention to hard linoleum, and do not buy light shades. In addition, try to lay linoleum on a perfectly flat base, this will extend the life of linoleum.

Outcome

When choosing linoleum, remember that you need to pay attention not only to the class of the product, but also to take into account the basis on which it will be laid. Even having bought the most expensive type of linoleum, one cannot be sure that it will last a long time if the elementary technology of its installation is not followed. And do not forget that the base must be carefully prepared for laying linoleum.