How to choose high-quality linoleum for an apartment or house? Which linoleum is better for an apartment: expert opinion. Is linoleum harmful in an apartment? Which protective layer of linoleum is better for an apartment

Linoleum is a moisture-resistant, hard, woven flooring designed for finishing floors, and the thickness of the linoleum is an important criterion. It has advantages over other floor coverings. A versatile material that is suitable for both domestic and public use. Many people prefer this economical and reliable flooring.

Making a choice in favor of linoleum as a floor covering, the buyer pays attention to the decorative side and to the indicators on which how long the linoleum will last directly depends.

An important role affecting the technical qualities of the material is played by the thickness of the linoleum coating. 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 it for what purposes linoleum is purchased. It can be bedded for home use, and in public places: shops, cinemas, clinics, shopping and entertainment centers, offices, production workshops and other premises with various furniture loads and people's traffic.

MATERIAL USED IN PRODUCTION

Natural linoleum has the advantages inherent only in this variety:

Whatever exceptional positive characteristics he would not have, there are still several disadvantages:

The main disadvantage of such a coating is the very high price of the product.
Made from natural ingredients, this flooring is prone 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, which disappears after a few months.

Such linoleum is not suitable for laying in wet areas, but people who value environmentally friendly materials will find something in this coating that suits their healthy lifestyle.

PVC linoleum is the most common flooring in modern world. It is popular and continues to garner 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 heterogeneous, having several different layers in its structure.

In a single-layer flooring, a pattern or pattern runs through the entire thickness of the product, so it retains its color and clear contour during operation. Although there is not a large selection 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 rooms with high traffic. The main disadvantage of such linoleum is the high cost.

Why is PVC flooring so valued among consumers? The benefits 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 laid in any premises and conditions.
High-quality coating, confirmed by a certificate, does not emit toxic substances.
Easy to clean, practically resistant to any chemicals and solvents.

However, it shrinks when the air temperature rises, so they lay it, leaving reserves under the baseboards. Since new it has a specific smell of chemistry, but after a few weeks it disappears.

Alkyd linoleum are rolled products on a woven basis, impregnated with resins: glyptal 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 downside 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 lot of equipment and where the 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. It is a fully rubber two-layer surface, consisting of a layer of rubber with the addition of dyes and a layer of rubber recycled in the secondary market of raw materials.

Suitable for use in rooms with high humidity. 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 of 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 has been banned today.

Classification of linoleum by thickness and class

In accordance with EN685 standards, the coating is divided into classes. They help to determine the room in which it is better to use it and the degree of load in this place. The classes distinguish between commercial, household and semi-commercial linoleums.

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

Choose the width of the linoleum so that there are a maximum of two seams during installation on the surface, since 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 the kitchen where the floor is bright saturated colors, and it is not realistic to fall asleep in the bedroom in red tones.

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

Conclusion

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

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

Pay attention to the material from which linoleum is made.

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

Linoleum is a publicly available democratic material that has been used to cover floors for the second century. Despite the variety of existing floor coverings, linoleum is still quite popular in our country today. This is natural, because it is interesting in design, easy to install and relatively cheap. This floor covering differs from others in softness and springiness, and at the same time it is durable - it does not crack, like, for example, wooden or ceramic coating. Today the consumer is available huge selection various types of this flooring, and, as you know, a competent choice of linoleum is the key to the durability of this material. How to choose linoleum and what to look for when buying it, so as not to worry about wasted money later? This is what we will try to understand in this article.

The color and texture of linoleum is an important selection criterion

Criteria for choosing linoleum

When purchasing linoleum for your home, you need to focus on the following selection criteria:
1. Does the coating correspond to its purpose (for a nursery, hallway, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom).
2. Will it withstand the load on the floor, given the number of residents and the degree of patency of the place.
3. Does the selected coating meet the requirements (antistatic, thermal insulation, moisture resistance, noise absorption, antibacterial properties).
4. Does it fit into the design of the apartment (it can be monophonic, with an abstract pattern, or imitating various textures - fabric, wood, tile, stone, etc.).

In terms of color and texture, the traditional solution for these premises is linoleum for ceramic tiles.

Living room

In the living room, traffic is moderate. Therefore, linoleum with a thickness of 1.5 mm will be optimal.

Household linoleum in the living room

Bedroom

For a bedroom, as a room with low traffic, you can choose thinner linoleum - from 1.2 to 1.5 mm thick.

Polyester-based household linoleum is well suited for the bedroom.

The best option is polyester household linoleum or linoleum on a foamed polyvinyl chloride base.

Children's room

A children's room is considered a room with an average degree of traffic, but with a high degree of probability of mechanical damage.

PVC foam linoleum in the children's room

Therefore, in a room for children, you can lay household linoleum on a polyvinyl chloride foam base, and even better - a semi-commercial linoleum with a protective top layer of at least 0.25 mm.

Balcony

On the balcony, in the unheated loggia, as well as in the veranda and garden gazebo any linoleum will deteriorate very quickly, since this material does not tolerate direct sunlight and temperature extremes.

Choice of decor and colors

Linoleum is attractive with an endless palette of designs and colors. Manufacturers give natural linoleum bright, rich colors that do not fade over time. The decorative possibilities of synthetic linoleum are even better. He can imitate very reliably such natural materials like stone, wood, ceramic tile.

Dense semi-commercial linoleum imitating ceramic tiles

IN Lately types of decor imitating expensive parquet or parquet board. Linoleum perfectly reproduces oak, beech, cherry, and even such exotic tree species as, for example, zebrano, bamboo, rosewood. At the same time, the flooring reproduces both the pattern and the texture of natural wood.
Linoleum is in great demand, imitating wood mosaics and solid boards.
Bold and extraordinary people will choose fantasy decors and unusual colors.

Fantasy linoleum decor - for bold and extraordinary people

For those who like to experiment with interior design, manufacturers offer original geometric and abstract patterns.
Linoleum looks very impressive, imitating stone - granite or marble.

Looks impressive linoleum, imitating stone - granite or marble

Sometimes there are coatings that reproduce artificially "aged" materials - wood with traces of time or worn stone.

Consider how to choose the right linoleum for your home.
1. First of all, let's trust our sense of smell: the presence of a pungent odor indicates the poor quality of the coating and that it contains additives that are harmful to health. High-quality natural and synthetic linoleum does not smell of anything. In addition, a good linoleum should not have a greasy sheen, the pattern on it should be distinct and look natural, the optimal number of layers is at least five.
2. The width of the coating canvas should, as a rule, match the size of the room. But you need to take it with a margin - to adjust the pattern, trim the panel at the joints. When calculating, it is necessary to take into account the presence of thresholds, niches for batteries, and other ledges in the room.
3. It is recommended to buy the coating not on the market, but rather in a heated room. In the store, it is also more convenient to check its quality.
4. It is worth checking the coverage for compliance with safety standards. The material that has passed a special examination has the appropriate marking, and the seller must have a hygienic certificate.
5. You need to check the quality in a rolled form to see if there are waves and bumps on the surface, or areas where the top film is peeling off. These indicators indicate a marriage, you cannot buy such a coating, the existing irregularities will not be smoothed out in any way.
6. When buying the same linoleum in several rooms, it is better to purchase it in one piece. But at the same time, it is necessary to first calculate whether it will be possible to bring a long roll into the room and whether it will be possible to transport it through narrow openings and stairs.
7. It is strictly forbidden to fold the panels in half. Do not stick adhesive tape on front surface, as it will leave a sticky residue that is difficult to remove. Roll up the linoleum front side inside, and if it is rolled upside down, the roll must be wrapped with a protective film.
8. When choosing a coating, preference should be given to linoleum, which has a special protective layer. This linoleum is easy to clean and will keep beautiful for a long time. appearance.
9. Samples of linoleum, if possible, should be examined in the room where it will be laid. This is convenient for a more accurate selection of the appropriate tone in the interior (cold or), because it is not so easy to do this from memory.
10. All purchased linoleum must be from the same batch, since different batches sometimes differ in color, even when their article numbers are completely the same.
All the above tips, recommendations and explanations will help you make a successful purchase of linoleum from any price segment.

The range of materials for flooring is replenished with new types, presenting us with such exotic materials as cork and self-leveling flooring. But this in no way reduces the popularity of linoleum, which is still one of the budget and at the same time durable floor coverings.

In different rooms - different linoleum

Today you can find linoleum, which differs not only in shade and pattern, but also in performance and purpose (for an apartment, industrial or public premises). How to choose linoleum? Find out what type of room linoleum is intended for, possible by marking, consisting of two digits, the first of which indicates the type of room:

1 - apartment;
2 - office;
3 - public or industrial premises.

The second digit indicates the level of coating strength:

1 - low strength;
2 - medium strength;
3 - high strength;
4 - very high strength.

Marking 23 indicates that such linoleum can be laid in the kitchen in an apartment in which two people live. In the same room, but with a large number of residents, you will need class 31 linoleum.

You can find out what type of room the linoleum is intended for by marking, consisting of two numbers, the first of which indicates the type of room, the second - well, the level of strength of the coating.

Here are the main rules for choosing linoleum or how to choose linoleum:

pay attention to the smell of the material. A pungent smell indicates the presence in linoleum a large number of harmful chemical impurities, which means low quality. Quality linoleum has no smell;
choose linoleum with an additional protective coating (antibacterial or varnish). A floor with such a coating is easier to clean, dirt does not eat into it;
to determine the quality of the coating, it is necessary to unroll the entire roll. Only in this way will protrusions and irregularities, bumps and peeling of the film become noticeable, in a word, defects that cannot be corrected;
pay attention to the shade of linoleum. There should be no extraneous inclusions on the surface (their presence indicates the content of various impurities that are not present in a quality material);
When buying multiple rolls, make sure they are from the same batch, as samples from different batches will vary in color even if their part numbers are the same.

Acquired linoleum cannot be folded in half; adhesive tape should not be glued to its front side. To prevent damage to the material during transport, it must be rolled upside down.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of linoleum are the following:

unpretentiousness in care. The material is easy to clean with a damp cloth, it is moisture resistant, it is only important to monitor the quality of its installation, as improper installation will damage the coating due to water ingress;
strength and durability. The right type of coating will last for decades, linoleum does not wear out and is not afraid of mechanical damage;
environmental friendliness. Natural linoleum or high-quality PVC material does not emit harmful compounds and does not attract dust, which allows it to be used even in medical institutions;
high sound insulation. Unlike porcelain stoneware, linoleum muffles the sound of impacts, falling heavy objects, and even walking in heels;
budget. Compared to other analogues (parquet, tile, self-leveling floor), the cost of linoleum is several times lower.

Natural linoleum or high-quality PVC material does not emit harmful compounds and does not attract dust, which allows it to be used even in medical institutions;

The disadvantages of linoleum are:

Seams. When laying over a large area, it becomes necessary to join several sheets. Over time, dust accumulates in the formed seams, which greatly spoils the appearance of the floor;
swelling of the surface, which is the result of unprofessional installation;
susceptibility to temperature. No matter how durable linoleum is, it is still not a tile and you should not put hot pots on it.

Which linoleum to choose from a bunch of types

Linoleum is divided into several types depending on:

production material: natural, PVC, alkyd, rubber, nitrocellulose;
purpose: household, semi-commercial, commercial;
the presence of a base: with or without a base;
number of layers: heterogeneous (multilayer) or homogeneous (single layer).

The highest quality, and therefore the most expensive natural linoleum. Its basis is jute, tree resin, cork, linseed oil and mineral supplements. Such material has high strength and thermal insulation, has a noble appearance and is safe for health. The disadvantages are the homogeneity of the structure (only one layer), a limited palette of shades and high cost compared to synthetic counterparts.

PVC linoleum can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous. The type of material depends on the number of layers. The most durable is commercial, followed by semi-commercial and household. Linoleum of the first type is indispensable for the kitchen and hallway, living room, nursery and other rooms with massive furniture. you can lay semi-commercial linoleum. Household linoleum is the most vulnerable, so it is only suitable for a bedroom or guest room.

Alkyd linoleum has high heat and sound insulation characteristics, but low strength and low resistance to temperature fluctuations.

Rubber linoleum(relin) is made from synthetic rubber mixed with bitumen. This is a fairly elastic and moisture resistant material, but is not suitable for use in residential areas due to hygiene requirements.

For the kitchen a special approach

The requirements for the kitchen floor are much higher than for the flooring in any other room in the apartment. This is strength, and moisture resistance, and heat resistance, and a noble appearance. Optimal choice for the kitchen will be commercial pvc linoleum grade 31. Such a coating will withstand temperature extremes, and high humidity, and ingress chemical substances. Natural linoleum is not used in the kitchen due to its low strength.

Which linoleum is better for the kitchen. Kitchen linoleum should have a multilayer (heterogeneous) structure with a protective layer thickness of 0.35 - 0.7 mm. Homogeneous linoleum is not suitable for the reason that it does not have a protective layer, and without it, the pattern will be erased very soon.

The strength of linoleum directly depends on its density, the denser the material, the stronger it is. When buying, it is easy to determine by weight: dense linoleum will be heavier.

As for the shade, most often the kitchen floor is finished warm colored linoleum(natural yellowish-brown and beige tones). You can visually enlarge a small space by laying linoleum with a small pattern on the floor. But the coating with a large ornament will favorably shade the furniture. Next, we will discuss which linoleum is better.

Popular brands and approximate cost

Which manufacturer of linoleum is better? Depending on the material of manufacture and the type of linoleum, its cost per square meter. m. can range from 168 rubles. (household) up to 880 rubles. (commercial). The cost of semi-commercial linoleum averages 314 - 747 rubles per square meter. m.

The highest quality is the products of the following manufacturers or which linoleum is the best:

Tarkett. The company provides a huge range of household and commercial type linoleum with different performance characteristics. Among the presented products you can find options for various price category(from 300 to 1300 rubles per sq. m.).
Juteks also produces products of high quality and average cost (235 - 326 rubles per sq. m.).
Gerflor- a French company offering exquisite and high-quality products (369 - 895 rubles per sq. m.).
IVC- Belgian brand, produces linoleum under stone, wood, wool and marble (250 - 416 rubles per sq. M.).

Linoleum flooring.

It is easiest to cut around the edges, the resulting irregularities can be hidden with a plinth. When laying overlapping sheets, it is necessary to cut the joint as accurately and precisely as possible. This is easier to do by laying two pieces overlapping each other and cutting through them.

Installation begins with the calculation of the required amount of material. For this it is necessary calculate the area of the room by measuring the length and width. When taking measurements, you need to take into account the doorways, leaving 10 cm each for their share. Since the pieces of linoleum will have to be joined, another 5-7 cm must be added to the results obtained. For example, for finishing the floor in a room of 3 by 5 meters you will need 16 meters of linoleum (3m + 7 cm stock) * (5 m + 10 cm on the doorway + 7 cm stock) = 16 square meters.

How wide is linoleum? Linoleum available in widths 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 or 4 meters. The best option would be the one in which the linoleum will lie over the entire area with a minimum number of joints.

Next, you need to adjust the linoleum to the size of the room. It is easiest to cut around the edges, the resulting irregularities can be hidden with a plinth. When laying overlapping sheets, it is necessary to cut the joint as accurately and accurately as possible. This is easier to do by laying two pieces overlapping each other and cutting through them.

It is necessary to lay linoleum on the most even surface. Surface preparation consists in cleaning it, removing debris and old coatings. If there are protrusions on the concrete base, they need to be knocked down, and irregularities (you can read about leveling the floor and).

If you have leveled with self-leveling mixtures or concrete, then you need to wait until the surface is completely dry, because under the linoleum the moisture will not evaporate and will lead to rotting and mold development under the floor.

You can attach linoleum to the floor with glue or skirting boards. The first option is suitable for large rooms and when laying with an overlap. To do this, it is necessary to apply building glue to the surface of the floor and deploy a roll of linoleum on it, previously adjusted to the size of the room.

In small rooms with low traffic, linoleum can not be glued, but fixed with skirting boards around the perimeter. The disadvantage of this method is that after a while blisters will appear on the floor. Thus, laying linoleum without taking into account preparatory workwill take about 2 hours.

It is better to lay linoleum not on bare concrete, but on a substrate made of wool, jute, flax.
If linoleum already has a fabric base, then it is better to glue it with dispersion adhesive or bituminous mastic.
It is necessary to lay linoleum at a temperature not lower than 15 degrees.
Joints can be sealed with wide-head nails, aluminum strips and cold welding (special glue). The last option allows you to make the seams less noticeable.

How much does it cost to install linoleum by a professional?

The cost of laying linoleum depends on its type. So the installation of household and commercial linoleum on glue will cost about 250 - 350 rubles per sq.m. (together with material), installation running meter plinth 70 - 100 rubles, installation of the nut 100 - 150 rubles. per running meter. If there is a need for additional work (dismantling the old floor, leveling, building a screed), then the total cost of laying linoleum increases.

Remains one of the most sought after products on the market finishing materials. It is used for decoration of private interiors, administrative buildings, restaurants, offices. Depending on the performance characteristics, the service life of linoleum is from 15 to 25 years.

Modern linoleum has the following advantages:

competitive price;
resistance to moisture and household chemicals;
a rich color palette that allows you to choose the material for the interior;
unpretentiousness in care;
elasticity;
simple and fast installation.

Linoleum classification

It should be borne in mind that there are several varieties of linoleum:

PVC linoleum based on fabric or fiberglass;
premium natural linoleum;
glyptal linoleum, characterized by increased sound and heat insulation characteristics;
colloxylin linoleum - moisture resistant, elastic, but fire hazardous coating;
rubber two-layer linoleum.

By purpose, the material is divided into commercial, semi-commercial and household.

Commercial linoleum is characterized by increased wear resistance and high price. It is made of dense PVC, painted over the entire thickness of the layer. Due to this, the abrasion of the pattern is almost imperceptible. Commercial linoleum is commonly installed in medical, commercial and educational institutions, in fitness centers, entertainment complexes, as well as in public transport.

Semi-commercial linoleum is most often found in shops and offices with medium traffic. Sometimes it is purchased for decoration country cottages and city apartments. The protective layer of the floor covering of this category is from 3 to 5 mm.

Household linoleum is suitable for decoration of residential premises and offices with low traffic. Its service life does not exceed 15 years. Due to the affordable cost, household linoleum remains one of the most popular materials used for finishing private interiors. If you cannot decide which linoleum is best for your home, then it is better to give preference to domestic flooring.

Which linoleum to choose for a house or apartment

In order for the flooring to fully meet the expectations of the buyer and not change its performance characteristics during the entire service life, you need to focus on the type of room.

Which linoleum to choose for the kitchen

Linoleum for the kitchen must be resistant to various contaminants and household chemicals. If you cannot decide how to choose linoleum for the kitchen and hallway, then you should pay attention to the material from the 24th to the 32nd wear resistance class. Floor coverings of this group are able to withstand a fairly intense load.

How to choose linoleum for the bedroom

To choose linoleum for the bedroom, you need to focus on your own taste preferences. This room is characterized by low traffic, so the flooring will not be subject to increased wear or other negative factors. If you choose linoleum for this room, consider the design, environmental friendliness and cost of the material.

How to choose linoleum for the hall or living room

For the hall, you can purchase a floor covering that matches in color with the items in the living room set. A rather original solution would be to buy linoleum, stylized as marble or tile.

Which substrate for linoleum is better

When buying linoleum, many people forget that performance characteristics floor coverings are largely dependent on the substrate. This material improves heat and sound insulation properties, eliminates irregularities, and provides protection against mold and moisture.

There are several types of substrates suitable for linoleum:

jute, made from environmentally friendly, natural fiber;
cork - a substrate that creates a shock-absorbing effect;
linen, treated with antifungal flame retardant;
combined - made using linen, jute and wool.

Note!

Foamed material isolon or penoizol is often used as a substrate for a laminate. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for laying under linoleum. The substrate is quickly wrinkled and ceases to perform its functions.

How to glue linoleum

There are two types of flooring adhesives: dispersion adhesive and reactive adhesive. The dispersion composition is very easy to use, it is non-toxic and odorless. Reactive adhesive is resistant to sudden temperature changes, moisture and harsh operating conditions.

The better to wash linoleum

Your flooring needs to be maintained to keep it looking great. Linoleum is not contraindicated in wet cleaning. To remove dirt, you can use a non-aggressive household chemicals. To eliminate stains of iodine, felt-tip pen, food coloring or coffee, kerosene, gasoline or turpentine is usually used.

Note!

To eliminate the possibility of cracking, it is recommended to rub the linoleum with drying oil or linseed oil. This procedure is performed at intervals of 1-2 months.

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 base 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 synthetic-based floor roll coverings, which were left with 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 best choices- This 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, which is part of 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 of 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. The upper cover, 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 web. PVC foam can be applied chemically and more progressive 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 high temperatures linoleum is shrinking.
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 synthetic rubber painted in various colors. Between themselves, these layers are connected with 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 harmful substances into the surrounding air.

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) in combination with excess for apartments and houses technical specifications, make 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 that are resistant to chemical reagents and have 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 surface on their surface. protective film made of pure PVC. 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.