Not so long ago, a new material for flooring has appeared - marmoleum. What is it? In fact, it is natural linoleum, only of much better quality. Their main difference is that this material consists of natural and environmentally friendly components. It is made from the resin of pine needles, jute, cork, using linseed oil and natural dyes. This is undoubtedly a huge plus for this product. But before making a decision: apply marmoleum in the process of construction and repair with your own hands or not, you need to weigh the pros and cons.

2. Advantages of marmoleum coating.

High strength of this material. Able to withstand a load equal to 160 kg per 1m 2. This means that even very heavy furniture does not push it to dents.

Solvent and various other chemical solutions do not do any harm to marmoleum.

Spilled liquids of various origins do not leave traces and are easily removed from the surface marmoleum.

This material is painted over to its full depth, which ensures the preservation of its appearance even with its gradual erasure.

Coating marmoleum has antibacterial properties due to the presence of linseed oil in its composition.

Does not cause allergies.

It does not burn and it is almost impossible to burn it, with the exception of ultra-high temperatures.

Marmoleum refers to a fairly good noise isolator.

Ecological purity of marmoleum.

Consists of natural ingredients.

3. Disadvantages of marmoleum coating

One of the main disadvantages of marmoleum is its fragility, especially around the edges.

Heavy enough material. Again, this applies to the more roll type.

By the way, if you use such a marmoleum, then you need to contact a specialist, because it will be problematic to do it yourself. Since this requires special equipment.

Cropping produces uneven and ugly edges. But if you cut off only those places that will then be covered with baseboards, then there is no tragedy in this.

Over time, it can deform due to diffusion. Therefore, when buying, be sure to check the integrity of the packaging and the expiration date of the product!

At first from covering marmoleum an unpleasant odor comes out. However, it disappears after a while.

Such a floor will not be a cheap pleasure.

Now let's talk about how to produce laying marmoleum do it yourself. There is nothing complicated in this process. Naturally, we mean only marmoleum tiled (there are sizes 30 × 30 or 50 × 50 cm) or panel type (size 90 × 30 cm). By the way, the technology itself is very similar to laying a cork floor, the methods of which we have described.

Stages laying marmoleum:

1. To begin with, as always in the process of laying the flooring with your own hands, you need to prepare its base. If the old floor is flat, without depressions and potholes, then natural linoleum can be installed immediately without prior preparation. The main thing is that the surface is clean. If there are any irregularities and the floor is wooden, then, as a rule, it is leveled by covering it with plywood, OSB or something similar. If the floor is concrete, then you can fill in a self-leveling screed. The most important thing is to ensure that the surface is flat, in order to avoid damage to the material in the future.

2. Since the coating marmoleum has a tendency to deformation due to temperature changes, namely, it becomes longer when it rises, and when it decreases, it takes its shape again, it is necessary to leave the so-called temperature gap around the entire perimeter of the room. As a rule, special spacers must be included in the kit for this. This gap will then be closed with a plinth.

Fig. 1 Spacers when laying marmoleum

3. Laying marmoleum starts from the center in the event that some kind of pattern is provided. If not, we stack from any corner in order.

4. Joining plates natural linoleum takes place in a special castle. Since this is done at a certain angle, it will be convenient for an emphasis to use beveled bars in the work, which are removed immediately after the slabs are joined.

Fig. 2 Bar under marmoleum coating

Fig. 3 Bar

5. If you need to knock on the plates marmoleum, do it through some kind of spacer, and not directly on the material. Use a rubber mallet or mallet as an impact tool.

Fig. 4 We knock the plate through the spacer

6. Cutting marmoleum is done with a jigsaw or a saw with a fine tooth.

Fig. 5 Cutting the slab

5. Let's summarize

In general, as you can see, there is nothing complicated in the process. laying marmoleum do it yourself. The main thing is to level the floor and carefully work with the material. If you have any questions, write in the comments. Good luck to you DIY construction and repair!

Good afternoon Gal!

Marmoleum is a product made from cork and jute. Natural resin from vegetable oils is used as a binder for these materials. The use of natural materials ultimately allows you to get an environmentally friendly product that does not have a harmful effect on humans and animals. The technology for making marmoleum is quite old, analogues of this material were used in the decoration of houses back in the 17th century. Since then, significant changes have been made to the technology, but its essence and composition of the material (its basis) have remained the same. Unlike linoleum, marmoleum has greater rigidity and does not squeeze in places where furniture and other heavy objects are installed. This allows softer materials to be used as a backing for marmoleum. Marmoleum has the following requirements for the base - it must be dry, clean and even.

The technology of laying marmoleum is similar to laying linoleum, but there are some peculiarities. Home - marmoleum does not tolerate moisture. Therefore, this material is not used for bathroom decoration.

Due to the intolerance of moisture, a clean concrete base is not used under the marmoleum, since condensation can form on the concrete. To protect the material from condensation, polyethylene is placed between concrete and marmoleum.
If marmoleum is laid on an old wooden floor that has many defects, for example, delamination of boards, protruding nails, potholes from furniture during long-term use, then plywood is used as a leveling substrate.

If the plank floor is in relatively good condition, then its preparation is limited to careful filling of cracks and various irregularities.
In addition, jute, linen and mixed backing made from natural fibers is used.
In addition to leveling, they insulate the base well. Marmoleum coating with such a substrate has a feeling of a "warm" floor. In linen, experts note good ventilation qualities, high strength, and resistance to the appearance of mold fungi. Jute fibers, specially treated with the appropriate composition, resist burning.

Good heat and sound insulation is provided by a cork backing. Cork is a natural material and therefore environmentally friendly, odorless and does not cause allergic reactions in the body. Mold does not appear under it, fungus does not start. It is impregnated with a fire-resistant compound and therefore guarantees fire safety. But cork is relatively expensive, but at the same time more durable than other types of substrates. When choosing a cork, it is recommended to give preference to harder grades. Many people believe that it is still better to use it under a laminate.
Often a porous polymer (isolon, penofizol), reminiscent of foam rubber, is used as a substrate. Its main advantages: low cost and ease of installation. The disadvantages, due to which many experts do not recommend using it, include its crumpling under load, low strength and very low thermal insulation properties.

Cleaning, renovation and restoration of natural linoleum

Marmoleum is not only a beautiful, but also an environmentally friendly floor covering that is resistant to wear and tear. Like any material, natural linoleum requires maintenance.

To extend the life of the coating, restore shine and original appearance, it is recommended every 1-2 years (depending on the intensity of use of the coating) to carry out a general cleaning of the marmoleum.

Below is a clear demonstration of the "restoration" of the appearance of natural linoleum-marmoleum, at one of our facilities.

Marmoleum was intensively exploited in the corridors of the institute for 2 years and after that time we made its renewal. We want to show you step by step the whole process of renewing natural linoleum:

So, in photo 1 (below) you can see how the marmoleum looked after 2 years of intensive use.

Rice. 1

We start the process of updating / restoring marmoleum:

Step 1. Cleaning (Fig. 2).

On the most dirty areas of the floor (dark stripes, stubborn dirt), grind the diluted Forbo 891 cleaner (3 caps for 2 liters of water) and leave it for 15 minutes, letting it dissolve dirt particles for easier cleaning.

After 15 minutes, wash the entire floor with water with the addition of Forbo 891 cleaner in a lower concentration (1: 100 or 1 cap for 2 liters of water).

Step 2... Thoroughly rinse the floor with plain clean water to remove the remains of the cleaner and dirt (wash twice).

Rice. 2

Step 3... On the cleaned dry floor, apply the first layer of Forbo 898 mastic (it can be matte / glossy), in this case, glossy mastic was used. (the mastic is applied in 2 layers).

We distribute the mastic over the entire surface using a lint-free cloth, or (as in this case), a large area of ​​the floor is processed using a special mop-polisher. Let the floor dry completely before applying the second coat of mastic. Important: when distributing the mastic, rub it in a circular motion and avoid accumulation of mastic (whitish spots or stripes).

Rice. 3. The mastic is applied in 1 layer.

Step 4. After the first layer has completely dried (about 30 minutes) - repeat step 3, apply the second layer of mastic.

Rice. 4. The mastic is applied in 2 layers.

Step 5. Let the floor dry completely (at least 30 minutes). You should refrain from walking on the rubbed floor until it is completely dry.

Rice. 5. Result. (On the left - it was, on the right - the Renewed marmoleum).

We offer an integrated approach to working with floor coverings, including installation, dismantling and further maintenance of floor coverings.

Here you can find a line of products for the protection, care and restoration of natural linoleum-marmoleum, and get advice on the care of any other type of flooring.

We are glad to be of service to you.

Natural linoleum (marmoleum) appeared in the 17th century, but for some time it was supplanted by the more affordable and practical linoleum in use. Nowadays, this flooring has again become popular and in demand.

What is marmoleum and how is it made?

The material is produced by pressing a mixture of cork wood, lime, linseed oil, flour, jute fiber, coniferous bark, natural dyes.

In certain proportions, these components are mixed, aged and pressed under high pressure at an elevated temperature. The result is a floor covering that can be safely called natural. The material is covered with a protective layer on top, which makes it easier to care for, provides resistance to UV rays and makes it even stronger.

Types of marmoleum

Depending on the thickness of the decorative layer, the material is produced as thin (from 2 to 2.5 mm) and thick (from 2.5 to 4.0 mm). It can be based on chipboard (interlocking) and on a cork backing (adhesive).

A covering with a lock type of connection resembles a parquet board or laminate. It consists of three layers: the top layer 2–2.5 mm thick is actually marmoleum, the middle layer is chipboard, the bottom layer is solid cork. The strength of the tool joints is ensured by a very strong high pressure particle board (HDF) middle layer.

It feels as hard as laminate, as warm as parquet (colder than cork but warmer than laminate). On the Russian market there is a material with a lock joint manufactured by the American concern "FORBO".

Manufacturers offer three types of coverage:

Tiled

Tiles are made in the size of 300x300 mm or 500x500 mm. The tiles are laid like PVC or quartz vinyl, on glue.

Panel

The panels are longer than the tiles. The size of the panels is 900x300, they are laid, like tiles, on glue.

Roll

Marmoleum sheets in rolls can have a thickness of 2–2.5 mm and 2.5–4 mm (thin and thick, respectively), a width of 1.5 to 6 m and a length of up to 32 m. The weight of one roll is about 120 kg. The rolls are heavy, the edges of the sheets are fragile, easily crumble, it can be rolled out only once.

It is not recommended to lay roll material with your own hands. It is based on a cork layer. We need a crane, a team of riggers, loaders. It will not be possible to roll a rolled roll again, therefore, it is better not to use rolled marmoleum in residential premises of a small area.

Wear classes

Like synthetic linoleum, marmoleum is produced in several wear resistance classes:

21-23 thin (up to 2 mm) household, suitable for domestic conditions with a small load on the floor (bedrooms, offices).

31–33, 2.5 mm thick, semi-commercial, withstands static loads, suitable for rooms with heavy traffic and floor load.

41–43 layer thicknesses over 3.2 and 4 mm, suitable for floors with intensive use, for example, railway station buildings, airports. In domestic conditions, it is also used, but it costs much more than a household one.

Advantages

• Natural environmentally friendly material.
• Possesses bactericidal properties, as it contains linseed oil.
• The material is non-toxic and does not cause allergic reactions.
• Resistant to solvents, acids and other chemicals.
• Does not fade when exposed to sunlight.
• Possesses antistatic, soundproof properties.
• It is not subject to deformation under mechanical stress, can withstand loads up to 160 kg / cm 2, is easy to maintain, and is resistant to fire.
• A wide variety of shades, easy to install.
• Service life over 20 years.
• The material is tough, but brittle at the edges, requires careful handling.
• Over time, it hardens and spreads, so the gaps become smaller.
• New sheets have an unpleasant odor that will fade over time.
• Heavy coating, with residual ductility along the layers.
• Poorly cut with a knife, it is difficult to get an even edge.
• Not suitable for warm floors, as it does not allow heat to pass through well.
• Not recommended in kitchens and bathrooms (manufacturer's recommendations), as the material can deform at high humidity. The optimum temperature is 18 ° C, humidity is not more than 60%.
• Not recommended for use on unheated balconies and loggias.
• An expensive coating in comparison with linoleum and laminate.

disadvantages

Self-styling technology

Laying the roll cover should be entrusted to professionals. The material is heavy, brittle, and may crumble at the edges.

It is better to independently mount tiles or panels with or without a base. In general, laying marmoleum is not difficult if the base is flat and the installer does not forget about the fragility of the material. The tiles should be handled very carefully.

Laying marmoleum tiles or panels without a backing is like applying quartz vinyl tiles, PVC or natural cork, while installing HDF backing boards is like working with a laminate with some subtleties.

Consider laying marmoleum with and without a base. The stages are as follows:

1. Leveling the base. This is the most important and crucial stage, since marmoleum is very sensitive to unevenness in the floor. The wooden floor is leveled with sheets of plywood or OSB, the concrete floor is better leveled with a self-leveling screed. After that, the floor under the adhesive tiles should be treated with a deep penetration primer.
2. Temperature gaps of 1.5–2 cm are made around the perimeter of the room by inserting wooden planks wrapped in plastic wrap or inserts (inserts are attached to the material, which are removed after laying the cover).
3. Laying of the lock panels is carried out according to the type of laminate installation, in staggered fashion: each subsequent row begins with the remainder of the board of the previous row. If a drawing of tiles of different colors is supposed on the floor, it should first be depicted on paper and on the floor, and it is better to start the work from the center of the room.
4. Joining the fragments is somewhat difficult due to the flexibility of the top layer. Bars cut under a wedge with an angle of inclination at which the fragment is inserted into the lock will help to cope with the problem. The bars are placed under the marmoleum and inserted into the groove of the previous row. Then the bars are removed, and the coating strip takes its position.
5. To cut boards, use a jigsaw with a metal saw or a fine-toothed hacksaw.

Castle marmoleum

Adhesive tiles

The tile is glued with a special glue or silicone sealant. If you use multi-colored tiles, you can lay out interesting patterns. A sketch is drawn on paper at a certain scale.

Covering tiles in a rectangular room begin to glue from a short wall, having previously marked the laying line of the first row.

Glue is applied to the floor in zigzag lines under each tile, then it is laid and pressed firmly against the floor. To seal the tiles, they are tapped with a rubber mallet.

The next one is glued on the side. To make it fit snugly against the previous tile, use a flat wooden block. It is placed on the side and tapped on it with a hammer, pressing the tiles. You can use a hook clamp to pull the tiles together. This is how all the rows are laid sequentially.

If you insert tile crosses between the tiles, and then seal the seams with a contrasting sealant, the floor will look elegant and beautiful.

Manufacturers

Marmoleum is an expensive material, and, like any similar coating, it is not protected from fakes. Violations of technology during manufacturing greatly affect the quality, so you need to buy coatings from well-known manufacturers.

The recognized leader in the production of marmoleum is the Forbo group of companies. It was organized in 1928. The Forbo concern includes more than 40 companies located in the USA and Western Europe.

An equally large supplier to the Russian market is the British corporation "Armstrong", which has its factories in European countries.

Prices for marmoleum of various types and manufacturers

Marmoleum - video

In construction supermarkets, a huge selection of floor coverings literally falls on visitors.

How can one not get confused among them!

Parquet, laminate, linoleum - these materials are already well-known, but they are changing, improving, and on the basis of some new ones appear, for example, marmoleum.

Marmoleum is the name of a new and already popular floor covering.

The composition of this material included only natural ingredients: jute, linseed oil, resin of coniferous trees.

In the second half of the 20th century, PVC-based linoleum became popular.

But by the end of the century, the demand for natural materials is increasing again.

Pressed cork chips were introduced into the natural linoleum.

They began to use in production a new method - hot dry pressing.

The resulting coating was marketed under the name "marmoleum".

The new product appeared on the Russian market in 2008: the American concern FORBO presented its products.

The MARMOLEUM CLICK collection was developed specifically for home use.

Marmoleum from this collection has a lock connection, which simplifies the installation of the covering.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

This coating, without deformation, can withstand a load of up to 160 kg / sq. cm.

Its thickness is 2-4 mm (depending on the class).

A square meter weighs 2.6 - 3.4 kg.

Today the popularity of this material is justified by its outstanding characteristics:

1. It is absolutely environmentally friendly. Its second name is natural linoleum, because it contains only natural ingredients: wood flour, jute, chalk, crushed bark of a cork tree, linseed oil and resin of coniferous trees. By the way, linseed oil and resins have bactericidal properties, therefore marmoleum also has disinfecting properties.
2. It has good sound and heat insulation, no additional materials are needed when laying it.
3. Wear-resistant, withstands a huge load (punching and scratches are not terrible for him).
4. Moisture resistant: does not swell, does not shrink, does not rot.
5. Not flammable.
6. Does not accumulate static electricity.
7. The material is easy to wash and does not absorb anything.
8. Its installation is very easy even for an amateur in this area.

The warranty period is 20 years, but it is likely to last longer.

Disadvantages:

1. Very fragile material. This should be especially taken into account when buying and transporting. In the store, if possible, check the plates for cracks, and ask the seller for a guarantee.
2. Marmoleum is difficult to cut, it is impossible to achieve an even cut. Therefore, if necessary, it is cut only along the wall, where the uneven cut will cover the plinth.
3. Over time, the coating blurs and hardens a little. It's good when it is already on the floor: you can not close the seams very carefully, they will come together over time. But when buying, be sure to look at the release date and shelf life.
4. High cost.

Varieties

This coating, depending on the thickness of the upper decorative layer, is divided into classes:

1. 41-43 - designed for public spaces where there is a constant flow of people, for example, for large international airports. The top layer is more than 3 mm.
2. 31-33 - industrial (top layer up to 2.5 mm). It is more resistant to static loads, but it withstands alternating ones worse than 41-43.
3. 21-23 - general purpose. The top layer is thinner (2 mm), at a lower price. So it is suitable for ordinary apartments.

You can see two types of marmoleum on sale: in rolls (width 2 m) and in tiles.

You won't be able to work with it on your own: you can't do without a loader, a team of experienced riggers and a crane.

By the way, the marmoleum rolls only once with the base outward, if the roll is rolled out, it is no longer possible to roll it up the second time.

It is inconvenient to work in an apartment with this type of coating, because the material is heavy and fragile.

For small rooms, the second type of marmoleum is chosen - in tiles with dimensions of 50x50 cm or 30x30 cm.

There is also a third type (more rare): panels (size 90x30 cm).

Marmoleum is an excellent flooring option, especially good for the kitchen.

It will withstand high temperatures if, for example, something hot or burning (boiling oil, burning match) falls or spills.

Resistant to scratches and mechanical damage (the legs of constantly moving chairs will not damage it).

Easy to clean, repels dust, dirt, water.

Spilled oil, juice or wine can be easily wiped off with a dry cloth and no stains remain.

It turns out that marmoleum is the perfect floor covering.

Its production is developing rapidly, and its popularity is also growing.

A significant drawback for many today is its high price.

But everything is changing.

And who knows, maybe after some time this material will completely replace other types of floor coverings.