Durable linoleum for the home. How to choose linoleum - nuances and selection criteria. Additional selection criteria

Almost everyone who is faced with the arrangement of their own home, there is a need to learn how to choose linoleum for an apartment in terms of quality. You should be especially careful here, because for each specific room you need to select a floor covering of a certain quality.

In addition to its versatility, linoleum also attracts bright design and low cost. This coating has other advantages as well:

convenience and ease of installation;
soft and springy base;
does not crack.

Of course, in order for the material to last as long as possible, you need to know how to choose it correctly.

The first step is to figure out what types of coating are produced. For example, there is:

polyvinyl chloride material;
glyphthalic;
colloxin;
relin.

It is clear that each of the above materials has its own distinctive characteristics.

In order to understand exactly which linoleum is best for an apartment, any buyer should focus on the following criteria when choosing:

clarify the purpose of the coating;
what kind of load it can withstand, for example, whether it will be possible to install a table, bed, headset, sofa or other piece of furniture;
whether it has sufficient antistatic properties, as well as thermal insulation and noise-absorbing properties;
whether it fits the basic design of the home.

Some experts argue that it is best to buy natural products. But I would like to refute this opinion, today there are quite good synthetic materials that differ good characteristics and are suitable both for a private house or apartment, and for office premises. But in order to more accurately understand which coating should be given preference, you need to familiarize yourself in more detail with the information about how they differ from each other.

What are the benefits of natural linoleum?

First of all, it should be said that the composition natural linoleum includes:

wood flour;
pine resin;
natural dyes;
limestone powder;
jute fabric.

Linoleum is a popular material that can also be used for living room flooring.

Due to the fact that this material contains exclusively natural components, it is quite logical that such linoleum can be laid both in the bedroom and in the office hall. True, the only thing worth paying attention to is that for each specific room you need to select a coating with a certain thickness and density. Natural linoleum is suitable for premises intended for the life and work of people who suffer from various allergic diseases or asthma.

But besides the fact that the composition of the canvas only natural materials, it has other positive properties:

fairly resistant to abrasion;
environmentally friendly product;
does not fade in the sun;
its structure does not change;
has good antibacterial properties;
does not ignite, even if a spark hits the floor;
it is quite easy to look after him;
has a very original design.

In order to understand exactly which linoleum to choose for an apartment, you should also understand what negative sides this or that coating has. For example, if we talk about natural materials, then they have the following negative qualities:

very fragile, it is forbidden to bend it strongly;
it is undesirable to use in rooms with high humidity;
the cost is higher than that of synthetic linoleum.

Linoleum flooring - the right hygienic solution for the bathroom

It is imperative to take into account both the pros and cons so that the choice of linoleum for the floor of the apartment is correct.

How to choose synthetic material?

If we talk about synthetics, then here you also need to take into account that each separate type of material has its own characteristics. For example, PVC is made on two different bases - fabric and non-woven. The coating can be either two-layer or single-layer. Has the following advantages:

low thermal conductivity;
environmentally friendly;
does not rot;
has a very interesting and original design;
has very good dielectric properties.

But, as with the previous material, there are drawbacks. The material has the following disadvantages:

very sensitive to too high temperatures;
It has low level resistance to various chemical solvents;
if the air temperature drops sharply, the coating will begin to lose its elasticity.

Durable linoleum flooring - practical solution for mini gym

It is clear that any synthetic material divided into household linoleum, commercial and semi-commercial. Therefore, in order to understand which linoleum is better to choose for an apartment, you need to know not only what material it is made of, but also what parameters it has. For example, household flooring is much thinner than commercial flooring. Accordingly, it is cheaper and has a shorter service life - about 3 to 5 years.

If we talk about the glyphthal coating, then a special production process should be noted here. It is made by applying an alkyd resin to a special fabric base. The advantages of such a material are quite clear, they are:

very good sound insulation;
good thermal insulation properties.

But of the shortcomings, it should be noted:

high level of fragility;
complexity in the installation process.

Many buyers are interested in the question of how to properly lay linoleum in an apartment. If we talk about a glyphtal coating, then before laying the linoleum should stand in a warm room. This will help avoid possible deformation.

As mentioned above, when choosing linoleum, it is very important to take into account which room it will be in.

Linoleum imitating parquet - the perfect design solution for the living room

For example, the well-known colloxin coating has a nitrocellulose base. Therefore, it has very good moisture resistance. It is often placed in the bathroom or kitchen. It also has good fire-fighting properties and original exterior design, the decorative shine that such linoleum emits makes it possible to use it in almost any interior.

Natural polyvinyl chloride - the most popular type of linoleum at the present time

Relin is best placed in public places, and in areas where people are not. long time... This is due to the fact that it contains materials that have a negative effect on the human body. Although over time, they almost completely disappear. In addition, this two-layer coating has very good moisture resistance properties and can withstand heavy loads.

But if we talk about how to choose linoleum for an apartment, then it would be more correct to pay attention to the marking and various classifications, which are very important. For example, the first number in the marking means the type of room for which the coating is suitable:

the room in which the lowest level of traffic of people;
rooms where people live;
the room in which there is a large number of people (offices, shops, administrative buildings);
industrial premises.

The second digit indicates the immediate load class. Accordingly, 1 is the lowest level and 4 is the highest.

You need to understand that twenty-first class coverage is suitable for a bedroom or office. In the hallway or in the kitchen - 23rd and 24th grade. Well, the most high class- 33. Most often, buyers choose linoleum class 31. He has the most loyal characteristics and has a pretty nice price.

What is best for the kitchen, hallway and hallway?

If we talk about how to choose good linoleum for an apartment, then it is important to consider where this coverage will be located. Let's say if it comes about the vestibule, kitchen or hallway, then you need to pay attention to the patency. Its thickness must be at least 3 mm. It is clear that in the kitchen it is best to lay household linoleum, which is made on a polyvinyl chloride basis. Of course, it is best to use a fairly high quality semi-commercial coating. But only it has a very high cost in comparison with household coating.

Linoleum is perfect combination prices and quality, unpretentious care

Of course, you should pay attention to the external design of linoleum. In the living room, the level of traffic is slightly less, so a 1.5 mm thick coating can be used here. In this room, it is quite allowed to lay a household covering. It can be a product made of PVC or polyester. For the bedroom, you can choose an even thinner coating - from 1.2 to 1.5 mm, it is better to give preference to products made on the basis of polyester.

And, of course, before making a purchase, you need to know exactly how to choose linoleum for an apartment, based on the requirements of the interior of the room.

How to make the right choice?

The main recommendations have already been described above that will help you make the right choice. But you should understand how to choose linoleum for an apartment, based on existing requirements... To remember all this, you need to summarize all the recommendations. It looks like this:

First of all, you should trust your taste and smell. It must be remembered that really high-quality linoleum does not have a pronounced smell. You should also pay attention to the fact that it does not have a greasy sheen, so the pattern on it is very distinct.
The width of the covering should completely match the dimensions of the room. In this case, you also need to take into account that the drawing must correctly match the dimensions of the room. Therefore, linoleum is often bought with a margin.
It is best to buy the cover from a store where good heating rather than the market.
It is also important to check whether this product complies with all established safety rules. To do this, pay attention to the marking and other data that are indicated on the material itself.
Before buying, you should roll out the linoleum to be sure that the film does not peel off on the top layer. If, for example, there are bumps or other irregularities, then this indicates the poor quality of the material.
Some store employees may fold the roll in half, this is prohibited.
Of course, the coating must have a special protective layer.
If there is such an opportunity, it is better to "try on" - to view samples of linoleum in the room where it will be laid.

It is clear that any buyer seeks to purchase a high-quality and durable coating that will last as long as possible. For this, of course, one should take into account in which room this linoleum will be laid and what characteristics it should have.

I like

Linoleum - the best solution for apartment

Today, linoleum is a popular flooring used throughout. It is used not only in public buildings, offices, but also in private apartments and houses. Low price, good performance properties, as well as a variety of colors make it versatile, allowing it 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 the principle of selection.

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:

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

In order to choose the right linoleum, you need to take into account the parameters listed above. 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 ingredients

Before making 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 ingredients. Having studied the types of linoleum, their positive and negative sides you can decide what to lay in the apartment.

Natural linoleum

Armstrong brand

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 jute woven base. It is used in those rooms where people with asthmatic and allergic problems, as well as children, are.

Advantages:

natural;
abrasion resistance;
does not fade in the sun;
kind of design;
possesses bactericidal properties.

Disadvantages:

expensive;
fragile;
afraid of moisture.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

PVC type

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

When laying in an apartment, preference is given to PVC material on felt base... Thanks to its thick layer, it does not need a backing and does not need to be glued 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 emitting harmful substances - the production technology allows them to be made harmless, which is confirmed by quality certificates.

Glyphthal linoleum

Glyphthal type

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

Colloxin

Colloxin type

This type of coating is made from nitrocellulose. Linoleum of this type has no basis: it is not afraid of moisture, is not flammable, has a decorative shine. 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 flexible 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 resistance classes

Endurance classes - commercial, semi-commercial and domestic

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

Commercial

It is characterized by a high degree of wear resistance. Such a coating can be single-layer or multi-layer. Strength is achieved different ways: by 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, hallway, living room. Reacts well to moving furniture, moderate load.

Domestic

Such linoleum weakly resists abrasion, but it has big choice colors and designs. Usually it is used in rooms with low traffic (bedroom). The 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 building parameter shows the rate of wear of the coating. According to European standards, it is defined as follows: a piece of material is brought to a rotating abrasive. It must withstand 25 thousand rotations. After the experiment, the layer thickness is measured and the group is determined. There are several groups:

T - the coating has no inclusions and is reduced by 0.08 mm (high wear);
P - the layer decreases in thickness by 0.8-0.15 mm (average 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 (fragile material).

The 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. Pure 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 class of coverage and consists of two numbers. The first classifies the type of room, and the second classifies the expected traffic. For the living room and bedroom, choose class 21, for the corridor and kitchen, give preference to marking 23-24.

Living room

Dark colors will do in the living room.

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

Bedroom

Household polyester or PVC can be used in the bedroom

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

Kitchen

We use a durable semi-commercial class of durability in the kitchen

This room has high traffic, high humidity, the presence of dirt and the effects of 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 to make it last longer. For this room, a ceramic tile design is preferable.

Children's room

Only natural material in the children's room

Increased demands are placed on the materials in this room. Only natural materials can be used here. Of course, the service life will be lower, but the health of the child is more important in this case.

Balcony

Balcony - moisture-resistant and frost-resistant materials

Temperature drops, exposure to sunlight, possible humidity - all these negative factors test the strength of the floor covering on the balcony. 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 spaces 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 flooring from the variety presented is not an easy task. In order not to be disappointed and get high-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;
distinct pattern on the coating without greasy sheen;
the material must have certificates of quality and safe composition;
the presence of a protective layer will help the material to remain in its original form for a long time;
the material should be bought with a margin for fitting (drawing, protrusions, niches, thresholds);
verify upper layer 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 covering on a jute or felt basis

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

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

It can be cleaned with ordinary detergents.

Which company is better to choose linoleum for an apartment

Coverage of different companies

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

Gerflor;
Juteks;
Forbo;
Grabo.

Tarkett is the world leader in floor coverings. PVC linoleum of this company is produced in different price ranges and is distinguished by its durability and wear resistance.

The French company Gerflor produces products of excellent quality, taking into account decorative and technical characteristics. These coverings are easy to install, even without professional assistance. They are easy to clean and have good sound and heat insulation properties.

Thanks to the huge assortment, it is not difficult to choose linoleum for an apartment or house. It continues to be popular despite a large number of other floor coverings. Buyers are attracted by interesting design with a variety of colors, material characteristics - springiness, softness and sufficient strength, low cost and ease of styling. Consider how to choose linoleum in quality and color, how to choose the right one for the kitchen, living room, bedroom, hallway and other premises.

Selection options

Answers to the following questions will help you make the right choice:

the number of residents, the permeability of the place and the load on the floor;
Does the coating have the necessary properties: thermal insulation, sound absorption, moisture resistance, antistatic, antibacterial properties;
Does linoleum fit into the design of the apartment - it can be with an abstract pattern, plain or with imitation of various textures: fabric, wood, stone, tiles, etc.

Which linoleum to choose

There are many varieties on the market made of synthetic and natural materials.

There are the following types of linoleum:

natural;
colloxylin;
rubber;
glyphthalic;
polyvinyl chloride.

Natural linoleum

For its manufacture is used:

pine resin;
cork flour;
wood flour;
limestone powder;
linseed oil;
natural dyes;
jute fabric.

Linoleum made from natural materials is great for living quarters. It will appeal to people with asthma or allergies and will be an excellent option for a nursery.

Advantages

abrasion resistance;
environmental friendliness;
does not shed from the sun;
does not change color and structure over time;
has bactericidal properties;
does not support combustion;
it is easy to look after him;
a wide range of different colors - with a solid or marble pattern.

disadvantages

relative fragility - when bending linoleum, cracks may appear, you can not throw it during transportation and laying;
it is undesirable to apply the coating in a room with high humidity- bathroom, toilet;
quite a big price.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) linoleum

Polyvinyl chloride linoleum is made on a fabric or non-woven thermal insulation base. The coating can be either multi-layer or single-layer.

pros

low thermal conductivity;
dielectric properties;
environmental friendliness;
does not rot;
variety of shades, patterns and patterns;
ease of installation.

Minuses

sensitivity to high temperatures;
not resistant to alkalis, fats and chemical solvents;
with a decrease in temperature, the elasticity of linoleum decreases sharply, it can crack.

Types of PVC linoleum

Synthetic material is divided into:

semi-commercial;
commercial;
domestic.

Linoleum for home (household) cheaper, thinner and not very durable, service life no more than 3-5 years.

Commercial linoleum (for work and office premises) possesses the highest wear resistance, it is the thickest and most durable, it can serve for more than twenty years.

Semi-commercial linoleum used in houses and apartments with high traffic or in commercial premises with low traffic. He serves for 7-20 years.

Other types of PVC linoleum: antistatic, noise-absorbing, electrically conductive.

Alkyd (glyphthalic) linoleum

The coating is done by applying an alkyd resin to a fabric base. Its advantages include good heat and sound insulation properties.

The disadvantages include fragility and, as a result, the difficulty in laying, as well as a tendency to the appearance of kinks and cracks. Before laying, linoleum must be held in a warm room, otherwise it may deform - its width will increase and its length will decrease.

The material is made from nitrocellulose. Usually it is released without a base.

pros

elasticity;
moisture resistance;
decorative shine;
fire safety.

Minuses

tendency to shrinkage;
sensitivity to temperature changes.

The coating is two-layer: the lining is made of crushed rubber with bitumen, the front top layer consists of a mixture of rubber, filler and pigment.

pros

high moisture resistance;
elasticity.

Minuses

It contains substances harmful to humans; it is not advised to lay it in residential premises.

How to choose linoleum for different rooms

Linoleum is classified and labeled in accordance with the purpose of the room.

The first number ranges from 1 to 4:

1 - rooms with minimal traffic;
2 - industrial premises;
3 - office rooms;
4 - Living spaces.

The second number indicates the expected load:

1 - the lowest;
4 is the highest.

For example, a 21 class coating is suitable for a bedroom and an office. In the kitchen or in the hallway for a family of 4-5 people, material from 23-24 or 31-33 grades is suitable.

To the hallway, corridor, kitchen

The rooms have a lot of traffic, here it is recommended to lay linoleum thick 3 mm.

Household PVC can be used, but the best way- semi-commercial. As for the texture and color, the coating under ceramic tiles- a traditional solution for these premises.

To the living room

The living room has a moderate permeability, for her thickness 1.5 mm- the best option.

The likelihood of mechanical damage is small, here you can lay PVC linoleum or inexpensive household polyester.

To the bedroom

The bedroom is a room with low traffic, it needs a thinner material - from 1.2 to 1.5 mm.

For a bedroom, household polyester linoleum or polyvinyl chloride foam is optimal.

To the children's room

The children's room has an average degree of permeability, but the likelihood of mechanical damage is high.

In the nursery, you can lay household linoleum made of foamed polyvinyl chloride, or better semi-commercial, having a protective top layer not less than 0.25 mm.

To the balcony

Linoleum does not tolerate temperature changes and Sun rays... Any form of it will quickly deteriorate when applied on a veranda, in a garden gazebo, in an unheated loggia or on a balcony.

How to choose decor and colors

The range of colors and designs is simply huge. During production, linoleum is given juicy and bright colours that won't fade over time.

The synthetic material has good decorative possibilities... It very faithfully imitates ceramic tiles, wood or stone.

Imitation is in demand parquet boards or parquet. Linoleum perfectly reproduces cherry, beech, oak, as well as exotic species - rosewood, zebrano, bamboo.

The flooring mimics texture and pattern natural wood... Imitation of solid wood boards and mosaics on wood is in good demand. Unusual and courageous people are suitable for unusual colors and fancy decors.

Those who like to experiment will be able to pick up abstract and original geometric patterns. Very spectacular linoleum with imitation of stone - marble or granite.

You can find coatings that can reproduce artificially aged materials - shabby stone or wood with traces of time.

When choosing linoleum for your home, you should adhere to the following tips.

Trust your sense of smell - the pungent smell of linoleum indicates its low quality... It may contain additives that are unhealthy. Natural or synthetic material good quality practically does not smell.
High-quality linoleum does not have a greasy sheen, its drawing should look natural and be distinct. The coating must have at least five layers.
The width of the linoleum sheet should be the same as the size of the room. It is necessary take with a margin to fit the pattern and trim at the seams. When calculating, be sure to take into account the presence of thresholds, niches under the batteries and other protrusions in the room.
Advise buy linoleum not on the market, but in a heated room... In addition, it is more convenient to check its quality in a store.
Be sure to check compliance of the coating with safety standards... Linoleum, which has passed a special examination, must have the appropriate marking. The seller must have a hygiene certificate.
You need to check the quality of linoleum in a rolled form... This allows you to see bumps and waves on the surface or areas with a peeling top film. These indicators indicate a marriage. Such a coating cannot be bought, since the existing irregularities will not be smoothed out in any way.
When buying the same linoleum for several rooms, it is better to buy it in one piece. But first calculate whether it will be possible to bring a long roll into the room and whether it can be transported along stairs and narrow openings.
It is strictly forbidden to fold the canvas in half.... We do not recommend sticking the tape to the front surface, as there is a sticky mark that is difficult to remove. It is necessary to fold linoleum with the front side inward. If it is folded right side out, then it must be wrapped in a protective film.
Choosing linoleum, give preference to the coating with a special protective layer... Such a coating washes well and retains for a long time. appearance.
If possible, look at samples of linoleum in the room where it will be laid. This will help to more accurately select the appropriate color for the interior.
You need to purchase linoleum in one batch... Different batches often differ in color, even when their SKUs are the same.

Video: how to choose linoleum

In this article we will try to dissuade you and suggest which linoleum is better to choose for an apartment. Here are the characteristics and description different types, as well as recommendations for choosing the optimal parameters for certain rooms.

Rumors about linoleum and their debunking

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

And it is worth buying linoleum, since it is quite a budget and very practical floor covering. Let's go...

Myth # 1: Incredibly Unhealthy

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

What can I say here? Yes, there is harmful linoleum, but there is also harmful laminate, harmful carpet and even harmful board covered with low-quality and cheap varnish. Yes, we'll tell you more. There are harmful wallpapers, paints and stretch ceilings ...

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

Everyone knows that it is better not to deal with the Chinese: the guys do a hack and make the production as cheap as possible. As a result, their products contain such amounts of phenol that they simply fill the room with an unpleasant, chemical smell. And it is practically impossible to weather it.

Yes, and it is difficult to determine in the store which of the coatings has a smell and which does not, because there, in the air, phenol hovers and it seems that all coatings are not right ...

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

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

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

It is often easier to put a real board on the floor than to buy linoleum without chemicals. Moreover, the selection of flowers there is not at all rich. But since it is on sale, it means that someone is taking it. The rich have their quirks, as they say.

Myth # 2: only suitable for narrow rooms

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

But, we hasten to please you: everything is not so for a long time.

Firstly, there are now both four and five-meter panels on the market, but there are certainly much less of them than standard ones. If you do not find the desired color from the wide canvases, then do not worry either: no planks are needed anymore.

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

Myth # 3: very impractical and short-lived

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

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

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

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

We can only say that in 90% of cases, the basis of linoleum is fiberglass, and this guarantees that the canvas does not "shrink" over time and does not deform, and also there is no reason to fear that it will tear from some trifle.

Myth number 4: it is not prestigious and embarrassing

Here, yes, if you take the cheapest linoleum, which will be painted in unnatural colors and looks like oilcloth - it is, it looks disgusting, to put it mildly. But if you choose something more expensive, with a good texture and color, without any oilcloth glare, then the floor looks pretty decent.

Oftentimes, good linoleum is much more spectacular than inexpensive laminate flooring. And more practical, which is most important. It is necessary to monitor the laminate: in no case do not allow drops of water to get on it, otherwise it will swell ... And linoleum is an unpretentious thing, absolutely.

Myth number 5: under the linoleum you need to perfectly level the floor

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

It is not easier, because it is necessary to level the floor under any coating, especially under the laminate! If the linoleum withstands small irregularities, then the laminate is definitely not, and over time, in places of small pits, the locks of the boards will diverge ... Under the carpet, however, you can not really equalize when it comes to a carpet with a high pile. But after all, taking care of him is more difficult.

Try putting a soft covering in a house where children are present. Yes, they will turn the once pretty floor into something sloppy in a year ... And it is simply unrealistic to clean it up on your own.

Here, in general, is the whole list of common prejudices that simply do not let buyers to the stands with linoleum. As you can see, there are definitely no grounds for categorical judgments here, and it's all about the quality of the material itself.

What classes does it have?

Now let's get down to specifics. In this block you will learn what linoleum is and how, in fact, to choose it.

Linoleum comes in several classes, here they are:

1st class	The most short-lived, but also the most inexpensive. Designed for rooms with very low traffic and, on such a surface, it is advisable not to walk in heels. It will be ideal if a rug is placed in the places of greatest trampling (for example, by the bed, if there is such linoleum in the bedroom).
2nd grade	This view is already stronger, and, by by and large, suitable for all living spaces. But its service life is short, about seven years, while it also needs to be handled with care.
3rd grade	Commercial linoleum, very strong, durable, not afraid of heels and moving furniture. One problem is that the colors in this class are rather weak. As a rule, commercial linoleum is neutral in color, monochromatic and not very bright. Let's say gray and blue finishes are popular.
4th grade	Industrial. Very durable linoleum, not afraid of practically nothing. But, as in the previous case, this class cannot boast of original colors.

In addition to these classes, linoleum has varieties according to the materials of manufacture, which you also need to know in order to make the right choice. But we will talk about them in a separate block, and now we will consider which class is suitable for specific rooms.

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

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

The most versatile option is class 3 linoleum.

In general, it is very good when the flooring is applied to the whole apartment. one color. Therefore, sometimes it makes no sense to talk about linoleum classes for rooms. In fact, after all, you will not cover the kitchen with one color, and the corridor is already another, because it is less passable and, therefore, you can take cheaper linoleum?

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

What material?

Pvc

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

This is a good choice as PVC is practical material... Naturally, it is not eternal, and it must be protected. He is afraid of fire, you cannot put hot pans on him (it's absurd, but the same children can think of this too), he doesn't "like" high-heeled shoes ...

Otherwise, it is a hassle-free and easy-care coating.

Natural linoleum

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

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

Glyphthal linoleum

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

Its advantages are that it is quite strong and durable, but at the same time fragile, and before spreading it, the roll should lie in a warm room (especially if you bought it in winter time and he froze during delivery). If you spread it right away, then there is a high probability of cracking.

Colloxylin

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

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

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

Relin

It's not even linoleum, but rather a rubber covering. Very durable, comfortable, has good sound insulation properties. But, if we are talking about an apartment, it is not recommended to lay such linoleum, since it does have harmful fumes that do not disappear for a very long time.

Yes, it is strong against bursting, and the only place where it can and should be adapted is the vestibule in which you take off your shoes. Not a corridor, but a vestibule in which people are for a few minutes. And his price is loyal, by the way.

Which linoleum company is better to choose?

And finally, let's touch on the topic of manufacturers. Naturally, perfect option- European manufacturers, but the price of such a coating "bites" in comparison with domestic or Chinese factories.

It makes no sense to list the names of the companies, since they are expanding every day, and you can't just keep track of all of them.

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

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

As we wrote above, it is advisable to first look after linoleum, then read about it real reviews and only then give a command to sellers: "Cut!"

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

Linoleum manufacturers offer many material options that differ in composition, thickness, design. To buy a suitable one, it is important to consider the basic selection criteria.

Appointment

Household linoleum is intended exclusively for residential premises: apartments, cottages, summer cottages. It is affordable, and it is easy to choose the right color for any interior. Most often, household linoleum is made on a foam base, which gives it softness and dampens sound vibrations. Felt, which is more advantageous in terms of sound and heat insulation, can also be used as a substrate. The floor material for household use is not highly wear-resistant, therefore it is suitable for rooms with no big amount of people.

Commercial linoleum is much stronger than household linoleum, but its cost is on average twice the cost of covering for domestic use. The material is made of dense PVC and is colored throughout its entire thickness, therefore, even with intense exposure, the pattern from the surface is not erased. Commercial linoleum is intended for use in office, retail and other premises common use with high traffic, and at the same time its appearance can be maintained for up to 20 years.

Semi-commercial linoleum is more affordable than commercial linoleum, but at the same time it is quite durable. For its manufacture, a foam base is used, and the protective layer is thicker than that of household linoleum. Such material is suitable for offices with a small number of people, and it is also bought in an apartment with pets.

To choose linoleum, taking into account the specifics and operating conditions, it is recommended to focus on its class. The designation consists of two numbers, the first of which characterizes the room (2 - housing, 3 - offices, 4 - production), and the second shows the intensity of the load on the floor covering (1 - low, 2 - medium, 3 - high, 4 - very high ). For example, the marking "23" means that linoleum is suitable for residential premises with a high load: hallways, corridors. Marking "33" makes it possible to use linoleum in offices with a large number of people, as well as in schools, universities and so on.

Thickness

Usually, linoleum manufacturers indicate two parameters - the total thickness and the thickness of the protective layer. The thicker the flooring, the more layers it has. For material with a thickness of up to 1.6 mm - one layer, that is, the pattern and the protective coating are applied to the substrate. The multilayer structure is much more complex and can contain up to 6 materials.

When choosing linoleum, one should take into account where the coating will be used and what loads it will experience. For example, there are usually no more than two people in a bedroom, and there are no serious mechanical influences on the material - which means that you can choose 2 mm thick linoleum. In the hallway and kitchen, where there are usually a lot of people, they may fall on the floor heavy objects, it is better to lay linoleum with a thickness of about 3 mm. This thickness is also quite suitable for a child's room.

The 4 - 6 mm thick coating is suitable for offices, educational and medical institutions... Finally, linoleum with a thickness of 8 - 9 mm can be used in industrial and public areas, gyms and so on.

The protective layer that keeps the pattern from abrasion can also be different. Its thickness is determined by the purpose of the product: for household linoleum, this indicator does not exceed 0.3 mm, for semi-commercial linoleum it is 0.5 mm, for commercial linoleum it reaches 0.8 mm.

Drawing

Depending on where the linoleum will be laid, a suitable pattern is selected. For example, imitation tiles look good in the kitchen, bathroom or balcony. Large squares will fit perfectly into spacious rooms, while for small spaces it is better to choose small drawings. The wood grain pattern is also very popular - it harmoniously fits into both offices and living quarters. For the living room, you can pick up a drawing that imitates a laminate. If you want something original, it makes sense to take a closer look at materials with artistic or abstract patterns. Plain coverings are suitable for gyms, halls, retail premises.

Dimensions (edit)

The cut width of linoleum is selected depending on the width of the room and can be from 0.5 to 5 m. In order not to have to join the drawing and glue the seam at the junction, it is better to take the material in one piece. The length of the roll can be from 10 to 40 m. The price is indicated per linear meter.

Specificity of application

Many manufacturers offer specialized linoleum designed for certain conditions exploitation. For example, in a room where electrical appliances and computers are used, an anti-static material should be placed. Sports linoleum is characterized by increased wear resistance and has a traumatic anti-slip coating. Fire resistant floor coverings(flammability class G1) should be used in places with high requirements for fire safety... Linoleum, intended for the underfloor heating system, has antistatic properties and is fireproof.

Reference article based on the expert opinion of the author.