Linoleum production today is as active as it was many years ago. Linoleum is made from safe materials. Modern technologies allow the production of linoleum of the highest quality, which affects the level of demand for it. This is a popular product, the range of which is constantly expanding. Many consumers ask: “Which linoleum is best for an apartment?” This question can be answered by professional craftsmen and sellers who know what to look for when purchasing and how to distinguish quality material from a fake.
Before making a choice when buying linoleum, it is important to make sure how well it meets the stated indicators and characteristics. High-quality linoleum easy to distinguish from low-grade material. The choice of linoleum should be responsible and thoughtful.
When choosing linoleum, you should pay attention to the fact that not all types of material are intended for placement in an apartment.
To choose a quality material, you must first familiarize yourself with its main features and characteristics. The basics of choosing are simple if you know what to look for. When choosing, it is important to pay attention to such characteristics as moisture resistance, air permeability, and abrasion level.
What to pay attention to:
- High-quality linoleum must withstand high traffic levels in the room.
- It is important to take into account the functional features of the room in which the covering will be laid.
- Linoleum should be selected for general style in the room.
Before making a purchase, it is important to read reviews about the quality of linoleum on the Internet. Jutex linoleum is widely popular among world leaders. Utex is famous for its strength and durability thanks to the additional PVC layer. Among foreign manufacturers we can name the Belgians, who produce “Ideal”. It is famous for its high quality and affordable price.
Which linoleum is better: selection criteria
Many people choose linoleum because of its relatively low cost. Basically, linoleum is purchased by those whose standard of living corresponds to the average level. It should be noted that this is a high-quality material - if handled correctly, it can last a long time, and it is not harmful to health.
When choosing linoleum and determining its quality, it is important to consider where it will be laid: in the kitchen, bedroom, living room or hallway.
It is very important to determine how much traffic the room has, how many people live in the apartment, and whether the owners have pets. Choosing linoleum for a living room is not so difficult if you know the basics of determining the basic characteristics and quality of the material. It is important to know the features of using linoleum in different types of premises.
Criterias of choice:
- The material must be suitable for its function. The choice will be different for use in a children's room or recreation room, in the kitchen or in the hallway.
- The characteristics of different types of material vary. When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to how wear-resistant, noise-absorbing, antistatic, moisture-resistant, and antibacterial the material is.
- Linoleum can withstand a variety of loads, so before purchasing it is important to decide on the number of people living in the apartment and the traffic flow rate of the room.
- The choice of design depends on the functionality of the room and the style in which it is decorated. Linoleum can be plain, textured, or decorated with abstract designs.
In order not to get confused in the large assortment and variety of materials, before purchasing you should decide on the characteristics of linoleum that will fit the above criteria. Buyers will find it convenient to have an online purchase function, when an order can be made online on a specialized website. Knowledge of selection criteria alone will not be enough, since the buyer must navigate the types of linoleum and the purpose of each type.
Types of material: which linoleum to choose for an apartment
In order not to be disappointed in your choice after the purchase, it is better to decide in advance what quality linoleum is most suitable for covering the floor. Each type has its own characteristics and disadvantages. For example, only natural linoleum can be considered completely harmless to health.
To produce natural linoleum, manufacturers use jute fabric (it is taken as a base), pine resin, cork flour (or wood flour), flax oil, lime powder and natural dyes.
This type of linoleum is not scary to use at home. It is important to note that it can be used to cover the floor in a children's room. This is the most safe look linoleum, which does not cause allergies and does not emit toxic substances.
Types of linoleum:
- Natural. It meets environmental standards, has bactericidal properties, does not wear out, does not fade or fade from exposure to sunlight for a long time. Natural linoleum is fireproof. It is easy to care for. This material has disadvantages: it is not resistant to moisture. If linoleum is bent, cracks may appear at the bend. Its cost is quite high when compared with other types.
- PVC linoleum. Consists of polyvinyl chloride, plasticizers, fillers, stabilizers, dyes. The material is antistatic, has low thermal conductivity, moisture resistant, and environmentally friendly. However, it is poorly affected by alkalis and solvents, and when exposed to low temperatures it becomes inelastic. It is usually divided into household, commercial, semi-commercial, and specialized.
- Glypthal. Consists of a fabric base and alkyd resin. Place the product only after it has been kept warm. The material has increased thermal insulation and sound insulation properties. However, the material is quite fragile.
- Colloxiin. The material has no basis. Consists of nitrate (cellulose from wood or cotton), plasticizers, stabilizers and fillers. The material is moisture resistant, flexible and elastic. It is poorly affected by alkali and dyes.
- Relin. Consists of two layers. It has a low level of slip, good shock-absorbing properties, elasticity and elasticity. Disadvantage: high thermal conductivity. It is also not solvent resistant. Material contains harmful substances, which evaporate over time.
Determining which linoleum is the best is quite difficult task. You can successfully select linoleum only when all the indicators and characteristics of the room are taken into account. The choice of linoleum for the hallway, kitchen, bathroom or bedroom and living room will be completely different.
Linoleum for the hall: coating options
When choosing linoleum, it is important to take into account the fact that the floor primarily bears a functional load. This means that the coating must be durable and reliable, since without this it will quickly become unusable. Different kinds linoleum have different thicknesses and densities, which suggests that they are intended for covering floors in rooms with varying traffic levels.
Durable linoleum is usually chosen for flooring in the hallway and kitchen, but for the living room you can choose linoleum with a lower density.
When choosing linoleum for the living room, it is important to consider several nuances. First of all, you need to pay attention to the thickness of the material. Then determine the thickness of the protective coating. It is also important to find out who the manufacturer is and whether the store can provide a certificate of product quality.
Coating options:
- From 0.7 mm to 4 mm. The coating will serve as a camouflage function.
- Coverage from 2.5 mm to 4 mm. Can hide floor unevenness and other surface defects.
It is quite difficult to determine the thickness of the layer “by eye”. To find out the exact parameters, you need to read the accompanying documents. It is better to choose linoleum for the living room, which has bactericidal properties and is odorless.
The best linoleum: consumer reviews
Rating of the most the best materials This category, according to consumers, can be found on the Internet. Construction companies offer various options coatings that differ in density and quality of protective coating. Also, when choosing linoleum, you should pay attention to its appearance and texture.
In all respects, users highly value Belgian linoleum. But here it is important to consider for what purpose it is purchased.
Many believe that imported linoleum is the best, since its service life significantly exceeds the service life of domestic linoleum. However, its cost square meter much higher. When choosing linoleum, it is important to consider its safety for health, especially if the linoleum is intended for a nursery.
The best linoleum according to reviews:
- Tarkett;
- Alex;
- Grandee;
- Beauflor;
- Shchekinsky.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of colors and textures. Depending on the style in the interior, you can choose dark and light linoleum, decorated with squares or other geometric shapes, imitating various coatings: wood or stone. Many people ask: “Advise durable coating" Users advise purchasing semi-commercial linoleum, as it is more durable and reliable.
Linoleum thickness for an apartment
Creating comfort and coziness in a room largely depends on the choice of finishing surface. When it comes to flooring, many people think about purchasing linoleum. When covering floors in residential areas, it is important to use only harmless material.
When choosing linoleum, it is important to pay attention to its quality, to find out whether it is a harmful material, especially for children and animals.
To successfully lay linoleum, you need to decide on its thickness. This is what determines its service life and ease of use. The thickness of linoleum can vary from 1 to 4 mm.
What to pay attention to when choosing thickness:
- Choose the right linoleum, taking into account unevenness and floor defects.
- You can put linoleum one and a half or two mm thick in the bedroom.
- Linoleum for a nursery should be at least three mm thick.
- For the corridor, you can choose linoleum in 4 mm.
The choice of material thickness primarily depends on the room in which it is going to be laid. But whatever the functionality of the room, it is important to prevent harmful linoleum harmed the health of those who would be in it. Linoleum must be safe and reliable - these are the main criteria for its selection.
Selection rules: which linoleum is best for an apartment (video)
Linoleum – modern covering, which is widely popular among consumers. Different types linoleum are intended for covering floors in rooms with different functional loads. It can be put in heated and unheated room, but then its characteristics will differ significantly.
Linoleum is a time-tested type of flooring. It is presented in a large assortment, and you need to select it depending on the type of room.
Therefore, let’s consider how to choose quality linoleum for an apartment so that it is not only beautiful, but also environmentally safe and lasts longer.
Today, floor coverings are presented on the market in a huge assortment - laminate, parquet, tiles, porcelain stoneware, but linoleum does not lose its popularity. Its design is varied and multifaceted, the flooring is quite simple, and the price is affordable for any consumer.
But first, let’s briefly get acquainted with its types based on binding materials, class, area of application, and how to choose the right quality linoleum for an apartment.
Main types of linoleum
To decide which material to choose for an apartment, we will consider its types, based on composition, main advantages and disadvantages.
Natural linoleum
The pie can be described as follows: a linoleum mixture of natural ingredients - wood flour, lime, pine resin, flax oil, natural dyes. The mixture is compressed and dried using technology, resulting in a structurally strong building material.
Pros:
- High strength, wear resistance;
- Environmentally friendly, thanks to natural ingredients;
- Antistatic properties, UV resistant;
- Fire safety;
- The presence of bactericidal properties (thanks to flax oil);
- Long service life (20 years or more).
Minuses:
- High cost compared to synthetic counterparts;
- The material is quite fragile and hard, so care should be taken when transporting;
- It is better to entrust the installation to a specialist, since you may not be able to do it well on your own;
- It is not recommended to install in rooms with high humidity.
Polyvinyl chloride linoleum
It is produced on a fabric, non-woven heat and sound insulating base or without a base. It can be single layer or have several layers. PVC linoleum is most in demand in the consumer market, as it is the most affordable in terms of price.
Pros:
- Environmental safety (it is non-toxic);
- Moisture resistance, it is not subject to rotting;
- Easy installation;
- A wide variety of color palettes, designs, patterns, imitation for a variety of finishing building materials;
- Low thermal conductivity;
- Has dielectric properties;
- Easy to care for.
Minuses:
- Susceptible to negative temperatures - its elastic properties are reduced and it can easily crack;
- May shrink when exposed to elevated temperatures;
- Unpleasant specific odor in the first weeks after installation.
Alkyd linoleum
This type always has a fabric base, with alkyd resins applied to it, which improves its properties.
Main advantages:
- Improved sound and thermal insulation properties;
- Increased wear resistance.
Flaws:
- Decrease in elasticity with decreasing temperature;
- It is advisable to entrust installation to a specialist;
- Before laying, it should spend the night in a warm place to prevent changes in geometric dimensions.
Relin (rubber linoleum)
It is two-layer: the base is made of converted rubber, the front layer is a mixture of rubber carrier and pigment.
Positive sides:
- High water resistance;
- Strength, elasticity;
- Long service life.
Negative: its use in residential apartments is unacceptable, since relin releases harmful substances. But it is successfully used in sports facilities, swimming pools, and garages.
Colloxylin linoleum
This is a single-layer baseless coating made of nitrocellulose with the addition of gypsum, plasticizers, and dyes.
Advantages:
- Quite elastic;
- Moisture-resistant building material;
- Has a decorative shine.
Disadvantages: subject to shrinkage, unstable to temperature changes.
Let's consider how to choose quality linoleum for an apartment so that it matches the character of the room and the requirements for flooring.
Criteria for choosing linoleum
The material must meet necessary requirements the room where it will be laid. These are moisture resistance, wear resistance, heat insulation and soundproofing properties, antistatic, fire safety, etc.
In addition, when choosing linoleum for an apartment based on quality, you should take into account that the actual load on the floor in living rooms is less than in the kitchen, hallway, corridor, therefore the characteristics of the purchased building material should be different.
Linoleum by appearance selected based on the design of the room, its style, general color scheme.
It is marked by class based on its composition and degree of wear resistance. The class is conventionally indicated as two numbers, where the first characterizes the type of room, For example:
2 – living rooms apartments, public buildings;
3 – office rooms;
4 – production areas.
1 – low degree;
2 – average intensity;
3 – high load intensity;
4 – very high intensity.
When considering how to choose linoleum for an apartment based on quality, you need to know that all types of building materials have an upper protective (working) layer, the thickness of which determines the wear resistance of the material.
The protective cover protects against mechanical damage, preserves aesthetic and operational parameters for a longer period and is applied with a thickness of 0.15 mm (household) to 0.8 mm (commercial).
Scope of application of linoleum
The degree of wear resistance determines the scope of application of synthetic linoleum:
Household linoleum (wear resistance class 21 - 23) is used in residential apartments, it is elastic, designed for light loads, easy to maintain, with a protective layer thickness of 0.15mm - 0.25mm.
Semi-commercial linoleum (wear resistance class 31 - 34) for apartments will do in the hallway, kitchen, apartment corridor, as well as in small offices, shops, pharmacies, hospital wards, hotels.
Commercial linoleum (wear resistance class 41 - 43) are laid in shops, offices, industrial premises with a high degree of load and traffic. He has elevated strength characteristics and this is the thickest version of linoleum.
Choosing linoleum for an apartment
Bedroom
In the bedroom, where we spend little time, class 21 is suitable. Another indicator is important for longer use of the material and resistance to mechanical stress. This is the value of the protective layer for the bedroom equal to 0.15mm.
Living room
For the living room, where we gather with the whole family and spend more time, thereby increasing the load on the floor, class 22 linoleum is suitable, the protective layer is 0.15 - 0.2 mm.
Hallway and corridor
There is a high degree of traffic here, since all family members move along the corridor more than once. For the hallway and corridor, an acceptable option would be class 23 or, if the family is large, then a semi-commercial option of classes 31 - 32, select a protective layer of 0.25 mm or higher.
Children's room
In a children's room, everything depends on the age of the child or two and his activity. We consider the children's room as a room with average traffic, but with the possibility of damage to the covering. If this happens, we will repair the linoleum.
For children, choose class 22 - 23, protective layer 0.2 mm. In addition, the floor in the children's room should not be too smooth so that the child does not slip on it; it is better to choose a material with a textured surface.
Choosing linoleum for the kitchen
In the kitchen, the floor must have high wear resistance, be resistant to mechanical stress, and not react to household chemicals.
You can choose household 23, 24 classes if you don’t cook much and your family is small. If there are 5 or more people in the family, then it is better to choose class 31 - 32 with a protective layer thickness of 0.4 and above.
Choice of colors and patterns
While studying the question of how to choose linoleum for an apartment based on quality, let’s dwell on the color and pattern of the floor, which plays an important role in the interior.
A variety of textures and colors allow you to design stylish and interesting options. Due to light colors, a correctly selected pattern can visually expand the space.
It is better to decorate the floor of a bedroom or children's room in light, warm tones of cream, coffee with milk, or beige. Linoleum imitating parquet, laminate, wenge, or an interesting pattern will look calm and appropriate.
In the kitchen, you can choose a coating that imitates marble, ceramic tiles, natural stone, mosaic. If kitchen space small, then a floor covering with small tiles will visually expand it. If the tiled floor is consistent with the kitchen splashback, then the overall design will benefit from this.
In addition, orientation to the cardinal points should also be taken into account. If your living room faces sunny side, then cool colors are preferred, and vice versa, the north side loves warm colors. Choose a drawing from the samples above or according to your preference.
The hallway and corridor are the most polluted rooms, so you should not choose a plain floor in the hallway. It is well perceived in the form of a carpet, under laminate, parquet, stone.
Let's consider how to choose linoleum for an apartment based on quality.
Buy material from winter period It is recommended in a store where it is properly stored and the store is heated.
Feel free to smell the coating - it should not have an unpleasant pungent odor. If there is a smell, then it is better not to buy such building material, since it may contain additives that are harmful to health.
Ask the seller for a certificate of quality, compliance of the material with standards. In addition, the roll must have special product markings.
Check the quality of the coating by rolling it out. It should be without peeling of the protective film, waves, or irregularities.
After external inspection, run your hand over the surface of the coating; the material should not be “oily.”
If you are making a purchase for several rooms at once, it is advisable to buy in one piece. Based on the size of the roll, figure out whether you can carry it into the apartment down the staircase without bending it. Often, a long roll has to be brought in through a window if it is on the first floors.
When you go to the store, you have the size of the piece you need for the flooring. For example, the width of household linoleum is produced in multiples of 0.5 meters in sizes from 1.5 m to 5 m. If you have a room with a width of 2.8 meters, then you choose a 3-meter sheet, the excess is cut off. In terms of length, add the presence of thresholds and protrusions into the calculation.
When packing the workpiece, do not fold it in half; it must be rolled with the front surface inward. The adhesive tape should not touch the front side, since the adhesive layer is then difficult to wash off, which will affect the quality.
Purchased material is transported only in rolls. If you want to transport a wide roll on the trunk of a car, then a beam or reel on which it was wound is inserted inside the roll. To prevent the edges from sagging and the quality not being affected, place it under the roll on the trunk wooden boards, fasten.
We looked at how to choose linoleum for an apartment based on quality and, following these simple rules, you will choose exactly what you need.
When choosing flooring for your home, you need to approach this issue quite seriously. After all, it carries not only an aesthetic component, but is also a restraining element for loads.
Not all areas in the apartment are subject to the same impacts. The most trafficked areas, and therefore those that have the greatest load on the floor, are the corridor and the kitchen. The living room is special room, where we not only spend our leisure time, but also receive guests. Therefore, the flooring in it should be not only practical, but also beautiful.
Varieties
For many years, linoleum has been the undoubted leader among floor coverings. It is suitable for any room, you just need to do it right choice. The hall is no exception.
Here are the main points you should pay attention to when choosing linoleum flooring for your living room.
There are several variations of linoleum types:
- household: wear resistance class – 21-23, protective layer thickness – 0.3 mm, withstands light loads;
- semi-commercial: wear resistance class – 31-32, protective layer thickness – 0.5 mm, withstands moderate loads;
- commercial: wear resistance class – 33, protective layer thickness – 0.6 mm, withstands fairly large and long-term loads.
For the living room, household linoleum will be sufficient, since the traffic of this room is small.
The material is of great importance. There are products to choose from: polyvinyl chloride, rubber, natural, colloxylin, glyphthalic.
For the hall, choose a PVC covering with a jute or felt base. Professionals claim that such material the best way Suitable for living room.
There are several types of it:
- homogeneous: has 1 layer with lime impurities and quartz sand. It is elastic and quite easy to shape. But due to its small thickness it quickly becomes unusable. In addition, all the unevenness of the floor is visible through it;
- heterogeneous: consists of several layers, each of which performs its own function: protective, shock-absorbing, decorative.
Choose the second one for the hall PVC option coverings. It will hide floor defects, provide thermal insulation, and will last for quite a long time.
How to choose?
To choose high-quality flooring for your room, follow some recommendations:
- In the cold season, it is better to purchase linoleum in a store rather than on the market, as it tends to deform under the influence of low temperatures. In addition, it is more convenient to inspect the canvas for defects in the store.
- To find out what size the product you are purchasing should be, measure the area of your room and leave allowances of a few centimeters on all sides.
- Pay attention to the smell. A quality product should not emit a “fragrance”. This is unacceptable for a recreation area.
- This type of linoleum, such as marmoleum, cannot be ignored. It is made from natural materials and has two positive qualities: odorless and antibacterial effect. And this is very important if there are children in your house, because the living room often becomes their play area.
- A product with an anti-slip layer is ideal for a living room if it does not have carpeting.
One thing should also be taken into account. If you choose linoleum not for an apartment, but for sports, concerts, assembly hall, then the selection criteria here are slightly different. The main thing we have to rely on is that all of the above classrooms have a high degree of traffic, that is, they are subject to large mechanical loads: walking, rearranging furniture, and the impact of heels. Therefore, the linoleum covering for these halls must, first of all, be durable.
For this purpose, choose at least a semi-commercial type, and preferably a commercial one, with anti-slip properties.
Color spectrum
After the choice on the structure of linoleum has been made, the most pleasant thing remains - deciding on the color. There are also some rules here.
If your living room is spacious enough, any colors will suit the floor: light, dark, bright. Moreover, dark shades will be more practical to use. If the living room is small in size, choose linoleum flooring light colors. They will visually expand the space and relieve the oppressive atmosphere.
It must be remembered that the floor, like any other part of the room, must be combined with the interior.
If your living room is designed in classic style, for it use linoleum in warm, discreet tones. For modern styles bolder solutions in the form of bright colors. And minimalism is favorably emphasized by floor coverings in black and white.
The floor can become the focal point in your room. If the interior items are made in a calm, discreet style, and there is no carpet, liven up the room with beautiful linoleum with an ornament or a large pattern.
Properly chosen, they can visually stretch or expand the space, if necessary.
If your floor is nevertheless decorated with a carpet, then the linoleum covering should be laid in a monochromatic and discreet manner so that it creates a background and favorably emphasizes the pattern of the carpet. It is also recommended to observe modesty in color if all components of the interior have rich, catchy tones.
Despite the fact that today there is a huge selection floor coverings, linoleum remains the most popular. By purchasing this material, the consumer, for a relatively small amount, receives a reliable and durable base that is not susceptible to moisture or mechanical damage. Next, we will analyze in more detail the advantages and disadvantages of this material. The article will also tell you which linoleum to buy for your apartment.
Main characteristics
Until recently, the main drawback that prevented us from choosing linoleum for an apartment as the material of choice was considered to be the large number of synthetic components in it. However, today natural ingredients are increasingly used in production. Therefore, when asked by consumers whether linoleum in an apartment is harmful, manufacturers confidently answer in the negative. One of the most important indicators of a material is its strength. High-quality linoleum is not subject to mechanical damage from a fallen object or the heels of women's shoes. Thus, another important indicator is the thickness of the linoleum. Preferable for an apartment average value. If the flooring experiences increased loads (for example, in the hallway), then it is more advisable to purchase a denser material. The elasticity of the coating is also important. Thanks to this property, it is almost impossible to damage it during operation or installation.
Ease of installation
For home craftsmen, it is important that the material can be easily laid. The process of covering a floor with linoleum does not require special knowledge or special skills. In this case, installation takes place without dust and dirt. Covering the floor with linoleum does not require serious financial costs, and you can easily cope with the work yourself.
Appearance
This indicator is also important. Technologies used in modern production, allow you to get various combinations of patterns, colors and textures. Thanks to the wide range, you can choose a coating for any interior style. Linoleum goes well with various materials used in interior decoration.
Structure
Linoleum is produced in two types. The material can be hetero- or homogeneous. The second type of coating is thin. It is usually from 1.5 to 2 mm. The pattern is applied to the material using end-to-end technology. Due to this, the pattern does not wear off during use. It is this quality that allows this type of material to be installed in areas subject to intense traffic. If you need to purchase linoleum for the kitchen, then it is better to give preference to a homogeneous coating. A material with such a structure is perfect for a corridor. Heterogeneous linoleum is considered to be of higher quality. Its density is much higher than that of homogeneous. It can be up to 6 mm. The structure of the material contains several layers. The back cover is made of foamed polyvinyl chloride. This is followed by a layer of fiberglass. It is quite strong and serves as reinforcement. Next comes a layer of PVC. A drawing is applied to it. The final step is a varnish coating. It contains a bactericidal impregnation, which has, among other things, protective and decorative purpose. Heterogeneous linoleum is perfect for bathrooms, balconies, and dining rooms. Coverings with this structure are often laid in hallways. The material is also produced mixed type. This linoleum also has a multilayer structure. A homogeneous material is used as a base. A layer of PVC is glued on top, then fiberglass and polyurethane film. The latter provides protection for the coating from mechanical damage. If you need to lay linoleum in a recreation room, then a mixed type material is ideal.
"Household" coating: main characteristics
Speaking about how to choose linoleum for an apartment, it is necessary to talk about some of the most important characteristics. First of all, the size of the load is important. For rooms where there are no special requirements for the flooring, household linoleum is perfect. Its thickness is relatively small, and its density is assessed as average. Weight per 1 m2 can range from 1.25 to 2.25 kg. The deformation rate can be up to 2 mm. Installation of the coating is quite easy. Its undoubted advantage is that when rolled into a roll, cracks do not form on it. In addition, household linoleum is different high level sound absorption. You can purchase material with a width of 1.5-4 meters. As a rule, this type of covering is used in bedrooms.
Flaws
As practice shows, household linoleum perfectly attracts dirt. At the first stage you can see small gray islands near the rapids. Over time, numerous “paths” are observed, clearly showing the paths along which the inhabitants of the housing usually move. This type of coating is very easy to find in a store. The cost of the material is the lowest. In some stores the price per meter does not exceed 100 rubles.
"Commercial" type of material: characteristics
Many consumers ask: “How to choose linoleum for an apartment so that it will last long years"Experts give a very clear answer to this question: “You should purchase a commercial type of material.” The cost of the coating will, of course, be more expensive (from 500 rubles). However, as a result, you can purchase a high-quality and durable coating. This category offers a huge variety of textures and drawings. In the assortment presented by the manufacturers, it is quite possible to find a coating for any room in the house. They often purchase commercial linoleum for the kitchen and hallway. In these areas, the floor covering must withstand increased loads, be moisture- and wear-resistant. The service life of the coating is at least 25 years.The material has high degree sound absorption, providing acoustic comfort in the room. The degree of deformation of the material is no more than 1 mm. The covering can be purchased in widths of 2.5-5 m.
Semi-commercial type of material: characteristics
According to many experts, this is the best linoleum for an apartment. average cost meter of material - within 250 rubles. The assortment is represented by both products of Russian and foreign companies. From the name it becomes clear that semi-commercial linoleum is something between household and commercial. This material is very practical. It is thinner than commercial ones. But this makes installation much easier. Moreover, its quality is much higher than that of household products. Thanks to this, semi-commercial linoleum is perfect for bedrooms and children's rooms. Its service life is about 10-12 years. The surface of the material is coated with a special protective film. This makes it easy to wash off dirt using a regular sponge and soap solution.
Specialized Material Types
In addition to those listed above, manufacturers produce varieties of linoleum that have some distinct properties. Among them are:
Base material
How to choose the right linoleum for an apartment? What should the material be like - with or without a base? It should be said that previously linoleum was produced on felt base. This material retains heat very well. In addition, walking on such a surface is pleasant - it is soft. Thanks to the felt base, the material perfectly absorbs sound. But the disadvantage of such a basis is that it is too short term services. Moisture penetration and mechanical damage are especially harmful to felt. This natural material was replaced by synthetic ones. The latter have all the necessary characteristics. At the same time, the artificial base is devoid of the disadvantages inherent natural materials. The synthetic backing layer can have different thicknesses. It all depends on the purpose of the room. For example, coatings with a base are produced for bedrooms, kitchens or children's rooms. In addition to the fact that the backing layer increases the heat and sound insulation properties of the material, it evens out minor surface defects. As a result, the floor covering becomes, if not perfectly smooth, then very close to it.
Material without base
This type of coating is usually laid on a well-prepared surface. Today there are a large number of self-leveling floors “like linoleum”. The actual surface produced should be perfectly flat, but without a protective coating. This task is performed by linoleum. Material without a base is quite easy to identify. First of all, this coating is heavy. The material also doesn't bend well. Very often it is covered with a thick laminated layer. In this case, the problem of which linoleum to choose for an apartment, with or without a base, is solved taking into account the condition of the floor.
Material color
Speaking about how to choose linoleum for an apartment, it should be said that the material should fit organically into the interior. Today the range of coatings is quite wide. There are models in a wide variety of colors on the market. Linoleum in an apartment (photos of the coating can be seen in the article) must correspond in color to the purpose of the room and its design. For example, in the bedroom a coating of soft warm tones - golden, beige, cream - will look good. It is preferable to choose a material without a pattern, plain or with soft transitions. Most a good option can become an imitation of the surface of natural marble or wooden covering. Both bright and rich and calm shades are suitable for the living room. Linoleum with an ornament or pattern will look original. Suitable for children's room bright colors. In combination with a variety of contrasting patterns, they will look great.
Which manufacturers should you give preference to?
A successful combination of drawing and color range coatings are a definite plus. However, these characteristics are not the main ones when choosing linoleum. Of particular importance is environmental friendliness, safety of the material, as well as its compliance with quality standards. If you choose a cheap coating, the composition of which is unknown even to the manufacturer itself, there is a high probability of getting serious illnesses as a result of exposure to toxic emissions. By purchasing a model from a trusted company, the consumer is guaranteed to receive a high-quality product that can be used in any room of the house without fear. Today, among domestic brands of flooring, the products of the Tarkett company are popular. This company uses only modern materials and technology. The products meet all sanitary, hygienic and fire safety standards. The products are also distinguished by a variety of design solutions.
We will send the material to you by e-mail
IN Choosing a floor covering is an important stage in the renovation. Of course, there is attractive wood and durable parquet, and, but all this is quite expensive. good imitation natural materials and almost all types of floor coverings are made from linoleum. And for this reason, we decided to touch upon the problem of which linoleum to choose for your home, because the market offers not just a large, but a huge assortment and it’s difficult not to get lost in it.
Linoleum in the interior of the house
If you think that linoleum is a 100% synthetic material, then you are mistaken. It appeared a long time ago, much longer than production PVC coatings, and at the moment there are enough natural linoleums on the market, but their price is of course higher. So, let's look at what types of coatings there are.
Natural
It is a “dinosaur” among all linoleums, because it appeared about a hundred years ago. It remains in great demand to this day. The raw materials for its production are natural ingredients - flax oil, oak cork bark, limestone and wood flour, resin. All this is mixed until a homogeneous consistency and applied to the jute fiber, then it is dried. This gives it strength and excellent operational properties. Such linoleums are good heat insulators. They also have an antistatic effect and sound absorption. They are distinguished by excellent bactericidal properties. Its disadvantages include a small selection of colors and a high price.
PVC
This artificial material, it differs in the degree of wear resistance and can be household, semi-commercial and commercial. The first type is for use in private housing, as it has a wide product range - colors and textures for every taste. But it is not suitable for every room in the house, since it does not have sufficient level wear resistance. The other two types, their scope of application is clear from the name, although these are the ones that should be laid in the kitchen or hallway. That is, in the place that most of all feels the feet of household members.
Although the material is artificial, it is environmentally friendly and can even be used in a children's room. It is distinguished by average numbers on the price tag. But do not rush to lay it or in places with significant temperature changes - it will not withstand this.
PVC linoleums are:
- Alkyd is an alkyd resin that is applied to a fabric base. It has increased heat and sound insulation. But it is very fragile and this makes it difficult to install.
- Colloxin– its base is nitrocellulose, produced without a base. It is moisture resistant, elastic and fireproof. On the contrary, it can shrink and react painfully to temperature changes.
- Relin– it has a two-layer structure. The bottom one is old crushed rubber and bitumen, the top one is rubber and pigment filler. It has increased moisture resistance and elasticity, but it releases harmful substances, so you should not install it in living rooms.
Attention to size
Manufacturers try to focus on the standards of modern housing construction and produce linoleum with the appropriate width. Now you can forget about soldering or cutting off excess pieces of coating. And it is precisely the size of the coating that you need to pay close attention to when choosing. A certain problem may arise if there is a dilemma about which linoleum to choose for a private home, because such construction projects may differ from the stands.
Please note that those linoleums that are produced now will not shrink either in width or in length, so if you have a room 5 meters wide, then this is exactly how much there should be in the covering fabric. As for the length, it is still better to make a reserve, since there may be defects in parallel walls, up to 10 cm, and this is difficult to notice with the naked eye.
Marking
Any type of linoleum has a marking - this is an indicator of its wear resistance, and you need to choose one or another type in accordance with the purpose of the room. We will present a classification of all options:
- 1 – these are rooms where there will be minimal traffic;
- 2 – living rooms;
- 3 – offices or kitchen with hallway in the house;
- 4- production.
There will also be a second digit in the numbering, which indicates the degree of load on the coating - here you can also find numbers from 1 to 4, where 1 is the lowest load indicator, and 4, respectively, the highest.
Selection by room
Which linoleum to choose for your home - it’s not just taking one roll and laying it in all the rooms - its choice should correspond to the purpose and traffic of the rooms. Each dwelling has a kitchen and a corridor, and it is these rooms that have the greatest load from the feet of residents and their guests. For them, choose linoleum with a thickness of at least 3 mm. It is important to note that for these premises the best option is not domestic, but semi-commercial. The structural palette is the usual tiles and laminate.
For the living room, 1.5 mm is enough, since the traffic in it is less than in the kitchen and corridor. – this is the place where you only sleep. So a thin layer of coating – 1.2-1.5 mm – is enough. Here the best option would be household linoleum.
A separate discussion is the children's room. Although traffic here is not high, every child is a researcher - and damage to the surface cannot be avoided. If the child is already older, then you can use a household one, but if the researcher is just starting his journey, then still the best option there will be a semi-commercial coating with a protective layer.