It is very difficult for a non-specialist in linoleum materials to understand the differences, even with the help of professional consultants. Manufacturers offer it in a huge assortment, for different conditions exploitation. Let's try to explain it in an accessible way.
A bit of the history of linoleum
Oiled canvases can be considered a distant ancestor of modern roll and tile flooring. thick fabric, which was used not only for sails, but also for laying on the floor. In 1763, the Englishman Nathan Smith patented a material that consisted of woven panels covered with a hot mixture pine resin, brown dye, beeswax and linseed oil- camptulicone. New flooring was not very popular with buyers, but the manufacturer continued to experiment and look for optimal combinations.
In 1843, natural rubber and ground cork were introduced into the composition of the future linoleum, but due to a serious increase in the price of ingredients (in connection with the invention car tires), the composition was processed and modified linseed oil was introduced - drying oil. The technology for the production of the finished product was also refined, and on December 19, 1863, Frederick Walton received a patent for the production of linoleum (linum - flax and oleum - oil). In subsequent years, the recipe, as well as the manufacturing method, was refined. In the early 20th century, Walton, Taylor and Co. (UK) supplied the European market with a mixture of several vegetable oils(modified) called glyphtal linoleum. The same product was also produced by factories. Russian Empire located in Riga, Odessa and other cities.
Today this product is produced by the largest factories in the world - Forbo, Tarkett and others. In Europe, the old name has been preserved for it - natural linoleum. Here it is known by the name of the registered brand Forbo Flooring Systems - marmoleum or marmoleum.
Table 1... Advantages and disadvantages of marmoleum
On the territory of our country since the mid-50s. of the last century, due to the scarcity of natural raw materials, a new product was developed - PVC-linoleum. Although the composition of this floor covering had nothing to do with natural material, nevertheless, the name was preserved for it.
table 2... Features of PVC linoleum
Synthetic linoleum is produced homogeneous (high-density with a homogeneous structure) and heterogeneous (multilayer).
The second type consists of:
Large factories add additional layers to the linoleum structure. It can be glass fabric for reinforcement, sealing layers for the wrong side, preventing water absorption, etc.
To summarize: now on sale you can find linoleum products made in the following formats:
V living conditions, as well as for retail, commercial and public facilities, the first two types are used. But where and which ones - read below.
Types of linoleum and their differences
Linoleum products, both rolled and cut, are classified according to such characteristics as load level and scope. Both parameters depend on the strength and thickness of the top layer, as well as the overall density and resistance to deformation. Let's consider in order.
In accordance with the area of use, natural and PVC linoleum is divided into 4 basic types:
Domestic
This is the most popular series used exclusively for living rooms, as well as rooms with low traffic (storerooms, outbuildings). Produced as a heterogeneous coating based on:
- foamed PVC
- polyester felt
- combined
The thickness of household linoleum varies from 1.5 to 4 mm. Upper layer- transparent, - formed from flexible polyurethane. Some manufacturers add special layers that provide bactericidal properties of the surface, hardening, etc.
Household linoleum has the widest range of designs, from traditional herringbone parquet flooring to bright children's or avant-garde decors. Installation is recommended using adhesives, but you can also use double-sided tape or fixing with skirting boards. Service life - from 7 to 12 years.
Occasionally you can find the so-called baseless linoleum coatings up to about 1.5 mm thick, produced by small domestic factories. Such flooring materials are quite soft, cheap and short-lived.
Semi-commercial
This series is a cross between household and commercial products. The difference is that it has a denser (calender) structure compared to the first, the protective layer is stronger and thicker.
The coverings of this series are heterogeneous with a foam backing made of PVC or polyester fiber. Areas of use - offices, business premises, small shops, etc. Often, buyers purchase them for the home - in the kitchen, hallway, corridors, that is, places with the greatest foot traffic. The cost is comparable to the price of expensive household linoleum collections. Service life - up to 15 years.
Commercial heterogeneous and homogeneous
Products with high level resistance to abrasion and deforming loads. It is produced for installation in industrial, warehouse, sanatorium, medical, educational, commercial and commercial facilities. It is often used in exhibition and conference rooms, restaurants, shops, hotels and other similar premises.
Unlike the household series, commercial and semi-commercial linoleum cannot boast of a chic set of decors. Expensive products are produced only in the most demanded designs: for broadband boards, granite or marble chips, as well as plain ones.
The price of products is high, installation requires special equipment, but the service life is appropriate. Commercial linoleum even in the most difficult conditions will last at least 20 years.
Specialized
A series of coatings with extremely high resistance to any load:
- Sports (for sports and dance halls with resistance to both abrasion and vertical deformation, sliding, etc.;
- Antistatic or current-dissipating;
- Acoustic or soundproofing (with suppression effect);
- For wet rooms (completely waterproof);
- Wall mounted (resistance to wear combined with exceptional resistance to aggressive chemicals, including disinfectants, etc.);
- For transport and others.
The total thickness of linoleum can reach 10 mm, and the service life starts from 20 years or more.
Which to choose
In accordance with EN 685, each linoleum product, based on the results of tests, must be assigned a certain wear resistance class, which characterizes the level of withstand loads.
So, household series belong to the 21-23 and 31 classes, the semi-commercial linoleum corresponds to the 31-33 classes, and the commercial 32-34 and 41-42. The special is classified as group 4, that is, 41-43 categories. Full information is usually found in catalogs that every salesperson should have with them. On the seamy side, manufacturers indicate not the product class, but different characteristics: the presence of additional layers, service life, moisture or light resistance, etc.
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Linoleum is a pioneer in the artificial flooring industry. Initially, it was made from linseed oils and although a lot of time has passed since the creation of the material, it still has not lost its popularity.
Over time, many types of linoleum have appeared, differing in different properties and scope. Basically, they are divided into homogeneous and heterogeneous. The peculiarity of the former is simple execution and production with a thickness of 3 mm, while the latter have a more complex and diverse structure.
This variety is an example of heterogeneous coatings, usually with a thickness not exceeding 0.3 mm... As the name suggests, they are used in residential premises and are represented by an extensive line of solutions with a variety of colors and designs. 
Since it does not have high strength and wear resistance, it can rarely be found anywhere else, except for commercial-type premises with a low level of traffic.
It is mainly produced with a foam type base. Previously, there were options with felt, synthetics and other materials. Foam allows you to keep warm and dampens sound vibrations to the desired level. Fiberglass is used in the role of the supporting layer, which ensures that the dimensions of the material remain unchanged. On the front side, a thin protective layer of polyvinyl chloride is used. The required layer thickness is at least 0.15 mm.
The production of linoleum with a foam base is carried out rolls... Their width ranges from two to four meters, and their thickness ranges from 1.3 to 3 mm. 
Rolls with felt as a base are a polyvinyl chloride coating with a width ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 m. For sound insulation, polypropylene or polypropylene fibers are used. Like the version with a foam base, it is mainly used for private use, but felts are better suited for public spaces.
Such material acts as an intermediate link between household and commercial linoleum, acting as a universal coating. It can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous.
This view appreciated for its ability to easily wash off dirt and elasticity, which makes transportation very simple and convenient. The value of its protective layer can be in the ranges 0.3 to 0.6 mm.
Due to the increased rates of layer thickness and better absorption of extraneous sounds, such linoleum will be a practical choice for both residential premises and other small spaces.
The main layer can be of foam and needle-punched types. The needle-punched layer has complete fire safety and environmental friendliness. There are options with a reinforced coating. 
The color palette is also varied, as is the case with household linoleum. It is possible to pre-define zoning in office space when joining rolls. Cases with the appearance of cracks in the coating are excluded, due to the flexibility of the material. Thus, semi-commercial linoleum lasts a very long time and does not rub out, as is usually the case with options for domestic use.
The main differences
The areas of application of household and semi-commercial linoleum are somewhat different. Both types can be used in a residential area and small rooms with a low level of cross-country ability. Household is used more often in the first area, and universal option v different premises like offices, hospital rooms, small shops and others. This is due to the difference in the thickness of the layers, which, as a rule, are higher for the latter, making them a more versatile solution. In addition, the semi-commercial type of coating absorbs more noise levels, reaching a figure of 16 dB.
In both cases, polyvinyl chloride is used, which is a material that is very resistant to atmospheric changes. It increases the lifespan of both types of material, however one-stop solution lasts longer due to PVC applications in a protective layer of different thickness.
So many home craftsmen are wondering what is better to use: household or semi-commercial linoleum. Some believe that household items are quite enough for a home, while others are sure that only a semi-commercial one will cope with the load and serve its entire period. We decided to tell you about the features of these two types of flooring in order to help you with the choice and to put an end to this issue.
V last years a lot of floor coverings have appeared, but classic linoleum does not go out of style. This is due to its practicality, good characteristics, ease of installation and maintenance, as well as a huge assortment - you can choose any option for your room and fit it perfectly into the interior.
Household linoleum is perfect for the bedroom and living room
Advantages of linoleum:
- Versatility. Suitable for any room: bedroom, kitchen, corridor, living room.
- Good wear resistance. High-quality linoleum can last 10-12 years without losing its appearance and properties.
- Suitable for use in dry and damp rooms.
- Affordable price.
- Simplicity of styling and maintenance.
- Practically does not fade in the sun, does not absorb dirt, has antistatic properties.
- Good heat and sound insulation properties.
Modern household linoleumabsolutely harmless to health - it can be laid in kindergartens and rooms. Various textures, a huge assortment of patterns and colors contribute to the popularization of this type of coating: it goes well with different styles and interiors.
Scope of use
Household linoleum is used at home: in apartments, private houses, cottages. It is perfect for rooms with low mechanical stress, but it is not afraid of pressure and abrasion. Household options are labeled according to the same principle as laminate: the material is 21, 22 and 23 classes. Average term service quality linoleum 10-12 years old(subject to the manufacturer's recommendations).
In order to prolong its life, try not to move heavy objects on it, use special underlays for furniture, do not use abrasive detergents and avoid getting ash or sparks on the material. When buying, do not save - the standard thickness of linoleum should be 3-4 mm (base + decorative layer + protective layer).
Types of linoleum
Classic linoleum consists of three layers:
- Base (serves to level the surface and effectively distribute loads).
- A carrier decorative layer on which the pattern is applied.
- A protective polyurethane film that prevents the material from wearing out and wiping off when walking.
Semi-commercial linoleum is best used in the hallway or in the kitchen
There are two types of household linoleum:
- baseless thin-layer (up to 1.5 mm thick);
- thick layer (3-4 mm).
Generally, the thicker the material, the longer the coating will last and the less rubbing. Also, thick-layer linoleum retains heat much better and protects the room from extraneous sounds. We recommend that you only use the second option. The baseless one wipes off very quickly - for its installation you only need a perfectly even coating. It cannot be laid in places where people often walk - it is suitable for rooms with a low load. For a thick-walled one, any more or less even base with dents and bumps up to 1-2 mm is suitable. Before laying, you must thoroughly vacuum the surface to remove dust from it. If the base is not very even, then you can use a linoleum lining (expanded polyethylene or cork).
Semi-commercial
This type of coating is intended for use in rooms with medium traffic. It is available on a jute or foam base. Technical characteristics of semi-commercial linoleum higher than that of a household one - it has a greater thickness and a higher quality PVC layer. The average service life of such linoleum is 7-10 years in passable places. In everyday life, it can last 15 years, but usually it is thrown out earlier, because it simply becomes morally obsolete.
Jute cover
Jute - natural material very reminiscent of felt. From above it gets covered thin film polyvinyl chloride, which protects it from abrasion and decay. It is an excellent choice for living rooms: jute flooring is soft, resilient, elastic. It retains heat well and retains extraneous sounds. Perfect for the living room, bedroom, children's room - you can walk on the surface barefoot even in winter. But such linoleum does not tolerate very well. high humidity... The manufacturer does not recommend placing it in the kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
Semi-commercial linoleum can be easily glued along the seam
The jute coating is laid on a perfectly flat surface - any height differences and sharp protrusions will quickly lead to wear of the lower layer.
note: Jute flooring is not as practical as foam linoleum. It must be properly looked after and not subjected to serious stress.
The main advantages of a jute-based coating are good environmental friendliness, low price and ease of use. It is pleasant to walk on the material - it is slightly crumpled and springy. Does not require special care. Make sure not to be hit by a direct line at all times. sunlight and no abrasives were used during washing.
Foam cover
This type of linoleum is characterized by increased wear resistance and good quality... It consists of several layers of foamed polyvinyl chloride and perfectly withstands serious loads. Often has a fiberglass reinforcement layer that prevents it from stretching and tearing. The top layer protects the design from wiping and fading. Foamed linoleum is much more practical and stronger than jute. Its advantages:
- Excellent wear resistance. Withstands heavy traffic, is not afraid of the claws of animals, aggressive detergents, high loads.
- Huge assortment of designs and colors. This type of coating can be produced with various surface textures: imitation of stone, wooden planks, metal, etc.
- Not afraid of moisture. The coating can even be used in a bath - it will not melt from the high temperature and will not start to rot.
Note:the textured surface makes the floor beautiful, but complicates the cleaning process. It is not recommended to use ribbed linoleum in the kitchen or hallway - it will not be easy to clean.
Semi-commercial linoleum suitable for offices, restaurants and walkways
Features of semi-commercial coverage
You should know that semi-commercial linoleum costs much more than household linoleum - the difference in price can be 30-50 percent, so think about whether it makes sense to overpay. It is also worth noting the considerable weight of this coating - at least 2.5 kg per square meter... The base of the semi-commercial coating is made of polyvinyl chloride, which is resistant to moisture and temperature extremes. You do not have to be afraid that it will burst or burst - usually the base is reinforced with fiberglass. Another plus of this solution is that linoleum does not change its shape when the temperature changes. Usually it comes in rolls from 2 to 4 meters - enough to cover 90% of rooms. If necessary, linoleum can be glued with a special soldering iron or glue - the procedure does not take much time, and the seam becomes almost invisible.
Differences
So, what are the differences between household and semi-commercial linoleum ? The main factor is load resistance. Professional builders do not recommend overpaying and buying semi-commercial options for the whole house or apartment. You are guaranteed not to wear out household linoleum in the bedroom or living room even for 10 years, and then simply change it, since it will become obsolete. Semi-commercial options are well suited for walk-through rooms: corridors, hallways, kitchens. They serve well in offices and small shops. You can also lay a commercial version in a children's room - the load on the floor there is quite high. If you are considering buying a semi-commercial flooring just for the sake of insulating the floor and creating sound insulation, then it is better to purchase a regular household option and lay a lining under it like for a laminate. It will cost you less and the result will be better.
Although there are many new floor coverings today, linoleum has been and remains one of the most used materials. The word "linoleum" has a Latin origin and is derived from the combination of linum - flax and oleum - oil, since since 1864 this material has been made on the basis of linseed oil, which was replaced by PVC in 1950.
Modern linoleum is a floor covering, most often in the form of rolls, with a width of one and a half to six meters (there is also tiled linoleum, the scope of which is limited). The reason for its popularity lies in the large selection of colors and patterns, as well as ease of installation, low price and good consumer characteristics.
Linoleum can be classified by properties and types. Depending on the area of application and wear resistance, the following types of linoleum are distinguished: household, commercial and semi-commercial. Let's consider their parameters and differences.
Household linoleum, as its name implies, is used mainly in everyday life, that is, for laying in residential premises. It is also called "home". One of the most important criteria that distinguishes it from commercial linoleum is environmental safety. Thanks to it, it can be laid in apartments, houses, kindergartens, schools and other places where a floor covering is needed that will not harm the health of people and animals. In addition, this type of linoleum is the cheapest, and therefore the most common. It has the maximum variety of patterns and shades that imitate floor coverings from natural materials, and consists of three layers: the lower - a foamed PVC base, the middle - the actual pattern rolled onto the base (for the sake of the pattern, linoleum is bought), and the upper - a protective transparent layer with a thickness of 0.1-0.3 mm made of polyurethane or polyester. Household linoleum has low performance characteristics.
Semi-commercial linoleum is a cross between household and commercial. In terms of strength, it surpasses household coatings, but inferior in its properties to commercial ones, and it is almost as easy to install as household coatings. This type of linoleum is used in rooms with medium traffic: small offices, bars, clubs, hotel complexes, etc.
Semi-commercial linoleum differs from other types of linoleum in increased sound insulation, hydro or electrical insulation, thermal or cold resistance. However, in addition to the advantages, this type of linoleum has disadvantages. First, it has a low melting point and is unstable to aggressive substances, including solvents. Secondly, plasticizers added to make it flexible can be harmful to health. Therefore, such coatings are not recommended for use in children's rooms, hospitals and other places where high environmental friendliness is required.
Commercial linoleum is the strongest and most durable of all three types. Unlike its counterparts, it is used for flooring in rooms with high traffic, for example, large offices, shopping centers, children's and educational institutions, etc. At the same time, it has a much thicker and more durable protective layer. It is able to withstand daily loads of up to 5 tons per sq. meter, which allows them to cover even the floor in warehouses and workshops. In addition, commercial linoleum can last 10-25 years, keeping appearance... But it also has its drawbacks - this material cannot be used in residential premises due to the content of harmful substances in it, and its installation is of great difficulty and requires a lot of experience and skill.
Linoleum is in great demand and is a sure leader in sales in the niche of affordable flooring. Modern production and the introduction of new technologies, allowed manufacturers to produce really cheap material with high performance.
Household linoleum is the simplest and budget view roll cover... The main area of application is standard apartments, private houses, summer cottages and other residential premises. It is distinguished by a rich selection of colors, sizes, availability different types substrates and low price.
Structure and characteristics
Standard household-type PVC linoleum has a five-layer structure. The bottom layer is a polyvinyl chloride base, which acts as a backing and comes into contact with the floor surface during installation.
This is followed by a layer of fiberglass or a supporting base for a decorative pattern. Fiberglass is used only in more expensive household coatings and acts as a stabilizing substrate that enhances the carcass and stability of the material. Fiberglass coatings are less wear and tear and creep during use.
The decorative layer is applied to the substrate using a special machine with rollers. The color and applied texture depends on the specific collection in the manufacturer's line.
To protect the pattern, a protective layer up to 0.7 mm thick is applied to its surface. The thicker this coating, the more wear resistance linoleum has, and thus has a longer service life.
The material has a rich selection of colors and textures
The last, but not least, layer is a thin polyurethane film that protects linoleum from abrasive and shock loads. When buying, it is recommended to pay attention to the presence and thickness of the two outer layers.
There are also more multi-layer coatings. For example, warm views household cover have an additional base that increases thermal insulation properties material. The presence of additional insulation increases the moisture-resistant qualities of the coating and allows laying in rooms with high humidity.
To the most important characteristics household linoleum includes:
- wear resistance class;
- abrasion group;
- flammability degree;
- toxicity.
The wear resistance class is determined by an index of two numbers: 21, 22, 23, 23-31. The first number indicates the household accessory of the coating, the second is the ability to withstand intense loads.
The larger the second number, the more durable and wear-resistant the material is. The abrasion group indicates how the liner deforms during operation under the influence of abrasion load. The highest priority is to choose the coverage with the “T” index.
The flammability group is how linoleum behaves when exposed to open fire. Marked with a letter and a number: G1, G2, G3, G4. The lower the number, the less flammable the material is.
Toxicity characterizes the ability of a coating to release harmful substances during use. Marked by analogy: T1, T2, T3, T4. It is desirable that linoleum belongs to the first or second group.
The thickness of the protective layer varies from 0.1 to 0.35 mm. Roll width from 1.5 to 5 m.
Types and characteristics
In the presence of a felt base, the material has high thermal insulation qualities.
The classification of household linoleum can be performed according to several criteria. The most common grouping is by structure and type of substrate material. According to its structure, linoleum is divided into homogeneous (single-layer) and heterogeneous (multilayer).
Homogeneous coating is not in great demand, due to the complexity of production and inexpediency for this variety. Multilayer linoleum is the main form of release, as it has a low price with very high characteristics.
Depending on the thickness, linoleum is divided into two groups:
- Thin-layer - thickness up to 1.5 mm.
- Thick layer - thickness from 1.5 to 4 mm.
Thin coat has no backing and requires a full backing. It is used quite rarely due to its low strength and wear resistance. Thick coatings are more durable. Can be laid without a backing, subject to the quality of the preparation of the bearing surface.
The basis of household linoleum is made of PVC, polyester, felt or jute. The polyvinyl chloride base is the most common and is used for most types of linoleum.
Coating structure from the manufacturer Tarkett
The felt base gives the material increased thermal insulation properties. It is used when laying linoleum on a cold floor is required, without a full-fledged thermal insulation layer. The felt also provides good cushioning and walking comfort.
Among the advantages of household linoleum are:
- ease of installation - the technology of covering the flooring is not complicated. You can do the work with your own hands after studying the brief instructions;
- availability - average cost material does not exceed 400 rubles / m2. There are also cheaper products from various manufacturers;
- content - linoleum can be easily washed with plain water with the addition of a minimum amount of detergents;
- assortment - the color palette and the number of textures is extensive, which makes it possible to choose a coating for a different interior.
The main disadvantage of such linoleum is its service life. If we compare it with other types, then the household look has a maximum service life of 8-10 years, depending on the load and operating conditions.
Differences from semi-commercial coverage
The choice of linoleum is inextricably linked with the search for more high-quality coating under specific conditions. The most pressing question is how household linoleum differs from semi-commercial, because not a single consumer wants to overpay for the material.
Semi-commercial linoleum is practically the same household type with higher wear resistance, strength and availability additional qualities... The coating itself consists of 5 or 7 layers. The seven-layer coating has a fiberglass layer, which increases rigidity and gives higher strength values.
The face layer of a semi-commercial coating is thicker. The average thickness varies from 0.35 to 0.5 mm, which increases the service life of the cladding to 15-17 years. This also affects the cost of the material, which is much higher than household counterparts by 200-300 rubles / m2.
If we compare the data of the type from the point of view of the expediency of the choice, then it is recommended to start from the passability of the room. Household species are best laid in the bedroom, children's room or study.
It is advisable to lay a semi-commercial coating in the hallway and kitchen, since it is in these rooms that increased wear resistance is required. Otherwise, the use of this material is not always justified.
That is, it makes no sense to lay a more expensive material if the floor covering is temporary, laid for 5-7 years, etc. More detailed comparison both types can be seen in the table above.
The instructions for laying household linoleum provide that the cladding is laid on a pre-prepared base. The main requirements are a smooth and dry surface without cracks, dents, chips.
Brief installation diagram with adhesive fixation
In the preparation process, you will need to dismantle the old floor covering up to the overlap. Further, garbage, dust is removed and an inspection is carried out for damage.
If the base has pronounced damage to concrete, then a leveling device is performed cement-sand screed. Minimum thickness layer - 7 cm. For strengthening and giving strength it is better to use ready mix M500 brands and fiberglass.
The supporting base is repaired without damage with a slight offset relative to the level by pouring a self-leveling mixture. This is a thin-layer self-leveling floor with a thickness of 1-1.5 cm. The mixture is poured onto a cleaned surface, covered with a primer in 2 layers.
It is recommended to lay linoleum with a solid sheet without welding individual pieces. This will ensure reliable sealing of the base and protect the material from water ingress under the coating. To do this, you will need to purchase a roll of linoleum slightly wider than the room itself.
For example, for a room with a width of 2.5 m - a roll with a width of 3 m. The material should be delivered to the place of repair 2 days before installation. This is necessary to adapt linoleum to air humidity and room temperature.
The coated roll is rolled along the length of the room with overlap on the walls. Further, with the help of a construction knife, it is adjusted according to the size of the room. If necessary, it is laid with a minimum number of joints, which are glued together using the method cold welding... For fixing to the floor, a special glue is used, which is applied to a clean floor, treated with a primer.