Which is better, laminate or... Which is better - laminate or linoleum: we analyze the consumer properties of floor coverings

Good linoleum and laminate cost almost the same, but many people like the look of laminate more, but its durability is questionable. What to choose – laminate or linoleum? It is difficult to give an objective answer to this question, because a lot depends on the tastes of the owners of the premises.

There is some bias when evaluating a floor covering such as linoleum. Many people consider it a relic. Often in Internet discussions one comes across such an apt definition in relation to linoleum as “scoop”. Well, what kind of objectivity can there be here? However, when making a decision, you need to be guided by reason, not emotions. Let's figure it out Which is better - linoleum or laminate by comparing these two floor coverings.

Linoleum. Advantages and disadvantages of linoleum

What we call linoleum should actually be called " PVC coating " Real linoleum is a floor covering made only from natural raw materials (linseed oil, tree resin, wood flour, limestone powder and jute fabric). However, such natural linoleum is really expensive and is not sold in every building materials store. The flooring that we are used to seeing in the homes of our compatriots, as well as in offices, kindergartens, schools, etc. - this is nothing more than a PVC coating. That is, an artificial material based on plastic, which was first popularly and then officially called “linoleum”, although in fact it is not.

Of course it's unreasonable compare natural linoleum and laminate , which is a completely artificial floor covering. They are in different weight categories. As a rule, if the problem of choosing between laminate and linoleum arises, then we are, of course, talking about synthetic linoleum, and not natural.

Linoleum in the kitchen

There are three types PVC linoleums: commercial, semi-commercial and household. Commercial linoleum – the densest, suitable for use in high-traffic areas. This type of linoleum is purchased for flooring in educational, medical, retail, office and other public premises. As a rule, commercial linoleum has the additional property of anti-slip, so it is not only the most durable, but also safer.

Household linoleum Suitable only for residential premises, as it is not as durable and reliable as commercial ones. But household linoleum presented in the largest number of colors: you can choose plain linoleum or imitating boards, parquet, masonry, tiles, crumbs, etc.

Linoleum "under the tiles"

There is a huge assortment of colors and semi-commercial linoleum . It is more durable than household ones, and therefore its service life is longer. Semi-commercial linoleum is laid both in residential premises and inside public buildings. However, for factory floors, warehouses, etc. semi-commercial linoleum is not very suitable - for such premises it is better to give preference to commercial PVC coating.

Wood-like linoleum

Advantages of linoleum:

- low cost;

— a wide variety of colors, which allows you to choose flooring for the interior in any existing style;

- ease of laying flooring - in principle, any person with enough Strong arms, can lay linoleum in a medium-sized room;

— linoleum has low thermal conductivity, so floors with such a coating are rarely cold;

- linoleum does not rot, since there is nothing there to rot - after all, it is made from synthetic materials;

— floors covered with linoleum are not noisy;

- linoleum may have such an important additional property as anti-slip;

- even good linoleum that does not have “anti-slip” is not slippery;

- the shelf life of linoleum is 30-50 years - this is called “set it and forget it”; Truth, appearance linoleum after even ten years may leave much to be desired.

Disadvantages of linoleum:

- linoleum is an artificial material, it is significantly inferior in quality, environmental friendliness, and beauty wooden floor;

- linoleum can be pressed under the weight of furniture - if a table or sofa has to be rearranged, dents will most likely remain on the floor;

- inexpensive linoleum is sensitive to very high and very low temperatures– in the first case, it may become deformed, in the second, it may crack;

— linoleum looks cheap (subjective opinion, but it is shared by many). However, here you need to take into account that modern linoleums from leading manufacturers floor coverings can imitate any floor - wood, tile, etc. Moreover, the imitation is very high quality and realistic, so the appearance of linoleum may be no different from laminate. Consequently, when assessing the appearance of linoleum, one’s own attitude towards this material is often included.

Linoleum: does it really look as cheap and outdated as many people think?

Laminate. Advantages and disadvantages of laminate

It is also called laminated parquet, but this is fundamentally wrong. Laminate has nothing to do with parquet, because parquet is wood, and laminate – artificial multilayer finishing material , consisting of a substrate, an inner (main) layer of chipboard or MDF, decorative paper that gives the laminate color, and the laminate itself, that is, the top polymer layer that protects the coating from external influences. , by the way, may include several additional layers that improve the quality of the floor.

Laminate is divided into several wear resistance classes - depending on the class, laminate is chosen for a particular type of room: residential (21-23), public (31-33). Wear-resistant laminate is purchased for offices, children's institutions, gyms, cafes, shops, etc., as well as for residential premises with high traffic (halls, hallways, corridors). There is also a special moisture-resistant laminate. It is also called “kitchen laminate.” The edges (joints) of these laminated “planks” are moisture-resistant impregnated.

Laminate, like linoleum, can imitate various materials- tree of the most different breeds, stone, ceramics, metal, sand... Upper layer laminate can be glossy, matte or structured (imitating the structure of a particular material - for example, wood).

Laminate imitating stone

Advantages of laminate:

- low cost compared to parquet or tiles;

- a wide variety of colors, the ability to imitate very realistically wooden floor;

- ease of installation, since modern laminate does not need to be glued - the laminate is installed using the “locking” method.

Disadvantages of laminate:

— the service life of ordinary (not moisture-resistant) laminate in wet rooms (kitchens, hallways) usually does not exceed 5 years;

— laminate is an artificial material that is significantly inferior to natural floor coverings;

— the laminate coating (top layer) may be damaged if a sharp and/or heavy object falls on the floor;

— improper care behind the laminate and washing it too often can negatively affect its appearance - in particular, indelible light spots may appear on the surface of the coating;

- even with proper installation that fully complies with the requirements, the seams will not be airtight, which means that moisture, sand, and dust can get into the joints. This gradually leads to deterioration of the edge. As a result, the quality of the floor will deteriorate, the panels will become movable, the coating will begin to creak;

— if the laminate is flooded with water, it will most likely need to be replaced.

So, both linoleum and laminate have advantages and disadvantages. So which flooring is preferable? Let's compare.

Laminate or linoleum: which is better?

Similarities:

- cheap;

- beautiful;

- do not burn out;

- are not natural;

- not prestigious;

- stable;

- easy to install.

However, there are differences that can be seen from the table:

So, the conclusion suggests itself - at the linoleum more benefits and fewer disadvantages , however, the difference in pros and cons is not so significant. Therefore, solving the question, what to choose - laminate or linoleum, you need to be guided by the room for which the flooring is intended.

Choosing flooring depending on the type of room

For bedroom, living room and home corridor It is better to choose laminate as it is more fashionable, pleasant to the touch, and less toxic. Linoleum is still preferable for the kitchen, but if you are ready to change the flooring every 4-7 years, then make your choice depending on your personal preferences.

For a high traffic office Linoleum is also preferable. The problem is not even a matter of repairs: laminated floors can very soon lose their appearance, begin to creak, etc., but this can negatively affect the company’s image. In addition, laminate flooring is noisier, and if people walk along the office corridors a large number of people, and even in heels, this can distract employees and reduce their performance. By the way, in the corridors of American offices there is often carpet - soft, comfortable, quiet. However, in our country this is almost unrealistic due to the level of cleanliness of the streets (or rather, the lack of cleanliness as such).

Linoleum can be successfully combined - with carpet, laminate, and linoleum of a different color

If you are choosing flooring for a loggia/balcony , it’s worth asking the price for linoleum. If you forget to close the glazing sash, the laminate may not tolerate this, but nothing will happen to the linoleum. And floors finished with linoleum will seem warmer. However, you need to take into account that in extreme cold, linoleum can crack ( from the author: I have Tarkett linoleum on my cold loggia, it survived three winters with 45-degree frost - and nothing, it looks like new).

We wish you to make the right choice, which you will not have to regret. I would only like to recommend not saving on flooring: sometimes it is better to spend more than expected, but make really high-quality floors that will last a long time. Still, nothing has yet been invented better than stone tiles for wet rooms and boards (or parquet) for residential areas.

Buyers choose flooring most often based on four basic criteria - cost, beauty, practicality and, paradoxically, fashion. Of the materials in the “economy” and “business” series, the most interesting are laminated parquet and linoleum products in all their diversity.

Elastic coatings have been produced for a little less than a century and a half. Over the past decades, the product formula and its properties have changed significantly better side. Today, linoleum is a flexible finishing material for floors and walls, produced in the form of rolled sheets or modular sections (tiles, planks).

Based on their composition, there are two types:

Natural or marmoleum

Marmoleum.

It is made from a jute base, onto which a mixture of linseed oil, natural resin, wood flour, pigments and other components is applied. The surface is covered with protective wax or varnish.

The resulting elastic material is characterized by safety for children and adults, wear and moisture resistance, bacteriostaticity and slip resistance. The requirements for laying marmoleum are high, but in operation the floor covering is durable, easy to maintain and resistant to chemicals. household chemicals.

Among the disadvantages, we note the high price, as well as the characteristic smell.

Synthetic or PVC coating

A polymer analogue of marmoleum was developed more than 60 years ago, and today most collections are not inferior to natural linoleum, parquet and even porcelain stoneware in many respects. PVC material is considered more practical because it is durable, resistant to abrasion, water, aggressive household chemicals, various biofactors, and easy to use.

Thanks to various technologies production produces homogeneous (single-layer) and heterogeneous (multilayer) products of all price categories, from "economy" to "premium". But the most important advantage can be called great amount decors in all possible shades, including new or aged wood, natural and fake diamond, glossy ceramics or matte granite, textiles and much more.

The disadvantages of PVC coating are the chemical smell (which quickly disappears) and high requirements for the base.

Both types of elastic flooring materials are available in four series:

Thus, linoleum finishing materials can safely be called universal, presentable and easy to use. At the same time, marmoleum will cost 2-7 times more than its synthetic analogue.

Laminate - pros and cons

Thin laminated parquet was patented as a floor covering in the late 70s of the 20th century. This material was developed as a budget analogue of solid wood flooring and parquet boards. Today, laminate is positioned as a practical and durable floor finish for any budget.

Unlike linoleum, laminated coating is hard, but multi-layered. Consists of (from top to bottom):

The coating is made in all sizes, from 21 to 43. Thanks to this, laminated parquet is easy to choose for any type of room. Average term service life, subject to proper installation, is 10-20 years. The advantages of the material also include aesthetics, durability, maintainability, ease of maintenance and practicality. The covering can be laid on the floor in a kitchen or bedroom, office or store, restaurant or school. But many consider the installation method to be the main advantage - “floating” locking, without the use of glue, screws or other types of fixation.

Disadvantages of laminate (HDF series): swelling upon prolonged contact with water, accumulation of static charge on the surface, a specific odor (which disappears in 1-2 weeks), the need for sound insulation, as well as high requirements for the base during installation. The latter is especially important, because the comfort and service life of the floor covering depend on it.

What to choose

Let’s make a reservation right away - we compare products only from well-known brands that strictly monitor the quality of their products and constantly certify them - Forbo, Grabo, Juteks, Pergo, Haro, Krono Group, etc.

For clarity, we will compile a comparative table of the main characteristics.

The table shows that elastic coating is cheaper and more practical, but laminated parquet, due to its rigid structure, better imitates wood. Expert opinion:

Buyers often ask what warmer. It is not entirely correct to compare coatings based on this indicator - different thickness, many subtypes of products that differ significantly from each other. A striking example– marmoleum and PVC linoleum or HDF laminate and PVC laminate.

If we take average values, then the thermal conductivity coefficient of laminated parquet is 0.15-0.33 W/(m*K), the coefficient of linoleum is 0.17-0.38 W/(m*K). The difference is obvious at first glance, but much depends on the density of the coating, cross-section, type of base and other parameters. For example, a good, calendered linoleum of a semi-commercial series has almost the same thermal conductivity as a class 32 HDF laminate with a thickness of 8 mm - approximately 0.16-0.17 W/(m*K). As a rule, sellers do not have detailed information. To get accurate indicators, ask the store for a product passport (supplied with each batch of goods) or search on the manufacturer’s website.

Often buyers try to find out what more environmentally friendly. The question is controversial at first glance. Manufacturers of laminated parquet appeal to the fact that the product consists of 90-95% wood. But they are silent about the fact that the remaining percentages are melamine, phenol-formaldehyde, urea-formaldehyde and other rather toxic compounds used as binders, surface protection and other things. In the same time natural marmoleum Almost all over the world it is approved for installation in children's, school and medical institutions as the most environmentally safe, hypoallergenic and bacteriostatic material. In the same way, PVC coatings from the “antibacterial” and “sanitary” series are approved for use. What is more harmful and dangerous in the end?

It's actually simple. A long-established certification system will help you resolve this dilemma. When conducting tests, Russian certifying organizations check the compliance of laminate and linoleum with all mandatory standards, including the presence of toxic substances in the composition, the level of their release into the air (maximum permissible concentrations - MAC), etc. Linoleum from Tarkett or Forbo, as well as laminate from BerryAlloc or Kaindl products pass all types of studies with equal success and receive a full package of documents confirming the safety of their products: sanitary and hygienic conclusion, certificate of conformity, fire safety.

There is one more important point. Some large manufacturers understand that customers are easily intimidated by various myths that are invented by less than clean marketers and PR experts. Therefore, additional certification of products is ordered on a voluntary basis. For example, Tarket has the right to label its linoleum with the Russian “Leaf of Life” sign, and the German laminate from HDM has been assigned a similar environmental identifier “Blue Angel” (Der Blaue Engel).

Thus, it does not matter what color or thickness of coating is planned to be laid in the apartment. Choose high-quality products that comply with Russian and international standards security.

Advice! If you need repairmen, there is a very convenient service for selecting them. Just submit in the form below detailed description work that needs to be done and offers will be sent to your email with prices ranging from construction crews and companies. You can see reviews about each of them and photographs with examples of work. It's FREE and there's no obligation.

Have you planned and are deciding which is better: laminate or linoleum? Yes, it’s really difficult to determine the leader: the price of laminate good quality and linoleum are almost the same. Each material has its pros and cons; it is necessary to analyze the characteristics in more detail along with visual perception. Before choosing, you should decide for which room the coating is selected, important role Passability, humidity, and the likelihood of mechanical impacts play a role. In today's review, the Homius.ru editors will try to help you choose between these two materials, revealing some of the nuances of operational parameters. All you have to do is choose the color.

Depending on the thickness of the layer and the purpose of linoleum, three categories can be distinguished.

Base structure

Based on its structure, the coating can be divided into the following types:

• homogeneous, or single-layer,− it is made from granules with the addition of dyes. Its thickness is no more than 2 mm, the pattern is applied not to the top coating, but throughout the entire thickness. This explains the low abrasion of the single-layer material. It is suitable for high traffic areas. It is important to remember: than thinner layer, the higher its wear resistance;
• heterogeneous- This is a more versatile linoleum; it can contain up to 6 layers. The thickness of the coating reaches 6 mm. The top layer is made only of PVC; sometimes granules are added during the production process, due to which the material acquires a 3D effect. For reinforcement, polyurethane may be included in the composition, which improves wear resistance.

Coating thickness

Thickness is one of the important parameters of linoleum; it can reach up to 0.7-5 mm. Material with a thickness of up to 1 mm is quite rare, and it is not suitable for apartments and houses at all. Perfect option for household purposes, opt for linoleum with a thickness of 2-4 mm, and it is important to remember that heat and sound insulation will depend on this parameter. In addition, the characteristics of a thicker base are much better.

You should know this! You may come across the opinion that durability is primarily affected by the thickness of the coating, but this is a misconception. The increase in service life is affected by the thickness of the protective layer, or, to be more precise, by its wear life.

Linoleum classes by wear resistance

Wear resistance is the ability to withstand mechanical and physical exercise that arise during operation. Another indicator is abrasion, which determines the time at which the thickness of the upper protective layer decreases over the entire period of use. The laminate class, depending on its purpose, consists of two numbers:

• the first digit is the area of ​​application of the coating: residential, office or industrial premises;
• the second number (1−4) is the intensity of the load.

For use in residential premises, you should choose a coating of class 21-23; class 23 has the best performance. Classes 31 and 32 are intended for offices, but for shopping centers and stores the choice should be made on classes 32 and 33, their characteristics are much higher.

Linoleum: pros and cons

In order to objectively compare in the future which is better - laminate or linoleum in a house, you need to analyze their parameters: service life, wear resistance, environmental friendliness, heat, noise and moisture insulation, risk of injury and price. Let us highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of linoleum.

1. Affordable cost - almost anyone can afford such a purchase.
2. Moisture- and vapor-tightness - therefore it is recommended to install it in kitchens, corridors and bathrooms.
3. High wear resistance, resistance to mechanical damage. He is not afraid of women's heels and movement.
4. High sound and heat insulation - the coating is equal in these qualities to wood.
5. No additional protective layer is required.
6. Injury-proof - even the glossy coating has additional slip protection.
7. Linoleum can be laid on a substrate or placed underneath it.
8. The pattern on the coating is made by adding dye to the material; therefore, the pattern will remain the entire period of operation.
9. Easy care - can be used during cleaning.

For an objective assessment, it should be noted negative points linoleum:

• it consists of artificial materials, all layers are glued together, and it also contains rubber. Only in some types can you find natural fabric in the structure. Therefore, it emits a rather specific smell, which disappears 2 weeks after installation;
• stripes from shoes with black soles remain on the surface, which are quite difficult to remove;
• requires prior .

Main characteristics of laminate

Laminate is a great alternative parquet board, but at a much lower cost. In addition, it has undoubted advantages that are characteristic of parquet.

Board structure

A high-quality laminate with a thickness of 5-11 mm consists of five layers; budget coatings can have only 3 layers. Let's consider the composition of the material for grades 31–33.

Manufacturers can add or change layers to improve technical characteristics.

Classes

Laminate is widely used in all residential premises, with the only exception, as well as in offices, warehouses, shopping centers. Manufacturers produce coatings in six classes: 21-23 are intended for housing, 31-33 - for public institutions. For the hallway in an apartment, it is recommended to use a higher class - 23 or 31, but for the bedroom, where the load is low, you can save money and limit yourself to 21 class. There is another coating class - 34, it appeared in 2005 and is characterized by increased strength, due to which its service life is much longer.

Strength criteria

The strength criteria of the laminate are determined after testing, in which the panel is fixed to special device and act on it using an abrasive disc. The study requires two indicators:

• After what number of revolutions will the first scratches appear?
• After what number of revolutions will the top layer be completely destroyed?

The arithmetic mean of these values ​​determines the quality standard of the laminate.

Appearance

If you compare laminate with linoleum in appearance, it is difficult to identify a leader in this characteristic. Manufacturers offer imitation wood, parquet, stone and tile in both coatings, a variety of color scheme, tint solutions.

Laminate: advantages and disadvantages

For an objective assessment of both coatings, we highlight positive traits and disadvantages of laminate.

1. High wear resistance, resistance to abrasion and mechanical stress.
2. Fire resistance is higher than that of linoleum.
3. Easy care - no special products required.
4. Anti-allergenic - environmentally friendly materials are used in production. In this regard, it is recommended for installation in children's rooms.
5. Simple installation - laying on a substrate or “warm floor” is acceptable.
6. Service life at correct selection and installation can last up to 20 years.
7. Low cost - it is affordable for the average buyer.

The disadvantages of laminate include:

• it is important to correctly determine the wear resistance class of the laminate for each room; to do this, you should first study the main characteristics and recommendations of the manufacturer;
• required preliminary preparation base to perfect evenness;
• laminated panels do not tolerate excess moisture. After installation, it is recommended to treat the butt joints by special means with protective function;
• if it is broken, the surface may swell and a squeak may appear during operation;
• cost of coverage high class may exceed the price of even a parquet board.

We compare the parameters and draw conclusions about what to choose: laminate or linoleum

To determine which coating is better, you need to compare all the pros and cons of linoleum and laminate. The decisive word will not be the cost at all, but the purpose of the room for which the material is selected, because it is from the right choice and depends on the durability and quality of use.

Difficulty of installation

Linoleum or laminate: which is cheaper to operate?

Linoleum different classes it is still cheaper than a laminate with the same characteristics, this is due to its composition: environmentally friendly materials are used for the production of panels. But as for operation, you need to keep in mind that if the linoleum is seriously damaged in a visible place, you will have to replace the entire canvas, while with laminate it is possible to replace the deformed section with a similar one.

What is more expensive: linoleum or laminate

The cost of some classes of laminate can exceed the price of linoleum by approximately 2-2.5 times.

Which is better: laminate or linoleum, according to an expert

We have analyzed all the main parameters and have already determined for ourselves which material is better. I wonder if our conclusions will coincide: what is better in an apartment: laminate or linoleum, according to a professional? According to experts, laminate has an undoubted advantage - environmental friendliness, a wide variety of textures, durability, and resistance to mechanical damage. Otherwise, linoleum exhibits better performance: it is easy to maintain, easy to install, moisture-resistant, and has higher sound and heat insulation.

Conclusion! Linoleum is better suited for office premises, loggias, kitchens and entrance areas. Laminate should be chosen for bedrooms, living rooms and hallways, as it has a more presentable appearance.

Which is better: laminate or linoleum, according to reviews on forums

If we analyze consumer reviews, their opinions on popular sites are divided approximately equally. Some people like the moisture resistance characteristics of linoleum, while others like the environmental friendliness of laminate. Therefore, before choosing what to lay on the floor in an apartment, our advice is to analyze the relevant topics on construction forums, see what consumers are dissatisfied with over time, and only then make a choice in favor of one of the materials. Many speak out in favor of linoleum thanks to simple care However, at the same time they emphasize that price matters, since “the more expensive, the better.”

More details on MasterGrad: http://www.mastergrad.com/forums/t14152-linoleum-ili-laminat/?page=4.

But the next consumer speaks specifically about the environmental friendliness of laminate.

More details on ForumHouse: https://www.forumhouse.ru/threads/318083/page-2.

Another opinion in favor of linoleum for a family with small children, although deficiencies in the coating were discovered after repair during operation.

And in conclusion, we invite you to watch another professional opinion in the video.

Beauty, durability, reliability – these are the criteria by which flooring is chosen. The environmental component is no less important, especially in homes with small children. The last condition somewhat narrows the search suitable material, but the stumbling block is the price - parquet and solid wood are not a cheap pleasure. In this case, you should choose from two options - laminate or linoleum. What is better is described in this article

Beauty, durability, reliability – these are the criteria by which flooring is chosen. The environmental component is no less important, especially in homes with small children. The last condition somewhat narrows the search for a suitable material, but the stumbling block is the price - parquet and solid wood are not a cheap pleasure. In this case, you should choose from two options - laminate or linoleum. Which is better is described in this article.

What is laminate

A floor covering consisting of several layers that provides the board with the proper appearance and strength - this is laminate. Read more in this article. The coating has a classification, thanks to which the choice for a particular room will be accurate. The advantages of laminate include:

1. Durability.
2. Easy installation (even for amateurs).
3. Exceptional appearance. The board can imitate natural wood, stone, carpet, etc.
4. Easy care.

Laminate cannot be considered completely environmentally friendly due to the adhesive between the layers and the melamine or acrylic resin on decorative paper. However, it is a product that has more to do with wood processing than linoleum, which is most often produced from styrene.

What is linoleum

This is a type of flooring made from polymers or natural raw materials, produced in rolls - more details here.
Natural option is rare and expensive, so consumers mainly consider its styrene analogues - polyvinyl chloride, nitrocellulose, alkyd and others. The coating has the following advantages:

1. Durable. Service life is guaranteed by manufacturers up to 15 years.
2. Super easy to clean. Dirt does not stay on it. The surface tolerates any cleaning agents inertly.
3. Additional sound, heat and waterproofing - linoleum will not leak, it has a backing. A warm floor is laid under it.

The disadvantages include the possibility of damage to linoleum. He is powerless in the face of heels, falling sharp objects, and bending.

Comparison of materials by characteristics

Now, having some idea about the two types of flooring, let’s look at whether to choose laminate or linoleum, their advantages and disadvantages in relation to each other:

Appearance

Both coatings are distinguished by a variety of colors and textures. Most popular is laminate in the form of a wood board with a corresponding natural pattern that imitates expensive varieties - beech, oak, ash, maple and others.
Which, however, does not mean that it is impossible to purchase laminate flooring with a fancy pattern. Linoleum similarly imitates wood, parquet patterns, stone, even leather.
In this classification, both materials are good.

Practicality and applications

A house or apartment is a living space. Active activities take place there and the coating should not be of museum value so that you are afraid to step on it or inadvertently spoil it. What is more practical: laminate or linoleum? The first has advantages in the following cases:

It has a hard surface that is inert to impacts, walking in heels and scratches from pets' claws.
However, if damage does occur, the area will have to be replaced.
Maintainability. For laminate it is higher due to interlocking connections during installation. It is enough to simply replace one lamella with another. But if the damage occurred in the middle of the area, then a significant area will have to be dismantled.
The durability of laminate is greater - manufacturers give it up to 50 years, while linoleum, even with careful handling, can age, fade, and wear out after 15 years of service.

Laminate is considered impractical in the care sector.
He is afraid of water, it only takes a little wet cleaning– abrasives and chemicals are not allowed. For this reason, laminate flooring is not installed in bathrooms.

Now about linoleum:

It is laid everywhere - the film does not allow moisture and odors to penetrate into the structure of the coating.
Clean with anything with plenty of water (provided there is a seamless coating).
Due to the cost, the coating can be changed frequently.

Unfortunately, linoleum has more disadvantages in terms of practicality. It is irreparable - cigarette burns, holes from sharp objects and heels cannot be masked. It is customary to walk on linoleum in soft shoes or barefoot. To replace the covering, the entire floor area is dismantled.

Safety

It is difficult to decide which is better - linoleum or laminate in terms of safety. Both surfaces are smooth, which creates a movement hazard for small children and elderly household members. Both are made using polymer adhesives, which can cause allergies. But laminate is still related to wood, which cannot be said about linoleum if the polymer version is used - formaldehyde predominates in its composition. Before purchasing, it is important to read the instructions, which clearly indicate the installation location of linoleum or laminate - residential or technical premises. Important property- Fire safety. Laminate flooring is incapable of igniting from a match, cigarette butt or fallen candle - the danger arises later, when the fire ignites. Linoleum immediately begins to smolder, emitting poisonous gas - a misfortune will happen even before a fire occurs.

Possibility of self-installation

For both options, an even base is important - neither laminate nor linoleum will lie flat and in the future they may break or tear at a plane difference of more than 0.3 cm. Further, the differences:

1. Laminate requires a backing (usually foamed polystyrene or felt).
For linoleum the condition is optional.
2. Laminate flooring is easy to install due to prefabricated units. Linoleum is inconvenient to install, and if used whole piece over the entire area without seams, you will have to sweat when installing.
3. Laminate does not require glue.
To prevent bulging, it is recommended to lay linoleum with it or use special tape.

4. In terms of time, installation of the laminate will take longer - the boards need to be adjusted and joined. However, for linoleum, it is necessary to remove all foreign objects from the floor area, measure and trim the material, which is also not done quickly.

The unifying quality of the two materials - no installation skills required. It is enough to read and follow the instructions exactly.
Details in this and other articles.

Price

Main aspect wrong choice– owners want to get quality for little money. What is cheaper, laminate or linoleum - let's look at:

Natural linoleum will be more expensive than the average laminate, as it wins according to many criteria - environmental friendliness, safety.
PVC coating is approximately 2.5 times cheaper than the average quality laminate, which has better characteristics.

As a result, laminate flooring will cost owners more than linoleum, but based on the combination of quality features and durability in operation, the expense is justified. Linoleum at a low price will suit the owners of those apartments where it is planned redecorating or they are ready to change the coating every 3-5 years. Naturally, technical version unacceptable.

conclusions

So, what is better: laminate or linoleum in the house? It is impossible to draw unambiguous conclusions without determining your own situation: expectations of durability, features of an apartment or house, the possibility of dangerous situations, and so on. Betting only on appearance and cheapness means getting an unpredictable result.

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When choosing finishing materials for premises for various purposes The question often arises as to what is best to choose. The dilemma, as a rule, arises between laminate and linoleum.

What is laminate

Laminate can easily imitate parquet, while its quality indicators are much higher

Laminate is a modern floor covering that perfectly imitates parquet and solid wood. wooden board or ceramic tiles, and is also available in stylized versions “stone-like”, “leather-like” and “metal-like”.

Laminated board consists of four or five main layers:

• soundproofing substrate;
• a stabilizing layer that increases rigidity and protects the material from deformation;
• load-bearing or main HDF layer, providing sound and heat insulation, and also equipped with a locking system for joining with adjacent elements;
• decorative paper layer with a pattern imitating natural or artificial finishing materials;
• upper protective layer based on acrylic or melamine resin, which gives the surface wear resistance.

Despite the fact that the laminate consists of several layers, its thickness is only 6–12 mm. At the same time, their sound insulation properties directly depend on the thickness of the slabs.

Availability lock system Click or Lock facilitates the process of installing laminated boards and makes the adhesion as reliable as possible.

Advantages of high-quality laminate:

• environmental safety and naturalness;
• aesthetic appearance;
• durability and ease of maintenance.

What is the difference between linoleum

Linoleum is laid or glued onto a flat, dry base using polymer mastics or special adhesives

Traditional linoleum of natural or synthetic type can be represented by expensive heterogeneous or cheaper budget finishing material.

Main groups:

• natural varieties based on linseed oil, pine resin, oak bark powder, crushed limestone and natural dyes;
• polyvinyl chloride types are represented by materials on non-woven, fabric and foam bases, and can also be made in baseless, single-layer and multi-layer versions;
• colloxin (nitrocellulose) varieties are a thin baseless material with high moisture resistance and elasticity;
• glyphthalic finishing material on a woven basis has high sound-proofing and heat-insulating properties;
• two-layer rubber relin has an excellent level of elasticity and moisture resistance, but is not used for finishing in residential premises.

Linoleum is produced in the form of rolls with a length of 6 to 45 m, a width of 0.5 to 5 m and a thickness of 1.5 to 5 mm (special linoleum for installation in industrial, warehouse, public or sports facilities has a thickness of up to 8–9 mm ).

Natural linoleum is the most environmentally friendly finishing material of all types of this coating; has high wear resistance, low flammability, abrasion resistance, antistatic, and a relatively long service life.

All PVC linoleums are classified depending on several criteria, represented by structure, the presence or absence of a base and area of ​​application.

Advantages of high-quality modern roll material:

• excellent water resistance and sufficient density;
• good antistatic properties;
• wide choice of design options.

What is better to choose

Both laminate and linoleum are offered by the market in a wide range of consumer properties and prices

The choice between laminate and linoleum, according to experts, is made depending on the importance for the consumer of such parameters as sound insulation, insulation, ecology, moisture resistance and cost.

For home

In private households, it is equally important to use both materials for flooring.

They have fairly high thermal insulation properties, but cheap linoleum models are flammable, which must be taken into account if there is a fireplace or other heating system with an open fire in the house. In addition, linoleum and laminate are perfect for installing “warm floors” in a country house.

For apartment

For the flooring of the bedroom, dining room and living room, it is advisable to purchase a high-quality laminated board, which has a more stylish, modern and attractive appearance.

Floor surface in the kitchen and children's bedroom or game room It is advisable to use a more practical, reliable and durable roll coating.

For the dacha

In summer country houses seasonal use, as well as on balconies and loggias without a stable heating system, it is recommended to lay only modern laminate flooring.

The use of rolled flooring in the floor covering, which does not have sufficient resistance to temperature changes or high humidity, will require too frequent replacement of finishing material.

Video: What to lay - laminate or linoleum

High-quality laminated boards and high-quality linoleum have almost the same price, but the appearance of the laminate seems more expensive and presentable. However, if you wish, you can always do it on a budget floor finishing good linoleum, imitating an expensive laminate.