Which linoleum is better to lay in the room. How to choose linoleum - tips and tricks

Currently there is such a thing on the market a large number of different floor coverings, so that everyone can find what suits them best. For some people the choice suitable material may turn out to be an interesting activity, for others, such a process turns into something difficult and unthinkable, due to the fact that each material has a number of its own characteristics, both in appearance and in quality characteristics. This article will be about what kind of linoleum would be better suited For different rooms living space.

Pros and cons of PVC flooring

Perhaps there is no other flooring than linoleum, about which there would not be so many myths and different opinions. This should not be surprising, because it is linoleum that has a leading position among other floor coverings in Russia.

Compared to other floor coverings, the best linoleum has the following advantages:

a bunch of design solutions: by shades, colors, patterns imitating wood, stone, and even laminate (read also: " ");
a variety of types of material in terms of wear resistance, which affects its placement in a particular room;
cleaning it requires a minimum of time;
it is easy to install even without the help of specialists;
affordable price (about 180-450 rubles per 1 m2);
small unevenness of the base is easily hidden under it;
not afraid of exposure to water;
the coating is so versatile that it can be installed in many types of premises.

However, PVC-based linoleum also has a number of disadvantages:

Availability unpleasant odor some time after its installation;
easily damaged due to direct mechanical impact;
has an artificial base;
is quite slippery;
cheap varieties look bad in appearance.

However, the advantages of linoleum outweigh the disadvantages in a ratio that exceeds that of other floor coverings. The newest one, the most good linoleum, has virtually no disadvantages.

Existing on this moment sanitary and fire regulations guarantee the presence on the market of materials free of unpleasant odors, while they are maximally environmentally friendly. The latest technologies have made it possible to develop linoleum even with an antibacterial coating. In addition, the latest models are equipped with a reinforced polyethylene layer and embossing, which makes linoleum as similar as possible to natural materials.

Choosing the best linoleum

In order for the choice of linoleum for your home to be the most successful, you first need to decide in which room it will be used. As a rule, this criterion is decisive. Let's figure out which type of linoleum is best to choose for the floor in this or that case.

The types of premises are as follows:

household;
office;
production

In this case, the linoleum marking may contain a number or pictogram: house (2); building (3) or factory (4).

The force of impact on linoleum can be low, medium, high and very high. This is reflected on the linoleum with a pictogram in the form of men - from 1 to 4.

All factors together - the type of room and the load on the coating, form linoleum wear resistance classes, which are:

21-24 – for home;
31-34 – for the office;
41-44 – for industrial premises.

Linoleum, parquet, laminate, carpet and tile are divided into the same classes, even despite completely different characteristics.

It is worth talking in detail about the two types of premises, office and residential.

To choose linoleum for your home - which one is best suited in a particular case, it is worth highlighting 3 types of premises:

A bedroom, office or wardrobe has a low load - class 21 is suitable.
In the living room and children's room there is an average load on the coating - class 22.
In the corridor, hallway and children's room with several children there is a high load - grade 23.

Offices can also be divided into three types:

Offices without visitors and hotel rooms - low load - 31 class.
Meeting rooms in business institutions, premises for banquets, reception areas - average load - 32 class.
Schools, institutes, offices with high attendance, shopping centers, corridors of hotels and hospitals - high load - 33, 34 classes.

That is, knowing what type of room a particular room belongs to, you can choose a fairly durable linoleum. The only thing you need to take into account is that the higher the strength class of the material, the more expensive it is. Therefore, you should approach the choice of material based on expediency, thinking about whether it is worth overpaying for a material with inflated strength indicators, or, conversely, whether it is worth saving.

In addition to wear resistance, you need to pay attention to other characteristics.

Some types of linoleum have the following advantages:

the presence of an auxiliary protective layer of varnish makes cleaning much easier;
antibacterial layer – prevents bacteria from developing on the floor surface;
double base – gives the coating additional strength and softness, the floor absorbs noise better and retains heat better;
natural relief – Newest technologies allow you to create a texture as close as possible to natural material - such a coating has a higher cost.

Selecting a base

Which linoleum base is best suited for your room will be most influenced by: appearance coatings, your personal preferences, strength, softness, safety.

The linoleum base can be of several types:

jute;
felt;
polyester;
made of polyvinyl chloride;
combined.

The disadvantages of a base made of jute and felt include the impossibility of using such material in a humid environment; in addition, various microorganisms can grow on it. This is because these materials are natural. The overwhelming number of currently existing varieties of linoleum have a synthetic base made of PVC or polyester.

But the best choice is still materials based on a combined base of PVC and polyester. This linoleum has improved characteristics acquired from these materials.

Among them are:

sound and heat insulation;
increased strength;
consistency of size;
complete resistance to moisture;
prevents mold and mildew from occurring.

Glue selection

Since the technology for laying linoleum involves gluing it to the floor to extend its service life, it is desirable that the glue be of sufficient quality and correctly selected.

To glue linoleum to the base, you need to purchase dispersion glue. Reaction glue called " cold welding", will be required for gluing the joints. It temporarily softens the linoleum, thanks to which the joints are joined into one whole. You can also resort to hot gluing, but in this case you will need to get a hair dryer.

Deciding on the color

Once you have decided on what basis better linoleum will perform its functions, you can proceed to the selection color range. Naturally, there simply cannot be a universal solution in this case; there are only tips on combining color shades.

Keep in mind that the same color may look different in rooms with different sizes, as well as with other lighting.

A number of combinations that are suitable in one case or another:

shades of yellow and green are best for relieving fatigue;
Shades of beige and soft yellow will bring warmth and comfort into the room;
to add freshness to your bathroom, you can choose turquoise shade(read also: " ");
in meeting rooms and bedrooms, the best way blue and blue colors are suitable, which are very relaxing and can cause a sleepy state;
red, yellow and bright orange colors will tone the body, invigorate, give a positive mood and warmth;
to create a working environment, you can choose gray linoleum;
designers can pay attention to White color, it goes with all shades.

Myths about linoleum

Linoleum cracks and dries out

Indeed, cracks often appeared on the old linoleum of Soviet times, and it also dried out over time. This happens because the manufacturer incorrectly selects the materials to form the base. Currently well-known companies, such as Tarkett, IVC, Sinteros, produce products exclusively from high-quality materials.

It is worth noting that if linoleum is brought into a room from the street, where the temperature was below 15 o C, it needs time to reach the room temperature, usually 24-48 hours, otherwise it will crack, regardless of the quality of the material.

Over time, on light linoleum, the surface wears away from traces

Naturally, the coating may lose its brightness over time. However, as a rule, this is influenced not by the quality of the material, but by the technology of laying linoleum and its operation.

Firstly, this happens if you lay linoleum on painted wooden floor, or if it is opened with chemical mixtures, for example, bitumen or drying oil. After some time, these substances are able to penetrate through linoleum.

Secondly, if the installation of linoleum was carried out in a room with an aggressive environment.

In such cases, it is better to pay attention to hard linoleum, and don't buy light shades. In addition, try to lay linoleum on a perfectly flat base, this will extend the life of the linoleum.

Bottom line

When choosing linoleum, remember that you need to pay attention not only to the class of the product, but also take into account the base on which it will be laid. Even if you buy the most expensive type of linoleum, you cannot be sure that it will last long if the basic technology of its installation is not followed. And do not forget that the base must be carefully prepared for laying linoleum.

The Tarkett company, the world's largest manufacturer of flooring materials with a 130-year history, produces one of the highest quality and most durable coatings - PVC linoleum. Its factories are open all over the world, including in Russia. Since 1995 in Otradny Samara region there is a production plant operating:

Household roll floors intended for use in residential environments;
Semi-commercial materials used in premises with average traffic (offices, halls, conference rooms);
Commercial homogeneous (homogeneous) and heterogeneous (multilayer) flexible PVC used for commercial, industrial facilities.

In domestic stores, Tarkett products are sold under 4 brands:

Tarkett- the most expensive segment of the best high-quality linoleum of classes 23, 31-33 and 41-43. The assortment includes more than 20 collections of household, semi-commercial, commercial and special purpose. Characteristic feature series is a variety of designs, as well as an interesting appearance with a believable imitation textured surface parquet, solid boards, porcelain tiles, etc.
Sinteros - a budget option household and commercial PVC coatings of classes 21-23, 31-34. The advantages of linoleum are versatility, practicality and durability. An analogue of this line is the product of the Ukrainian plant Vinisin.
Polystyl- vinyl material of classes 23, 31-34 and 41, combining affordable price and Tarkett quality. Available in 6 collections, the range is selected in such a way that each design can be used in any type of room.

Thus, the Tarkett company produces high-quality PVC linoleum in a huge assortment for every taste, color and budget.

Main advantages:

High level of linoleum resistance to abrasion and tensile loads. Thanks to the transparent polyurethane matrix and additional protective coatings Extreme Protection, Titanium, R.MAX and other material surfaces are inert to aggressive water household chemicals, abrasives, shoes. And the use of fiberglass ensures the resistance of the floor finish to deforming factors.
Sanitary and hygienic, Fire safety and environmental friendliness. Tarkett products are the only ones in the Russian Federation that have received the “Leaf of Life” voluntary eco-testing certificate.
A huge selection of designs and structures for parquet, massive board, marble, ceramics, natural stone, textiles and much more. The assortment includes more than 1000 decors of various shades.
Possibility of choosing linoleum on a felt basis or on the basis of foamed PVC. The first is warmer, recommended for use on screeds. The second one is universal.
Approved for use in preschool, educational and medical institutions.
Easy installation and maintenance.
Price available in many collections.
Long service life - from 10 to 40 years.

Linoleum – The best decision for apartment

Today, linoleum is a popular coating used everywhere. It is used not only in public buildings, offices, but also in private apartments and houses. Low price, good operational properties, as well as a variety of colors makes it universal, allowing it to fit into any home interior.

Even professionals find it difficult to decide on the variety of materials, not to mention ordinary people. To choose the right linoleum for an apartment, consider existing species, their characteristics and selection principle.

The difficulty of choice is obvious. Especially if the criteria are different for each person. In order not to regret the purchased floor covering, you need to focus on the following basic parameters when choosing:

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

In order to choose the right linoleum, you need to take into account the above parameters. This will help you enjoy the beauty and quality of the chosen linoleum for a long time.

Types of linoleum

Types - from synthetic materials to natural ingredients

Before making a choice, you need to study what materials are available. Today, the list of types of linoleum is diverse, ranging from synthetic materials to natural components. Having studied the types of linoleum, their positive and negative sides, you can decide what to lay in the apartment.

Natural linoleum

Brand Armstrong

This type is made from a mixture of wood flour, flax oil, limestone powder, various resins, cork flour and natural dyes, which is applied to a base of jute woven material. It is used in rooms where there are people with asthmatic and allergic problems, as well as children.

Advantages:

natural;
abrasion resistance;
does not fade in the sun;
type of design;
has bactericidal properties.

Flaws:

expensive;
fragile;
afraid of moisture.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride type

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

When installing in an apartment, preference is given to PVC material on a felt basis. Thanks to its thick layer, it does not require a substrate and does not require gluing to the floor.

The main disadvantage of this coating is that it shrinks over time, as well as the presence of a specific odor. There is an opinion that synthetic material is capable of releasing harmful substances - production technology allows them to be made harmless, which is confirmed by quality certificates.

Glypthal linoleum

Glypthal type

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

Colloxin

Colloxin type

This type of coating is made from nitrocellulose. This type of linoleum does not have a base: it is not afraid of moisture, is not flammable, and has a decorative shine. But its negative aspects are: reaction to temperature changes and the ability to shrink.

Linoleum-relin

Rubber type

It is a two-layer composition, which has a lower layer - a bitumen-rubber mixture, and an upper layer - a mixture of rubber, paint and filler.

The coating is elastic and resistant to moisture. But the presence of toxic, volatile components does not make it possible to lay it in apartments and where people live.

Wear resistance classes

Wear resistance classes - commercial, semi-commercial and household

When determining which linoleum to choose for an apartment, you need to take into account the wear resistance of the material and the type of room. Depending on the speed of abrasion and the size of the applied protection layer, all linoleums are divided into three classes.

Commercial

It is characteristic of him high degree wear resistance. This coating can be single-layer or multi-layer. Strength is achieved different ways: by compacting the material or by adding special stabilizing substances. It is used in offices, schools, and hospitals.

Semi-commercial

This class is more durable than household ones. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It can be laid in the kitchen, hallway, living room. Reacts well to moving furniture and moderate loads.

Domestic

Such linoleum weakly resists abrasion, but it has big choice colors and designs. It is usually used in rooms with low traffic (bedroom). The low price does not affect the material; it looks high quality and expensive. It is not recommended to lay it in areas of the apartment with high traffic.

Abrasion groups

Selection by abrasion group

Linoleum is also selected according to its abrasion group. What is this parameter and what is it for?

This construction parameter shows the rate of wear of the coating. According to European standards it is defined as follows: a piece of material is brought to a rotating abrasive. It must withstand 25 thousand rotations. After the experiment, the layer thickness is measured and the group is determined. There are several groups:

T – the coating has no inclusions and decreases by 0.08 mm (high wear);
P – layer decreases in thickness by 0.8-0.15 mm (average wear);
M - material decreases in thickness by 0.15-0.3 mm (low wear);
F – layer decreases in thickness by 0.3-0.6 mm (fragile material).

Inclusions that may be in the material consist of a mixture quartz sand and chalk. This mixture reduces the wear resistance of the material. Pure material It resists abrasion well and has a high wear resistance group.

Which linoleum to choose for an apartment

When determining which linoleum to choose, you should understand the markings that are applied to the material. It indicates the coverage class and consists of two numbers. The first classifies the type of room, and the second classifies the expected traffic. For the living room and bedroom, choose class 21; for the corridor and kitchen, give preference to the 23-24 marking.

Living room

Dark colors are suitable for the living room

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

Bedroom

In the bedroom you can use household polyester or PVC

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

Kitchen

In the kitchen we use durable semi-commercial wear resistance class

This room has high traffic, high humidity, presence of dirt and exposure to cleaning solutions. Therefore, for the kitchen it is recommended to choose durable semi-commercial material with a thickness of at least 3 mm. They described it in detail so that it would last longer. For this room, a ceramic tile design is preferable.

Children's room

Only in the children's room natural material

The materials in this room are subject to increased demands. Here you can use only natural material. Of course, the service life will be shorter, but the health of the child in this case is more important.

Balcony

Balcony – moisture-resistant and frost-resistant materials

Temperature changes, exposure to sunlight, possible humidity - all these negative factors test the strength of the balcony flooring. Typically, moisture-resistant and frost-resistant materials that have anti-slip coating. The material is selected as for office premises with a heavy load.

Corridor

In the corridor - PVC

To choose linoleum for a hallway or corridor, you need to understand that this is a room with high traffic and pollution. PVC linoleum (household or semi-commercial), 3 mm thick, which is recommended to be placed in the corridor, can withstand such loads.

Choosing a good floor covering from the variety presented is not an easy task. In order not to be disappointed and get high-quality linoleum for your apartment, trust your intuition and follow the basic tips when choosing:

the absence of a pungent odor indicates the absence harmful substances;
a distinct pattern on the coating without a greasy sheen;
the material must have certificates of quality and safe composition;
the presence of a protective layer will help preserve the material in its original form for a long time;
material should be purchased with a reserve for adjustment (pattern, protrusions, niches, thresholds);
check upper layer linoleum for defects and flaws.

Taking into account all the nuances, choosing a floor covering will not be difficult, and the purchase will not cause unpleasant impressions during operation.

Which linoleum to choose for the hall

Hall - PVC coating on jute or felt basis

For the hall it is better to choose a universal moisture-resistant flooring. It is resistant to impact sun rays, repels dirt. Affordable price and ease of installation make the coating an ideal option.

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

Can be cleaned with regular detergents.

Which company's linoleum is better to choose for an apartment?

Coverage of different companies

There is a wide variety of coatings on the market, such as domestic producers, and foreign. How to choose the right linoleum for your home, which manufacturer to choose? We can say with confidence that the material we produce is not inferior in characteristics to European ones. The Tarkett company has proven itself well. Among foreign manufacturers, give preference to such companies as

Gerflor;
Juteks;
Forbo;
Grabo.

Tarkett is a world leader in the manufacture of floor coverings. PVC linoleum from this company is available in different price ranges and is durable and wear-resistant.

The French company Gerflor produces products excellent quality taking into account decorative and technical characteristics. These coatings are easy to install even without the help of professionals. They are easy to maintain, have good sound and thermal insulation properties.

Reading time: 6 minutes. Published 10/09/2018

Linoleum is a budget floor covering with a long service life. Moreover, today you can choose almost any color. All this makes linoleum really popular.

In order for such a coating to last as long as possible and be pleasing to the eye, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to its purchase.

Varieties

Today there are several varieties of linoleum on sale. They have advantages and disadvantages, as well as certain features of use. This must be taken into account when purchasing.