How to choose quality linoleum

The final stage of renovation work in the room is almost always the installation of the floor covering. And as to which type should be preferred, opinions are divided. Tile is a slippery and 'cold' material, laminate is mostly afraid of water, parquet is expensive and impractical. Having weighed all the pros and cons, many opt for linoleum – a synthetic floor covering characterized by excellent performance, aesthetic appearance, resistance to major sources of damage, and also a very affordable price. All that remains for the buyer is to decide on specific characteristics and give a choice in favor of one or another model.

The best firms for the production of linoleum

Good and high-quality linoleum models are currently produced by both well-known European and American manufacturers. Recently, domestic manufacturers have also “pulled up” – their products are practically in no way inferior to foreign counterparts. You can recommend linoleum for purchase, produced under the following brands:

1. Grabo

2. Tarkett

3. Armstrong

4. Forbo

Before giving your choice in favor of a particular model, it is useful to study the characteristics, as well as to get acquainted with the reviews of real buyers who have highlighted both positive and negative points.

The structure and application of linoleum

Linoleum is a soft multi-layer 'sandwich' with a graceful appearance, durability and ease of use. The structure of almost any linoleum model includes the following elements:

1. Soft backing made of textile or foamed polymer. Provides protection against moisture, sound insulation and is responsible for plasticity;

2. Sealing layer of fiberglass that binds the structure and makes it monolithic;

3. Basis for printing. It is on it that the drawing is applied, and also surface embossing is performed;

4. A protective polymer coating that prevents abrasion of the structure during mechanical action;

5. Laminating layer made of polyvinyl chloride, providing protection from external influences;

Linoleum is sold in rolls that differ both in length and width, so you can pick up an almost one-piece, without joints, piece intended for laying in a living room or office.

Varieties of linoleum

'Natural' linoleum

It is difficult to call this coating linoleum in the classical sense of the word, but it is it that is very popular among lovers of everything 'environmentally friendly' and 'green'. It is based on a soft jute fabric, wood resins are used as a plasticizer, and dyeing is carried out using natural pigment dyes. The main advantage is exceptional environmental friendliness.

Advantages

• Maximum environmental friendliness;

• Variety of colors and shades;

• Nice texture;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Afraid of creases;

• Mediocre wear resistance;

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) linoleum

Timeless classics, invented a very long time ago and still practically did not change the production recipes. The above structure is fully observed in the production of this type of coating, providing excellent wear resistance, resistance to moisture, temperature extremes, mechanical and abrasive influences. It has a decent appearance, and the variety of colors and colors makes it possible to choose for a specific interior.

Advantages

• High mechanical strength;

• Practicality;

• Variety of colors and models;

• Wear resistance;

disadvantages

• Deforms when exposed to high temperatures;

• Tends to fade over time;

• It is not resistant to aggressive household chemicals;

Linoleum selection options

Appointment

1. The most popular is ordinary household linoleum. Its key features are not only aesthetic appearance and durability, but also high sound insulation and moisture protection. This linoleum is made on a foam backing and is perfect for everyday use. Of the minuses, it should be noted its low strength;

2. The complete opposite of the above class is commercial linoleum. This type of coating is used in commercial premises with heavy traffic, and therefore the main criterion is maximum strength. Even with intense exertion, it is able to maintain its appearance up to 15-20 years. The disadvantages are high rigidity and a rather high price;

3. Semi-commercial linoleum is a cross between household and commercial linoleum. This type of coating incorporates the strength and reliability of a commercial coating and noise and vibration insulation of household linoleum. Perfect for both office and residential premises with a small and medium flow of visitors. The disadvantages include, perhaps, a higher cost than in the case of ordinary household linoleum.

Linoleum class

A parameter that is closely related to the purpose and is responsible for the applicability of linoleum in certain conditions. It is designated in the form of two numbers, the first of which indicates the operating conditions, and the second indicates the degree of permissible mechanical load: the greater it is, the stronger the linoleum (1.2 or 3). So, models with the first digit 1 or 2 are an excellent option for household use. 3 or 4 – typically office or industrial linoleum.

Linoleum thickness

The thickness of linoleum has the most direct effect on wear resistance, as well as on insulating characteristics and protection against extraneous noise and vibration.

1. Linoleum with a thickness of 1 to 3 millimeters is considered a typical household. It provides acceptable sound and vibration isolation and is aesthetically pleasing. Among the disadvantages of this coating is a high tendency to damage due to mechanical stress;

2. The coating thickness of 4-6 millimeters is the golden mean and is suitable for both residential premises and various offices with a small and medium flow of visitors;

3. Models with a thickness of 8-10 millimeters are the most durable and wear-resistant. As a rule, such models belong to the commercial class and provide maximum noise and vibration isolation, they are not afraid of mechanical stress and can be easily installed in places with an intense flow of visitors. The disadvantages of this coating are high rigidity, high weight and, of course, high cost;

Drawing and texture

The widest flight of imagination awaits you here. Wood and bamboo of various colors and shades, stone, marble and granite, all kinds of fancy patterns – the specifics of laminate production makes it possible to obtain absolutely any texture and color!

Dimensions

You should pay attention, first of all, to the width of the linoleum. On sale you can find models of various widths – from 2.5 to 4 meters, each of which is perfect for a kitchen, bedroom and even a bathroom. The length can be absolutely any and depends only on the parameters of a particular room.

Application specificity

Despite the general manufacturing technology, on sale you can find very specific models designed for operation in specific conditions. So, linoleum with an antistatic coating, which does not 'beat' by current, is popular; among the owners of private houses there is an increased demand for models suitable for operation with the 'warm floor' system. And in those rooms where there is a high likelihood of unintentional fire, preference should be given to fire-resistant models. These or those properties of linoleum are achieved by introducing the appropriate components at the final stage of manufacturing.

Which linoleum to choose?

1. Living rooms, living rooms and all kinds of personal offices are not demanding on the characteristics of linoleum. High-quality coverage of 21 classes will be more than enough;

2. Premises prone to high humidity (kitchens, bathrooms, toilets) require the use of linoleum class 23 or 24;

3. For laying in a bedroom or a nursery, preference should be given to class 23-24 linoleum, which has a thickness of about 2.5-3 millimeters for maximum sound insulation;

How much does linoleum cost?

1. The simplest models of class 21-22 have a cost of 200-400 rubles per square meter of coverage;

2. Covering class 23-24, designed for laying in a bedroom or a nursery, more expensive – from 500 to 900 rubles per 'square';

3. Wear-resistant linoleum class 32-33, which has increased mechanical strength, costs about 1000-1200 rubles per square meter;

4. Natural 'linoleum' is considered the most expensive: its cost starts at 2 thousand rubles per 'square'.

In the following articles, our experts tell you how to choose the right laminate and the secrets of choosing a screwdriver.

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.