How to choose safe linoleum for an apartment. Which linoleum is better for an apartment: class, base, thickness. Which company's linoleum is better to choose for an apartment: an overview of manufacturers

Linoleum is a publicly available democratic material that has been used to cover floors for the second century. Despite the variety of existing floor coverings, linoleum is still quite popular in our country today. This is natural, because it is interesting in design, easy to install and relatively cheap. This flooring differs from others in its softness and springiness, and at the same time it is durable - it does not crack, like, for example, a wooden or ceramic coating. Today, the consumer has a huge choice various kinds this flooring, and, as you know, a competent choice of linoleum is the key to the durability of this material. How to choose linoleum and what to look for when buying it, so as not to worry about wasted money later? This is what we will try to understand in this article.

The color and texture of linoleum is an important selection criterion

Criteria for choosing linoleum

When purchasing linoleum for your home, you need to focus on the following selection criteria:
1. Does the coating correspond to its purpose (for a nursery, hallway, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom).
2. Will it withstand the load on the floor, given the number of residents and the degree of patency of the place.
3. Does the selected coating meet the requirements (antistatic, thermal insulation, moisture resistance, noise absorption, antibacterial properties).
4. Does it fit into the design of the apartment (it can be monophonic, with an abstract pattern, or imitating various textures - fabric, wood, tile, stone, etc.).

In terms of color and texture, the traditional solution for these premises is linoleum under ceramic tiles.

Living room

In the living room, traffic is moderate. Therefore, linoleum with a thickness of 1.5 mm will be optimal.

Household linoleum in the living room

Bedroom

For a bedroom, as a room with low traffic, you can choose thinner linoleum - from 1.2 to 1.5 mm thick.

Polyester-based household linoleum is well suited for the bedroom.

The best option- polyester household linoleum or linoleum on a foamed polyvinyl chloride base.

Children's room

A children's room is considered a room with an average degree of patency, but with big share the likelihood of mechanical damage.

PVC foam linoleum in the children's room

Therefore, in a room for children, you can lay household linoleum on a polyvinyl chloride foam base, and even better - a semi-commercial linoleum with a protective top layer not less than 0.25 mm.

Balcony

On a balcony, in an unheated loggia, as well as in a veranda and a garden gazebo, any linoleum will deteriorate very quickly, since this material does not tolerate direct Sun rays and temperature fluctuations.

Choice of decor and colors

Linoleum is attractive with an endless palette of designs and colors. Manufacturers give natural linoleum bright, rich colors that do not fade over time. decorative possibilities synthetic linoleum is even better. It can imitate natural materials such as stone, wood, ceramic tiles very authentically.

Dense semi-commercial linoleum imitating ceramic tiles

Recently, types of decor that imitate expensive parquet or parquet board. Linoleum perfectly reproduces oak, beech, cherry, and even such exotic tree species as, for example, zebrano, bamboo, rosewood. At the same time, the flooring reproduces both the pattern and the texture of natural wood.
Linoleum is in great demand, imitating wood mosaics and solid boards.
Bold and extraordinary people will choose fantasy decors and unusual colors.

Fantasy linoleum decor - for bold and extraordinary people

For those who like to experiment with interior design, manufacturers offer original geometric and abstract patterns.
Linoleum looks very impressive, imitating stone - granite or marble.

Looks impressive linoleum, imitating stone - granite or marble

Sometimes there are coatings that reproduce artificially "aged" materials - wood with traces of time or worn stone.

Consider how to choose the right linoleum for your home.
1. First of all, let's trust our sense of smell: the presence of a pungent odor indicates the poor quality of the coating and that it contains additives that are harmful to health. High-quality natural and synthetic linoleum does not smell of anything. In addition, a good linoleum should not have a greasy sheen, the pattern on it should be distinct and look natural, the optimal number of layers is at least five.
2. The width of the coating canvas should, as a rule, match the size of the room. But you need to take it with a margin - to adjust the pattern, trim the panel at the joints. When calculating, it is necessary to take into account the presence of thresholds, niches for batteries, and other ledges in the room.
3. It is recommended to buy the coating not on the market, but rather in a heated room. In the store, it is also more convenient to check its quality.
4. It is worth checking the coverage for compliance with safety standards. The material that has passed a special examination has the appropriate marking, and the seller must have a hygienic certificate.
5. You need to check the quality in a rolled form to see if there are waves and bumps on the surface, or areas where the top film is peeling off. These indicators indicate a marriage, you cannot buy such a coating, the existing irregularities will not be smoothed out in any way.
6. When buying the same linoleum in several rooms, it is better to purchase it in one piece. But at the same time, it is necessary to first calculate whether it will be possible to bring a long roll into the room and whether it will be possible to transport it through narrow openings and stairs.
7. It is strictly forbidden to fold the panels in half. Do not stick adhesive tape on the front surface, as it will leave a sticky residue that is difficult to remove. The linoleum is rolled upside down, and if it is rolled upside down, the roll must be wrapped with a protective film.
8. When choosing a coating, preference should be given to linoleum, which has a special protective layer. Such linoleum is easy to clean and will retain its beautiful appearance for a long time.
9. Samples of linoleum, if possible, should be examined in the room where it will be laid. This is convenient for a more accurate selection of the appropriate tone in the interior (cold or), because it is not so easy to do this from memory.
10. All purchased linoleum must be from the same batch, since different batches sometimes differ in color, even when their article numbers are completely the same.
All the above tips, recommendations and explanations will help you make a successful purchase of linoleum from any price segment.

So, it was decided - there will be linoleum on the floor. Now you can go buy something "fun". However, there is no need to rush. After all, there is a whole range of products with different operational parameters on the market. How choose linoleum? You need to be aware of these settings..For the most FAQ buyers will be answered by Tatyana Kuznetsova, Marketing Director of the Household Linoleum category of the company Tarkett in Eastern Europe.

- What are the advantages of using linoleum as a floor covering?

To begin with, the decision to use it is an excellent choice in itself. This is a unique material that combines high performance. It is wear-resistant, not afraid of moisture, easy to install. It is easy to take care of him. At the same time, it has good indicators of heat and sound insulation. From the old days there was an opinion that linoleum is something unpresentable. But today, such a coating provides the greatest freedom in interior design. Manufacturers are constantly bringing new trendy collections to the market, and you can choose a design for any room in the apartment.

- They choose most often according to the drawing. Is this correct, or is there something else to look out for first?

- It is clear that at first a person looks at color and design. Well, you can start with this. However, in any case, you need to find out whether the product you like meets your requirements. I would advise first of all to remember, strange as it may sound, about health. the best way to protect yourself will ask the seller for a hygiene certificate. Also, look for special signs on the label. Products that have passed the examination, which confirmed their environmental friendliness, are labeled. It should be noted that today the only Russian marking recognized by the international community and included in global network Eco-labelling (GEN), is "Leaf of Life". It is issued by the St. Petersburg Ecological Union. Among our products, linoleum collections are marked with this sign "Moda", "Discovery" And "Idyll".

- When choosing linoleum, is it necessary to take into account in which room it will lie?

Yes, today there are types of coverage with different characteristics. The easiest way to determine for what operating conditions a particular linoleum is intended is to use the European classification system for floor coverings EN 685, which is also used in Russia. According to her, everything rooms are divided into three types. The number 2 denotes residential, the number 3 - office, the number 4 - industrial. Another number determines the intensity of the load: 1 - low, 2 - medium, 3 - high, 4 - very high. The combination of two numbers and the corresponding pictogram (house and little men) denotes flooring class. For example: 22 - residential area with medium load, 33 - office area with high load, etc. What kind of coverage do you need?, you can look in the catalog or ask the sales assistant. So, class 21 linoleum is suitable for a bedroom or an office, 23 for a kitchen and a corridor in an apartment where 1-2 people live. And the same kitchen in an apartment where 3 or more people live needs class 31.

- Is it possible to find out by eye whether this linoleum is wear-resistant or not?

It is this parameter that is difficult to determine just by looking at the coating. The fact is that how resistant the material will be to abrasion depends on the design of the coating as a whole and, first of all, on the thickness of its upper working layer. It is also called transparent (which means "transparent"). Modern linoleum is a "layer cake", in which each layer plays a special role. So, the worker is made of pure PVC, a very durable material. The transparency protects the drawing. The thicker the layer, the longer the coating will last. It is with this indicator that the classification of heterogeneous linoleums is more connected. They are separated for household(21-23 class; transparency thickness 0.1-0.3 mm), light commercial or semi-commercial(31-32 grade; 0.4-0.5 mm) and commercial(33 class and beyond; not less than 0.6 mm). The coating class is determined not only by the thickness of the transparent layer, but also by compliance with many other requirements. Therefore, even at home, there may be zones corresponding to class 31 or even 32 in terms of load (for example, a kitchen or a corridor)

However, as you can understand, due to the small thickness, comparing the transparent layer of two different linoleums by eye is not so easy for a non-professional. Therefore, it is better to focus on wear resistance classes.

- What linoleum will not stretch?

Well, this flaw is definitely a ghost of the past. The "skeleton" for most modern coatings is fiberglass. It is located in the middle of the "pie" and ensures the stability of linear dimensions. It is thanks to fiberglass that linoleum does not shrink or stretch. Unfortunately, today coatings without fiberglass can still be found on the Russian market, but they are quite easy to "identify".

- What characteristics should you pay attention to?

We have already said that modern linoleum has several layers ev. The thickest of them is the back. Most often it is made of PVC foam, also called the base. Back - because it is located on the back of the fiberglass. Several important characteristics depend on it at once. First, sound and heat insulation. And the thicker the foam, the warmer the floor. You can navigate by the total thickness of the coating, which is mainly determined by the back layer. At the same time, these characteristics depend on the density of the foam. The smaller it is, the more sound and heat insulation. But during operation, the buyer is unlikely to feel the difference, which is determined by the density of the foam, since the very presence of a foamed base already makes the linoleum warm.

Further, the base provides the linoleum with resistance to deformation - from heels, furniture legs, etc. So that after such point loads there are no traces left, the base must have sufficient density. And the greater the density, the more resistant the linoleum will be to such influences. This parameter can be estimated by comparing the weight of several coatings with the same thickness (the heaviest material is the densest). Another way to squeeze linoleum with your fingers. The less the thickness of the coating changes under pressure, the higher the density of the base and vice versa.

The basis of foamed PVC is sometimes supplemented by a duplicating polyester. The main advantage of combining these materials is when used in country houses seasonal residence. A layer of polyester, located under a layer of foam, protects it from freezing. This is important because PVC foam does not tolerate freeze-thaw cycles well. Polyester also provides reliable protection. Stratification is excluded here, since both materials are interconnected at the molecular level. Thus, coatings on a duplicate basis are an ideal choice for summer residents.

- Are there linoleums that are best suited for specific spaces, such as the kitchen?

In addition to wear resistance, it is worth paying attention to the additional protection of the material. Large manufacturers apply another additional protective layer on top of the transparency - varnish. Covering micro-irregularities, it greatly facilitates cleaning, preventing the penetration of dirt into the structure of the coating, which is very important in the kitchen. In this case, matte and glossy varnish is used. The latter at any time gives the impression of a freshly washed floor. Tarkett has, for example, products with a combination lacquer finish. Glossy and matte areas alternate according to the pattern, creating an original effect. Another protective layer - antibacterial - may be relevant for the kitchen or nursery. Its mechanism of action is simple and does not involve any side effects. Upon contact with air moisture, silver ions are released from the layer, which have antibacterial properties. Thus, the reproduction of microbes on the floor surface becomes impossible. Usually, manufacturers do not hide such advantages, so you just need to read the label more carefully.

First, of course, the color scheme should match the use of the room. Cold light shades visually enlarge the space, warm ones make the room more comfortable. A bright contrast pattern is invigorating, while a monotonous pattern is soothing. For example, a living room in warm muted colors encourages relaxation, reflection, calm communication, and in intense cold colors with clear elements, it gives energy, creates a mood for friendly parties. All this applies to flooring. Especially if a complete change of interior begins with linoleum. But even if the task is simply to update the floor, then here you can achieve an excellent result. The coating will visually enlarge the room, if for small kitchen choose a small tile as a pattern. The same effect is obtained by placing any "tile" or "board" pattern diagonally. The abstract design of the floor perfectly emphasizes the dignity of interior items - furniture, decorative elements. Fans of everything original can pick up linoleum with a voluminous, three-dimensional design. It is created by fusing pieces of PVC (called "chips") into transparency, as well as other artistic techniques.

Now we are armed enough with knowledge to go to the store. Guided by the expert's answers: how to choose linoleum, any buyer can choose quality linoleum that meets all requirements.

When choosing linoleum, we ask ourselves the following questions:

whether it will fit into your interior in terms of color, pattern and texture;
will it withstand the load on the floor;
whether it meets the requirements for moisture resistance, sound insulation and thermal insulation;
to take - on a foam (PVC) basis or on a felt one?

And, of course, everyone would like the floor covering to last as long as possible and survive until the next repair.

What does "linoleum base" mean?

By linoleum base, we mean the type of flooring base layer that is in direct contact with the wood or concrete subfloor.

The reliability, strength, durability of linoleum, as well as sound and heat insulation characteristics, directly depend on its thickness and configuration.

The base performs the following functions:

leveling or masking irregularities (the more there are, the thicker the base layer should be);
depreciation - optimal elasticity of the coating helps to relieve stress on the joints and spine;
heat and sound insulation - in this case, the thickness of the layer also plays a role;
protection of the upper decorative layer, which consists in the fact that the base layer prevents the penetration of moisture into the upper layers of the material.

So that you can choose the best linoleum for your home or office, we offer you a short description of its basics.

Foamed (PVC) backing

Foamed vinyl or PVC floors are more durable and resistant to moisture, making them suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and other wet areas.

To the advantages of the foam base, made mechanically, also includes high resistance to point and mechanical loads. This means that the marks from the heels on your linoleum, as well as the prints of the legs of the furniture after rearrangement, will quickly disappear.

Linoleum on this basis has a relatively small shrinkage - 2 mm, but it is recommended to lay it on the most even floor possible.

The disadvantages of such a basis we can say that it is thinner (1.5-3.5 mm), respectively, such linoleum is more rigid and less shock-absorbing. In addition, the PVC base loses its properties when exposed to temperatures exceeding 27 degrees, which should be taken into account if there is a heated floor.

Felt base

Compared to the previous one, this base layer is more environmentally friendly and thicker (up to 5 mm). It is warm and soft, so it is perfect solution for ground floors or private houses.

The thickness of the base also provides good soundproofing properties of linoleum.

Disadvantages of nonwoven backing can be called low moisture resistance, susceptibility to rotting and the appearance of fungus, so the presence of a damp and unheated basement under your apartment will inevitably lead to rapid damage to the coating. Today, the felt used for this base layer is impregnated with special water-resistant and anti-fungal agents, which gives it relative moisture resistance.

Also, compared to the foamed main felt layer, it tolerates point and mechanical loads worse - in other words, the dents left after furniture and other heavy objects do not disappear.

Felt-based linoleum can shrink up to 10 mm, so before fixing it with skirting boards, you need to let it rest for some time. But you can also lay it on a floor that is not the most even - the main thing is that it be dry if protection from moisture is not provided. Such linoleum is ideal for the bedroom, living room or nursery, where it will provide the necessary softness and comfort.

As you can see, the answer to the question "What is the best basis for linoleum?" directly depends on the type and characteristics of the room for which this flooring will be used.

Whichever base of linoleum you prefer, the following may be useful to you. There are 3 types of linoleum - household, commercial and semi-commercial, which differ in thickness, number of colors and patterns.

Household linoleum is characterized by a variety of colors, low price and availability, but its wear resistance is not so high - it will last no more than 5 years. The thickness of household floor coverings varies from 1.3 to 4.5 mm. It is this indicator that determines their reliability and durability.

Therefore, repair experts advise laying a more durable and thicker (from 4.5 to 8 mm) semi-commercial floor covering on a felt or PVC base. It withstands average operating loads, and its service life can reach 20 years.

The most wear-resistant can be called a commercial coating designed for rooms with the highest traffic. It is the thickest (from 8 to 10 mm), and will last more than 20 years, but you may not be satisfied with the limited choice of colors and some subtleties with styling.

Important: poor quality linoleum containing various harmful additives, has a pungent odor and an unhealthy greasy sheen. Trust your sense of smell and all the necessary product certifications.

Like other building materials, linoleum is manufactured in accordance with GOST and must have an appropriate marking consisting of 2 digits. If there is no marking or there is only one number, this indicates a violation of the manufacturing technology, which may affect the quality of the material.

It is better to buy linoleum for the kitchen or other rooms in large stores, where it is more likely that it is in good condition. temperature conditions. In any case, you should make sure that you have a quality certificate.

Rolled linoleum is always better to buy in one piece. Coatings purchased in different stores may differ in texture and shades of colors, just like linoleum from different batches of goods.

Do not fold the linoleum in half - it can only be folded with the front part inward.

We hope we have answered many of your questions and wish you a quick, inexpensive, high-quality and beautiful repair!

From this article you will learn:

What are the types of linoleum
How to understand the classes of linoleum
How to choose linoleum for a specific room
Linoleum which company is better to choose

In today's market building materials in Moscow, a wide range of products for finishing floors in an apartment is presented. Everyone who plans to repair faces the difficulties of choice. How to determine which coating is better if all manufacturers without exception recommend their collections, noting their exceptional quality and practicality. At the same time, the cost of such materials is not always affordable for the average buyer. If among all the selection criteria for you in the first place is the price, then it is better to pay attention to the good old linoleum. At an affordable cost, this material has a number of advantages, which will be discussed in this article. You can learn about the various characteristics of roll flooring and figure out which linoleum is best for an apartment.

Which linoleum is better to lay in an apartment, based on the type

Linoleum is a moisture-resistant floor covering that has the following characteristics: flexibility, polymer composition and colors that mimic the texture of natural natural materials. Manufacturers offer a wide range of such products, which differ not only in color.

There is a stereotype that linoleum refers to modern artificial flooring. But this material appeared a long time ago and was originally produced from natural raw materials. Its name is a combination of two words linum (linen or linen) and oleum (oil). A patent for such material in 1860 was obtained in England by F. Walton.

The technology of its manufacture at that time was based on the production of a woven base made of linen or jute, which was processed with oxidized vegetable oil mixed with cork flour. The development of industrial technology has contributed to the constant improvement of linoleum. A variety of patterns and patterns began to appear on its surface.

The use of industrial chemical synthesis contributed to the reduction in the cost of linoleum, as a result of which expensive natural components were replaced with affordable synthetic canvases. This happened in the 60s of the last century. From that moment on, under the name of linoleum, a completely new artificial surface began to be produced.

Nevertheless, the emergence of demand for natural products made it possible to revive the traditions of production natural material, whose sales volumes are constantly growing. Today, linoleum is considered to be the most popular flooring option. Given the wide variety, it is necessary to understand the types of linoleum produced and their characteristics. This classification will allow you to choose the option that better fit for your apartment.

natural linoleum

Natural linoleum is the best option for arranging residential premises. It consists exclusively of natural ingredients: flax oil, wood flour and resin, jute or linen woven fabric, limestone. For painting this type of flooring, a wide range of natural-based dyes is used.

Advantages natural linoleum:

The strength characteristics of natural linoleum allow this material to withstand loads up to 16 MPa.
Linseed oil provides bactericidal properties of the coating.
Due to wear-resistant characteristics, such linoleum retains its aesthetic and operational characteristics for 30 to 50 years.
Environmental friendliness and harmlessness to human health.
The material does not absorb dirt, it is easy to clean and wash with conventional means.
Lack of ability to accumulate static electricity.
Resistant to sun fading.
Low flammability.

The list of advantages of natural linoleum inspires respect for this coating.

But he also has his flaws:

High cost, which is comparable to natural wood coatings.
It is better not to use natural linoleum in rooms with high humidity, since its base can rot.
It is better not to use this natural coating option for arranging floors in cold rooms, as it has low elasticity.
Variants of patterns and colors of natural linoleum are not as diverse as those of artificial types of this coating.
New natural linoleum has a specific smell, which will remain in the apartment for some time after laying the coating.

Summing up, it can be noted that natural linoleum will be an excellent option for flooring in an apartment if you prefer eco-friendly housing and are ready to go for certain expenses for this. At the same time, it is better not to use it in bathrooms, in the kitchen or in the corridor, as the natural coating is afraid of moisture.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) linoleum

PVC linoleum today is the most common coating. Its international designation is PVC. It can be produced without a base or with the following types of bases:

The basis of a fabric made of natural (jute) or synthetic (fiberglass, etc.) canvas. Such a base is covered with a PVC layer with a pattern. The total thickness of such a coating is up to 5 mm.
Non-woven base made of synthetic raw materials or felt. A coating with such a base retains heat better, but is completely unsuitable for use in wet areas of an apartment and in places with a high intensity of floor surface use (corridors).
The basis of foamed polyvinyl chloride appeared in the nineties of the last century and today is the most used for the manufacture of linoleum. Porous PVC perfectly withstands high loads and smooths minor floor irregularities. The application of foamed polyvinyl chloride can be carried out mechanically or by chemical means. It is better to choose a material with a mechanical application of the base, as it does not wrinkle under high loads.

In the assortment of some manufacturers, linoleum is presented, combining several varieties of the bases described above. Such coatings are called heterogeneous. Accordingly, linoleum with one base is called homogeneous. The number of layers of the base and the qualitative composition can differ significantly depending on the purpose of the linoleum.

Homogeneous linoleum is different in that its pattern runs through the entire depth of the coating, so abrasion of the top layer during operation does not lead to deterioration appearance. The thickness of this type of linoleum is in the range from 1.5 to 3 mm. It is better to buy homogeneous linoleum for places with high traffic, and it is not advisable to use such material in an apartment, since it has a high price.

PVC linoleum has gained popularity as a material for finishing floors in apartments due to the following characteristics:

The elasticity of the polyvinyl chloride coating greatly simplifies its installation.
A wide selection of colors and patterns allows you to better emphasize the features of various interiors.
Affordable cost.
Quality pvc linoleum the best manufacturers is a non-toxic material, which is confirmed by hygienic certificates.

Linoleum made of polyvinyl chloride has its own flaws:

Linoleum from pvc is better do not use in rooms where temperature fluctuations are possible, as this leads to shrinkage of the floor covering.
New PVC linoleum has a specific smell that can last for several weeks.

Alkyd linoleum

Another name for this coating is glyptal linoleum. It is produced on a fabric basis with the application of modified resins (alkyd or glyptal) using a special technology. To improve the performance and aesthetic characteristics, various fillers and pigments are added to the resins.

Advantages alkyd linoleum:

It retains heat better and serves as an effective soundproofing material.
Thanks to its high resistance to abrasion, it lasts up to 50 years.
It is well cleaned from various contaminants.

Flaws glyptal linoleum:

When the temperature drops to 0°C, such a coating loses its elasticity.
Laying should be carried out by experienced craftsmen.
Given the low resistance to fire, it is better not to use alkyd linoleum for flooring in apartments.

Alkyd linoleum has been used as a floor covering in public transport: railway cars, subways, airplanes, etc.

Rubber linoleum (relin)

This type of flooring has two layers. bottom layer made from recycled rubber, and the top is made of artificial rubber with the addition of dyes. Between themselves, the layers are fastened with mastic based on bitumen.

Advantages rubber linoleum:

Due to its high resistance to moisture, relin can be laid in the most humid rooms.
Wear resistance, strength and elasticity.
High anti-slip performance.
Long service life.

Relin is best used for arranging the floor near swimming pools, in garages, in gyms, but not in residential areas. Laying such a coating in an apartment is undesirable, as it emits substances harmful to health.

Nitrocellulose (colloxylin) linoleum

A single layer of nitrocellulose flooring is called colloxylin linoleum. To improve performance, components such as gypsum, plasticizers and pigments are added to it. Due to its high flammability, today such linoleum is practically not used for flooring.

Which class of linoleum is best for an apartment

The difficulty of choosing a floor covering for an apartment is due to the fact that most materials are heterogeneous, combining several layers with different characteristics. To simplify the task, European brands decided to create the EN685 standard, which classifies linoleums by strength and scope. To designate representatives of different classes, digital marking with a two-digit numeric code and a special pictogram is used.

The first numeric character of the class marking indicates where it is better to apply such a coating:

The number 2 indicates that the coating is best used for apartments and other residential properties.
The number 3 marks materials for floors in offices.
The number 4 is used to designate products oriented to operation in a production environment.

The 2nd digit of the class marking shows the load level for which the coating is designed:

1 - low.
2 - medium.
3 - high.
4 - very high.

Household flooring

The correct answer to the question “which linoleum is better for an apartment” is household linoleum of a class from 21 to 23. Its characteristics are described in the EN685 standard:

Specific gravity: 1.25-2.25 kilograms per square meter.
Coating thickness: from 0.15 to 3 millimeters.
The elasticity of household linoleum should provide the possibility of winding on a sleeve with a cross section of 45 mm without creases and cracks.
The ability to absorb sound up to 18 dB.
Water absorption up to 1.5%.
Shrinkage does not exceed 0.2 mm per 1 meter.

semi-commercial linoleum

Semi-commercial linoleum includes materials from classes 31 to 34. They are used for flooring in commercial and office premises. They differ in the following characteristics:

Specific gravity 1.6-2.5 kg / m 2.
The elasticity of semi-commercial linoleum should ensure the absence of cracks when the material is wound on a cylinder with a cross section of 10 to 40 mm.
The sound-absorbing properties of such a coating are in the range of 12-16 dB.
Operational shrinkage should not exceed 0.1 mm per 1 meter of material length.
The period of operation guaranteed by the manufacturer with preservation of the properties of the coating is from 7 to 20 years.

commercial linoleum

Commercial linoleum belongs to classes from 41 to 43. It is used in high traffic areas. Abrasion resistance is ensured by the presence of a hardened film layer up to 8 mm thick. Commercial linoleum retains its dimensions better (material shrinkage up to 1 mm/m). Manufacturers guarantee the preservation of the characteristics of this type of flooring for a period of 10 to 25 years.

Many companies produce commercial linoleum with high-strength PVC film. The thickness of the protective layer is selected taking into account the features of the operation of the premises:

A protective layer 0.15 mm thick is best suited for flooring in living rooms and bedrooms.
Products with PVC film 0.20 mm – a good option for children's rooms in the apartment.
A layer of 0.25 mm is an excellent choice for floors in the kitchen and in the hallway.
Linoleum with a film of 0.30 mm is best used in rooms with an average level.
A protective film with a thickness of more than 0.50 mm will cope well with high loads.

Linoleum sellers are required to provide the buyer with certificates confirming its compliance with applicable standards and hygiene requirements. As a rule, on reverse side coatings, together with the manufacturer's logo, data regarding the characteristics of the material are applied.

Such information will help you better choose linoleum:

Coverage class.
Batch number (it is better to buy products from one batch).
Manufacturing date.

In addition to this information, pictograms informing about the special characteristics of linoleum can be presented here:

Which linoleum to choose for a specific room

In this section, we will figure out which linoleum is better to buy for various premises in the apartment, taking into account their characteristics and patency.

Linoleum for the kitchen

For the floor in the kitchen, it is better to choose linoleum with high mechanical strength and moisture resistance. The best material option for this room is natural marmoleum. Such a coating has a fabric base, which is usually made from jute fiber. Marmoleum is characterized by a long service life and easy cleaning of contaminants using detergents.

Of course, it is better to buy natural linoleum for an apartment, but if you are limited in finances, then synthetic linoleum can be laid in the kitchen. When choosing such a coating, pay attention to its service life declared by the manufacturer, and also make sure that it complies with GOST standards and hygienic requirements. Flooring experts say semi-commercial linoleum is best for kitchens. This material has an abrasion-resistant decorative layer, a reliable protective coating and a density that allows it to withstand the mechanical load resulting from falling kitchen utensils on the floor.

From the point of view of design for the floor in the kitchen, it is better to use linoleum with a pattern that imitates a natural stone, parquet board or tile. When choosing materials for the floor in the apartment, pay attention to the antiseptic characteristics of linoleum. Natural linoleum with a linen base has such properties. If you decide to buy artificial linoleum, it is better to use materials with antiseptic properties as a substrate.

The width of the roll should be such as to minimize cutting operations and reduce the number of joints (it is the joints that are the most vulnerable point of linoleum in the kitchen).

Linoleum for the corridor and hallway in the apartment

The most passable places in the apartment are the corridor and the hallway. Therefore, when choosing linoleum for such premises, it is better to first of all pay attention to its resistance to abrasion. Of course, if no more than 2 people live in an apartment, then you can stay on class 22 or 23 coverage, and not overpay for more expensive products. If you have a large family, then you will need a material with a thickness of at least 4 mm, which has a protective layer exceeding 0.25 mm. The most reliable brands of linoleum grades 31 or 32 are best used for finishing floors in the corridors of offices or commercial enterprises.

Before you start laying linoleum in the apartment, make sure that the floor does not have significant bulges and depressions. . For high-quality laying of the floor in the corridor, it is better to use a PVC or cork underlay (a natural jute or linen underlay has insufficient density to withstand high mechanical loads and abrasion).

Linoleum for an office and a bedroom in an apartment

To equip the floors in the bedroom or in the office in the apartment, it is better to use soft-foamed linoleum. In these rooms, there is no need to use high-density coatings, so you can take care of maximum comfort. Such conditions are best satisfied by class 21 artificial linoleum with a base of foamed polyvinyl chloride. You can also use a single coat complete with a soft linen or jute backing.

If we are talking about a children's bedroom, then experts recommend natural linoleum with higher strength. Coatings of grades 22 and 23 will better withstand the loads that occur when children play with various toys.

Linoleum for the living room in the apartment

When choosing which linoleum is best for the living room, you need to take into account the possible loads on the floor surface. So, for a family of more than 3 people, which has a tradition of receiving guests, we can recommend semi-commercial coverage of 31 and 32 classes (similar linoleum is suitable and for the corridor). In addition, if you often have guests, it is better not to buy expensive linoleum, since the service life of such material will be 7-9 years.

For a living room in a small family apartment, you can use household linoleum of class 22 or 23 with a protective layer of 0.15 to 0.20 mm.

Linoleum for a balcony in an apartment

The balconies feature frequently changing temperature regime, so for finishing the floor here it is better to use materials with minimal shrinkage and high strength. In addition, factors such as exposure to ultraviolet rays and high humidity must be taken into account. As a rule, moisture-resistant, frost-resistant and anti-slip coatings are chosen for balconies in an apartment. It is best to choose the same linoleum as for office space with a high load.

Which company's linoleum is better to choose for an apartment: an overview of manufacturers

The best linoleum for an apartment, whichever company you choose, must meet criteria such as:

High wear-water-chemical resistance, as well as bacteriostatic and absence of characteristic odors.
Service life not less than 7 years.
Stain resistant and easy maintenance.
Compliance with hygiene and safety standards.

To answer the question, which company's linoleum is better to choose for an apartment, we provide an overview of the brands represented on the domestic flooring market.

Tarkett

This manufacturer is known as one of the largest global brands in the segment of natural and synthetic flooring. Its history goes back about 130 years, and today the concern has its representative offices in many countries of the world. The concern's products are supplied to more than 140 countries.

Assortment line:

Natural linoleum and PVC coatings (household, semi-commercial, commercial, special).
Parquet board.
Laminated parquet.
Cork coverings.
Accessories, consumables and other products for flooring.

In Russia, the brand's enterprise appeared in 1995 (Otradny, Samara region). PVC coatings are produced here. In addition, the domestic market is supplied with products manufactured by the Tarkett concern at Eastern European factories. The company manufactures products under 4 trademarks:

Tarkett (EU, RF). The manufacturer's catalog contains about twenty collections of premium-level tiles and roll materials made from natural raw materials and PVC. Under this brand, all types of linoleum are produced with wear resistance classes ranging from 21 to 43. The main advantage of Tarkett products is the variety of patterns on the smooth and textured surface of the coating.
Sinteros (RF). Under this trademark, PVC materials of an economy level are produced with a wear resistance class from 21 to 34. Consumers choose Sinteros linoleum for its practicality and affordable cost.
Vinisin (Ukraine). Products manufactured under this trademark are similar to Sinteros linoleum.
Polystyl (RF) - belongs to the middle price category. In catalog trademark 6 collections of coverings of 23, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 41 classes are presented.

Advantages linoleum for the Tarkett apartment:

Floor coverings of this brand are distinguished by high strength and wear resistance, which is ensured by the presence of a transparency with a protective layer (Extreme Protection, Titan, etc.).
Thanks to the use of fiberglass reinforcement, Tarkett linoleum has an increased resistance to deformation.
The best choice design and color options compared to competitors' products.
The choice of the consumer in the Tarkett collections includes linoleum with three base options: foamed polyvinyl chloride, artificial felt, duplicated base.
Tarkett materials are approved for use in health care facilities.
The safety of the flooring of this brand is confirmed by various certificates, including documents
Good information support.
Simple installation and unpretentiousness in service.
Availability of offers in different price segments.
Service life, depending on the type of linoleum, ranges from 7 to 50 years.

Flaws:

Tarkett products differ in terms of high cost;
Linoleum, presented in the budget line, may smell unpleasant at first.

Forbo

The Forbo group of companies has a large number of manufacturing enterprises operating in different directions. The largest division unites seven European factories producing products for finishing floors and walls.

For about twenty years, the company has been producing natural coatings under the Marmoleum brand. The catalog contains coatings of all classes in various forms. In our country, Forbo production facilities were launched in 2012 in the Kaluga region.

Advantages linoleum Forbo:

Under this brand, natural and environmentally friendly products are produced.
The manufacturer's line includes roll materials, tiles, as well as combined coatings based on HDF-plates.
A wide range of color and design options (linoleum under wood, stone, etc.).
Abrasion resistance and component impact household chemicals and deformation.
Linoleum Forbo is characterized by bacteriostatic and low thermal conductivity.
Persistent mineral dyes are used for coloring floor coverings.
Forbo coatings are approved for flooring in health resorts and institutions for children.
Good information support allows you to more accurately determine which linoleum is best for an apartment.
The quality and safety of materials are confirmed by a full package of EN certificates.
Easy installation and low maintenance.
The period of operation, depending on the type of linoleum, is from 10 to 30 years.

Flaws:

The high cost of all collections.
Many decor options are only available by pre-order with a waiting period of one month.

Grabo

A flooring manufacturer from Hungary started its activity from a small workshop for the production of tarpaulin and oilcloth products. At present, the company's production facilities include four modern plants for the production of wood and PVC materials for flooring and walls.

Grabo catalogs contain synthetic linoleums of all classes (21-23, 31-34, 41-43). In the household series, you can choose a coating option with a variety of decor in different color shades (it should be noted that the choice, although large, is not as rich as that of competitors).

Grabo also produces special PVC linoleum, including coatings for transport, gyms, as well as bacteriostatic, soundproof and anti-slip products.

Advantages linoleum Grabo:

A high degree of resistance to abrasion and deformation elasticity of Grabo linoleums is ensured by the use of fiberglass for reinforcing materials.
A variety of designs, including unique avant-garde and children's series.
Grabo products comply with European safety and health standards according to CE.
Easy installation and easy maintenance.
Affordable cost of all collections, regardless of coverage class.
Operational period from 10 to 25 years.

Flaws linoleum Grabo:

A small selection of design solutions on the Russian market.
Most Grabo products cannot be used on underfloor heating.
Low degree of resistance to pollution.

Juteks

Utex is a company with a long history. Back in 1939, a packaging factory was established. Over time, a large European concern for the production of floor and wall coverings grew on the basis of the enterprise. In the Juteks product line, the segment of PVC linoleum with a wear resistance class of 21-34 is most widely represented. In our country, Utex production was opened in 2009 in the city of Kameshkovo (Vladimir region.).

The company markets its products under the brands:

Juteks is a premium segment of linoleum with a smooth or structured surface. Products under this brand are manufactured at factories located in Belgium, Slovenia and the Russian Federation.
Beauflor - business level coverage. (Produced at the enterprises of Slovenia and the Russian Federation).
Ideal is an economical segment of floor coverings.

Advantages Utex:

High resistance to abrasion and moisture, which is provided by additional protective layers.
The presence of reinforcing fiberglass prevents shrinkage and deformation of the coating.
Every year the manufacturer updates about 40 collections with a wide variety of decor.
All products presented in the Utex catalog have been certified for compliance with domestic and European quality requirements. For linoleum from the luxury category, eco-expertise conclusions are provided.
Easy to install and maintain.
Affordable cost.
Service life from 7 to 30 years.

Flaws:

Economy segment products have a low density of the base layer and are distinguished by a rather slippery surface. In addition, such linoleum long time retains an unpleasant odor.
Linoleum with a textured surface gets dirty quickly and is difficult to clean. To remove contaminants, you will need special detergents.
It is better not to use coatings from budget series for arranging underfloor heating.

Comitex LIN

The production facilities of this brand have been located in the city of Syktyvkar since 2002. Here, linoleum is made on the basis of foamed PVC and synthetic felt.

You can choose the material in 5 wear classes (21-23 and 31-32) from 9 collections. These are household and semi-commercial coatings, as well as a commercial series. The design is limited by patterns under natural wood, ceramic tiles or marble chips. All coatings have a laminating film supplied from China.

Advantages Comitex LIN products:

The linoleum of this brand has a waterproof surface that is resistant to active substances that are part of household chemicals and intensive operational loads.
The quality of products is confirmed by all necessary certificates.
Simple styling.
Affordable price.
The service life is from 5 to 7 years.

Flaws:

Due to insufficient density, Komiteks LIN linoleum is prone to dents.
The unpleasant odor persists for a long time after installation.
It is better not to use the products of this brand for heated floors.

The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing linoleum for an apartment is the smell of the material. The less smell, the better material, since it contains the minimum number harmful substances. natural or synthetic material High Quality practically does not smell. The outer surface of the coating should not have a gloss, and the pattern on it is clearly visible.
It is good if the width of the canvas matches the size of the room. You need to buy a floor covering with a small margin, since in the process of laying it will be necessary to achieve docking of the pattern. In addition, for an accurate calculation of the material, it is necessary to take into account the presence of niches, thresholds and other features of the room.
It is better not to buy linoleum on the market. It must be stored in a heated room. In addition, in the conditions of the store it will be more convenient to check quality characteristics material.
Be sure to check the compliance of linoleum with hygiene requirements and safety standards. Products that have passed the examination are labeled accordingly, and the seller must present the hygiene certificate to the buyer.
It is better to check the quality of linoleum in rolled form. It should not have bumps, waves or areas with a peeling protective film. All these points indicate marriage, and therefore, such material should not be bought for an apartment.
If you decide to use the same floor covering for several rooms, then it is better to buy the material in one piece. It is only necessary to take into account the possibility of transporting a large roll along the landing.
You can not fold the linoleum in half and stick adhesive tape on the front surface of the material. For transportation, it is better to roll linoleum upside down. If the roll is folded "face" outward, then it should be packed in a protective film.
In order for linoleum to last as long as possible and retain its attractive appearance, it is better to choose a coating with a special protective layer.
It is good if you have the opportunity to bring samples of linoleum to those rooms of the apartment where it is planned to be laid. This will help you choose the material that best harmonizes with the interior.
If you need to cover a large area with linoleum, it is better to buy material from the same batch, since the coating released at different times may differ slightly in color shades.

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