How to choose a good linoleum for an apartment. How to choose linoleum - nuances and selection criteria. We select linoleum depending on the room

To make the right choice of linoleum for an apartment, you need to determine the criteria that it must meet in a particular room. To do this, define:

• maximum load on the floor (traffic, use of furniture on wheels, walking in high-heeled shoes, etc.);
• specific conditions (high humidity, temperature changes, etc.);
• room design.

A solemn and elegant look can be created using finishing materials in light pastel colors.

Rich colors (green, orange, etc.) will fill the atmosphere with fun and cheerfulness.

How to choose high-quality linoleum for an apartment - useful tips from professionals

• If linoleum has a sharp and strong odor, then cheap and low-quality raw materials were used in production. High-quality coating (natural and artificial) should be odorless.
• You have the right to request from the seller a certificate of compliance of this coating with technical, fire and sanitary standards.
• Buy linoleum in a specialized store where the materials are stored in a heated room.
• Choose a covering of such width that it can be laid without seams. This way it will have a more presentable appearance and will not cause any hassle with installation.
• If you buy different pieces, make sure that they are from the same batch and match in shade.
• Check the quality of the coating in its unfolded form. If there are bumps or waves on the surface, they will not smooth out.
• A peeling top layer, burrs on the edges or a poorly printed design indicate a defect.
• Choose a coating with additional special properties (sound insulation, antistatic, etc.) only if necessary. There is no point in overpaying for them if their availability is not important.
• In the store, pay attention to the weight of the material. The heavier it is, the higher its density and the longer its service life.
• You cannot fold linoleum by bending it. Roll up with the front sides facing inward.

If you find a defect in the roofing of your home, do not despair. According to the Law “On Protection of Consumer Rights” (Article 18), you have the right to:

• price drop;
• replacement with a product of a similar brand (model) or another brand, with compensation for the price difference;
• return the defective product and return the money in full.

Modern linoleum perfectly imitates the color and texture of various materials (tiles, stone, parquet). However, some housewives note that linoleum with a rough texture requires more thorough cleaning.

In places with a high degree of pollution, it is recommended to lay linoleum in dark shades or with an abstract pattern. You should avoid light-colored floors in the kitchen and hallway.

Many people note that laying linoleum does not require special skills. This allows you to install it yourself.

Which brand of linoleum should I choose for my apartment?

As for the question of which company is better for installing in an apartment, preference should be given to proven brands. They have been supplying their products to the market for more than one year. The quality of their products has already been studied and assessed by consumers.

One of the leading Russian companies whose product quality meets international standards is Tarkett. Among foreign manufacturers, consumers give preference

Among the many flooring materials that have already gained popularity among consumers, linoleum has also gained a foothold. This material is accessible, low cost and well suited for flooring in any room. It has been used for 200 years. Despite the fact that there are more floor coverings, linoleum has not lost its popularity. All this is thanks to the advantages of the products. The coating is not only cheap, but also soft, springy, while at the same time remaining durable so as not to crack. Caring for linoleum is quite simple. I am also pleased with the huge range of goods. But this fact confuses some consumers. They cannot choose high-quality coverage for themselves. That’s why today we’ll talk about how to choose linoleum for an apartment based on quality and other factors.

We will look at the types of coatings, compare the characteristics and find out the requirements for it. This will help you choose the right linoleum for any room.

Types of linoleum

First, you need to consider what the modern market is ready to provide you with in order to decide in advance on the type of linoleum for your kitchen or room. You might not know, but linoleum has several varieties that have their own advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the products have their own characteristics and scope of use. When buying linoleum, you should definitely pay attention to this.

So, here are the types of linoleum:

• natural linoleum;
• PVC linoleum;
• glyphthalic linoleum;
• colloxylin linoleum;
• linoleum relin.

Let's take a closer look at each type of material.

Natural material

Based on the name, it becomes clear that environmentally friendly and natural materials are used for production. The composition of the flooring is simple: linseed oil, cork and wood flour, limestone powder, pine resin and natural dyes. Linoleum is based on jute fabric.

Due to the fact that floor products are 100% environmentally friendly, by choosing them you don’t have to worry about the health of your family members, especially children. The product is not dangerous for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.

1. The material is abrasion resistant.
2. It is environmentally friendly and does not emit harmful substances.
3. Over many years of operation, the color and structure do not change.
4. Not devoid of bactericidal properties.
5. It is non-flammable, which is very important.
6. Caring for the material is simple.
7. Huge range of colors and designs.

• fragile, if you bend the material too much, it can crack;
• use in rooms where there is a high level of humidity (bath, kitchen) is not recommended;
• has a high cost.

PVC (synthetic) material

This floor covering can be based on a non-woven or woven base that has thermal insulation properties. Today, PVC linoleum, even domestically produced, is manufactured in accordance with the latest European technologies.

1. Has dielectric properties.
2. Has low thermal conductivity.
3. It is also environmentally friendly.
4. Doesn't rot.
5. Installing and caring for linoleum is quite simple.
6. Large assortment of patterns and colors.

• afraid of elevated temperatures;
• cannot be considered environmentally friendly;
• the material is unstable to alkalis and chemical solvents;
• When the temperature decreases, elasticity is lost.

Glypthal products

They have an interesting production technology. For manufacturing, an alkyd resin is applied to a fabric base. The peculiarity of the products is that they have good sound and heat insulation.

At the same time, the material is quite fragile and difficult to install.

Colloxylin products

The basis of this linoleum is nitrocellulose. Its advantage is that the material is quite elastic, non-flammable and resistant to moisture. The disadvantages are the likelihood of shrinkage and increased sensitivity to temperature fluctuations.

Relin

This linoleum is based on two layers. The first is crushed rubber and bitumen. The second is a pigment mixture with rubber and a special filler. The material is cheap and used extremely rarely. Due to its composition, it is not very safe.

Wear resistance class of linoleum

Before buying a product, you need to understand the wear resistance classes, since the scope of use also depends on this. If we take into account the speed of abrasion and the thickness of the protective layer, then linoleum can be divided into 3 types:

To know which linoleum to choose for an apartment, it is important to understand the classification of products not only of domestic standards, but also by European standards. It is also supported in Russia.

The classification is as follows:

• for use in apartments (in the meaning of the material the number 2 appears first);
• for use in offices (3);
• for use in industrial premises (4).

Further, the classification is expressed in numbers from 1 to 4. At 1, linoleum can withstand minimal load. But with a value of 4, linoleum is able to withstand high loads and abrasion. Thanks to this scheme, invented by Europeans, you can choose your own linoleum. Often it is placed on a roll with the product.

We can conclude that for a large family you can purchase a product of class 31, no lower. Class 23 can be used for the kitchen, provided that the family is small. But for the bedroom you can choose 21 classes, it will be enough.

Choosing linoleum for the substrate

It is important to pay attention to the substrate for the material. Previously, a felt backing was used, but now foam is preferred. Choose carefully, focusing on the density of the substrate. The denser it is, the better the linoleum will resist pressure from cabinets, chair legs and other heavy objects. You can even determine the density by weight, because with a high-quality substrate, linoleum will be much more solid and massive.

Still, it is better to test the product by touch so as not to be disappointed with the material you have chosen. Just press down on it. In the case when it springs without pressing down, you are on high-quality linoleum. You can buy it with confidence. It will not leave marks from heels, etc.

In addition, a high-quality substrate not only resists shock and pressure. It allows you to save heat and reduce noise that enters the apartment. Due to the thick layer of foam, your floor will be quite warm. And due to this, you can hide some unevenness of the floor on which you will lay linoleum.

Note! The felt backing resists impacts and pressure a little better.

What else you need to know when purchasing

Now we will look at additional tips that will help you choose the right linoleum. You need to know a few things to pay attention to in the store.

If you carefully study the icons on linoleum, you can find out a lot of information for yourself. This will help you choose the right product and simplify the task.

Choose the color and texture of the material

The appearance of the room, its interior and perception partly depend on the floor covering. It plays an important role in finishing. Therefore, it is important to choose the right color scheme and material patterns. For example, cold tones can evoke certain feelings, while warm ones can evoke completely different ones. Here your imagination can run wild and you can experiment with it.

Thanks to the selected color of the material, you can make the room cute and cozy or strict and office-like. That's why when choosing, you need to focus on the purpose of the room and your goals. In addition, the overall design is also taken into account. Linoleum should fit harmoniously into it. Here are some examples.

If we talk about the design of bedrooms, it is recommended to use warm and light tones of the material. Linoleum can be beige, cream, milk or coffee. There is an option to finish the floor with linoleum, which imitates marble or wood. An intricate linoleum ornament would also be useful to add originality. But for a children's room, it is better to choose bright, not gloomy linoleum and with funny designs. Such material will immediately cheer you up and children will like it.

There is a little trick when the room is small. It can be visually expanded if you choose a pattern with diagonal lines or a material pattern like small tiles. And in order to divert attention from the flooring and highlight the furniture, it is better to buy products with abstraction.

Conclusion

Thanks to this article, you learned how to choose the right linoleum. We looked at flooring options and found out their pros and cons. In addition, you were able to delve into the characteristics of the products to consider the properties and scope of use of the material. All this will be useful for your purchase. Take into account all the tips from the article to buy for yourself a quality product that can withstand all the hardships and hardships of even the busiest room. In addition, look at the manufacturer's company. This is a guarantee that you will not buy low-quality material. In Russia, the Tarkett brand, IVC from Balta Group and the Slovenian Juteks (a very common option) are quite popular.

Linoleum is a time-tested type of flooring. It is presented in a large assortment, and you need to select it depending on the type of room.

Therefore, we will consider how to choose linoleum for an apartment in terms of quality, so that it is not only beautiful, but also environmentally safe and lasts longer.

Today, floor coverings are presented on the market in a huge assortment - laminate, parquet, tiles, porcelain stoneware, but linoleum does not lose its popularity. Its design is varied and multifaceted, the flooring is quite simple, and the price is affordable for any consumer.

But first, let’s briefly get acquainted with its types based on binding materials, class, area of ​​application, and how to choose the right quality linoleum for an apartment.

Main types of linoleum

To decide which material to choose for an apartment, we will consider its types, based on composition, main advantages and disadvantages.

Natural linoleum

The cake can be described as follows: a linoleum mixture of natural ingredients - wood flour, lime, pine resin, flax oil, natural dyes - is applied to a jute base. The mixture is compressed and dried using technology, resulting in a structurally strong building material.

Pros:

• High strength, wear resistance;
• Environmentally friendly, thanks to natural ingredients;
• Antistatic properties, UV resistant;
• Fire safety;
• The presence of bactericidal properties (thanks to flax oil);
• Long service life (20 years or more).

Minuses:

• High cost compared to synthetic counterparts;
• The material is quite fragile and hard, so care should be taken when transporting;
• It is better to entrust the installation to a specialist, since you may not be able to do it well on your own;
• It is not recommended to install in rooms with high humidity.

Polyvinyl chloride linoleum

It is produced on a fabric, non-woven heat and sound insulating base or without a base. It can be single layer or have several layers. PVC linoleum is most in demand in the consumer market, as it is the most affordable in terms of price.

Pros:

• Environmental safety (it is non-toxic);
• Moisture resistance, it is not subject to rotting;
• Easy installation;
• A wide variety of color palettes, designs, patterns, imitation for a variety of finishing building materials;
• Low thermal conductivity;
• Has dielectric properties;
• Easy to care for.

Minuses:

• Susceptible to negative temperatures - its elastic properties are reduced and it can easily crack;
• May shrink when exposed to elevated temperatures;
• Unpleasant specific odor in the first weeks after installation.

Alkyd linoleum

This type always has a fabric base, with alkyd resins applied to it, which improves its properties.

Main advantages:

• Improved sound and thermal insulation properties;
• Increased wear resistance.

Flaws:

• Decrease in elasticity with decreasing temperature;
• It is advisable to entrust installation to a specialist;
• Before laying, it should be kept warm overnight to prevent changes in geometric dimensions.

Relin (rubber linoleum)

It is two-layer: the base is made of converted rubber, the front layer is a mixture of rubber carrier and pigment.

Positive sides:

• High water resistance;
• Strength, elasticity;
• Long service life.

Negative: its use in residential apartments is unacceptable, since relin releases harmful substances. But it is successfully used in sports facilities, swimming pools, and garages.

Colloxylin linoleum

This is a single-layer baseless coating made of nitrocellulose with the addition of gypsum, plasticizers, and dyes.

Advantages:

• Quite elastic;
• Moisture-resistant building material;
• Has a decorative shine.

Disadvantages: subject to shrinkage, unstable to temperature changes.

Let's consider how to choose quality linoleum for an apartment so that it matches the character of the room and the requirements for flooring.

Criteria for choosing linoleum

The material must meet the necessary requirements of the room where it will be laid. These are moisture resistance, wear resistance, heat insulation and sound insulation properties, antistatic, fire safety, etc.

In addition, when choosing linoleum for an apartment based on quality, you should take into account that the actual load on the floor in living rooms is less than in the kitchen, hallway, corridor, therefore the characteristics of the purchased building material should be different.

Linoleum in appearance is selected based on the design of the room, its style, and overall color scheme.

It is marked by class based on its composition and degree of wear resistance. The class is conventionally indicated as two numbers, where the first characterizes the type of room, For example:
2 – living rooms of an apartment, public buildings;
3 – office rooms;
4 – production areas.

When considering how to choose quality linoleum for an apartment, you need to know that all types of building materials have an upper protective (working) layer, the thickness of which determines the wear resistance of the material.

The protective cover protects against mechanical damage, preserves aesthetic and operational parameters for a longer period and is applied with a thickness of 0.15 mm (household) to 0.8 mm (commercial).

Scope of application of linoleum

The degree of wear resistance determines the scope of application of synthetic linoleum:

Household linoleum (wear resistance class 21 - 23) is used in residential apartments, it is elastic, designed for light loads, easy to maintain, with a protective layer thickness of 0.15mm - 0.25mm.

Semi-commercial linoleum (wear resistance class 31 - 34) for an apartment is suitable for the hallway, kitchen, apartment corridor, as well as in small offices, shops, pharmacies, hospital wards, hotels.

Commercial linoleum (wear resistance class 41 - 43) are laid in shops, offices, industrial premises with a high degree of load and traffic. It has increased strength characteristics and is the thickest version of linoleum.

Choosing linoleum for an apartment

Bedroom

In the bedroom, where we spend little time, class 21 is suitable. Another indicator is important for longer use of the material and resistance to mechanical stress. This is the value of the protective layer for the bedroom equal to 0.15mm.

Living room

For the living room, where we gather with the whole family and spend more time, thereby increasing the load on the floor, class 22 linoleum is suitable, the protective layer is 0.15 - 0.2 mm.

Hallway and corridor

There is a high degree of traffic here, since all family members move along the corridor more than once. For the hallway and corridor, an acceptable option would be class 23 or, if the family is large, then a semi-commercial option of classes 31 - 32, select a protective layer of 0.25 mm or higher.

Children's room

In a children's room, everything depends on the age of the child or two and his activity. We consider the children's room as a room with average traffic, but with the possibility of damage to the covering. If this happens, we will repair the linoleum.

For children, choose class 22 - 23, protective layer 0.2 mm. In addition, the floor in the children's room should not be too smooth so that the child does not slip on it; it is better to choose a material with a textured surface.

Choosing linoleum for the kitchen

In the kitchen, the floor must have high wear resistance, be resistant to mechanical stress, and not react to household chemicals.

You can choose household 23, 24 classes if you don’t cook much and your family is small. If there are 5 or more people in the family, then it is better to choose class 31 - 32 with a protective layer thickness of 0.4 and above.

Choice of colors and patterns

While studying the question of how to choose linoleum for an apartment based on quality, let’s dwell on the color and pattern of the floor, which plays an important role in the interior.

A variety of textures and colors allow you to design stylish and interesting options. Due to light colors and a properly selected pattern, you can visually expand the space.

It is better to decorate the floor of a bedroom or children's room in light, warm tones of cream, coffee with milk, or beige. Linoleum imitating parquet, laminate, wenge, or an interesting pattern will look calm and appropriate.

In the kitchen, you can choose a coating that imitates marble, ceramic tiles, natural stone, or mosaic. If the kitchen space is small, then flooring with small tiles will visually expand it. If the tiled floor is consistent with the kitchen backsplash, then the overall design will benefit from this.

In addition, orientation to the cardinal points should also be taken into account. If your living room faces the sunny side, then cool colors are preferred, and vice versa, the north side loves warm colors. Choose a drawing from the samples above or according to your preference.

The hallway and corridor are the most polluted rooms, so you should not choose a plain floor in the hallway. It is well perceived in the form of a carpet, under laminate, parquet, stone.

Let's consider how to choose linoleum for an apartment based on quality.

It is recommended to buy material in winter from a store where it is properly stored and the store is heated.
Feel free to smell the coating - it should not have an unpleasant pungent odor. If there is a smell, then it is better not to buy such building material, since it may contain additives that are harmful to health.

Ask the seller for a certificate of quality, compliance of the material with standards. In addition, the roll must have special product markings.

Check the quality of the coating by rolling it out. It should be without peeling of the protective film, waves, or irregularities.

After external inspection, run your hand over the surface of the coating; the material should not be “oily.”

If you are making a purchase for several rooms at once, it is advisable to buy in one piece. Based on the size of the roll, figure out whether you can carry it into the apartment down the staircase without bending it. Often, a large roll has to be brought in through a window if it is on the first floors.

When you go to the store, you have the size of the piece you need for the flooring. For example, the width of household linoleum is produced in multiples of 0.5 meters in sizes from 1.5 m to 5 m. If you have a room with a width of 2.8 meters, then you choose a 3-meter sheet, the excess is cut off. In terms of length, add the presence of thresholds and protrusions into the calculation.

When packing the workpiece, do not fold it in half; it must be rolled with the front surface inward. The adhesive tape should not touch the front side, since the adhesive layer is then difficult to wash off, which will affect the quality.

Purchased material is transported only in rolls. If you want to transport a wide roll on the trunk of a car, then a beam or reel on which it was wound is inserted inside the roll. To prevent the edges from sagging and the quality not being affected, place wooden boards under the roll on the trunk and secure it.

We looked at how to choose linoleum for an apartment based on quality and, following these simple rules, you will choose exactly what you need.

Good afternoon dear friends!
Welcome to the world of Tarkett - the world of ready-made solutions for your home and office!
Today, choosing flooring is not only simple, but also extremely interesting - the variety of flooring options (linoleum, laminate, parquet, tiles, carpet,...) and their designs allow you to create your own unique interior in each home.

However, the variety of options also gives rise to certain difficulties - after all, it is important not to make a mistake with the choice: neither with design nor with quality.

Unfortunately, in stores it often happens that the seller is busy with other customers or cannot advise you for other reasons.

Tarkett, being the leader in the Russian flooring market, also feels its responsibility for your Choice.

That is why the Directory that you see in front of you appeared. It is dedicated to the most popular category in Russia - "linoleum"- and will help you make the right choice.

PVC linoleum - advantages and disadvantages.

It is difficult to find another flooring with which so many myths and legends are associated. And this is understandable: after all, linoleum is the most popular floor covering in Russia. Research into consumer behavior shows the following list of perceived advantages and disadvantages of linoleum compared to other types of flooring:

Advantages:
large range of colors/patterns;
a variety of wear resistance options, taking into account the specifics of the premises (commercial / semi-commercial / household);
easy to clean / does not require special care during operation;
ease of use (does not require special skills for installation);
low price (price per 1 m2 from 180 to 650 rubles);
hides minor floor defects;
water resistance;
versatility / suitable for different types of premises.

Flaws:
has an odor during the first days of use;
prone to mechanical damage: dented, etc.,
unnatural;
slippery;
unfashionable (more typical for the traditional segment).

Note that linoleum is the only type of flooring that has so many “advantages” in the eyes of buyers. And all of the indicated disadvantages of linoleum are completely or partially untrue. Thus, the current general requirements for the production of linoleum (compliance with sanitary, epidemiological and fire requirements for the product) ensure the absence of an unpleasant odor and the safety of this type of floor covering for humans. Modern production technologies make it possible to create linoleum with additional consumer properties: with an antibacterial coating, with an additional polyester base, with embossing that most accurately imitates the texture of natural materials. For more information about the beliefs that exist about PVC floor coverings, and which of them are true and which are not, see the section “Myths and Legends about Linoleum”.

Note.
All over the world, PVC flooring is called “vinyl”. In our country, the name “linoleum” is firmly attached to them. Therefore, further in the text all 3 possible names will appear: “PVC coatings”, “vinyl”, “linoleum”.

Why Tarkett?

There are several reasons. This includes more than 100 years of experience in linoleum production, a stable position in the global market, and the company’s recognized leadership in the Russian market. But all this is not the main thing. The main thing is the high-tech and largest production in the world of modern multilayer foamed linoleum, which (unlike the old, traditional):
It has excellent quality and the best assortment in Russia, which is confirmed by consumer ratings - in comparative testing of Tarkett linoleum and competitors, the Tarkett collections turned out to be the best in the main categories (for example, the Discovery collection);
Unique in design due to the combination of two factors:
all designs are developed in our own Design Center, taking into account the peculiarities of perception of Russians,
Before launching into production, all designs are assessed by more than 2,000 potential buyers during consumer testing of new products in Russian cities;
environmentally friendly, thanks to strict control of the raw materials used, double control (electronic and directly by specialists) of each stage of production, testing of samples of all produced linoleum in the laboratory and technical control department (this is why Tarkett linoleum easily passes fire and sanitary-hygienic certification and is recommended for use in hospitals and kindergartens).
In addition, the Tarkett plant is located and officially registered in Russia (Otradny, Samara region), which means the following for you and me:
jobs for our fellow citizens;
stable receipt of tax payments to the budget of our country;
environmental safety (the plant uses one of the most modern systems for purifying emissions into the atmosphere).
It is precisely because we are confident in the product that we produce and sell that we take the next step - we make it easier for customers - the most important and strictest judges of our work. According to market research, 96.7% of buyers who bought and laid Tarkett linoleum are satisfied with the purchase and are ready to recommend it to their friends, and the main reason for the dissatisfaction of the rest is the incorrectly selected coating (without taking into account the intensity of the load on the floor in the room).

How to choose linoleum?

It's simple. When choosing ANY floor covering (including linoleum), the main thing is to determine the type of room in which it is intended to be used and assess the expected intensity of the load.
The logic is simple: there are 3 main types of premises: residential, office and industrial. Each of them has its own pictogram and number: house (number 2), office building (number 3) or factory (number 4)

The intensity of impact on the floor covering inside each of these types of premises can also be different: low, medium, high or very high. The intensity of impact is indicated by little men: one, two, three or four - the more of them, the more intense the load the coating can withstand.

The combination of the icon with the type of premises with people gives the coverage class: 21,22 or 23 for residential premises, 31,32,33 or 34 for office premises and 41,42,43 for industrial premises.

Despite such a different appearance of various floor coverings - linoleum, laminate, parquet, carpet, tiles and others - the given system of dividing them into classes is the same. Only the texts that determine whether the floor covering belongs to one class or another are different.
We will focus on the first two groups - “Residential premises” and “Office premises”. Based on the degree of load on the floor covering inside an ordinary house (residential premises), 3 large groups of premises can be distinguished:

The degree of load in office premises is also different:

Note that the degree of load on the floor in the kitchen and corridor of an ordinary apartment is often equal to that of an office (low and medium), and therefore coatings of classes 31 and 32 are also recommended for these rooms.
Based on the above, only on the basis of knowing the answer to the question “Where do you want to lay linoleum? In what room?”, You can give a recommendation on your choice. However, in this case, the list of suitable collections will be quite extensive and it will not be easy to navigate through the variety of designs (and, even more so, specific colors). And, as a rule, the more wear-resistant the coating is, the more expensive it will be, so the choice must be made taking into account both economic feasibility and operational necessity.

It is also important to take into account that, in addition to wear resistance, different linoleum may have different thicknesses and different additional values ​​that make its use more pleasant and easier:

An additional protective coating (protective varnish) protects the coating from the penetration of dirt inside and makes it easier to clean.

Sanitized is a special antibacterial coating that prevents the development of bacteria on the floor surface.

Double base - foam and polyester (textile base).

Special technologies for creating relief (the more natural the linoleum looks, the more difficult and expensive its production).

EXTREME PROTECTION - on collections under the Tarkett brand: “Force”, “Idyll”, “Almaz”, “Discovery”, “Imperial Elite”, “Magic”, “Rainbow”, “Europe”, “Super C”, “Moda” .

Titanium - in collections under the Sinteros brand: “Marathon” and “Arsenal”

Available in Tarkett collections - “Rainbow”, “Idyll”, “Moda”, “Magic”.

Available in the Tarkett collections - “Rainbow”, “Idyll”.

For example, the unique patented TRUTEX technology is found in only one Takett collection - Magic. Mechanical embossing is present in the “Idyll”, “Discovery”, “Force”, “Moda”, “Imperial Elite” collections.

It is also necessary to take into account that our choice is always influenced by a combination of factors: the appearance (design and colors) and texture of the product, our internal values ​​and ideas about linoleum, the importance of individual coating parameters (safety, durability, comfort, softness, etc. .) and many others. Each collection of linoleum not only has different technical characteristics, but is also aimed at different customers - with different income levels, different tastes and different lifestyles. All this is reflected in the key ideas of the collections and designs of each of them.
Having tested all our linoleum collections for their resistance to various types of loads characteristic of different residential and office premises, we recommend certain linoleum collections taking into account the ratio of their price, technical characteristics and service life in certain conditions. However, a "recommended" collection does not mean "required", i.e. does not mean that collections with higher wear resistance cannot be used in rooms with low load on the flooring - it all depends on the choice of the buyer. In our practice, there are examples when people installed class 43 floor coverings in their apartment, designed for industrial loads, simply because they liked them.

That is why the “5 stars” principle was applied to all household and semi-commercial linoleum collections (classes 21 to 34) - they were grouped taking into account 3 factors: quality, perceived value by customers and selling price. The status of "5 stars" is assigned to the most expensive and high-quality collections, the status of "1 star" is assigned to the simplest and most economical ones. IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND that the assigned status (“star rating”) may change, which reflects the correspondence of the collection to the type of expected load, i.e. indicates how suitable each of the recommended collections is for a particular room.
See Table 1, Collection Application Areas.

Table 1. Areas of application of collections.

The names of the collections read as follows: Discovery, Imperial Elite, Force, Moda, Eruption.

How to choose a design and color?

Having decided on the list of suitable collections, you can move on to the most exciting part - choosing the design of the future floor.

The design of a room - both an apartment and an office - is always a creative matter; there are no universal solutions here. The same color looks different in the shade and in the light, under natural and artificial light. Also, the same design looks different in a large and small room. However, there are several principles, the observance of which will allow you, without limiting your imagination, to create an interior that is correct in terms of color and geometry of the room.

The first such pattern is to take into account the color associations characteristic of Russian residents:
Shades of green and yellow perfectly relieve fatigue;
Beige and muted shades of yellow give a feeling of warmth, coziness and comfort;
Turquoise is associated with freshness (and therefore perfect for the bathroom);
Blue calms, relieves tension (good for meeting rooms); The color blue has a similar effect - it can even induce drowsiness (which is why it is often used in bedrooms);
Orange, yellow and red invigorate, tone, lift the mood, and also bring a feeling of warmth to cool rooms;
Gray ideally “creates” a work environment;
White - a pure and cool color - can be an excellent basis for bold design solutions, but is rarely used without a bright, contrasting “pair”, since in large quantities it can cause discomfort;
Black is good in small quantities (accents) - to give a special, sophisticated style to the room; in combination with white and red it forms a minimalist “Japanese” interior.

As you know, colors are divided into warm and cold. The coldest colors are blue or blue, and the warmest is orange. The majority of design techniques are based on the play of warm and cold colors. So, in order to visually expand the room, it is necessary to use cool light colors. And, conversely, in order to make the room more comfortable, it is recommended to use warm shades. In addition, warm colors add light and warmth to the interior, while cold colors add coolness and tranquility. That is why warm colors will make a dark northern room “warmer”, and cool shades will refresh a sun-drenched room on a hot summer day. Bright, rich colors set the style of a room, attract attention, invigorate, delimit space (and therefore are ideal for accents). And muted, light ones calm and enlarge the room, “blurring” the boundaries of individual zones.

The second pattern is based on these facts - taking into account the brightness/saturation of color and its coldness/warmth in the design of a room.

Example 1. A living room in warm and muted colors will be conducive to close communication, quiet and leisurely conversations, and tenderness. In this option, a floor of warm, soft colors, without sharp contrasting elements, is also appropriate - for example, designs from Bristol, Gea, Balchug, Nubia, Kuba, Acapulco, Itaka, Sarah, Messina, Sherwood, Charli, Jura, Luara, Oregon, Kilim, Pasadena , Kyoto, California, Charleston, Oxford, Akira.

A living room in cold or rich colors will refresh, invigorate, and create an intense type of communication. On the floor in such a living room, rich colors or a contrasting pattern would be appropriate - for example, the designs of Pear Effect Palech, Bora, Borodino, Faberge, Persiya, Peru, Bridge, Sobranie, Tango, Porto.

An office meeting room, decorated in cool blue or gray tones, will help conduct business meetings, setting up all participants to rationally search for options for solving a complex problem. In such a meeting room, a cold-colored floor without a pronounced pattern would look great - for example, the designs of Arizona, Gres, Prado, Volcano, Disco, Moda, Libra, Orion, Tornado, Platina.

A meeting room in deep, dark, noble, warm colors (burgundy, brown and gold, etc.) will be conducive to private communication of closed negotiations and one-on-one meetings. The chic of such a meeting room can be emphasized with a textured floor with a design of wood, stone or tile - rich, deep color (for example, designs of Charleston, Oxford, Tango, Pasadena, Orion, Platina, Prado, Sorbona, Moda).

A bedroom in the attic with an uneven (sloping) ceiling will look more spacious, and the walls will not “press” on you if you use light, muted colors (both warm and cold) in its design. Moreover, the colder the color used for decoration and the less its shades differ for the floor, walls and ceiling, the more noticeable the effect will be. Cool shades in the design of the bedroom will not only visually enlarge it, but will refresh the room, help you relax, sleep better and gain strength (for example, designs by Kyoto, Tenere, Kabare, Sahara, Tivoli, Grace).

A contrasting floor in such a bedroom (textured, dark, rich in color - for example, Alaska, Pear Effect, Tango, Petergof, Peru, Porto, Kilim designs) will set the style of the room, clearly indicating the geometry of the room (in this case it is also better to make the ceiling and walls one light tone). A striking example of contrasting design is a bedroom in red tones - invigorating, charging with energy and passion. This bedroom will look especially stylish with a dark shade of Tango or Alaska designs on the floor.

Delicate, clean, but not bright colors in the bedroom of a kindergarten will help to “lull” a little fidget (for example, designs Laguna, Colibri, Grace, Evita).

And the bright, saturated colors of the playroom will invigorate children, contribute to the development of their thinking and creativity (for example, the designs of Konfetti, Limpopo, Shapito, RaLLi from the Rainbow collection).

A kitchen decorated in warm colors will promote increased appetite, and cool colors (for example, blue) used in decorating the same kitchen will help you stick to your chosen diet. “Wooden” and abstract designs, like the most popular ones for the kitchen - “tiled” - are presented in both “warm” and “cold” colors - Acapulco, Daccar, Lotus, Serenada, Siam, Sobranie, Murano, Amaretto, Marocco, Montro , Trevi, Valencia, Odri, Venezia, Samua, Tossa, Tiffany.

The third pattern is the use of geometry in flooring design.

You can visually expand a narrow room by simply directing the “wooden” design diagonally across the room or across long walls (for example, the Preston design in the “Magic” collection).

Natural materials (wood, stone, etc.) and their high-quality imitations make the room “more expensive” and “more environmentally friendly”. “Board” designs (palace parquet, parquet or, wider, deck board) due to the soft texture of wood and warm colors make the room cozier and calmer.

Tiles, common in kitchens and hallways, can also make a room appear larger or smaller. Thus, large tiles will perfectly emphasize the size of a large kitchen, but will “steal” the space of a small one, compressing it even more (for example, the Murano design in the Imperial Elite collection).

And vice versa, small tiles that can fit organically into a small kitchen and visually increase its area will not look harmonious in a large one (for example, Magosso’s design in the “Magic” collection).

A universal solution for most rooms is tiles that combine elements of different sizes - for example, Trevi, Daccar, Serenada designs. An interesting point is that any size tile placed diagonally in a room visually enlarges it.

Abstract designs on the floor, which set the style of the room, perfectly emphasize the advantages of furniture and interior decorative elements (for example, designs by Nubia, Savanna, Shanson, Sorento, Kanjon, Sahara, Fiji, Gres, Prado, Caribic, Amazonka, Disco, Sanremo).

The combination of familiar abstract, “tiled” or “board” designs with decorative elements (lines, colors, shells) can make the interior truly unique, unobtrusively distinguishing it from the mass of similar ones. After all, interior elements, individually selected to match the floor design theme, will unite the space into a solid, complete, stylish interior (for example, designs by Laguna, Grace, Odri, Evita, Tossa, Vivaldi).

Experiment! Bright ideas and successful solutions to you!

To lay the selected coating without seams, you must do the following:
measure the maximum width and length of the floor surface in the room, including niches and doorways;
taking into account the curvature of the walls, add 8 cm (80 mm) to each measurement
select the appropriate maximum roll width;
make sure (by asking the seller) that there is sufficient balance in the roll of the width you need.

If you are going to use several pieces of linoleum, you need to make allowance for the selection of the pattern. And in order for the shades of the pattern to differ as little as possible, it is necessary to take pieces from one roll or one batch.

THE MOST IMPORTANT!
Any coating you choose will last a long time only if it is glued
on a prepared base - level, strong, dry and clean.
Please note that the Tarkett WARRANTY applies to
all collections only if they are laid in specially prepared manner
professionals licensed to install flooring
coverings.

Myths and Legends about linoleum.

“Household stuff - it’s soft and gets trampled on quickly.”
Household linoleum is different - there are economy segment products designed for a short service life, and there are high-end products that look prestigious and last a very long time. Therefore, it is important to choose a balance between cost and service life in a certain type of room. After all, you can lay very wear-resistant commercial linoleum at home, which will not wear down even in 50 years, but it will cost much more than household linoleum.

“You need one that doesn’t crack or dry out.”
Cracking is typical only for old, “Soviet” or simply low-quality linoleum. The manufacturing process was set up in such a way that the original components were not always used in the correct proportions and fully reacted, ensuring a strong connection. Later, this manifested itself precisely in the fact that the linear dimensions of the canvas changed over time. It’s like with bad sour cream - if it is diluted with water, then over time it will still separate into the original product and water. The TARKETT company uses completely different production technologies - absolutely all components of modern foamed linoleum are firmly connected to each other, and therefore the product does not dry out or crack.

“There are no inscriptions on the back of the linoleum, which means it’s a fake.”
Not certainly in that way. Counterfeiting is extremely rare - modern production is too complex. If two pieces of linoleum (one with printing on the back/back, and the other without) have no other differences (clearness of the pattern, density/hardness, color and evenness of the back), then these are products of the same manufacturer. The lack of printing may be due to production features.

“Rough linoleum is very difficult to wash.”
If the manufacturer incorrectly developed the formulation of the protective varnish or applied it to the linoleum incorrectly (without repeating the surface topography), then this is possible. It is the additional protective varnish that protects the coating from dirt penetration inside and makes it easier to clean. There is only one way out - choose a proven product. For example, Tarkett. And always with an additional protective layer (EXTREME PROTECTION or Titanium). Then ordinary soap and water and (from time to time) specially recommended linoleum care products will be enough for cleaning.

“The stronger the gloss, the faster the protective film will come off.”
It is hardly possible. The glossiness of the image is just an effect, a design element of linoleum, not a film. Sometimes, to create a more realistic, three-dimensional image, manufacturers even combine shiny and matte surfaces in one design (for example, the Imperial Elite collection from Tarkett).

“Over time, the “glitters” (chips) are trampled out of the linoleum)

This is impossible unless some mechanical force is used - for example, cutting them out with a knife. The fact is that “sparkles” (or, as manufacturers call them, “chips”) are sealed into the product, covered on top with the very layer that ensures the wear resistance of the product (transparency). Take, for example, a bead and drop it into molten glass. When the glass cools and hardens, the bead will be visible, but it will be impossible to get it out.

“You need linoleum that doesn’t break.”
Everything is simple here. Linoleum breaks when transported incorrectly and when you try to unwrap it immediately after bringing it from the cold into a warm room. Linoleum must be unpacked at a temperature not lower than +15°C. If it is less than +10°C outside, you can unpack and unwrap the delivered roll only after 24 hours, and if it is less than 0°C, then no less than two days after transportation in a warm room.

“Light linoleum leaves traces over time (the places where we walk change color and are not washed).”
This, unfortunately, can happen with any linoleum - light, dark, or variegated. Paths are formed for several reasons:
chemically aggressive coloring substances (paint, drying oil, bitumen) on the base of the floor can penetrate through the coating over time;
an aggressive external environment (a kitchen with an endless amount of drops of grease, detergents, etc., walking in shoes whose soles contain black rubber, etc.) can, over time, allow dirt and stains to penetrate from above into the coating without an additional protective layer (varnish).
Since in an ordinary apartment or office it is impossible to control everything that falls on the floor, it is necessary to choose products with additional protection and not choose white and very light shades for the floor of rooms with high floor loads. In this case, either very serious maintenance of the coating will be required (with frequent use of special products), or it will be necessary to choose products of a higher class (and more expensive) than is required for a certain type of room.
Light spots can also appear due to improper care of the coating - when using aggressive cleaning agents and detergents. In addition, any uneven base and installation without gluing only aggravate all of the above effects. For more details, see “BUYER’S NOTE: Laying PVC coverings. Care. Guarantee".

“The thicker the linoleum, the better and more durable.”
One characteristic cannot determine whether a product is “good” or “bad.” Is a car with a 3 liter engine good or bad? Which bag is better - large or small? It depends on what for - you will answer.
“Better” is always a set of several characteristics that are important specifically for you and the room where you are going to lay linoleum. For example, safety for children is important.

This means it is “better” to choose a coating with a thick layer of foam, an additional polyester base and an antibacterial coating. It is important that there are no traces of furniture legs and that you can walk on the floor in heels - it is “better” to choose dense collections with a thick transparency (0.5 mm or more). And the thickness of the product itself says quite little about its properties - for example, very wear-resistant semi-commercial linoleum looks thin compared to thick household linoleum.

“Linoleum on polyester shrinks.”
Do you mean that the seams can come apart, as happened with the old “Soviet” linoleum? If we are talking about this, then now this cannot happen with foamed linoleum - the fiberglass in the structure makes it stable and does not allow it to change in size. And modern linoleum on a double base (lena + polyester) combines only the best from two production options - the softness, heat and sound insulation of polyester and the stability of linear dimensions, the strength of linoleum on a foam base.

“In a humid climate, linoleum on polyester rots and fungus appears.”
Polyester itself is a synthetic fiber, and therefore simply cannot rot. Your regular autumn jackets don’t rot in a humid climate, do they? The linoleum is covered with a protective varnish on top, which does not allow water to pass through at all. Therefore, if it was laid correctly and water does not get under the coating, then the fungus simply has nowhere to come from. Even if it suddenly floods, you can simply peel back the linoleum and let it dry - both it and the floor underneath it - and put it back. There won't be any problems. If you know that water will run constantly or frequently, it is better to immediately choose tiles - this is the only type of flooring that, if installed correctly, can withstand CONSTANT exposure to water.

“With a backing, linoleum is softer, warmer, and more pleasant to walk on.”
What do you mean by underlay - a separate underlay for linoleum or a polyester base? If the first, then unlike laminate and parquet, linoleum does not require the use of additional cushioning materials. Moreover, for the long service life of linoleum, good adhesion to a flat floor is vital - ideal if it is generally glued over the entire surface. And any gasket worsens adhesion, accelerating wear of the coating. It's like putting a sheet of thick paper on the table and trying to pierce it - it won't work. And put a sheet of paper on the foam rubber - it will pierce easily. Linoleum, of course, is not paper, but you are guaranteed increased wear of the coating with the backing. That is why ALL manufacturers unanimously say that it is IMPOSSIBLE to use substrates for linoleum. If you had in mind polyester directly as the back of the floor covering, then you should choose a product with a double base (foam + polyester). For example, such TARKETT collections as “Rainbow” and “Idyll”.

“Imported product is better than Russian.”
Fortunately, everything is not so simple. If such a trend existed before, it is no longer the case. Today, the Tarkett plant in Russia is the largest and most modern linoleum production site in the world. Tarkett products are even recognized by competitors as the best and are often copied. In addition, according to consumer research, ordinary people like you and me - the main collections (for example, Discovery) are recognized as the best products in their categories.

“The felt base is warmer than the foam.”
It all depends on the design of the product - on the ratio of the total thickness and the thickness of felt or polyester, on the presence and thickness of the foam layer, on the density of the product, etc. There is no clear answer. It is better to compare 2 specific products.

“What’s the point of buying expensive linoleum?”
The more expensive linoleum, the better quality it is, the more natural it looks, and the easier it is to care for. After all, the price directly depends not only on the wear resistance of the coating, but also on what technologies the manufacturer uses in its production, what is the density of linoleum (guaranteeing the absence of marks from furniture legs), relief, additional protective layer (facilitating cleaning), whether there is a special antibacterial coating , additional polyester base, etc. So in everything - take clothes: 2 identical turtlenecks, made from different materials, will serve differently and look different after one or two washes. And in a year? But flooring is not bought for a year, two or three!
In addition, we must not forget about the “full cost” of the coating - the cost with installation. Laying laminate flooring (and especially parquet) can amount to up to 50% of the cost per square meter of flooring in a store. Professional installation of linoleum is much cheaper.
Today linoleum is the most popular category of flooring in Russia. And the price factor is not at all decisive in this championship. The reason is that the product itself has changed fundamentally - not only externally, but also in essence. “This is no longer linoleum,” that’s what our customers say.

Key ideas of the collections and their main technical characteristics.

Linoleum is one of the most popular floor coverings for residential buildings and office premises. There is nothing surprising in this, because it is inexpensive and easy to maintain. At the same time, the surface covered with linoleum is smooth, warm, and abrasion-resistant.

Luxurious material design

Attention! Linoleum has an impressive number of advantages. They determine the popularity of this flooring. It is important to correctly approach the issue of choosing material for an apartment, taking into account its class and type.

Natural coating: pros and cons of this option

In addition to the usual synthetic linoleum, natural is also available. It is made using fabric, onto which a mixture of natural resins, linseed oil, wood flour, lime powder and pigments is applied to acquire color. This coating is environmentally friendly. It is used without fear of health in children's rooms. Contaminants (even fatty and coloring substances) are easily removed from the surface of natural linoleum; it does not lose color when exposed to sunlight, and has bactericidal properties.

Natural components in the composition, excellently retaining heat, have a beneficial effect on the human body. The surface is resistant to friction and shuffling. The only disadvantage of natural linoleum is the high price.

Synthetic material: what is it, what are its features

Synthetic coating has its own number of advantages: it bends easily, is durable, and is waterproof. The downside may be the poor quality and toxicity of cheap materials. Therefore, when choosing a synthetic coating, pay special attention to its component composition and the presence of a quality certificate.

Synthetic coating is divided into homogeneous and heterogeneous.

Homogeneous option

This type of linoleum is durable, with a dense, uniform structure, but it does not have a base. The rough surface prevents slipping and light dirt is not visible on it. The service life of a homogeneous coating is approximately 5 years, but if a special protective agent is applied to it, this will extend the service life by another 2-3 years. A plus is the reasonable price, variety of shades and patterns, and interesting design solutions.

The downside is a relatively short service life, rapid abrasion, and cracks may form on the surface. This product is supplied in rolls, the width of which is 2, 3 or 4 meters. Sometimes linoleum is also found in the form of tiles, which is very convenient.

Heterogeneous variant

It has a complex structure, is multi-layered and is impregnated with a special fiberglass paste, which increases strength and significantly extends its service life. To improve performance, a protective compound is applied to the top layer to prevent moisture from getting inside.

The mechanical underlay muffles noise and becomes additional insulation for the floor. The advantages of heterogeneous linoleum: durability, strength, softness, warmth, high sound insulation properties.

Attention! H People often strive for originality when choosing appropriate floor coverings. To do this, metal dust or stone chips are added to heterogeneous linoleum. The result is impressive.

Read also: - choice of texture, styling rules

Types of linoleum

In turn, heterogeneous coating is divided into household and commercial. The latter has higher performance characteristics than household ones; it is recommended for use in kitchens, baths, hallways, that is, in rooms with extreme conditions where strength is required from the coating.

Please note that the thicker the coating, the higher its wear resistance; in bedrooms it is allowed to lay a thinner coating, and in places where people constantly walk - thicker.

Household linoleum is an interesting option for the home. It is in demand among those people for whom durability, environmental friendliness and warmth in the house are important. The coating has optimal sound insulation properties. At the same time, household coatings amaze with a variety of designs. You can choose the right option for any interior.

Linoleum cannot withstand high temperatures, so it is not advisable to lay it in rooms with radiators and stoves close to the floor. Maintenance involves wiping the surface with a damp cloth. The use of chemicals is contraindicated, as the latter can cause discoloration of the coating and damage the top protective layer. The question arises, which linoleum is better for your own apartment: household or semi-commercial.

Semi-commercial linoleum and its characteristics

What is semi-commercial linoleum? Professionals recommend choosing this option instead of the usual household one. Semi-commercial linoleum is an average strength option between household and commercial.

At the same time, the average cost of the product is noted, which becomes a significant advantage. Semi-commercial material is suitable for rooms with moderately high and normal traffic. This floor covering is supplied with a needle-punched or foam base. The thickness of the protective layer is 0.3 mm or more. The product is sold in rolls, the width of which varies from 2 to 4 meters.

What other types of linoleum are produced?

There are also other types of linoleum. Household material can be antistatic. The purpose of this floor covering is to protect against static electricity. This problem arises in cases where an impressive amount of equipment is working in the room. At the same time, the functioning of all electrical appliances is significantly affected by the amount of dust. If it accumulates, a fire may occur.

A special antistatic coating helps prevent such situations and reduces dust accumulation. The main advantage of this coating is the ability to be used in special-purpose rooms where high-precision equipment is installed. Other types of linoleum are not allowed to be used in them. Other advantages of antistatic material include increased strength and reliability. The price of the coating is slightly higher than that of analogues.

Another option is insulated linoleum. It is a thermoplastic version made of PVC. It is based on synthetic or natural fibers. Often polyester, jute or felt are chosen as the base. Sometimes preference is given to combined double options, for example, foamed polyethylene or polyester. Such materials are characterized by increased resistance to tearing, but at the same time elasticity and softness. Spreading such a covering on the floor is very simple and easy to care for. Insulated flooring will be an excellent option for a country house, cottage or cottage.

Special sports linoleum is also produced. It has increased elasticity, strength, cleanliness and safety. This coating is non-slip, has no seams and dries quickly

Now you know which commercial and semi-commercial linoleum or household linoleum is better. The difference is significant; the choice depends on the traffic and other features of the room. The differences between household and semi-commercial linoleum are the degree of wear resistance and service life. Keep this in mind when choosing your preferred option.