Which linoleum is better for an apartment: myths and reality. Rules for selecting linoleum for different rooms in an apartment Which linoleum is better to choose for a home thickness

In this article you will find the most necessary advice about how to choose linoleum for an apartment or house. The importance of choosing the right floor covering cannot be overestimated, because usually the floor is laid for a long time, at least 7-10 years.

Therefore, at the renovation planning stage, it is worth approaching this issue with full responsibility.

What is the most common and popular material used for flooring? – This is linoleum, used both for residential premises and for public and industrial buildings.

It is so diverse in its characteristics that any buyer will find his own option on the market. You can look at the photo to decide on the color.

When choosing linoleum for an apartment, many buyers focus only on external qualities:

• Price.
• Design (color, pattern).
• Web width.

But there are more significant parameters that are not visible and are only reflected in the characteristics of the material. More attention should be paid to them. And most importantly, linoleum should be chosen not for an apartment, but for each room separately. After all, despite the fact that all the rooms, the corridor and the kitchen are in the same apartment, they have different purposes. It's like a family. An individual family may use the services of one hairdresser, but everyone's hairstyles are different. Rarely when alone good linoleum fits optimally in all rooms.

You will also be interested in an article about, which describes all the stages of work and some of the secrets.

How to choose linoleum

All manufacturers have linoleums in their product line for various purposes. Conventionally, it can be divided into:

• Domestic.
• Commercial.

Everything else, such as office, industrial, semi-commercial, is just a gradation. When choosing linoleum for an apartment, focus on household linoleum. Because the degree of its wear resistance (abrasion resistance) is determined by the corresponding parameter.

There is no single correct designation for these categories for all manufacturers. Some manufacturers designate these parameters with a pictogram, others with numbers, and others with letters. Therefore, for an explanation of this classification, you should read the instructions from the manufacturer. Main: The apartment needs household linoleum. There are only rare cases when a very busy family may need a higher class of linoleum.

Linoleum material can be natural or artificial. Natural linoleum is more expensive, but it is also more optimal for the home, especially for the bedroom. It does not have the disadvantages that are inherent in other types of linoleum, except for two, such as:

• Rotting (affected by mold).
• Brittle in the cold.

Therefore, such material should not be chosen for rooms without heating or with high humidity (in particular for the corridor and balcony). There are many reviews on the Internet that confirm this.

Types and classes of linoleum

Considering the set of components, linoleum is divided into natural and synthetic. The first is made from natural ingredients: resin, limestone, linseed oil. Jute or felt fabric is used as a base. It is easy to clean, does not fade, has a slight bactericidal effect due to linseed oil, is fire-resistant, and is moderately resistant to chemicals. This is the most environmentally friendly and safe type.

Synthetic linoleum is made from polyvinyl chloride with the addition of various fillers, dyes and plasticizers. It consists of one or more layers, has different kinds basics, different technologies drawing. Tarkett synthetic linoleum is cheaper than natural, is just as easy to clean, absorbs noise, and has low thermal conductivity.

If you want complete comfort, then it is better to choose antistatic linoleum with copper strips, because it will protect you from unpleasant sensations if a static charge accumulates on your slippers or woolen socks.

According to their intended purpose, synthetic linoleum is divided into household, commercial, semi-commercial and special. Household ones are usually single-layer, have a felt or foam base, are varied in design, layer thickness is from 1 to 4 mm. It is flexible, easy to install, clean and absorbs sound. This is the most a budget option which can be chosen, but with a short service life - 2-3 years with active use.

The commercial type of coating is stronger and more durable, with a thickness of 1.5-3 mm with an applied protective layer, it can be homogeneous with painting over the entire thickness or heterogeneous, with alternating layers. Semi-commercial linoleum has a backing, one main layer and protective covering. Its structure is similar to the household one, the difference is in the thickness of the top layer – 0.7 mm. Special linoleum is used for indoors special purpose. It is divided into sports, bactericidal, anti-slip.

The class of linoleum is indicated by a number of 2 digits, where the first is the type of room, and the second indicates the degree of abrasion.

Width– extremely important parameter. How to choose linoleum for an apartment according to this parameter? The size of your premises is important here. Linoleum can demonstrate all its advantages only when laid as a single sheet, without seams or joints. In some rooms, when choosing linoleum, you should be creative. For example, in a kitchen with a width of 2.5 m and a length of 4 m, you can purchase a canvas 4 m wide and 2.5 m long. That is. where the length and width of a piece of fabric is, you determine yourself.

The underlay simultaneously insulates and levels the subfloor

The thickness of linoleum also needs to be selected carefully.. In theory, the thicker the better. But there are also exceptions. For example, if the room has heated floors, then thin linoleum without a base is the most the best option. Before deciding which linoleum to choose, you need to know how insulated the floor is. By the way, if you like thin linoleum, but still need to insulate the floors, you can use a special underlay. Thick linoleum, on a heat-insulating basis, is immediately ready for installation.

What color and pattern?

When choosing a design, advice is most difficult to give. Everyone chooses color, design, pattern according to their preferences. But there are some points to note. We have done small photo review to understand which colors and types are most suitable for this or that material. For example:

• The texture of linoleum without a clear pattern, like marble or stone, hides almost any damage to the coating that will appear during operation.
• With a drawing, you can visually increase the size of the room. Frequent, transverse lines on linoleum will optically reduce the length of the room. A room with sparse, longitudinal pattern lines on the floor will have a more elongated look., this is a great option for home.
• Dark linoleum, in a room on the sunny side, according to reviews, will dim the illumination, but increase the heating of the room. In addition, it will fade faster in bright light. sunlight. This perfect option for the bedroom.

Will we choose based on price?

Indeed, despite the deep-rooted opinion that linoleum is a budget option, prices for some samples can reach and even exceed the most expensive laminate flooring.

Why is this happening? Yes, simply because linoleum is a very practical, environmentally friendly and versatile floor covering, and global brands simply cannot stand aside, creating “elite” versions of these products. Therefore, when you come to some specialized stores, you may stumble upon quite high prices.

On average, Tarkett linoleum average quality will cost about 400-600 rubles per 1 m2. You can see in the photo what options are offered for this money. If you don't have a large budget for floor renovations, you can count on these prices. If your budget is very small, don’t worry, you can find quite good options for less.

Antistatic natural options usually cost even more, have copper strips for grounding and are more expensive to install.

Extra options

When choosing linoleum for some rooms, for example, a nursery, a living room or a kitchen, you should pay attention to such a parameter as antibacterial properties. Almost all major manufacturers have a series of household linoleums with this property.

Sound and thermal insulation are important qualities, but their lack can be compensated by using them with the required parameters. Soundproofing is best done at least in the living room, bedroom and hallway.

Have you decided how to choose the right linoleum? Now for some more useful tips.

When making a purchase, please complete the following quality checks:

• Check Tarkett linoleum in rolled form. It should not have any bulges or bumps or delamination of the material. Their presence indicates a defect from the manufacturer.
• Household linoleum should not have a persistent specific odor. This smell is inherent in commercial coatings. After some time it will disappear, but a trace presence will remain.
• Be sure to request a hygiene certificate from the seller. All linoleum for residential premises undergoes examination.
• If the floors in your apartment or house are cold, then choose insulated linoleum with a thick layer of insulation.

Which linoleum to choose for home

For long service coating, it is necessary to take into account the purpose of the room, its temperature and humidity conditions. The rooms with the highest traffic are the hallway, kitchen, and corridor. In addition, they are more often subjected to wet cleaning than others. Household or semi-commercial linoleum with a thickness of 3-4 mm and top layer from 0.25 mm.

See also great in the interior of apartments and houses.

The living room and bedroom have little traffic, and are often covered with carpets. For these rooms, according to reviews, the most optimal is household linoleum with a fabric or polyester backing 1.2-1.5 mm thick with a coating of 0.1-0.2 mm. In the bathroom and toilet, where high humidity, it is enough to put a synthetic single-layer material with a thickness of 1.5-1.6 mm, with a top layer of 0.25 mm.

There is no need to skimp on covering your children's room and choose natural antiseptic linoleum, which is soft and does not emit any harmful substances. Its thickness should be from 3 mm. If it is impossible to choose a natural one, it will do everyday look linoleum on a fabric or foam base of the same thickness.

The color of linoleum must be correctly combined with the color of the walls and furniture, and the style of the apartment or house. It is better not to select rooms with the highest traffic light color, but dark will not give comfort. All calm shades (beige, blue, brown, gray-green) are suitable for the kitchen, a gathering place for the whole family.

If the corridor or hallway is decorated with wood, then linoleum with the color and pattern of wood, as in the photo above, will look good. It is better to cover the floor in the bathroom with a green, blue or sea green material. For a bedroom, a light-colored coating with a small pattern is appropriate. It is better not to lay dark linoleum in any room, since such a floor visually reduces the volume of the room and makes the ceiling lower.

The coloring of linoleum and the nature of the pattern applied to it should be an important link in the overall design of the room, giving it completeness without losing the practical purpose of the coating.

Using our advice, you can choose not only beautiful, but also practical, relatively inexpensive covering for your home.

Linoleum is a time-tested type of flooring. It is presented in 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 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 pie can be described as follows: a linoleum mixture of natural ingredients - wood flour, lime, pine resin, flax oil, natural dyes. 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 smell in the first weeks after installation.

Alkyd linoleum

This type always has 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, front layer- from 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, 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 necessary requirements 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 apartments, public buildings;
3 – office rooms;
4 – production areas.

1 – low degree;
2 – average intensity;
3 – high load intensity;
4 – very high intensity.

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 and is applied in thicknesses from 0.15mm (household) to 0.8mm (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 apartments will do in 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, production premises with a high degree of load and cross-country ability. 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. protective layer equal to 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, a correctly selected pattern 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, mosaic. If kitchen space small, then a floor covering 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 sunny side, then cool colors are preferred, and vice versa, 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.

Buy material from winter period It is recommended in 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 protective film, waves, irregularities.

After external examination, 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 bring it into the apartment according to staircase without bending. 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 front surface inside. 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 it under the roll on the trunk wooden boards, fasten.

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.

Remains one of the most sought-after products on the market finishing materials. It is used to decorate private interiors, administrative buildings, restaurants, office premises. Depending on the performance characteristics, the service life of linoleum is from 15 to 25 years.

Modern linoleum has the following advantages:

• competitive price;
• resistance to moisture and household chemicals;
• rich color palette, allowing you to choose the material for the interior;
• ease of care;
• elasticity;
• simple and quick installation.

Classification of linoleum

It should be borne in mind that there are several types of linoleum:

• PVC linoleum based on fabric or fiberglass;
• premium natural linoleum;
• glyphthalic linoleum, characterized by increased sound and heat insulation characteristics;
• colloxylin linoleum - a moisture-resistant, elastic, but fire-hazardous coating;
• rubber two-layer linoleum.

According to purpose, the material is divided into commercial, semi-commercial and household.

Commercial linoleum is different increased wear resistance and high price. It is made of dense PVC, painted throughout the entire thickness of the layer. Thanks to this, the abrasion of the pattern is almost invisible. Commercial linoleum is usually installed in medical, retail and educational institutions, in fitness centers, entertainment complexes, as well as in public transport.

Semi-commercial linoleum can most often be found in shops and offices with average traffic. Sometimes it is purchased for decoration country cottages and city apartments. The protective layer of floor coverings in this category ranges from 3 to 5 mm.

Household linoleum is suitable for decorating residential premises and offices with low traffic. Its service life does not exceed 15 years. Due to its affordable cost, household linoleum remains one of the most popular materials used for finishing private interiors. If you cannot decide which linoleum is best for your home, then it is better to give preference to household flooring.

Which linoleum to choose for a house or apartment

In order for the flooring to fully meet the buyer’s expectations and not change its performance characteristics throughout its entire service life, you need to focus on the type of room.

Which linoleum to choose for the kitchen

Linoleum for the kitchen must be resistant to various contaminants and household chemicals. If you cannot decide how to choose linoleum for the kitchen and hallway, then you should pay attention to material from the 24th to 32nd wear resistance class. Floor coverings in this group can withstand quite intense loads.

How to choose linoleum for the bedroom

To choose linoleum for the bedroom, you need to focus on your own taste preferences. This room has low traffic, so the flooring will not be subject to increased wear or other negative factors. If you choose linoleum for this room, take into account the design, environmental safety and cost of the material.

How to choose linoleum for a hall or living room

For the hall, you can purchase flooring that matches the color of the objects living room set. Enough original solution There will be a purchase of linoleum, stylized as marble or tiles.

Which linoleum backing is better?

When buying linoleum, many people forget that performance characteristics flooring largely depends on the substrate. This material increases heat and sound insulation properties, eliminates unevenness, and provides protection against mold and moisture.

There are several types of substrates suitable for linoleum:

• jute, made from environmentally friendly, natural fiber;
• cork - a backing that creates a shock-absorbing effect;
• flaxseed, treated with antifungal flame retardant;
• combined - made using flax, jute and wool.

Note!

Isolon or penoizol foam material is often used as a substrate for laminate flooring. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for laying under linoleum. The substrate quickly wrinkles and ceases to perform its functions.

How to glue linoleum

There are two types of adhesives for flooring: dispersion and reaction adhesives. The dispersion composition is very easy to use, it is non-toxic and odorless. Reaction adhesive is resistant to sudden temperature changes, moisture and difficult conditions operation.

What is the best way to wash linoleum?

It is necessary to take care of the floor covering to maintain its attractive appearance. appearance. Linoleum is not contraindicated wet cleaning. To remove contaminants, you can use a non-aggressive household chemicals. To remove iodine, felt-tip pen, food coloring or coffee stains, kerosene, gasoline or turpentine are usually used.

Note!

To eliminate the possibility of cracks, it is recommended to rub the linoleum with drying oil or linseed oil. This procedure is performed at intervals of 1-2 months.

Abundance flooring materials confuses everyone who is faced with the problem of choice. Yet, despite the emergence of modern floor coverings, practical and versatile linoleum remains popular and in demand. Behind affordable price you can get high quality and durable coating for your home, which is not afraid of heavy loads and moisture. But it also has disadvantages that affect the quality and service life. Before purchasing flooring for an apartment, you will have to study the characteristics. This will be discussed in the article.

Advantages

First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with all the advantages of linoleum. As mentioned above, its main advantages are:

• strength;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to mechanical stress (the degree of wear resistance depends on the quality of the coating in question);
• a wide variety of colors;
• elasticity;
• ease of installation.

To lay linoleum on the floor, you do not need to have special skills and knowledge, therefore, with instructions, everyone can cope with this stage.

Today on the market is a wide range of a wide variety of patterns, colors and textures.

View

Type of linoleum – important criterion, which is determined initially, since manufacturers produce several varieties. Each of them has its own disadvantages and advantages, as well as certain features of use. All this should be taken into account when deciding which type of material to choose.

The composition includes the following components:

• linseed oil;
• cork and wood flour;
• limestone powder;
• pine resin;
• natural dyes.

Manufacturers use jute fabric as a basis. The result is an absolutely environmentally friendly coating that can be used for any room in the apartment, including the children's room. Allergy sufferers and asthmatics will live calmly in a house with such flooring without feeling any discomfort.

The advantages also include:

• abrasion resistance;
• maintaining the original color for many years;
• bactericidal properties;
• non-flammability;
• ease of care.

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride, which is widespread today, is also used in the production of linoleum. Thanks to the use of innovative European technologies, the coating differs:

• thermal insulation properties;
• the presence of dielectric properties;
• environmental friendliness;
• resistance to rotting;
• ease of installation and maintenance;
• large selection of shades and patterns.

It is worth considering that this species is very sensitive to elevated temperatures, alkaline and chemical solvents. If the temperature drops sharply, the elasticity will become minimal.

Subspecies by place of use

Linoleum can be:

1. Commercial. Used in office premises, its average service life is about 20 years. Positive aspects is strength and wear resistance.
2. Semi-commercial. It spreads both in offices and apartments. If this type is chosen for office space, then the room should have little traffic, since the service life can be reduced to 7 years.
3. Domestic. Thin and cheap coating, which has the shortest service life - 5 years. It can only be used in residential premises.

Other varieties

It is worth saying about the less popular varieties of linoleum:

1. Glypthal. The production process is quite simple: alkyd resins are applied to the fabric base. This allows you to give the material increased heat and sound insulation properties. True, the process of laying such material is not simple.
2. Colloxylin. The coating contains nitrocellulose, a component that gives the coating moisture resistance, inflammability and elasticity. However, there are also disadvantages: sensitivity to temperature changes and a tendency to shrink.
3. . The production process is complicated, since the material consists of 2 layers: crushed rubber with bitumen and a mixture of pigment, rubber and special filler. Advantages include elasticity and moisture resistance.

Due to the fact that in relin is present a large number of harmful volatile substances, it is not recommended to lay it in residential premises.

Let's move on to consider the structure of linoleum. There are two groups:

• homogeneous;
• heterogeneous.

The first group has a relatively small thickness of 1.5 to 2 mm, and the pattern application technology is end-to-end. This approach allows you to preserve the original appearance longer, especially in rooms with cross-country ability. According to experts, it is homogeneous linoleum that is of the highest quality excellent option for the kitchen or hallway.

The heterogeneous type, unlike its counterpart, has a greater thickness, reaching 6 mm. It consists of the following layers:

• PVC backing (foamed polyvinyl chloride);
• fiberglass (reinforcement);
• PVC with a pattern;
• varnish coating with bactericidal impregnation.

The last layer is very important, since it is both decorative and protective function. Such the view is suitable for loggia, balcony, dining room, hallway and bathroom.

In some stores you can find linoleum mixed type, where a homogeneous layer is taken as the basis, but there are also layers of PVC, fiberglass, and polyurethane film, which acts as protection against mechanical influences.

Colors

An important criterion that has a great influence on the perception of the interior of any room. The interior style of the room can be anything, as well as its purpose, in any case you can choose best option which will complement the decor. In order not to make a mistake when choosing a color, you need to pay attention to two main criteria:

• Interior Design;
• purpose of the room.

Let's look at examples for the main rooms.

1. Bedroom. It is appropriate to choose floor coverings that are dim and warm shades without picture. The ideal solution there will be a choice in favor of imitation natural material- wood or marble.
2. Living room. Depending on the interior and style, calm and rich shades of warm colors would be appropriate here. You can consider options with drawings or ornaments.
3. Children's. Dull and monotonous designs should be avoided here. It is best to give preference to bright and rich tones, contrasting and varied patterns. This combination will make the atmosphere festive and cheerful.

Manufacturers

There is one more important point– which company to choose linoleum. Most of the criteria will depend on the manufacturer, so this issue needs to be given a lot of attention. When choosing a well-known and popular manufacturing company, you can automatically count on high levels of all characteristics. But be prepared for the fact that this option may not be affordable.

Too much low price makes you think, since the quality of the flooring will be questionable. In this case, one can only guess about the true composition of the coating. Be careful as this material may emit toxic fumes that are harmful to the human body.

After studying the domestic market, Tarkett can be singled out among the leading brands of flooring. This manufacturer has introduced modern and innovative technologies. Linoleum contains only natural or acceptable components. The products fully comply with sanitary and hygienic standards fire safety standards. In addition, Tarkett has another advantage - a large assortment.

And finally, a few more practical advice How to determine quality flooring.

1. Having chosen linoleum, smell the coating. If the odor is too strong, this means that the composition contains harmful substances. High quality material either has no odor or it is insignificant, the pattern looks clear, and the surface does not have a greasy sheen.
2. To avoid joints, you need a canvas that matches the width of the room. If you cannot purchase the appropriate linoleum, purchase the material with a reserve, as you may have to adjust the design. Consider the presence of thresholds, ledges and niches for batteries.
3. The coating must fully comply with all safety standards. Familiarize yourself with the markings, which confirm that the product has passed the examination and has the appropriate quality certificates.
4. Consider the method and possibility of transportation.
5. The presence of a protective layer will extend the service life of the coating.
6. It is not recommended to fold the canvas in half, or to use tape for fastening, as a mark will remain later.

You need to check the quality in expanded form. This is the only way to notice the presence of bumps, waves or peeling film.

As you can see, the process of choosing a floor covering for an apartment is quite complicated. But if you take into account all the nuances and subtleties, it will be easier to purchase high-quality flooring. Experts recommend using for the hallway PVC coating, for the kitchen - semi-commercial natural coating, bedroom and children's room also require coating with special indicators of quality and environmental friendliness.

Designers often suggest using linoleum as a floor covering. Right choice and the installation of this material can transform the room and make the interior original. How to choose linoleum, what should you pay attention to? The answer to this question will be given in this article.

When choosing linoleum, you should consider its advantages and disadvantages. Benefits include:

• the ability to be used for finishing premises for any purpose;
• long service life;
• aesthetic appeal.

This type of flooring is easy to install. It doesn't matter whether the floor in the room is concrete or wood. Linoleum with a backing does not require significant effort to level the base: small irregularities and defects will be hidden.

If funds for repairs are limited, it is recommended to use linoleum as a floor covering: its price is lower than that of other materials.

The disadvantage is the content of harmful substances, which is typical for some types of cheap and not high-quality coating based on PVC.

Decorative qualities of linoleum

Modern floor coverings on artificial and natural bases allow you to create smooth or textured surfaces. Linoleum goes on sale in tiles and in the form of rolls. The drawing can imitate natural wood, stone or ceramic tiles. Floral and geometric patterns are used. This coating has very high strength (for example, acczent linoleum), which allows it to be used for finishing premises for various purposes.

When choosing linoleum, you must consider the following:

When choosing the color, pattern and texture of linoleum, they are guided by the general concept of finishing the room. Linoleum should be combined in style and color with other interior elements.

Signs of quality linoleum

Please note that the choice of material depends on functional purpose premises and its traffic. For example, linoleum for a hallway may not be suitable for a nursery or bedroom.
You can determine the purpose of the material by the two-digit marking on the product label. First digit meanings:

• 2 – used in residential premises;
• 3 – for offices;
• 4 – for production areas.

Meanings of the second digit:

• 1 – material for low-traffic areas;
• 2 – for medium load;
• 3 – for loaded floors;
• 4 – for premises with high traffic (load).

The combination of these numbers can indicate the operating conditions for which the flooring is suitable. For example, in the kitchen you can use linoleum of class 23, and for the hallway you need material of class 31 or 32.

The quality of linoleum is assessed according to the following indicators:

• environmental Safety;
• abrasion strength;
• tensile strength.

The strength properties are evidenced by the thickness of the linoleum and its density: more heavy material will withstand heavy loads. You should pay attention to the thickness of the top layer: it should be within 0.16 - 0.6 mm.

The quality of linoleum can be assessed by the following criteria.

1. High-quality coating does not have any sharp or unpleasant odors.
2. The surface layer should not be overly shiny.
3. The presence of the manufacturer's logo on the label.
4. Number of layers: there must be at least five.
5. The pattern on the surface should be embossed and clear.

How to choose the right linoleum for different types of premises

When choosing linoleum, you must follow certain rules.

Choosing linoleum for installation in an apartment

Before you buy linoleum for your apartment, you should study its composition. It is recommended to choose a synthetic one made from polyvinyl chloride. Three varieties are available:

• with a base made of felt, polyester or jute (sold in rolls 1.5-2.0 m wide);
• foamed vinyl (linoleum width 1.5-4.0 m) is soft;
• duplicated - on a non-woven base made from a vinyl base.

For rooms with different purposes, you should select flooring with appropriate properties.

1. Hallway: linoleum is purchased for it, the thickness of which should not be less than 3 mm with a top layer of 0.25 mm or more. Such parameters are typical for high-strength flooring.
2. Kitchen: ordinary household linoleum made of foamed PVC, as well as semi-commercial ones, can be laid on the floor.
3. Hall and living room: these rooms require a floor covering with a total thickness of 1.5 mm or more. The top (protective) layer is at least 0.15 mm. Polyester fabric fully satisfies these requirements. If it is necessary to highlight linoleum against the background of furniture and not very expressive wall decoration, the colors of the coating should be bright. At the same time, the general concept of interior decoration must be maintained.
4. Bedroom: a low-traffic room where linoleum up to 1.5 mm thick is laid. The material used is polyester and foam based.

What should linoleum be like for a children's room?

The main requirement for flooring for children is safety for health. Natural linoleum in in this case fits better than other types. Main components for production natural linoleum: linseed oil, wood flour, natural dyes and resins.

Its qualities:

• does not cause allergic reactions;
• does not contain harmful chemical compounds;
• abrasion resistant;
• does not support combustion;
• resists the spread of mold.

Important: linoleum for children's rooms must have good sound and heat insulating properties. Flooring with a felt backing would be a better choice.

Linoleum for heated floors

For heated floors, you cannot use linoleum on jute and felt base. Floor coverings made of foamed polyvinyl chloride are also not suitable: such materials are good heat insulators. Other types of linoleum can be laid on top of the “warm floor” system, provided that the heating does not exceed 27°C. Violation of these conditions can lead to warping of the material and discoloration.
In the event that the floor is expected to be heated to more than high temperatures, lay special linoleum with special markings (photo shown below).

In conclusion, a short video with expert advice on choosing flooring.