The safest linoleum for the home. How to choose the right linoleum for an apartment based on quality, class and color. Choose the color and texture of the material

At the last stage of renovating a room, the question arises about choosing a decorative floor covering. If you don’t have any special preferences, then you can make your choice in favor of an inexpensive, but quite durable and popular material - linoleum. But the difficulty is what to choose quality linoleum for an apartment it’s not so easy because of the rich assortment.

Linoleum is decorative material, made in the form of a dense roll covering. Its division occurs depending on the underlying material and the strength class of the coating. Let's figure out how to choose the right linoleum for an apartment so that you don't have to change it in a couple of years.

Natural linoleum consists of jute fabric impregnated with linseed oil, wood flour and resin. This coating is safe for human health, so its installation is allowed in any premises.

PVC linoleum consists of synthetic polymers and dyes, so the colors of the coating are distinguished by their sophistication and variety. Due to the low cost of basic materials for the manufacture of linoleum, it final cost remains available. But along with the advantages, there are also disadvantages - the material is fire hazardous.

PVC linoleum is divided into three types:

• Homogeneous is a coating without a base; it consists of limestone, talc and kaolin. The main advantage of this coating is its high strength, allowing it to be used in the harshest conditions. The choice of colors is limited to solid shades.
• Heterogeneous (composite) is a material consisting of several layers: fiberglass construction, foamed polyvinyl chloride, a decorative layer and a protective layer in the form of a transparent film. It is not as durable as its homogeneous counterpart, but the richness of colors of this coating is almost unlimited, both in color combinations, and in the drawings.
• Mixed consists of foamed PVC, fiberglass and polyurethane film.

Rubber linoleum consists of synthetic rubber or rubber compounds. The coating has several layers. Each of them performs its own functions. The front covering has an attractive appearance and protective functions. The bottom layer replaces the substrate and provides good adhesion to the base.

Alkyd linoleum consists of fabric coated with alkyd resin and other fillers. The coating is produced in various colors. This linoleum has thermal and sound insulation. But at the same time it is fragile and unstable to temperature changes.

Synthetic linoleum is not resistant to high temperatures Therefore, when heated, its structure is destroyed and substances harmful to human health are released.

Classes

Linoleum is divided into strength classes: household, semi-commercial, commercial and commercial special. Each of them has its own strength characteristics and is intended for installation in rooms with a certain load (traffic). Each type is designated by a two-digit number. The first number indicates the class of linoleum, and the second indicates its thickness (strength).

1. Domestic has the lowest strength indicators. Marking: 11, 12, 13, 14. That is, the first unit indicates that the linoleum is household, and the second indicates the thickness of the protective layer.
2. Semi-commercial used in rooms with low traffic – residential premises. The markings are similar: 21, 22, 23, 24.
3. Commercial used in areas with heavy loads: offices, shops, corridors. Markings: 31, 32, 33, 34.
4. Commercial special linoleum is used in production or warehouse premises. Markings 41, 42, 43, 44.

Characteristics of household linoleums

Household linoleum is decorative coating for rooms with low loads (traffic), for example, a bedroom. This coating is not intended to withstand high mechanical stress, so it is very easy to deform and collapse.

Household linoleum can be of various types:

• On a foam base (PVC). This type of coating consists of several layers laid on a fiberglass base. His distinguishing feature– this is durability and variety of colors and patterns.
• Felt or jute base can be covered with a layer of PVC or natural products. The distinctive properties of this coating are softness when walking and a warm surface. However, the strength characteristics are inferior to PVC linoleum.

Another one important characteristic household linoleum is coating thickness. It varies between 1-4 mm and directly affects strength. The front side of linoleum is covered with a protective film to increase strength, and there is also antibacterial protection. This coating is used in children's rooms.

How to choose high-quality linoleum for an apartment

Not all manufacturers follow the technology for manufacturing floor coverings. Such linoleum does not meet quality standards and is practically unsuitable for use. It will lose its decorative properties in a couple of years. Let's figure it out.

Signs of quality material

1. Smell. Synthetic materials do not have a pronounced odor. Natural linoleum smells like linseed oil, but it cannot be confused with the smell of chemicals that impregnate low-quality linoleum. A distinct “chemical” smell also indicates that the coating is unsafe for human health.
2. The surface of linoleum should not shine like a varnished coating.
3. Linoleum should be stored in an appropriate climate, since changes in temperature and humidity of the surrounding air have a destructive effect on the coating. Therefore, it is better to purchase material in stores closed type equipped with climate control equipment.
4. Certified product. High-quality linoleum has documents confirming that it has passed the test. You can request them from the seller. In addition to the documents, special marks are made on the coating itself.
5. Before purchasing the material, you need to unroll the roll on the floor and make visual inspection for visible defects: sharp bends, peeling of the protective layer, dents, cracks and abrasions. It is better not to purchase material with defects, even at a reduced price, because they are most likely irreparable.

Precautions after purchase

• Linoleum should be rolled into a roll, but not folded, because despite its flexibility it can be deformed.
• The covering is rolled up with the front side facing inward. You should also avoid sticking tape on front surface coverings.
• When rolling a roll of linoleum, you should take into account its size, whether it will fit into the car, or whether it will fit in the entrance.
• It is better to purchase coverage with a small margin. After all, it is not always possible to purchase a small piece of the same coating.

Choosing the color and shade of linoleum

• If the room is residential, then warm colors are very suitable, but you should choose shades that match the overall interior and furniture. If a wood-colored coating is used, then the choice can be made to match the doors and match the color of the baseboards.
• The color of linoleum for the kitchen and hallway is selected from dark and non-marking shades, but the choice is made in accordance with the interior of the room.
• The color of the flooring for the nursery can be chosen from bright colors and with an interesting structure.
• In addition to the colors of linoleum, there is also a structure: longitudinal, transverse and diagonal lines. Each of them creates its own visual effect of increasing the space of the room.

Now you know how to choose high-quality linoleum for your home. All that remains is to choose the color and texture of the coating to highlight the interior of the room.

Video - how to choose linoleum for an apartment based on quality and performance class:

However, when choosing this material you should know the subtleties.

Which linoleum is better to choose for an apartment or house: domestic or commercial?

There are three types of linoleum with different thicknesses protective layer and wear resistance.

• household - with protective layer 0.3 mm and the first number is 1-2;
• semi-commercial - with a protective layer of 0.6 mm and the first number 3;
• commercial - with a protective layer of more than 0.6 mm and the first number 3-4.

The thicker the protective layer, the so-called transparency, the better linoleum withstands the impact of furniture legs and wheels, high-heeled shoes, etc. Do you doubt what thickness of linoleum to choose? There is no need to buy a thick commercial coating for your home; good household linoleum with a transparency of 0.35-0.5 mm and markings 21-33 will be enough.

Materials, secret and not so secret

There are two types of linoleum in composition:

• natural;
• synthetic.

Natural linoleum is made from vegetable oils, wood flour and limestone, and jute serves as the base. This coating is expensive, but pleases the owner with its naturalness or hypoallergenicity.

Synthetic linoleum is made from polymer materials, may have an additional polyester base and a felt or foam backing. This coating will give you the perfect balance of price and quality.

Backing: foam or felt?

To give the material good properties sound and heat insulation, to make it “springy”, manufacturers process the inside in a special way. Air bubbles in the foam substrate can act as insulation and shock absorbers, synthetic fibers- in the felt room. Be sure to make sure that the chosen linoleum has one of these substrates, otherwise the slightest unevenness of the base will protrude through the coating, and furniture legs and heels will quickly render the floor unusable. All other properties being equal, a felt substrate is more preferable.

Abrasion group: how long will the floor “live”?

Each sample of linoleum is necessarily tested for abrasion. As a result, it is assigned one of the classes:

• T - the most durable;
• F - least durable.

If the question is how to choose a good linoleum for a bedroom or other “quiet” room, then feel free to take the material marked M.

Another thing is rooms with high floor loads. If you have to choose high-quality linoleum for a children's room or hallway, then both M and T will do.

Which linoleum to choose for the kitchen, living room, corridor and other rooms?

For the living room and children's room, it is better to choose high-quality linoleum, both foam and felt, with a good protective coating.

For low-traffic spaces like a bedroom or office, inexpensive linoleum with a thin backing is suitable.

Are there rooms in the house that you often enter, where you wash the floor every day? Be as careful as possible when choosing the right linoleum for the hallway, kitchen and bathroom. In order not to re-cover a worn-out floor after just a year, buy good-quality linoleum with an antibacterial coating, a thick protective layer and good thickness.

How to choose linoleum for rooms of different types and sizes?

note that modern linoleum does not shrink, so it can be bought end-to-end, without allowances. To calculate the size of the piece, measure the room twice, paying attention to:

• niches;
• projections;
• width differences.

The width of the canvas can be from 1.5 to 6 meters. It is better to take a wide piece so that there are no seams on the floor. If you purchase two pieces, make sure they are from the same batch.

How to choose linoleum for an apartment and not be mistaken in quality?

High price and famous manufacturer quality is almost always guaranteed. However, pay attention to additional signs of quality material:

• texture and design - floors with imitation wood, shiny “chips”, varnished linoleum look most advantageous;
• The safety coating has no odor;
• at good linoleum There is always a certificate.

There are other markings that will tell you more:

• “lightning” icon - does not accumulate static electricity;
• “wheel” icon - resistant to furniture;
• "warm floor" icon - suitable for installation of heated floors.

The hall is that part of the apartment or house in which absolutely all family members spend time. This room has the highest traffic. That is why it is necessary to choose floor coverings very carefully. It must be of the highest quality, wear-resistant and safe.

One of the most popular flooring options for a living room is linoleum.

Features and Benefits

Linoleum has a number of advantages, thanks to which many people choose this type of flooring:

• Prices prices for this material are low, you can purchase a good quality product at a very reasonable price;
• Durability– the coating will serve you for quite a long time;
• Safety– linoleum is made from environmentally friendly materials that are completely safe for health;
• Beautiful appearance, a wide variety of designs and colors of products;
• Invisible joints – the seams of modern products made using the latest technologies will be completely invisible;
• Easy installation– laying linoleum in the hall is very simple - it is rolled out and glued to the base, and the edges are cut using special knife and secured with a plinth.
• It's very convenient and easy to care for;

We can safely say that linoleum has all the necessary qualities of a floor covering. The most important thing is to choose the right type of product that is suitable for its characteristics and appearance.

Requirements for living room flooring

The first and most important requirement for linoleum for a hall is its thickness, which should be at least 1.5-2 mm. The best and most reliable option would be a coating 3-4 mm thick - this option will withstand heavy loads and also act as additional thermal insulation for the floor.

For such flooring there is a concept of wear resistance class. For a hall, this parameter should be higher than 21-23. In this case, you can be sure that this type linoleum will serve you for quite a long time - about 8-10 years, and maybe more.

Of course, in the living room the chances of mechanically damaging the floor covering are much lower than, for example, in the kitchen, since there are no sharp or hot objects in the room, and no aggressive chemicals are used. detergents. Therefore, you can choose not too expensive types of products for the hall.

Ideally, linoleum in the living room should have a felt or jute base coated with PVC. This material is universal, it is quite durable, moisture-resistant and at the same time soft and warm, it will be pleasant to walk on it even with bare feet. Caring for this type of linoleum is very simple - just wipe it with a slightly damp cloth. Price for this variety coverage is also the most optimal.

Some types of linoleum also have bactericidal properties that can prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. This will be very important for the living room, especially if there are children living in the house, since they often like to just play on the floor.

If four-legged friends live in the apartment, then the linoleum floor covering will also become optimal solution, since this material has antistatic properties and will not attract wool. The main thing is to choose quality option products with sufficient thickness so that the floor covering is not damaged by the claws of pets.

How to choose?

When choosing linoleum for the living room, also pay attention to the following points:

• The product should not have a strong odor, otherwise it may contain substances harmful to health;
• The coating pattern should be clear, and there should be no greasy shine;
• The seller is required to have quality certificates for this material; if they are available, you can be convinced of the safety of the composition;
• Linoleum must have a protective layer that will ensure a longer service life;
• When determining the material dimensions required for your room, do not forget to take into account a small margin for adjusting the coating;
• Carefully inspect the top layer of the product and make sure there is no damage.

Color options

It is very important that the chosen linoleum is not only of high quality, but also fits perfectly into the interior of your home. Therefore, when choosing it, you need to focus on the overall design of the living room.

White linoleum and other light shades are considered fashionable.– beige, light gray, milky, cream. The coating in these colors will fit perfectly into any interior and will look very stylish and modern.

The light coating will harmoniously combine with absolutely any furniture. And one more plus - white linoleum will visually increase the size of a small room. However, this color also has its downside - it is quite easily soiled. Therefore, if you have small children and pets, it is better to abandon light linoleum and choose a more practical color.

The choice of linoleum colors is simply huge - from bright and rich options to muted pastel colors. Patterns and designs are also widely varied. Therefore, you can choose the design of this flooring to suit every taste and color.

Linoleum under laminate will look very beautiful and stylish in the living room. Thanks to modern coating production technologies, it will be almost impossible to visually distinguish linoleum from laminate.

For classic style For the interior, you can choose linoleum in sand shades. Products in dark shades with beautiful patterns and curls in oriental style will also look stylish.

In general, when choosing the color of linoleum for the living room, you can be guided by the following principle: if you want the floor covering to stand out against the general background, then choose shades that will contrast with the color of the furniture and walls. And vice versa - for harmonious combination the color of the floor with the interior of the room, match it with the furniture and other interior items.

When choosing linoleum for the living room, be sure to take into account all the nuances described above, and then you can easily choose a product that is suitable for you, which will delight the whole family for many years.

Useful tips You will find information on how to choose linoleum in the video below.

May 27, 2016
Specialization: facade finishing, interior decoration, construction of cottages, garages. Experience of an amateur gardener and gardener. We also have experience in repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing the guitar and many other things that I don’t have time for :)

Linoleum is one of the most common floor coverings that everyone is familiar with. However, many people, when they come to the store, discover many of its varieties, which sometimes confuses them. Therefore, below I will tell you what to look for when buying, and which linoleum to choose for an apartment in different rooms.

Features of choosing linoleum

When purchasing linoleum, first of all, you need to pay attention to the following points:

We will not touch on how to choose the color of linoleum for an apartment, as well as other design issues, since you can find the answers to them in numerous articles about interior design that are available on our portal. Therefore, we will consider only the selection factors related to the performance qualities of the material.

Parameter No. 1: material

Currently, you can find canvases made from a variety of materials.

However, the most common types are the following:

• polyvinyl chloride or PVC for short– canvases made from this material are the most common in our time, due to the fact that the cost of the products is affordable, and vinyl is harmless to humans.
  It must be said that PVC linoleum is one of the most versatile, since it can be used not only in dry, but also in wet rooms. True, it is necessary to take into account that many characteristics of the coating depend on the number of layers, base and some other points;

• natural – main feature This coating is that it is made from natural, environmentally friendly raw materials. True, at the same time, the material also has some disadvantages - it costs much more than vinyl sheets.
  In addition, the coating does not like sudden temperature changes and high humidity. Therefore, you should not use it in bathrooms, as well as in country houses intended for seasonal living;

• glyphthalic (alkyd)– these fabrics are a good alternative to polyvinyl chloride coating. In particular, it has good heat and sound insulation qualities;
• rubber (relin)– the coating consists of two layers. Upper layer Most often it is made of artificial rubber, and the lower one is made of crushed rubber. This coating is characterized by elasticity, good wear resistance, and resistance to moisture.

Since all types of coatings have different qualities, the choice of linoleum for an apartment depends on its operating conditions. So, in bedrooms the material is better, in the kitchen or living room - PVC sheets. Rubber linoleum is an excellent choice for a hallway or bathroom.

Parameter No. 2: type of base

When talking about how to choose the right linoleum for your apartment, you cannot help but pay attention to the base.

Based on this parameter, the coating in question can be divided into the following types:

• on fabric or felt base – retains heat well and provides sound insulation. Such canvases are an excellent choice for cold concrete floors;
• without base– coatings in this category are the most affordable. A feature of this material is good moisture resistance and a higher level of thermal conductivity. Thanks to this, baseless linoleum can be used over “warm floors”. The disadvantages are that you need to lay the material yourself on a perfectly smooth surface;

• foam based– this type of material is relatively new. It must be said that there is an opinion among people that such a base is inferior in performance to a natural one, for example, felt. In fact, the foam layer is more durable, and at the same time it retains heat well and hides imperfections in the floor.

As we can see, the choice of base also largely depends on the operating conditions of the coating.

Parameter No. 3: classification of wear resistance and abrasion

Based on wear resistance, the coating is divided into several classes, which determine, first of all, its thickness:

Wear resistance class	Peculiarities
21-23 (household linoleum)	This flooring material has the least wear resistance and is intended for use exclusively in residential areas. Moreover, class 21 can be used only in rooms with low traffic. Otherwise, the coating will quickly become unusable and will need to be replaced.
31 -34	Canvases of this class are called semi-commercial. Their thickness ranges from 2 to 3.2 mm (meaning the protective layer). Accordingly, the material is much more resistant to abrasion than household material. This class of coating can be used in the hallway if you want the flooring to be durable.
41 — 43	This linoleum is called commercial, as it has the greatest wear resistance and is even suitable for use in in public places with high traffic. Its only drawback is the high price and more modest design choices. Although, these canvases can also be used for residential premises.

At first glance it may seem that the thicker the linoleum, the better.
However, when choosing, it is also necessary to focus on operating conditions.
For example, when laying on a “warm floor”, it is better to use a thinner coating.

If the wear resistance class tells us about the thickness of the sheets, then a parameter such as the abrasion class is responsible for the resistance of the coating to mechanical loads. Accordingly, it does not depend on thickness.

Below are the main abrasion groups:

It should be noted that the above figures are conditional, obtained empirically under certain conditions. In reality, wear depends on a number of factors.

When choosing a material, you should also pay attention to the flammability class.
Low-flammable canvases are those that belong to class G1 (most models).
The most flammable are G4 class sheets.

Parameter No. 4: number of layers

So, we’ve sorted out the abrasion and wear resistance classes, we’ll choose linoleum for the apartment next, and now we’ll pay attention to the structure.

According to this parameter, products can be divided into two types:

• with a homogeneous structure - such canvases have the same structure throughout the entire thickness. In their production, PVC granules and all kinds of dyes are used. As a result, the pattern is located throughout the entire thickness of the material and, accordingly, is not erased.
  Thanks to this, linoleum can maintain an attractive appearance for years;
• with a heterogeneous structure - this material consists of several layers (from two to six or even seven). Coatings with this structure are made for both industrial and domestic use.
  Models with the most complex structure usually contain a backing made of natural fabric, as well as foamed PVC, non-woven fabric etc. This ultimately ensures optimal sound absorption and minimal thermal conductivity.
  The pattern of such canvases, of course, does not go through the entire structure. However, in expensive models it is protected by a transparent protective layer, which ensures its durability.

Choice in in this case depends on individual preferences and financial capabilities. It should be noted that the assortment is richer.

Parameter No. 56 cost

As when choosing any other building materials, you must remember that expensive linoleum is not always good. But high-quality linoleum is never too cheap compared to other models.

Therefore, it is advisable to purchase canvases in large stores. Moreover, you must ask for a certificate to ensure that the material meets generally accepted standards of quality and sanitary safety.

As for the cost, below are the prices for some models, which will help you navigate when purchasing:

Of course, prices may vary slightly in different stores. However, if the coating is suspiciously cheap, it is hardly worth purchasing it and thereby trying to save money.

Here, perhaps, are all the instructions for choosing linoleum for an apartment. Taking into account all the above nuances of coverage, each of you will be able to choose the optimal model for yourself.

Conclusion

Linoleum, as we found out, differs in a number of important parameters. Therefore, when choosing, first of all, it is necessary to determine the conditions in which the coating will be used and the basic requirements for it. Otherwise, when choosing, you should take into account the information presented above.

WITH additional nuances You can familiarize yourself with the topic discussed in the video in this article. If after reading the material you have any questions regarding the choice of linoleum, leave them in the comments and I will be happy to answer them.

May 27, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, or ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!

From this article you will learn:

• What types of linoleum are there?
• How to understand the classes of linoleum
• How to choose linoleum for a specific room
• Which company's linoleum is better to choose?

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

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

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

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

Its manufacturing technology at that time was based on the production of a woven base made from flax or jute, which was processed with oxidized vegetable oil mixed with flour from balsa wood. The development of industrial technologies has contributed to the constant improvement of linoleum. Various designs and patterns began to appear on its surface.

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

Nevertheless, the emergence of demand for natural products has made it possible to revive the traditions of producing natural materials, sales of which are constantly growing. Today, linoleum is rightfully considered the most popular flooring option. Given the wide variety, it is necessary to understand the types of linoleum produced and their characteristics. This classification will allow you to choose the option that is best suited for your apartment.

Natural linoleum

Natural linoleum is the best option for furnishing residential premises. It consists exclusively of natural ingredients: flax oil, wood flour and resin, woven fabric made of jute or flax, limestone. To color this type of floor covering, a wide range of natural-based dyes are used.

Advantages natural linoleum:

• The strength characteristics of natural linoleum allow this material to withstand loads of up to 16 MPa.
• Flax oil provides the bactericidal properties of the coating.
• Thanks to its wear-resistant characteristics, such linoleum retains its aesthetic and performance characteristics for 30 to 50 years.
• Environmentally friendly and harmless to human health.
• The material does not absorb dirt, is easy to clean and wash with conventional means.
• Lack of ability to accumulate static electricity.
• Resistant to fading when exposed to sunlight.
• Low flammability.

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

But he also has his own flaws:

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

To summarize, it can be noted that natural linoleum will be an excellent option for flooring in an apartment if you prefer environmentally friendly housing and are willing to spend certain expenses for this. At the same time, it is better not to use it in bathrooms, kitchens or hallways, since the natural coating is susceptible to moisture.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) linoleum

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

1. The base is made of natural (jute) or synthetic (fiberglass, etc.) fabric. This base is covered with a layer of PVC with a pattern. The total thickness of this coating is up to 5 mm.
2. Non-woven base made of synthetic raw materials or felt. A coating with such a base retains heat better, but is completely unsuitable for use in damp areas of the apartment and in places with high intensity of use of the floor surface (corridors).
3. The base made of foamed polyvinyl chloride appeared in the nineties of the last century and today is the most used for the manufacture of linoleum. Porous PVC perfectly withstands high loads and smoothes out minor unevenness in the floor. Application of foamed polyvinyl chloride can be carried out mechanically or chemically. It is better to choose a material with a mechanically applied base, as it does not wrinkle under high loads.

Some manufacturers offer linoleum that combines several types of bases described above. Such coatings are called heterogeneous. Accordingly, linoleum with one base is called homogeneous. Number of base layers and high-quality composition may vary significantly depending on the purpose of the linoleum.

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

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

• The elasticity of the polyvinyl chloride coating greatly simplifies its installation.
• Wide choose colors and patterns allow you to better highlight the features of various interiors.
• Affordable price.
• High quality PVC linoleum the best manufacturers is a non-toxic material, which is confirmed by hygienic certificates.

Polyvinyl chloride linoleum also has its own flaws:

• It is better not to use PVC linoleum in rooms where temperature changes are possible, as this leads to shrinkage of the floor covering.
• New linoleum made of polyvinyl chloride has a specific odor that can last for several weeks.

Alkyd linoleum

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

Advantages alkyd linoleum:

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

Flaws glypthal linoleum:

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

Alkyd linoleum is used as a floor covering in public transport: Railway cars, subways, airplanes, etc.

Rubber linoleum (Relin)

This type of flooring has two layers. The bottom layer is made from recycled rubber, and the top layer is made from artificial rubber with added dyes. The layers are fastened together with bitumen-based mastic.

Advantages rubber linoleum:

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

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

Nitrocellulose (colloxylin) linoleum

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

Which class of linoleum is best for an apartment?

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

The first digital symbol of the class marking indicates where it is best to apply such coverage:

• Number 2 indicates that the coating is best used for apartments and other residential properties.
• The number 3 marks materials for flooring in offices.
• The number 4 is used to designate products intended for use in industrial environments.

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

• 1 – low.
• 2 – average.
• 3 – high.
• 4 – very high.

Household flooring

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

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

Semi-commercial linoleum

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

• Specific gravity 1.6-2.5 kg/m2.
• The elasticity of semi-commercial linoleum should ensure the absence of cracks when winding the material onto a cylinder with a cross-section from 10 to 40 mm.
• The sound-absorbing properties of such a coating are in the range of 12-16 dB.
• Operational shrinkage should not exceed 0.1 mm per 1 meter of material length.
• The period of operation guaranteed by the manufacturer while maintaining the properties of the coating is from 7 to 20 years.

Commercial linoleum

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

Many companies produce commercial linoleum with high-strength polyvinyl chloride film. The thickness of the protective layer is selected taking into account the specific operation of the room:

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

Sellers of linoleum are required to provide the buyer with certificates confirming its compliance with current standards and hygiene requirements. As a rule, on back side coatings, along with the manufacturer’s logo, data regarding the characteristics of the material are applied.

This information will help you better choose linoleum:

• Coverage class.
• Batch number (it is better to buy products from one batch).
• Date of manufacture.

In addition to this information, pictograms may be presented here that inform about the special characteristics of linoleum:

Which linoleum to choose for a specific room

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

Linoleum for the kitchen

For the kitchen floor, it is better to choose linoleum with high mechanical strength and moisture resistance. The optimal material option for this room is natural marmoleum. This coating has fabric base, which is usually made from jute fiber. Marmoleum has a long service life and is easy to clean from dirt using detergents.

Of course, it is better to buy natural linoleum for an apartment, but if you are limited in finances, then you can install synthetic linoleum in the kitchen. When choosing such a coating, pay attention to its service life declared by the manufacturer, and also make sure it complies with GOST standards and hygienic requirements. Experts in the field of flooring say that it is better to use semi-commercial linoleum for the kitchen. This material is distinguished by an abrasion-resistant decorative layer and has a reliable protective covering and density to withstand mechanical loads resulting from kitchen utensils falling onto the floor.

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

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

Linoleum for the corridor and hallway in the apartment

The most trafficked places in the apartment are the corridor and hallway. Therefore, when choosing linoleum for such premises, it is better to first of all pay attention to its abrasion resistance. Of course, if no more than 2 people live in an apartment, then you can choose coatings of class 22 or 23, rather than overpay for more expensive products. If you have a large family, then you will need material with a thickness of at least 4 mm, which has a protective layer exceeding 0.25 mm. The most reliable brands of linoleum of 31 or 32 classes are best used for finishing floors in the corridors of offices or commercial enterprises.

Before you start laying linoleum in the apartment, make sure that the floor does not have significant bulges and depressions . For high-quality styling For floors in the hallway, it is better to use a polyvinyl chloride or cork backing ( natural substrate made of jute or flax has insufficient density to withstand high mechanical stress and abrasion).

Linoleum for an office and bedroom in an apartment

To install floors in a bedroom or office in an apartment, it is better to use linoleum on a soft foam base. In these rooms there is no need to use coatings with high density, so you can take care of maximum comfort. These conditions are best met by class 21 artificial linoleum with a base of foamed polyvinyl chloride. You can also use a single-layer coating complete with a soft backing made of linen or jute fabric.

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

Linoleum for a living room in an apartment

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

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

Linoleum for a balcony in an apartment

Balconies feature frequently changing temperature conditions, therefore, for finishing the floor here it is better to use materials with minimal shrinkage and high strength. In addition, it is necessary to take into account factors such as the impact ultraviolet rays And high humidity. As a rule, moisture-resistant, frost-resistant and anti-slip coatings. It is best to choose the same linoleum as for office premises with high load.

Which company is better to choose linoleum for an apartment: review of manufacturers

The best linoleum for an apartment, no matter which company you choose, must meet the following criteria:

• High wear-water-chemical resistance, as well as bacteriostaticity and absence of characteristic odors.
• Service life of at least 7 years.
• Stain resistant and easy to maintain.
• Compliance with hygiene standards and safety requirements.

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

Tarkett

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

Product line:

1. Natural linoleum and polyvinyl chloride coatings (household, semi-commercial, commercial, special).
2. Parquet board.
3. Laminated parquet.
4. Cork coverings.
5. Accessories, Consumables and other floor finishing products.

In Russia, the brand’s enterprise appeared in 1995 (Otradny Samara region). Issued here PVC coating. In addition, products produced by the Tarkett concern at Eastern European factories are supplied to the domestic market. The company produces products under 4 brands:

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

Advantages linoleum for Tarkett apartment:

• Floor coverings of this brand are highly durable and wear-resistant, which is ensured by the presence of a transparent layer with a protective layer (Extreme Protection, Titan, etc.).
• Thanks to the use of fiberglass reinforcement, Tarkett linoleum has increased resistance to deformation.
• The best selection of design options and colors compared to competitors' products.
• The Tarkett collections offer consumers a choice of linoleum with three base options: foamed polyvinyl chloride, artificial felt, and duplicated base.
• Tarkett materials are approved for use in health facilities.
• The safety of floor coverings from this brand is confirmed by various evidence, including documents
• Good information support.
• Simple installation and low maintenance.
• Availability of offers in different price segments.
• The service life, depending on the type of linoleum, ranges from 7 to 50 years.

Flaws:

• Tarkett products are relatively expensive;
• Linoleum, presented in the budget line, may smell unpleasant at first.

Forbo

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

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

Advantages Forbo linoleum:

• This brand produces natural and environmentally friendly products.
• The manufacturer's line includes rolled materials, tiles, as well as combined coatings based on HDF boards.
• Wide selection of color and design options (wood, stone, etc. linoleum).
• Resistance to abrasion and components household chemicals and deformation.
• Forbo linoleum is characterized by bacteriostatic properties and low thermal conductivity.
• Permanent mineral dyes are used to color floor coverings.
• Forbo coatings are approved for flooring in sanatoriums and institutions for children.
• Good information support allows you to more accurately determine which linoleum is best for an apartment.
• The quality and safety of materials are confirmed by a full package of EN certificates.
• Easy installation and low maintenance.
• The service life, depending on the type of linoleum, ranges from 10 to 30 years.

Flaws:

• High cost of all collections.
• Many decor options are only available upon pre-order with a waiting period of one month.

Grabo

The flooring manufacturer from Hungary began its activities with a small workshop for the production of tarpaulin and oilcloth products. Currently, the company's production facilities include four modern factories for the production of wood and PVC materials for finishing floors and walls.

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

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

Advantages linoleum Grabo:

• High degree Abrasion resistance and deformation elasticity of Grabo linoleums is ensured by the use of fiberglass for reinforcing the materials.
• Variety of designs, including unique avant-garde and children's series.
• Grabo products comply with European CE safety and health standards.
• Simple installation and easy maintenance.
• Affordable prices for all collections regardless of coverage class.
• Operational life from 10 to 25 years.

Flaws Grabo linoleum:

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

Juteks

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

The company produces its products under the following brands:

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

Advantages Utex:

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

Flaws:

• Economy segment products have a low density base layer and have a fairly slippery surface. In addition, such linoleum retains an unpleasant odor for a long time.
• Linoleum with textured surface gets dirty quickly and is difficult to clean. To remove contaminants you will need special detergents.
• It is better not to use coatings from budget series for heated floors.

Komitex LIN

The production facilities of this brand have been located in the city of Syktyvkar since 2002. Here they make linoleum based on foamed PVC and synthetic felt.

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

Advantages Komitex LIN products:

• The linoleum of this brand has a waterproof surface that is resistant to active substances, included in household chemicals, and intensive operational loads.
• The quality of the products is confirmed by all necessary certificates.
• Easy installation.
• Affordable price.
• Service life is from 5 to 7 years.

Flaws:

• Due to insufficient density, Komitex LIN linoleum is susceptible to dents.
• Unpleasant smell remains for a long time after installation.
• It is better not to use products from this brand for heated floors.

1. The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing linoleum for an apartment is the smell of the material. The less odor, the better the material, since it contains minimal amount harmful substances. High quality natural or synthetic material has virtually no odor. The outer surface of the coating should not be shiny, and the design on it should be clearly visible.
2. It’s good if the width of the canvas matches the size of the room. You need to buy floor coverings with a small margin, since during the installation process you will need to ensure that the pattern matches. In addition, to accurately calculate the material, it is necessary to take into account the presence of niches, thresholds and other features of the room.
3. It is better not to buy linoleum on the market. It must be stored in a heated room. In addition, it will be more convenient to check the quality characteristics of the material in a store environment.
4. Be sure to check whether the linoleum meets hygiene requirements and safety standards. Products that have passed the examination are marked accordingly, and the seller must present the buyer with a hygiene certificate.
5. It is better to check the quality of linoleum in rolled form. It should not have any bumps, waves or areas with peeling protective film. All these points indicate a defect, and therefore, such material should not be purchased for an apartment.
6. If you decide to use the same flooring for several rooms, it is better to buy the material in one piece. You just need to take into account the possibility of transporting a large roll along the landing.
7. You cannot fold linoleum in half and stick tape to the front surface of the material. For transportation, it is better to roll linoleum with the front side inward. If the roll is rolled “face” out, it should be packaged in protective film.
8. So that linoleum lasts as long as possible and at the same time retains its attractive appearance, it is better to choose a coating with a special protective layer.
9. It’s good if you have the opportunity to bring samples of linoleum to those rooms of the apartment where you plan to install it. This will help you choose the material that best harmonizes with the interior.
10. If you need to lay linoleum floors large area, it is better to buy material from one batch, since the coating produced in different time,may vary slightly in color shades.

Cooperating with the “My Repair” Company is reliable and prestigious. The specialists working here are professionals the highest level. The company "My Repair" operates throughout Moscow and the Moscow region.