The highest quality linoleum. Which linoleum is better for an apartment - household or semi-commercial, foam-based or felt? Selecting the optimal size of linoleum covering

Modern household linoleum is very different from the coating that was produced at the end of the last century and the beginning of the two thousandth. Now it's safe material with high technical and performance qualities, which are not inferior to more expensive floor coverings.

The variety of assortment is both surprising and involuntarily confusing. In the budget segment alone, there are more than three types of material with a dozen different characteristics. Let's look in more detail at which linoleum is best for an apartment.

Requirements for household flooring

The choice of facing materials is carried out taking into account a number of criteria

A typical one-room and multi-room apartment consists of several types of premises: for sleeping, leisure, personal hygiene, household needs, moving and storing items.

In each room the load is flooring varies and depends on the degree of traffic, the amount of furniture and the conditions that are created during the life of the residents. This is worth remembering and taking into account when choosing linoleum for each room separately.

In general cases, the requirements for linoleum are as follows:

• safety – the coating must be environmentally friendly, not emit harmful substances, not be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and prevent their spread;
• wear resistance is a basic requirement that applies to any cladding. The material must be durable, not scratched, and able to withstand abrasive loads;
• strength – heavy furniture and accidental fallen objects should not cause severe damage to the front layer;
• ease of maintenance - the floor surface must allow for wet cleaning using detergents. Absorption of moisture and increased slipperiness are excluded;
• ease of installation - the material should enable the buyer to prepare the old surface and lay linoleum with his own hands (after reading the instructions).

Compliance with these points guarantees, especially in the case of linoleum, that the floor covering will not cause significant harm to human health. This is especially important for families with infants and small children.

Which type of linoleum is better?

PVC linoleum universal coating for use in apartments and houses

There are several classifications and varieties of linoleum. We will consider the classification of only household varieties, since industrial options not intended for use in an apartment.

The simplest and most correct from the point of view of understanding is the division of the material depending on its scope. This sorting allows you to understand which linoleum is better, which coating is suitable for a particular room, and which one is better to refuse.

Among the linoleums that are best laid in an apartment are:

• natural – linoleum based on natural raw materials: recycled wood, cork flour, pine resins, flax oil, lime, natural dyes. The coating is completely environmentally friendly and safe. It has a long service life, high strength, good wear resistance and an aesthetically pleasing appearance;
• household - artificial coating based on polyvinyl chloride, chemical stabilizers and fillers. Has average technical qualities, designed for 7-10 years of careful use. It has low thermal conductivity, resistance to moisture and aggressive substances. Total thickness – 1-2 mm, thickness of the protective layer – 0.15-2 mm, wear resistance class 21-23;
• semi-commercial - the coating is almost completely similar to the household variety of linoleum. The total thickness is 2-3.5 mm, the thickness of the protective layer is 0.3-0.5 mm, wear resistance class 31-34. Service life in residential premises is at least 12 years;
• commercial - produced in various variations, but for an apartment it is better to lay a PVC-based covering. It is an improved version of semi-commercial linoleum. That is, the material has even more impressive characteristics. In everyday life it can last up to 15 years or more. The total thickness is 2-4 mm, the thickness of the protective layer is 0.7-0.8 mm, wear resistance class 41-43.

Combining different types allows you to more accurately select the flooring, focusing on the specific purpose of the room. This also saves money, since it makes no sense to lay a more wear-resistant coating where its qualities will not be used.

Technical characteristics and qualities

Main specifications, which will help you understand which linoleum is best for your home - wear resistance class, thickness of the protective layer, moisture resistance, toxicity. In addition, you can consider materials on additional safety qualities: fire hazard class, flame spread, flammability.

Wear resistance class is the first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a material.

According to the European standard EN685, wear resistance is marked with a digital code, which is printed on a pictogram next to a schematic drawing. An example of a pictogram is shown in the photo above.

The first number in the code means:

• 2 – living space;
• 3 – office and commercial premises;
• 4 – production premises.

The scope of application of linoleum does not always indicate that it is in this area that the coating needs to be laid. Many manufacturers have commercial-type cladding, which they themselves recommend for use in rooms with high loads.

The second number indicates the degree of load that the product can withstand. Designated similarly from 1 (low) to 4 (very high).

The thickness of the protective layer is the second important indicator that is best taken into account when choosing. The protective layer determines the strength of the material and its abrasion resistance.

Gradation of thickness of the front layer:

• up to 0.2 mm – for low-traffic areas intended for storage;
• 0.2 mm – low-traffic areas for sleeping and leisure;
• 0.3 mm – residential premises with average traffic;
• 0.5 mm and above – for rooms with high traffic and load.

To identify other characteristics, they are assigned a corresponding alphanumeric code. Toxicity is indicated by a capital letter “T” and a number from 1-4. The lower the number, the less the ability of linoleum to evaporate and decompose into harmful chemicals.

Fire hazard class in capital letters “KM” and a number from 0-5. It includes characteristics such as fire spread, flammability, smoke production, etc. Their designation is similar, that is, the lower the number indicated next to the capital letter, the safer the linoleum is.

There is no need to remember all the additional characteristics, the main thing is to remember this rule. If necessary, you can make a short list of what is worth more detailed consideration.

Covering for bedrooms and children's rooms

In the children's room and bedroom you can use a household type of class 23

In the bedroom and rooms intended exclusively for sleeping and private leisure, the load on the flooring is very low. A person uses the premises strictly for their intended purpose, and the usable area of ​​the room is quite small.

For the bedroom it is better to choose household linoleum class 23 with a thickness of 2 mm. You can choose a coating with a thermal insulation base, which will make the floor warmer and make staying in the room more comfortable.

In a children's room, it is most important that the material is safe. Optimal installation of natural linoleum minimum thickness. If the child is very active, then it is better to choose a household type based on PVC.

A coating from Tarkett under the Europe Akron 6 brand is well suited for both rooms. The total thickness of the material is 3 mm with 0.25 mm of the front layer, which allows you not to worry about the safety of the material even with increased activity of children. The cost of the material starts from 340 rubles/m2.

Covering for the hall and living room

The living room and hall are narrowly focused rooms where a person spends his leisure time and gathers with family and friends. The load level varies greatly and depends on the person’s social activity, the number of residents and family members.

In general cases, we can recommend semi-commercial PVC linoleum class 31-32 with a thickness of 2.5-3 mm. The presence of a thermal insulation base and anti-slip coating will only be a plus. The use of natural coating is irrational due to its high cost.

For example, it could be Tarkett linoleum from the Moda, Colibri, Iskra collection. This is a moisture-resistant material with a thickness of 3.5 mm with a thickness of the front layer of 0.6 mm.

Covering for the kitchen and hallway

In the kitchen and hallway it is advisable to lay wear-resistant linoleum class 33

Floor cladding in the kitchen, hallway and hallway faces the most unfavorable conditions. In the kitchen there may be a risk of exposure to aggressive substances, moisture, falling heavy objects etc.

There is a high abrasive load in the hallway and corridor. Dust, sand, dirt in the warm season. Moisture, water and snow in autumn and winter. Moreover, these rooms do not have a large area, which also affects the rate of abrasion of the cladding.

It is optimal if it is semi-commercial PVC linoleum of class 33 for the kitchen and commercial homogeneous coating of class 34-43 for the hallway.

For example, this could be a cladding from Tarkett IQ Monolit Cmoni. This is a homogeneous linoleum with a thickness of 2 mm and wear resistance class 34-43. Average cost from 900 rub/m2. You can also choose a simpler coating that costs from 600 rubles/m2.

Covering for bathrooms and toilets

The bathroom and toilet are rooms for personal hygiene. There is a risk of water ingress and constant high humidity. Oddly enough, the load in these rooms is high due to the very small area of ​​the room.

It is best to lay moisture-resistant heterogeneous commercial linoleum according to minimum cost. From some manufacturers this material can be purchased from 400-450 rubles/m2, since the material has a small width.

Hello Dear blog readers! Get ready, as this topic will be very voluminous and dedicated to which linoleum is best for an apartment. In the modern construction market you can see hundreds of options of varying quality and from different manufacturers. The color variations of linoleum can also excite the imagination. Why is linoleum so popular? The fact is that this is the most popular flooring among the population with average income. They also love it for its durability and ergonomics. In our topic, let's start with everything in order.

Summary of this article:

Which linoleum is better to choose for an apartment - domestic, commercial or semi-commercial?

There is no specific and uniquely correct answer to this question. If we start talking about household linoleum, then, as the name suggests, it is used mainly only in residential areas.

Among the advantages in it are the following:

• Economical. It has a very attractive price.

• Very easy to care for. You don't need any expensive special equipment.

• As we stated, it has a rich color palette.

• Very elastic and easy to transport.

• It insulates the room well.

• Has good moisture resistance.

As for the semi-commercial option, it is worth saying that it is something between the household and commercial options. It can be installed in moderate traffic areas, which basically means you can install it if you have a large family home. It has almost the same advantages. It's just a little more expensive.

It’s up to you to decide which linoleum is best to lay, commercial or semi-commercial, or household. All options are well suited for home use. The last thing that could be noted is that when choosing household linoleum you still have great freedom in terms of color and type of coating (there are those imitating wood, parquet and others).

Commercial linoleum is not often used for laying on apartment floors, because... its cost compared to household and semi-commercial types is very high. If your budget for repair costs is “rubbery,” then this is a pretty good option for flooring that will easily serve you for more than 10 years without any jams, creases, etc.

Which linoleum is better - foam or felt?

Foam-based linoleum is usually made using foamed PVC onto fiberglass. The advantage of foam-based linoleum is its strength. Also resistant to high moisture. One of the disadvantages of such linoleum is the price, which is several points higher than its analogues.

As for the felt base, the advantages of such linoleum include its elasticity and softness of the coating. This, by the way, directly affects the comfort of use.

This option is much cheaper than a foam base, but unlike the latter, the pattern in linoleum with a felt base is applied to its entire thickness, which means that when “wiping” it will not lose its appearance.

Based on this, we can conclude that in this matter you should be guided by what is most important to you - durability and strength or appearance. As you can see, everything is extremely simple.

What sizes of linoleum are there?

Now let's move on to the numbers part. As for the size of linoleum, the situation is as follows:

• By building regulations The thickness of linoleum ranges from 0.7 mm to 4.5 mm. There is also an option less than a millimeter thick, but such material, as you might already guess, is completely unsuitable for everyday use.

• The most common thickness of linoleum is from 1.5 to 3 mm. Thanks to this thickness, sound insulation and thermal insulation are well maintained.

How wide is linoleum?

Regarding width, the following options are available on the construction market:

• 2 meters.

• 2.5 meters.

• 3 meters.

• 3.5 meters.

• 4 meters.

• 5 meters.

As you can see, there are enough variations in width, which will allow you to avoid a large number of seams when laying. We already spoke in more detail about the possible width of linoleum once in an article - be sure to study what width linoleum is.

What classes is linoleum divided into based on wear resistance and fire safety?

According to wear resistance, linoleum is divided into the following classes:

• Virtually indestructible (dense wear-resistant linoleum).

• Lightly abraded.

• Moderately abrasive.

• Heavily abraded.

As for fire safety, things are much more interesting here. To protect yourself, you should choose it according to the following parameters:

• Flammability.

• Toxicity.

• Smoke formation.

• Speed ​​of smoke spread.

Now in more detail..

Flammability is one of the most important indicators of fire safety. In this regard, linoleum has the following marks - from G1 to G4. IN in this case G1 indicates low or no flammability, while G4 is an indicator of easy flammability.

When purchasing coverage, be sure to pay attention to these labels. Especially if the linoleum is placed in a room where there is frequent contact with fire. Practice shows that G4 linoleum is prohibited from being laid where it is necessary to evacuate people in case of fire.

As for toxicity, this indicator characterizes the amount emitted during a fire. toxic substances. The toxicity level here is determined in a similar way to the flammability marks - from T1 to T4.

The T1 coating is low-toxic, while the T4 coating is highly toxic and can cause rapid poisoning of the body when the material burns.

Smoke production is another important factor. It shows the amount of smoke released during combustion. D1 – practically does not emit smoke when burning. D4 – when burning, a large amount of smoke is generated and the room becomes smoky very quickly.

The speed of smoke spread refers to the indicators above. RP1 – smoke spreads slowly or does not spread at all. RP4 – when a fire occurs, almost instantaneous smoke occurs.

To summarize, let’s say that when choosing linoleum, do not forget to pay attention to all the accompanying marks. This will protect you and your home from unforeseen circumstances.

According to European standards, linoleum has a certain two-digit marking. The first number characterizes the type of room. The second is the intensity of the load.

The first number is as follows:

• 2 – living quarters.

• 3 – office premises.

• 4 – production premises.

The second number is as follows:

• 1 – low load intensity.

• 2 – average load intensity.

• 3 – high load intensity.

• 4 – very high load intensity.

If you choose linoleum, then follow the following markings:

• 21 – premises for short-term use (this includes, for example, bedrooms)

• 22 – linoleum for living rooms, kitchens, children's rooms.

• 23 – linoleum for hallways, corridors and places common use in communal apartments.

These are the main residential markings. After them there are already markings for numbers 3 and 4. This linoleum is already suitable only for hotels, commercial premises, shops, warehouses, etc.

Is natural or artificial linoleum better for an apartment?

This question is very interesting and almost always excites the minds of those who are going to choose linoleum. So let's figure out which linoleum to choose for your apartment.

In the production of linoleum from natural components, oak bark flour and ordinary wood flour are used. Various organic oils and pine resin are often added.

Practice shows that linoleum made from natural ingredients is an environmentally friendly material and is especially popular among those people who have children or allergies.

It is suitable for those who decide to save money, but it is worth remembering that this material is not as fireproof as its natural counterpart (due to the lack of oils). It also has a rather unpleasant chemical smell.

Our advice is the following - if you are faced with the choice of natural or artificial linoleum, then pay attention to such factors as the frequency of use of the room and the presence of children or pets. These are the most basic things to focus on.

These two concepts may turn out to be a dark forest for the average buyer. In fact, everything is simpler than it seems and we will help you not to get confused in this terminology and easily distinguish one material from another and not make a mistake when purchasing.

Heterogeneous linoleum what is it?

Heterogeneous linoleum is linoleum that consists of several layers. Their thickness is usually from 2 to 6 mm. The basis of such linoleum is reinforcing fiberglass, which is coated with PVC.

Applied on top of PVC different pattern. It is worth saying that heterogeneous linoleum is a rather difficult material to produce.

Homogeneous linoleum what is it?

Unlike heterogeneous linoleum, homogeneous is a homogeneous material. Its thickness varies from 1.5 to 3 mm. Also, the main difference between homogeneous linoleum is that it provides more narrow choice drawings.

It is also worth considering that this linoleum already has a specialization - it is most often used in shops, corridors of public places, and front doors.

Now let's move on to the main question - which of these two linoleum is better for an apartment?

The answer will be clear - the best option for an apartment is a heterogeneous option. Homogeneous ones have one very unpleasant property - it is almost impossible to clean it with ordinary detergents due to the presence of lime in it.

It absorbs dirt well and may need to be cleaned Grinder, which is not a very good option at home. Therefore, it is worth leaving this option more for technical rooms.

As for heterogeneous linoleum, in terms of cleaning, the usual detergent soap-based, which is always available at home.

Most people are interested in a reasonable question - which company is the best linoleum for laying on the floor in an apartment? We answer... Today, linoleum from the Tarkett company is considered the best and most reliable option.

Of course, there are other linoleum manufacturers, whose products can also be safely laid on the floors of apartments. For example, such as Grabo (Grabo), Forbo (Forbo), Ideal (Ideal), Gerflor (Gerflor), Juteks (Juteks) and others.

Their price/quality ratio is very good, i.e. When laying on the floor, you can be sure that the floor covering will not wear out to holes in the coming years.

That's all. Now you know which company (brand) is best to lay linoleum on the floor in your apartment. The choice is naturally yours - we only give advice and recommendations.

Next, we will consider the nuances of choosing linoleum for a certain type of home space. This is a very important part of our article, since, based on all of the above, you can see that linoleum is not such a simple material as it might seem at first glance.

Which linoleum to choose for the kitchen?

There is no need to hide the fact that linoleum has already become a traditional material for the kitchen, which continues to be popular. The kitchen is a very finicky place, so the choice of flooring should be approached with the utmost care.

The most important question to ask yourself when choosing linoleum is natural or synthetic coating?

If you decide to choose a natural coating, you can be sure that it will consist of environmentally friendly materials. It will have the following advantages:

• The coating will be hygienic.

• Fire resistant thanks to natural materials.

• You can choose from a wide variety of coloring pages.

• It is resistant to heat, which means that a heated floor system can be installed underneath it.

Synthetic material differs from natural material only in some respects. Advantages of synthetics:

• Has dielectric properties.

• Resistant to heat.

• It has a low price, unlike its natural counterpart.

So what should you choose? Here it is worth considering that natural material is more expensive, while synthetic material is more accessible. The main advice is that if you have the money, then of course you should choose the natural option.

But if you decide to save money, then synthetics will also be a good choice. We talked in more detail about choosing linoleum specifically for the kitchen in the article - I advise you to study which linoleum for the kitchen to choose.

What is the best linoleum for the bathroom?

Regarding the choice of linoleum for the bathroom, there are the following basic tips that must be strictly followed:

• Choose waterproof linoleum. In the bathroom the humidity is much higher than in other parts of the house/apartment.

• You should definitely choose options with a coating that has ribbed elements. They will protect you from unexpected falls, since linoleum becomes a very slippery surface after water gets in.

• Also choose linoleum that will be resistant to the physical stress of objects pressing on it (washing machine, sink, etc.), and also that will withstand the effects of various detergents.

Masters advise using homogeneous coatings in the bathtub.

How to choose the right linoleum for the bedroom?

Everyone knows that a person spends almost a third of his life in the bedroom. And for the bedroom, linoleum made only from natural materials is more suitable than ever.

Since such linoleum is bactericidal, it will have a pleasant effect on your well-being. It also withstands sunlight well and does not emit harmful substances into the air.

By the way, natural linoleum in the bedroom is very suitable for people with allergies or bronchial asthma.

How to choose the right linoleum for a living room in an apartment?

For the hall you should choose household linoleum. Pay attention to the thickness - it should be average, since the hall is a place with moderate load.

A semi-commercial option is perfect. It must have a wear resistance class of 21-23. Good options for the hall include linoleum on a jute or felt basis.

These materials are quite elastic, soft and retain heat well. It is very pleasant to walk on them and they are absolutely safe for your health. A nice bonus is that these materials are easy to wash and easy to care for.

If you have pets, then due to the antistatic properties, wool will not stick to them (the materials).

Which linoleum should I use for the hallway and corridor?

Most craftsmen advise choosing semi-commercial type linoleum for the hallway and corridor. It is ideal for the reasons that the corridor is the place with the highest traffic in the apartment.

Semi-commercial linoleum will not allow shoe marks to appear on it. Also, practice shows that it is almost impossible to damage this coating by force.

Choose semi-commercial linoleum on a foam basis - it will last longer, unlike other options. As for colors, semi-commercial linoleum, although not replete with the same print options as are available in household ones, still has plenty to choose from.

How to choose linoleum for a children's room?

The most basic advice in choosing linoleum for a children's room is naturalness. Among children, recently there may be big number allergy sufferers and linoleum made from natural materials in this case will be your best choice.

Remember that a children's room is a rather aggressive place. Your child will play with toys there and drop things on the floor. Naturally, this will affect its integrity.

The second main piece of advice is to avoid frequent replacement of the flooring, you should choose linoleum with a thickness of at least 3 mm for the children's room. Foam-based household linoleum is perfect.

As for colors, it is better to choose a material as bright as possible for the children's room. This will delight and cheer up not only you, but also your child.

Which linoleum is best to lay on a wooden floor?

Perhaps most people experience severe wear and tear on wooden surfaces. This is especially true for gender. Over time, it loses its original appearance, which even careful polishing cannot restore. What to do in this case? The answer is simple - lay linoleum. But the next question arises - which linoleum is best placed on a wooden floor?

For laying on a wooden floor, it is better to choose linoleum with good thermal insulation properties. In combination with wood, this will give an excellent effect and heat will be retained in the room for a long time. As for its options, it all depends on the room in which it will be used, so it’s up to you to decide whether to choose a household, semi-commercial or commercial option.

As for the specifics, fabric-based linoleum is well suited for wooden floors. Also linoleum without a base, which has a uniform structure. Experts also recommend colloxyl linoleum; it is flexible and easy to install, but if the room is not ventilated for several days, a slight chemical smell remains.

Which linoleum is better to lay on a concrete floor?

Since a concrete floor is an inhospitable, cold covering, when choosing linoleum you should give preference only to multilayer options with a foamed and insulated base.

Why only this type? If you choose any other linoleum, then, of course, it will also fit well on concrete, but all year round you will notice that the floor is cold. This can have a major impact on your health.

Is it possible to paint linoleum and with what paint?

It just so happens that not everyone has the opportunity to immediately re-cover the entire coating after defects appear on the linoleum. Most resort to cunning methods. One of them is painting. Let's say straight away - linoleum can be painted. Another question is how coloring composition should I do this to prevent things from getting worse?

The most popular paints for linoleum are oil-based, alkyd and acrylic options. With them in order:

• Oil paints are the most a budget option. If you follow the dynamics of development construction market, then this paint is already outdated. But it fits well on the surface and does not create unevenness. The only downside is the rather sharp and unpleasant odor during painting and during the drying process. Also, this paint must be renewed periodically, as it wears off over time.

• Alkyd paints are much more advanced, unlike the oil version. This paint is very elastic, resistant to water and is distinguished by its durability. It also does not fade in the sun. Dries quite quickly (in just a couple of hours). The only negative is that, like the oil version, it has a pungent odor when painting.

• Acrylic paints are the most suitable option for linoleum. Dries quickly and holds up well mechanical damage. The service life of such paints is very long. One of the nice little things is that the paint composition withstands chemical attack well (especially useful when you need to wash the floor with various means).

As we were able to find out, linoleum can be painted. The approach to paint depends only on the size of your budget. Of course, if it is not large, then oil paints are suitable for you; if it is medium or good, then alkyd and acrylic paints. But practice shows that it is better to pay money once for good material than to spend a lot of money on redoing the work later.

Is linoleum harmful to health?

After everything that we have listed in this article, a specific question creeps in - is linoleum harmful to health? As we found out, linoleum can be made from natural material, or it can be made from PVC and its analogues. The first one, of course, is completely safe.

The second can be harmful to children and adults with allergies. In fact, with proper care, linoleum made from artificial materials will also be safe. Simply, you should not neglect the rules of installation and care of the latter.

Most importantly, remember:

• If you have artificial linoleum, then ventilate the room at least once a day.

• Don't put artificial material in children's rooms and bedrooms.

• Use only specialized detergents.

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 in Moscow there is 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 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 of flax or jute, which was treated with oxidized vegetable oil mixed with balsa wood flour. 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, the sales volumes 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 would be better 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 of artificial types of this coating.
• The 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 a great option coverings for floors in the apartment, if you prefer environmentally friendly housing and are willing to incur 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 basics:

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 wet areas apartments and in places with high intensity of floor surface use (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. Foamed polyvinyl chloride can be applied 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. The number of base layers and 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 a deterioration in 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.
• A wide selection of colors and patterns allows you to better highlight the features of various interiors.
• Affordable price.
• High quality PVC linoleum from the best manufacturers is a non-toxic material, which is confirmed by hygiene 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. For improvement 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 hygienic 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 cross-country ability.

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, has a reliable protective coating and a density that allows it to withstand mechanical stress resulting from kitchen utensils falling on 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 boards 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 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 backing made of polyvinyl chloride or cork (natural backing made of jute or flax is not dense enough to withstand high mechanical loads 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 high-density coatings, 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're talking about 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 are chosen for apartment balconies. It is best to choose the same linoleum as for office spaces with high loads.

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 products for floor finishing.

The brand's enterprise appeared in Russia 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). This brand produces economy-level PVC materials with wear resistance classes 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) - belongs to the middle price category. The brand's catalog contains 6 collections of coatings of classes 23, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 41.

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 flooring 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

The Forbo group of companies has a large number manufacturing enterprises, working 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 contains 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 ease of care.
• 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 various decor in different color shades (it should be noted that the choice, although large, is not as rich as that of competitors).

Grabo also produces special PVC linoleum, including coatings for transport, gyms, as well as bacteriostatic, 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, Utex 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 long time retains an unpleasant odor.
• Linoleum with a textured surface gets dirty quickly and is difficult to clean. To remove contaminants you will need special detergents.
• It is better not to use coatings from budget series for 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 of 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.
• The unpleasant odor persists 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 the smell, the better material, since it contains a minimal amount of harmful substances. Natural or synthetic material High Quality practically no smell. 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. In order for linoleum to last as long as possible and at the same time retain 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 cover large floors with linoleum, it is better to buy material from one batch, since the coating produced in different time, may vary slightly in color shades.

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