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» Good quality household linoleum. How to choose the right linoleum and which one will be better. How to choose the right linoleum for a living room in an apartment

Good quality household linoleum. How to choose the right linoleum and which one will be better. How to choose the right linoleum for a living room in an apartment

The question of how to choose linoleum correctly and quickly undoubtedly arises when it is necessary to change flooring. Manufacturers offer many different floor coverings. However, linoleum has an affordable price and a huge selection of types and colors of this material.

What material characteristics should you pay attention to when purchasing?


What should you pay attention to when buying material? Which linoleum is better? Let's look at these issues in more detail.

The choice of linoleum should be based on the following characteristics:

  • The material must be suitable for the intended room. Different types of linoleum should be selected for the kitchen, bedroom, nursery and hallway;
  • The coating should be selected taking into account the expected load, the number of people living in the house, animals and the traffic flow of a particular room;
  • The material must meet the requirements for it, it must be safe for health. Thermal insulation properties, level of moisture resistance and sound insulation, etc. are taken into account;
  • Linoleum should match the design of the room. The design can be abstract or monochromatic, similar to fabric or wood.

Linoleum can be used not only in an apartment or a private house. Schools, offices, kindergartens and many other institutions can boast of linoleum on the floor.

Keeping the above criteria in mind, each buyer will be able to decide how to choose the right linoleum for the appropriate room.

Types of linoleum


Manufacturers and sellers offer a huge selection of types of material. Among which are natural, synthetic, rubber, polyvinyl chloride and many other types of linoleum. Each has its own pros and cons.

Natural contains wood and cork flour, linseed oil, consists of natural dyes, and jute fabric serves as its base. The advantages of this material include:

  • harmless for people with asthmatic and allergic diseases, excellent for rooms with children;
  • resistant to abrasion and fading in the sun;
  • resists fire;
  • easy to care for.

The disadvantages of linoleum made from natural materials are as follows:

  • deteriorates from moisture, so is not suitable for bathrooms;
  • has a high cost;
  • bends leave creases and are fragile during transportation.

PVC linoleum can be fabric or non-woven. Has a more affordable price.


Pros of PVC linoleum:

  • safe for health and the environment;
  • ease of installation;
  • wide selection of colors;
  • does not undergo rotting processes;

The disadvantages include:

  • low resistance to high temperatures;
  • exposed to chemicals (grease, alkali, solvents);
  • cannot withstand low temperatures.

Synthetic types of material are divided into:

  • Household.
  • For home and apartments. They are characterized by lower cost and shorter service life (about 4-5 years);
  • Commercial. Suitable for offices or premises with high traffic and load. Their service life is the highest (about 20-25 years); Semi-commercial. Can be used either in

public spaces


with low traffic, or for a home with high traffic. They serve from 8 to 20 years.

Comparison of laminate, linoleum and floor tiles Laminate, along with linoleum, is one of the most common materials for flooring. Each material has both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, in each individual situation, you can make a choice according to your preferences. In terms of decorative properties, both materials are not inferior to each other. Each of them has some reservations regarding environmental friendliness and safety. The service life of a laminate is about ten years; how long linoleum will last depends on its type. If

we're talking about

about household items, then linoleum will be inferior. However, this option is suitable for those who like to change the environment and strive for changes in the interior. Let's consider what is cheaper, laminate or linoleum? Why should you choose this or that material? In cases where the main criterion for choosing between these two materials is price, it will be more profitable to purchase PVC linoleum. And here's why: the cheapest laminate will be twice as expensive as cheap linoleum. Materials in the mid-price category will differ by a factor of 2.5. If you choose natural linoleum or material from branded manufacturers of the highest price category, then purchasing a floor covering may cost more than parquet.. Tile is considered the most durable material; this criterion increases its service life. Of course, if a heavy object falls on it, no one guarantees its integrity. However, compared to tiles, linoleum can be damaged even if a fork or knife falls.

The advantages of linoleum are that it is more soft material, so breakable dishes that fall on it can remain intact. An accidental fall of a child will cause him less injury than in a situation with tiles.

Ceramic tile coatings are easier to clean from stains and dirt, while linoleum lags behind in this regard. Laying linoleum is easier, faster and simpler than ceramics. In the absence of floor heating, the tile surface is much colder than in a situation with linoleum. It can be placed in almost any room. But the tiles are not suitable for laying in a bedroom or children's room, but they will be indispensable in the bathroom or in the hallway.

Which is better, linoleum, tiles or laminate? The choice of flooring depends on the room where the floor needs to be improved, financial capabilities and personal preferences.

We select linoleum depending on the room


Let's consider in more detail which one is better to lay linoleum in the kitchen, and which one will be ideal option for a bedroom or living room.

For the kitchen, corridor and hallway, thicker linoleum, about 3 mm, is suitable. These rooms are characterized by the highest traffic. You can use both household and semi-commercial coating options. The best linoleum is PVC with colors and textures reminiscent of ceramic tiles.

More suitable for the living room thin material, the thickness of which will be less than 2 mm. This room has less traffic, so mechanical damage is unlikely here. You can choose good linoleum at a low cost.

A coating with the smallest thickness, about 1.2-1.5 mm, is suitable for the bedroom. The bedroom has the least traffic. Household PVC linoleum on a foam base is perfect.

Let's look at how to choose linoleum for a children's room. This room has average traffic, but there is a risk of mechanical impacts. For a child's room, household PVC linoleum or semi-commercial coating with additional top layer to protect against damage.

Modern linoleum flooring comes in a variety of colors and patterns to suit every taste. Some manufacturers offer coatings that resemble old wood or worn stone. Meet images with geometric shapes and abstractions.

Review and description of popular brands of linoleum

We have found out which linoleum to lay in a certain room, now we will look at what brands of linoleum can be purchased in the store.

Tarkett


Tarkett brand linoleum is the most popular brand in Russia

Tarkett laminate is the most popular brand in Russia. It is produced at factories in Germany, France and Russia. It is characterized by excellent quality, use modern technologies when creating it. Manufacturers claim that it is safe and environmentally friendly. It has high heat and sound insulation characteristics. Resists mechanical stress and abrasion. Characterized by ease of care and installation. Modern linoleum is associated with this brand.

The Tarkett brand offers the widest selection of colors to suit every taste. Among the product range of this company there is even a line of special coatings for transport. It is perfect for river, rail and land transport. For ground vehicles, a coating with a non-woven base with anti-slip properties is offered.

Tarkett is represented by the following lines: Household linoleum, heterogeneous and homogeneous commercial types of linoleum, Pro series, semi-commercial models, special PVC types and coatings for various vehicles.

The cost of Tarkett brand laminate ranges from 300 to 750 rubles. (5-7 euros) per square meter depending on the thickness and strength of the floor covering. Household linoleum can be purchased in some stores for 200 rubles/sq.m. (2-3 euros) Prices from different sellers also vary slightly.

But reviews about Tarkett brand linoleum are very different:

  • Elena: I recently purchased linoleum from the Tobago 2 series. I am not satisfied with the quality. Previously, the floor was covered with commercial linoleum, which lasted 9 years. We did some repairs and chose a new one. It tears easily and is already scratched. I regret the purchase.
  • Maksim : Tarkett linoleum has been pleasing for three years, there are no shortcomings. Purchased today new linoleum for the corridor, there is no unpleasant smell! High-quality linoleum, made of dense material. Does not slip, even if wet, easy to clean! Guests mistake it for laminate.

Sinteros


Linoleum of this brand is produced in Russia. Has excellent performance qualities. It comes in a variety of colors, is easy to install, and is practical to use and care for. Thanks to its affordable price, it is in great demand in Russia. Linoleum can be household, semi-commercial and commercial. This brand belongs to the above-mentioned concern Tarkett.

The price of Sinteros brand linoleum starts from 200 rubles. and reaches 400 rubles/sq.m. (from 2 to 4 euros) The highest price is for commercial coating models.

Here are examples of reviews about the Sinteros brand:

  • Vitaly: two weeks ago I laid semi-commercial linoleum in my room. Satisfied. There is a slight smell, but it is barely noticeable, this is normal. Overall no complaints. The quality is acceptable. Only the price is slightly higher than on websites on the Internet.
  • Michael: I purchased linoleum for the hallway and kitchen. Dissatisfied, terrible smell, the material itself is torn.
  • Julia: We put Sinteros in the hall, I don’t understand why everyone is talking about the chemical smell. I wonder where you purchased this linoleum? There is no smell. The quality is excellent.

Juteks


Linoleum from the company Juteks (Yuteks), the manufacturer of which is Slovenia, has a subsidiary for the production of products in Russia. The coatings are easy to install, do not require special care, have original colors and designs, and can be of various widths. The range is represented by household, commercial and semi-commercial models. Linoleum is manufactured in accordance with quality and safety standards using modern equipment.

Updated: 09/18/2019 22:30:15

Expert: Vladimir Golitsyn


*Review of the best sites according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Linoleum is considered a commonly available floor covering in Russia today. It does not concede its position in the market to laminate, tiles, solid and parquet board. The material is valued by consumers for its reasonable price, ease of installation, big choice colors and designs. In addition, linoleum allows you to save dropped dishes, insulate the floor, and additionally ensure sound insulation of the room. Over the years, the floor covering does not crack, and dirt is easily removed. When choosing linoleum, experts advise taking into account the following criteria.

How to choose the right linoleum

The collection you like should be suitable for the conditions of a particular room. What is good for a hallway is not always suitable for a children's room.

  1. Wear resistance class. Seriously different different series linoleum for wear resistance. If one person lives in an apartment, then you can choose the softest models. But if office employees wear shoes on the floor every day, then preference should be given to the most durable coating. To make it easier to navigate the world of floor coverings, an international classification was invented. For residential premises, material of 21-23 classes is suitable, and in offices, coatings of 31-34 classes are used.
  2. Additional properties. When buying linoleum, some users want to simultaneously receive a number of additional benefits. For example, noise absorption, environmental friendliness, water resistance, dirt-repellent abilities.
  3. Design. With a wide range of textures, patterns and colors, it is important to choose the flooring to suit the design of your room. To someone would be better suited imitation of stone or wood, but in some places a plain canvas will look better.
  4. Thickness. Significantly different in different types linoleum thickness. If the base of the floor is perfectly flat, then you can buy the thinnest material. And to save on leveling the surface, it’s easier to buy flooring with a decent thickness.
  5. Material. Various raw materials are used to make linoleum. IN Lately The leading position is occupied by their PVC products. There are more and more fans of natural flooring material.

Which is better laminate or linoleum

Rating of the best linoleum manufacturing companies

The best PVC linoleum for home and office

The leading position in the market of flooring for home and office is occupied by PVC linoleum. It perfectly combines such qualities as rich collections, wear resistance, and ease of care. Experts have identified several manufacturers of modern material.

The famous company Tarkett specializes in the production of flooring materials. The assortment also includes quality linoleum. The company boasts a 130-year history, a large number of branches in different countries, including in Russia. In stores you can purchase flooring under several brands.

The most expensive is trademark Tarkett. The products are of high quality; the catalog contains 20 different series.

The budget segment is represented by the Sinteros brand. Experts include versatility, durability and practicality as the advantages of the model range.

The combination of reasonable price and good quality is observed in the Polystyl brand. You can choose linoleum to suit any room design.

The manufacturer becomes the winner of our rating.

Advantages

  • huge assortment;
  • durability;
  • easy care;
  • environmental friendliness.

Flaws

Grabo

The Hungarian linoleum manufacturer Grabo also has a rich history. More than 100 years ago, a small company was organized that made oilcloth and tarpaulin. Today, 4 factories operate under one brand; their workshops produce wide range floor coverings. The production chain uses natural materials such as rubber, beeswax, and linseed oil. Thanks to synthetic additives, it is possible to achieve affordable prices and high performance characteristics floor covering.

Experts include high quality, wear resistance, ease of installation and operation as the advantages of Hungarian linoleum. The manufacturer also has disadvantages, for example, in Russia there is a small assortment. Therefore, the company is in second position in the rating.

Advantages

  • high quality;
  • affordable price;
  • wear resistance;
  • ease of installation and care.

Flaws

  • modest assortment;
  • Laying on a heated floor is not allowed.

The French company Gerflor has been creating floor coverings for about 70 years. Distinctive feature linoleum from this European manufacturer is characterized by sophistication and originality of colors. Many collections make even seasoned designers admire them. A variety of textures allows you to choose linoleum to suit the interior of any room. The company focuses on the requirements of European buyers, so domestic users do not have any complaints about the quality of the products.

For production, highly processed materials are used, so that the floor coverings do not pose a danger in the form of toxic chemical compounds. Experts pay attention to the antistatic properties of linoleum, which is important for rooms with sterile cleanliness.

Advantages

  • wear resistance and durability;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • resistance to mechanical deformation;
  • originality of colors and textures.

Flaws

  • high price.

The largest manufacturer of flooring in vinyl based is a South Korean company Alpine Floor. Until recently, the company had to defend its position in the Asian market, but today its products are in demand among Americans, Europeans and Russians. The manufacturer's specialty is quartz-vinyl floors, which have been produced since 2010. The assortment includes different color and texture solutions. Products are sold on domestic market at an affordable price, which is an attractive factor.

User reviews are mostly positive. Among the advantages often mentioned Beautiful design, moisture resistance, ease of installation and operation. Among the disadvantages, there is a lack of guarantee and quality certificates, which does not allow the company to borrow more high place in the ranking.

Advantages

Flaws

  • low-quality products come across.

The Slovenian plant Juteks began its production activities in 1939 with the production of jute fabric. Today the company is one of the world leaders in the field of flooring. To satisfy the needs of Russian consumers, a branch was built in the Vladimir region, where the production of competitive products began in 2009. To expand the range, as well as to improve the quality of production, the Russian plant was modernized.

Main feature soft covering Juteks experts believe polyurethane coating, which increases the service life of linoleum, reliably protects the material from many external factors. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the need to order separate types of linoleum.

Advantages

  • a wide range of;
  • modern design;
  • reliable protective coating;
  • long warranty period (5-10 l).

Flaws

  • not all models are on sale;
  • linoleum gives off an unpleasant odor.

The best natural linoleum

More and more adherents eco-friendly finishing housing is becoming available in Russia. When choosing floor coverings, they give preference to natural linoleum. Here are a few companies that are famous for their safe products.

Forbo

Dutch flooring manufacturer Forbo focuses on the production of natural linoleum. To achieve the assigned tasks, all the concern's factories were modernized, and new linoleum formulations were developed. One of the most popular types of flooring material has become a development called Marmoleum. Since 2012, it began to be produced in the Kaluga region. Among the constituent components are only natural materials(wood flour, pine resin, linseed oil, limestone). The catalog contains collections for home use, for office decoration, retail outlets, industrial facilities.

Users speak flatteringly about environmental friendliness, naturalness and color fastness. The company becomes the winner of our rating.

Advantages

  • environmental friendliness and safety;
  • rich the lineup;
  • dimensional accuracy;
  • long service life.

Flaws

  • high price.

The range of the international concern Armstrong includes both synthetic and natural species linoleum. When producing environmentally friendly flooring, the manufacturer uses only natural raw materials. Finished products Available for sale in rolls of different widths. To create an even and smooth coating, you need to weld the joints. The collection features different color solutions, starting with plain ones and ending with original patterns. The German manufacturer pays a lot of attention to quality control, so cases of purchasing defective products are extremely rare.

Budget types of linoleum are produced by the domestic manufacturer Komitex LIN. The company has been mass-producing products since 2002 in Syktyvkar. The base is made on its own line, and the factory buys the laminated film in China. The products of the Russian company have quality certificates and comply with sanitary and hygienic standards. The buyer is offered a standard set consisting of household, semi-commercial and industrial collections. The manufacturer deservedly becomes the winner of our rating.

Experts and users primarily note the affordable price of linoleum, the resistance of its top layer to moisture and household detergents, and ease of maintenance. The weak point of the product is its short service life and persistent odor.

Advantages

  • affordability;
  • simple installation;
  • easy care;
  • availability of certificates.

Flaws

  • low density;
  • short service life.

Another Russian manufacturer Bazis Astoria was included in the rating of inexpensive linoleums. The main purpose of the flooring material is residential premises of apartments and private houses, where there is no serious mechanical load on the coating. Linoleum has such beneficial properties, as heat and sound insulation, unpretentiousness in operation. Due to the elastic foam, a shock-absorbing base layer is formed, which makes linoleum pleasant to walk on. The company sells different designs, starting with plain options and ending with imitation wood.

Users give high marks to the flooring for its affordable price, beautiful design and softness. But in terms of resistance to deformation, linoleum is inferior to its competitors. In addition, the surface becomes slippery when wet.

Advantages

  • affordable price;
  • beautiful appearance;
  • heat and sound insulation.

Flaws

  • dents form from chairs;
  • moisture must be removed quickly.

Attention! This rating is subjective in nature, does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Linoleum, which is one of the most popular materials for furnishing floors in residential premises, is very widely represented in many trade enterprises, which allows you to decorate the interior in strict accordance with the tastes of each homeowner. Knowing how to choose linoleum correctly, you can choose a version of this universal floor covering that would both suit personal preferences and have excellent performance characteristics.



So, what points should you decide on when choosing linoleum? Let's talk.

The first question: where do we put it?

Since the linoleum options offered for sale differ significantly in their qualities, depending on the installation location, they can be divided into the following groups:

  • for flooring - here it is best to use linoleum made of polyvinyl chloride: the high durability of such a material, the ability to treat it with chemicals - which is especially important when it comes into contact with fats - allows you to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the floor covering. The presence of a protective top layer increases the degree of resistance to mechanical stress and aggressive substances;

  • floor covering in living rooms it is better to produce multilayer linoleum on a foam base: the presence of increased noise and heat insulating properties ensures the preservation required temperature indoors and the absence of extraneous sounds.

The pattern for the kitchen is preferably discreet, but in the rooms you can already select a pattern on the linoleum to suit your taste: floral, “like parquet” - any options in the living room will look great, emphasizing the individuality of the room, its style and the owner’s taste.

Question two: what is the optimal width of the roll and what are its other dimensional characteristics?

When deciding which linoleum to choose for your apartment, you should pay close attention to the width of the roll. The standard sizes are in the range of 1.5-4.0 m with a step of 0.5 m. The material consumption when laying on the floor largely depends on the width, as well as the degree of complexity of cutting and quantity (they still have to be sealed!).

Typically, the length of one sheet of linoleum in a roll is 3 m or more, which allows you to cut a piece of the required length and thereby minimize material consumption during installation.

The thickness of the coating can also vary significantly: from 1.6 to 5.0 mm. The average thickness of linoleum intended for installation in a living room can be considered 2.5 mm.

Binder material - question three

When choosing linoleum that will be installed in rooms with high traffic (corridors, rooms without carpets), you should choose options that are as resistant to abrasion as possible. All types of alkyd linoleum with high levels of heat and sound insulation perfectly retain their original qualities and appearance. However, their low resistance to moisture makes this option not very suitable for the kitchen.

The most resistant to moisture is considered to be linoleum made from PVC. It is represented quite widely on the shelves of trade enterprises. As practice shows, the slightly higher cost of this type of flooring is a direct consequence of its improved qualities.

Color solution

The variety of colors of linoleum pleases the eye, but also makes it difficult to choose. Linoleum with a simple pattern (like parquet, in squares) is the easiest to cut. In this regard, imported production options differ from domestic brands in a positive direction. The convenience of their installation lies in the fact that the pattern on imported linoleums is often applied in such a way that the opposite edges of the roll have a pattern that is a continuation of itself.

The basic rule for choosing a pattern when choosing linoleum is that a large pattern looks most impressive in large rooms, and a small pattern will “play out” in small rooms.

Matching wallpaper and color range floor covering creates a harmonious impression of the room. Therefore, when choosing, it is necessary to take into account the prevailing color in the room.

When deciding which linoleum is best to choose, you should follow the following tips from professionals:

  1. You should buy slightly more linoleum than is required according to the measurements of the room being designed.
  2. The presence of a quality certificate can protect the buyer from low-quality counterfeits that have low hygienic and performance properties.
  3. You can check the quality of the selected type of linoleum in the following way: crush a small sample of it in your hand. In the absence of creases, pronounced cracks and loss of brightness of colors, we can safely say that the product is of high quality.
  4. Selecting coating samples based on foamed PVC will ensure a longer service life of linoleum due to the absence of its contact with the concrete floor slab.
  5. The clarity of the applied pattern and the absence of blur also indicate the high quality of the material.

A rating compiled by experts of the main brands of this flooring will undoubtedly help you guide you when choosing linoleum.

The following video will certainly help you navigate the world of linoleum:

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 laid in areas with moderate traffic, which basically means you can lay it in 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:

  • According to building codes, 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 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 of toxic substances released during a fire. 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 generation is another one important factor. It shows the amount of smoke released during combustion. D1 – practically does not emit smoke when burning. D4 – during combustion it is formed a large number of smoke 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 the 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 ingredients oak bark flour is used, as well as ordinary wood flour. 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.

Various patterns are applied to the PVC on top. 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 flooring 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 become already traditional material for the kitchen, which never ceases 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 natural coating, then 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 physical activity objects pressing on him ( washing machine, sink, etc.), and also, which will withstand exposure to 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, lately there may be a large number of allergy sufferers and linoleum made from natural materials in this case will be best choice from your side.

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 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 the heat will remain 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 what coloring composition should I use to make sure it doesn’t turn out worse?

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

  • Oil paints are the most 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. This paint also needs to 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. Also resistant to fading sun rays. 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 withstands mechanical damage well. 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 big, then they will suit you oil paints, if average or good - then alkyd and acrylic. 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 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.
  • Use only specialized detergents.

Among the variety of modern floor coverings (tiles, laminate, parquet), linoleum remains one of the most popular. First of all, this is explained by its relatively low cost - in comparison with the same laminate, linoleum is several times cheaper. It is also attractive due to its ease of installation and subsequent maintenance.

Manufacturing technology allows you to create a coating of absolutely any color, uniform or with a pattern, matte, glossy, smooth or embossed. The addition of special reinforcing components, as well as the application of additional protective layers of varnish, can extend the service life of linoleum to 10-15 years. That is why this type of flooring continues to be in demand both among owners of private apartments and when arranging public premises.

We have compiled a list of the best linoleum, based on expert assessments and reviews real buyers. Our recommendations will help you make a choice, optimal requirements and desires. There are many competitors in the home goods market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:

  1. Tarkett
  2. Juteks
Commercial Semi-commercial Domestic For heated floors

*Prices are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

Linoleums: Commercial

*from user reviews

Minimum price:

Main advantages
  • This linoleum - best combination excellent performance and modern design. It is dense and thick (4.5 mm thick), looks very beautiful, visually makes the floor perfectly smooth
  • To ensure that the design is preserved as long as possible, and the linoleum itself does not absorb dirt, its surface is coated with glossy varnish (layer thickness 0.35 mm). Protective covering does not crack, does not peel off, impregnates and strengthens the surface layer of the material
  • Linoleum is shock-resistant and does not leave marks from furniture on wheels.
  • The fiberglass base of the coating allows it to maintain its linear dimensions throughout its entire service life, that is, it does not stretch or shrink
  • Linoleum hides floor unevenness and improves sound insulation of the room