At the last stage of repairing the room, the question of choosing a decorative floor covering arises. If there are no special preferences, then you can make your choice in favor of an inexpensive, but fairly durable and popular material - linoleum. But the difficulty is that choosing a quality linoleum for an apartment is not so easy because of the rich assortment.

Linoleum is a decorative material, made in the form of a dense roll coating. Its subdivision occurs depending on the underlying material and the grade of the coating. Let's see how to choose the right linoleum for an apartment, so as not to have to change it after a couple of years.

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

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

PVC linoleum is divided into three types:

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

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

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

Synthetic linoleum is unstable to high temperatures, so when heated, its structure is destroyed and substances harmful to human health are released.

Classes

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

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

Characteristics of household linoleum

Household linoleum is a decorative covering for rooms with small loadings (passability), for example, a bedroom. Such a coating is not intended for transferring high mechanical stresses; therefore, it is very easily deformed and destroyed.

Household linoleum can be of various types:

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

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

How to choose a quality linoleum for the apartment

Not all manufacturers comply with the technology of manufacturing floor coverings. Such linoleum does not meet quality standards and is practically unsuitable for use. He will lose the decorative properties in a couple of years. We will understand,.

Signs of quality material

  1. Smell. Synthetic materials do not have a pronounced smell. Natural linoleum smells like linseed oil, but it cannot be confused with the smell of chemicals with which low-quality linoleum is saturated. A distinct "chemical" smell also indicates that the coating is unsafe for human health.
  2. The surface of the linoleum should not shine like a lacquered finish.
  3. Storage of linoleum should be made in an appropriate climate, since changes in temperature and humidity of the surrounding air have a damaging effect on the coating. Therefore, it is better to buy material in closed stores equipped with climate equipment.
  4. Certified product. Quality linoleum has documents confirming that it has passed the test. They can be requested from the seller. In addition to the documents, special marks are made on the surface itself.
  5. Before purchasing the material, roll up the floor and visually inspect for visible defects: sharp bends, peeling of the protective layer, dents, cracks and abrasions. It is better not to acquire material with defects, even at a reduced price, because they are most likely unavoidable.

Precautions after purchase

  • Linoleum needs to be twisted into a roll, but not folded, because despite its flexibility, it can be deformed.
  • The cover is folded face down. You should also avoid sticking tape on the front surface of the coating.
  • When folding a roll of linoleum, you should consider its size, whether it fits into the car, whether it will pass at the entrance.
  • Buy coverage better with a small margin. After all, to buy a small piece of the same coverage is not always possible.

The choice of color and shade of linoleum

  • If the room is living, warm tones will work very well, however, you should choose shades that are combined with the general interior and furniture. If wood color coating is used, the choice can be made to match the door and the plinths can be selected by color.
  • The color of linoleum for the kitchen and hallway is selected from dark and non-colored shades, but the choice is made in accordance with the interior of the room.
  • The color of the floor for a nursery can be chosen from bright colors and with an interesting structure.
  • In addition to the coloring of linoleum, there is also a structure: longitudinal, transverse and diagonal lines. Each of them creates its own visual effect of increasing the space of the room.

Now you know how to choose high-quality linoleum for the house. It remains only to choose the color and texture of the coating to emphasize the interior of the room.

Video - how to choose linoleum for an apartment in terms of quality and performance class:

It is hard to imagine a less whimsical flooring than linoleum, which can serve for a long time without special care. However, modern repair and construction markets offer such a variety of options for this flooring that choosing the flooring as linoleum for an apartment can simply be confused. Nevertheless, every potential buyer wants to get for themselves the most convenient material at an affordable cost and good quality.

There are enough qualities, each of which will play a dominant role in the choice for a particular buyer. Most often it is the density, color, pattern, width and some technical characteristics of linoleum. Much also depends on which room the flooring purchase is planned for.

In addition, attention should be paid to the base coverage. Thermal insulation, sound insulation and the need for installation of the coating itself will depend on its presence and thickness. Some types of linoleum are so well prepared that they require absolutely no preparation.

Content:

The main types of linoleum and their scope

Speaking about the types of flooring, it should be noted that its classification may occur depending on its purpose, class and thickness. As for the appointment, everything is very clear - you should buy it, depending on which room it is needed for. Linoleum is divided into three types, namely:

  • Domestic
  • Commercial
  • Semi-commercial

The most common form - household, which is used specifically in residential areas. The degree of its durability is minimal, since it is designed specifically for human exploitation for non-production purposes.

The second large group of linoleum is represented by a commercial type, which is used for industrial enterprises. In fact, this is a special type of coating with increased strength. It is erased imperceptibly, because it has a wide layer for wear. It is usually used in trade, medical, educational and other institutions where it will be regularly used.

The third most famous group is the semi-commercial type, which is distinguished by its medium strength class, which is between household and commercial. It can be used in rooms where the permeability is average or slightly above average. Best of all, this type of coating is suitable for an apartment in rooms such as a kitchen, hallway.

Coverage may share depending on the type of material manufacturing. For example, the most common linoleum from natural materials - resin, linseed oil, cork flour and lime. He considers it environmentally friendly, does not cause allergies and at the same time does not require too careful care. Also available are types of synthetic linoleum, such as PVC, made on different bases, rubber, excellent moisture-carrying, colloxylin (without base) and alkyd.

How to choose the right linoleum video

Depending on the structure, it can be divided into homogeneous, heterogeneous, baseless and with the base. The homogeneous type consists of a homogeneous mixture of PVC and dyes. Heterogeneous - has several layers of PVC, as well as fiberglass. As for the other two species, their names speak for themselves. The baseless view does not have any backing from the back, while the main one can have a special lining that adds insulation to the coating.

Classes of linoleum, digital index of wear resistance

Classification of linoleum for durability, indicates which mechanical loads impact on the material, is able to transfer during operation. This indicator depends on the thickness of the material.

Also consider the degree of abrasion of the canvas. That is, how quickly the material loses thickness under certain loads. The degree of abrasion is divided into four main groups, namely:

  1. Group "T" - it includes the most durable types of linoleum, which practically does not wear out. Their maximum abrasion thickness can reach a maximum of 0.08 mm.
  2. Group “P” - it includes very few abrasion models, the abrasion thickness of which can reach up to 0.15 mm.
  3. The “M” group is a model of moderate abrasion, where the figures can go up to 0.3 mm.
  4. Group “F” - strongly abraded species. These are usually inexpensive models, the abrasion rate of which can reach up to 0.6 mm.

However, it should be borne in mind that the class of wear resistance and abrasion is not the same. For example, canvases from the “T” and “M” groups can have the same characteristics.

Asking the question of which linoleum to choose for an apartment, experts recommend knowing the classes of their use, as well as the index of the designation of wear resistance, which we describe below.

First of all, it should be noted that now in our country they use the European system for determining the class of floor material - EN 685, which is an index of two numbers.

The first digit represents the type of room and has three options:

  • 2 - residential premises, houses, etc.
  • 3 - office-type premises, hospitals, kindergartens, etc.
  • 4 - industrial premises, airport, railway stations, concert halls, work shops.

The second figure, characterizes the level of intensity of the load on the linoleum, includes four options:

  • 1 - low intensity.
  • 2 - average intensity.
  • 3 - high enough intensity.
  • 4 - extremely high intensity.

Keep in mind that these classes of linoleum are advisory in nature, and do not mean that you can not buy wear-resistant coating designed for the office. But you need to know that, with an increase in class by one position, the cost of material increases accordingly.

What should be considered when choosing linoleum for an apartment

Usually during the purchase of a covering for a house, attention is paid to its exterior design, as well as to how it will be combined with the rest of the interior design. Often this applies to linoleum. However, you should not make this choice, forgetting that the material should have in addition to the beautiful appearance and other qualities that are important for a comfortable stay.

The endurance class of the flooring is important; therefore, you first need to know for which particular room the material is required. For example, the kitchen requires a higher endurance class than the bedroom, due to the increased load. Often for the kitchen and hallway choose linoleum class 23, which is considered high, while for the bedroom or pantry, you can give preference to class 21.

Since each person cares about his health, not in the last place is the environmental safety of a particular type of coating. Despite the fact that in the modern construction market there are many types of linoleum, it is preferable to give preference to its natural look, since it is considered to be the most environmentally friendly and, as a result, ideal for children's rooms. However, this type of coating is considered very fragile, breaking when bent, as well as expensive.

You should also pay attention directly to the surface of the coating, since linoleum, which is smooth or rough, can be found on the market. Some relief adds a certain highlight in the design, allowing you to imitate the parquet flooring with the right ornament. Sometimes manufacturers apply a lacquer layer to the coating, with which manufacturers provide additional protection.

The thickness of the flooring affects not only its insulating properties, such as heat retention and limiting the penetration of excess sound. The greater the thickness of the coating, the correspondingly, the longer it will not be affected by any deformation. Suppose too thin view is not suitable for use in the dining room, because even the leg of the chair imprints on it a decent trace.

Which linoleum is better for the kitchen and hallway: household or semi-commercial

As a rule, in the apartment there are two rooms that are subject to excessive use. It is there that requires a coating with a maximum layer of strength. The simplest thing you can do on your own when going to the store is to decide on the color of the future coverage, so as not to waste time among the rich selection of the hypermarket.

The first thing to pay attention to when buying linoleum in terms of quality for any room is its smell and appearance. High-quality flooring should not have too sharp smell, otherwise it can be dangerous to health. It is desirable that the floor for the kitchen room or hallway should have at least five layers, the thickness should be about 3 mm.

Please note that, or in the hallway, it is better to choose linoleum of class 23 or 24. However, no one can forbid you to purchase class 31 and 32, which mark coatings for industrial premises. Outwardly, they differ little, but their wear resistance is increased. Be sure to roll the roll before use, because its smooth surface and even layer will speak in favor of this particular type.

It is believed that for the hallway it is desirable to give preference to PVC type linoleum, only it is notable for its increased durability and also does not rot. Since in the hallway often there are situations with high humidity, this feature of this coating is a must.

For the kitchen it is also possible to use PVC coating. However, a simple household option will also come here, provided that it has a foam base. In the presence of a wider budget, you can give preference to a natural type, which will be more practical and qualitative. Another advantage of it is that it can be washed with various means, any contamination will easily and simply leave its surface.

How to choose linoleum for the bedroom and the living room

Buying flooring for different rooms requires the right choice. And this applies not only to those premises that are subject to maximum wear, but also such rooms as a bedroom and a living room, where the permeability is rather low.

Answering the question, which linoleum is better for household or semi-commercial apartment, most potential buyers rely on the purchase of a too thick option for a bedroom. This is the main mistake, since the thickness in this case will have absolutely no meaning. A domestic look with a thickness of about 1.5 mm is quite sufficient for a bedroom.

The basis of a covering for a bedroom can be made foam or from polyester. The level of patency is minimal here, respectively, and too much thickness of the protective layer is also not required. It is enough that it had indicators from 0.15 to 0.2 mm.

Natural material is a good option for the bedroom, as it does not cause allergies and has antimicrobial properties. In addition, it is distinguished by its great durability, which is an option made from PVC material. True, be prepared for the fact that the cost is much higher than the synthetic counterpart.

The permeability of the living room, perhaps a little higher than that of the bedroom. However, there is also no need for too fat option. Linoleum will be sufficient, the thickness of which is no more than two millimeters. In this case, the protective layer should be not less than 0.15 mm, in its role the foam part can act, which will make the floor softer.

What linoleum is better for children

The highest degree of responsibility when choosing linoleum is required if this material is planned to be purchased for the children's room. It is simply necessary that the material is distinguished by the maximum safe qualities, is not harmful to the child's body and is not subject to rapid wear. It is worth considering that this room can be considered a room with sufficient maneuverability and with an increased possibility of mechanical damage.

If you are going to choose linoleum for a child's room, do not forget to ask the seller for a quality certificate that will indicate its safety for health. The ideal option in this regard would be a natural type coating, which does not contain any negative substances, and also has an anti microbial coating.

Those for whom the cost of natural coating seems too high, it is better to stay on PVC type linoleum, the protective layer of which will be at least 0.3 mm. It is advisable to give preference to the foam base, which in turn will add some thermal insulation, which is important for children's games on the floor.

Modern manufacturers of floor material offer their customers quite interesting colors of coatings that will perfectly harmonize with the overall interior of the children's room. Instead of boring colors in the form of parquet or laminate, you can opt for more interesting patterns.

Production of Tarkett linoleum video

Asking a question, what linoleum to choose household or semi-commercial, it is necessary to consider a set of parameters. In particular, the main point is for which room the purchase of flooring is planned.

In this article we will try to dissuade you and suggest which linoleum is better to choose for the apartment. Here will be given the characteristics and descriptions of different types, as well as recommendations for choosing the optimal parameters for certain rooms.

Rumors of linoleum and their debunking

Let's start with the fact that we list all contrived flaws  cover and explain why these concerns are groundless. We deliberately start the article with this information., because, without an understanding of some of the main points, it will be difficult for you to choose, and all the time you will remember all sorts of “buts” that will oppose the purchase.

And it is worth buying linoleum, since it is quite a budget and very practical floor covering. Let's go...

Myth number 1: incredibly unhealthy

Some people are very afraid of the fact that linoleum emits toxic fumes, and believe that it is this coating that excretes them, almost for life and in large quantities.

What can I say? Yes, there is harmful linoleum, but there is also harmful laminate, harmful carpet and even, harmful board, covered with low-quality and cheap varnish. Yes, we'll tell you more. There are harmful wallpapers, paints and stretch ceilings ...

The point here is not at all that it is linoleum, but in the production technology and initial components.

Everybody knows that it’s better not to have a deal with the Chinese: the guys are messy and make production as cheap as possible. As a result, their products contain such amount of phenol, which simply fills the room with an unpleasant, chemical smell. And erode it almost impossible.

Yes, and it is difficult to determine in the store which of the coatings has a smell, and which does not, because there is phenol in the air and it seems that all the coatings are not that ...

Therefore, there is only one way out: look not only at colors and parameters, but also at the manufacturer. Do not take on faith what is written in the store on the price tag, because, in supermarkets, often, not quite correct information is given.

Better write this name on a piece of paper, and at home, on the Internet, already read reviews about it  people who used it. If it has a smell, then you will certainly read about it somewhere, now very many people write to the network and share their tips.

By the way, in the modern market there is completely safe linoleum, environmentally friendly. It is made of natural components, but the price for it, of course, completely negates these advantages.

It is often easier to put a real board on the floor than to buy linoleum without chemicals. Moreover, the selection of flowers there is quite poor. But since it is on sale, it means that someone takes it. The rich have their quirks, as they say.

Myth number 2: only suitable for narrow rooms

The one who did not go to the construction market for a long time, just ironically assured that the cloth of linoleum has not changed and there is a choice of width from 1.5 to 3 meters. This means that ugly joints should be made from plastic or iron bars in a larger room, and no beauty, integrity will come of it.

But, we hasten to please you:  everything is long gone.

Firstly, there are four and five-meter cloths on the market now, but they are certainly far fewer than standard ones. If you do not find the desired colors from wide canvases, do not worry too: no slats are no longer needed.

Secondly, now there is a special welding for linoleum, and the seam is almost imperceptible. The name is, of course, very approximate. In fact, welding is nothing but the usual gluing of seams together, but the composition of the bonding compound is such that it literally dissolves linoleum and splits the pieces together. As a result, the surface comes out whole, and it can not burst at the joint.

Myth number 3: very impractical and short-lived

And here we, too, as in the first block, say: looking what linoleum.

Yes, to this day there are such coatings, on the surface of which the slightest pressure leaves sagging traces, not to mention the traces of heels and other aggressive things. But not all linoleum is like that!

There are incredibly durable floors that will serve you faithfully for decades, without losing their original appearance. But about this moment we speak in more detail below, in a separate block, since the topic of the right choice is extensive.

It is important and the class, and the upper surface and many other things that are worth paying attention to.

We can only say that in 90% of cases, linoleum is based on fiberglass,and this ensures that the canvas does not "sit down" with time and is not deformed, and there is also no reason to fear that it will break from some trifle.

Myth number 4: it is not prestigious and embarrassing

Then yes, if you take the cheapest linoleum, which will be painted in unnatural colors and looks like oilcloth - it is, it looks disgusting, to say the least. But if you choose something more expensive, with a good texture and coloring, without any glossy glare, the look of the floor is pretty decent.

Often, good linoleum is much more spectacular than an inexpensive laminate.  And more practical that the most important thing. The laminate must be monitored: in no case should water droplets fall on it, otherwise it will bulge ... And linoleum is an unpretentious thing, absolutely.

Myth number 5: under the linoleum must be perfectly level the floor

Many believe that linoleum requires too careful alignment of the screed, and it is expensive and, like, in this case, the game is not worth the candle. On the coating you will save, but on the screed - you will lose. Is it not easier then to take carpet or laminate?

Not easier, because it is necessary to level the floor under any surface, especially under the laminate! If linoleum can withstand small irregularities, then the laminate is definitely not, and over time, board locks will disperse in places of small dimples ... Under the carpet, however, you can not even equal, if we are talking about a carpet with high pile. But after all, care for him more difficult.

Try to lay a soft covering in the house where children are present. Yes, in a year they will turn the once-pretty floor into something messy ... And to launder it is simply unreal with its own strength.

Here, in general, is the whole list of common prejudices, which simply do not allow customers to the stands with linoleum. As you can see, there is definitely no reason for categorical judgments, and the whole thing is in the quality of the material itself.

What classes does he have?

Now let's get to the specifics. In this block, you will learn what linoleum is and how, in fact, to choose it.

Linoleum is of several classeshere they are:

1st grade The most short-lived, but also the most inexpensive.Designed for areas with a very small cross and, on such a coating, it is desirable not to walk in heels. It would be ideal if a rug was laid on the places of greatest trampling (for example, by the bed, if there is such linoleum in the bedroom).
2nd grade This look is already stronger, and, by and large, suitable for all living spaces.  But its service life is small, about seven years, and it should also be treated with care.
3rd grade Commercial linoleum,  very strong, durable, not afraid of heels and moving furniture. One problem, with colors in this class - rather weak. As a rule, commercial linoleum is neutral in color, solid and not very bright. For example, gray and blue coatings are popular.
4th grade Industrial.Very durable linoleum, not afraid, almost nothing. But, as in the previous case, this class cannot boast of original colors

In addition to these classes, there are varieties of linoleum on the materials of manufacture, which are also necessary to know in order to make the right choice. But we will talk about them in a separate block, and now we will consider which class is suitable for specific rooms.

So what do we have? Or very durable coatings  but not distinguished by originality colors, or beautiful, stylish, but their service life is not so great.

In our opinion, there is no point in pursuing excessive strength, since third-class linoleum, under certain conditions, can please you not ten years, but much more.

The most versatile option is linoleum 3rd class.

In general, it is very good when the floor covering for the whole apartment goes   one color.Therefore, sometimes talking about classes of linoleum for rooms - it makes no sense. In fact, you won’t cover the kitchen with one color, and the corridor is another, because how less is it going through and, therefore, can we take linoleum cheaper?

Now let's talk about the materials of which make linoleum.

What material?

PVC

The most common linoleum, it is made of PVC, that is, polyvinyl chloride. Do not be afraid of this terrible word, there is nothing harmful in it, provided that the product is issued by a decent company and does not have a sharp, unpleasant smell.

This is a good choice, as PVC is a practical material. Naturally, it is not eternal, and it must be protected. He is afraid of fire, it is impossible to put hot pans on it (absurdly, but the same children may even think of such a thing), he does not "love" shoes with heels ...

As for the rest, this is a problem-free and easy-care coating.

Natural linoleum

Absolutely environmentally friendly, suitable for kids and allergy sufferers. Made of jute, wood flour, natural resin. There are a lot of colors and, as a rule, they look very natural and expensive.

But he is very expensive, this is one thing, and the second is that he is afraid of moisture. Therefore, if we are talking about a children's room, then this is not the best choice, since children can pour out water often and thickly. Due to this, the coating will look sloppy and covered with indelible stains.

Glyphthalic linoleum

This is linoleum from alkyd resin, which is applied to the fabric base.

Its advantages are that it is sufficiently durable and wear-resistant, but at the same time fragile, and before you spread it, the roll should be laid in a warm room (especially if you bought it in the winter, and it froze during delivery ). If you spread it at once, the likelihood of cracks is high.

Kolloksilinovy

This linoleum without any basis at all, there is neither fabric nor rubber below. Made from cellulose and, in general, it is also quite environmentally friendly material. But, unlike purely natural linoleum, this coating is not afraid of water.

In care, it is unpretentious and in terms of properties is not inferior to PVC. The only bad thing is that such coverage in supermarkets is rare, and ordering such a thing through the Internet is a big risk.

At one of the forums we read a review: there a woman complained that she acquired one color, and sent another. In general, we do not recommend doing so. This is exactly the product that you need to see and touch before you buy ...

Relin

It is not even linoleum, but rather a rubber coating. Very durable, comfortable, has good sound insulation properties. But, if we are talking about an apartment, it is not recommended to lay such linoleum, since it still has harmful fumes that do not erode for a very long time.

Yes, it is durable against bursting, and the only place where it can and should be adapted is the vestibule in which you take off your shoes. Not a corridor, but rather a vestibule in which people are located in a matter of minutes. And the price he loyal, by the way.

What company is better to choose linoleum?

And finally, let's touch on the topic of manufacturers. Naturally, the ideal option - European manufacturers, but the price of such a coating "bites", compared with domestic or Chinese factories.

It makes no sense to list the names of firms, since they are expanding every day, and you will not follow all of them simply.

The only thing that can be said is that European linoleum is better than domestic, and domestic linoleum is better than Chinese.

That is, see for yourself, think for yourself, but be sure to pay attention to the smell!

As we wrote above, it is advisable to first look at the linoleum, then read real reviews about it and only then give the command to the sellers: "Cut!"

In conclusion, what else can I say? We have told you all the possible nuances, and you will now be quite savvy when you come to the store. You now know which material is better in quality, which width, which thickness lino is, and which size is the most optimal.

In middle-income people, linoleum has always enjoyed a well-deserved popularity: the cost of this coating is not as high as carpet or parquet, the service life is sufficient, and you can easily find linoleum of any structure and color. The coating is durable and durable, and therefore suitable for almost all apartments.

However, there are many important little things to consider when buying linoleum. How to choose linoleum for an apartment? To do this, you must comply with certain conditions.

  1. Linoleum always needs a little more than room space. At the same time, the width of the canvas should coincide with the width of the room itself - the junction of two canvases in the middle of the room looks ugly.
  2. Inspect the linoleum for the presence of marriage: if it has irregularities, bumps or peeling on the floor, then linoleum is defective.
  3. If in different rooms you are going to lay the same linoleum, then purchase it at once in one cloth.
  4. Inside the roll of linoleum from polyurethane there must be a reel.
  5. A roll of linoleum is folded face down. Also, linoleum can not be bent or folded in half.
  6. Do not buy linoleum without a thick top sheeting.
  7. Cover samples should be looked at where you decide to put it. To find the right shade in the store is almost impossible.
  8. Do not purchase linoleum from two different batches. The coating is always a little different in color.
  9. A strong odor indicates that harmful additives are part of linoleum.
  10. Quality linoleum meets safety standards, has a label and hygienic certificate.

Linoleum selection criteria

To decide on the choice of linoleum for your apartment, read the basic criteria for the purchase of this coating:

  • Linoleum must comply with its purpose.
  • Linoleum must withstand the load according to the number of residents and the passage of the place.
  • Linoleum must be antistatic, moisture resistant, have good thermal insulation, absorb noise and have antibacterial properties.
  • Linoleum should be in harmony with the overall design of the apartment.

Given all these criteria, you can easily choose linoleum for your apartment.

Types and properties of linoleum

Today, the buyer can choose among a huge variety of natural and synthetic linoleums. We offer to get acquainted with all the advantages and disadvantages of each type of linoleum.

1. Natural linoleum

Natural linoleum is made from cork or wood flour, pine resin, linseed oil, limestone and natural dyes, and its base consists of jute fabric. Since this linoleum is made from natural materials, such a coating can be placed in a room for children and people suffering from allergic and respiratory diseases.

Natural linoleum is an excellent solution for an apartment

Advantages of natural linoleum:

  • it is resistant to wear;
  • it is an environmentally friendly material;
  • it does not fade in the sun
  • it does not change its color and structure over time;
  • has antibacterial properties;
  • does not support burning at all;
  • easy to care for;
  • has a variety of colors.

Cons of natural linoleum:

  • quite fragile;
  • in rooms with high humidity it is undesirable to use it;
  • it is quite expensive.

2. PVC linoleum (polyvinyl chloride)

PVC linoleum has a fabric or non-woven insulating base. The coating can be both single-layered and multi-layered. The price of PVC linoleum is available to almost everyone.

Advantages of PVC linoleum:

  • possesses low heat conductivity;
  • has pronounced dielectric properties;
  • ecologically safe;
  • it is not subject to rotting;
  • possesses a wide palette of patterns and shades;
  • easy to lay.

The disadvantages of PVC linoleum:

  • sensitive to high temperatures;
  • unstable to chemical solvents, alkalis and fats;
  • since at low temperature its elasticity decreases, it can crack.

3. Alkyd linoleum (glyptal)

This linoleum is made by applying alkyd resin on a fabric base.

The advantages of alkyd linoleum:

  • increased heat and sound insulation qualities.

Alkyd linoleum in the apartment

Disadvantages of alkyd linoleum:

  • fragility and complexity of installation,
  • tendency to fractures and cracks.

Before laying, alkyd linoleum must be kept in a warm room to avoid its deformation.

4. Colloxylin linoleum

The basis for this linoleum is nitrocellulose. Usually he has no basis.

Advantages of colloxylin linoleum:

  • moisture resistance;
  • elasticity;
  • fire safety;
  • decorative shine.

Disadvantages of colloxylin linoleum:

  • it has a tendency to shrink;
  • sensitive to temperature changes.

Colloxylin linoleum - sensitive to temperature extremes

5. Linoleum-relain

This is a two-layer linoleum. The lining layer consists of shredded rubber and bitumen, and the face layer is made by mixing rubber, pigment and filler.

Benefits of Relino linoleum:

  • elastic;
  • does not slip;
  • moisture resistant

Disadvantages of Relino linoleum:

  • high thermal conductivity;
  • contains harmful substances, therefore not suitable for living rooms.


The choice of linoleum, depending on the labeling

Linoleum is labeled for indoor use.

The first digit indicates the permeability:

  • premises with minimum maneuverability - 1;
  • living room - 2;
  • office - 3;
  • production facility - 4.

The second number indicates the estimated load:

  • the lowest is 1;
  • low - 2;
  • medium - 3
  • high - 4.

Table: Graphic Marking for Linoleum

Thus, linoleum class 21 is required in the bedroom or study. Linoleum 23 and 24 can be laid in the kitchen or in the hallway, and even better - in the class of 31–33.

Linoleum class mark

In addition, you can choose linoleum, assessing the quality of the surface on which the linoleum will be laid. The smoother the surface, the thinner linoleum can be laid.

Choosing the colors of your linoleum

Linoleum attracts buyers boundless palette of designs and colors. Modern natural linoleum has bright and rich colors that do not fade even with time. Synthetic linoleum imitates stone, wood and ceramic tiles very reliably. Linoleum is very popular today, imitating expensive parquet and floorboard.

The choice always depends on the personal taste of the person. Unusual people are offered fancy decors of unusual colors. Experiment lovers will be delighted with original geometric and abstract drawings.


Linoleum drawings

Here are a few rules that will help you choose the best color for your linoleum.

  • When choosing a combination of colors of the floor, furniture and walls, it is advisable to select everything in cold or warm colors. To combine contrasting colors, too, must be very carefully.
  • Of great importance is the illumination of the room. For example, dark linoleum under oak parquet does not fit a small room with subdued lighting.
  • The traditional solution for the kitchen, hallway and corridor - linoleum under ceramic tile.
  • In a small apartment you need to visually expand the area. For this ideal small contrast pattern of linoleum.
  • The coloring of linoleum should fit into the overall style of the room.

We hope that the tips on choosing linoleum will help you make the right purchase.