When you come to the store, you will see a huge variety of types of this material. Before making a choice, it is better to familiarize yourself with the disadvantages and advantages of existing options in advance:

Natural coating. It is made from cork and wood flour, flax oil, pine resin, fine lime, natural dyes, and the base is jute fabric.

Attention! This type of coating is suitable for apartments where asthmatics or allergy sufferers live.

The advantages include

• does not fade or change its structure;
• has a dense structure and does not wear out over time;
• due to its bactericidal properties, it does not harbor fungi and other microorganisms;
• does not burn or smolder;
• has a wide range of color characteristics.

The disadvantages are:

• You need to work with this material carefully, it is quite fragile. It should not be bent, as cracks will appear, or thrown during transportation;
• It is undesirable to use in rooms with high humidity: toilets, bathrooms;
• relatively expensive coating.

PVC linoleum. The basis of such a coating is heat-insulating fabric or non-woven material. It can be either single-layer or multi-layer. According to their purpose, the following types can be distinguished:

1. For household (home) use. Thin, inexpensive, shelf life 3-5 years.
2. Commercial: for high traffic areas. Durable, thick, wear-resistant, service life - 20 years.
3. An intermediate option is semi-commercial linoleum. Optimal view for offices and apartments with average traffic. Warranty period operation – 7-20 years.

PVC linoleum has a lot of advantages:

• low thermal conductivity and dielectric properties;
• environmentally friendly;
• does not rot over time;
• easy to install;
• a wide variety of colors and textures.

But there are also a number of disadvantages:

• cannot withstand high temperatures;
• unstable to chemicals active substances: alkalis, solvents;
• with a sharp drop in temperature, it loses its elasticity and begins to crack.

Alkyd. The fabric base of this material is coated with a layer of alkyd resin. It has increased heat and sound insulation properties, but is quite fragile and difficult to install.

Attention! Before laying, alkyd linoleum must be kept in a warm room, otherwise it may become deformed.

Colloxin coating. Warp of this material– nitrocellulose. Most often produced without a base. It is fireproof, has a beautiful shine, is moisture resistant, but very often shrinks and is susceptible to temperature changes.

Two-layer linoleum-relin. The front layer is a mixture of rubber, coloring pigment and filler, and the bottom layer is old crushed rubber with bitumen. It contains harmful volatile compounds and is therefore not recommended for use in residential areas.

Choosing linoleum for living rooms

• The living room is a room with average traffic, so it is enough to choose a coating with a top layer thickness of 1.3 mm, and a bottom layer thickness of 0.15-0.2 mm. Because the possibility of abrasion is small enough, then you can stop at inexpensive form, based on polyester or PVC.

Advice! Choose one color scheme, which will look contrasting against the background of wallpaper and furniture. It is better to choose a white coating if there are no animals or kids in the house.

• Bedroom. This room has low traffic, so you can buy material with a total thickness of 1.2-1.5 mm. Linoleum made of foamed PVC or polyester is suitable.
• For a children's room, you need to choose linoleum suitable for rooms with medium and high traffic, resistant to abrasion, with a thickness of at least 3 mm. For example, a foam-based material with a protective layer 0.25 mm thick.

Which linoleum to choose for non-residential rooms

• Hallway. Here you need to take into account that a lot of people pass through this room, so purchase a semi-commercial type of material with a total thickness of 3 mm and a protective layer of 0.25 mm.
• Unglazed balcony, unheated loggia, open terraces or verandas. In such rooms, any linoleum will last less than its lifespan, because... exposed to moisture, sudden change temperatures, direct sunlight.

• Kitchen. This is the room in the apartment, the second most visited after the hallway. For the kitchen, buy thick household linoleum based on PVC or semi-commercial, but it will cost more. The main rule is that it is wear-resistant and has antimicrobial properties. Linoleum with imitation tiles will fit best into the kitchen interior: it will suit any design and visually expand the room.

Popular linoleum manufacturers

Based on consumer reviews, the top five brands were compiled:

French manufacturer Gerflor. On the market for over 70 years. The products meet all regulatory conditions for residential and public premises (schools, hotels, airports). The most advanced technology achievements in this field are used in production. The quality of production is monitored by a scientific center, constantly monitoring all samples and checking it against the standards.

Hungarian company Grabo. It produces linoleum based on special fiberglass, which is durable and wear-resistant. In addition, this material has high resistance to deformation, noise and heat insulation. Most brands of Grabo linoleum consist of 3 layers:

• non-woven fiberglass acting as a stabilizer;
• protective polyurethane, giving strength and elasticity;
• polyvinyl chloride on which the pattern is applied.

The Slovenian company Juteks has been producing high-quality flooring for over 70 years. The main direction is PVC-based linoleum with a protective PU coating. This layer protects the material from dirt, sun, and moisture, allowing it to prolong its service life.

The international concern Armstrong produces coatings of increased strength and wear resistance with a wide selection color solutions and at a reasonable price.

The Russian company Tarkett uses the most advanced technologies to produce its products. Today they produce more than 8 collections of linoleum, each of which has 60 design options.

• Pay attention to the backing. The denser it is, the better it resists pressure. Heavy rolls – talk about quality material. But to be sure, press on the base; it should “spring” and not be pressed through.

Advice! The foam backing retains heat well in the room, increases sound insulation, and hides minor unevenness in the floor. The felt base resists pressure better and does not leave marks from furniture, heels and other objects.

• It is advisable that linoleum for the kitchen have a varnish coating, then it is easier to care for.
• If there is a lightning symbol on the linoleum marking, this means that it does not accumulate static electricity.
• Buy material that has a picture of a wheel on it. This means that furniture on wheels can be rolled over such a surface.
• If you plan to install a heated floor in the room, then take the linoleum that has the “warm floor” sign on it.
• The presence of a pungent odor indicates low quality and use in production harmful substances, it is better not to purchase such material.
• The width of the linoleum should match the width of the room.
• Ask the seller about the availability of a hygiene certificate.
• You cannot fold the material in half, stick tape to the top layer, or roll the roll with the front side out.
• Purchase all the material from one batch, because... Different batches may vary slightly in color.

Flooring is an important component of renovation. Therefore, you should carefully choose, study all the recommendations and finally consult with the sellers, especially if you still have doubts.

How to choose linoleum: video

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?

On modern 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 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. began to appear on its surface various drawings and patterns.

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.

However, the emergence of demand for natural products made it possible to revive the traditions of producing natural material, 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.
• This option natural coating It is better not to use it for arranging floors in cold rooms, as it has low elasticity.
• The options for patterns and colors of natural linoleum are not as diverse as those artificial species this coating.
• New natural linoleum has a specific smell that will remain in the apartment for some time after laying the covering.

To summarize, it can be noted that natural linoleum will be an excellent option for flooring in an apartment if you prefer eco-friendly housing and are ready 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 of bases:

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

Some manufacturers offer linoleum that combines several types of bases described above. Such coatings are called heterogeneous. Accordingly, linoleum with one base is called homogeneous. 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 the best manufacturers is a non-toxic material, which is confirmed by hygienic certificates.

Polyvinyl chloride linoleum also has its own flaws:

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

Alkyd linoleum

Another name for this coating is glyphthalic linoleum. It is produced on a fabric basis with application on special technology modified resins (alkyd or glyphthalic). 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. Bottom layer made from recycled rubber, and the upper from artificial rubber with the addition of 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 areas. Laying such a coating in an apartment is undesirable, as it releases substances harmful to health.

Nitrocellulose (colloxylin) linoleum

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

Which class of linoleum is best for an apartment?

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

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

• 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 from 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, data regarding the characteristics of the material are printed on the back of the coating along with the manufacturer’s logo.

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

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

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

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

Linoleum for the corridor and hallway in the apartment

The most trafficked places in the apartment are the corridor and hallway. Therefore, when choosing linoleum for such premises, it is better to first 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 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 flooring in the hallway, it is better to use a polyvinyl chloride or cork underlay (natural underlay made from 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 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 exposure to ultraviolet rays and high humidity. As a rule, moisture-resistant, frost-resistant and anti-slip coatings. It is best to choose the same linoleum as for office 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 floor finishing products.

The brand's enterprise appeared in Russia in 1995 (Otradny, Samara Region). Issued here PVC coating. In addition, on domestic market Products manufactured by the Tarkett concern at Eastern European factories are supplied. 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) – refers to medium price category. The brand's catalog contains 6 collections of coatings of classes 23, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 41.

Advantages linoleum for Tarkett apartments:

• 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.
• Best choice design and color options 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 this brand’s floor coverings is confirmed by various evidence, including documents
• Good information support.
• Simple installation and low maintenance.
• Availability of offers in different price segments.
• The service life, depending on the type of linoleum, ranges from 7 to 50 years.

Flaws:

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

Forbo

Forbo group of companies has 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 presents coatings of all classes in various forms. In our country, Forbo production facilities were launched in 2012 in the Kaluga region.

Advantages Forbo linoleum:

• This brand produces natural and environmentally friendly products.
• The manufacturer's line includes roll 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 a variety of decor in different color shades (it should be noted that, although the choice is large, it is not as rich as that of competitors).

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

Advantages linoleum Grabo:

• The high degree of 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 European standards safety and health requirements according to CE.
• 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 performance 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 textured surface gets dirty quickly and is difficult to clean. To remove contaminants you will need special detergents.
• It is better not to use coatings from budget series for heated floors.

Komitex LIN

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

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

Advantages Komitex LIN products:

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

Flaws:

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

1. The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing linoleum for an apartment is the smell of the material. The less 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, for accurate calculation 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 in a store environment quality characteristics material.
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 of 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 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 times, may vary slightly in color shades.

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Linoleum has been used as a floor covering for hundreds of years. Many years ago, it was based exclusively on natural components: resins, linens and oils. Even the word linoleum itself contains two Latin concepts: linum - flax seed and oleum - olive oil. The variety of modern coating types is impressive in its scope. However, this material has some “disadvantages”: poor resistance to frost and sunlight, specific smell. Which linoleum to choose? We'll talk about this further.

Choosing linoleum for an apartment

What linoleum is optimal for an apartment?

For an apartment you need to select linoleum with a layer thickness of 2 - 2.5 mm.

The cleanest linoleum from an environmental point of view is marmoleum. It does not accumulate static electricity, is wear-resistant, durable, and retains paint for a long time over time. Bacteria do not multiply on it, so it will be appropriate in children's and teenage rooms and in places where people with asthma live. Since natural linoleum is very fragile and hard, it requires skill in installation. There is linoleum made from synthetic materials; for an apartment it will be the most justified solution. Linoleum based on synthetic components is made from PVC.

There are 3 types of linoleum:

1. Classic - has a base made of felt, polyester or jute fiber. The width is one and a half to two meters.
2. Foamed vinyl - the material in rolls is soft and highly durable, one and a half to four meters wide.
3. Duplicated - has a vinyl composition on a non-woven base.

What criteria should be used to select this floor covering?

Linoleum is a durable, practical and inexpensive material.

Criteria for determining suitable linoleum:

• suitability for its purpose (for the hallway, bathroom, bedroom, nursery and other rooms);
• to what extent it can withstand the existing loads on the floor (the number of residents in the apartment and the traffic flow of the place influence it);
• to what extent do the qualities declared by the manufacturer correspond? regulatory requirements such floor covering (moisture resistance, noise absorption and thermal insulation, antistatic, hygienic);
• how well it will fit into the design of the room (it can be with patterns, plain or imitating the natural texture of wood, stone, tiles, fabric, etc.)

Knowing the markings will help you avoid operational problems.

It’s worth studying the labeling before purchasing, if only so as not to make a mistake with your choice. All coating classifications comply with the current European system.

The marking has a two-digit designation, in which the first digit indicates the type of room where it is permissible to use linoleum.

For example, 2 – residential, 3 – offices, 4 – industrial premises. The number that follows the first indicates the planned loads in the range from 1 (low) to 4 (high). Let us demonstrate specific examples of choosing a coating in accordance with its brand:

• It is advisable to lay the 21st class covering in a study or bedroom;
• linoleum of 23, 24 classes can be purchased for a family of 5 people, for the kitchen or hallway; here you can consider the option of 31-33 classes - everything will depend on the specific situation.

Floor coverings are also classified based on the presence or absence of a base:

1. Linoleum without a base - thin (1.2 - 1.6 mm), single-layer, pattern throughout the entire thickness. This type of coating is relatively inexpensive and is most suitable for areas with high levels of humidity and pollution. Therefore, its destiny is to cover the floor in the kitchen or bathroom. The period of use is from 5 to 7 years. Sometimes you can find baseless linoleum with a protective layer on the surface, which increases its resistance to abrasion.
2. Linoleum with a foam base. Produced in thicknesses of 2 – 3.5 mm. Its design is more complex, compared to the first type, and has more than one layer. Service life – 10 years. Used in places with a high degree of pollution that require frequent wet cleaning(in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways).
3. Linoleum with warm base. It has a polymer layer of up to one and a half millimeters with a uniform or printed pattern throughout the entire volume. This layer is glued onto a base of felt or jute (artificial or natural). The total layers can reach 5 mm. Coatings from this group retain heat well, are soft and at the same time elastic. Their purpose is any room with low humidity. They have one feature - a slight expansion during the period of operation, when they are “trampled down”. Therefore, when linoleum of this group is laid, a small gap (about 0.5 cm) is left between the wall surface and the material.

What technical characteristics should you pay attention to?

Linoleum can dampen sound from impact loads.

Close attention should be paid to:

• thickness;
• resistance to pressure and abrasion;
• waterproof;
• non-flammability;
• sound and heat insulation properties;
• color;
• antistatic qualities;
• immunity to chemical compounds.

The most important requirement for linoleum is the degree of its wear resistance. And for residential premises this degree should be quite high. In other words, for an apartment you should select linoleum with a layer thickness of 2 - 2.5 mm. Using a coating thicker than 3 mm in an apartment space does not make sense.

How not to get confused in the variety of types of coating?

Laying linoleum should only be done on a perfectly flat base.

Multilayer coatings are considered universal in use. Their base is fiberglass. On the front side it is impregnated with PVC paste. A layer of “canvas” PVC of a different composition is applied to the latter. A design is applied to its surface using large engraved printing cylinders. 6 colors are used. A translucent layer of high-strength PVC (0.15 mm thick) finally secures the design. A backing is attached to the fiberglass base from the inside out. It comes in jute, polyester, fabric and PVC foam. The best is considered to be a foam substrate, which has the same thermal expansion parameters as outer layer. This makes it possible for the coating not to deform when heated. A coating is considered to be of higher quality if its substrate is applied mechanically rather than chemically.

Independent opinion on the best linoleum

For your home, you should choose a durable coating. Especially if there are small children or animals in it. This is understandable. But how to determine the strength of a material? It's very easy to do. You need to conduct your own investigation. To do this, you will need a piece of the coating that you are going to buy, so it must be obtained for personal use (you can ask in the store). You will have to conduct a small experiment with this piece to identify the “pros” and “cons” of this coating from your personal experience.

What should be done?

You can bend it, scratch it, try to tear it. That is, check for resistance to mechanical stress. A good coating does not tear, leave dents, crack or break. For example, try to tear the material with your hands, like tearing paper: do this good coverage won't allow it. Checking for folding should reveal the following: a small crease that forms when the edge of a piece is folded should straighten out on its own (if, of course, the material is of high quality). There should be no cracks or breaks. Scratching one piece at a time should also not leave any visible marks (let alone deep scratches).

Apply what you have learned. And good luck with your choice!

Linoleum for the home is a fairly democratic, publicly available material. It has been used as a practical floor covering for over a hundred years. What explains its continued popularity? It has a relatively low price, is easy to install, and is available in many options. In addition, it is comfortable to use: soft and springy underfoot. At the same time, the coating has the necessary strength - it does not tear, crack, or swell from water, like laminate. The modern consumer has the opportunity to choose from numerous types offered by the market. Smart choice good linoleum will be the key to his successful and long service. So how to choose and lay linoleum at home correctly, what should you pay attention to so that the linoleum serves faithfully for its intended time? Let's figure it out together.

• Thickness from 0.15 to 3 millimeters.
• Weight 1.25 - 2.25 kg per square meter.
• It must have such elasticity and flexibility that it does not break or crack when wound on a standard rod d 45 mm.
• The water absorption rate is no more than 1.5%.
• Indicators and - from 13-18 dB.
• Shrinkage during use should not exceed 0.2 mm per meter.

Semi-commercial linoleum

This is linoleum from 31 to 34 classes, which is usually used in typical office spaces and service areas.

It has the following characteristics:

• Specific gravity from 1.6 to 2.5 kg per square meter.
• Flexibility and elasticity should allow it to be wound onto a rod with d from 10 to 40 mm without damage.
• Shrinkage during use is no more than 0.1 mm per meter.
• The sound absorption rate is from 12-16 dB.
• Operated from 7 to 20 years.

It is advisable to use such a semi-commercial coating as a household coating in places with increased load - hallway, kitchen, etc.

Commercial linoleum

Belongs to classes 41-43. It is used as a floor covering in rooms where the floor bears a particularly high load, and where there is active movement of people and even equipment. It is equipped with a special reinforcing layer, has minimal shrinkage, and has a service life of up to 25 years. The combination of the high price of such material with technical characteristics that are not required for ordinary residential apartments makes its use at home impractical.

It's hard to imagine a less demanding flooring than linoleum, which can last for a long time without special care. However, modern renovation and construction markets offer such diverse options for this flooring that when choosing a floor covering like linoleum for an apartment, you can simply get confused. However, every potential buyer wants to get the most convenient material for themselves at an affordable cost and of good quality.

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

In addition, you should pay attention to the base of the coating. 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 do not require any preparation at all.

Content:

Main types of linoleum and areas of their application

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

• Domestic
• Commercial
• Semi-commercial

The most common type is household, which is used specifically in residential premises. The degree of its resistance is minimal, since it is intended specifically for human use for non-production purposes.

The second large group of linoleum is represented by a commercial type, which is used for industrial enterprises. Essentially, this is a special type of coating with increased strength. It washes unnoticed because it has a wide wear layer. Typically used in retail, medical, educational and other institutions where it will be used regularly.

The third most famous group is the semi-commercial type, which is characterized by an average strength class, located between household and commercial. It can be used in rooms where traffic is average or slightly above average. This type of coating is best suited for apartments in rooms such as a kitchen or hallway.

The coating can be divided depending on the type of material manufactured. For example, the most common linoleum is made from natural materials - resin, linseed oil, cork flour and lime. He considers it environmentally friendly, not causing allergies and at the same time not requiring too much care. In addition, types of synthetic linoleum are available, such as PVC, made on different bases, rubber, which tolerates moisture well, 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 a base. The homogeneous type consists of a homogeneous mixture of PVC and dyes. Heterogeneous - contains several layers of PVC, as well as fiberglass. As for the other two species, their names speak for themselves. The baseless type does not have any backing on the reverse side, while the main one may have a special lining that adds thermal insulation properties to the coating.

Classes of linoleum application, digital wear resistance index

The classification of linoleum by wear resistance indicates what mechanical loads the material can withstand during operation. This indicator depends on the thickness of the material.

It is also worth considering the degree of abrasion of the fabric. 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” - this includes the most durable types of linoleum, which practically do not wear out. Their maximum abrasion thickness can reach a maximum of 0.08mm.
2. Group “P” - this includes very low abrasion models, the abrasion thickness of which can reach up to 0.15 mm.
3. Group “M” are models of moderate abrasion, where indicators can reach up to 0.3 mm.
4. Group “F” - highly abraded types. Usually this inexpensive models, the abrasion rate of which can reach up to 0.6 mm.

However, please note that wear resistance and abrasion resistance are not the same. For example, canvases from the “T” and “M” groups may have the same characteristics.

When wondering which linoleum to choose for an apartment, experts recommend knowing the classes of their use, as well as the wear resistance designation index, which we will discuss below.

First of all, it is worth noting that our country now uses the European class determination system flooring material- EN 685, which is an index of two numbers.

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

• 2 - living quarters, houses, etc.
• 3 - office premises, hospitals, kindergartens, etc.
• 4 - production premises, airport, train stations, concert halls, workshops.

The second number characterizes the level of load intensity on the linoleum and includes four options:

• 1 - low intensity.
• 2 - medium intensity.
• 3 - fairly high intensity.
• 4 - extremely high intensity.

Keep in mind that these linoleum grades are recommendations and do not mean that you cannot buy wear-resistant flooring intended for the office. But you need to know that as the class increases by one position, the cost of the material increases accordingly.

What to consider when choosing linoleum for an apartment

Usually, when purchasing a covering for a home, they pay attention to its external design, as well as how it will fit with the rest of the interior design. This often applies to linoleum. However, you should not make this choice, forgetting that the material must have, in addition to a beautiful appearance, other qualities that are important for comfortable living.

The endurance class of the flooring is important; therefore, it is necessary to initially know for which specific room the material is required. Let's say the kitchen requires a higher endurance class than the bedroom due to the increased load. Often, class 23 linoleum, which is considered high, is chosen for the kitchen and hallway, while class 21 may be preferred for the bedroom or pantry.

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

It is also worth paying attention directly to the surface of the coating, since on sale you can find linoleum that is either smooth or rough. Some relief at the same time adds a certain zest to the design, allowing, with the right ornamentation, to imitate a parquet flooring. Sometimes manufacturers apply a varnish layer to the coating, which manufacturers use to provide additional protection.

The thickness of the flooring affects not only its insulating properties, such as heat retention and infiltration restrictions unnecessary sound. The greater the thickness of the coating, the longer it will not be affected by any deformation. Let’s say that a design that is too thin is not suitable for use in a dining room, since even the leg of a chair will leave a decent mark on it.

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

As a rule, there are two rooms in an apartment that are subject to excessive use. This is where a coating with a maximum layer of strength is required. The simplest thing you can do yourself when going to the store is to decide on the color of the future coating, so as not to waste time on this among the wide selection of the hypermarket.

The first thing you should pay attention to when buying quality linoleum for any room is its smell and appearance. High-quality flooring should not have too strong an odor, otherwise it can be hazardous to health. It is desirable that the coating for a kitchen or hallway have at least five layers, the thickness should be approximately 3 mm.

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

It is believed that for the hallway it is advisable to give preference to PVC-type linoleum, only it is characterized by increased strength and is also not susceptible to rotting. Since in the hallway there are often situations with high humidity, this feature of this coating is a must.

For the kitchen it is also possible to use PVC covering. However, a simple one will also work here. household option, provided that it has a foam base. If you have a wider budget, you can give preference to the natural type, which will be more practical and of higher quality. Another advantage is that it can be washed with various means; any dirt will easily and simply leave its surface.

How to choose linoleum for the bedroom and living room

Purchasing floor coverings for different rooms requires the right choice. Moreover, this applies not only to those rooms that are subject to maximum wear and tear, but also to rooms such as the bedroom and living room, where traffic is quite low.

When answering the question of which linoleum is better for a household or semi-commercial apartment, most potential buyers bet on buying an option that is too thick for the bedroom. This is main mistake, since the thickness in this case will not matter at all. A household look with a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm will be quite sufficient for a bedroom.

The base covering for the bedroom can be foam or polyester. The level of cross-country ability here is minimal, and accordingly, too much thickness of the protective layer is also not required. It is enough for it to have values ​​from 0.15 to 0.2 mm.

A good option for a bedroom would be natural material, since it does not cause allergies and has antimicrobial properties. In addition, it is distinguished by greater durability than the option made from PVC material. However, be prepared for the fact that the cost is much higher than the synthetic analogue.

The living room's traffic is perhaps a little higher than that of the bedroom. However, you don't need a very thick version here either. Linoleum, the thickness of which is no more than two millimeters, will be sufficient. In this case, the protective layer must be at least 0.15 mm; it can be played by a foam part, which will make the floor softer.

Which linoleum is best for children's rooms?

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

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

For those who find the cost of natural coating too high, it is better to opt for PVC-type linoleum, the protective layer of which will be at least 0.3 mm. It is advisable to give preference to a foam base, which in turn will add a certain amount of thermal insulation, which is important for children’s games on the floor.

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

Tarkett linoleum production video

When wondering which linoleum to choose, household or semi-commercial, you should take into account many parameters. In particular, the main point is for which room you plan to purchase flooring.