Types of linoleum for flooring: which one to choose. How to choose high-quality linoleum for an apartment? Is it possible to paint linoleum and with what paint?

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 comparatively low price, easy to install, 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. A competent choice of good linoleum will be the key to its 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 such technical characteristics, which are not required for normal residential apartments, make its use at home impractical.

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

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

Features and Benefits

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

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

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

Requirements for living room flooring

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

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

Of course, in the living room there are chances of mechanical damage flooring much less than, for example, in the kitchen, since there are no sharp or hot objects in the room, and no aggressive detergents are used. Therefore, you can choose not too expensive types of products for the hall.

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

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

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

How to choose?

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

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

Color options

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

Linoleum is considered trendy white and other light shades– beige, light gray, milky, cream. The coating in these colors will fit perfectly into any interior and will look very stylish and modern.

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

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

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

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

The modern variety of floor coverings involuntarily puts any person making renovations in an apartment or house before the “torment” of choice. Famous manufacturers, perfectly building their advertising policies, persistently recommend their products, which are really good. But it happens that for this you will have to part with an amount that was not planned. And for some reason the good old linoleum is undeservedly relegated to the background, considering it a choice for the poor. In fact, it has a number of advantages that the consumer is most likely not aware of. Perhaps it is worth being more aware of this popular floor covering, and finding out which linoleum is best for your home.

Linoleum is mistakenly attributed to modern and artificial materials, but its name is hidden historical roots. The word linoleum consists of the Latin words: linum - meaning linen or linen, and oleum - oil. Linoleum was patented back in 1860 by the Englishman Frederick Walton. Initially, this floor covering used a woven base made of flax or jute, onto which oxidized vegetable oil was applied in combination with cork flour. Technologies were constantly improving, manufacturers learned to apply patterns on linoleum, and at the beginning of the 20th century it was one of the most popular materials.

Due to the high cost of plant raw materials and the development of chemical synthesis, in the 60s of the last century they began to produce floor-standing roll coverings on a synthetic basis, which retained the old name - linoleum, although this is a completely different material. In the 90s, they remembered the traditions of producing natural linoleum, and the volume of its production is constantly increasing, as there is a steady demand for it. Thus, a very wide class of floor coverings, both natural and synthetic, has come together under the name linoleum.

Types of linoleum

To make it easier to navigate the ocean of offers and make right choice, it’s worth finding out about the types of existing linoleums and specifically which ones are suitable for your home.

Natural linoleum

One of best choices- This natural linoleum. For its production, exclusively natural ingredients are used: linseed oil, wood flour, jute or linen, natural tree resin, limestone. A rich palette of natural dyes along with modern technologies This wonderful coating can be painted any color. Natural linoleum has a number of undeniable advantages:

High strength. Natural linoleum can withstand pressure up to 16 MPa.
The linseed oil included in the composition makes this coating bactericidal.
High wear resistance determines a long service life: up to 30-50 years.
Exclusively natural ingredients determine its environmental friendliness.
Natural linoleum does not absorb dirt and is easy to clean. various contaminants detergents.
Static electricity does not accumulate on natural linoleum.
Not afraid of ultraviolet rays, does not fade from the sun.
Has low flammability.

With such an impressive list of advantages, natural linoleum is still not without its disadvantages:

Natural linoleum has a high price, comparable to parquet boards.
In rooms where it is planned to cover with natural linoleum, there should not be high humidity, since the natural base is susceptible to rotting.
Low elasticity limits the use of natural linoleum in cold rooms and complicates its installation.
Features of manufacturing technology limit the variety of designs and ornaments.
Only laid natural linoleum coating has a specific smell, which may not be to everyone’s liking. However, after a few months the smell disappears.

For all supporters of eco-friendly housing who are ready to go to high costs, natural linoleum will be an excellent choice for residential premises. Low moisture resistance limits its use in bathrooms and hallways.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) linoleum

PVC linoleum ( international designation– PVC) is the most widely used. It can be either without a base or with various types basics:

Fabric base. It can be used both natural jute and synthetic fabrics, for example, fiberglass. The top covering, which has a pattern, is made of PVC. Such linoleum can have an impressive thickness - up to 5 mm.
A non-woven base made of natural felt or synthetic materials can improve thermal insulation properties, but in rooms with high traffic and high humidity You should not use such linoleum, since it does not like intense loads, and the porous base will absorb moisture well.

PVC foam base. This type of linoleum began to be produced in the 90s of the last century, and this type of substrate is one of the most popular. The main porous PVC layer absorbs all loads and forgives minor unevenness in the base, while the reinforcing fabric preserves geometric dimensions canvases. Foamed PVC can be applied using chemical and more advanced methods mechanically, which is better, since such linoleum will not wrinkle under high loads.

Some types of linoleum are also produced, which combine several types of the above layers. Linoleum that has several of them is called heterogeneous, and one is called homogeneous. The number of layers and their purpose for linoleum for different purposes can vary greatly from each other.

The advantage of homogeneous linoleum is that its pattern is present throughout its entire depth, so with inevitable wear and tear, the pattern will not be erased. The thickness of such linoleum can be from 1.5 to 3 millimeters, and it is intended for rooms with high traffic. Its use in apartments and houses is inappropriate. The main disadvantages of homogeneous linoleum are its high price, as well as the impossibility of applying complex patterns.

Polyvinyl chloride linoleum has a set of advantages that explain its widespread use.

PVC linoleum has high elasticity, which greatly simplifies its installation.
A variety of patterns and textures of PVC linoleum will allow you to realize any interior design idea.
PVC linoleum has a reasonable price.
Easy to clean from dirt.
Linoleum famous manufacturers does not have toxicity, which must be confirmed by the presence of a hygienic certificate.

The disadvantages of PVC linoleum are:

When exposed high temperatures shrinkage of linoleum occurs.
Only after installation, the PVC linoleum coating has an unpleasant specific odor, which disappears after a few weeks of use.

Alkyd linoleum

Alkyd, also called glyphthalic, linoleum is always made on a fabric base, onto which modified alkyd or glypthal resins with special fillers that improve the properties of the coating are applied using a special technology. Pigments and dyes are also added, which make linoleum either one-color or multi-color. The advantages of this type of linoleum are:

Compared to PVC linoleums, glyptal ones have better heat and sound insulation properties.
Such linoleums are extremely wear-resistant; they can last 40-50 years.
Contamination from such a coating is easier to remove than from PVC.

The disadvantages of alkyd linoleums are:

Low elasticity at temperatures close to zero.
Alkyd linoleums require skilled installation.
Insufficient fire safety greatly limits their use in residential premises.

Glypthal linoleum is widely used in transport: flooring in cars, cabins maritime transport, airplanes.

Rubber linoleum (Relin)

This type of linoleum is made of two layers: the bottom one is made from recycled rubber, the top one is made from painted rubber. various colors synthetic rubber. These layers are connected to each other bitumen mastic. Such floor coverings have some advantages:

Excellent water resistance allows you to lay Relin in the wettest rooms.
High elasticity and strength.
Excellent anti-slip properties.
Long service life.

Rubber linoleums can be used near swimming pools, in garages, workshops, sports rooms and halls, but their use in residential premises is contraindicated, as they release into the surrounding air harmful substances.

Nitrocellulose ( colloxylin) linoleum

These types of linoleums are a single-layer coating without a base, made from nitrocellulose with the addition of various components: gypsum, red lead, plasticizers and dyes. Currently, such coatings made from this material are not used due to the increased fire hazard.

It is possible that such an abundance of information about the types of linoleum will make the choice even more difficult. Moreover, most modern linoleums are heterogeneous and can combine several different layers. That is why European manufacturers have developed a special standard EN685, in which linoleums are divided into classes depending on strength characteristics and areas of application in certain premises. Each class is designated by two digits digital code and its corresponding pictogram.

The first digit in the class means:

2 – linoleum is intended for residential premises.
3 – for office or commercial premises.
4 – for industrial premises.

The second number in the class indicates the degree of load that linoleum can withstand:

Household linoleum

Linoleum belonging to classes 21-23 is usually called household. According to EN685 standards, it must have the following characteristics:

Specific gravity 1.25-2.25 kg/m2.
Thickness – from 0.15 to 3 mm.
Flexibility and elasticity should be such that when wound on a rod with a diameter of 45 mm, no cracks should form.
Sound absorption – at least 13-18 dB.
Water absorption should be no more than 1-1.5%.
Shrinkage during operation is no more than 0.2 mm per 1 meter.

The cost of household linoleum from well-known manufacturers can range from 3 to 10 euros per square meter.

Semi-commercial linoleum

Linoleum belonging to classes 31-34 is called semi-commercial, and it is intended mainly for office and service premises. Must have the following characteristics:

Specific gravity 1.6-2.5 kg/m2.
Elasticity and flexibility should be such that when wound on a cylinder with a diameter of 10-40 mm, cracks should not form in the linoleum.
Sound absorption should be at least 12-16 dB.
Shrinkage during operation is no more than 0.1 mm per 1 meter.
The service life guaranteed by the manufacturer is at least 7-20 years.

Semi-commercial linoleum is an excellent solution for modern offices

The cost of semi-commercial linoleum ranges from 5 to 15 euros per square meter. The slight difference in the price of household and semi-commercial linoleum makes it advisable to use it for domestic purposes in those rooms where there is an increased load on the floor covering: kitchens, hallways and others.

Commercial linoleum

If linoleum belongs to classes from 41 to 43, then it is called commercial. Its purpose is in rooms with intensive movement of people and equipment. Such linoleums have a reinforced film layer (up to 0.8 mm), even lower shrinkage (0.02-0.1 mm/m) and a warranty period (from 10 to 25 years).

Relatively high price of such linoleum (10-40 euros per square meter) in combination with technical characteristics that are excessive for apartments and houses, make its use in residential premises impractical. Some commercial linoleums may have a special purpose:

Sports surfaces that are soft and resilient for good contact with sports shoes.
Coatings that are resistant to chemical reagents and having bactericidal properties, which is very useful in medical institutions.
Anti-slip coatings near swimming pools and other areas with high humidity.
Antistatic coatings.

Thickness of the protective layer of linoleum

Most modern linoleums have a durable surface on their surface. protective film made of pure PVC. It is its thickness that should be taken into account when choosing linoleum depending on the purpose of the room. Manufacturers offer the following gradation:

A film with a thickness of 0.15 mm is quite suitable for using such linoleum in living rooms and bedrooms.
A protective layer of 0.20 mm will be optimal for children's rooms.
0.25 mm – for kitchens, hallways and corridors.
0.30 mm – service and office premises with average load.
A protective layer of 0.50 mm or more - for rooms with high and very high loads.

Find out what methods are used for, from our new article.

Linoleum marking

When choosing linoleum, all its technical data must be provided by the seller along with the necessary certificates: compliance and hygiene. Manufacturers of high-quality linoleum always put their logo on the back side, as well as all the information that will greatly help the buyer:

Linoleum class will help you make the right choice.
Batch number - if you plan to purchase large quantity linoleum, it is desirable that it be from the same batch.
Date of manufacture.

The manufacturer can also apply additional pictograms that indicate the special properties of the coating. Such possible designations are shown in the figure.

Prices for a popular line of linoleums for the home

Linoleum for home

How to choose linoleum correctly?

Now that there is complete clarity about the types of existing linoleums, you can indicate a number of important points that will help you make the right choice.

You should purchase linoleum only in specialized stores, where all storage requirements are met, and there is also a full set of accompanying documents confirming compliance with standards and safety.

Depending on the purpose of the room, the class of linoleum is selected and it is better to do this with some margin: one step higher than necessary.
Particular attention should be paid to the thickness of linoleum, its strength and the presence of a top protective layer.
It is necessary to strive to ensure that the linoleum floor covering does not have connecting seams or has a minimum of them. This is achieved by carefully measuring the premises and choosing rolls of the required width.
The modern variety of colors, textures, patterns of linoleum allows you to make any choice, but you must take into account the purpose of the room, pleasant color schemes for a comfortable stay and preference of all household members.
In rooms with possible heavy contamination, it is better to use glossy linoleum.
When purchasing, you must carefully examine the entire surface of the linoleum and make sure there is no damage.
Poor preparation of the base and illiteracy can negate all the advantages of this coating.

Video: How to choose the right linoleum for your home?

Reading time: 6 minutes. Published 10/09/2018

Linoleum is a budget floor covering with a long service life. Moreover, today you can choose almost any color. All this makes linoleum really popular.

In order for such a coating to last as long as possible and be pleasing to the eye, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to its purchase.

Varieties

Today there are several varieties of linoleum on sale. They have advantages and disadvantages, as well certain features use. This must be taken into account when purchasing.

Natural linoleum

For its production, linseed oil, a mixture of cork and wood flour, special limestone powder, pine resin and natural dyes are used.

The base is jute fabric. Since this type of linoleum is environmentally friendly, it can be used in apartments where asthmatics, allergy sufferers and children live.

Advantages:

abrasion resistance;
environmental friendliness;
preservation of color and structure over time;
bactericidal properties;
non-flammability;
easy care;
wide choice of colors.

Flaws:

fragility, due to which cracks can form when bent;
not recommended for use in rooms with increased level humidity;
high price.

PVC linoleum

The basis of such a floor covering is a woven or non-woven base with thermal insulation properties. It is worth noting that today even domestic products are created taking into account the latest European technologies.

Advantages:

presence of dielectric properties;
low thermal conductivity;
environmental friendliness;
resistance to rotting;
large selection of shades and patterns;
ease of installation.

Flaws:

sensitivity to elevated temperatures;
instability to alkalis and various chemical solvents;
decrease in elasticity when temperature drops.

Synthetic linoleum

There are three types of such flooring:

Commercial – intended for office premises. It is quite durable and wear-resistant. The service life is approximately 20 years.

Semi-commercial - can be used in apartments and offices. The service life ranges from 7-20 years.

Household ones are quite thin and cheap. Used in residential areas. The service life is a maximum of 5 years.

Glypthal linoleum

It is created by applying alkyd resin to a special fabric base.

The advantage is considered to be excellent heat and sound insulation properties, the disadvantage is fragility and complexity of installation.

Colloxylin linoleum

The basis of this floor covering is nitrocellulose.

The advantages of this type are elasticity, non-flammability and moisture resistance. Disadvantages include a tendency to shrink and sensitivity to temperature changes.

Linoleum relin

This linoleum consists of two layers: crushed rubber with bitumen and a mixture of pigment, rubber and special filler.

The advantage of Relin linoleum is considered to be increased moisture resistance and elasticity. The disadvantages include the presence of harmful volatile substances in the coating, which is why such material is not recommended for laying in residential premises.

Marking and thickness

To find out how to choose linoleum for an apartment, you need to understand the labeling. The first digit has the following meanings:

1 – rooms with low traffic;
2 – apartments;
3 – offices;
4 – various production facilities.

The second number in the marking is the expected load. One is considered the lowest, and four is the highest. Accordingly, class 23 or 24 is suitable for the hallway, and class 21 for the bedroom.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the protective layer, namely its thickness. This indicator should be at least 0.25 mm.

If the linoleum is laid on a perfectly flat surface, then you can take a thin material. Otherwise, greater thickness will be required.

Linoleum for an apartment

For residential premises, natural or synthetic material is most often purchased. To choose the most suitable option, it is worth considering in which room it will be used.

Hallway

This room is different high level cross-country ability. Therefore, it is better to choose a coating with a thickness of at least 3 mm. The protective layer of material must be at least 0.25 mm.

If you choose the maximum thickness, the attractive appearance of linoleum will remain unchanged for a very long time.

For the hallway, a semi-commercial variety is usually chosen. Experts recommend taking only PVC coating. It is characterized by increased strength and resistance to rotting.

Kitchen

Some apartment owners prefer not to rack their brains over the question of how to choose linoleum for the kitchen.

They immediately buy semi-commercial coverage, which is intended for medium and high traffic areas. Also suitable for this purpose is household linoleum, the basis of which is foamed polyvinyl chloride.

Natural flooring is often chosen for the kitchen. Its main advantage is its long service life, as well as the preservation of its basic characteristics and original appearance. This coating can be washed with various detergents. All kitchen stains can be removed very easily.

Living room

The traffic in this room is average. Accordingly, linoleum with a thickness of 1.5-2.0 mm is suitable. The thickness of the special protective layer must be at least 0.15 mm.

As a rule, in the living room there is a high probability of various mechanical damages, so it is advisable to use inexpensive polyester-based material.

White linoleum for the living room is not considered the best option. This color can be safely used only in the absence of pets and small children.

Children's

If children live in the apartment, you should take the choice of linoleum very responsibly.

Since babies often crawl on the floor, you should purchase natural material. In this case, the thickness of the coating should be at least 3 mm, because in a children's room the likelihood of various damage to the linoleum is very high.

The protective layer must have a foam base and a thickness of at least 0.25 mm.

Bedroom

Those who do not know how to choose linoleum for the bedroom often mistakenly buy thick material.

In fact, a coating with a thickness of about 1.5 mm will be quite sufficient, because here low level cross-country ability. The base of the bedroom cover can be polyester or foam. The thickness of the protective layer should be 0.15-0.2 mm.

If your budget allows, you should pay attention to natural materials. Firstly, it is more durable, and secondly, it has antimicrobial properties.

Many consumers are interested in how to choose high quality linoleum. This is not difficult to do if you take into account certain nuances.

First you need to decide for which room you need the material. Based on this, a list of required characteristics is created. In order for linoleum to fit into the interior, you need to carefully choose the shade and pattern.

Be sure to smell the coating before purchasing. A pungent odor indicates the presence of harmful substances in the composition. High-quality material does not smell at all. In addition, it does not have a greasy sheen, and the design itself looks very distinct.

The width of the canvas should correspond to the size of the room. Despite this, the material should be taken with reserve, because sometimes you have to adjust the pattern or trim the panel at the joints. It is also worth considering all thresholds, ledges and niches for batteries.

The coating must comply with safety standards. The material that has passed the examination has a certain marking. In addition, the seller must provide an appropriate certificate.

It is necessary to check the quality of the panels only in rolled form. This will help determine the presence of bumps, waves, or peeling of the film. If these defects are found, such coating is considered defective. It's not worth buying.

When choosing linoleum, you need to think in advance whether it will be possible to bring the entire roll into the room. It is also worth deciding on the method of transportation.

In order for linoleum to retain its original appearance longer, you should purchase a coating with a protective layer.

Panels cannot be folded in half. It is also forbidden to stick tape on the top layer, because it will leave a mark on the surface. If the roll was rolled upside down at the time of purchase, it must be additionally wrapped in protective film.

Throughout the world, linoleum is the most famous and widely used floor covering. For many centuries, this material has been used to cover floors in apartments and country house. Democratic and everyone available material, for the production of which the safest technologies are used. The main advantages of this coating are affordable price, easy installation, interesting design solutions. In addition, the coating is very soft, springy and durable.

From the range of materials offered, even a professional will not always be able to make the right decision. It will be easier to choose quality material, if you know how the types of coating differ from each other, what performance characteristics they have and what to pay special attention to when choosing linoleum for the hall, kitchen or bedroom.

General criteria for choosing linoleum

As a rule, choosing good linoleum for an apartment requires special care. It is necessary to take into account not only the cost, but also the purpose of the coating. It is important to remember about the load on the material, how passable the room is, and how many people live in the apartment. It is important to choose a floor covering, taking into account requirements such as noise absorption, thermal insulation qualities, exposure to moisture on the material and protection from harmful bacteria.

Apartment design also plays an important role in choosing flooring. Apply to the material various images, monochromatic designs that imitate a variety of textures. For example, the surface of wood or natural stone, fabric or ceramic tiles.

Except general rules, there are also advice from consultants on how to choose high-quality linoleum for the kitchen, bedroom or corridor. First, turn on your sense of smell at full capacity, since the pungent odor of the coating means that the material of artificial origin consists of components hazardous to human health. Secondly, the drawing must be clear.

In addition, the product must comply with all safety standards, which will be confirmed by a hygiene certificate. Good and high-quality linoleum is tested by experts and receives the appropriate marking. When purchasing, roll out the roll to make sure there are no lumps or peeling of the film.

Attention ! Don't buy uneven linoleum. This is marriage. Irregularities cannot be smoothed out.

Consultants advise purchasing linoleum for a nursery or kitchen, which has a special film. It serves as protection for the material, so it can be washed and will retain its original appearance longer.

All linoleum should be selected from one batch, since even the same coating articles may differ in color.

Existing types of linoleum

Material of natural origin

Most consumers are convinced that linoleum is a material of synthetic origin. But in fact, today you can also find natural coatings. His constituent elements are:

Pine resin.
Natural dyes.
Cork flour.
Wood.
Jute fabric.
Linseed oil.
Lime powder.

They make the material environmentally friendly and durable, making it safe even for children. In addition, linoleum maintains its original color after long-term use. But compared to synthetic material, natural linoleum has certain disadvantages. These are high cost, fragility, fear of high humidity. Therefore, it cannot be installed, for example, in the bathroom.

Advantages:

The material complies with environmental standards.
Has bactericidal properties.
Withstands use, impact sun rays, does not support combustion and does not change its original color over time.

Linoleum artificial production divided into four types.

Polyvinyl chloride

The most popular material, the main advantages of this coating are:

Thermal conductivity. And this is very important, especially for rooms where the floor is cold.
Moisture resistant.
Simple installation technology.
Antistatic.
Environmental Safety.

Among the disadvantages of the coating, one can note the strong influence low temperatures, solvents containing chemical elements, fats and alkaline compounds.

Glypthal linoleum

To make this coating, an alkyd resin is used, which is applied to the fabric. The main advantage of such linoleum is excellent thermal insulation and sound insulation. Among the disadvantages of the material there is fragility and complex laying of the material.

Colloxin

Linoleum, for the production of which high quality nitrocellulose is used. The material perfectly withstands moisture, is fireproof, does not shrink, but is sensitive to temperature changes.

Linoleum-relin

This type of coating requires two layers. The first one contains crushed rubber. The second layer of coating is the front layer, and its components are rubber, pigment, and filler. The advantages of this synthetic material include:

Elasticity.
Durability.
The ability not to absorb moisture.

But there is one main drawback of this coating and it does not allow laying this type of linoleum in a child’s room or bedroom. These are harmful substances that are included in its composition.

Linoleum for the bedroom

The bedroom is hidden from prying eyes. Therefore, traffic in this room is minimal. Thus, you can put not too thick linoleum here. For example, polyester household or foam material based on polyvinyl chloride.

But since a person spends a third of his life in the bedroom, he should be surrounded by environmentally friendly materials. Correctly chosen linoleum for the bedroom means a healthy and safe sleep.

Important ! Finishing material should not be electrified or accumulate static electricity.

The best option would be natural linoleum, which is not only environmentally friendly, but also bactericidal. It does not emit harmful substances that can become a threat to the human body. This covering can be placed not only in the bedroom, but also in the children's room.

How to choose linoleum for the hall

If there are no children in the house, then you can choose ordinary household flooring due to the fact that the room is not used that much. Additionally, you can put a carpet on top of the covering. If there is a work area in the hall or a large family lives in the apartment, then it is better to choose a semi-commercial covering.

But what linoleum to choose for the hall if children live in the house? In this case, it is necessary to take into account not only performance characteristics coverings, but also the behavior of children, their habits. Small children begin to crawl before they can walk. At this time, they are curious and pick up everything from the floor, and some babies love to lick it. It often happens like this, first with your hands on the floor, and then with these unwashed hands you put something tasty in your mouth. Therefore, if there is a small generation in the house, it is better to choose a natural material that has bactericidal properties.

If finances do not allow you to choose high-quality linoleum for your apartment, then better than PVC on a warm basis. A small child's bare feet will be safe and protected from the cold. As for design, there are no strict recommendations in this case. It is enough that the flooring fits perfectly into the surrounding interior.

How to choose the right linoleum for the kitchen

When choosing flooring for the kitchen, it is worth remembering its additional protection, in addition to wear resistance and durability. Some types of linoleum provide an additional glossy or matte protective layer. The main protective quality is to prevent the penetration of various types of contaminants and facilitate cleaning. This is the type of linoleum that is best suited for the kitchen.

It is important to protect the material from fungi or bacteria. In this case the best solution The floor covering, which is based on linseed oil, will become more natural. This is a powerful antiseptic of natural origin and will protect not only the floor from germs, but also the air.

In addition, when choosing linoleum for the kitchen, you should take into account the anti-slip qualities. After all, during the cooking process, you can unnoticedly spill liquid on the floor and slip, resulting in injury. The anti-slip coating provides an uneven, embossed relief surface, for example, a pattern imitating stone or wood. Some types of linoleum provide such a special layer, which includes microparticles, their main task is to increase friction.

Texture and colors of linoleum for the kitchen

A wide selection of flooring for the kitchen will help create a cozy and stylish interior. Most decorative look is a heterogeneous synthetic linoleum. PVC will delight you with its distinctive characteristics in the form of imitation natural materials, for example, wood and stone, or ceramic tiles.

A country or Provence style kitchen will be perfectly decorated with linoleum with an image imitating massive board. A monochromatic floor covering in a memorable or, conversely, modest shade is perfect for a modern or high-tech style.

In the kitchen classic style you can put a material that will imitate ceramic tiles. A small pattern will visually enlarge the space, warm shades will create a homely, cozy atmosphere, and monotonous patterns will add calm. Bright and contrasting images on the surface of the coating will invigorate.

Selected high-quality linoleum will help separate the kitchen from the dining room, and large room divided into independent zones. To do this, you can use a material that will differ in color or texture.

It is necessary to choose the color of natural flooring for the kitchen very carefully. As they dry out vegetable oils, the shade will change, it may become the same under the influence of ultraviolet rays. For example, beige colors may become yellowish; blue or gray ones acquire a greenish tint over time.

And to consolidate your knowledge of which linoleum to choose for your apartment, you can watch the video.