The easiest way to beautifully decorate the floors in the apartment is to lay linoleum. It is cheaper than laminate and tiles, easy to cut, does not require special styling skills. In terms of design, there are many options suitable for the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, hallway or living room. The main thing is to understand the main characteristics in order to understand which linoleum to choose for an apartment.
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Top 5 best linoleum manufacturers | ||
| 1 | TARKETT | Huge range of designs |
| 2 | Grabo | The most durable top layer |
| 3 | Juteks | The most durable linoleum |
| 4 | IVC | Deep embossing of the decorative layer |
| 5 | Ideal | complex patterns |
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1. Type of linoleum composition
Materials of manufacture determine the type of coatingThere are several types of linoleum, divided according to the materials of manufacture.
PVC. Polyvinyl chloride is the most common. May contain additives of plasticizers, dye and stabilizers. It is distinguished by good antifungal properties, abrasion resistance, moisture resistance. Manufacturers offer a wide range of colors and patterns. But the material may exude a not very pleasant smell, which in some cases disappears for months.
Marmoleum. Natural linoleum, in the manufacture of which only environmentally friendly substances are used: jute fibers, natural dyes, wood flour and cork, linseed oil, limestone as a filler, resins. The coating does not allow bacteria to multiply, it is completely safe, perfectly absorbs noise, does not electrify, but is prone to moisture absorption and is expensive.
Other types. Linoleum can also be made from alkyd resin applied to a fabric base (glyphthal type), styrene and rubber (relin) or cellulose, stabilizer and plasticizers (colloxylin). But they are rarely found on sale, so we will not consider them.
Conclusion: if you are an environmentalist and want to use only natural materials, buy marmoleum. Otherwise, for an apartment it is better to purchase PVC flooring, which is durable.
2. Material structure
Linoleum is divided into homogeneous and heterogeneous
Homogeneous - consists of one layer. It is made of PVC, to which quartz sand, lime and decorative elements are added. A single-layer coating is relatively inexpensive, withstands high foot traffic, but the design is very simple: plain, concrete, marble or in the form of granules. Apply it to public places (train stations, airports, offices).
Heterogeneous or multilayer linoleum consists of: a dense base layer, a reinforcing base mesh, a layer with a decorative part, an external protective film. Thanks to this structure, the coating is more durable and resistant to stretching or punching.
Conclusion: single-layer linoleum in the apartment can only be laid in the corridor or on the balcony.For kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms or children's rooms, choose a heterogeneous type that will withstand the stress of furniture, falling objects, and pet claws.
3. protective layer
Strength and service life depend on the thickness
The topmost layer covering the decorative pattern is made of polyurethane or PVC film. Its thickness varies from 0.15 to 0.8 mm. The characteristic is always written in the product passport. The higher the indicator, the longer the rest of the multilayer “pie” will be protected from exposure. If you make a mistake with the choice, soon you will see such a picture: there is a whole linoleum in the whole kitchen, and a wiped stain next to the hob. Gradually, in its place, even a mesh internal structure will become visible.
Conclusion: for an apartment, manufacturers recommend linoleum with a protective layer thickness of 0.25 mm or more. But this indicator is only suitable for a bedroom or a hall, where for the most part people spend time on sofas and beds. In the corridor, kitchen or bathroom, buy a coating with a characteristic of 0.4 mm or more.
4. Roll Width
The parameter affects the ease of installationManufacturers produce rolled linoleum with a width of 1.5/2/2.5/3/4/5 m. The length of the roll is 20-60 m. This variety is intended for different lengths and widths of rooms. It is best to lay the flooring without seams. To do this, it must correspond to the area of \u200b\u200bthe room. Laying the pieces across is a bad idea, because you have to think about how to arrange the joints. For this, metal decorative strips are produced, but such elements reduce the aesthetics of the appearance.
Advice! Buy linoleum 0.5 m more so that there is a margin for trimming.Never buy material end-to-end, otherwise it may turn out that a room with different diagonals (thanks to the builders), and there will not be enough coverage in one of the corners.
Conclusion: before buying linoleum, measure the width of the room and the length in several places with a tape measure. According to the maximum width of the room, select the width of the roll. At the same time, take into account the distance not from wall to wall, but focus on door or window openings. Then the coating can be made continuous, without narrow inserts on the threshold or under the radiator.
5. Design
Choose a pattern and color
The second layer with a printed pattern is responsible for the decorative part. Now, with the help of a computer, images are created that imitate stone, tile, parquet, natural boards, marble, or various abstractions. The apartment looks good linoleum with a pattern of solid wood, ceramics, sandstone. Monochromatic options are suitable for a home office, corridor, balcony.
Worth knowing! On dark linoleum, debris and dust are better visible, so the surface will have to be cleaned more often. Light surfaces visually remain clean longer.
If you want to lay the same linoleum throughout the apartment or finish the floor in a spacious living room with it, buy all the material at once and in one place. Check by number that it belongs to the same batch, otherwise the shade may differ.
Advice! Do not evaluate the pattern by a wound roll on a horizontal rod - unwind 1-2 m.
Conclusion: design choice is a matter of personal taste. It is important that the floors are combined with the furniture and walls, and that they can be matched with a suitable skirting board. Light colors make the room visually more spacious.Dark tones are used in design to make a room compact or play in contrast.
6. Material thickness
How important is the thickness of linoleum?
Today, manufacturers produce linoleum with a thickness of 1.5 to 6.5 mm. Thin does not mean flimsy or cheap, and vice versa. The characteristic affects the appearance of the coating, which exactly follows the contour of the floor surface, as well as sound and heat insulation.
Conclusion: if you have an apartment on the ground floor - choose 4.8-6.5 mm linoleum. Make the same choice when there are noisy neighbors below you. Thin material is suitable for any apartment above the ground floor, provided that the base is perfectly prepared. Otherwise, tubercles of the screed or nail heads will stick out.
7. The foundation
Which base should be preferred?
Foamed polyvinyl chloride acts as a good base, providing increased strength of the web. The substance is resistant to moisture, and therefore ideal for the bathroom, bathroom or kitchen. Fabric substrates made of jute or felt contribute to a better preservation of heat in the apartment. But the materials are hygroscopic, and they also endure the load from furniture worse (deep dents remain).
Conclusion: for an apartment on the ground floor with a wooden floor that seasonally absorbs moisture from the underground, it is better to buy linoleum with a PVC foam base. The same type is chosen for rooms with high humidity or heavy furniture.
8. Purpose
Manufacturer selection hintAll firms producing linoleum divide it into the following categories at the place of operation:
- household - only for residential premises;
- semi-commercial - for living rooms and offices that do not receive visitors;
- commercial - for cafes, bars, shops, enterprises;
- specialized - can be used on sports fields, dance stages, etc.
Conclusion: for an apartment, you can buy any option, except for a specialized one. The purpose determines the service life and price. Get a household one - it will have to be replaced in 5-8 years. Lay a commercial flooring and the flooring won't need to be repaired for the next 15 years.
9. Marking
Abrasion group or wear resistance class
On the linoleum, there may be several numbers located on the reverse side, which will say a lot about its characteristics, if you know what they mean. The two-digit number indicates the wear class. The first digit from 2 to 4 implies the scope of coverage (2 - living rooms, 3 - offices, 4 - stations, airports, factories). The second digit from 1 to 4 determines the degree of load (1 - low, 2 - moderate, 3 - more intense, 4 - increased).
The Latin letter is also written on the canvas:
- T is hard to erase surface;
- P is slightly abrasion resistant;
- M is moderately malleable;
- F ― easily erased surface.
Sometimes manufacturers replace these designations with intuitive drawings that can be used to determine the place of use and the load to be transferred.
Conclusion: for the living room and bedroom, where they only watch TV and relax, linoleum marked 21-22 F or M is suitable. It is better to purchase a coating marked 32-33 P or T for the kitchen or corridor.
10. Safety
Consider how safe the coating is in everyday lifeEnvironmental friendliness. Any linoleum has a sharp specific smell, because it is stored in rolls and cannot be weathered in the store. Usually, all substances disappear from it after a couple of weeks after installation.But some coatings can stink with chemistry for up to 6 months. Therefore, before buying, pay attention to the emission class of the material - it must be at least E1. The content of pentachlorophenol is allowed no more than 0.1 mg/m³. Formaldehyde released into the air should not exceed 0.5 mg/m³.
Fire safety. The characteristic is classified as KM with a number from 0 to 5 and includes: combustibility, flammability, toxicity during combustion, tendency to form smoke, assistance to the spread of flame. The higher the number, the more dangerous the substance in case of fire.
Slip resistance. The parameter is indicated as R with a number from 9 to 13. The higher, the greater the inclination of the surface, the stability of the person is maintained. For example, R9 allows a slope of up to 10 degrees, and R13 - up to 35 degrees.
Conclusion: before buying, read the results of material checks by the sanitary and epidemiological station in accordance with GOST R 58899-2020. Look at the certificates. Usually such documents are available from large manufacturers in the public domain on official websites. Buy linoleum for an apartment class KM1 or KM2. For kitchens and bathrooms, where it can be more humid, choose R10 slip resistance.
Top 5 best linoleum manufacturers
Knowing the main characteristics that are useful when choosing linoleum, pay attention to the leading manufacturers whose products are available in the Russian Federation. The presented companies are the best in terms of applied technologies, range and quality of goods. The cost of linoleum for an apartment depends on the type of base, the thickness of the protective layer and other characteristics, so the price varies from 600 to 6750 rubles per linear meter. The material is available for free sale both on the Internet and in local hardware stores.
Top 5. Ideal
The brand is owned by Beaulieu International Group, abbreviated as B.I.G. Products are manufactured at two factories in Wilsbeck and Kameshkovo. The design of the floor covering was developed by European specialists. In total, more than 100 options for shades and patterns are presented. For example, the SEMIRAMIDA 1 collection has a complex pattern with a diagonal of 45 cm, which combines several colors, geometric shapes, arbitrary lines. All elements are clear, and the detail is simply amazing - you can consider the pattern for minutes, like a work of art.
Top 4. IVC
The company produces 18 linoleum collections, including: Vision, Corsa, Inter, Bingo, Neo, etc. Floor coverings belong to the 21-32 class in terms of wear resistance. The protective layer is often 0.30-0.50 mm. At the same time, the manufacturer uses the technology of creating double PVC, providing a thickness of linoleum up to 5 mm. For an apartment, the company offers interesting embossing options, which, in combination with a matte surface, contributes to an increase in anti-slip properties. The company assures that household products will last up to 10 years.
Top 3. Juteks
The company produces household and commercial linoleum in 6 lines. The Premium and Premium AS collections belong to the highest wear resistance class - 43. The heterogeneous coating consists of a multilayer PVC with a protective film of 700 microns and a base. The product has an antistatic effect. To avoid visible seams on the butt joints, a welding cord is offered.The service life of such a floor covering is up to 15 years, which is more than that of some types of laminate. The manufacturer allows the use of linoleum on heated floors, the temperature of which does not exceed +27 ⁰С.
Top 2. Grabo
The company produces anti-slip linoleum for bars and restaurants, stage linoleum for dancing and other performances. The manufacturer's catalog contains sports linoleum for organizing a basketball or volleyball court, as well as several types of household linoleum. Most coatings are available with a protective layer thickness of 0.7 mm for a total height of 2 mm. This ensures low weight, easy laying and a long service life despite intensive use.
Top 1. TARKETT
The manufacturer offers more than 500 patterns and shades of household linoleum for an apartment. These are: abstractions, classical and palatial tiles, geometric patterns, imitation parquet and vintage wood. Products belong to the 31-33 class of abrasion. The thickness varies from 1.8 to 4.5 mm. In the company's catalog, you can choose a width from 1.5 to 4 m. Among the options for commercial homogeneous linoleum, there are both colored plain coatings, and with a wood or concrete pattern. The level of slip resistance is R9-R10. In addition to the TARKETT brand, linoleum is sold under the Polystyl and Sinteros brands, which belong to the same manufacturer.
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