How to choose high-quality linoleum for an apartment? Which linoleum to choose.

Linoleum - the best solution for an apartment

Today, linoleum is a popular flooring used everywhere. It is used not only in public buildings, offices, but also in private apartments and houses. Low price, good performance properties, as well as a variety of colors make it versatile, allowing you to fit into any home interior.

Even for professionals it is difficult to decide on a variety of materials, not to mention ordinary people. To choose the right linoleum for an apartment, consider existing species, their characteristics and selection principle.

The complexity of the choice is obvious. Especially if the criteria for each person are different. In order not to regret the purchased floor covering, you need to focus on the following basic parameters when choosing:

• purpose of the room;
• special requirements for flooring, depending on living conditions;
• apartment design.

In order to choose the right linoleum, you need to consider the above parameters. This will help you enjoy the beauty and quality of the selected linoleum for a long time.

Types of linoleum

Types - from synthetic materials to natural components

Before you make a choice, you need to study what materials are available. To date, the list of types of linoleum is diverse, ranging from synthetic materials to natural components. Having studied the types of linoleum, their positive and negative sides, you can decide what to lay in the apartment.

natural linoleum

Brand Armstrong

This type is made from a mixture of wood flour, flax oil, limestone powder, various resins, cork flour and natural dyes, which is applied to the basis of jute woven material. It is used in rooms where there are people with asthmatic and allergic problems, as well as children.

Advantages:

• natural;
• abrasion resistance;
• does not fade in the sun;
• type of design;
• has bactericidal properties.

Flaws:

• expensive;
• fragile;
• afraid of moisture.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

PVC type

Among synthetic materials, it is popular with a different base (baseless, foam-based or woven-based).

When laying in an apartment, preference is given to PVC material on the felt base. Thanks to its thick layer, it does not need an underlay and does not require gluing to the floor.

The main disadvantage of such a coating is that it shrinks over time, as well as the presence of a specific smell. There is an opinion that synthetic material able to allocate harmful substances— production technology allows to make them harmless, which is confirmed by quality certificates.

Glyptal linoleum

glyptal type

This coating is obtained by fixing alkyd resin on the fabric. The material has good sound and heat insulating properties. But the inherent fragility of the composition complicates the laying process due to the likelihood of chips and cracks. It is recommended to keep the material warm before laying to avoid deformation.

colloxin

colloxin type

This type of coating is made from nitrocellulose. Linoleum of this type has no basis: it is not afraid of moisture, it is not combustible, it has decorative glitter. But, its negative sides are: reaction to temperature changes and the ability to shrink.

Linoleum relin

rubber type

It is a two-layer composition, which has a lower layer - a bitumen-rubber mixture, and an upper layer - a mixture of rubber, paint and filler.

The cover is flexible and moisture resistant. But the presence of toxic, volatile components does not make it possible to lay it in apartments and where people live.

Wear classes

Wear classes - commercial, semi-commercial and household

When determining which linoleum to choose for an apartment, you need to take into account the wear resistance of the material and the type of room. Depending on the speed of erasing and the size of the layer of protection applied, all linoleums are divided into three classes.

Commercial

It is characterized by a high degree of wear resistance. Such a coating may be single-layer or multi-layer. Strength achieved different ways: due to compaction of the material or by adding special stabilizing agents. It is used in offices, schools, hospitals.

semi-commercial

This class is more durable than household. It also has a variety of colors and patterns. It can be laid in the kitchen, in the hallway, living room. Responds well to moving furniture, moderate load.

Domestic

Such linoleum weakly resists abrasion, but it has big choice colors and designs. It is usually used in rooms where there is low traffic (bedroom). low price does not affect the material, it looks high quality and expensive. In places of an apartment with high traffic, it is not recommended to lay it.

Abrasion groups

Selection by abrasion group

Linoleum is also selected according to the abrasion group. What is this parameter and what is it for?

This construction parameter indicates the rate of wear of the coating. According to European standards, it is defined as follows: a piece of material is brought to a rotating abrasive. It must withstand 25 thousand rotations. After the experiment, the layer thickness is measured and the group is determined. There are several groups:

• T - the coating does not have inclusions, and decreases by 0.08 mm (high wear);
• P - the layer decreases in thickness by 0.8-0.15 mm (medium wear);
• M - the material is reduced in thickness by 0.15-0.3 mm (low wear);
• F - the layer decreases in thickness by 0.3-0.6 mm (weak material).

Inclusions that may be in the material consist of a mixture quartz sand and chalk. This mixture reduces the wear resistance of the material. pure material good resistance to abrasion, and has a high wear resistance group.

Which linoleum to choose for an apartment

When determining which linoleum to choose, you should understand the markings that are applied to the material. It indicates the coverage class and consists of two digits. The first classifies the type of room, and the second classifies the expected traffic. For the living room and bedroom, choose class 21, for the corridor and kitchen, give preference to marking 23-24.

Living room

Dark colors in the living room

In this room, the throughput load is average. Therefore, linoleum here can be laid with a thickness of 1.5 mm. Give preference to household PVC linoleum with a low price.

Bedroom

The bedroom can use household polyester or PVC

Determining the patency in the room will help determine which linoleum to choose in the bedroom. The load on the floor here is small, so for flooring you can use household polyester or PVC foam-based linoleum with a thickness of 1.2 mm or more.

Kitchen

In the kitchen we use a durable semi-commercial wear resistance class

This area has high traffic high humidity, the presence of dirt and exposure to cleaning solutions. Therefore, for the kitchen, it is recommended to choose a durable semi-commercial material with a thickness of at least 3 mm. Described in detail so that it lasts longer. For this room, a design in the form of ceramic tiles is preferable.

Children's room

In the children's room only natural material

The materials in this room are subject to increased requirements. Here you can use only natural material. Of course, the service life will be lower, but the health of the child in this case more important.

Balcony

Balcony - moisture-resistant and frost-resistant materials

Changes in temperature, exposure to sunlight, possible humidity - all these negative factors experiencing flooring on the balcony for strength. Usually, moisture-resistant and frost-resistant materials that have an anti-slip coating are chosen for this room. The material is selected as for office premises with a heavy load.

Corridor

In the corridor - PVC

To choose linoleum in the hallway or corridor, you need to understand that this is a room with high traffic and pollution. PVC linoleum (household or semi-commercial), 3 mm thick, which is recommended to be placed in the corridor, can withstand such loads.

Choosing a good floor covering from the variety presented is not an easy task. In order not to be disappointed and get high-quality linoleum for an apartment, trust your intuition and follow the basic tips when choosing:

• the absence of a pungent odor indicates the absence of harmful substances;
• a distinct pattern on the coating without a greasy sheen;
• the material must have certificates of quality and safe composition;
• the presence of a protective layer will help to preserve the material in its original form for a long time;
• material should be bought with a margin for fitting (pattern, ledges, niches, thresholds);
• check the top layer of linoleum for defects and flaws.

Considering all the nuances, it will not be difficult to choose a floor covering, and the purchase will not bring unpleasant impressions during operation.

Which linoleum to choose for the hall

Hall - PVC coating on a jute or felt basis

For the hall it is better to choose a universal moisture-resistant flooring. It is impact resistant sunbeams repels dirt. Affordable price and ease of installation make the coating an ideal option.

Choose for the hall PVC coating on a jute or felt basis. This material is elastic, soft and warm, allowing you to walk on it barefoot without discomfort. The drawing is applied over the entire thickness of the linoleum for the apartment, so its erasure will not be noticeable. Such linoleum is easy to clean, does not attract dust and debris.

Cleans with common detergents.

Which company's linoleum is better to choose for an apartment

Coverage by different companies

On the market, the coating is presented in a wide variety, both domestic and foreign manufacturers. How to choose the right linoleum for the home, which manufacturer to prefer? We can say with confidence that the material of our production is not inferior in terms of characteristics to European ones. The Tarkett company has proven itself well. Among foreign manufacturers, give preference to such firms as

• Gerflor;
• Juteks;
• Forbo;
• Grabo.

Tarkett is the world's leading manufacturer of floor coverings. PVC linoleum of this company is available in a different price range and is durable and wear resistant.

The French company Gerflor produces products of excellent quality, taking into account decorative and specifications. These coatings are easy to lay even without the help of professionals. They are easy to maintain, have good sound and heat insulation properties.

As a floor covering, designers often suggest using linoleum. Right choice and laying this material can transform the room, make the interior original. How to choose linoleum, what should you pay attention to? The answer to this question will be given in this article.

When choosing linoleum, you should consider its advantages and disadvantages. Benefits include:

• the ability to use for decoration of premises for any purpose;
• long service life;
• aesthetic appeal.

This flooring is easy to install. It doesn't matter if the floor is concrete or wood. Linoleum with a substrate does not require significant effort to level the base: small irregularities and defects will be hidden.

In the event that funds for repairs are limited, it is recommended to use linoleum as a floor covering: its price is lower than that of other materials.

The disadvantage is the content of harmful substances, which is characteristic of some types of cheap and low-quality PVC-based coating.

Decorative qualities of linoleum

Modern floor coverings on an artificial and natural basis allow you to create smooth or embossed surfaces. Linoleum is on sale in tiles and in the form of rolls. The drawing can imitate natural wood, stone or ceramic tiles. Floral and geometric ornaments are used. This coating is very high strength(for example, acczent linoleum), which allows it to be used for interior decoration for various purposes.

When choosing linoleum, consider the following:

Choosing the color, pattern and texture of linoleum, they are guided by the general concept of finishing the room. Linoleum should be combined in style and color with other interior elements.

Signs of quality linoleum

It should be noted that the choice of material depends on functional purpose premises and from its patency. For example, hallway linoleum may not be suitable for a nursery or bedroom.
You can determine the purpose of the material by the two-digit marking on the product label. Values ​​of the first digit:

• 2 - used in residential premises;
• 3 - for offices;
• 4 - for production areas.

Values ​​of the second digit:

• 1 - material for rooms with low traffic;
• 2 - for medium load;
• 3 - for loaded floors;
• 4 - for rooms with increased traffic (load).

The combination of these numbers may indicate the operating conditions for which the flooring is suitable. For example, class 23 linoleum can be used in the kitchen, and class 31 or 32 material is required for the hallway.

The quality of linoleum is evaluated by the following indicators:

• environmental Safety;
• abrasion resistance;
• breaking strength.

The strength qualities are evidenced by the thickness of the linoleum and its density: a heavier material can withstand heavy loads. You should pay attention to the thickness of the top layer: it should be in the range of 0.16 - 0.6 mm.

You can evaluate the quality of linoleum by the following features.

1. High-quality coating does not have sharp, unpleasant odors.
2. The surface layer should not be excessively shiny.
3. The presence of the manufacturer's logo on the label.
4. Number of layers: there must be at least five.
5. The drawing on the surface should be embossed, clear.

How to choose the right linoleum for different types of rooms

When choosing linoleum, you must follow certain rules.

Choosing linoleum for laying in the apartment

Before buying linoleum for an apartment, you should study its composition. It is recommended to choose synthetic, made of polyvinyl chloride. Three varieties are available:

• with a base made of felt, polyester or jute (sold in rolls 1.5-2.0 m wide);
• foamed vinyl (linoleum width 1.5-4.0 m) is soft;
• duplicated - on a non-woven basis, produced on a vinyl base.

For premises of different purposes, it is necessary to select a floor covering with appropriate properties.

1. Entrance hall: linoleum is purchased for it, the thickness of which should not be less than 3 mm with top layer from 0.25 mm and more. Such parameters are typical for high-strength flooring.
2. Kitchen: on the floor you can lay ordinary household PVC foam linoleum, as well as semi-commercial.
3. Hall and living room: these rooms require flooring with a total thickness of 1.5 mm or more. The upper (protective) layer is at least 0.15 mm. Polyester canvas fully meets these requirements. If it is necessary to highlight linoleum against the background of furniture and not too expressive wall decoration, the colors of the coating should be bright. At the same time, the overall concept of interior decoration should be supported.
4. Bedroom: a room with low traffic, where linoleum up to 1.5 mm thick is laid. The material used is polyester and foam based.

What should be the linoleum for the children's room

The main requirement for children's flooring is safety for health. Natural linoleum in this case is better suited than other types. The main components for the production of natural linoleum: linseed oil, wood flour, natural dyes and resins.

Its qualities:

• does not cause allergic reactions;
• does not contain harmful chemical compounds;
• resistant to abrasion;
• does not support combustion;
• resists the spread of mold.

Important: linoleum for a nursery should have good sound and heat insulating properties. A floor covering with a felt backing would be the best choice.

Linoleum floor heating

For underfloor heating, jute and felt-based linoleum cannot be used. Polyvinyl chloride foam flooring is also not suitable: such materials are good heat insulators. Other types of linoleums can be laid on top of the "warm floor" system, provided that the heating does not exceed 27°C. Violation of these conditions can lead to warping of the material, discoloration.
In the event that the floor is supposed to be heated to higher temperatures, a special linoleum with a special marking is laid (the photo is indicated below).

In conclusion - a short video with expert advice on choosing a floor covering.

Linoleum manufacturers offer many material options that differ in composition, thickness, and design. To buy the right one, it is important to consider the basic selection criteria.

Purpose

Household linoleum is intended exclusively for residential premises: apartments, cottages, summer cottages. It is affordable, and it is easy to choose the right color for any interior. Most often, household linoleum is made on a foam base, which gives it softness and muffles sound vibrations. Felt can also be used as a substrate, which is more advantageous in terms of sound and heat insulation. Floor material for domestic use is not highly wear-resistant, therefore it is suitable for rooms with no large quantity people.

Commercial linoleum is much stronger than domestic linoleum, but its cost is, on average, twice the cost of residential flooring. The material is made of dense PVC and is colored throughout its thickness, so even with intense exposure, the pattern from the surface is not erased. Commercial linoleum is intended for use in office, retail and other premises. common use with high traffic, and at the same time its appearance can last up to 20 years.

Semi-commercial linoleum is more affordable than commercial linoleum, but at the same time it is quite wear-resistant. For its manufacture, a foam base is used, and protective layer thicker than household linoleum. Such material is suitable for offices with a small number of people, and it is also bought in an apartment with pets.

To choose linoleum, taking into account the specifics and operating conditions, it is recommended to focus on its class. The designation consists of two numbers, the first of which characterizes the premises (2 - housing, 3 - offices, 4 - production), and the second shows the intensity of the load on the flooring (1 - low, 2 - medium, 3 - high, 4 - very high ). For example, the marking "23" means that linoleum is suitable for residential premises with high load: hallways, corridors. Marking "33" makes it possible to use linoleum in offices with a large number of people, as well as in schools, universities and so on.

Thickness

Typically, linoleum manufacturers indicate two parameters - the total thickness and the thickness of the protective layer. The thicker the flooring, the more layers it has. For material up to 1.6 mm thick - one layer, that is, a pattern and protective covering applied to the substrate. The multilayer structure is much more complex and can include up to 6 materials.

When choosing linoleum, you should consider where the coating will be used and what loads it will experience. For example, in a bedroom there are usually no more than two people, and there are no serious mechanical effects on the material - which means that you can choose 2 mm thick linoleum. In the hallway and in the kitchen, where there are usually a lot of people, heavy objects can fall on the floor, it is better to lay linoleum about 3 mm thick. This thickness is also quite suitable for a child's room.

Coating with a thickness of 4 - 6 mm is suitable for offices, educational and medical institutions. Finally, 8-9 mm thick linoleum can be used in industrial and public buildings, gyms, and so on.

The protective layer that preserves the pattern from abrasion can also be different. Its thickness is determined by the purpose of the product: for domestic linoleum, this figure does not exceed 0.3 mm, for semi-commercial it is 0.5 mm, for commercial it reaches 0.8 mm.

Drawing

Depending on where the linoleum will be laid, a suitable pattern is selected. For example, imitation tiles look good in the kitchen, bathroom or balcony. Large squares fit perfectly into spacious rooms, whereas for small spaces it is better to choose small patterns. Wood-like drawing is also very popular - it harmoniously fits both in offices and in living quarters. For the living room, you can choose a pattern that imitates a laminate. If you want something original, it makes sense to look at materials with an artistic or abstract pattern. Monochromatic coatings are suitable for gyms, halls, commercial premises.

Dimensions

The width of the linoleum cut is selected depending on the width of the room and can range from 0.5 to 5 m. In order not to have to join the pattern and glue the seam at the junction, it is better to take the material in one piece. The length of the roll can be from 10 to 40 m. The price is indicated for running meter.

Application Specifics

Many manufacturers offer specialized linoleum, designed for certain operating conditions. For example, in a room where electrical appliances and computers are used, antistatic material should be placed. Sports linoleum is different increased wear resistance and has a safety anti-slip coating. Fire-resistant floor coverings (combustibility class G1) should be used in places with high requirements for fire safety. Linoleum, intended for the underfloor heating system, has antistatic properties and is fireproof.

Reference article based on the expert opinion of the author.

Linoleum is a time-tested type of flooring. It is presented in large assortment, and you need to select it depending on the type of room.

Therefore, we will consider how to choose linoleum for an apartment in terms of quality, so that it is not only beautiful, but also environmentally safe, and is used for a longer time.

Today, floor coverings are on the market in huge assortment- laminate, parquet, tile, porcelain stoneware, but linoleum does not lose its popularity. Its design is diverse and many-sided, the flooring is quite simple, and the price is affordable for any consumer.

But first, let's briefly get acquainted with its types in terms of binding materials, class, scope, and how to choose the right quality linoleum for an apartment.

The main types of linoleum

To decide which material to choose for an apartment, consider its types, based on the composition, the main advantages and disadvantages.

natural linoleum

Its cake can be described as follows: a linoleum mixture is applied to a jute substrate from natural ingredients - wood flour, lime, coniferous resin, flax oil, natural dyes. The mixture is pressed and dried according to the technology, as a result, a building material that is strong in structure is obtained.

Pros:

• High strength, wear resistance;
• Ecological cleanliness, thanks to natural ingredients;
• Antistatic properties, resistant to ultraviolet;
• fire safety;
• The presence of bactericidal properties (thanks to flax oil);
• Long service life (20 years or more).

Minuses:

• High cost compared to synthetic counterparts;
• The material is quite fragile and hard, so care should be taken when transporting;
• It is better to entrust laying to a specialist, since you yourself may not be able to cope with this qualitatively;
• It is not recommended to lay in rooms with high humidity.

PVC linoleum

It is produced on a fabric, non-woven heat and sound insulation basis or without a basis. It can be single layer or have multiple layers. PVC linoleum is most in demand on consumer market, as the most affordable price factor.

Pros:

• Environmental safety (it is non-toxic);
• Moisture resistance, it is not subject to decay;
• Ease of installation;
• A wide variety color palette, drawings, patterns, imitations for a variety of finishing building materials;
• Low thermal conductivity;
• Possesses dielectric properties;
• Unpretentious in care.

Minuses:

• Susceptible to negative temperatures- its elastic properties are reduced, and it can easily crack;
• Under the influence of elevated temperature, it can shrink;
• Unpleasant specific smell in the first weeks after laying.

Alkyd linoleum

This type always has a fabric base, with alkyd resins applied to it, which improves its properties.

Main advantages:

• Improved properties of sound and heat insulation;
• Increased wear resistance.

Flaws:

• Decreased elasticity with decreasing temperature;
• It is advisable to entrust the laying to a specialist;
• Before laying, he must spend the night warm in order to exclude a change in geometric dimensions.

Relin (rubber linoleum)

It is two-layered: the base is made of converted rubber, the front layer is made of a mixture of a rubber carrier with a pigment.

Positive sides:

• High water resistance;
• Strength, elasticity;
• Long service life.

Negative: in residential apartments, its use is unacceptable, since relin emits harmful substances. But it is successfully used in sports facilities, swimming pools, garages.

Colloxylin linoleum

This is a single-layer baseless coating made of nitrocellulose with the addition of gypsum, plasticizers, dyes.

Advantages:

• Quite elastic;
• Moisture resistant building material;
• Has a decorative sheen.

Disadvantages: prone to shrinkage, unstable to temperature changes.

Consider how to choose linoleum for an apartment in terms of quality, so that it matches the nature of the room, the requirements for flooring.

Criteria for choosing linoleum

The material must meet necessary requirements the room where it will be installed. These are moisture resistance, wear resistance, heat-insulating and sound-proofing properties, antistatic, fire safety and so on.

In addition, when choosing linoleum for an apartment in terms of quality, it should be taken into account that the actual load on the floor in living rooms is less than in the kitchen, in the hallway, and in the corridor, therefore, the characteristics of the purchased building material should be different.

Linoleum by appearance is selected based on the design of the room, its style, the overall color scheme.

It is marked by class, based on its composition and degree of wear resistance. The class is conditionally indicated in the form of two digits, where the first characterizes the type of room, For example:
2 – living rooms apartments, public buildings;
3 - office rooms;
4 - production areas.

1 - low degree;
2 - average intensity;
3 - high load intensity;
4 - very high intensity.

Considering how to choose linoleum for an apartment in terms of quality, you need to know that all types of building materials have an upper protective (working) layer, the thickness of which determines the wear resistance of the material.

The protective coating protects against mechanical damage, retains aesthetic and operational parameters for a longer time and is applied with a thickness of 0.15 mm (household) to 0.8 mm (commercial).

Scope of linoleum

The degree of wear resistance determines the scope of synthetic linoleum:

Household linoleum (wear resistance class 21 - 23) is used in residential apartments, it is elastic, designed for light loads, easy to clean, with a protective layer thickness of 0.15mm - 0.25mm.

semi-commercial linoleum (wear class 31 - 34) for apartments will do in the hallway, kitchen, apartment corridor, as well as in small offices, shops, pharmacies, hospital wards, hotels.

commercial linoleum (wear resistance class 41 - 43) are laid in shops, offices, industrial premises with a high degree of load and patency. He has elevated strength characteristics and this is the thickest version of linoleum.

The choice of linoleum for the apartment

Bedroom

In the bedroom where we spend little time, class 21 is suitable. Another indicator is important for longer use of the material and resistance to mechanical stress. This is the size of the protective layer for the bedroom equal to 0.15mm.

Living room

For the living room, where we gather with the whole family and spend more time, thereby increasing the load on the floor, class 22 linoleum is suitable, the protective layer is 0.15 - 0.2 mm.

Hallway and corridor

There is a high degree of cross-country ability, since all family members move along the corridor more than once. For the hallway and corridor, a class 23 would be an acceptable option, or if the family is large, then a semi-commercial version of 31 - 32 classes, select a protective layer of 0.25 mm and above.

Children's room

In the children's room, everything depends on the age of the child or two, his activity. We consider the nursery as a room with medium traffic, but with the possibility of damage to the coating. If this happens, then we will repair the linoleum.

For children, choose class 22 - 23, a protective layer of 0.2 mm. In addition, the floor in the children's room should not be too smooth so that the child does not slip on it, it is better to choose a material with a textured surface.

The choice of linoleum for the kitchen

In the kitchen, the floor must have high wear resistance, be resistant to mechanical stress, and not react to household chemicals.

You can choose household 23, 24 classes, if you cook a little and the family is small. If there are 5 or more people in the family, then it is better to choose a class 31 - 32 with a protective layer thickness of 0.4 or more.

Choice of color, pattern

Studying the question of how to choose linoleum for an apartment in terms of quality, let's stop along the way on the color and pattern of the floor, which plays an important role in the interior.

A variety of textures and colors allow you to design stylish and interesting options. Due light colors, a correctly selected pattern can visually expand the space.

The floor of the bedroom, children's room is better to decorate in light, warm colors of cream, coffee with milk, beige. Linoleum imitating parquet, laminate, wenge, an interesting pattern will look calm and appropriate.

In the kitchen, you can choose a coating that imitates marble, ceramic tiles, natural stone, mosaic. If kitchen space small, then a floor covering with small tiles will visually expand it. If the tile floor is in tune with the kitchen apron, then the overall design will benefit from this.

In addition, the orientation to the cardinal points should also be taken into account. If your living room faces sunny side, then cold colors are preferred, and vice versa, the north side loves warm colors. Choose a pattern from the samples above or your preference.

The entrance hall, the corridor are the most polluted rooms, so the floor in the hallway should not be chosen in one color. It is well perceived in the form of a carpet, under a laminate, parquet, stone.

Consider how to choose linoleum for an apartment in terms of quality.

Buy material at winter period recommended in a store where it is properly stored and the store is heated.
Feel free to smell the coating - it should not have an unpleasant pungent odor. If the smell is present, then it is better not to buy such a building material, since it may contain additives that are harmful to health in its composition.

Ask the seller for a certificate of quality, material compliance with standards. In addition, the roll must have a special marking of the product.

Check the quality of the coating by rolling it out. It should be without delamination of the protective film, waves, irregularities.

After an external inspection, run your hand over the surface of the coating, the material should not be “oily”.

If you are making a purchase for several rooms at once, then it is advisable to buy in one piece. Based on the size of the roll, figure out if you can bring it into the apartment according to stairwell without bending. Often, a long roll has to be brought in through the window, if these are the first floors.

Going to the store, you have the size of the required piece for flooring. For example, the width of household linoleum is produced in multiples of 0.5 meters in size from 1.5 m to 5 m. If you have a room 2.8 meters wide, then you choose a 3-meter canvas, the excess is cut off. Along the length, add the presence of sills, protrusions to the calculation.

When packing the workpiece, do not fold it in half, it must be rolled up with the front surface inward. The adhesive tape should not touch the front side, since the adhesive layer is then difficult to wash off, which will affect the quality.

Purchased material is transported only in rolls. If you want to transport a wide roll on the trunk of a car, then a bar or reel is inserted inside the roll, on which it was wound. So that the edges do not sag and the quality does not suffer, place it under the roll on the trunk wooden planks, fasten.

We examined how to choose quality linoleum for an apartment and, following these simple rules, you will choose exactly what you need.

The abundance of flooring materials confuse anyone who is faced with the problem of choice. Yet, despite the emergence of modern flooring, practical and versatile linoleum remains popular and in demand. At an affordable price, you can get quality and durable coating for your home, which is not afraid of heavy loads and moisture. But it also has disadvantages that affect the quality and service life. Before you buy flooring for an apartment, you will have to study the characteristics. About this and will be discussed in the article.

Advantages

First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with all the advantages of linoleum. As mentioned above, its main advantages are:

• strength;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to mechanical stress (the degree of wear resistance depends on the quality of the coating in question);
• a wide variety of colors;
• elasticity;
• ease of installation.

To lay linoleum on the floor, you do not need to have special skills and knowledge, therefore, having instructions, everyone will cope with this stage.

Today, the market offers a wide range of a wide variety of patterns, colors and textures.

View

Type of linoleum - important criterion, with which they are initially determined, since manufacturers produce several varieties. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as certain features of use. All this should be taken into account when deciding which type of material to choose.

The composition includes such components:

• linseed oil;
• cork and wood flour;
• limestone powder;
• pine resin;
• natural dyes.

Manufacturers take jute fabric as a basis. The result is an absolutely environmentally friendly coating that can be used for any room in the apartment, including the nursery. Allergy sufferers and asthmatics will live comfortably in a house with such flooring without feeling discomfort.

The benefits also include:

• abrasion resistance;
• preservation of the original color for many years;
• bactericidal properties;
• incombustibility;
• ease of care.

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride, which is common today, is also used in the production of linoleum. Thanks to the use of innovative European technologies, the coating is distinguished by:

• thermal insulation properties;
• the presence of dielectric properties;
• environmental friendliness;
• resistance to decay;
• ease of installation and maintenance;
• large selection of colors and patterns.

It should be noted that this species is very sensitive to elevated temperatures, alkaline and chemical solvents. If the temperature drops sharply, then the elasticity will be minimal.

Subspecies by place of use

Linoleum can be:

1. Commercial. Used in office space, its average service life is about 20 years. The positive side is strength and wear resistance.
2. semi-commercial. It spreads both in offices and in apartments. If this type is chosen for office space, then the room should have low traffic, since the service life can be reduced to 7 years.
3. Domestic. Slim and cheap cover, which has the shortest service life - 5 years. It can only be used in residential areas.

Other varieties

It is worth mentioning the less popular varieties of linoleum:

1. glyptal. The production process is quite simple: alkyd resins are applied to the fabric base. This allows you to give the material increased heat and sound insulation properties. True, the process of laying such material is not simple.
2. colloxylin. The composition of the coating includes nitrocellulose - a component that gives the coating moisture resistance, incombustibility and elasticity. However, there are also disadvantages: sensitivity to temperature changes and a tendency to shrink.
3. . The production process is complicated, since the material consists of 2 layers: crushed rubber with bitumen and a mixture of pigment, rubber and a special filler. The advantages include elasticity and resistance to moisture.

Due to the fact that the reline is present a large number of harmful volatile substances, it is not recommended to lay it in residential premises.

Let's move on to considering the structure of linoleum. There are two groups:

• homogeneous;
• heterogeneous.

The first group has a relatively small thickness of 1.5 to 2 mm, and the drawing technology is through. This approach allows you to keep the original look longer, especially in rooms with high traffic. According to experts, it is homogeneous quality linoleum that is an excellent option for a kitchen or corridor.

The heterogeneous type, unlike its counterpart, has a large thickness, which reaches 6 mm. It consists of the following layers:

• PVC backing (polyvinyl chloride foam);
• fiberglass (reinforcement);
• PVC with a pattern;
• varnish coating with bactericidal impregnation.

The last layer is very important, as it performs both a decorative and protective function. This view is suitable for a loggia, balcony, dining room, hallway and bathroom.

In some stores, you can find mixed-type linoleum, where a homogeneous layer is taken as the basis, but there are also layers of PVC, fiberglass, polyurethane film, which acts as a protection against mechanical stress.

Colors

An important criterion that big influence on the perception of the interior of any room and room. The style of the interior of the room can be any, as well as its purpose, in any case it will be possible to choose best option, which will complement the situation. In order not to make a mistake when choosing a color, you need to pay attention to two main criteria:

• Interior Design;
• purpose of the room.

Consider examples for the main rooms.

1. Bedroom. It is appropriate to choose a floor covering of soft and warm shades without a pattern. The ideal solution would be to opt for imitation natural material- wood or marble.
2. Living room. Depending on the interior and style, both calm and rich shades will be appropriate here. warm colors. You can consider options with drawings or ornaments.
3. Children's. Dull and monotonous drawings should be avoided here. It is best to give preference to bright and juicy tones, contrasting and varied patterns. This combination will make the atmosphere festive and fun.

Manufacturers

There is one more important point- which company to prefer linoleum. Most of the criteria will depend on the manufacturer, so this issue needs to be given a lot of attention. When choosing a well-known and popular manufacturer, you can automatically count on high performance of all characteristics. But be prepared for the fact that this option may not be affordable.

Too much low price makes you think, as the quality of the flooring will be questionable. In this case, the true composition of the coating can only be guessed at. Be careful as this material can give off toxic fumes that are harmful to the human body.

After studying the domestic market, Tarkett can be distinguished among the leading brands of flooring. This manufacturer has introduced modern and innovative technologies. The composition of linoleum includes only natural or acceptable components. Products fully comply with sanitary and hygienic and fire regulations. In addition, Tarkett has another advantage - a large assortment.

And finally a few more practical advice How to identify quality flooring.

1. After choosing linoleum, smell the coating. If there is too strong a smell, then this means that the composition includes harmful substances. High-quality material either has no smell, or it is insignificant, the pattern looks clear, and the surface does not have a greasy sheen.
2. To avoid joints, you need a canvas corresponding in width to the dimensions of the room. If you cannot purchase the appropriate linoleum, purchase the material with a margin, as you may have to customize the pattern. Consider the presence of thresholds, ledges and niches for batteries.
3. The coating must fully comply with all safety standards. Familiarize yourself with the marking, which confirms the passage of the examination and the availability of relevant quality certificates.
4. Consider the method and possibility of transportation.
5. The presence of a protective layer will extend the operational life of the coating.
6. The canvas is not recommended to be folded in half, and also to use adhesive tape for fastening, since a trace will subsequently remain.

You need to check the quality in expanded form. This is the only way to notice the presence of bumps, waves or a peeled film.

As you can see, the process of choosing a floor covering for an apartment is quite complicated. But if you take into account all the nuances and subtleties, it will be easier to purchase high-quality flooring. Experts recommend using PVC coating for the hallway, semi-commercial for the kitchen natural coating, bedroom and nursery also require coverage with special indicators of quality and environmental friendliness.