Despite the huge variety of floor coverings, linoleum remains the most popular and popular. Buying this material, the consumer at a relatively low cost receives a durable, reliable coating that is not afraid of moisture or falling of heavy objects.
The main disadvantage of this type of flooring - the use of a large number of synthetic materials - is gradually becoming less important, as the proportion of natural components in modern linoleum is constantly growing.
In this article we will try to answer the question: "How to choose linoleum for an apartment".We will discuss the main characteristics of this material, and also indicate what you need to pay attention to, so that your purchase does not disappoint you.
Advantages of linoleum
As already mentioned, the most important advantages of linoleum are its strength, moisture resistance and excellent resistance to mechanical influences, be it falling objects or heels of female shoes.
No less important role is played by the elasticity of linoleum, due to which it is practically impossible to damage during installation or operation. The very operation of flooring with linoleum does not require any special skills or special qualifications, you can always do it yourself without the financial costs associated with hiring a master.
Another advantage of linoleum is its appearance. Modern production technologies allow you to obtain a wide variety of combinations of patterns, colors and textures. Regardless of which style is chosen for a house or apartment, you can always find a linoleum suitable for color and pattern.
Step 1: types of structure
The type of structure distinguishes such types of linoleum as homogeneous and heterogeneous.
Homogeneous varieties of linoleum have a small thickness( from 1.5 to 2 mm), and the pattern is applied by end-to-end technology. Due to this, it is not erased during operation, so homogeneous linoleum is more often laid in places with intensive load. If you have not decided which linoleum to choose for the kitchen, we advise you to pay attention to the coating of a homogeneous type. Excellent for this option and for the corridor.
If you need a better linoleum - at your service cover heterogeneous type. This material has a higher density than the homogeneous linoleum, and its thickness can reach 6 mm. In its structure, heterogeneous linoleum is a multi-layered construction. The substrate( back layer) is a foamed polyvinyl chloride.
This is followed by a strong fiberglass layer, which performs the function of reinforcement. Next - a layer of PVC with a pattern. The last in this "pie" is a layer of varnish coating with bactericidal impregnation, which has a decorative and protective purpose. Heterogeneous linoleum is recommended to be laid in dining rooms, bathrooms or on the balcony( loggia).This version is also suitable for the hallway.
High quality mixed coating. This linoleum is also multilayered, but its basis is a layer of homogeneous linoleum. Over it are pasted layers of PVC, fiberglass and polyurethane film, necessary to protect the entire structure from mechanical influences. If you are looking for a floor covering for a bedroom or a living room, then you can safely choose a linoleum of mixed type.
Step 2: choose linoleum in terms of load
Linoleum coating can be designed for different load values and depending on this parameter is divided into three types:
Household linoleum
This is the most inexpensive type of coating that is installed in those rooms where to quality andthe reliability of the floor covering does not make any special demands. The thickness of household linoleum is low, density - medium. The weight of one square meter can vary within the limits of 1.25 - 2.25 kg.
The deformation value can be up to 2 mm. This coating is very easy to install, does not crack when rolled up, has a sufficiently high sound absorption coefficient. Sold in rolls with a width of 1.5 - 4 m. A typical room for laying household linoleum is the bedroom.
Commercial linoleum
Such a coating will cost more, but the costs will be justified by high strength, resistance to mechanical influences with the maximum possible intensity, typical for public premises.
Qualitative linoleum of commercial type has surprising durability, its service life is up to 25 years. Due to its soundproofing properties, it provides acoustic comfort in the room. The deformations in this coating do not exceed 1 mm. The width of the canvas is 2.5 - 5 meters.
Commercial linoleum is an ideal floor covering for office, store and similar premises with a large flow of people in street shoes. In an apartment or a private house a good linoleum of commercial type, as a rule, is laid in the hallway.
Semi-commercial linoleum
As the name implies, this variety is a cross between the first and second variants. Semi-commercial linoleum is somewhat thinner than commercial, but much stronger than household. It is difficult to find a more suitable floor covering for the hall, living room or children's room.
Specialized types of linoleum
In addition to the above varieties, there are types of linoleum with some pronounced property. This type includes:
- Acoustic linoleum: very soft coating with a high sound absorption coefficient. Such linoleum is most often purchased for bedrooms or children's rooms.
- Antistatic linoleum: this kind of linoleum has the ability to conduct a current, through which it can dissipate static electricity. In residential premises, this type of flooring is practically not used.
- linoleum with anti-slip effect: it has an outer layer covered with quartz or corundum chips. Excellent coverage for the hallway, bathroom or kitchen.
Step 3: choose the color
The color of the linoleum can have a big impact on the perception of the decor in one room or another. Numerous variations of warm and cold colors, a diverse ornament - all this opens up an amazing space for the designer's imagination, helps to create an interior of any style and purpose, starting from a cozy home and ending with a strictly businesslike one.
When choosing the color of linoleum, you should pay attention:
- for interior design;
- for the assignment of the room.
For example, in the bedroom it will be appropriate to cover with a soft warm shade( creamy, beige golden), preferably without a pattern. A successful solution will be the imitation of a natural coating of wood or marble.
In the living room, both calm and bright saturated shades of warm colors will look good. Add "zest" in the interior of the central room of the apartment or house will help the original drawing or ornament on the linoleum.
If you choose linoleum for a nursery, try to avoid dull and monotonous colors and drawings. Bright, juicy tone, together with a contrasting variety of drawings will make the situation in the baby's room truly festive and fun.
Step 4: which manufacturers should I prefer?
Good choice of linoleum in color and pattern - of course, a big plus. However, we have to admit that this is not the main characteristic of the coating. A decisive role is played by its safety, environmental friendliness and compliance with the highest quality standards.
Fortunately, you do not need to be a professional to avoid mistakes when buying linoleum. It is enough to choose the right company. Choosing a well-known manufacturer, you automatically receive products of decent quality, which you can safely put in any room, including a nursery.
By purchasing the same cheap cover of unknown origin, whose composition is a mystery even for its manufacturer, you risk getting serious diseases due to toxic secretions.
In the domestic market one of the best brands of flooring is the Tarkett linoleum. When it is produced, the latest technology is used, so the linoleum of this brand corresponds not only to sanitary and hygienic, but also to fire regulations.
Do not disappoint the buyer and a variety of design solutions. In the company's catalogs, even the most picky consumer will certainly find exactly what will suit him for all indicators.
We sincerely hope that this brief information helped you navigate the difficult question of choosing linoleum. Let your home be really cozy, and joy and fun will settle in it forever!
