What is better - laminate or linoleum?

When building your own home or any workplace there is always a desire to make the interior as attractive, practical, in accordance with a vision of aesthetics. One of the most significant factors is the choice of floor covering, and the most urgent issue for today is the question in this plan, what is better - laminate or linoleum? All the pros and cons, as well as a full review with a comparison of these materials on the most important criteria, you will find in this article.

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Laminate and linoleum device

To understand correctly what to choose - linoleum or laminate, we must first of all know what makes these materials and what are the features of their device. They are as follows:

1. Laminate. The basis of this coating is natural wood. These are usually pressed MDF boards. For hardening and giving a more attractive appearance, polymer resin is added to the composition and a PVC coating is applied. It is available for sale in collections of small items.
2. Linoleum. This coating is made of natural or synthetic fibers based on PVC.Depending on the class, the material can have a different number of pressed and glued layers. The canvases are sold in roll form with different widths, so it is possible to create a seamless floor decor for rooms of different squares.

Laminate or linoleum - which is better, the expert's opinion can be taken into account. But it is necessary and personally to understand what advantages and disadvantages each of these variants of flooring has.

Pros of linoleum:

1. High wear resistance.
2. Low price of coatings on a synthetic substrate.
3. Easy laying technology.
4. Durability.
5. Variant properties of noise and thermal insulation.
6. Possibility to choose the coating of a suitable quality class for specific operating conditions by the criterion of intensity and frequency of movement of people.
7. Ease of care - transfers any detergents, as well as suitable for classic washing of the floor.

Cons:

1. The possibility of deformation of the blade when installing heavy furniture.
2. High cost of material on a completely natural basis.
3. Relative sensitivity to temperature variations.
4. More modest appearance, despite the richness of the colors. Advantages of laminate:
   1. Ecologically clean, natural material.
   2. High aesthetics and presentable appearance.
   3. Simplicity of laying, but the process is more laborious.
   4. Low price, if you compare this flooring of wood with a natural board or parquet.
   5. Good thermal insulation properties due to wood in the base and using an additional substrate.

   Disadvantages:

   1. Relative mechanical strength - deformed when heavy objects fall, prone to scratching.
   2. Does not tolerate moisture, therefore special care is required.
   3. Scratch can occur when walking on the surface after a certain period of use.
   4. Noise background when walking.

   Proceeding from the general pluses and minuses, it is already possible to decide what is better - laminate or linoleum for your premises. To maximally fully understand all the features of different types of coatings, we suggest paying attention to the choice of material for a particular type of room, as well as an additional comparison by characteristics.

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   Laminate or linoleum for bedroom, kitchen, living room, corridor?

   Different rooms in a private house or apartment are usually operated with varying degrees of intensity. In addition, each has its own specific atmosphere and conditions of life, environment. Therefore, to determine that the laminate or linoleum - which is better, you must always take into account the appointment of rooms or spaces in which you plan to update the floor. Here the recommendations are as follows.

   Living room

   Usually, this is the most solid room in the house, but it should also be the most cozy. This is where the tenants of the apartment spend most of their time and invite guests to socialize. Therefore, what to choose - laminate or linoleum, solve for specific tasks:

   1. If you are planning to create a designer elite interior with a special elegance and solidity, the answer is obvious - this is a laminate.
   2. If you prefer a simpler modern and practical option "for ages" - it's linoleum.

   Bedroom

   There must be a special atmosphere, everything should be as natural and organic as possible, in order to promote a relaxing holiday. Therefore, if the financial possibilities permit, give preference to the laminate.

   

   Corridor

   For the corridor, the finish can be chosen different, so here as nowhere is the more relevant question what is better - laminate or linoleum. To cope with this task competently, proceed from such criteria:

   • the space between rooms in the back of the house or apartment is better to decorate with a laminate, especially if it is a corridor between a nursery and a bedroom;
   • for the hallway, choose a more user-friendly and less-fine linoleum.

   Kitchen

   In the kitchen all the members of the family are constantly crowded, and guests are often met in this cozy room. But do not forget that in this room there are negative factors:

   • is constantly cooking food;
   • installs a large number of diverse techniques;
   • temperature and humidity skip;
   • is regularly sprinkled with fat;
   • can drop food.

   Therefore, the choice between laminate and linoleum is unequivocal in favor of the second. Delicate wood coating for a long time will not withstand such intense unfavorable conditions.

   Children's

   It's a bit more complicated with respect to the children's room. Everything depends on what is the priority for you from the following factors:

   1. Ecological cleanliness and naturalness are the most important criteria when choosing any finishing materials for a child's room. Laminate is more suitable for high requirements. But it can give a greater slip effect, and even in its structure is more solid. Therefore, it can provoke unsafe for the health of your child situation and lead to injuries.
   2. Practical and wear-resistant. Young children are very mobile, every second they find entertainment, play and play - and all this is very active. Do not forget about the spilled, scattered, smeared hands, powders, paints, fillers of toys, food, goodies, plasticine, etc. Therefore, to solve simultaneously several tasks in terms of practicality and convenience - both your and the baby, what to choose -linoleum or laminate, obviously. This will be linoleum. But it should be of very good quality, have all the certificates of hygienic cleanliness and differ in a certain degree of softness.

   Important! If you are choosing a cover for an office space, here, too, it is undoubtedly better to choose a good quality linoleum.

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   Important characteristics for comparison

   To have a complete idea of ​​what is best to choose - laminate or linoleum, it is for you, after you consider the following criteria:

   1. Price. Laminate, even economy class, will cost more than a good linoleum. Therefore, if you proceed from the exact budget requirement, it is better to buy really high-quality linoleum, and not a second-rate laminate.
   2. Decorative features. Here, both materials have the same advantages. Each of them can have different patterns, have the texture that you most like. Therefore, what to choose - laminate or linoleum, decide only according to your preferences.
   3. Security. Safety includes several factors - fire, hygienic, physical. Here, more attention should be paid not to the type of material, but to the quality of its manufacture and the conscientiousness of the manufacturer.
   4. Way of laying. Concerning the speed and simplicity of laying, linoleum will be simpler - at least due to the integrity of the fabric.
   5. Durability and durability. In this respect, linoleum is a priority.
   6. Care. By the criterion of leaving, linoleum is also more interesting. It can be washed and cleaned with various means. Laminate will require extremely sensitive treatment and certain restrictions.

   Now you will probably find it easier to decide whether to choose a laminate or linoleum. Competently set your goals and take into account the peculiarities of the operation of the premises, then the newly created original décor of the rooms will last you a long time, and you will not be puzzled by the need for new repairs, but will enjoy the comfort of your own home.