Characteristics of linoleum for residential premises. Which linoleum is better for an apartment: expert opinion

Color sets the style and mood, and it is very important that the finishing elements look harmonious. Consider the basic recommendations on what color linoleum to choose.

1. To make the floor stand out from the general background, its tone should be in contrast to the wallpaper or furniture. However, the interior must contain objects that match the color of linoleum: textiles, statuettes, vases, etc. This will create harmony.
2. If the space lacks coziness, choose flooring in warm pastel colors.
3. For light walls, choose a coating in saturated colors, even if they are pastel and unobtrusive.
4. In combination with a floor carpet, wood-like linoleum will look the most advantageous.
5. A reddish-orange floor covering must be in harmony with some other decor.
6. If the room is made in warm colors, then a subfloor will not work for it.
7. It is better to lay dark linoleum in the room where there is light furniture.
8. A light floor is more practical than a dark one, because dust, streaks, small debris are not visible on it. This is especially true for the kitchen - after laying dark linoleum, it will have to be cleaned at least twice a day.

What color to choose linoleum for an apartment?

Solid solutions

When choosing a single-color coating, general design rules apply. Bright colors add dynamics to the room, warm and pastel - comfort, citrus fruits create a joyful atmosphere. Among the most popular and easy for visual perception, there are shades of brown and pistachio, golden yellow and beige tones.

For an interior in the style of minimalism, hi-tech and other modern trends, a white coating is suitable. It will add air, light. However, it is worth remembering that such linoleum will deprive the room of comfort and will require constant and careful maintenance. Shades of coffee with milk, sandy-beige colors are "shown" to retro, English, classic styles.

Most often, linoleum is chosen for the kitchen as a practical and inexpensive option. A warm and family atmosphere is important in this room, which will help to create the following shades:

• green;
• light brown;
• red brown;
• deep yellow;
• gray-green;
• woody.

Linoleum and door color

If you need to choose linoleum in a small room (kitchen, bedroom, hallway, office), then it is better to give preference to the coating, the color of which will match the doors.

The skirting board is an important part of the connection between the floor and the doors. If the door is dark, and you want to “play” on the contrast by laying a light floor, then you can choose any color of the plinth: either to match the door or the floor. If the linoleum is darker, then the plinth is chosen in the color of the door.

Patterned linoleum

If you like patterned flooring, keep in mind that a brightly detailed ornament will make the room more dynamic (which, for example, is not the best option for a bedroom). A muted pattern, on the contrary, will be soothing.

A drawing that imitates wooden boards will help to visually adjust the room. Lay across an excessively long room, it will visually "shorten" it. If the drawing runs along a long wall, the room will appear even longer.

If linoleum imitates large square tiles, then the room will visually appear smaller. Small tiles or mosaic patterns will make the room visually larger.

What not to do

1. Do not match linoleum to the color of the curtains - the room will be overloaded and difficult for visual perception.
2. If there are vases, poufs, chairs with hidden legs on the floor, then their color should be different from the shade of linoleum. Otherwise, you will get the unpleasant impression that the floor and furniture are a single relief.
3. Shades of brown and other dark shades are only suitable for bright rooms in which the sun shines most of the day. However, it is worth remembering that color fading and deformation over time is inevitable.

June 1, 2016
Specialization: facade decoration, interior decoration, construction of summer cottages, garages. The experience of an amateur gardener and gardener. He also has experience in repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing guitar and much more, for which there is not enough time :)

Linoleum has been one of the most common flooring materials for many years, due to its practicality and good performance. True, in fairness, it should be noted that the latter largely depend on the product model and its quality. Therefore, it is not surprising that many people are interested in how the quality of linoleum is determined in a store before buying?

Below I will tell you what to look for and how to test your coating to get a quality product. Of course, we will not consider verification methods that require special equipment or laboratory conditions.

Determine the quality of the coating

First of all, it should be said that there is no linoleum, which is completely unsuitable for use as a floor covering. The only difference is the scope of the models.

So, some types of coverage are intended for use in residential premises, while others - in offices and all kinds of public institutions. Therefore, further I will tell you how to choose linoleum for an apartment or house, i.e. for residential premises.

So, when choosing, you need to pay attention to the following points:

Below we will take a closer look at all these nuances.

Parameter 1: smell

One of the main requirements for finishing materials, including flooring, is environmental friendliness. In the case of linoleum, environmental friendliness is evidenced by the absence of a sharp chemical odor.

If you smell a strong smell, then poisonous substances were used in the manufacture of the material. As a rule, industrial coatings smell unpleasant, the main requirement for which is high strength and resistance to abrasion. In living quarters, of course, you should not use such material.

When buying, sniff the roll, not the sample.
The fact is that samples are often treated with special compounds, as a result of which they are odorless.

Also, the proof of the safety of the coating is the presence of an international environmental label. True, not all household models have it. Therefore, its absence does not yet mean that this is a toxic product.

Parameter 2: drawing and coloring

If you want to buy high quality linoleum, you cannot but pay attention to its drawing. It should be expressive and clear. If the drawing does not contain clear outlines, this indicates the low quality of the product, respectively, the performance characteristics may also leave much to be desired.

In addition, considering the surface of the coating, you need to pay attention to some other points:

• corrugation- if it is absent, the floor can turn out to be quite slippery and, accordingly, traumatic;

• colors- it is better to use a covering of calm natural tones. In this case, the material will not fade in the sun in a short time, and the eyes will not get tired of it. For example, wood-like linoleum is an excellent option;
• the presence of flaking areas- if the transparent film began to peel off in some places, it is necessary to refuse to purchase such a product, since the canvas will quickly become unusable.

The good quality of the product is often evidenced by the presence of the manufacturer's trademark.

Parameter 3: thickness

When choosing a coating, be sure to pay attention to the cut.

Typically, a canvas consists of three main layers:

• protective - is a protective transparent coating that provides the material with resistance to abrasion and other mechanical stress;
• front - is the main layer, the strength of the web also depends on the thickness;
• substrate - provides thermal insulation. The backing can be foamed or felt. It should be noted that the foam base is more practical and durable.

As you might guess, good quality linoleum should have a fairly thick first and second layer, on which the performance of the canvas depends. On sale sometimes there are models that are thick enough to the touch due to the substrate, while their protective layer is very thin. It is better to refuse to purchase such a product, since such a coating during operation may simply begin to tear.

When choosing a canvas, you should wrinkle its edge with your own hands or press on the surface with your fingernail.
If the surface is not deformed, then the product is of good quality.

I must say that there is also a single-layer linoleum (homogeneous), which does not contain a substrate. A feature of this material is its increased thermal conductivity. Thus, it is excellent.

Parameter 4: strength and abrasion class

The quality of the coating is often indicated by the class of wear resistance and abrasion. The wear resistance class is marked with two numbers:

Digit location	Designation
The first	Speaks about the purpose of the material: 2 - the material is intended for residential use; 3 - the coating can be used in offices, hospitals, kindergartens, etc .; 4 - the canvas of this brand is industrial and can be used in production workshops, concert halls, airports, etc.
The second	It characterizes the level of permissible load intensity. According to this parameter, the coverage is divided into four types: 1 - only low intensity of operation is permissible; 2 - medium intensity; 3 - high intensity; 4 - extremely high intensity.

If you come across linoleum of the 21st class, then keep in mind that it is the least wear-resistant and is suitable only for use in rooms with low traffic, for example. But linoleum of the 23rd or 24th class can be laid even in the hallway.

Also an important indicator of durability is the abrasion group. According to this parameter, the product is divided into the following types:

It must be said that the abrasion group, in contrast to the strength class, does not depend on the thickness of the material. Of course, the above figures are arbitrary and were obtained in the course of testing the coating in laboratory conditions. But, in any case, this parameter speaks of the durability and strength of the product.

Parameter 5: Cost

Material cost is often an indicator of quality. Of course, if the coating is expensive, this does not guarantee its quality. However, the highest quality linoleum cannot be cheap.

Therefore, below I will give the cost of some well-proven models, which will allow you to navigate the price:

In the photo - industrial homogeneous linoleum HORIZON

Here, in fact, is the whole instruction for determining the quality of linoleum, with which I wanted to acquaint you. Of course, it should also be borne in mind that the performance of the coating largely depends on the material from which it is made. On our portal you can find detailed information about the types of linoleum and their features, which will also help you make the right choice.

The modern variety of floor coverings unwittingly puts any person making repairs in an apartment or a house, before the "torment" of choice. Well-known manufacturers, perfectly building their advertising policy, persistently recommend their products, which are really good. But it happens that for this you will have to part with the amount that was not planned. And the good old linoleum for some reason is undeservedly relegated to the background, considering it a choice for the poor. In fact, it has a number of advantages that the consumer most likely does not know about. It might be worthwhile to be more aware of this popular flooring and find out which linoleum is best for your home.

Historical reference

Linoleum is mistakenly attributed to modern and artificial materials, but its historical roots are hidden in the name. The word linoleum consists of Latin: linum - meaning flax or linen, as well as oleum - oil. Linoleum was patented back in 1860 by the Englishman Frederick Walton. Originally, this flooring used a woven linen or jute backing to which oxidized vegetable oil was applied in combination with cork flour. Technologies have been constantly improving, manufacturers have 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 coverings on a synthetic basis, which were left with the old name - linoleum, although this is a completely different material. In the 90s, they remembered the traditions of the production of natural linoleum, and the volume of its production is constantly increasing, since there is a steady demand for it. Thus, under the name linoleum, a very wide class of flooring, both natural and synthetic, was united.

Types of linoleum

To find it easier to navigate the ocean of proposals and make the right choice, it is worth learning about the types of existing linoleums and specifically which ones are suitable for the home.

Natural linoleum

One of the best choices is natural linoleum. For its production, exclusively natural ingredients are used: linseed oil, wood flour, jute or linen, natural wood resin, limestone. A rich palette of natural dyes, together with modern technologies, allow this wonderful coating to be dyed in any color. Natural linoleum has a number of undeniable advantages:

• High strength. Natural linoleum can withstand pressure up to 16 MPa.
• Linseed oil, which is part of 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 from various dirt with detergents.
• Static electricity does not accumulate on the natural linoleum.
• Not afraid of ultraviolet rays, does not fade from the sun.
• Low flammability.

With such an impressive list of advantages, natural linoleum is still not devoid of disadvantages:

• Natural linoleum has a high price, comparable to a parquet board.
• In rooms where a natural linoleum coating is planned, there should not be high humidity, since the natural base is prone to decay.
• Low elasticity limits the use of natural linoleum in cold rooms and makes it difficult to install.
• Features of manufacturing technology limit the variety of patterns and ornaments.
• Only the laid natural linoleum flooring has a specific smell, which may not be to everyone's liking. However, after a few months, the smell disappears.

Natural linoleum is an excellent choice for living spaces for all green living enthusiasts who are willing to go for high costs. 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 different types of bases:

• Fabric base. For it, both natural jute and synthetic fabrics, for example, fiberglass, can be used. The patterned top cover 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 improves thermal insulation properties, but in rooms with high traffic and high humidity, such linoleum should not be used, since it does not like intense loads, and the porous base will perfectly absorb moisture.

• Foamed PVC backing. Such 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 layer of PVC absorbs all loads and “forgives” small irregularities in the base, and the reinforcing fabric retains the geometric dimensions of the canvas. Foamed PVC can be applied chemically and in a more progressive mechanical way, which is better, since such linoleum will not wrinkle under high loads.

Also, some types of linoleum are made, which combine several types of the above layers. Linoleum, which has several of them, is called heterogeneous, and one is homogeneous. The number of layers and their purpose in linoleum for various purposes can be very different from each other.

The advantage of homogeneous linoleum is that its pattern is present throughout its entire depth, therefore, with its inevitable wear, 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 impractical. The main disadvantages of homogeneous linoleum are its high price, as well as the impossibility of applying complex patterns.

Polyvinyl chloride linoleum has a number 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 idea of ​​interior design.
• PVC linoleum has a reasonable price.
• Easily cleaned from dirt.
• Linoleum from well-known manufacturers is non-toxic, which must be confirmed by the presence of a hygienic certificate.

The disadvantages of PVC linoleum are:

• When exposed to high temperatures, linoleum shrinks.
• Only after installation, the PVC linoleum coating has an unpleasant specific odor, which disappears after several weeks of operation.

Alkyd linoleum

Alkyd, also called glyphthalic, linoleum is always made on a fabric base, on which modified alkyd or glyphthalic 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-colored. The advantages of this type of linoleum are:

• Compared to PVC linoleums, glyphthalic linoleums 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 linoleum are:

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

Glyphthal linoleum is widely used in transport: flooring in carriages, sea transport cabins, and airplanes.

Rubber linoleum (relin)

Such linoleum is made in two layers: the lower one is made of recycled rubber, the upper one is made of synthetic rubber painted in various colors. These layers are connected to each other with bitumen mastic. These floor coverings have several advantages:

• Excellent water resistance allows you to install the relay 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 in residential premises their use is contraindicated, as they emit harmful substances into the ambient air.

Nitrocellulose ( colloxylin) linoleum

These types of linoleum are a single-layer, baseless coating made from nitrocellulose with the addition of various components: gypsum, red lead, plasticizers and dyes. Currently, such coatings 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 further complicate the choice. 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 the strength characteristics and field of application in certain rooms. Each class is designated by a two-digit numerical code and a corresponding pictogram.

The first number in the class indicates:

• 2 - linoleum is intended for residential use.
• 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 / m 2.
• Thickness - from 0.15 to 3 mm.
• Flexibility and elasticity should be such that no cracks should form when wound on a rod with a diameter of 45 mm.
• Sound absorption - not less than 13-18 dB.
• Water absorption should be no more than 1-1.5%.
• Shrinkage during operation - 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 office space. Must have the following characteristics:

• Specific gravity 1.6-2.5 kg / m 2.
• Elasticity and flexibility should be such that no cracks should form in the linoleum when wound on a cylinder with a diameter of 10-40 mm.
• Sound absorption should be at least 12-16 dB.
• Shrinkage during operation - 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. A 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 hardened film layer (up to 0.8 mm), even lower shrinkage (0.02-0.1 mm / m) and a warranty period of operation (from 10 to 25 years).

The relatively high cost of such linoleum (10-40 euros per square meter), combined with technical characteristics that are excessive for apartments and houses, make its use in residential premises impractical. Some commercial linoleums may have special uses:

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

The thickness of the protective layer of linoleum

Most modern linoleums have a strong protective film made of pure PVC on their surface. 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 0.15 mm thick film 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 space with an 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, as well as all the information that will greatly help the buyer:

• Linoleum class - will help you make the right choice.
• Lot number - if you plan to purchase a large amount of linoleum, then it is desirable that it be from one batch.
• Date of manufacture.

Also, the manufacturer can 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 home

Linoleum for home

How to choose linoleum correctly?

Now that there is complete clarity with 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, a linoleum class is chosen and it is better to do this with some margin: one step higher than necessary.
• Particular attention should be paid to the thickness of the linoleum, its strength and the presence of an upper protective layer.
• It is necessary to strive to ensure that the linoleum flooring does not have connecting seams or there are a minimum of them. This is achieved by carefully measuring the premises and choosing the rolls of the required width.
• The modern variety of colors, textures, patterns of linoleum allows you to make any choice, but at the same time, one must take into account the purpose of the room, pleasant color schemes for a comfortable stay in it and the preferences of all household members.
• In rooms with possible heavy pollution, it is better to use glossy linoleum.
• When buying, you must carefully examine the entire surface of the linoleum and make sure that there is no damage.
• Poor preparation of the base and an illiterate one can negate all the advantages of this coating.

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

Linoleum is the most popular floor covering among the population with an average living standard. Firstly, the price is not as high as that of parquet or carpet, and secondly, the service life is normal. And today's manufacturers offer a wide variety of colors, choose any! But it turns out that although this material is well known to consumers, there are many nuances that must be considered when buying. Therefore, this article is devoted to the question of which linoleum to choose, because the house has different rooms with their own operational characteristics.

What to look at before buying?

To understand in detail how to choose linoleum for your home, you should know the main criteria for a rational purchase:

• compliance with the purpose - the nursery is a room, or a bedroom, a kitchen;
• characteristics - the degree of wear resistance, noise absorption, antistaticity, moisture resistance, antibacterial properties;
• whether linoleum will be able to withstand the load, taking into account the number of people living and the rate of permeability;
• whether harmony is created in the interior - linoleum can be monochromatic, with abstract patterns, with imitation of different textures: wood, tiles, stone.

If you take into account all of the above criteria, the buyer will not get lost in the modern variety, because he will know exactly how to choose linoleum for an apartment, as well as for a private house.

What kind of linoleum is there?

Perhaps, linoleum can be called the most democratic floor covering. The arguments for confirming these words are significant, because the material fits in schools, offices, and, of course, in a house / apartment. Therefore, it is clear why the market offers various types of linoleum: how to choose the best one? The question is not difficult, you just need to understand the problem and then everything will become clear.

- made from wood flour, pine resin, limestone powder, natural dyes, and the basis is jute fabric. Due to the fact that this material is made from purely natural components, it is perfect for a child's room, rooms where asthmatics and allergy sufferers live. Therefore, if the question of which linoleum to choose for an apartment is being decided, this is an excellent option - an environmentally friendly material that does not harm health, as well as resistant to abrasion, does not fade in the sun, and has bactericidal properties.

PVC linoleum is made either on a fabric basis or on a non-woven thermal insulation. Domestic manufacturers use European technologies, so everyone can afford such linoleum, because the price of the products is affordable.

Advantages:

• low thermal conductivity;
• wide palette of patterns, shades;
• pronounced dielectric characteristics;
• ease of installation.

There are also certain disadvantages, we are talking about sensitivity to high temperatures, instability to chemicals. So, if the temperature in the room drops sharply, then elasticity is lost and PVC linoleum can crack.

In addition, the considered flooring can be alkyd, colloxin, and linoleum-relin is also common.

Classification and marking of coatings

In order to accurately answer the question of how to choose the right linoleum, you need to understand the marking that corresponds to the purpose of the room. As for the first digit of this very marking, it varies from one to four:

• 1 - for rooms with minimal traffic;
• 2 - residential rooms;
• 3 - offices;
• 4 - production facilities.

And the second number indicates the expected load, which means that one is the lowest, and four is the highest load. For example, a class 21 coating is perfect for an office and a bedroom; for the kitchen and hallway, it is advisable to buy class 23-24 linoleum.

To cover the topic in more detail, you need to give a few more examples. Take the hallway, for example. Of course, the entrance hall, the corridor are premises with a very high degree of traffic. This means that the best option is linoleum with a thickness of at least 3 mm.

Important: it is advisable to pay special attention to the thickness of the protective layer, it must be at least 0.25 mm.

Also, before buying, you need to evaluate the quality of the surface on which this flooring will be laid in the future. The smoother the surface, the thinner the linoleum can be and vice versa. The ideal solution for the hallway is household linoleum with a foam base. Or it could be an expensive semi-commercial linoleum with increased durability.

How to choose a good linoleum? This multifaceted question worries many consumers. So that the purchase in the future does not become a reason for disappointments associated with low quality, you should adhere to the following guidelines:

• trust your own sense of smell: the presence of a pungent odor clearly indicates that the coating contains harmful additives. High-quality linoleum, both synthetic and natural, does not have an unpleasant odor;
• the drawing must be clear;
• compliance with safety standards - good linoleum undergoes a special examination, is labeled, and the seller must also present a hygiene certificate;
• the quality must be checked in a rolled form: for the absence of bumps, areas with a peeled film. These indicators indicate a marriage, such a coating cannot be bought, because the existing irregularities cannot be smoothed;
• it is advisable to give preference to material with a special protective film - such linoleum is easy to clean, retains its original appearance for a long time;
• all linoleum must be from the same batch - even when the articles are the same, color differences are possible.

The question of choice is not so difficult, if you know all the subtleties and nuances. All of the above tips will help buyers make the right choice, the purchase will not bring any grief in the future, that is, during operation.

The design of the room not only creates a mood and improves the perception of the surrounding world, but can also tell a lot about the owners of the room. If the view of a house or apartment could be depicted in a play, then the flooring would be in secondary roles. However, the perception of the entire play would depend on his "play". The floor not only concludes, heads everything around, but also takes on almost all the burden of the heaviness of the foreground actors: furniture.

In this path, linoleum is a completely versatile actor. And if once his game was cheap and of poor quality, today he has no equal in reincarnation. It is environmentally friendly, it can be both natural and artificial, transform into any material or be yourself. Meet linoleum - the king of the floor, the winner of the Oscar for the second plan in interior design.

Which linoleum is better?

However, not all linoleum is good. You also need to be able to choose a good, high-quality material. There are several guidelines for this flooring to help you figure out which linoleum is best. It is about the quality of the coating, because it has to withstand considerable loads.

• Appointment of linoleum... The European designation system divides linoleum according to its purpose. There are 3 main uses:

1. Large industrial buildings, factories, factories, warehouse and logistics complexes. This group is designated by the number 4 or a pictogram in the form of a plant with a pipe.
2. The second group - offices of various types, hotels, banquet halls, shopping malls, educational institutions, airport lounges, etc. This group is designated by the number 3 or the pictogram of a high-rise building.
3. All private, residential buildings are designated by the number 2 and have a pictogram in the form of a small 2-storey building.

The purpose of linoleum also determines its price, the stronger and more durable the material, the more expensive it is. However, the recommended use does not mean mandatory. For a private house, you can choose linoleum with any purpose, but for large shopping malls, linoleum with the purpose of "private house" is definitely not suitable.

• Abrasion class. In addition to the purpose, each group has 3 classes of abrasion or wear resistance. They are also designated either by numbers or by pictograms of men. First class, number 1, 1 person - light load; second grade - middle; third class - high load. Purpose and abrasion load class are applied side by side, complementing one another. So for the most passable part of the apartment, the corridor at the entrance, assignment 2 and load 3 are suitable, general designation: 23. As well as with the appointment, you can choose any larger class for the premises, the main thing is not less than necessary.
• Additional protective coating. Of two copies with the same purpose and load classes, how to choose linoleum that will serve for a long time and will not cause trouble. It is worth paying attention to the additional protective layer. It is offered mainly by reputable, time-tested manufacturers. For all manufacturers, it is called and indicated differently, therefore it is not worth listing the names. It only needs to be said that the best linoleum is likely to have such a layer.

• Quality certificates... How to choose linoleum that will not emit harmful substances, does not cause allergies, keeps its shape, does not crack? Pay attention to the quality certificates. High-quality products of European manufacturers are certified according to European EN standards, domestic ones - according to GOSTs. Information about this must be indicated on the label.
• Manufacturer and cost. You can buy good linoleum from a responsible manufacturer. The cost of quality material is sometimes comparable to the price of a handicraft. How to find good linoleum, the label will tell you. It must contain the address of the manufacturer, his contacts, all information about the product, the period of its operation.

How to choose linoleum for an apartment

You need to choose linoleum for an apartment depending on the number of people living in it and on the purpose of the rooms. For a family of 2-3 people in the passage zones, you need to lay linoleum class 23 and above. There will be enough 22 classrooms in rest rooms. If the apartment has an office, dressing room or library, 21 classrooms will show themselves quite well there. For a larger family, it is better to choose linoleum of higher classes.

The main thing is to choose high-quality linoleum for an apartment, because heavy furniture will not sell it, and households will not choke on unpleasant odors or suffer from allergies.

Thanks to various patterns and textures, you can visually increase the area of ​​a small apartment, brighten a dark room or delimit zones in a room. Colors and shades set the mood of the rooms. Warm and muted tones will pacify and create coziness. And bright, saturated - dispose to creativity, play, active pastime.

For kitchen

The kitchen in an apartment or house stands apart for a reason. This room is extremely demanding on the flooring. The level of load on it is higher than in all other rooms; even the entrance corridor cannot be compared with the kitchen in this regard. Therefore, you need to choose linoleum for the kitchen from class 31 and above. Moreover, 31 are for small apartments for 1-2 people. Why is that?

Linoleum in the kitchen is subject not only to the usual stress from passing. This is a room with an unnatural microclimate: humidity and high temperature. In these conditions, various microorganisms feel great. Therefore, it is good if linoleum for the kitchen also has an antibacterial coating.

In the kitchen, various abrasive materials, grease, acids, and dyes often get on the floor. High-quality linoleum for the kitchen must resignedly withstand all the severities. What linoleum to choose for the kitchen so that it meets all the requirements without exception? Kitchen linoleum must have an additional protective layer and must be certified.

The color scheme of linoleum for the kitchen is also slightly different from the common one. If you want your household to have a good appetite, choose warm tones, like to sit with your family in the kitchen and have a quiet dinner, enjoying your time - take a look at calm, neutral, homogeneous tones.

How to choose linoleum for a private house

It would seem that what difference does it make where the floor is located, in an apartment or in a house. And there is a difference. First of all, in the load, the abrasion of the surface layer. In private houses, with the same number of residents, the surface load is higher than in apartments. Therefore, you need to choose linoleum for a house of higher classes than for an apartment. Class 23-31 is suitable for recreation rooms, 31-32 for common rooms, for rooms of increased load (furnace room, corridor, warm veranda, kitchen) - 33 and higher.

Linoleum design for the home is often matched to the overall interior. Recently, it has become fashionable to create a natural, ecological interior from natural materials. If finances allow, you can lay natural linoleum on the floor, it is much more durable and stronger than its PVC counterpart. However, its colors leave much to be desired.

If you choose PVC linoleum for your home, without saving on quality, it will last for many years. And it can be matched to the color and pattern of the walls, imitating wood, stone, brick, various ceramics. For the attic, designers offer an interesting option - light walls and light linoleum, this will visually expand the attic, avoid "overhanging" the walls.