After performing rough work in the house or apartment, the owners have a question about what should be the flooring. Today, the range of materials is quite wide, but many choose only between two coatings. This is carpet or linoleum. An overview of these materials and their features is further in our article.
Types of linoleum
There are several types of named coatings:
- household;
- commercial;
- semi-commercial;
- natural;
- synthetic.
And to decide what to choose - carpet or linoleum, you need to understand the features of these varieties. First, we’ll talk about linoleum.
Household linoleum
This flooring is based on polyester. Its thickness is from 1 to 4 millimeters. Such linoleum has a complex structure, but under intense load this type of coating lasts no more than two years. Dents easily form on the coating, so you need to purchase furniture with wide legs under it.
Commercial
Unlike the previous version, it lasts longer and is more durable. Depending on the composition, commercial linoleum can be:
- homogeneous;
- heterogeneous.
The first type is coatings with a thickness of one and a half to three millimeters, with a single-color pattern. Their composition includes talc, limestone and kaolin. During production, special polyurethane protection is applied to the material, however, this coating needs regular grinding, which must be done every 6 months.
Heterogeneous is a more versatile option and has a multilayer structure. The basis of the material is fiberglass. The front part of linoleum is impregnated with PVC paste and decorated with a pattern. And from the wrong side there is a jute or fabric substrate. In care, this material is unpretentious - it is enough to regularly perform wet cleaning.
Semi-commercial
It is similar in structure to everyday life, but the difference lies in a thicker protective layer (0.7 mm). This linoleum is used not only in offices, but also in residential premises. It is the best option, as it costs less than a commercial one, but at the same time it is more durable than a household one.
Synthetic
The main feature of synthetic linoleum is that it has high moisture resistance and sound insulation. The coating is easy to care for. But this material has its drawbacks.
So, experts say their reviews that synthetic linoleum can not be used in a residential building, since it contains toxic resins - toluene and xylene. When released into the atmosphere, these components cause skin diseases, problems with the nervous system and eye irritation. And the most dangerous thing is that toxic components decompose even at room temperature. Cheap models even contain phenol formaldehyde, which can cause the formation of cancer cells.
Therefore, deciding which is better - carpet or linoleum, the choice should be made definitely not in favor of synthetic models.
Natural
According to experts, it is better to use natural linoleum for the home. It is absolutely harmless and environmentally friendly. It is resistant to wear and deformation. Such linoleum consists of the following components:
- cork flour;
- resins;
- linseed oil;
- jute fabric;
- natural dyes.
Additionally, it can be coated with polymer, but there are models on sale without the latter. Thanks to linseed oil, the coating has bactericidal properties that are not lost over time. Natural linoleum is also resistant to fire and does not spread flame in case of fire. It can be cleaned with both a dry and a damp cloth.
Carpet and its types
We continue to find out which is better - carpet or linoleum, and move on to the first of these coatings. There are several varieties of them. The difference lies in the material from which the strand is made. It could be:
- wool;
- polypropylene;
- polyamide.
The first option is completely natural, but because of this it has a high cost. In addition, the wool carpet wears out quickly.
Polyamide coating - fully synthetic. It has good wear resistance and elasticity. But since the fibers are obtained synthetically, such a carpet can cause health problems.
The cheapest and most popular material is polypropylene.
The basis of the carpet can be made of different materials:
- jute;
- Felt
- rubber;
- action back (aka synthetic jute).
Jute is a natural and healthy material. But it is not moisture resistant, so it is not suitable for use in the bathroom or in the kitchen. If moisture gets on such a coating, there is a rapid destruction of the primer layer and abrasion of the fibers.
For those who are interested in moisture resistance, you can give preference to a material such as felt. It has a synthetic origin. Felt-based carpet does not have a harmful effect on the body and is quite wear-resistant. Often this coating is used for flooring from parquet boards.
Rubber core products are quite solid. But unlike previous options, they do not slip on the floor and do not undergo deformations due to serious mechanical loads.
Synthetic jute is a durable and moisture resistant material. But it is used mainly in office premises, as it is rather tough.
By the way, there are several types of carpets, depending on the manufacturing method:
- woven;
- needle-punched;
- tufted;
- flocked.
The pros and cons of carpet and linoleum, we will consider in more detail below. This will help you make the right choice.
Pros and cons of linoleum
We have listed the features of each of these materials, and now try to figure out which is better - carpet or linoleum in the apartment? So, among the advantages of linoleum, experts distinguish:
- Optimum density and strength. But this only applies to good models that are expensive. Such species are resistant to cracking and may well replace laminate or tile.
- Simplicity in leaving.
- Easy to install. Even a novice can cope with laying such a coating.
- A wide range of textures and colors.
- Low cost. One square meter of linoleum costs from 250 rubles, while parquet - from 1 thousand. In this case, linoleum can accurately copy the texture of the other sex.
Among the shortcomings, as a rule, note:
- Negative effects on the body (especially synthetic models).
- Low resistance to chemicals and solvents.
- Possibility of cracking at low temperature.
Compare carpet or linoleum - which is better, is possible only after a detailed study of all the qualities. Therefore, we move on to the carpet.
Pros and cons of carpet
Among the positive characteristics of this coating, experts note:
- The ability to create a cozy atmosphere. It’s nice to walk on this floor, unlike the always cool linoleum.
- Suitability for use in almost any room. The carpet can be laid in any room on any foundation.
- Good soundproofing.
- Easy styling.
Among the disadvantages are the following:
- More difficult care. The carpet is a large accumulator of dust, so a room with such a coating will have to be cleaned more often and more thoroughly.
- Negative effect on allergy sufferers (applies to models made of synthetic materials).
Summary
So which is better - carpet or linoleum? Reviews note that for greater coziness and comfort in the house, it is preferable to choose a carpet. Although this coating requires more careful care, the feeling from it is completely different. But, choosing a carpet, experts advise taking into account such factors:
- Type of premises (office or residential).
- Level of passability.
- Lighting.
- Climatic characteristics.
At the same time, according to them, use should be made of a carpet with a strand that includes natural wool. This is ideal for living quarters.
If the material is selected for the hallway or corridor, it is better to choose a carpet with a short pile. Due to this, a lot of dirt will not accumulate in it, and it needs to be cleaned less often.
But for the bedroom, on the contrary, it is better to take a high pile carpet. So you get a cozy, warm and comfortable coverage.
For concrete substrates, experts recommend choosing products from synthetic materials. They trap concrete dust. And if this is a room with high traffic, then the base should be made of rubber.