The range of modern high-quality flooring in the construction supermarkets of our country is growing steadily. Nevertheless, many buyers prefer the time-tested linoleum. And this is understandable. Household linoleum is an ideal combination of quality and price. It is considered the easiest to maintain coating of all existing. In addition, it is much cheaper than parquet, laminate, tiles, and it is much easier to lay it. And from a huge variety of types and textures, each buyer can choose the option that is suitable specifically for his home.
Kinds
All currently produced linoleum can be divided into three main groups:
- Linoleum household, which is used in residential premises.
- Semi-commercial (used in rooms with an average level of patency).
- Commercial - designed for rooms with intensive use.
In this article we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of these species.
Linoleum household
This kind of material is characterized by 21 or 23 wear resistance class. Quite affordable cost, high noise isolation, pleasant to the touch surface, environmental cleanliness - these are the criteria that manufacturers of this type of material are guided by. Linoleum from the middle price segment looks very impressive. At the same time, models of this type of coating are characterized by low wear resistance. This is due to the small protective layer, which does not exceed 0.35 mm.
It should be noted that household linoleum is suitable for installation only in residential premises. In the kitchen, hallway, it is desirable to lay the material with a high level of wear resistance.
And at the same time, this is a very popular material - household linoleum. Customer reviews say that he has undeniable advantages. This is a variety of textures that is rarely seen in commercial series. For example, you can buy household linoleum in the form of tiles, with imitation of stone or wood. Household linoleum imitates not only coloring, but also texture.
Linoleum household reinforced
This coating is used for floors in rooms where the level of patency is quite low. Such linoleum is very affordable. Its structure consists of three layers:
- substrate;
- layer with a pattern;
- protective covering.
Felt, jute, polyvinyl chloride can be used as a substrate. The patterned layer defines the appearance of the coating. The protective layer (depending on its thickness) guarantees durability. For reinforced linoleum, it is up to 0.3 mm. Moreover, the total thickness of the material is not more than 5 mm.
The advantages of this coating include a variety of color schemes, ease of installation, heat and sound insulation, fairly simple maintenance. For a living space of not more than 20 square meters, it is enough to fix it with baseboards. Such coverage will not last too long - no more than ten years.
Linoleum commercial
Commercial linoleum has completely different characteristics. Household is significantly inferior to him in durability and wear resistance. This is a great option for creating floors in offices and salons, since you can apply any pattern or company logo to it. At the same time, it is often used in high traffic areas (hallways, kitchens, swimming pools, etc.). According to the production technology, this type of linoleum is divided into heterogeneous and homogeneous.
The second option is a panel with a thickness of not more than 3 mm. The pattern is always plain. The composition of this material includes talc, limestone, kaolin. If the specifications are not met, fillers come to the surface and form a dirty coating. Therefore, in the manufacture of this coating, polyurethane protection is applied to it. The disadvantage of this protective coating is the need to polish it once every six months.
Heterogeneous linoleum is truly a universal material. It has a multilayer structure. The basis of this coating is fiberglass. The front side of heterogeneous linoleum is impregnated with PVC paste. The first layer is covered with another layer of PVC. Then the surface is decorated with a pattern, which is fixed using the next layer of PVC, very durable and transparent. The wrong side of the material is a fiberglass base equipped with a backing. It can be jute, fabric or PVC (foamed).
Semi-commercial linoleum
This variety in structure is very similar to household linoleum. Semi-commercial analog has a thicker protective layer. This material is used in public areas, as well as in living and walk-through rooms. Distinguish between synthetic and natural.
The advantages of this coating include ease of care - it is easy to clean, it is not scary to spill water on it. In addition, it has high sound insulation. However, there are plenty of minuses for this coating.
In the manufacture of synthetic linoleum, some toxic resins are used that can be released into the atmosphere. Toluene and xylene, which are part of it, irritate the eyes, cause serious skin diseases and can even cause some disorders in the nervous system. Polyvinyl chloride can decompose even at room temperature. When inhaled decay products, it enters the human body, and through the pores of the skin penetrates the blood, poisoning the liver. Therefore, it is better to choose natural samples.
Natural linoleum
It is environmentally friendly and harmless material. It is not subject to deformation, wear and abrasion. The composition of this coating includes linseed oil, cork flour, resins, limestone powder, jute fabric, natural dyes. Often this type is covered with polymers, but in large specialized stores you can buy natural linoleum, which does not have a varnish layer.
Flaxseed oil gives the material unique bactericidal qualities that do not disappear over time. This linoleum is fireproof, it is easy to look after it both in the dry, and damp way.
Natural linoleum does not change color, does not fade, and is resistant to ethyl alcohol, fats and non-concentrated acids. Only alkali and mechanical stress can damage it. Therefore, many believe that this is the best household linoleum.
Manufacturers
Today, five major linoleum producers, with whom we want to introduce you, are fighting for the championship on the Russian market.
Gerflor (France)
The world famous Gerflor company has been fruitfully working in the flooring market for 70 years. The brand has long been a leader in the market thanks to a huge range of unique solutions that fully meet regulatory requirements. The company pays great attention to product quality.
Customer reviews
Gerflor products are of impeccable quality. In addition, the coatings of this company have different widths - 2, 3 and 4 meters, an adhesive side that fits snugly against the floor. Many buyers note that even a layman can lay Gerflor linoleum.
Grabo (Hungary)
One of the most famous companies in Europe. Its products are durable and durable. Many buyers believe that the main advantage of Grabo linoleum is that, being heterogeneous, it perfectly resists deformations, having high thermal insulation characteristics.
Juteks (Slovenia)
The linoleum of this company has been known for over 70 years. Modern equipment and advanced production technologies have brought the company to the international level. The main advantage of this product is its special PU protection.
Armstrong
The products of this international concern are well known to Russian customers. This is one of the most time-tested and experienced manufacturers of linoleum. The main advantages of this material are excellent sound insulation and thermal protection. Armstrong linoleum is great for underfloor heating.
Tarkett (Russia)
The linoleum of this company is a quality product. The latest innovative technologies are used in production, the latest directions in design are studied. The popularity of Tarkett is due to the ideal quality of its products and compliance with international standards.
Today, the company produces eight collections of this coating, each of which includes sixty design options. According to customers, these are the best products of Russian manufacturers.