Despite the fact that today there is a huge selection of floor coverings, linoleum remains the most popular. By purchasing this material, the consumer receives a reliable and durable foundation for a relatively small amount, which is not afraid of moisture or mechanical damage. Next, we will analyze in more detail the advantages and disadvantages of this material. The article will also tell you which linoleum to buy in an apartment.
Main characteristics
Until recently, the main drawback that prevented choosing linoleum for an apartment as the preferred material was a large number of synthetic components in it. Today, however, natural ingredients are increasingly being used in production. Therefore, when asked by consumers about whether linoleum is harmful in an apartment, manufacturers confidently answer in the negative. One of the most important indicators of a material is its strength. High-quality linoleum is not subject to mechanical damage from a fallen object or the heels of women's shoes. Thus, another important indicator is the thickness of the linoleum. For an apartment, the average value is preferable. If the flooring is experiencing increased loads (for example, in the hallway), then it is more advisable to purchase a denser material. Equally important is the elasticity of the coating. Due to this property, it is almost impossible to damage it during operation or installation.
Ease of installation
For home craftsmen, it is important that the material can be easily laid. The process of covering the floor with linoleum does not require special knowledge or special skills. At the same time, installation takes place without dust and dirt. Covering the floor with linoleum does not require serious financial costs, and it is quite possible to cope with the work on your own.
Appearance
This indicator is also important. The technologies that are used in modern production make it possible to obtain various combinations of patterns, colors and textures. Thanks to a wide range, you can choose a coating for any style of interior. Linoleum goes well with various materials used in interior decoration.
Structure
Linoleum is produced in two types. The material may be hetero- or homogeneous. The second type of coating is characterized by a small thickness. It is, as a rule, from 1.5 to 2 mm. Drawing on the material is applied using a through technology. Due to this, the pattern is not erased during operation. It is this quality that allows this type of material to be laid in places subjected to intense stress. If you need to purchase linoleum for the kitchen, then it is better to give preference to a homogeneous coating. Material with such a structure is perfect for the corridor. Heterogeneous linoleum is considered to be of better quality. Its density is much higher than that of homogeneous. It can be up to 6 mm. There are several layers in the structure of the material. The back cover is made of foamed polyvinyl chloride. This is followed by a layer of fiberglass. It is strong enough and performs the function of reinforcement. Next comes the PVC layer. A drawing is applied to it. The final finish is the lacquer finish. It contains a bactericidal impregnation, which, among other things, has a protective and decorative purpose. Heterogeneous linoleum is perfect for bathrooms, balconies, dining rooms. Often a coating with such a structure is laid in the hallways. Mixed material is also produced. This linoleum also has a multilayer structure. As a basis, a homogeneous material is used. A layer of PVC is glued on top, then - fiberglass and polyurethane film. The latter provides protection of the coating from mechanical damage. If you need to lay linoleum in a rest room, then a mixed-type material is ideal.
"Household" coverage: main characteristics
Speaking about how to choose linoleum for an apartment, it is necessary to say about some of the most important characteristics. First of all, the magnitude of the load is important. For rooms in which there are no special requirements for flooring, household linoleum is perfect. Its thickness is relatively small, and the density is estimated as medium. Weight per 1 m 2 can be in the range from 1.25 to 2.25 kg. The deformation index can be up to 2 mm. Installation of the cover is quite easy. Its undoubted advantage is that when twisted into a roll, cracks do not form on it. In addition, household linoleum has a high level of sound absorption. You can buy material with a width of 1.5-4 meters. As a rule, this type of coating is used in bedrooms.
disadvantages
As practice shows, household linoleum perfectly attracts dirt. At the first stage, you can see small gray islands near the rapids. Over time, numerous "tracks" are observed, clearly showing the paths that the inhabitants of the dwelling usually move. This type of coating in the store is very easy to recognize. The material cost is the lowest. In some stores, the price per meter does not exceed 100 rubles.
"Commercial" type of material: characteristics
Many consumers ask: "How to choose linoleum for an apartment so that it lasts for many years?" Experts give a quite unambiguous answer to this question: "The commercial type of material should be purchased." The cost of coverage will, of course, be more expensive (from 500 r). However, as a result, you can purchase a high-quality and durable coating. This category presents a huge variety of textures and patterns. In the assortment presented by manufacturers, it is quite possible to find coverage for any room in the house. Often purchase commercial linoleum for the kitchen and hallway. In these areas, the flooring must withstand increased loads, be moisture and wear resistant. Service life of a covering - not less than 25 years. The material has a high degree of sound absorption, providing acoustic comfort in the room. Degree of deformation of material - no more than 1 mm. The coating can be purchased in a width of 2.5-5 m.
Semi-commercial type of material: characteristics
According to many experts, this is the best linoleum for an apartment. The average cost of a meter of material is within 250 rubles. The assortment is represented by both products of Russian and foreign companies. From the name it becomes clear that semi-commercial linoleum is a cross between domestic and commercial. This material is very practical. It is thinner than commercial. But it makes installation much easier. At the same time, its quality is much higher than that of household. Thanks to this, semi-commercial linoleum is perfect for bedrooms and children's rooms. Its service life is about 10-12 years. The surface of the material is covered with a special protective film. This allows you to easily wash off the dirt using a regular sponge and soapy water.
Specialized Material Types
In addition to those listed above, manufacturers produce varieties of linoleum with any pronounced properties. Among them are:
base material
How to choose linoleum for an apartment correctly? What should be the material - with or without a base? It should be said that linoleum was previously produced on a felt basis. This material retains heat very well. In addition, it is pleasant to walk on such a coating - it is soft. Thanks to the felt base, the material perfectly absorbs sound. But the disadvantage of such a base is a too short service life. Moisture penetration and mechanical damage are especially harmful to felt. Instead of this natural material came synthetic. The latter have all the necessary characteristics. At the same time, the artificial base is devoid of the disadvantages inherent in natural materials. The synthetic back layer can have different thicknesses. It all depends on the purpose of the room. So, for example, coatings with a base are produced for bedrooms, kitchens or children's rooms. In addition to the fact that the back layer increases the heat and sound insulation properties of the material, it evens out minor surface defects. As a result, the floor covering becomes, if not perfectly even, then very close to it.
Material without backing
This type of coating, as a rule, is laid on a well-prepared surface. Today there is a large number of bulk floors "under linoleum". In fact, the manufactured surface should be perfectly flat, but without a protective coating. This task is performed by linoleum. Material without a base is easy enough to determine. First of all, such a coating is characterized by a large weight. The material also doesn't bend well. Very often it is covered with a thick laminated layer. In this case, the problem of which linoleum to choose for an apartment, with or without a base, is solved taking into account the condition of the floor.
Material color
Speaking about how to choose linoleum for an apartment, it should be said that the material should organically fit into the interior. Today, the range of coatings is quite wide. There are a wide variety of colors available on the market. Linoleum in the apartment (a photo of the coating can be seen in the article) must correspond in scale to the purpose of the room and its design. For example, a covering of soft warm tones - golden, beige, cream will look good in the bedroom. It is preferable to choose a material without a pattern, plain or with soft transitions. The most successful option may be to imitate the surface of a natural marble or wooden coating. For the living room, both bright and saturated, and calm shades are suitable. Linoleum with an ornament or pattern will look original. Bright colors are suitable for a child's room. In combination with a variety of contrasting patterns, they will look great.
Which manufacturers should be preferred?
A successful combination of pattern and color scheme of the coating is a definite plus. However, these characteristics are not the main ones when choosing linoleum. Of particular importance is the environmental friendliness, safety of the material, as well as its compliance with quality standards. Having opted for a cheap coating, the composition of which is unknown even to the manufacturer himself, there is a high probability of getting serious diseases as a result of exposure to toxic secretions. By purchasing a model of a proven company, the consumer is guaranteed to receive a quality product that, without fear, can be used in any room of the house. Today, among domestic brands of flooring, the products of the Tarkett company are popular. This company uses only modern materials and technologies in production. Products comply with all sanitary and hygienic and fire safety standards. Products, in addition, are distinguished by a variety of design solutions.
From this article you will learn:
- What are the types of linoleum
- How to understand the classes of linoleum
- How to choose linoleum for a specific room
- Linoleum which company is better to choose
On the modern market of building materials in Moscow, a wide range of products for finishing floors in an apartment is presented. Everyone who plans to repair faces the difficulties of choice. How to determine which coating is better if all manufacturers without exception recommend their collections, noting their exceptional quality and practicality. At the same time, the cost of such materials is not always affordable for the average buyer. If among all the selection criteria for you in the first place is the price, then it is better to pay attention to the good old linoleum. At an affordable cost, this material has a number of advantages, which will be discussed in this article. You can learn about the various characteristics of roll flooring and figure out which linoleum is best for an apartment.
Which linoleum is better to lay in an apartment, based on the type
Linoleum is a moisture-resistant flooring that has the following characteristics: flexibility, polymer composition and colors that mimic the texture of natural materials. Manufacturers offer a wide range of such products, which differ not only in color.
There is a stereotype that linoleum refers to modern artificial flooring. But this material appeared a long time ago and was originally produced from natural raw materials. Its name is a combination of two words linum (linen or linen) and oleum (oil). A patent for such material in 1860 was obtained in England by F. Walton.
The technology of its manufacture at that time was based on the production of a woven base made of linen or jute, which was processed with oxidized vegetable oil mixed with cork tree flour. The development of industrial technology has contributed to the constant improvement of linoleum. A variety of patterns and patterns began to appear on its surface.
The use of industrial chemical synthesis contributed to the reduction in the cost of linoleum, as a result of which expensive natural components were replaced with affordable synthetic canvases. This happened in the 60s of the last century. From that moment on, under the name of linoleum, a completely new artificial surface began to be produced.
Nevertheless, the emergence of demand for natural products made it possible to revive the traditions of the production of natural material, the sales volumes of which are constantly growing. Today, linoleum is considered to be the most popular flooring option. Given the wide variety, it is necessary to understand the types of linoleum produced and their characteristics. This classification will allow you to choose the option that is best suited for your apartment.
natural linoleum
Natural linoleum is the best option for arranging residential premises. It consists exclusively of natural ingredients: flax oil, wood flour and resin, jute or linen woven fabric, limestone. For painting this type of flooring, a wide range of natural-based dyes is used.
Advantages natural linoleum:
- The strength characteristics of natural linoleum allow this material to withstand loads up to 16 MPa.
- Linseed oil provides bactericidal properties of the coating.
- Due to wear-resistant characteristics, such linoleum retains its aesthetic and operational characteristics for 30 to 50 years.
- Environmental friendliness and harmlessness to human health.
- The material does not absorb dirt, it is easy to clean and wash with conventional means.
- Lack of ability to accumulate static electricity.
- Resistant to sun fading.
- Low flammability.
The list of advantages of natural linoleum inspires respect for this coating.
But he also has his limitations:
- High cost, which is comparable to natural wood coatings.
- It is better not to use natural linoleum in rooms with high humidity, since its base can rot.
- It is better not to use this natural coating option for arranging floors in cold rooms, as it has low elasticity.
- Variants of patterns and colors of natural linoleum are not as diverse as those of artificial types of this coating.
- New natural linoleum has a specific smell, which will remain in the apartment for some time after laying the coating.
Summing up, it can be noted that natural linoleum will be an excellent option for flooring in an apartment if you prefer eco-friendly housing and are ready to go for certain expenses for this. At the same time, it is better not to use it in bathrooms, in the kitchen or in the corridor, as the natural coating is afraid of moisture.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) linoleum
PVC linoleum today is the most common coating. Its international designation is PVC. It can be produced without a base or with the following types of bases:
- The basis of a fabric made of natural (jute) or synthetic (fiberglass, etc.) canvas. Such a base is covered with a PVC layer with a pattern. The total thickness of such a coating is up to 5 mm.
- Non-woven base made of synthetic raw materials or felt. A coating with such a base retains heat better, but is completely unsuitable for use in wet areas of an apartment and in places with a high intensity of floor surface use (corridors).
- The basis of foamed polyvinyl chloride appeared in the nineties of the last century and today is the most used for the manufacture of linoleum. Porous PVC perfectly withstands high loads and smooths minor floor irregularities. The application of foamed polyvinyl chloride can be carried out mechanically or chemically. It is better to choose a material with a mechanical application of the base, as it does not wrinkle under high loads.
In the assortment of some manufacturers, linoleum is presented, combining several varieties of the bases described above. Such coatings are called heterogeneous. Accordingly, linoleum with one base is called homogeneous. The number of layers of the base and the qualitative composition can differ significantly depending on the purpose of the linoleum.
Homogeneous linoleum is different in that its pattern runs through the entire depth of the coating, so abrasion of the top layer during operation does not lead to a deterioration in appearance. The thickness of this type of linoleum is in the range from 1.5 to 3 mm. It is better to buy homogeneous linoleum for places with high traffic, and it is not advisable to use such material in an apartment, since it has a high price.
PVC linoleum has gained popularity as a material for finishing floors in apartments due to the following characteristics:
- The elasticity of the polyvinyl chloride coating greatly simplifies its installation.
- A wide selection of colors and patterns allows you to better emphasize the features of various interiors.
- Affordable cost.
- High-quality PVC linoleum from the best manufacturers is a non-toxic material, which is confirmed by hygienic certificates.
Linoleum made of polyvinyl chloride has its own limitations:
- It is better not to use PVC linoleum in rooms where temperature changes are possible, as this leads to shrinkage of the floor covering.
- New PVC linoleum has a specific smell that can last for several weeks.
Alkyd linoleum
Another name for this coating is glyptal linoleum. It is produced on a fabric basis with the application of modified resins (alkyd or glyptal) using a special technology. To improve the performance and aesthetic characteristics, various fillers and pigments are added to the resins.
Advantages alkyd linoleum:
- It retains heat better and serves as an effective soundproofing material.
- Thanks to its high resistance to abrasion, it lasts up to 50 years.
- It is well cleaned from various contaminants.
disadvantages glyptal linoleum:
- When the temperature drops to 0°C, such a coating loses its elasticity.
- Laying should be carried out by experienced craftsmen.
- Given the low resistance to fire, it is better not to use alkyd linoleum for flooring in apartments.
Alkyd linoleum has been used as a floor covering in public transport: railway cars, subways, airplanes, etc.
Rubber linoleum (relin)
This type of flooring has two layers. The bottom layer is made from recycled rubber and the top layer is made from artificial rubber with the addition of dyes. Between themselves, the layers are fastened with mastic based on bitumen.
Advantages rubber linoleum:
- Due to its high resistance to moisture, relin can be laid in the most humid rooms.
- Wear resistance, strength and elasticity.
- High anti-slip performance.
- Long service life.
Relin is best used for arranging the floor near swimming pools, in garages, in gyms, but not in residential areas. Laying such a coating in an apartment is undesirable, as it emits substances harmful to health.
Nitrocellulose (colloxylin) linoleum
A single layer of nitrocellulose flooring is called colloxylin linoleum. To improve performance, components such as gypsum, plasticizers and pigments are added to it. Due to its high flammability, today such linoleum is practically not used for flooring.
Which class of linoleum is best for an apartment
The difficulty of choosing a floor covering for an apartment is due to the fact that most materials are heterogeneous, combining several layers with different characteristics. To simplify the task, European brands decided to create the EN685 standard, which classifies linoleums by strength and scope. To designate representatives of different classes, digital marking with a two-digit numeric code and a special pictogram is used.
The first numeric character of the class marking indicates where it is better to apply such a coating:
- The number 2 indicates that the coating is best used for apartments and other residential properties.
- The number 3 marks materials for floors in offices.
- The number 4 is used to designate products oriented to operation in a production environment.
The 2nd digit of the class marking shows the load level for which the coating is designed:
- 1 - low.
- 2 - medium.
- 3 - high.
- 4 - very high.
Household flooring
The correct answer to the question “which linoleum is better for an apartment” is household linoleum of a class from 21 to 23. Its characteristics are described in the EN685 standard:
- Specific gravity: 1.25-2.25 kilograms per square meter.
- Coating thickness: from 0.15 to 3 millimeters.
- The elasticity of household linoleum should provide the possibility of winding on a sleeve with a cross section of 45 mm without creases and cracks.
- The ability to absorb sound up to 18 dB.
- Water absorption up to 1.5%.
- Shrinkage does not exceed 0.2 mm per 1 meter.
semi-commercial linoleum
Semi-commercial linoleum includes materials of classes from 31 to 34. They are used for flooring in commercial and office premises. They differ in the following characteristics:
- Specific gravity 1.6-2.5 kg / m 2.
- The elasticity of semi-commercial linoleum should ensure the absence of cracks when the material is wound on a cylinder with a cross section of 10 to 40 mm.
- The sound-absorbing properties of such a coating are in the range of 12-16 dB.
- Operational shrinkage should not exceed 0.1 mm per 1 meter of material length.
- The period of operation guaranteed by the manufacturer with preservation of the properties of the coating is from 7 to 20 years.
commercial linoleum
Commercial linoleum belongs to classes from 41 to 43. It is used in high traffic areas. Abrasion resistance is ensured by the presence of a hardened film layer up to 8 mm thick. Commercial linoleum retains its dimensions better (material shrinkage up to 1 mm/m). Manufacturers guarantee the preservation of the characteristics of this type of flooring for a period of 10 to 25 years.
Many companies produce commercial linoleum with high-strength PVC film. The thickness of the protective layer is selected taking into account the features of the operation of the premises:
- A protective layer 0.15 mm thick is best suited for flooring in living rooms and bedrooms.
- Products with PVC film 0.20 mm are a good option for children's rooms in an apartment.
- A layer of 0.25 mm is an excellent choice for floors in the kitchen and in the hallway.
- Linoleum with a film of 0.30 mm is best used in rooms with an average level.
- A protective film with a thickness of more than 0.50 mm will cope well with high loads.
Linoleum sellers are required to provide the buyer with certificates confirming its compliance with applicable standards and hygiene requirements. As a rule, on the reverse side of the coating, along with the manufacturer's logo, data regarding the characteristics of the material are applied.
Such information will help you better choose linoleum:
- Coverage class.
- Batch number (it is better to buy products from one batch).
- Manufacturing date.
In addition to this information, pictograms informing about the special characteristics of linoleum can be presented here:
Which linoleum to choose for a specific room
In this section, we will figure out which linoleum is better to buy for various rooms in an apartment, taking into account their characteristics and patency.
Linoleum for the kitchen
For the floor in the kitchen, it is better to choose linoleum with high mechanical strength and moisture resistance. The best material option for this room is natural marmoleum. Such a coating has a fabric base, which is usually made from jute fiber. Marmoleum is characterized by a long service life and easy cleaning of contaminants using detergents.
Of course, it is better to buy natural linoleum for an apartment, but if you are limited in finances, then synthetic linoleum can be laid in the kitchen. When choosing such a coating, pay attention to its service life declared by the manufacturer, and also make sure that it complies with GOST standards and hygienic requirements. Flooring experts say semi-commercial linoleum is best for kitchens. Such a material has an abrasion-resistant decorative layer, a reliable protective coating and a density that allows it to withstand the mechanical load resulting from falling kitchen utensils on the floor.
From the point of view of design for the floor in the kitchen, it is better to use linoleum with a pattern that imitates natural stone, parquet board or tile. When choosing materials for the floor in the apartment, pay attention to the antiseptic characteristics of linoleum. Natural linoleum with a linen base has such properties. If you decide to buy artificial linoleum, it is better to use materials with antiseptic properties as a substrate.
The width of the roll should be such as to minimize cutting operations and reduce the number of joints (it is the joints that are the most vulnerable point of linoleum in the kitchen).
Linoleum for the corridor and hallway in the apartment
The most passable places in the apartment are the corridor and the hallway. Therefore, when choosing linoleum for such premises, it is better to first of all pay attention to its resistance to abrasion. Of course, if no more than 2 people live in an apartment, then you can stay on class 22 or 23 coverage, and not overpay for more expensive products. If you have a large family, then you will need a material with a thickness of at least 4 mm, which has a protective layer exceeding 0.25 mm. The most reliable brands of linoleum grades 31 or 32 are best used for finishing floors in the corridors of offices or commercial enterprises.
Before you start laying linoleum in the apartment, make sure that the floor does not have significant bulges and depressions. . For high-quality laying of the floor in the corridor, it is better to use a PVC or cork underlay (a natural jute or linen underlay has insufficient density to withstand high mechanical loads and abrasion).
Linoleum for an office and a bedroom in an apartment
To equip the floors in the bedroom or in the office in the apartment, it is better to use soft-foamed linoleum. In these rooms, there is no need to use high-density coatings, so you can take care of maximum comfort. Such conditions are best satisfied by artificial linoleum of class 21 with a base of foamed polyvinyl chloride. You can also use a single coat complete with a soft linen or jute backing.
If we are talking about a children's bedroom, then experts recommend natural linoleum with higher strength. Coatings of grades 22 and 23 will better withstand the loads that arise when children play with various toys.
Linoleum for the living room in the apartment
When choosing which linoleum is best for the living room, you need to take into account the possible loads on the floor surface. So, for a family of more than 3 people, which has a tradition of receiving guests, semi-commercial coverage of classes 31 and 32 can be recommended (similar linoleum is also suitable for the corridor). In addition, if you often have guests, it is better not to buy expensive linoleum, since the service life of such material will be 7-9 years.
For a living room in a small family apartment, you can use household linoleum of class 22 or 23 with a protective layer of 0.15 to 0.20 mm.
Linoleum for a balcony in an apartment
Balconies are characterized by frequently changing temperature conditions, so for flooring it is better to use materials with minimal shrinkage and high strength. In addition, factors such as exposure to ultraviolet rays and high humidity must be taken into account. As a rule, moisture-resistant, frost-resistant and anti-slip coatings are chosen for balconies in an apartment. It is best to choose the same linoleum as for office space with a high load.
Which company's linoleum is better to choose for an apartment: an overview of manufacturers
The best linoleum for an apartment, whichever company you choose, must meet criteria such as:
- High wear-water-chemical resistance, as well as bacteriostatic and absence of characteristic odors.
- Service life not less than 7 years.
- Stain resistant and easy maintenance.
- Compliance with hygiene and safety standards.
To answer the question, which company's linoleum is better to choose for an apartment, we provide an overview of the brands represented on the domestic flooring market.
Tarkett
This manufacturer is known as one of the largest global brands in the segment of natural and synthetic flooring. Its history goes back about 130 years, and today the concern has its representative offices in many countries of the world. The concern's products are supplied to more than 140 countries.
Assortment line:
- Natural linoleum and PVC coatings (household, semi-commercial, commercial, special).
- Parquet board.
- Laminated parquet.
- Cork coverings.
- Accessories, consumables and other products for flooring.
In Russia, the brand's enterprise appeared in 1995 (Otradny, Samara region). PVC coatings are produced here. In addition, the domestic market is supplied with products manufactured by the Tarkett concern at Eastern European factories. The company manufactures products under 4 trademarks:
- Tarkett (EU, RF). The manufacturer's catalog contains about twenty collections of premium-level tiles and roll materials made from natural raw materials and PVC. Under this brand, all types of linoleum are produced with wear resistance classes ranging from 21 to 43. The main advantage of Tarkett products is the variety of patterns on the smooth and textured surface of the coating.
- Sinteros (RF). Under this trademark, PVC materials of an economy level are produced with a wear resistance class from 21 to 34. Consumers choose Sinteros linoleum for its practicality and affordable cost.
- Vinisin (Ukraine). Products manufactured under this trademark are similar to Sinteros linoleum.
- Polystyl (RF) - belongs to the middle price category. The trademark catalog contains 6 collections of coatings of 23, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 41 classes.
Advantages linoleum for the Tarkett apartment:
- Floor coverings of this brand are distinguished by high strength and wear resistance, which is ensured by the presence of a transparency with a protective layer (Extreme Protection, Titan, etc.).
- Thanks to the use of fiberglass reinforcement, Tarkett linoleum has an increased resistance to deformation.
- The best selection of designs and colors compared to competitors' products.
- The choice of the consumer in the Tarkett collections includes linoleum with three base options: foamed polyvinyl chloride, artificial felt, duplicated base.
- Tarkett materials are approved for use in health care facilities.
- The safety of the flooring of this brand is confirmed by various certificates, including documents
- Good information support.
- Simple installation and unpretentiousness in service.
- Availability of offers in different price segments.
- Service life, depending on the type of linoleum, ranges from 7 to 50 years.
Disadvantages:
- Tarkett products are relatively expensive;
- Linoleum, presented in the budget line, may smell unpleasant at first.
Forbo
The Forbo group of companies has a large number of manufacturing enterprises operating in different directions. The largest division unites seven European factories producing products for floor and wall finishing.
For about twenty years, the company has been producing natural coatings under the Marmoleum brand. The catalog contains coatings of all classes in various forms. In our country, Forbo production facilities were launched in 2012 in the Kaluga region.
Advantages linoleum Forbo:
- Under this brand, natural and environmentally friendly products are produced.
- The manufacturer's line includes rolled materials, tiles, as well as combined coatings based on HDF-plates.
- A wide range of color and design options (linoleum under wood, stone, etc.).
- Resistance to abrasion and exposure to household chemicals and deformation.
- Linoleum Forbo is characterized by bacteriostatic and low thermal conductivity.
- Persistent mineral dyes are used for coloring floor coverings.
- Forbo coatings are approved for flooring in health resorts and institutions for children.
- Good information support allows you to more accurately determine which linoleum is best for an apartment.
- The quality and safety of materials are confirmed by a full package of EN certificates.
- Easy installation and low maintenance.
- The period of operation, depending on the type of linoleum, is from 10 to 30 years.
Disadvantages:
- The high cost of all collections.
- Many decor options are only available by pre-order with a waiting period of one month.
Grabo
A flooring manufacturer from Hungary started its activity from a small workshop for the production of tarpaulin and oilcloth products. At present, the company's production facilities include four modern plants for the production of wood and PVC materials for flooring and walls.
Grabo catalogs contain synthetic linoleums of all classes (21-23, 31-34, 41-43). In the household series, you can choose a coating option with a variety of decor in different color shades (it should be noted that the choice, although large, is not as rich as that of competitors).
Grabo also produces special PVC linoleum, including coatings for transport, gyms, as well as bacteriostatic, soundproof and anti-slip products.
Advantages linoleum Grabo:
- A high degree of resistance to abrasion and deformation elasticity of Grabo linoleums is ensured by the use of fiberglass for reinforcing materials.
- A variety of designs, including unique avant-garde and children's series.
- Grabo products comply with European safety and health standards according to CE.
- Easy installation and easy maintenance.
- Affordable cost of all collections, regardless of coverage class.
- Operational period from 10 to 25 years.
disadvantages linoleum Grabo:
- A small selection of design solutions on the Russian market.
- Most Grabo products cannot be used on underfloor heating.
- Low degree of resistance to pollution.
Juteks
Utex is a company with a long history. Back in 1939, a packaging manufacturing plant was established. Over time, a large European concern for the production of floor and wall coverings grew on the basis of the enterprise. In the Juteks product line, the segment of PVC linoleum with a wear resistance class of 21-34 is most widely represented. In our country, Utex production was opened in 2009 in the city of Kameshkovo (Vladimir region.).
The company markets its products under the brands:
- Juteks is a premium segment of linoleum with a smooth or structured surface. Products under this brand are manufactured at factories located in Belgium, Slovenia and the Russian Federation.
- Beauflor - business level coverage. (Produced at the enterprises of Slovenia and the Russian Federation).
- Ideal is an economical segment of floor coverings.
Advantages Utex:
- High resistance to abrasion and moisture, which is provided by additional protective layers.
- The presence of reinforcing fiberglass prevents shrinkage and deformation of the coating.
- Every year, the manufacturer updates about 40 collections with a wide variety of decor.
- All products presented in the Utex catalog have been certified for compliance with domestic and European quality requirements. For linoleum from the luxury category, eco-expertise conclusions are provided.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Affordable cost.
- Service life from 7 to 30 years.
Disadvantages:
- Economy segment products have a low density of the base layer and are distinguished by a rather slippery surface. In addition, such linoleum retains an unpleasant odor for a long time.
- Linoleum with a textured surface gets dirty quickly and is difficult to clean. To remove contaminants, you will need special detergents.
- It is better not to use coatings from budget series for arranging underfloor heating.
Comitex LIN
The production facilities of this brand have been located in the city of Syktyvkar since 2002. Here, linoleum is made on the basis of foamed PVC and synthetic felt.
You can choose the material in 5 wear classes (21-23 and 31-32) from 9 collections. These are household and semi-commercial coatings, as well as a commercial series. The design is limited to natural wood patterns, ceramic tiles or marble chips. All coatings have a laminating film supplied from China.
Advantages Comitex LIN products:
- The linoleum of this brand has a waterproof surface that is resistant to active substances that are part of household chemicals and intensive operational loads.
- The quality of products is confirmed by all necessary certificates.
- Simple styling.
- Affordable price.
- The service life is from 5 to 7 years.
Disadvantages:
- Due to insufficient density, Komiteks LIN linoleum is prone to dents.
- The unpleasant odor persists for a long time after installation.
- It is better not to use the products of this brand for heated floors.
- The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing linoleum for an apartment is the smell of the material. The less smell, the better the material, as it contains a minimum amount of harmful substances. Natural or synthetic material of high quality practically does not smell. The outer surface of the coating should not have a gloss, and the pattern on it is clearly visible.
- It is good if the width of the canvas matches the size of the room. You need to buy a floor covering with a small margin, since in the process of laying it will be necessary to achieve docking of the pattern. In addition, for an accurate calculation of the material, it is necessary to take into account the presence of niches, thresholds and other features of the room.
- It is better not to buy linoleum on the market. It must be stored in a heated room. In addition, in a store it will be more convenient to check the quality characteristics of the material.
- Be sure to check the compliance of linoleum with hygiene requirements and safety standards. Products that have passed the examination are labeled accordingly, and the seller must present the hygiene certificate to the buyer.
- It is better to check the quality of linoleum in rolled form. It should not have bumps, waves or areas with a peeling protective film. All these points indicate marriage, and therefore, such material should not be bought for an apartment.
- If you decide to use the same floor covering for several rooms, then it is better to buy the material in one piece. It is only necessary to take into account the possibility of transporting a large roll along the landing.
- You can not fold the linoleum in half and stick adhesive tape on the front surface of the material. For transportation, it is better to roll linoleum upside down. If the roll is folded "face" out, then it should be packed in a protective film.
- In order for linoleum to last as long as possible and retain its attractive appearance, it is better to choose a coating with a special protective layer.
- It is good if you have the opportunity to bring samples of linoleum to those rooms of the apartment where it is planned to be laid. This will help you choose the material that best harmonizes with the interior.
- If you need to cover a large area with linoleum floors, it is better to buy material from the same batch, since the coating released at different times may differ slightly in color shades.
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Tarkett, the world's largest manufacturer of flooring materials with a 130-year history, produces one of the highest quality and most durable coatings - PVC linoleum. Its factories are open all over the world, including in Russia. Since 1995, a plant has been operating in the city of Otradny, Samara Region, for the production of:
- Household roll floors designed for residential use;
- Semi-commercial materials used in medium traffic areas (offices, halls, conference rooms);
- Commercial homogeneous (homogeneous) and heterogeneous (multilayer) flexible PVC used for commercial, commercial, industrial facilities.
In domestic stores, Tarkett products are sold under 4 brands:
- Tarkett- the most expensive segment of the best high-quality linoleum 23, 31-33 and 41-43 classes. The assortment includes more than 20 collections for domestic, semi-commercial, commercial and special purposes. A characteristic feature of the series is the variety of designs, as well as an interesting appearance with a plausible imitation of the textured surface of parquet, solid board, porcelain stoneware, etc.
- Sinteros- a budget option for household and commercial PVC coatings of 21-23, 31-34 classes. The advantages of linoleum are versatility, practicality and durability. An analogue of this line is the products of the Ukrainian plant Vinisin.
- Polystyle- vinyl material of 23, 31-34 and 41 classes, combining an affordable price and Tarkett quality. Available in 6 collections, the assortment is chosen so that each design can be used in any type of premises.
Thus, the Tarkett company produces high-quality PVC linoleum in a huge assortment for every taste, color and budget.
Main advantages:
- The high level of resistance of linoleum to abrasion and tensile loads. Thanks to a transparent polyurethane tarnsparent and additional protective coatings Extreme Protection, Titanium, R.MAX and others, the surface of the material is inert to water, aggressive household chemicals, abrasives, and shoes. And the use as part of fiberglass ensures the stability of the floor finish to deforming factors.
- Sanitary and hygienic, fire safety and environmental friendliness. Tarkett's products are the only ones in the Russian Federation that have received the Leaf of Life voluntary eco-testing certificate.
- A huge selection of designs and structures for parquet, solid board, marble, ceramics, natural stone, textiles and much more. There are more than 1000 decors in various shades in the assortment.
- Possibility to choose felt-based linoleum or foam-based PVC. The first is warmer, recommended for use on the screed. The second is universal.
- Approved for use in preschool, educational and medical institutions.
- Easy installation and maintenance.
- Available in many collections price.
- Long service life - from 10 to 40 years.