How not to make a mistake when buying linoleum?What criteria should be used to evaluate its durability? What else do you need to know when purchasing such a floor covering? We decided to figure it out. Thanks to modern technologies, linoleum has become a real "chameleon". Today, it is produced with patterns and textures in the form of parquet boards, natural stone, tiles, carpet. Therefore, there is no problem choosing a certain interior style. And at the same time, its cost is democratic. Today we will tell you how to choose this type of flooring correctly.
Before buying
Before you go out and buy linoleum, it’s worth considering:
- will it fit into the design of your premises;
- what room is it intended for: kitchen, bedroom, children's room, bathroom or hallway;
- how many family members do you have to choose the material based on its wear resistance;
- Whether the coating meets such requirements as moisture resistance, sound insulation, thermal insulation, antistatic and safety.
Alexey Ilyin, interior designer:— Linoleum is very practical, since it allows for frequent wet cleaning without damaging the flooring, which is an invaluable advantage for many. It is simply ideal for allergies and respiratory problems. And a plate that has fallen on the linoleum has a chance of surviving.
How to choose linoleum: main types
Since there are different types of products in the modern markettypes of linoleum, you need to immediately find out what is right for you. Manufacturers offer a wide range of coverings made of synthetic (rubber, glyphthalic, collodion, polyvinyl chloride) and natural materials. Polyvinyl chloride linoleum and natural coverings are mainly used.
Polyvinyl chloride linoleum (PVC)
It can be made on a non-woven thermal insulation and fabric base. It is also divided into single-layer and multi-layer. Pros:
- this type of coating has a wide range of patterns, shades and ornaments (easy to choose for any interior style);
- environmentally friendly material;
- PVC has excellent dielectric properties;
- Does not succumb to putrefaction.
Cons:
- Sensitive to changes in temperature: if the temperature drops sharply, it becomes less elastic, which can be cracked;
- It is capricious in its tolerance to chemical solvents, alkalis and fats.
Alexey Ilyin, interior designer:— The base for it can be a woven or non-woven soundproofing base, or foamed. It can also be baseless and consist of one or more layers. The advantage of this type of linoleum is the widest range of colors and patterns. The disadvantage can be considered a rather strong specific smell, which disappears only over time.
Natural linoleum
It is made from linseed oil, woodflour, pine resin, limestone powder on a jute fabric base. Only natural dyes are used. People suffering from allergies should pay attention to this material. It is also used for children's rooms. It is usually of a single color or marble shade. Pros:
- eco-friendly;
- abrasion resistant;
- has bactericidal properties;
- At the end of time does not change its structure and color (does not burn out in the sun);
- resistant to combustion.
Cons:
- does not like high humidity;
- It is not advisable to bend linoleum too much, otherwise cracks may appear (it must be transported carefully, do not throw it);
- high price.
Alexey Ilyin, interior designer:— In my opinion, the best is natural linoleum. It consists of natural components, as the name suggests. It seems to me that the less "chemistry" in everyday life, the better. Natural jute base, wood resins, cork oak bark, linseed oil, mineral additives — there are no active chemical compounds in anything. At the same time, such a coating does not accumulate an electric charge. There is one "but": a relatively small selection of colors. Few design options, but it does not fade.
What Affects Wear Resistance
The main criteria influencingwear resistance of linoleum are its density and thickness. It is believed that the thicker the protective layer of the material, the better. It is responsible for the absence of marks from furniture legs and heels. Synthetic coating has the following qualifications:
- commercial flooring: designed for high-traffic areas, its service life is about 20 years;
- household coating: the thinnest, cheapest, but the service life is about 3-5 years;
- Semi-commercial coating: service life - from 7 to 20 years, the average version between household and commercial linoleum, the best option for home.
Numbers on the marking
To make it easier for buyers to understand, manufacturers write certain numbers. What do they mean? The first number can vary from 1 to 4:
- 1 - linoleum is intended for rooms with minimal traffic;
- 2 - the coating is suitable for residential premises;
- 3 - covering for office premises;
- 4 - for industrial premises.
The second number tells about the loads thatthe coating can withstand. It also varies from 1 to 4, where 1 is considered the lowest and 4 is the highest. If you have a large family (say, five people), then when buying a coating for the hallway or kitchen, pay attention to such numbers as 23, 24. And for a bedroom or study, linoleum with a qualification of 21 is quite suitable.
What to pay special attention to and what to ask the seller
First of all, pay attention to the smell.coating, or rather, the lack thereof. High-quality linoleum should not have a specific smell. Be sure to ask the seller for a certificate of conformity. Safety first.
- Don't make a mistake in your calculations. Buy the covering with a reserve, taking into account thresholds, joints, and pattern adjustment.
- From one roll. It is worth remembering that it is better to buy linoleum from one roll. Otherwise, it may differ in color, despite the same marking and batch.
- Before you buy.You have already made your choice, you like everything, but before you buy, check the quality of the coating in a rolled-out form. This way you will determine the areas where there may be bumps, waves or where the top film peels off.
- Pack - we take! So, you paid for the purchase and want to pick up the cover. Note that the linoleum is rolled into the roll face-down inside. Also categorically it is impossible to add it in half. And even on the front side you can not glue the tape, because then it will be difficult to remove the sticky trace.
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