Linoleum is the most popular and versatile floor covering. In this capacity, it began to be used 250 years ago. Nowadays it has become more durable and has acquired a palette of paints
The glue is perverted ...
Oilcloth appeared four centuries ago, whichlater became the "progenitor" of linoleum. The link between these two materials was the invention of the British: they applied fabric to a hot mass consisting of beeswax, resin, linseed oil and brown dye. Then this recipe was modified and improved, various dyes were added, patterns appeared, and as a result we got what is actively used now in interior design - linoleum. Its mass production forced manufacturers to look for a cheaper replacement for natural ingredients. The development of the chemical industry made it possible to introduce artificial polyvinyl chloride into linoleum, which reduced the cost of both the process and the final product. 
From simple to complex
The modern line of flooring,called linoleum, it is diverse. It includes various designs - both cheap and not very practical, as well as exclusive in terms of cost, appearance and durability. Household PVC linoleum is the most inexpensive option, its thickness is 1-1.5 mm, the pattern is applied to the surface by printing, and such a coating lasts for 3-4 years, after which it is noticeably abraded and needs to be replaced. It should be laid on a perfectly flat surface to reduce the impact on its structure. 
Commercial PVC-free linoleum costsmuch more expensive, but also serves as an example longer: in rooms where a lot of people go every day, it will last at least 10 years, and in the apartment it will serve faithfully for about a quarter of a century! The thickness of this linoleum reaches 2 mm (so it does not threaten rapid abrasion), and scratches are easily polished. Its main drawback is a monophonic or fine pattern, which is due to the peculiarities of the material structure. 
Coating with backing - next item in the listtypes of linoleum. Such a basis can be felt, foamed PVC, woven and non-woven materials, cork and much more. The heat-insulating base increases the thickness of the linoleum up to 5 mm, and its name suggests that the task of this material is to retain heat and also reduce sound transmission. The disadvantages include laboriousness in laying, since it is important not to allow gaps in the seams: water can get there and spoil the "substrate". Heavy furniture leaves dents on such linoleum, so you will have to put it in one place for many years. By the way, if the base is made of foam material, the harm from moisture that has got under the linoleum is reduced to almost zero. 
Commercial multi-layer linoleum is the mostcomposite material. He, as a rule, has 4 layers (sometimes there are more), the total thickness of which is up to 4 mm. Usually the lowest layer is an elastic waterproof base, which allows neglecting small irregularities in the floor, followed by a fiberglass that prevents the deformation of the linoleum, and already it has a decorative layer and a protective layer. It is the thickness of the latter and is the determining factor in the durability of the entire floor covering. 
