The choice of flooring is a responsible step for the owner of the apartment during the repair. An affordable and reliable way to solve this problem is to use linoleum. This material is not inferior to other types of coatings in most characteristics, and even surpasses them in moisture resistance, thermal insulation and appearance. How to choose durable high quality linoleum for cuisine and apartments will be discussed later.
Content:
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Material Features
The floor covering in the kitchen must be durable, moisture resistant and anti-slip.
Linoleum is a type of decorative flooring that is made from artificial polymers. The material is produced in the form of rolls with a width of 50 cm to 5 m, a web length of up to 45 m and a thickness of 1.4 mm to 3.5 mm.
They lay it on a flat floor, fixing it with skirting boards or on a special glue (polymer mastic). The main characteristics of linoleum:
- roll width
- protective layer thickness
- life time
- overall thickness
- heat absorption coefficient
- weight 1 m3
Household linoleum
- low price
- ease of installation
- large selection of colors and patterns
- softness
- springiness
- resistance to mechanical damage
- does not crack under the influence of temperature or moisture
- In what room will it be installed
- Special purpose
- Thickness and class
- Planned indicators of the level of patency
- Special characteristics (moisture resistance, antistatic, heat and noise insulation)
- Does it match the style of furniture and wallpaper
- do not be afraid of moisture
- do not burn
- do not have a strong odor
- do not deform under the influence of temperature
- do not squeeze under the legs of furniture
- easy to wash
- don't lose color
- do not promote the growth of mold and bacteria
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In residential areas with high traffic, it is recommended to lay a semi-commercial coating
Depending on the purpose, linoleum is:
- Household. Used for flooring in residential premises. Quite thin (only 3-4 mm thick), made of polyester, often with a foam base for extra softness. The main advantage is ease of installation and use. However, under significant loads, it quickly becomes unusable: the service life is an average of 4 years
- semi-commercial. Used in offices or residential areas where there is a heavy load. According to the characteristics, it is similar to household, but reinforced with a protective coating - a layer 0.6–0.7 mm thick. Serves 10-15 years with careful operation
- Commercial. The best choice for flooring in high traffic areas (offices, social facilities). It retains its original appearance for a long time due to a reliable protective top layer. Can last 15-20 years unchanged
- special. Designed to solve a certain class of tasks: with bactericidal (medical facilities), sports (for schools), anti-slip (for summer cottages), soundproofing coatings
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Types of coatings
Floor coverings are made from natural raw materials or synthetic polymers.
The material differs in structure, so experts distinguish the following varieties:
- Homogeneous - a homogeneous mixture of PVC granules and dye. The pattern is solid, that is, it penetrates the entire thickness. Possesses the increased resistance to wear, does not exfoliate. The surface is non-slip, does not highlight dirt and dust
- Heterogeneous - consists of several heterogeneous layers. The substrate is a foamed raw material, fabric or non-woven fabric (provides sound insulation), the base is fiber optic, then from 2 to 6 layers of polyvinyl chloride. The thickness of such a coating is up to 6 mm
Depending on the presence of the base, linoleum is distinguished:
- basic - has a substrate (heat-insulating, made of fabric or non-woven fabric)
- baseless - a thin coating up to 3 mm thick, which is erased faster than the main one
An example of the basis of linoleum
Floor coverings from linoleum happen natural and synthetic. There are such varieties:
- natural
- polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- rubber (relin)
- glyphthalic (alkyd)
- colloxylin (nitrocellulose)
Natural
Natural material - environmentally friendly, but expensive
For the production of this variety, natural materials are used:
- lime
- cork and wood flour
- natural dyes
- linseed oil
- tree resin
It is considered an environmentally friendly coating that is resistant to fire and moisture, safe for people and pets. It is also convenient to use because it does not absorb grease and is able to kill harmful bacteria thanks to the linseed oil it contains.
Such material does not shed and does not change color during operation. He is not afraid of aggressive chemicals and other contaminants. Among the shortcomings, high cost, low elasticity, fragility and hygroscopicity are distinguished.
PVC
PVC coating - the best option for value for money
It happens single-layer and multi-layer, made on the basis of:
- fabrics
- foam raw materials
- nonwoven fabric with thermal insulation properties
The main disadvantage is the tendency to crack, strong shrinkage under the influence of temperature and an unpleasant specific smell, which do not erode for several days.
It is a dielectric and does not rot. Thanks to the impregnation with antibacterial substances, it has bactericidal properties, and due to the antifungal impregnation, it also fights other dangerous microorganisms. A wide range of colors and patterns is available, and the material itself is easy to maintain and install.
Rubber
Relin - a reliable two-base coating
Consists of two layers: recycled bitumen or rubber bases and artificial rubber and pigmented filler tops.
Such material is plastic and is not afraid of moisture.
glyptal
Glyptal coating is fragile, but holds heat well
The most fragile type, which has good heat and sound insulation characteristics. Such linoleum is produced from alkyd resin with the addition of a fabric-based pigment.
Before installation, the material is kept indoors for several days, so that when laying it does not deform and does not shrink.
colloxylin
Nitrocellulose coating is very flexible
Elastic and moisture resistant, this type of linoleum has a glossy sheen, but is defenseless against fire. Manufactured without a nitrocellulose base. Not resistant to temperature changes, may shrink.
The composition contains volatile substances that are unsafe for humans, therefore, it is not recommended to lay it in residential premises.
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The basis is the material on the back of the linoleum. The thickness of the main types starts from 2 mm, which allows you to level the unevenness of the floor.
Coating bases are made from:
- felt
- nonwoven fabric
- natural fiber fabric (such as jute)
- foamed polyvinyl chloride
- polyester
- artificial fabric
Underlayment under the coating provides additional sound and heat insulation
The main linoleum is also called insulated or warm. Comparing the characteristics of all options, experts give priority to foamed PVC as the best base.
It does not shrink, is resistant to moisture, and is not inferior in terms of heat and sound insulating characteristics to fabric or felt. It can be used in any type of premises.
Floor underlays are installed for cushioning, sound and heat insulation, protection from moisture and damage.
They are made from:
- isolon (lightweight, resistant to moisture, but fragile)
- polystyrene (poorly rolled and pressed, but protects linoleum from moisture and fungus)
- technical traffic jam
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Appearance
The variety of shades and textures allows you to choose a coating for any interior
Depending on the nature of the top coating, linoleum is:
- matte (more visible pollution)
- glossy (looks more solid but can be slippery)
- smooth (easy to wash)
- textured (dirt can accumulate in the recesses)
Stylish looking linoleum floor
Modern linoleum in appearance can imitate:
- wood (light brown, gray, yellow shades with a characteristic wood cut pattern)
- a natural stone
- ceramic tiles
- parquet
- mosaic
- abstract figures
- geometric patterns
- single color coating
- laminate
- tile
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A two-digit marking on a roll of coating indicates its wear resistance class
The main criteria for the quality of flooring: abrasion and wear resistance.
Linoleum has a marking (in the form of a two-digit number), which determines the class of its wear resistance.
- Rooms with minimal traffic
- Living spaces
- Offices
- Production spaces
This is the first digit of the label.
- Minimum
- Medium
- high
- Very high
So, marking 34 means that linoleum is designed for laying in offices with a maximum level of load on the floor covering.
For the kitchen, the material marked 23-24 is considered optimal, and for the living room or hallway - 31-32. Abrasion in accordance with the European certificate EN660-1 is generally defined as the wear of the upper layers of the coating under the influence of abrasive substances.
There are 4 groups of abrasion, which are marked as letters of the Latin alphabet.
| Marking | How stands for | Material characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| F | High abrasion - low wear resistance | The coating is wiped off by 0.4–0.6 mm |
| M | Moderate abrasion - high wear | Thinning no more than 0.3 mm |
| P | Low abrasion - medium resistance | Maximum wear - 0.15 mm |
| T | Low wear - high wear resistance | Cannot get thinner than 0.08mm |
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The thickness of the coating and its protective layer are key parameters when choosing
According to the classification adopted in the European Union, 3 groups are distinguished by the thickness of the protective layer, intersecting with the wear resistance class and type of linoleum:
- Thickness up to 0.3 mm - 21-23 class - household
- Thickness up to 0.6 mm - 31-34 class - semi-commercial
- Thickness above 0.6mm - Grade 41-43 - Commercial
The thickest linoleum (4-6 mm) is purchased for installation in the kitchen, nursery, corridor, hallway. The average thickness (3 mm) is suitable for the living room, very thin material (2-2.5 mm) is taken for the bedroom.
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Quality products are produced not only by foreign, but also by Russian concerns
The following linoleum manufacturing companies have proven themselves from the best side:
- Tarkett. A company with a 130-year history, produces PVC coating, brands Tarkett, Sinteros, Polysteel
- Forbo. One of the world's best manufacturers of 100% sustainable, natural linoleum
- Comitex LIN. The Russian company produces the best products in an inexpensive price segment. Coating is produced only on a felt basis, corresponding to 21-23 and 31-32 wear resistance classes
- Juteks. The concern produces products under the trademarks Juteks, Beauflor, Ideal
- Sommer. Produces natural material
- Grabo. Hungarian factory, high quality product in accordance with European safety standards
- Gerflor. It is one of the world's top three manufacturers of commercial coatings with a high wear resistance class and low abrasion.
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Water often spills in the kitchen, so the floor must be moisture-resistant and anti-slip
The kitchen is a room in an apartment with a high level of traffic and special requirements for flooring.
Linoleum is considered optimal with the following characteristics:
- Thickness 6 mm
- Foam based
- With a protective layer at least 0.3 mm thick
- Marking 24, 31, 32
- Heterogeneous
- Incombustible
- Natural or PVC
- Semi-commercial or commercial
- Anti-slip (water is often spilled on the kitchen floor)
- With a tile pattern (linoleum is warmer and softer than real tiles) or an aged board
- Brown or gray (less visible dirt than on a dark floor)
The width of a linoleum roll of 5 m is enough to cut the material in one piece without seams. The length of the roll is determined depending on the size of the kitchen. 8–10 cm are added to the parameters of the room on each side for a margin in case of shrinkage or uneven floors.
For cuisine experts recommend choosing a material with a thick top layer that will protect the coating from dirt and damage, be durable and easy to clean.
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Covering in the bedroom can be very thin - the patency in the room is small
Different rooms in the apartment have different levels of traffic: this means that the load on the flooring is different.
Recommendations on which linoleum to choose for a particular room are given in the table:
| room | Specifications | Recommended material |
|---|---|---|
| Children's room | Eco-friendly, non-flammable, safe | Natural, 3–4 mm thick, with a foam base and a protective layer of 0.3 mm |
| Hallway | Wear-resistant, durable, not subject to rotting | Semi-commercial, PVC, from 4 mm thick, with a protective layer of at least 0.3 mm |
| Hall (living room) | Practical, decorative appearance | Coating thickness - from 2 mm, protective layer - at least 0.15 mm, polyester base |
| Balcony (loggia, veranda) | Frost-resistant, resistant to UV radiation and moisture | Medium thickness, with a protective layer of 0.5 mm, PVC semi-commercial |
| Bedroom | Durable, practical | A thickness of 2mm will suffice, with foam or polyester backing |
| Corridor | Wear-resistant, non-staining | Semi-commercial made of foamed PVC, from 3 mm thick |
| Bathroom (bathroom) | Moisture resistant, does not promote the growth of bacteria and mold growth | Anti-slip, germicidal, 4-5 mm thick, 0.3 mm protective layer, without backing |
Linoleum or laminate
Laminate and linoleum
When choosing a floor covering, the choice often falls on two materials with similar characteristics: linoleum and laminate. Comparative characteristics of both are given in the table.
| Linoleum | Laminate |
|---|---|
| Durable (serves from 15 to 40 years) | Average service life 10–30 years |
| Easy to clean, easy to clean, resistant to harsh chemicals | Not resistant to certain types of dirt, you need to use special care products |
| Has no cracks or joints | Dirt can get into the gaps between the coating elements, which is almost impossible to remove |
| Softens any loud sounds and creates additional thermal insulation | Low noise insulation, almost does not retain heat |
| The cost of 1 m3 is from 200 to 1000 rubles. | The cost of 1 m3 is from 350 to 2500 rubles. |
| A wide variety of shades, colors, patterns | Imitates natural materials (wood, stone) |
| There is a variety of environmentally friendly coatings made from natural ingredients | Exclusively artificial material |
Both materials can sag under the weight of the load (heels, furniture legs) and wear out quickly if not installed correctly. However, considering all possible aspects, linoleum is still preferable to laminate in the kitchen.
Installation on different types of floor
Floor covering
The cost of installing linoleum starts from 200 rubles per 1 m3, however, you can lay linoleum in the kitchen on your own.
Installation of flooring as a whole occurs according to one scheme:
- The floor is cleaned of dirt, debris, dust
- The surface is leveled
- Spread linoleum, leave it to straighten
- Cut to size with a sharp utility knife
- Secure the edges with glue or double-sided tape
- Additionally reinforce the fixing with the plinth (it is best to purchase plastic or laminated to match the color of the floor)
The most popular brands of adhesive for mounting the material are shown in the table:
| Name | Characteristic | Average price per 1 kg |
|---|---|---|
| PVA building | For felt-based linoleum | 45 rub. |
| Homakoll 208 | Universal for most types of substrates | 175–200 rubles |
| Polynomial #101 | Acrylic adhesive for foam backing | 80–100 rubles |
| Thomsit L 240 D; Humilax | For natural coverage | 150–250 rubles |
| ADESILEX G19 | Reactive agent for PVC and rubber coatings | from 500 rub. |
Linoleum installation
There are a number of nuances that need to be considered when installing linoleum on different types of floors. So, the wooden floor is first leveled with chipboard or fiberboard, sheets of moisture-resistant plywood.
On the concrete surface, before installation, close up all the irregularities with a bulk self-leveling screed, which should dry well.
When laying on an electric underfloor heating, the material is left to straighten longer than usual, and then attached to adhesive mastic or double-sided tape. PVC linoleum is best combined with such a floor.
Floor care
Floor cleaning with polymer coating
Almost any household detergent is suitable for washing linoleum - in this matter, the material is really unpretentious. Even aggressive cleaners such as baking soda and acetic acid will not spoil the coating.
You can wash the surface with:
- rags and buckets of water
- mops with rubber lining
- mops with steam generator
- washing vacuum cleaner
Floor care
To care for the material used:
- protective varnishes
- antistatic and self-shiny polishes
The choice of linoleum for the kitchen and other rooms is a responsible, but exciting process. Ceteris paribus, it is better to give priority to a material with an average thickness, a reliable protective layer and an insulated base. A high-quality coating will not only delight the owners every day, but will also last a very long time.
How to quickly choose linoleum suitable for the kitchen and other rooms in the apartment, experts say in the video:
How to choose linoleum for an apartment: linoleum in the interior, the choice of glue and substrate
How to choose linoleum for the kitchen and the apartment as a whole: types, wear resistance classes, basics. Recommendations for installation and selection for different types of premises.
Professionals will introduce the types and classes of this flooring in the video:
How to choose linoleum? Review, comparison.
How to choose linoleum for the kitchen and the apartment as a whole: types, wear resistance classes, basics. Recommendations for installation and selection for different types of premises.
Thank you, everything is very clear, understandable, useful