How to choose linoleum?

Linoleum is very popular among the middle-income population. First of all, it is not very expensive, and it serves for a long time. This material is available in a wide variety of colors. It seems that we know everything about linoleum, but there are some nuances that need to be clarified when choosing it. Let's consider how to choose linoleum in order to buy really good and high-quality material.

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Types of linoleum

Many are sure that this material is only synthetic, but this is not true. There are several types of this coating.

Natural linoleum

It consists of wood and cork flour, pine resin, jute fabric and natural dyes. Of course, such a coating is environmentally friendly, durable, retains its color for a long time. But at the same time, it is expensive and breaks when bent. In addition, this coating is not suitable for the bathroom.

Synthetic linoleum

Despite the fact that there are four types of synthetic coatings, the most popular is the material in the manufacture of which polyvinyl chloride is used. It has a lot of advantages:

• Low thermal conductivity, which is important for rooms with a cold floor;
• Moisture resistance;
• Simple styling technology.

But at the same time, it does not tolerate low temperatures and chemical solvents, alkalis and fats.

Gliftal linoleum

In its manufacture, alkyd resin is applied to the fabric. The main advantage of this coating is its good thermal insulation.

Important! Gliftal linoleum is a very fragile material, so it is quite difficult to lay it.

Linoleum – relin

For the production of the first layer, old crushed rubber is used, and for the top - rubber, pigment and filler. It, like other synthetic materials, is characterized by elasticity, durability and moisture resistance.

Important! Linoleum Relig contains harmful substances that gradually evaporate. That is why it is not used for residential premises.

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Coating benefits

The popularity of this material is due primarily to its positive qualities:

• Universality. It is suitable for almost any room: residential, office or public.
• Many colors and textures. Thanks to this, a coating is chosen for any interior.
• Easy styling. For this, special devices, abilities and tools are not required. Almost any surface is suitable for laying.
• Convenience of operation. For washing, water and soap solution are suitable. This coating is moisture resistant, mold does not grow on it.
• Life time. If the material is correctly laid, it will remain elastic and will not deform. In addition, it is resistant to abrasion.

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Disadvantages of coverage

There are fewer disadvantages than pluses, but nevertheless they are:

• If you put a heavy object - dents remain.
• It is very difficult to get rid of the stubborn spots of dust, grease and brilliant green, as they are absorbed.
• Temperature changes cause damage to the material. If the temperature is high, deformation occurs, and if it is low, cracks appear.

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Choose linoleum for the room

Linoleum has a different thickness. Therefore, you need to know how to choose linoleum for an apartment by quality.

Living room

Usually - this is a room with medium traffic.It is best to use material with a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm. The top layer is not very thick, 0.15-0.2 mm is enough.

Important! In this room you can use inexpensive household linoleum, which is based on polyester.

Kitchen, hallway and corridor

In such rooms a lot of people walk, so the thickness of the coating should be over 3 mm. Thickness of more than 0.25 mm is permissible for the top layer.

Important! It is better to choose household linoleum, on a PVC basis.

Children

A coating of at least 3 mm thickness is used for this room. Otherwise, there will be a frequent change in flooring. This room is notable for medium traffic, mechanical damage is very likely to appear in it.

Important! For children, they usually use household linoleum based on polystyrene foam or a semi-commercial coating, the protective layer of which is more than 0.25 mm.

Bedroom

In such a room you can lay thin linoleum. It is enough if its thickness will be 1.2-1.5 mm.

Important! The best choice would be household linoleum with a base of polyvinyl chloride.

Office and public space

In this case, it is preferable to use commercial linoleum, in which the protective layer is thickened.

Important! If the room is with high traffic, you need to choose a coating with a thicker protective layer. With an average cross you can use the semi-commercial linoleum.

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How to choose glue?

Of course, when you choose which linoleum is best for the apartment, you need to choose the right glue for it:

• For coating with a fabric base, cold mastic is selected, consisting of bitumen, turpentine and white spirit.
• If the coating has a heat and sound insulating felt base, adhesives based on bustilate are taken.
• Dispersion glue - a universal composition that is used to adhere the coating to concrete, wood, chipboard, cement-sand screed.

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What to look for when buying?

The consultants give tips on how to choose linoleum for an apartment by quality:

• Smell. If it is very sharp, then there are harmful additives in the coating. High-quality linoleum - both synthetic and natural, has no unpleasant odor.
• Picture. Pay attention to its clarity.
• Expertise. They confirm that the material complies with safety standards. The coating is usually marked, in addition, the presence of a hygienic certificate indicates quality.

Important! The material is checked in unrolled form. No tubercles or delamination of the film should appear on it. If there are such defects, this indicates marriage, because it is impossible to get rid of such irregularities.

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How to care?

Before laying linoleum, you need to get rid of the waviness. To do this, the roll is rolled out and left on a flat surface for at least seven days. If it was not possible to get rid of the waves, a bag of warm sand is used to iron the problem areas.

To wash linoleum, use a damp cloth.

Important! For washing, do not use substances with soda and ammonia. They lead to tarnishing of the surface. If persistent stains appear that the soap cannot get rid of, you should use special tools.

Such a coating is fatally affected by dirt, sand and stone powder, which can get into the room with shoes. To protect against minor damage, you should get a grill or a hard rug at the entrance to the apartment.

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We make linoleum with our own hands

Laying linoleum is not so difficult, as it is a versatile material. The whole algorithm of work will look like this:

1. When preparing the premises, all furniture is taken out of it and the skirting boards are removed.
2. If the floor is level, it does not require preparation. If there are bumps, the rough floor is aligned.
3. Measurements are in progress. A plan of the room is drawn, which takes into account all the protrusions, holes and openings.
4. The material is bought.
5. Linoleum rolls out on a clean floor. A special knife is used to cut off excess pieces.
6. The coating is fixed for several days for straightening. Then again you need to cut off the excess pieces.

Important! Remember that the gap between the wall and the edge of the canvas should be 1 cm. This is necessary in order to avoid bending of the material.

7. Linoleum is attached using special glue.
8. Install the baseboard back.

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Stock footage

We examined all the nuances of acquiring such an important flooring. We are sure that with the help of our tips you will choose exactly what you need.