Linoleum or laminate?

If you need to make a major overhaul, then the question immediately arises of choosing the type of coating. Linoleum or laminate, parquet or board, tile or carpet? This is an incomplete list of options. Of course, an ideal universal coverage does not exist, each option has its pros and cons. When choosing a material for flooring, many factors should be taken into account, such as environmental friendliness, strength, durability, ease of installation, durability and price. If, based on the budget, you need to choose materials that are cheaper, laminate or linoleum, these are the two main types of coating that customers choose. In the article we will consider these materials in detail and compare their characteristics.

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Laminate

Some people think that this is an environmentally friendly material, since wood fibers are used in its production. This statement is not entirely true, since the polymer resin serves as a binding component. In fact, the basis of such a coating is pressed hardboard - MDF or HDF.

What is laminate flooring made of?

Laminate consists of 4 layers:

1. The protective layer is a multifunctional coating of melamine or acrylic resin. Thickness - 1-3 mm. This layer partially protects against moisture.
2. Decorative layer - depending on the class of the laminate, it can be made of film or veneer. Thickness - 1 mm.
3. The main layer is an HDF or MDF board. Thickness - 5 mm.
4. Stabilizing layer - consists of a polymeric material or kraft paper, which is treated with phenolic paper to protect against moisture. Thickness - 2 mm.

To make the right choice when buying a laminate, you need to understand the main differences between the base materials:

• HDF boards (High Density Fiberboard) is a thin sheet material that has a high density. It is obtained by hot pressing of chopped wood fibers. It is durable and environmentally friendly, it is easy to work with. HDF-boards are used for the manufacture of furniture, doors, laminate, laminated flooring.
• MDF boards (Medium Density Fiberboards) - a product formed by pressing wood fiber in addition with organic binders under conditions of high pressure, temperature and pressure. MDF is used in the manufacture of furniture, commercial equipment.

Important! Remember, laminate flooring is very sensitive to moisture. If a large amount of water gets on scratched and damaged sections of the board, they become deformed and become unusable.

Features of laying laminate

When laying the laminate, it should be borne in mind that the fifth layer is also added - this is the substrate for the laminate. It is most often produced from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), although other options may be used.

Important! The choice of the thickness of the substrate for the laminate directly depends on the quality of the subfloor. The smoother the base, the finer the material can be taken. The thickness of the substrate can be from 2 to 5 mm.

There are two types of substrate:

1. Tiled - has a good indicator of sound absorption. Its thickness is 3-5 mm. Such a substrate has increased strength, smooths out all roughnesses and roughnesses of the floor well. However, it is a little difficult to install and requires experience.
2. Roll - very quick to install. Such a substrate is sensitive to defects in the subfloor and has low strength. Thickness - 2-3 mm.

Laminate is very whimsical to the quality of the floor, ideally it requires a completely flat surface. Therefore, liquid leveling mixtures are often used to level the plane; they are popularly referred to as the “liquid floor”.

Important! Due to the fact that you need to use a substrate and smooth the surface, the total cost of finishing flooring will be higher by at least 20% of the initial cost of the laminate.

It is the cost of the project and the need for additional preparatory work - these are the main disadvantages of the laminate. Also, for its installation you need some experience and skill. Therefore, if you are thinking about what is better and easier to lay on the floor in the apartment - a laminate or linoleum, know that the latter material is easier to work with.

Types of laminate bonding:

• Click - on the perimeter of the board click latches are located, which greatly simplifies the laying of such a board. Simply insert the board into the groove of the other and snap it into place.

Important! Laminate with click latches is available in two versions - assembly is carried out in order or board to board. The “board to board” option is the most comfortable for laying; work can even be done independently. For serial assembly, several people are needed.

• Glue - the laminate is laid on the rough floor with mounting glue and is thus rigidly fixed to the surface. The disadvantage of this method is that when the temperature changes, the gaps between the boards change and cracks may appear.

Laminate Classes

The class of the laminate speaks of its thickness, the quality of the top layer, the base material and the life time.

There are such classes of laminate flooring:

1. Grade 31 - service life up to 10 years. The total thickness is 9 mm, the protective layer is up to 1 mm, the base material is MDF. Designed for low intensity operation. Mainly used for floors in bedrooms.
2. 32 class - the life of 12-15 years. The total thickness is 10-12 mm, the protective layer is 1.5-2 mm. Use at medium load, resistant to deformation and very elastic. Suitable for living rooms and corridors.
3. 33rd class - commercial class, has a service life of up to 20 years. The total thickness is 13 mm, the protective film is 3 mm. Designed for use in office rooms and places of heavy traffic.
4. 34th class - covering for dance floors and trading floors. The term of operation is up to 30 years. The thickness of the protective layer is 5 mm.

The appearance of the laminate

Of course, from an aesthetic point of view, the question is which is better - linoleum or laminate flooring, the laminate undoubtedly wins. It looks good in the interior, has more than 1000 types of shades and textures.

Consider the most popular options:

• Natural - a thin layer of varnish is practically invisible and the coating looks like ordinary wood.
• Glossy - a highly visible lacquer finish that mimics a lacquered wood.
• Matte - very similar to natural parquet.
• Aged - imitates the rough form of wood and its texture.
• Textural - looks like a rough board.
• Waxed - has a warm soft shine, which is typical for floors, grated waxes.

Important! Modern technology for the production of laminate flooring allows you to create coatings that are completely different from wood. Particularly original and interesting look laminates in stone and leather.

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Linoleum

The floor covering of the roll type based on PVC derivatives is linoleum. This material is very easy to install and maintain.

Important! Linoleum perfectly tolerates a large amount of moisture, and with proper installation it also holds water well.

Its main disadvantage is increased toxicity, which is especially characteristic of cheap models. Therefore, if we compare what is more environmentally friendly - laminate or linoleum, then the first is safer, since it contains natural wood fibers. It is worth noting that some companies also produce natural linoleum, for example from nitrocellulose, but in our stores there is practically no such product, due to its high cost.

Important! What is more harmful - laminate or linoleum in terms of fire safety? - Definitely linoleum, since it melts when ignited, while emitting a large amount of toxic smoke.

What is linoleum made of?

Linoleum consists of such layers:

• polyvinyl chloride layer;
• fiberglass;
• layer with a pattern;
• protective layer;
• high-strength polyurethane layer (not available in all types of linoleum).

There are several types of linoleum that differ in base materials:

• Natural linoleum - a pattern of natural components, such as chalk and wood flour, bound with oxidized linseed oil, is applied to the towed base of marmoleum. Also, its production uses natural dyes.
• Linoleum made of nitrocellulose is very durable, but it has a small thickness. Differs in plasticity and improved moisture resistance. It is made from nitrocellulose, therefore it is not recommended for use in technical rooms, as it is highly flammable.
• Glyphtal linoleum - is produced on a fabric basis from a special grade of plastic, and therefore is distinguished by increased sound and heat insulation. However, during operation, it is easy to deform.
• Linoleum made of rubber is the most moisture resistant type. It has increased elasticity, so it easily fits on an uneven base.

Important! Rubber linoleum is not intended for use in residential premises and offices, as it has high toxicity.

• PVC linoleum is the most common type of floor covering. It is made from polyvinyl chloride. Mainly used in apartments, offices and public places. Such linoleum, as a rule, has no basis, in rare cases there may be a fabric basis.

Features of laying linoleum

Initially, linoleum needs to be spread out on a flat surface and allowed to rest for 48 hours. After that, it should be adjusted to the size of the room. Then linoleum is fixed with baseboards. Some types of linoleum, such as semi-commercial and commercial, can be fixed on special glue. At the joints, the coating is fixed with a cord, which is laid in the gap between the linoleum cuts, and melted with a heat gun.

What is more practical - laminate or linoleum in terms of installation work? - The answer is unequivocal - linoleum, since it does not require additional physical effort. For this coating, it is not necessary to level the surface, and commercial or semi-commercial - it is able to partially hide floor defects.

Classification of linoleum by appointment

1. Different classes of linoleum differ in strength and wear resistance:
2. Household - the cheapest class of linoleum. Made of multi-layer foamed PVC, has a protective and decorative layer. Thickness - 4 mm. The coating is on a soft base, therefore it does not last very long.
3. Semi-commercial - has a large thickness (7 mm). This linoleum contains a reinforced protective and base layer, due to this, the service life is doubled. Semi-commercial coating is widely used in residential premises, as it is very practical and has a service life of up to 25 years.
4. Commercial - designed for heavy loads, has maximum wear resistance among linoleums. Thickness - 9 mm. Also, such linoleum has an additional anti-slip protective coating, as it is used in rooms with high mechanical loads.
5. Specialized - includes several types of linoleum, such as sports, medical and embossed:
6. Sports - has an additional polyurethane layer, 3 mm thick. Due to this, it is suitable for use in athletics halls.
7. Medical - characterized by the presence of bactericidal components in the surface layer.
8. Embossed - designed to absorb noise. Used for music studios and lounges.

The appearance of linoleum

Based on the features of the manufacture of PVC linoleum, these types are distinguished:

• heterogeneous;
• homogeneous.

Important! When choosing the colors of heterogeneous linoleum, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the pattern is at the top of the multilayer material, so if the upper layer is damaged, the coating quickly loses its attractive appearance.

Glass fiber, which is part of a heterogeneous coating, prevents deformation, so most of the material will serve well, although it will not look beautiful.The drawing of a homogeneous coating is applied over the entire thickness of linoleum, in connection with this it is more resistant to abrasion. Another advantage - in contrast to heterogeneous material, homogeneous can be restored. Also, such linoleum easily withstands large loads and does not lose its qualities. Service life reaches 25 years.

Linoleum has more than 2500 shades and colors. Therefore, with its help you can realize almost any design fantasy. However, despite new technologies, linoleum does not imitate wood texture well enough. In this case, the rolled material under a stone or cork tree looks very believable. Therefore, when choosing linoleum or laminate should take into account the features of the texture.

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Linoleum or laminate - what to choose?

Of course, linoleum or laminate have their pros and cons, characteristic of each material. Therefore, the selection of coverage should be done based on specific needs.

Consider the main differences between the materials:

• It is more convenient to transport the laminate, as it is in small boxes. Linoleum is transported in large rolls, so it requires freight transport.

Important! When buying linoleum, think in advance how you will bring it into the apartment. Some houses have narrow spans in the entrances and bulky materials can only be delivered through the balcony.

• Laying, of course, easier and more convenient linoleum, since its installation does not require experience and additional staff.
• In the event of damage to the coating in the laminate, individual props can be replaced, and linoleum needs to be replaced as a whole or unaesthetic patches applied.
• Roll material is prone to dents and scratches. Laminate is from this point of view more durable.
• Linoleum sensitive to temperature extremes. Cheap options can crack at low temperatures, and warp at high temperatures. Laminate is more reliable, for example, class 32 is able to withstand temperatures from -10 to +50 ° C without functional losses.
• If you think it is better - linoleum or laminate on the kitchen floor, then know that a roll coating is preferable, since the laminate does not like water and other liquids.
• Considering the additional costs in the form of a substrate and floor leveling, a laminate is more expensive by at least 30 more expensive than linoleum of the same quality

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Stock footage

Regardless of whether you choose linoleum or laminate, both materials are fairly easy to clean. But still, the rolled coating will calmly transfer almost any experiment.