How to choose linoleum for the house?

Linoleum since time immemorial is one of the most popular floor coverings. In addition, modern manufacturers offer a huge variety of types of linoleum. Of course, not so long ago it was believed that linoleum - the lot of budget apartments and repairs. And today everything is the other way around: linoleum allows creating a coating with excellent operational and aesthetic qualities. The variety in the market of different classes and colors is amazing, but how to choose a good linoleum?

Linoleum and its varieties

How to choose linoleum for the house: it is necessary to start from several parameters at once. Value is quality, price, type of linoleum and color. In accordance with the existing European norms, linoleum can be called only that material, which contains resins and oils that are of vegetable origin. This floor covering is applied everywhere, it is elastic, easy to fit, can be used for a long time. What color to choose linoleum - an important issue, but still you should first think about the qualities of this coating.

  1. Material . From this point of view, linoleums can be divided into alkyd, PVC, natural, nitrocellulose, and also rubber. The best is considered a natural option, because it can serve as an illustration to the question of how to choose a safe linoleum. Polyvinylchloride linoleum has a not very pleasant smell, which can create an unpleasant atmosphere in the apartment. Alkyd species (glyptalium) have excellent heat and sound insulation qualities and are well-shown in panel houses.
  2. The basis. Modern linoleums are on foamed or fabric basis, also in the process of heat insulation. There are options and at all without a basis, but then you need to monitor the quality of the floor screed. So, which linoleum to choose for an apartment? Linoleum without a base - this is a canvas with a thickness of only 1.2 - 1.6 millimeters, the pattern in it, as a rule, throughout the entire thickness. Of the shortcomings - a short service life, only five to seven years. Basics - foamed, polymer, fabric - add to the overall thickness of the coating, and also create the conditions for operation for at least ten years. In addition, such a linoleum will become a salvation in apartments with a cold floor.
  3. The main qualities. Among all the samples on the market you can be confused: which is better to choose linoleum, why? The benchmark can serve as the qualities of a particular linoleum, namely:
  1. density;
  2. water resistance;
  3. ability to withstand abrasion and punching;
  4. degree of sound and heat insulation.

Proceeding from the necessary conditions and existing standards today, those linoleum coverings are recommended for apartments, the thickness of which is not more than 2.5 millimeters. The maximum permissible thickness - 3 mm - already borders on industrial coatings.

On the taste and color: how to choose the right gamma?

Which linoleum to choose for the kitchen? With what to combine a floor covering - with color of walls or with furniture? These questions can be answered quite accurately: linoleum can be an inconspicuous continuation of the design idea, but it can become a decoration of the room. For kitchens often choose bright monophonic coatings, linoleum, imitating natural wood or ceramic tiles. In order to know how to choose the color of linoleum, you need at least a little understanding of the combination of the main options.

And, finally, laying: you can entrust the work to professionals, and you can try to manage yourself. The only "but" is that even the most beautiful linoleum can be hopelessly damaged by improper pruning and styling.