Modern floor coverings are various, but the old, kind linoleum has not lost its relevance due to availability and assortment. Types of linoleum are able to satisfy any requests concerning not only the quality, but also the appearance, which is important if the interior is conceived in a certain style.
Linoleum types and characteristics
Modern manufacturers offer many types of linoleum, but each has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, which should be prioritized before buying. Linoleum, the species and characteristics of which we consider below, is considered not entirely useful coating, but in our time there are species with very high environmental performance. In this case, there is no need to worry about your health.
Depending on the structure, these coatings are divided into:
- Basic. Has a base in the form of a woven or non-woven extra padding.
- Baseless. Thin and short-lived appearance, requiring a perfectly flat surface.
- Homogeneous. Persistent appearance, the pattern of which is not on the surface, but passes through the entire width of the coating.
- Heterogeneous. A multilayered version, which is based on fiberglass.
Another classification of linoleum is determined by the material from which it was made. These varieties we will consider in more detail.
- Made of natural materials.
- PVC linoleum.
- Rubber.
- Alkyd.
- Colloxylin.
Linoleum PVC
Choosing linoleum foamed (PVC), you need to know about its main advantages and disadvantages, based on the requirements for its durability, environmental friendliness and appearance. The advantages of PVC linoleum include:
- Elasticity and strength. This kind of easily fits and serves for a long time.
- Moisture resistance. It is not afraid of moisture and does not deform when exposed to moisture.
- Resistant to alkaline and acidic effects.
- This kind of not slippery, so you can talk about its safety.
- Can be used for floor heating installation.
- A wide range of shades and patterns, which is an indisputable plus for interior design.
The main disadvantages are:
- Specific odor, which can remain indoors for up to two weeks and cause headaches.
- Not too resistant to mechanical damage.
Rubber linoleum
One of the popular floor coverings is rubber-based linoleum. Reline, also called rubber linoleum, is known since the fifties, when it was made from waste plastic and rubber. Modern manufacturers have perfected the technology and offer a modified product, with improved performance. We should separately consider the pros and cons of this species.
Advantages of rubber linoleum:
- Suitable for all kinds of rooms.
- It easily fits.
- Wear-resistant, so popular in places with great patency.
- Safe for health.
Disadvantages of linoleum made of rubber:
- Quality reel is not cheap.
- The choice of picture and texture is not very large.
- Low water and heat resistance.
Alkyd Linoleum
If you consider what types of linoleum are, it is worth mentioning the alkyd version. This option takes a fifth of the total market of linoleum, which speaks of its popularity, but it is second only to the cost, because for its manufacture use expensive natural raw materials, which is not cheap. It is made with vegetable oils:
- cotton;
- sunflower;
- linen;
- tung;
- or hemp.
Has alkyd linoleum its advantages and disadvantages, which will not be superfluous to consider in more detail. The indisputable pluses include:
- Good heat and sound insulation.
- Easy to clean.
- Durability (up to 40 years).
Among the shortcomings:
- Fire hazard. Although the alkyd coating itself is badly burned, it releases a number of substances that promote active combustion.
- Stow such a view is strictly observing the technology, so it's not always possible to do it on your own.
- Not resistant to low temperatures (cracks may appear when shrinkage).
Colloxylin linoleum
If we consider linoleum, varieties and characteristics - not superfluous information for the consumer. Colloxylin linoleum is made from nitrocellulose, colloxylin, rusks and gypsum. Popular it is difficult to name, because of some features, which we will consider below. Like any species, this one has its pros and cons.
- Advantages: strength, water resistance, ecological compatibility, elasticity, durability and aesthetics.
- Disadvantages: poor choice of colors and increased fire hazard, so this option is not used in children's institutions and crowded places.
Types of natural linoleum
Considering the features and types of linoleum - how to choose, the question of swaying individual requirements and preferences. Natural materials always win, so many seek to use only them. If we consider natural types of linoleum, then it will be better to consider the classification proposed by one of the leading firms for its production.
- Marmoleum. Has a beautiful appearance, repeating the texture of marble. Wear-resistant and easy to care for.
- Touch. It is used for the most part to cover dance and sports halls.
- Walton. It is produced in one-color, but with different texture.
- Artoleum. This is a novelty that looks very bright and effective, repeating the drawings of famous art masterpieces.
Modern linoleum - design
Modern types of linoleum for sex are actively used to create unique interiors, taking into account individual preferences. It is generally believed that this type of coverage is purely budgetary, but there are many types that are not that cheap, but in appearance they are not inferior to other options for finishing. The use of linoleum in interior design has many advantages.
- Modern products exclude the visibility of seams.
- Some types copy the invoices of different natural materials so that it is difficult to distinguish them from the original.
- For example, a homogeneous appearance does not lose its pattern even when abraded.
- Good options look expensive and chic, not conceding to many other types of flooring.
- Almost all kinds of linoleum can be laid with your own hands.
- The aesthetic look of the products attracts designers, providing an opportunity to create an interesting interior in any style.
Linoleum in the form of tiles
Picking linoleum in the form of tiles for kitchen or other premises, it would be useful to navigate in its types and features. Modern products are so diverse and quality that sometimes it's difficult to distinguish linoleum, imitating a tile from the tile itself. If you compare these two materials, then linoleum here in a more advantageous position.
- This solution is very unusual and original, especially where, as a rule, do not use the tile as a floor covering.
- Linoleum is more pleasant to the touch.
- If we talk about the price, then you can buy a high-quality and beautiful product at a low price.
- The thermal insulation characteristics of linoleum are much higher.
Coverage in a cage is represented by a set of very different textures, shades and textures. In addition, there are many options for combining, which significantly contributes to a more rich flight of author's thoughts. Adapt such coverage can easily with any style: from classics, to ultramodern hi-tech or industrial. This is often the main factor in choosing a linoleum in the form of tiles.
Linoleum in the form of a laminate
When considering types of linoleum for the kitchen, they often pay attention to the version of the product that imitates a laminate. Not always the case only in order to save money, more often give preference to linoleum due to its durability and a good indicator of moisture resistance, which is not endowed with a laminate. Another plus is a large selection of shades, among which you can choose the one that is needed in each specific case.
Linoleum in the form of parquet
The market presents a variety of types of linoleum for the house and one of the most popular - the imitation of a parquet board. The reason is that not everyone can afford expensive natural parquet, so the choice falls on the linoleum, reproducing the pattern and the texture of the wooden slice. This coating looks very impressive, thanks to a wide range. Modern manufacturers offer not only different color solutions, but also various patterns of masonry of a parquet board: from a simple Christmas tree, to bizarre interesting patterns.
Linoleum in the form of stones
Existing types of linoleum for the floor of the apartment are very diverse, so such coatings are popular with consumers. Linoleum with a pattern for a stone is successfully used for finishing corridors, bathrooms or living rooms in the appropriate styles. This kind of linoleum organically looks in the urban style or room, decorated in a retro style. A big plus of such products is the possibility of imitating any stone: from granite and marble to sea pebbles.