How to choose linoleum?

To begin with, you need to decide on the material, from which the linoleum is made. You can choose linoleum from natural materials, linoleum from PVC, alkyd or rubber linoleum. The basis for natural linoleum serves as a jute fiber, on which various natural materials are applied. It has many advantages and one serious drawback - a high price.

The most common option - PVC linoleum. It is sufficiently durable, environmentally friendlysafe, easy to install and inexpensive. But PVC-linoleum is sensitive to changes in temperature and chemicals. At the same time, it remains the optimal option for the "price-quality" ratio.

Alkyd (glyptal) linoleum make of polymers. It has good heat and sound insulation, but it does not tolerate low temperatures and is more fragile. Material for rubber linoleum (relic) are synthetic rubbers and bitumen. It is very elastic and water resistant, so it is used in shower rooms, gyms, etc., and in residential areas - very rarely. Therefore, perhaps, for the house is best to choose a linoleum made of PVC.

In addition to the material, linoleum also differs from Areas of use. Exist four basic types of linoleum: household, commercial, semi-commercial and special. For residential premises it is best to choose a linoleum of household type: all other types are intended for public premises.

But even household linoleums differ by coating thickness. The thickness of household linoleum made of PVC canto vary from 1 to 4 mm. The choice of linoleum of the desired thickness depends on which room you plan to lay it on. For the kitchen, the hallway, the corridor, the nursery you need a thicker linoleum, in the bedroom and living room you can do fine.

If the floor in the room has pronounced defects, you need to choose a thicker linoleum (at least 2.5 mm) to disguise them. Best to buy linoleum with a special protective top layer, then the pores on the face layer of PVC will not clog dirt. This linoleum is easier to wash, and it retains its appearance longer.

By structure PVC linoleum is homogeneous and heterogeneous. Homogeneous linoleum It is uniform, its entire thickness is permeated with a pattern, due to this, it wears less. This linoleum is good for rooms with high traffic, but the choice of colors is limited.

Heterogeneous linoleum consists of 2-6 layers. The basis of this linoleum is fiberglass, the substrate is made of non-woven fiber, natural fabric or foam PVC, and 1-6 layers of PVC are also included in the structure of linoleum. It's better to choose a linoleum with more layers - it's better.

Good linoleum heavy and dense - The concentration of PVC in it is larger, so it is notPressed and not torn. It should not have a strong smell (of course, synthetic linoleum will smell, but too strong a smell should alert) and greasy luster. On the quality linoleum should be the manufacturer's logo.

Whichever linoleum you choose, you need to try to buy rolls from one batch. Even if the rolls from different lots have the same article, they can slightly differ in color. The figure on the linoleum should be distinct, the optimal step of the drawing is 1-1.5 m.

The wider the linoleum you choose, the better, because it is preferable to lay it with a whole linen, avoiding joints. Buy linoleum is worth a margin in length: it will be better to leave a little more than not enough. Before buying, be sure to roll the linoleum to make sure that it does not have any bumps and cracks, flaking portions of the film.

If you decide to choose linoleum, go not to the construction market, but in a specialized store. First, the shops have heating. PVC linoleum does not tolerate low temperatures, it can become brittle and begin to break down. This will not happen in the store. Secondly, in the store you have to provide product quality certificate.

We hope, our advice will help you choose the best quality linoleum for your house or apartment!