Types of linoleum: choose the right one

Have you decided to change the floor covering? Then before you probably already faced the question of what coverage to choose, so that it was both practical and inexpensive. The best thing for these requirements is linoleum - all familiar material that can be purchased in any construction market. But not all coverings of this type are the same. Types of linoleum differ from each other structure, composition, purpose.

Is the linoleum natural?

The technology of manufacturing this material has long been a step forward, but the opinion of people on account of the fact that this floor covering is completely synthetic exists up to now. But linoleum manufacturers are now offering their products, based on absolutely natural ingredients - resin, wood flour, jute or flax. Linoleum in the bedroom or in the nursery must be natural, you should not save on health. And the floor covering of wood or flax is not less durable and durable than its analogue made of PVC, only you will be sure that you have an environmentally friendly floor. Natural linoleum is also good because it will withstand high temperatures, for example, accidentally dropped cigarette, soldering iron, the traces of paint or glue are easily washed off the coating. Of course, for such a floor covering you will need to pay a fairly large amount, but it's worth it.

Of course, on an equal basis with natural there is an artificial linoleum. It is made of PVC (PVC), does not contain harmful compounds, and also this cover will protect you from importunate sounds from neighboring apartments and will serve as a kind of heat insulator. The basis of an artificial linoleum can be fabric or vinyl. If the structure consists of several layers, then such types of linoleum are called heterogeneous, if the linoleum is single-layer, then it will be homogeneous. The wear resistance of a heterogeneous material naturally depends on the thickness of the top layer, which protects the pattern of the web. On multi-layer linoleum with a substrate to walk much nicer, it is warmer.

Types of linoleum, depending on the thickness of the protective layer

The thickness of the top layer of PVC coating can be from 0.1 and above. These indicators help to divide linoleum into household, semi-commercial and commercial use. We are best familiar with the household, because it lies in our dwellings. For example, linoleum for the kitchen, the photo of which you see below, is a floor covering for use in everyday life. It has a thin protective layer (0.1-0.35 mm), but the design of the canvas can be very diverse.

Semi-commercial linoleum is designed for flooring in rooms with large cross-country (hallways, corridors, conference rooms), and therefore has better wear resistance. The thickness of the top layer in it is in the range of 0.5-1.6 mm. The cost of a roll of such a floor covering is several times higher than that of a roll, but of a domestic linoleum.

And, finally, commercial linoleum can be seen at stations, in shops, cafes, on the floor in gyms. Its protective layer exceeds 1.7 cm, such a floor is designed for operation for a period of several decades.

So, different types of linoleum perform certain functions, and now you know it, and therefore, make the right choice.