Modern types of linoleum for the floor are in high demand among the average consumer. The covering differs in high operational characteristics, a rich choice of color schemes and simplicity of laying.
In the manufacture of linoleum, modern components and technologies are used. This allows you to create a floor covering that is not inferior, and in some aspects even superior to the laminated board and its analogues.
Classification based on material
Elastic coverings made from natural raw materials or PVC are the ideal choice for the home.
The classification of linoleum into types is carried out taking into account a number of characteristics and physical properties. The most important are: the main component of the coating, the wear resistance class, the scope of the material, the structure and cost.
The first classification is based on the material that is used as the binder. This component directly affects the physical properties of the material, its quality and service life.
According to the binder material, the following types of linoleum can be distinguished:
- natural - an environmentally friendly and safe coating based on wood resin, recycled cork flour, linseed oil and lime. It has high wear resistance, resistance to abrasion, does not electrify, does not fade. Practically does not burn and does not emit harmful substances;
- polyvinyl chloride - a coating based on foamed polyvinyl chloride with a thin PVC film as a protective layer. In addition to PVC, it can have a non-woven heat-insulating underlay or a woven base. The new PVC linoleum has a pronounced chemical smell, which disappears during operation;
- rubber - linoleum from recycled materials, crushed rubber and bitumen. The front layer is represented by a thin film of synthetic rubber with the addition of coloring pigments. Keeps within on industrial and warehouse areas. It is highly resistant to moisture and water, ductile and withstands shock loads well;
- nitrocellulose - a single layer baseless coating of nitrocellulose. Differs in the increased elasticity, elasticity and moisture resistance. Used for flooring in gyms and indoor stadiums. Flammable and toxic when heated;
- alkyd - a coating on a woven substrate based on alkyd resins and dyes. Differs in high warm and sound-proof qualities. It is not intended for use in rooms with high mechanical and shock loads due to its fragility and short service life.
The types and properties of these coatings vary greatly due to the components used for their production. For flooring in apartments and private housing, only two of them are used - natural and PVC linoleum.
The remaining types can be attributed to highly specialized coatings, which are laid in specific conditions to solve a specific problem. The production of alkyd or glyptal linoleum is completely reduced due to the appearance of cheaper, durable and wear-resistant coatings.
Classification based on wear resistance and application
The scope of the material is only a recommendation of the manufacturer
The second classification of linoleum into types is based on the scope of the coating. The degree of strength and wear resistance determines the class, which is indicated by a digital index. The higher this value, the greater the strength of the material.
Strength and wear resistance refers to the ability to withstand loads of various origins. A material of a higher class is characterized by an increased service life, more resistant to abrasives, wears less with increased traffic, etc.
According to the scope of application, linoleum is divided into the following types:
- Household - natural and polyvinyl chloride linoleum, intended for use in domestic premises. Available in fabric or foam. It has 21-23 strength class, a wide choice of colors and textures. It is characterized by increased softness, well extinguishes penetrating sounds and retains heat in the room. Main scope: children's rooms, bedrooms, study for one person.
- Semi-commercial - PVC-based coating. It differs from household linoleum in a thicker protective layer (0.5 mm), which makes it possible to lay the cladding in the hallway, hall, and small offices. Has 31-34 class of wear resistance.
- Commercial - a specialized type of linoleum for use in high traffic conditions. It has 41-43 strength class. High wear resistance is ensured by a thick face layer (0.8-1 mm) with the addition of insulators and stabilizing additives.
This group also includes highly specialized types of commercial linoleum, which are used for special tasks. For example, for laying in sports facilities, a commercial version with a particularly durable polyurethane layer is used.
For hospitals and medical institutions, a special coating with bactericidal protection and a sterilizing effect has been developed.
Structure Based Classification
Structure of resilient floor coverings
Various types of linoleum for the floor can have a different structure, which is due to the need to obtain a unique set of technical characteristics of the coating. When using the simplest structure, consisting of one technological layer, the material is characterized by high wear resistance with a minimum of decorative properties.
An increase or addition of 2-3 layers allows you to give the material increased sound and heat insulation qualities, increases the rigidity or elasticity of the coating, increases resistance to moisture, etc.
According to the structure, linoleum is divided into two types:
- Homogeneous - homogeneous single-layer linoleum throughout the entire thickness of the material. In the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride granules and various dyes are used. Pattern and texture is located throughout the thickness. This gives the material low abrasion and the possibility of laying in places with high traffic. It is mainly laid on production areas and in public places.
- Heterogeneous - PVC coating, consisting of 2-6 layers with a total thickness of 6-8 mm. The coating is based on a woven fiber or foamed PVC base, fiberglass, a natural substrate, a decorative and protective layer. It is used for flooring in apartments, private houses, domestic premises and offices with limited access.
According to the presence of a base, linoleum is divided into baseless, with a foamed PVC base, with a base of polyester and pile. When laying baseless linoleum, it is required to use a damper substrate to reduce the load on the coating and increase the total thickness of the facing layer.
What type is suitable for an apartment
Tarkett produces good material in terms of price to quality ratio
In the conditions of a city apartment and a private house, it is most priority to use household and semi-commercial linoleum. The use of specialized types is not rational, since in a typical apartment the load exerted is at a low or medium level.
An additional set of properties and qualities of a specialized coating simply will not be useful. In addition, the cost of such a facing material is much lower than household counterparts.
Sometimes manufacturers may use markings: PR, BT, M, TTH. PR is a lubrication method that is used in the production of most types of household linoleum. It has the lowest cost in full compliance with technological standards.
VT - marking indicates the presence of a needle-punched underlay made of synthetic fibers protected by a lavsan layer. This method eliminates the formation of rotting processes and rotting of the base.
M - marble-like or one-color coating. It differs in the number of layers. Multilayer marble-like linoleum has a separate decorative layer protected by a transparent PVC film. The single-layer coating has a solid color with a marble color.
TTH is a baseless flame retardant PVC linoleum. The production uses a unique recipe for the specific needs of the customer. It is divided into two types with normal and increased wear resistance.
Manufacturers and cost
There are many European and domestic manufacturers on the Russian market. Most brands in their assortment have different types of linoleum from different price categories.
The most high-quality and proven companies include Tarkett, Finefloor, LG Hausys, Juteks, Grabo, IVC, Sinteros, Vinisin. Average prices for products from different manufacturers are shown in the summary table below.
The minimum price for a household type of coverage starts from 210 rubles / m2. This coating has a protective layer thickness of up to 0.15-0.20 mm and an average service life of 10-12 years. The cost of semi-commercial linoleum starts from 340 rubles / m2. This is a more durable coating with a protective layer up to 0.5 mm and a service life of 15 years.
