How to choose linoleum

1. Decide on the type of linoleum

Linoleums are made from a wide variety of natural and synthetic materials. To select a suitable coating, you need to be aware of their advantages and disadvantages.

Natural is made from linseed oil, limestone, wood and cork flour, as well as pine resin, jute and natural dyes. Easy to clean, environmentally friendly, abrasion resistant. Among the disadvantages are fragility, lack of moisture protection and a high price.
Polyvinyl chloride is the most common linoleum. It is made of one or several layers of PVC without a base or on a fabric, non-woven or foam base. Among the advantages: low thermal conductivity, resistance to decay and a variety of designs. The disadvantages include sensitivity to temperature changes and instability to chemistry.
Alkyd is obtained by applying alkyd and glyphthalic resins with pigments to a fabric base. Differs in increased heat and sound insulation, wear resistance and ease of maintenance. At the same time, it is inelastic and cracks at low temperatures.
Colloxylin - single-layer linoleum, which consists of nitrocellulose with the addition of gypsum and red lead. The advantages are elasticity, moisture resistance and natural shine. Cons: tendency to shrinkage, sensitivity to temperature extremes.
Relin is a linoleum based on rubber and recycled crumb rubber. It has high elasticity and moisture resistance, but at the same time it emits harmful substances and is used only in non-residential premises.

2. Select the class of use

According to the European standard EN 685, all floor coverings are divided into groups and classes depending on the type of room and the level of operational load.

In total, there are three groups of linoleums: for residential, office or office, as well as industrial premises. They are also called household, semi-commercial and commercial. The coatings differ in the thickness of the protective layer: for the first group it is 0.15–0.25 mm, for the second - 0.4–0.6 mm, and for the third - 0.7 mm.

Each category corresponds to a certain number: 2 - for residential, 3 - for office, 4 - for industrial.

Within the groups, linoleums are additionally divided into classes according to the intensity of exposure:

1 - low;
2 - medium;
3 - high;
4 - very high.

A total of ten classes from 21 to 43. For example, class 23 is linoleum for residential premises with a high load.

Based on this, for hallways and corridors, it is recommended to use linoleum 23, and preferably 32 or 33 class. For the kitchen and living room, 22, 23 or 31 classes are suitable, and in the bedroom you can even do 21. On the balcony and loggia, any linoleum will quickly become unusable due to difficult conditions, so 21-22 classes will be enough.

3. Consider the structure and type of base

How to choose linoleum: structure and type of base

According to its internal structure, linoleum is divided into homogeneous and heterogeneous. The latter, in turn, can be foam or felt base.

Homogeneous or uniform linoleum has the same structure throughout its entire thickness. It consists of PVC granules and colorants. The drawing permeates the entire canvas, and is not located on its surface. Due to this, such linoleum is very resistant to abrasion and is not afraid of moisture. Suitable for kitchen and bathroom.

Heterogeneous is characterized by a heterogeneous structure of several layers. The basis is fiberglass, on which a decorative and protective coating is applied on top, and a backing made of foamed PVC, felt or jute is located below. Suitable for hallway, living room, bedroom.

4. Refine the width

How to choose linoleum: specify the width

Linoleum is sold in rolls of standard widths from 1.5 to 5 m in increments of half a meter. The required size is selected based on the width of the room, taking into account an allowance of 8-10 cm on each side. A margin is needed to adjust the pattern and trim in the case of uneven walls, niches or thresholds.

For example, for a room with a width of 2, 2 m, you need to take a 2, 5-meter linoleum. If 3 m, then you have to take a 3.5-meter canvas. The scraps can then be used for the floor in the closet or dressing room.

The same goes for the length. If the room is more than 5 meters, you should buy two pieces and connect them with special glue into a single canvas. At the same time, the joint will hardly be visible.

5. Pick up the drawing

The specificity of linoleum production allows you to apply any decorative patterns to its surface. Most often it is an imitation of parquet, tiles, stone and various natural materials. There are also bright solid colors, abstractions and geometric patterns.

Choose a drawing for the overall design of the room, guided by your taste, but keep in mind that warm colors always make the room cozier, while cold shades visually increase the space. A small pattern adds volume to the room, and an unusual abstract pattern will accentuate furniture and decor.

Things to consider when buying

In the cold season, avoid buying linoleum in markets and outlets without heating.
Be sure to ask the seller for certificates of conformity and fire safety.
Pay attention to the smell: in high-quality linoleum, it should be blurry or completely absent.
Roll out a roll and make sure there are no waves, bumps or other imperfections on the surface. The multilayer fabric should not delaminate.
When buying linoleum for several rooms, if possible, take everything from a particular roll. The color of canvases even from the same batch may differ.
Do not fold cut linoleum in half to avoid kinks. Roll it into a roll with the right side inward, preferably wrapped around a special paper tube.
Consider the considerable weight (1.5–3 kg / m²) and the dimensions of the roll during transportation. Linoleum may not fit into a regular elevator and cannot go through narrow openings.