In this article we will tell you what linoleum is, what main groups it is divided into and what types there are, look at the markings on the rolls, what is best to choose for your home and some of the nuances of this flooring.

What is linoleum

Linoleum is a waterproof flooring: flexible, polymer, imitating the texture of natural natural materials. Manufacturers offer it in the widest range. All types differ from each other not only in color.

3 main groups of linoleum

For buyers who do not have special knowledge about this flooring, all its varieties are the same. For the purchase to be successful, you need to know that this product is divided into certain groups, of which there are only three:

• domestic;
• semi-commercial;
• commercial.

The buyer will not be able to see the differences on his own without studying their features. The difference between all three groups lies in their structure and degree of rigidity: the one for the home is soft, the commercial one is hard, and the semi-commercial one occupies a middle position in terms of rigidity between them. It is these groups that you will meet in construction stores, and you must not make a mistake with your choice!

Domestic

It is not resistant to abrasion, but shows a variety of shades and patterns. will become optimal choice for rooms with low traffic intensity, for example, in a bedroom or office. According to the accepted marking, it is indicated by the number “2”, which is at the very beginning of the designation.

Semi-commercial

It has greater strength compared to the previous version. It is also distinguished by a rich range of colors and is perfect as a floor covering in the kitchen, living room, hallway or corridor. Belonging to the semi-commercial type is marked with the number “3”.

Commercial

Commercial is the most durable, abrasion-resistant material. Suitable for flooring in rooms with the most intense human traffic. Produced in both single and multi-layer. Designated by the number “4”.

In addition to the degree of abrasion, the marking indicates the load acceptable for the type of material in question. The corresponding number is placed in second place and means:

• 1 – the material is able to withstand minimal load;
• 3 – designed for high load;
• 4 – the strength of the coating is particularly high.

Marking linoleum on a roll

For ease of selection, pictograms are placed on the roll of material - images of little men near the house. This is a visual and very convenient method proposed by Europeans. Below is a picture where you can see different variations of images:

Main types of linoleum

There are not so many main types, only six. They are presented in the retail chain in a wide variety of colors, canvas sizes and thicknesses. If you can figure out the external data and dimensions of the material yourself, then it’s worth taking a closer look at the types:

PVC

It is a 100% chemical product produced in one of two versions: on a fabric or heat-insulating basis; can be single or multi-layered; Among the disadvantages of PVC is its shrinkage, that is, after some time the material becomes smaller in size and thickness, as a result of which the seams separate; The clear advantage of the material is its low cost and absolute harmlessness to humans.

Natural

The product is completely natural; For its production, wood flour, resin from coniferous trees, crushed lime, linseed oil and dyes are used; from the listed ingredients, the so-called linoleum mass is obtained; as a result of a number of technological operations: ripening, pressing, drying, and natural material is obtained; the main advantages of linoleum are: environmental friendliness, resistance to household chemicals, fire safety, dimensional stability, durability, antistatic and more; such material will become best choice for any premises.

Glypthal

The basis of the coating is jute fabric, onto which a mixture of alkyd resin modified with vegetable oils and various fillers is applied (wood or cork flour is used); the physical and mechanical properties of the coating are somewhat more advanced than PVC, but this type is used only for flooring in transport or utility rooms; main disadvantages - fragility and increased fragility appear over time; advantages - good heat and sound insulation properties.

Coloxiline

It is a single-layer baseless coating in which nitrocellulose serves as a binder; to increase the resistance of the material to high temperatures, many mineral fillers are introduced into its structure; positive sides– high elasticity, moisture resistance, flexibility, resistance to low temperatures; Negative aspects include the poverty of the color range (the material is represented only in brown and red shades), susceptibility to shrinkage, lack of resistance to temperature changes and the effects of chemicals.

Relin

A coating consisting of two layers, one of which (front) consists of colored rubber, and the second (bottom) is a composition of used rubber, bitumen and synthetic rubbers; the bottom layer may be porous; main advantages - resistance to high humidity, chemical reagents, ultraviolet radiation, hygiene, strength, wear resistance, durability; The disadvantages of coverage include minimal color scheme, presented only in blue, gray and red, as well as high cost.

Marmoleum

Modern flooring know-how consists of cork, resin and jute; environmentally friendly natural material, which has the following advantages: antistatic, hygienic, good heat-insulating properties, fire safety, decorative, low cost and more; disadvantages of the material - relative fragility (mainly along the edges), heavy weight, tendency to increase overall dimensions, inability to obtain an even cut, the coating becomes harder over time.

Linoleum for home

Consumers are more interested in household linoleum, since it is what is used in houses and apartments. Over the past decade, it has steadily held the lead among flooring coverings due to its practicality and inexpensive price. The product does not fade in the sun, does not get dirty or gather dust, it is easy to install and use.

When wondering which linoleum is better, buyers should know that the coating comes without a base. It is called thin-layer - if its thickness in a roll is 1-1.5 mm - and thick-layer, or insulated. The insulated one has a thickness of about 4 mm.

Of these two options, it is worth choosing the insulated one, because its thickness affects the strength of the product. It will not be subject to mechanical damage, and its level of thermal insulation and sound insulation will be much higher. The insulated material has a property that allows it to be laid on surfaces with depressions and chips.

A few nuances

In addition, carefully examine the base of the linoleum: it can be on a foam or felt backing. You need to choose a material with a foam backing, since it is much stronger, more durable and more practical than felt. The reason for its durability is the foam base, which is a multi-layer synthetic material consisting of PVC, a reinforced layer that gives strength to the product. Service life reaches 10 years.

If the room seems too wide to you, first measure the length of the floor in at least 6 places. If your fears are confirmed, all that remains is to choose the widest option: 5 meters wide, it will fit in such a room.

For many years, people have been purchasing household linoleum for their homes, cottages, cottages and apartments out of habit. In this case, you need to take into account the advice of specialists who do not recommend using this flooring in office premises. It will not last long in hallways, balconies, verandas and kitchens, since the material is not wear-resistant enough. Stress on office premises much higher than for living rooms.

Results

Linoleum has recently become fashion trend and its use is growing with enviable stability in all spheres of human life. This depends on its varieties: household is needed in residential premises, semi-commercial is used in offices, and commercial is used in places of special mechanical stress: at train stations, in large sports complexes and halls. And in all these areas it is used successfully; the choice of material remains with the consumer.

Strange as it may seem, there are currently no alternatives to it in terms of price, strength, durability and practicality. And now you can move on to the next article, which talks about.

It is very difficult for a non-specialist in linoleum materials to understand the differences, even with the help of professional consultants. Manufacturers offer it in a huge range, for different conditions operation. Let's try to explain it clearly.

A little history of linoleum

The distant ancestor of modern rolled and tiled flooring can be considered oiled sheets of dense fabric, which were used not only for sails, but also for laying on the floor. In 1763, Englishman Nathan Smith patented a material that consisted of woven panels coated with a hot mixture of pine resin, brown dye, beeswax and linseed oil - camptulicon. The new flooring was not particularly popular among buyers, but the manufacturer continued to experiment and look for optimal combinations.

In 1843, natural rubber and ground cork were introduced into the composition of the future linoleum, but due to a serious increase in the price of ingredients (due to the invention of car tires), the composition was processed and modified linseed oil - drying oil - was introduced. The technology for producing the finished product was also improved, and on December 19, 1863, Frederick Walton received a patent for the production of linoleum (linum - flax and oleum - oil). In subsequent years, the recipe, as well as the manufacturing method, was refined. At the beginning of the 20th century, Walton, Taylor and Co. (Great Britain) supplied the European market with flooring made from a mixture of several vegetable oils(modified) called glyphthalic linoleum. Factories also produced the same product Russian Empire located in Riga, Odessa and other cities.

Today this product is produced by the largest factories in the world - Forbo, Tarkett and others. In Europe, it retained its old name - natural linoleum. In our country it is known by the name of the registered trademark of the Forbo Flooring Systems company - marmoleum or marmoleum.

Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of marmoleum

On the territory of our country since the mid-50s. last century, due to the scarcity of natural raw materials, a new product was developed - PVC linoleum. Although the composition of this floor covering had nothing in common with natural material, however, its name was retained.

table 2. Features of PVC linoleum

Synthetic linoleum is produced homogeneous (high-density with a uniform structure) and heterogeneous (multilayer).

The second type consists of:

Large factories add additional layers to the linoleum structure. This could be fiberglass for reinforcement, sealing layers for the backside that prevent water absorption, etc.

To summarize: now on sale you can find linoleum products manufactured in the following formats:

IN living conditions, as well as for retail, commercial and public facilities, the first two types are used. But where and what exactly – read below.

Types of linoleum and their differences

Linoleum products, both rolled and cut, are classified according to such criteria as load level and scope of application. Both parameters depend on the strength and thickness of the top layer, as well as the overall density and resistance to deformation. Let's look at it in order.

According to the area of ​​use, natural and PVC linoleum is divided into 4 basic types:

Domestic

This is the most popular series, used exclusively for living rooms, as well as rooms with low traffic (storages, outbuildings). Available as a heterogeneous coating based on:

• foamed PVC
• polyester felt
• combined

The thickness of household linoleum varies from 1.5 to 4 mm. The top layer - transparency - is formed from flexible polyurethane. Some manufacturers add special layers that provide bactericidal properties of the surface, strengthen it, etc.

Household linoleum has the largest range of designs, from traditional herringbone parquet to bright children's or avant-garde decors. Installation is recommended to be carried out using adhesive compositions, but it is also possible using double-sided tape or fixing it with baseboards. Service life - from 7 to 12 years.

Occasionally you can find so-called baseless linoleum coverings up to about 1.5 mm thick, produced by small domestic factories. Such flooring materials are quite soft, cheap and short-lived.

Semi-commercial

This series is a cross between household and commercial products. The difference is that it has a more dense (calender) structure compared to the first one, the protective layer is stronger and thicker.

The coatings in this series are heterogeneous with a base made of foamed PVC or polyester fiber. Areas of use – offices, office premises, small shops, etc. Often, buyers buy them for the home - in the kitchen, hallway, corridors, that is, places with the highest foot traffic. The cost is comparable to the price of expensive collections of household linoleum. Service life – up to 15 years.

Commercial heterogeneous and homogeneous

Products with high level resistance to abrasive and deforming loads. Produced for installation in industrial, warehouse, sanatorium, medical, educational, trade and commercial facilities. Often used in exhibition and conference rooms, restaurants, shops, hotels and other similar premises.

Unlike the household series, commercial and semi-commercial linoleum cannot boast of a chic set of decors. Expensive products are produced only in the most popular designs: broadband boards, granite or marble chips, as well as plain ones.

The price of the product is high, installation requires special equipment, but the service life is appropriate. Commercial linoleum will last at least 20 years even in the most difficult conditions.

Specialized

A series of coatings characterized by extremely high resistance to any load:

• Sports (for sports and dance halls with resistance to both abrasion and vertical deformation, sliding, etc.;
• Antistatic or current dissipative;
• Acoustic or soundproofing (with suppression effect);
• For wet areas (fully waterproof);
• Wall-mounted (wear resistance combined with exceptional resistance to aggressive chemicals, including disinfectants, etc.);
• For transport and others.

The total thickness of linoleum can reach 10 mm, and the service life starts from 20 years or more.

Which to choose

In accordance with EN 685, each linoleum product, based on test results, must be assigned a certain wear resistance class, characterizing the level of loads withstand.

Thus, household series belong to classes 21-23 and 31, semi-commercial linoleum corresponds to classes 31-33, and commercial linoleum corresponds to classes 32-34 and 41-42. Special is classified as group 4, that is, categories 41-43. Complete information is usually available in catalogs, which every seller should have with them. On the reverse side, manufacturers indicate not the product class, but various characteristics: presence of additional layers, service life, moisture or light resistance, etc.

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The word "linoleum" comes from the Latin phrase "linum oleum", which translates as "linseed oil". Real linoleum is an exclusively natural material, it consists of ordinary wood flour, resin, linseed oil, natural jute and mineral dyes.

Today, the word linoleum refers to the widely used floor covering made of polyvinyl chloride. PVC - linoleum is made from a synthetic plastic mass, the main component of which is polyvinyl chloride, which is characterized by thermoplasticity.

In the manufacture of coatings, binders, plasticizers, thinners, fillers (crushed limestone, chalk, marble flour, talc) and dyes are used. Typically, several grades of polyvinyl chloride are used. Currently, PVC coatings are very widely represented on the market.

The main advantages of PVC coatings include the following:

High strength and abrasion resistance

Rot resistance

Low thermal conductivity

Hygiene

Wide range color solutions and drawings

It should also be said about the restrictions in use of PVC coatings. Firstly, they are exposed to adverse weather conditions (temperature changes, precipitation), so they cannot be used outdoors.

Secondly, these coatings are sensitive to high temperatures(cannot be used in places where the air temperature may exceed 40 °C), and it should also be noted that the coatings are highly sensitive to solvents (when cleaning, do not use substances that dissolve polyvinyl chloride.)

PVC classification

There are a lot of varieties of PVC coatings, and they can be classified according to several criteria.

1. By area of ​​application:

Household (this is a coating for residential premises where large operational loads are not planned.) Consist of impregnated fiberglass, with a pattern applied on top, which has a protective film of transparent PVC.

Semi-commercial (this is an intermediate group of PVC coatings that are recommended for use in rooms with average traffic: hallways, corridors in residential premises; public facilities: cafes, hairdressers, hotels, small offices, etc.)

Commercial (or contract) - intended for public spaces with high operational loads: shops, offices, train stations, bars, restaurants, etc. They are characterized by high strength indicators and, accordingly, a long service life.)

Special PVC coatings are designed for rooms with special requirements (for example, electrical safety, slip protection, fire resistance, sound insulation, etc.)

2. By structure:

Homogeneous PVC coating

Heterogeneous PVC coating

Homogeneous PVC coating is a coating made of polyvinyl chloride of varying degrees of purity, uniform throughout its entire thickness, a durable and elastic coating. The pattern permeates the entire thickness of the coating, so even with uniform wear of the material appearance remains unchanged.

The purity of the material depends on the amount of added dyes and plasticizers: the more there are, the lower the strength of the coating. The pattern of a homogeneous coating depends on the production technology; it can be directional (along the canvas) and non-directional (chaotic).

On surfaces with a non-directional pattern, dirt is less noticeable. If the coating is intended for rooms not only with high intensity, but also with a high risk of mechanical damage, then a homogeneous coating will be more appropriate.

Heterogeneous PVC coating has a more complex structure than homogeneous one. The basis of the heterogeneous coating, in its very middle, is a layer of fiberglass with a width of 2 to 4 meters (depending on the width of the roll). It is this layer that is a kind of “spine” onto which the remaining layers of PVC coating are subsequently attached, so the density and strength of fiberglass is very important. Fiberglass is impregnated with PVC paste, it fills the pores of the base and is fixed in them. It should be borne in mind that the heterogeneous coating also has shock-absorbing properties.

3. Based on the presence of a base:

Baseless

Basic

Baseless coatings are a thin sheet (from 1.5 to 2.0 mm). This type of PVC coating is inexpensive but has no long term service up to 5 years household premises with low traffic. It should also be noted that this material requires careful preparation of the base before installation, since on an uneven base it quickly wears out and deteriorates.

Regarding PVC-based coatings, they use fabrics made from both natural and artificial fibers (jute), non-woven materials and also foamed materials, most often PVC.

4. By type of base:

Fabric

Foamed PVC

The material used as a base must have elasticity and softness. The most common coatings are those based on jute and foamed PVC.

Advantages of felt-based linoleum: it does not require a perfectly leveled base, additional insulation, it does not need to be glued. Today's household linoleums are more interesting in design and can look really beautiful (however, aesthetic traditions are strong, and linoleums that imitate parquet, tiles, stone or carpet are still the most popular in Russia).

Fabric-based coverings cannot be laid in damp rooms, since the base of such coverings begins to rot in a damp room. The foamed PVC coating is practically not afraid of water and is an excellent heat and sound insulator. The foamed PVC base can be applied in two ways: chemical and mechanical, and with chemical method When applied, the cell structure is closed, but when mechanically applied it is open, like a sponge.

Due to these differences in the structure of the base, coatings on a mechanically foamed substrate can restore dents from loads, since mechanical foam, like a sponge, first releases air and deforms under load, and when the load is removed, it restores its previous shape by gaining air. . If additional heat and sound insulation is required, then it is necessary to use a heterogeneous coating with a foam backing (acoustic.)

In addition to the above characteristics, you can also classify linoleum according to the width of the web.

Today, linoleum is one of the most popular floor coverings. As a result, there are many types of this material on the market. They differ from each other in structure and operational characteristics.

Tarkett linoleum is the most recognizable and sought-after product on the world market finishing materials. The history of the company of the same name began more than 130 years ago with the production of floor coverings, known not only in Sweden, but also far beyond its borders.

Today, the Tarkett concern is the largest manufacturer with factories in many countries around the world and producing excellent products.

Advantages

Based on centuries of experience, applying the latest scientific developments and using high-tech equipment, the concern’s enterprises have launched the production of high-quality floor coverings endowed with the following advantages:

• Absolute environmental safety. In the production of linoleum, harmless materials are used that have international certificates of conformity and meet all sanitary and hygienic standards. The presence of formaldehyde resins in products is ten times lower than the average characteristic of most similar products. The coating composition is completely free of the plasticizer DOP, which negatively affects health and well-being and is often used by other manufacturers.

All models comply with Russian GOST standards, which distinguishes Tarkett linoleum from other products manufactured taking into account Technical specifications(THAT).

• competent logistics and thoughtful pricing policy allow us to produce products in a wide price range. This ensures high demand and great popularity of coatings;
• strength, resistance to mechanical stress and temperature changes, moisture resistance and excellent sound insulation properties indicate high quality linoleum and its durability;
• A large model range with a huge variety of colors and designs allows you to choose a coating to suit any interior.

Semi-commercial

Products whose thickness ranges from 2 to 3 mm, and the weight of one square meter equal to 2.5 kg is called semi-commercial. It is believed that this type coatings are an improved version of household linoleum, slightly falling short of the properties of industrial ones. The products correspond to wear resistance class 31-34, which allows them to be used in rooms with average traffic: in living rooms and offices.

Linoleum consists of a bottom layer made of foamed PVC and reinforced with fiberglass and an outer protective layer that imitates the pattern of wood fibers, stone and marble. The coating is available in a comfortable width from two to four meters, which allows it to be rationally used in rooms of different sizes with a minimum amount of scraps.

In the manufacture of some models, antibacterial additives are used, which allows the coating to be used in medical and children's institutions. Also, the products are not prone to the accumulation of static electricity and are quite easy to maintain, but alkalis and acids should not be used when processing semi-commercial linoleum.

In order for linoleum to last a long time and not lose its performance properties, it must be impregnated with a special compound once a year.

Commercial

The industrial coating has a thickness of 3.5 mm and has the highest level of wear resistance and strength. The 0.7 mm protective layer reliably prevents damage and abrasion due to heavy loads. The weight per square meter of the product varies from 2.9 to 5 kg.

Linoleum is produced in universal widths from 2 to 4 meters. The scope of application of commercial coating is quite wide and covers a huge number of public places, production workshops and industrial enterprises.

Industrial linoleum comes in two types: heterogeneous and homogeneous.

Heterogeneous

Heterogeneous consists of layers of different textures: the bottom one, made of PVC, the middle one, which has a decorative pattern, and an outer polyurethane layer 0.8 mm thick, which ensures the protection and durability of linoleum. To enhance the strength of the heterogeneous fabric, stone chips and metal dust are used. The surface copes well with heavy foot traffic, and chair wheels, furniture legs and sharp heels do not leave dents or prints on it.

The pattern is preserved throughout its entire service life, does not fade or trample.

Homogeneous

The homogeneous appearance is the standard of strength and wear resistance of floor coverings. The canvas is completely homogeneous - there are no layers, and the design is applied by hot pressing directly onto the base. This structure allows the coating to be restored many times, which makes it an indispensable option for use in schools, clinics, shopping centers and workshops with heavy equipment and high mechanical load on the floor.

The cost of products starts from a thousand rubles per linear meter and can reach 3-5 thousand, depending on the model and width.

For industrial premises, canvases are used, in the manufacture of which graphite powder and additives with carbon particles are used. Thanks to this composition, the coating neutralizes static electricity and can be used in workshops with high-frequency electrical appliances.

In rooms with high humidity commercial homogeneous linoleum is also perfect coverage. The surface is resistant to impact ultraviolet rays and unlike semi-commercial coatings, it tolerates treatment well with any household chemicals.

Industrial linoleum is resistant to any aggressive influences environment and can be used in the temperature range from -40 to +50 degrees. In terms of strength and durability, it can be compared with marble and tiles. The manufacturer guarantees impeccable coating service for 15-30 years, depending on the model and operating conditions.

All models of commercial linoleum are fire-resistant and do not support combustion.

Selection rules

Each model of semi-commercial and industrial linoleum has different wear resistance. This type of classification is displayed in product markings, consisting of two numbers and giving a complete picture of the model. The first digit indicates the type of premises in which it is recommended to use this coating. Household ones are indicated by the number 2, office ones - 3, and industrial ones - 4. The second number indicates the degree of expected load.

Both indicators have a range from one to four and can be replaced by graphic images in the form of houses and schematic images of people, depending on the wishes of the manufacturer. For example, wear resistance class 43 indicates that linoleum is intended for laying in production room with high flow intensity or strong mechanical impact on the floor.

Next, you should pay attention to the overall thickness of the product, taking into account that the thicker the linoleum, the better the shock absorption and the higher the sound and thermal insulation properties coverings. You also need to clarify the thickness of the protective layer. The durability of the pattern in heterogeneous models will depend on this and general form surfaces.

As protective film Several types of materials are used. For example, Extreme Protection increases the strength of the top layer seven times, Titan ensures the creation of a varnish surface, and the embossed Turex coating very accurately emits wood grain and stone texture.

If the coating is to be used on heated floors, then the products must bear the inscription “warm floor”. The level of light fastness is indicated by the EN 20105-B02 index, where the last digit indicates the number of points in the range from one to eight.

Abrasion is indicated in the form of one letter and has the following indicators: T - very durable PVC coating with very low abrasion, P - average, M - high, F - the highest. Permissible changes in linear parameters are also marked. This figure should not exceed 0.4%.

When choosing a floor covering, many buyers opt for linoleum, one of the popular flooring materials. It is used almost everywhere and has a lot of advantages. Among the huge variety of products, semi-commercial linoleum is especially in demand, the characteristics of which ensure long-term operation and make the product worthy of purchase.

What it is?

Semi-commercial linoleum is a type of flooring made from polymer materials, occupying an intermediate position between household and commercial class linoleum. It is an option developed by modern industry with the aim of reducing the shortcomings of building materials and increasing their quality technical indicators.

His performance characteristics are not much inferior to the commercial analogue, which is the best in the line of linoleum floor coverings. It has high density, which is formed by fiberglass.

The material has another name - "office", because such linoleum is excellent for places with high traffic, having a structure that is resistant to mechanical damage and abrasion. Another name for it is the meaning of “reinforced household linoleum”.

This is a floor covering widely used in offices, clinics, kindergartens, shops, and public institutions (cafes, salons, restaurants). It is a separate line of linoleum classes, combining best qualities household (classical) and commercial analogues. This is a durable coating that is resistant to intensive use, convenient and easy to install.

Advantages

Semi-commercial linoleum – excellent material, which has a number of advantages. In addition to the fact that it is able to hide small cracks and unevenness of the floor, the coating:

• resistant to excessive wear;
• has an antistatic structure;
• not susceptible to rotting and creating an environment for microorganisms;
• unpretentious in care and installation, does not absorb moisture or dirt;
• has a wide range of colors and shades;

• has high sound and thermal insulation properties, absorbing noise and vibration;
• has an affordable price and is available to the general consumer group;
• is an indispensable attribute of creating a cozy home atmosphere;
• recognized as fire-resistant material;
• has a long service life (at least 10-15 years).

This type of flooring is unique in that it fits into any room of the house, be it a bedroom, kitchen, children's room, living room, hallway, corridor. Due to the possibility of applying a clear pattern, it allows you to decorate the floor with a different effect, imitating the surface of tiles, parquet, laminate, plank flooring, a natural stone, marble, etc.

This coating can satisfy various customer needs; it is recognized as a rational use of the budget and is easy to install.

Minuses

Semi-commercial linoleum has several negative nuances, which include:

• synthetic components (not all customers like them, as they can cause allergies);
• increase in cost per square meter with increasing thickness of the protective layer;
• heavy weight of the material (complicates transportation);
• low level resistance to solvents, alkalis and grease;
• drying out of the material structure under noticeable temperature changes, decreasing elasticity and formation of cracks.

It cannot be called an environmentally friendly material, and some brands do not recommend laying this material in a nursery.

Differences from residential and commercial

Semi-commercial linoleum is the golden mean between household and commercial counterparts. It is better than household and lighter than commercial, while being a worthy option for flooring for a home, cottage, or apartment.

Semi-commercial linoleum has a number of differences from analogues of other classes. It is stronger than household coating, so it is not afraid of sharp heels, chair legs, and furniture casters. This linoleum differs in weight: if you compare a canvas measuring 1 square. m, the weight of a semi-commercial coating will be one and a half times more than a household one and much less than its commercial counterpart.

Other parameters include load resistance and price: semi-commercial coatings are more expensive than household coatings and cheaper than commercial coatings. The service life also differs. Semi-commercial linoleum gets boring and becomes outdated faster than it wears out without losing its attractiveness appearance.

Such a canvas can be distinguished externally: it has a protective layer thickness of 0.3 to 0.6 mm (the difference is visible if you look at the side cut of the canvas).

Kinds

The lineup semi-commercial linoleum is varied. Trademarks offered for sale different variants, able to satisfy any customer preferences. The most popular types of floor coverings include:

• antistatic;
• fire protection;
• insulated;
• with 3D effect;
• with anti-slip protection.

Based on the type of base, the material is divided into two types:

• on a felt basis;
• on a foam basis.

Each type has its own characteristics and is designed for a specific type of room. Semi-commercial flooring is divided into two types: heterogeneous (multilayer) and homogeneous type.

A heterogeneous class of material consists of several components:

• protective, protecting the coating from abrasion;
• finishing, giving the coating an original pattern;
• the basis for the drawing, thanks to which the pattern is held;
• fiberglass, eliminating deformation and increasing strength;
• foam base necessary for heat and sound insulation;
• a layer of marking indicating affiliation with a specific brand.

The homogeneous class of semi-commercial linoleum is distinguished by the presence of a single layer with a uniform structure. In addition, the material is characterized by a relatively large weight compared to its heterogeneous counterpart. The disadvantage of coverage is not so much attractive appearance, as in heterogeneous: its aesthetic characteristics leave much to be desired. It also does not have a protective layer, which is a significant disadvantage.

Wear resistance class

For ease of selection, semi-commercial linoleum is marked with a wear resistance class that explains its purpose. This allows you to buy exactly what you need by investing your money correctly. The classification includes 4 digits (32, 33, 34, 41). The first number indicates the type of room:

• 2 – residential;
• 3 – office;
• 4 – production.

The second (substituted number) explains the load on the surface:

• 1 – low;
• 2 – average;
• 3 – above average;
• 4 – high.

Based on the above, it turns out:

• 32 – semi-commercial for utility room, closet;
• 33 – option for a store, office, corridor;
• 34 is an excellent material for home and high traffic areas;
• 41 is a variety for homes with light traffic and average use.

For greater convenience, brands offer a visual classification system, placing intuitive pictograms along with numbers.

Dimensions

Due to the fact that there is no specific GOST for this type of product, manufacturing companies have developed their own standard parameters that allow us to determine that this material belongs to the semi-commercial class of floor coverings.

Standard indicators characterizing the canvas include:

• total thickness of linoleum, ranging from 2 to 4.5 cm;
• thickness of the protective layer (polyurethane top), varying from 0.3 to 0.6 mm;
• weight per square meter, equal to 2 to 5 kg;
• canvas width ranging from 1.5 to 4 and 5 meters;
• abrasion, having an indicator of 10 - 15 g/sq. m.

How to choose?

The choice of semi-commercial linoleum may seem challenging task. In fact, everything is simple and clear:

• color and pattern are selected individually, based on your own preferences;
• the size of the canvas should correspond to the area of ​​the room (preferably a single solid sheet);
• if the humidity of the room is high (balcony, kitchen, bathroom), you should give preference to a coating with a polyvinyl chloride base; the felt option is good for “dry” rooms;
• Saving on canvas with a pattern is unacceptable; it is important to take into account its direction and size, otherwise you can spoil the overall appearance of the interior;

• the greater the thickness of the protective layer, the better the resistance to mechanical damage and the greater the durability;
• compatibility of the coating with the “warm floor” system is welcome;
• composition and appearance matter: priority is given to linoleum with a high level of color fastness and the addition of antibacterial components;
• the price of the issue depends on the degree of rigidity of the lower layer: the less porosity of the structure, the higher the cost.

When purchasing, you should pay attention to a material with medium thickness and a thick protective layer. Canvases 3-4 mm can be ignored: all the unevenness of the floor will be visible through the bottom.

Choosing flooring for an apartment or country house, it is better to proceed from practical considerations: White color will lose its attractive appearance quite quickly. You should not decorate the kitchen or hallway (high traffic areas) with it.

Laying

The procedure for laying semi-commercial linoleum is no different from the standard one. Anyone can handle it if they want. It is simple and includes several steps:

• preparation of the base;
• preparation of linoleum;
• taking measurements;
• adjusting the coating to the required measurements;
• docking;
• sealing joints.

Each master has his own principle of work. However, there are general rules. Laying is carried out on a dry and level base. If unevenness, cracks or remnants of old linoleum are visible on the floor, remove them and level the surface.

Linoleum can be laid on:

• old linoleum;
• plywood;
• concrete floor.

Each method has its own subtleties. While it is quite easy to level a concrete floor, when laying it on a wooden floor, you cannot do without a layer of plywood. If the humidity in the house is high, fiberboard is not suitable, since it will gradually change its structure and rise upward in waves, and no manipulations will save the floor from being re-laid. The option with old linoleum is convenient because it is in this case will level the floor, acting as an additional substrate.

Measurements are carried out based on the maximum length and width of the floor of a particular room, taking into account doorways and features of the area. A small allowance is added to the measurements obtained (for the curvature of the walls and the joint of the covering).

The adjustment is carried out taking into account the direction of the pattern: the linoleum is laid with the print facing up and adjusted to the characteristics of the floor, cutting off all excess along the perimeter with a knife. If the walls are smooth, it is enough to leave 0.5 cm at the edges.

If the canvas is not solid (for example, laying in a corridor), you cannot do without joining the pattern (provided that the linoleum pattern is the same in different rooms). Both layers are overlapped, matching the pattern, then cut with a knife, precisely removing the excess of two layers at the same time. Seam sealing ( cold welding) is performed with special glue with a sharp tip. It is important to ensure that the glue does not get under the seams: this can lead to unevenness in the seam and cause it to fail.

Masters believe that in cases where the area of ​​the room exceeds 20 square meters. m, it is better to glue linoleum to the base. The process involves applying a special solution and pressing the linoleum surface with heavy furniture.

When laying it is worth taking note: if the coating has felt base, you don’t have to lay the substrate. If the base is made of foam, you cannot do without a backing.

How long should you rest?

A feature of semi-commercial linoleum is the need for preliminary preparation. It cannot be laid immediately: it is important that it rests for at least 2–4 days in a horizontal position without bends or creases. This time will be enough for the surface of the coating to level, take the desired shape and not make installation difficult.