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When carrying out repairs, the question often arises, which is better - laminate or linoleum in an apartment? There is no single answer, since each of the materials has several categories that differ significantly in their main performance characteristics. In addition, the choice is largely determined by the characteristics of the premises - attendance, humidity, the need for sanitation, the likelihood of mechanical damage, etc. There is one more nuance - some properties floor coverings depend on the laying - the quality of its execution, the use of the substrate, etc.

It is sometimes called a natural material due to the presence of cellulose (wood) fibers in its composition, however, this statement is not entirely true, because a polymer resin serves as a binder for them. In fact, the basis of the laminate is pressed hardboard (more precisely, MDF or HDF), and in general the material is multi-layered - the base is covered with protective layers on both sides. On the back side, a polymer layer or phenol-impregnated kraft paper protects mainly from moisture, and the outer (front) surface has a multifunctional coating of acrylic or melamine resin, which partly prevents moisture (it is allowed to wipe the laminate with a wrung out wet cloth, but with a direct hit water, the coating deteriorates) and protects against mechanical damage.

The question of what is better to lay: laminate or linoleum is decided for a specific room, for example, for a kitchen with high humidity, a laminate will not be the best solution.

The thickness of the surface protective layer determines the strength class of the material, but even for the most stable coatings it does not exceed 1 mm.

Laminate is a block flooring (as opposed to rolled linoleum), which is mounted from small "planks".

  • The most common laminate, in which the ends of all elements are click latches. Laying such a coating is as simple as possible, although some say the disadvantage of click laminate is the presence of small gaps between the blocks, which moisture can get into. The obvious advantages of this type of laminate include the possibility of creating a "floating" coating that does not have a rigid adhesion to the base floor over the entire surface.
  • Adhesive laminates are less common, their installation is more difficult, due to the rigid connection to the floor surface, cracks from thermal deformation can occur if the temperature changes sharply in the room, but the gaps between the laminate boards, when properly installed, are impervious to moisture.
  • The most rare sheet pile laminate with a characteristic relief of the end sides.

Types of laminate connection

The main disadvantage of laminate flooring is its susceptibility to moisture. Coatings of this type of any class do not tolerate water, warp, deform and cannot be restored. If moisture gets in, damaged elements can be replaced, and for a click coating, it will be enough to disassemble the damaged area, and the boards “planted” on the glue will have to be cut out.

Laminate classes

The class of flooring and its purpose is determined by the strength of the material and the thickness of the upper protective layer.


Appearance

Initially, laminate was used as a floor covering, visually almost indistinguishable from natural wood. Such models are still popular, as they are attractive in appearance and organically combined with various interior styles. The range of the most famous manufacturers usually includes classic and original wood grain laminate options:

  • natural (a thin layer of varnish is almost invisible and the coating looks like ordinary wood),
  • glossy (in such models, the lacquer coating is not only noticeable, but also characteristic feature, the coating imitates lacquered wood),
  • matte (visually similar to well-oiled natural parquet),
  • aged (the color of such a coating is darker, like that of a tree "with experience"),
  • textured (similar to boards with rough processing),
  • waxed (warm and soft sheen of boards, characteristic of wooden floors rubbed with wax).

Laminate production technology allows you to create coatings that are completely different from wood, the most original and fashionable are stone-like and leather-like laminates.

Linoleum

Linoleum is a rolled floor covering, the main advantages of which are moisture resistance and water resistance. Such material not only easily tolerates wet cleaning, including with the use of detergents, but also (subject to proper installation) is able to retain spilled or leaking water in emergency cases in small quantities. When choosing which is better - laminate or linoleum, the expert's opinion will be based on a combination of operating features and characteristics of various types of materials.


Materials for manufacturing

In many ways, the qualities and characteristics of linoleum are determined by its type.

  • Natural linoleum is so different from other types in composition, characteristics and price that it is increasingly being isolated into a separate category of flooring and called marmoleum. Jute-based marmoleum is coated only with natural ingredients- chalk and wood flour, bound with oxidized linseed oil and resins, and the drawing is done using natural dyes. Due to the high price, marmoleum should be excluded from comparative analysis, whose purpose is to determine which is better, linoleum or laminate in the house.
  • Nitrocellulose coatings are characterized by plasticity and high strength at a small thickness. However, nitrocellulose linoleum is not recommended for use due to its high flammability.
  • Linoleum made of glyptal (a special type of plastic) is produced on a fabric basis and therefore is characterized by increased heat and sound insulation. During operation, it deforms - it stretches in width and "shrinks" in length.
  • Rubber linoleum is the most moisture resistant and elastic, thanks to which it can easily be laid on an uneven base. It is not used at home, because it has a high toxicity.
  • PVC linoleum is the most common type used for commercial premises, rooms in apartments and houses, therefore, in the future, the properties and purpose of this particular type of flooring will be considered. Polyvinyl chloride linoleum can “sit down” a little over time. Such material is produced baseless or on a fabric, foam, fiber basis.

PVC linoleum production technology

According to the manufacturing method, PVC linoleum can be homo- or heterogeneous.

  • The choice of colors for heterogeneous linoleum is much larger due to the fact that the coating pattern is located exclusively in the upper layer of the multilayer material. This production technology removes almost all restrictions regarding the choice of scale and the complexity of the pattern. Fiberglass in the composition of heterogeneous linoleum prevents tensile and compressive deformation of the floor covering.
  • The drawing of homogeneous linoleum is carried out over the entire thickness of the coating, due to which it becomes resistant to abrasion. Unlike heterogeneous, homogeneous linoleum can be restored with noticeable surface wear - such coatings are “grinded”, removing 1/20-1/5 of the thickness of the coating with a uniform structure. The advantage of homogeneous varieties is high strength and durability. Such linoleum not only withstands the steps of people, but also retains its qualities when moving carts and wheelchairs along it. At the same time, the service life of the coating reaches 25 years or more.

When deciding what is better to choose, laminate or linoleum in an apartment, it should be remembered that the rolled material looks somewhat simpler and cannot reliably imitate wood, even if the corresponding pattern is applied to it.

Classification of linoleum by purpose

Linoleum of various classes differs in strength and wear resistance, however, each category has other nuances.

  • The cheapest linoleum is household. It is most often a multilayer material of foamed PVC, a decorative layer and a protective coating. The total thickness of all layers usually does not exceed 4 mm. The coating has a soft base and does not last very long even with gentle operation.
  • The semi-commercial type of coating can be called an improved version of household linoleum. It is more durable and has a greater thickness - from 0.7 cm. The structure of such coatings practically does not differ from household roll material.
  • Commercial linoleum is designed for significant loads and is characterized by maximum wear resistance. Due to the fact that this type of linoleum is often used for high traffic areas, the surface may have an additional anti-slip coating.
  • Specialized, manufactured taking into account special requirements determined by the nuances of operation:

- sports with polyurethane coating,

— for medical institutions with bactericidal components in the surface layer,

– with reinforced sound insulation for music studios, rest rooms, etc.,

- with a relief on the surface that prevents slipping even when water gets on the linoleum.

Comparison of materials by main parameters

What is better to lay on the floor - laminate or linoleum, is decided taking into account the requirements for a particular room. Comparison of floor coverings according to the most significant parameters will help in choosing.

Insulating qualities

The heat and sound insulation properties of both types of coatings are determined in most cases by the characteristics of the substrate. What is warmer - laminate or linoleum - largely depends on its material and thickness. It is important to remember that for linoleum the substrate is an addition, the use of which depends on the desire of the owner of the room, and for laminate it is required element when laying the cover. Among different varieties linoleum, the warmest are those that have a dense fabric or felt base.


Linoleum, due to its plasticity, absorbs sounds better, especially for material with a soft base, while walking on a laminate in shoes with hard soles or high heels can be heard throughout the apartment. But here, again, a high-quality substrate comes to the aid of the laminate, which serves as an excellent sound insulator.

Environmental friendliness

Which is more environmentally friendly - laminate or linoleum? Both coatings (taking into account the fact that PVC material was chosen from the whole variety of linoleum options) do not emit toxic substances during operation. When comparing environmental friendliness, the difficulty of recycling linoleum is often mentioned, which burns with the formation of a pungent odor and the release of harmful substances. However, given that it is extremely rare for owners of houses and apartments to dispose of the removed coating on their own, this drawback can be considered not the most significant.

Transportation

Transportation of laminate boards packed in compact blocks is much easier - they can be transported in a private car and lifted to the floor in an elevator. Linoleum rolls are large (the width of a roll can reach 5 m) and weigh a lot, so their delivery to the site may require freight transport, and in a regular passenger elevator such a roll may not fit.

Laying and repair

Laying linoleum and laminate flooring is quite simple and it is enough for the home master to follow the instructions exactly to obtain a high quality coating, but still the assembly of the laminate floor requires a more responsible approach. The laying of the rolled material requires less time compared to the assembly of the covering from the boards, although this will require the use of an adhesive or double-sided tape.

At the same time, for the installation of laminate flooring, the floor must be as even as possible, and therefore it may require preliminary leveling with the help of special construction mixtures.

Laminate is a more maintainable material, if necessary, such a floor can be partially disassembled and some of the boards replaced with new ones. Also, small chips and cracks on the panels with the help of special repair pastes. Lenoleum cannot be repaired in this way and it will have to be changed entirely, and it is more prone to getting scratches and other similar damage.

moisture resistance

One of the most significant differences between coatings is that laminate does not tolerate moisture well, and linoleum does not change its qualities even when it hits a large number water. Although it should be noted here that there are also moisture-resistant laminate models.

Appearance and features of operation

Despite new technologies, roll material does not look so presentable and cannot reliably imitate natural wood, although linoleum can imitate other materials very well.

Speaking about the features of use, it should be noted that heavy furniture and heels can leave marks on linoleum, while laminate is a more durable material in this respect.

Should exclude washing the floor with a wet cloth (you can use a well-wrung damp cloth or mop), while there are no such restrictions for caring for linoleum.

Taking into account all the advantages and disadvantages, it is most often recommended to choose linoleum at home for rooms where water can get on the coating, in addition, excess moisture may be present in the air - bathrooms, kitchens, balconies. The hallway has to be washed frequently. Therefore, the choice of linoleum will also be successful here. Laying linoleum in the pantry is justified by the economy and ease of installation of the coating.

In children's rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, laminate will look great and retain its durability.

And finally, speaking about the cost, we note that when choosing between laminate and linoleum of the middle price category, linoleum wins in price and the price difference can differ by half.

Expert opinions on laminate and linoleum can also be found in the video.

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When completing a new home or completing a major overhaul, any happy owner of an updated space thinks about which flooring is better to choose.

A variety of materials can simply be confusing, but the most popular in last years use laminate and linoleum.

To figure out which one is best for a particular room, you need to at least learn a little more about them.

Today's market is full various types laminate, which differ in color, pattern, quality and cost. It should be noted that different types of material may differ in price, but this does not mean that they have a big difference in quality.

Characteristics

The laminate is a panel 15-40 cm wide, its length is 1-1.5 m, and the thickness varies from 4 to 12 mm.

It consists of several layers, each of which plays its role.

  1. The lowest layer consists of a waterproof material - tarred or unrefined paper. It contributes to the preservation of the flooring from the side of the main floor. Also, this layer can have a soundproofing coating or a stand-alone substrate.
  2. The main dense layer of the laminate is made of wood fiber pressed into a board with a thickness of 4 to 12 mm. Its rigidity holds the shape of the panel, and it has tongue and groove fasteners that create a monolithic floor covering.
  3. The next layer is decorative. It consists of a laminated film, which has various patterns imitating wood of different species, stone, parquet, sand and other materials.
  4. The top layer keeps the laminate from mechanical influences such as scratches or abrasion. It consists of acrylic or melamine resins, which are applied in several layers. Their number varies from two or more - the more there are, the more reliable and durable the coating.

This top layer determines the class of the laminate.

Coating Properties

Laminate panels, like any construction material, has its positive and negative qualities.

Advantages

Laminate is light in weight, but can withstand loads greater than wooden coverings. It is moisture resistant and hygroscopic, it does not crack. Thanks to the protective film, it is resistant to scratches and scuffs.

This also includes its resistance to ultraviolet radiation - it does not fade over time and does not change color.

Its practicality is obvious, since, having laid it once, you can forget about the problem of repairing the floor for decades.

Environmental friendliness

Laminate is based on natural materials and does not contain resins or formaldehydes harmful to the human body, unlike other floor coverings.

Its production is subject to high material safety requirements, so it can be safely laid in any room of a house or apartment.

Aesthetics

The laminated film perfectly imitates the pattern of any texture, be it wood or stone.

Laminated laminate is almost indistinguishable from natural parquet. Designers use this material for general interior design, using its aesthetic qualities.

hygiene

Since laminate flooring is moisture resistant, mold cannot grow on it. The material is easy to put in order - a simple wet cleaning is enough.

Laminate panels fit so tightly together that dirt particles cannot get between them.

This can also be attributed to its positive properties.

disadvantages

The negative qualities of that flooring are much less than the positive ones, but they still exist:

  • some types of laminate can attract dust and small debris due to the fact that they are able to accumulate static electricity;
  • the material is not able to make the floor as warm as natural parquet can.

These are almost insignificant negative points compared to all its advantages. But, it should be noted that these shortcomings are quite correctable.

Linoleum is a roll material for flooring. It is available in several types and with a variety of patterns, has many colors and shades. It can be easily chosen for every taste and for any interior.

Characteristics

  • Linoleum is produced in different thicknesses - thin and insulated, with a width of 1.5 m, 2 m, 2.5 m, 3 and 4 m.
  • The thickness of the baseless thin coating varies from 1.2 to 1.6 mm.
  • Insulated has a foamed substrate from 2 to 4 mm, and linoleum with a warm thick base can have a thickness of 1.5 cm.

If thin linoleum is to be laid, the floors under it are leveled to perfect condition.

A coating on a thick base can easily hide small bumps.

Types of linoleum

This flooring is available in several types and from different materials:

  1. PVC linoleum is the most common type of this coating; it is produced without a base and on a heat and sound insulating or fabric basis.

Also, this material is divided into a homogeneous (single-layer) and heterogeneous (multi-layer) type:

  • Heterogeneous linoleum consists of several layers. The first, lower one is a foamed or insulated substrate, then there is a decorative layer with a pattern and the upper transparent one is a protective film.
  • Homogeneous linoleum is a material whose pattern runs through its entire thickness, so it is not afraid of abrasion. This species is good for laying in places with high traffic.

PVC linoleum does not tolerate temperature extremes, it deforms when it is significantly increased or decreased.

  1. Colloxylin linoleum - made from nitrocellulose without a base, it is elastic and water resistant, but it is almost never used in residential areas, as it is a fire hazard.
  2. Alkyd or glyptal linoleum - made on the basis of alkyd resin, on a fabric substrate. This type of linoleum has good heat and sound insulation properties compared to PVC.

The disadvantage of this type of flooring is that it does not tolerate low temperatures well, it becomes brittle and can break.

  1. "Relin" - linoleum, made on a rubber basis.

Its bottom layer consists of recycled rubber mixed with bitumen, which is coated on top with rubber, to which fillers and pigments are added.

Positive and negative qualities of linoleum

Advantages

Linoleum has a large number of positive qualities, and therefore is very popular:

  • Affordability makes it possible even for a family with an average income to purchase its most expensive option;
  • Ease of care - linoleum does not require much effort when cleaning, just wipe it with a damp cloth or walk on it with a vacuum cleaner;
  • The material makes it possible to move silently along it, which accompanies the creation of comfort;
  • A coating on a warm substrate, having a thickness of 1.5 cm, can create a good;
  • Linoleum has a fairly low thermal conductivity, so the floor will not be cold, even if.

    Naturally, in this case it is better to choose thick linoleum on a warm substrate;

  • The form of release of the material and its width basically always allows you to independently lay it in an apartment or house without using canvas joints. If, nevertheless, you had to connect two pieces, then you can use;
  • The abundance of colors, shades and patterns allows you to make required choice for any room;
  • Long service life, which is from 10 to 15 years.

disadvantages

The flooring also has its drawbacks, which you also need to know about:

  • The material is not produced on a natural basis, and is an artificial product. The exception is natural linoleum, but it has not yet become widespread;
  • Not resistant to chemical influences (solvents, dyes);
  • reacts to temperature changes, while it becomes brittle and can be deformed;
  • Vulnerability in contact with hot objects;
  • On the linoleum there are traces of the furniture placed on it, which are not subsequently removed;
  • The movement of furniture on this flooring is strictly prohibited, as it is easily fatally damaged, it can be deformed or, at best, scratches will remain on it.

Criteria for comparing materials

If you are faced with the question of choosing between these materials, you need to compare and identify all the pros and cons of linoleum and laminate.

Floor coverings have not only cardinal differences, but also similarities, so if you rely on them, the materials can sometimes become interchangeable.

comparison table

Qualities Laminate
Durability The service life depends on the type, class and quality of the material, as well as the correct use of it, and averages from 10 to 15 years The same as for linoleum, but the service life is from 12 to 20 years
Water resistance Both materials are water resistant as they have protective coatings. Given this quality, they can be considered interchangeable. Interchangeable with
linoleum.
Thermal conductivity, which is warmer. This property of the material depends on the thickness of the coating and on the substrate present, some types may be equivalent. The same as for linoleum.
Soundproofing The level of sound insulation also depends on the thickness of the material, but in general it is higher for linoleum than for laminate. The same as for linoleum.
Fire safety and toxicity The material may have a different level of this indicator, which is indicated on the packaging by letters and numbers from G1 to G4.
Toxicity is also indicated by a letter and a number in ascending order from T1 to T4.
Less flammable material, so this indicator is not always indicated on its packaging.
Material laying The coating is easy to install, and this work can be done independently: if the width of the linoleum corresponds to the width of the room. In some cases, it is required to connect the canvases using special welding. Having studied the laying technology, you can easily lay the material.
Care The flooring is easy to clean with wet cleaning. Laminate is easy to maintain, just like linoleum.
Design Linoleum has a richer color scheme and variety of drawings. Laminate is not as rich in colors as linoleum.
Strength Not as strong as laminate. Laminate is more durable than linoleum.
Mechanical resistance Dents from furniture and heels may form on the coating. Moving furniture can damage or even tear linoleum.
Animals will not be able to damage the material with their claws.
Resistant to various mechanical influences, including abrasion.
Environmental friendliness, which is more harmful laminate or linoleum. The material is artificial, so it can cause allergic reactions. It is environmentally friendly, as it contains a minimum of non-natural components.

Based on these data, you can decide which material is more suitable for your room.

Material prices

Prices for laying flooring for 1 m 2 varies: for laminate from 120 to 550 rubles, for linoleum from 80 to 300 rubles.

What will it cost more expensive laminate Or linoleum? Let's compare prices.

Linoleum price table

Price Class Thickness in cm Production material Price for 1 m 2 in rubles
Inexpensive Domestic 0.2 to 0.4 PVC 120 — 390
Commercial 1 to 1.7 Rubber 600 — 900
semi-commercial 0.2 to 0.4 Alkyd 230 — 320
Average Domestic 1.5 to 0.3 colloxylin 240 — 550
Commercial 1 to 2.5 Rubber 515- 580
Semi-commercial 0.2 to 0.4 Alkyd 480 — 525
Premium Domestic 0.2 to 0.5 PVC 365 — 600
Commercial 1 to 4 Rubber 1600 — 3000
Semi-commercial 0.2 to 0.4 Alkyd 520 — 650

Laminate price table

What kind of rooms are the materials suitable for?

Laminate and linoleum are separated by strength criteria for patency, i.e. wear resistance. For public organizations and buildings, a coating is needed that can withstand the passage of a large number of people for a long time, office premises also need to be covered with reliable, durable material. Therefore, floor coverings are produced in several classes.

Laminate classification

It is indicated on each package with two digits, the first of which indicates the purpose for residential or non-residential premises, and the second indicates the degree of coating strength:

  • material for living rooms are indicated by numbers from 21 to 23,
  • for non-residential, working premises from 31 to 33.

But it should be noted that in recent times many manufacturers refuse to produce class 21-23 laminate, as class 31-33 materials are more popular, since they do not differ in their environmental friendliness from residential coatings.


  • 31 - laminate for offices where there is no heavy load on the coating, also good for bedroom;
  • 32 - material for public organizations with more intensive traffic, for the home, it good for living room, balcony and bathroom;
  • 33 - laminate for areas with active traffic, where heavy loads fall on it, such as shops and hotels. In residential premises, this class of coating is laid in the hallway or in the kitchen.

Linoleum classification

Linoleum is also subdivided according to wear resistance, there are three classes of it:

  • Household - this material is used in residential premises.

It has high wear resistance, environmental safety, and this is one of the most important requirements for this flooring.

It can be laid in any of the rooms of the apartment, it will last quite a long time.

  • Semi-commercial - this class is designed for office space and public catering organizations, it has medium-traffic wear resistance.

In residential premises, this class of linoleum is rarely laid, since it is not necessary.

  • Commercial - the most wear-resistant and durable class of linoleum.

Therefore, it is laid in public buildings such as shops, schools, hotels, etc.

Choosing a floor covering, you need to take care not only of its aesthetic value, but also of environmental cleanliness.

Choosing the right wear resistance class will help save the family budget. Based on all the data received, it will not be difficult to choose the right option.

When planning to re-lay the floor in an apartment, homeowners think about what kind of coating to lay on the floor. Of course, a massive board or natural parquet is a luxurious and presentable option, however, not everyone has a decent amount in their pocket.

Therefore, most often people choose more budget options - laminate or linoleum. There are arguments in favor of laminate, but linoleum has many advantages. In the article, we will consider the features of each of these materials and find out which one is best suited for an apartment.

What is good laminate

Laminate can often be found on sale with the marking - " natural coating". This is due to the fact that the composition of the laminate includes natural cellulose fibers, however, this material, of course, is not completely natural. The most real artificial polymer resin binds the fibers together. It turns out a kind of hybrid of natural and chemical material.

pros

Laminate is a multilayer material, based on ordinary MDF or HDF. Its great advantage is that on one side (external) a transparent polymer resin is applied to the coating, which protects the vulnerable wood layers of the material from moisture penetration. But the coating will not withstand a large amount of water.

On the photo laminate for an apartment

If you purchase a high-strength laminate (it is marked with the numbers 34), then such a material has great strength and is able to withstand significant loads. His price, of course, will be quite expensive, but such a laminate can last at least 30 years without losing its external decorative qualities and performance properties.

This cover is very aesthetic. Looks like natural wood or solid board, gives the room a noble appearance, fits perfectly into any design.

A variety of choice of laminate allows you to choose the material for almost any design. This flooring can be of different colors, patterns, can imitate any kind of wood, even stone and leather.

On the video - which is cheaper for an apartment: laminate or linoleum:

Minuses

Laminate cannot be washed with a large amount of water, it is highly recommended not to spill liquid on it. If water gets in, the laminate can swell and deform. It tolerates only light cleaning with a damp cloth. Due to moisture intolerance, the laminate will be impractical to use in those areas of the apartment where the likelihood of moisture is increased - the kitchen, bathroom, hallway. Water can destroy the coating so that the planks are completely deformed, lose their appearance, and become unusable.

Is it worth laying linoleum

Rubber linoleum is characterized by increased elasticity, due to which it is easy to fit and operate, however, due to its high toxicity, it is not suitable for domestic use. In apartments, we use polyvinyl chloride linoleum, abbreviated as PVC.

pros

This flooring is cheaper than laminate - this factor can sometimes be important.

The moisture resistance of linoleum makes it an indispensable coating for kitchens, hallways and bathrooms. Linoleum is very practical, it is not afraid of spilled liquid, frequent wet cleaning, while not losing its external and technical characteristics. Linoleum is even able to hold back the pressure of water for some time in emergency situations.

On the photo rubber linoleum

Among the variety of types of linoleum, you can even find a natural, so-called marmolinoleum. This type of material has a jute base, and the pattern on it is made using natural dyes. It is worth keeping this option in mind if you want a natural material that has the practical characteristics of linoleum.

The material has several of its varieties, which differ significantly in operational and aesthetic characteristics.

So, household linoleum has low wear resistance and not too high decorative qualities, but it is the cheapest floor covering.

But the commercial version, although it costs much more, however, has such high technical and aesthetic characteristics that it can serve without problems for several decades.

But what reviews about the cork substrate under linoleum exist, you can find out

Minuses

The main disadvantage of PVC linoleum, which is used for apartments, is its low aesthetic properties. Few dare to lay linoleum in the living rooms - it greatly "cheapens" the overall appearance of the room. This is one of the most serious disadvantages of the coating.

Due to the fact that linoleum is a fully synthetic adhesive-based material, the coating has a continuous texture, practically does not let air through, therefore, the room does not “breathe”, ventilation and air circulation are disturbed in it. It is for this reason that linoleum is recommended only for those rooms where people are not constantly located. These are rooms that have a purely practical purpose - bathroom, kitchen, hallway.

On the video - which is better in the kitchen: laminate or linoleum:

Linoleum can "sit down" over time, that is, after a few years you may be surprised to notice that the coating no longer reaches the walls, but moves away from them. Dirt can clog into these gaps, as a result, the overall aesthetics and appearance of the room are lost.

Material Comparison

Insulating properties

When choosing a floor covering in our cool latitudes, an important nuance is how much one or another material is able to protect an apartment from the cold in winter. This property of both linoleum and laminate depends on how thick the material is. If you want to choose a warm linoleum, then pay attention to its variety with a felt base or fabric. And the warmest laminate will be the one that has a thickened substrate.

It should be noted that linoleum, due to its soft texture, has excellent sound-absorbing characteristics - you can literally walk on it silently. But the laminate does not have noise-absorbing properties - booming steps will be heard throughout the apartment. However, if the laminate has a high-quality and thick substrate, then this problem is easily solved.

Environmental friendliness

It should be noted that both of these materials do not emit toxic substances. This alone makes them quite environmentally friendly floor coverings. However, when burned, linoleum can emit harmful fumes, making it difficult to dispose of.

Of course, homeowners themselves rarely dispose of flooring, so this factor can be considered insignificant. But the rolled material does not pass air very well, making it difficult for it to circulate in the room. Therefore, in terms of environmental friendliness, laminate wins.

Transportation

With regard to transportation, laminate is much more convenient than linoleum - its small bars can be compactly packed, unlike voluminous rolls of linoleum. Sometimes linoleum has such a significant width that it is difficult even to transport it in an elevator - you have to lift it to the desired floor on your own.

Mounting

In this regard, both materials are quite simple, however, laying laminate requires more knowledge and skills than linoleum flooring. For linoleum, sometimes only a pair of hands, special glue and a good eye are enough - and the coating will be laid evenly.

And the laminate has to be assembled and adjusted like puzzles, so you have to try a little more. On the other hand, in order to lay linoleum, you will need to level the floor, but this is not necessary for laminate.

If necessary, several damaged laminate planks can be replaced with new ones - such a number will not work with linoleum - if the material is damaged, it will be necessary to completely re-lay the entire coating in the room.

Linoleum is a softer material, therefore, less wear-resistant - stains and scratches easily remain on it, it is afraid of mechanical damage.

moisture resistance

In this regard, linoleum is way ahead of laminate, as water is not a problem for it. Where the laminate is warped and deformed, linoleum will stand firm without losing its appearance and technical properties.

Appearance

Roll materials in terms of external presentability lose to hard floor coverings. Therefore, in terms of aesthetic characteristics, the laminate wins. Although linoleum is able to skillfully imitate various types of wood, colors, patterns, textures and shades, it is immediately clear that this is an imitation, and not a real, say, oak floor.

Flooring in different rooms

Let's figure out what to prefer as a floor covering for various premises in home.

Living room

In this central room of the apartment, of course, the laminate will look better as a more presentable flooring. Modest and practical linoleum does not fit here too much.

In the photo - laminate in the living room

The living room should make an impression - guests gather here and meetings are held, so this room should demonstrate the material wealth and taste of the owners with its appearance. Laminate meets this condition better.

Bedroom

For this room, it is also better to choose a laminate, since the bedroom room is not of great practical importance - there will not be a lot of dirt, moisture, and you will not need to constantly clean it. Laminate will better emphasize the beauty and relaxation of the bedroom, especially if a light-colored material is chosen.

In the photo - laminate in the bedroom

Kitchen

In the photo - linoleum in the kitchen

Since the kitchen is where stains, splashes and other sources of pollution are inevitable, you need a floor covering that will allow you to keep the room in order. And here are the parameters you should pay attention to, the information from the article will help you understand.

Bathroom

As for this room, linoleum is best suited here, since water leaks and constant splashes during hygiene procedures are not ruled out in the bathroom. The laminate may not withstand the high humidity of this room.

In the photo - linoleum in the bathroom

Hallway

Linoleum is better suited for the hallway, since street dampness and dirt first of all get here. It is most practical to protect the floor from leaks with a material that is simple and easy to care for. But how to glue linoleum to the floor and what is the price of glue for linoleum on a wooden floor, you can find out from this

In the photo - linoleum in the hallway

But is it possible to use and how it can be done correctly, the information from the article will help to understand.

What characteristics of semi-commercial Tarkett linoleum exist, you can find out if you read this

Summarizing

We examined the main characteristics of laminate and linoleum. As you can see, both materials have their pros and cons. And each of them is suitable for separate rooms in the house. So the best choice will use for different rooms of your material. But linoleum and laminate in this case must be selected in such a way that they are as similar as possible in pattern and color - this will create the appearance of a single coating.

If the repair is focused on affordable flooring, then you will have to choose from two options - laminate or linoleum. In both options, the price is almost the same, but the materials have their advantages and disadvantages. To make it easier for you to make a choice, let's look at the coatings individually and compare their performance and aesthetic characteristics.

Modern linoleum is associated with artificial materials. However, Frederick Walton, the inventor of this flooring, conceived it exclusively as a natural flooring. For a century and a half that have passed since its inception, the main component, linseed oil, has been forced out of linoleum. Natural linoleum is still used today, but polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is most often used as a binder. It makes no sense to compare absolutely natural linoleum with laminate, due to the obvious advantage of the latter. Therefore, further we are talking only about the coating with a PVC base. Conventionally, it can be classified into three categories.

  • Household linoleum. The thickness does not exceed 4 mm. It has a complex structure - more often it is a foam material, on top of which there is a decorative layer with a protective surface. This type of linoleum has a short service life, which is offset by a low price and a soft base.
  • commercial linoleum. The most dense canvas with maximum wear resistance. The appearance of such material is given less attention, so the choice of pattern and colors is slightly limited. The surface is sometimes specially treated to reduce slip.
  • Semi-commercial linoleum. The structure is similar to the household version, but the protective layer is thicker and is at least 0.7 mm thick.

The cost of linoleum is strongly influenced by the presence or absence of a base of insulation.


What is the linoleum in the apartment

Basically, the pattern of linoleum imitates natural materials - wood, marble and natural stone. In variants of linoleum for the kitchen, a pattern imitating ceramic tiles is often used.

Care and appearance

With an imitation of a coating made of natural material, the laminate copes many times better. Floors made of laminate look attractive primarily because they are very reminiscent of classic parquet. In addition to imitation of wood, there is no fundamental difference between a laminated board and linoleum.


The photo shows a nice imitation of wood, but laminate is cheaper than natural parquet

Maintaining the original attractiveness of the laminate is much more difficult. It practically does not fade in the sun, but requires careful care. It is necessary to wash such floors with special means. Linoleum is enough ordinary water.

Prices

Which is cheaper: linoleum or laminate? Depending on the characteristics you need, there are several answers to this question. High-quality linoleum is practically not inferior to laminate in price, but on average, linoleum is usually cheaper. The use of natural materials in a laminated board implies a high environmental safety, but also sets the price bar a level higher than the minimum cost of linoleum.

Conclusion

Both materials have unique characteristics, and each of them can be successfully used in certain conditions. That is why it is most effective to use in different rooms. different types floor coverings. If we are talking about a balcony or loggia, then linoleum will look better, and in the room and living room, it is more profitable to use laminate. In any case, when choosing a floor covering, you should not start the search with the cheapest option, because the main source of savings is its service life.

Not an exception. Some prefer visual appeal. important to others performance characteristics. For others, price is the deciding factor. Let's find out what is better to use in the apartment: laminate or. For an objective assessment, we will understand the features of both options and compare them according to ten criteria.

What is linoleum

The floor covering is made from natural or synthetic raw materials. Depending on the components used, it may differ in structure and properties. Unlike other coatings, it is produced in rolls, which allows you to quickly lay the floor in a single continuous sheet. Structure modern products consists of several layers:

  1. . It is made of foamed PVC or felt. Levels light unevenness of the base, increases sound and heat insulation.
  2. Fiberglass. Gives strength, resistance to linear expansions and deformations. Protects from being crushed by heels and furniture.
  3. face layer. Serves as the basis for applying a decorative pattern. The brightness and clarity of the image depends on the type of raw material.
  4. transport layer. Gives resistance to abrasion. It is its thickness that determines the life of the floor. protective layer. Prevents the fixation of dirt on the surface, makes cleaning quick and easy.

Varieties of material

PVC coating is widely used. We will consider it in comparison. But there are other implementations as well. Before finally deciding what or linoleum, we will consider all types of rolled floors in more detail:

  • Natural. Made from vegetable raw materials. The most popular type of product, marmoleum, is made from jute, wood flour and chalk. It is the most expensive, but environmentally friendly and safe. Best suited for children's rooms.
  • Nitrocellulose. Possesses high durability at the minimum thickness. Not widely used due to increased flammability. Suitable for laying in wet areas: bathrooms, bathrooms, showers.
  • Glyphthal. Represents a fabric basis with a front layer from plastic. Provides high heat and sound insulation. It is not resistant to shear deformations, so folds appear in passage places over time.
  • Rubber. Belongs to the special category. It is elastic, non-slippery, resistant to deformation and softens falls. Great for gyms and play areas.
  • PVC. The production technology allows to produce wear-resistant products of different textures and colors, while maintaining an affordable price. Products are widely used in living rooms, office and industrial premises.

Pros and cons of linoleum

Advantages:

  • Ease of installation. It is enough to roll out the roll, and cut it to size near the walls. On the large areas you have to glue it, but it also does not take much time.
  • Wear resistance. Modern technologies allow to achieve high abrasion, compressive and shear strength. If you want to play it safe, you can use commercial-grade products at home. Its service life reaches 20 years. In both cases, it is possible to push through the surface with a point load: a thin shoe stud or a furniture leg.
  • Thermal conductivity and sound insulation. Products with a foam or felt backing are "warm" and do a good job of suppressing noise from downstairs neighbors.
  • Ease of cleaning. There are no seams or joints where dirt can clog. The front side practically does not interact with dirt, which allows you to quickly remove them.
  • Affordable price. High-quality commercial samples cannot be called cheap. But they do not need additional substrates, and you can mount everything with your own hands.

Disadvantages:

  • Difficulty of transportation. The length of the roll is equal to the width of the room. When delivering material for large rooms, you have to use the services of carriers, even if you have your own car.
  • Low maintainability. In case of damage, you have to completely re-lay the floor.

The material is in demand among people who put in the first place not external sophistication, but practicality. Due to the high speed of installation and good technical performance, such a floor is often used in public buildings.

Varieties of material

The most important parameters that determine reliability are stiffness and strength. They depend on the thickness of the lamellae. They produce 7 sizes from 6 to 12 mm. With an increase in thickness, strength, heat and sound insulation increase.

The type of lock that fastens the panels together affects the speed and quality of laying. There are two options:

  • lock. A spike is located on one side of the docking profile, and a groove on the other. Their size is made so that one part goes into the other with a slight interference. It's hard to put them in and out by hand. You have to use a mallet. Now such a connection is rarely used.
  • click. Docking edges are made in the form of a hook. During installation, one panel is inserted into another at an angle of 45 degrees, and by transferring it to a horizontal position it is securely fixed. Thanks to this design, you can quickly and efficiently assemble the floor yourself.

Among the many textures and colors, we single out three types of front finishes for lamellas that affect the practicality of use:

  • Glossy. They shine nicely in the sun. But a perfectly smooth surface is more slippery. It is not always convenient to move around for children and the elderly.
  • textured. Textured vinyl floors with leather and stone textures have become popular. Dirt clogs in the recesses and irregularities, which makes cleaning difficult.
  • Matte. Products become an ideal option if the exclusive appearance is not the most important indicator for you. They are smooth but not slippery. A bright pattern can repeat any texture.

Pros and cons of laminate

Advantages:

  • Wear resistance. The protective layer on the surface of the lamellas makes the floors resistant to abrasion. With sufficient thickness, there are no traces of furniture legs and stiletto shoes. But chipping from shock loads is possible.
  • Maintainability. If a defect occurs, it is enough to replace the damaged panel.
  • Ease of transportation. Piece products are packed in small packs. They are easy to transport by private car.

Disadvantages:

  • Noise. Plates publish ringing sounds when walking in street shoes. Therefore, they are rarely used in public buildings.
  • cleaning features. The joints and end edges of the lamellas expand with prolonged exposure to water, which leads to deformation of the floor. You need to be careful when cleaning wet and remove spilled liquid in a timely manner.
  • Price. The cost of high-quality panels is comparable to the price of rolled products. But you need to buy additional padding.
  • Difficulty of installation. Modern boards are easy to install. You can even do these things on your own. But, compared with laying rolled flooring, you have to spend several times more time.

In practice, the floor has become widespread in apartments. Lamellas serve as an imitation of parquet, in some cases they look more profitable and presentable.

There are several parameters that are approximately the same for both materials, for example, if you start comparing which is more environmentally friendly - laminate or linoleum. In the production of both sexes, synthetic raw materials are used. This creates problems for disposal. But the surfaces themselves do not emit harmful substances, therefore they are safe.

By appearance modern floors are practically not inferior to each other. A significant difference is visible only if, in an attempt to save money, you start buying products on the principle of “which is cheaper”.

Floor classification

Depending on the type of loads and the purpose of the premises, both types of products are divided into classes, which are marked with numbers. Their main difference is the thickness of the protective layer (indicated in brackets). The parameter must be written in technical specifications. It must be taken into account when choosing the type of floor.

Domestic:

  • 21 (0.15 mm) Fits in rooms where people rarely go - wardrobe, pantry, bedroom.
  • 22 (0.20 mm) Suitable for the constant presence of a person in the room - kitchens, living rooms, offices.
  • 23 (0.25 mm) Used in heavy-duty environments, such as when there are many people living in the house. Suitable for corridor, kitchen or hallway.

Commercial:

  • 31 (0.35 mm) Spread in rooms with low traffic - meeting rooms, hotel rooms.
  • 32 (0.45 mm) Used for moderate wear in reception areas or offices with up to 25 employees.
  • 33 (0.55 mm) They are laid with high traffic of people - corridors, classrooms.
  • 34 (0.80 mm) Suitable for very high wear rates - trade pavilions, airports, train stations.

Despite the strength characteristics, they are all designed for normal operating conditions. When you need to get special properties, for example, choose the option that is warmer, you should pay attention to special coatings:

  • antibacterial;
  • anti-slip;
  • acoustic;
  • antistatic.

Linoleum or laminate: comparing the pros and cons of coatings

Above we have given the advantages and disadvantages of each type of floor. For ease of analysis, we combine the data in a pivot table.

Both options are worth considering. Judging by the technical parameters, they do not have critical shortcomings or undeniable advantages. It is only important to take into account the characteristics of each material in relation to specific operating conditions.

Before proceeding with the choice, it is important to study the reviews of experts and consumers. We suggest watching a video from which you will learn which is better, according to the expert, laminate or linoleum.

  • Material prepared: Igor Stepankov

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