Perhaps, more democratic floorcoatings, than linoleum, have not yet come up. Judge for yourself: and it is inexpensive, and it's easy to pack it, and it's easy to take care of it, and no other floor covering can compare with the variety of colors and textures with linoleum. And so they choose it for offices, schools, kindergartens, and, of course, for the home. Durability, economy, good sound and heat insulation fully justify such popularity. Therefore, it is understandable that the market for building materials is almost oversaturated with all kinds of linoleum and brands, and the question "how to choose linoleum for the house" is fully justified. With such abundance, it is really difficult to make a choice. Let's try to understand this problem and find out what to guide when choosing a linoleum.
Elementary selection rules
Praise to the modern manufacturers! The width of the linoleum produced by them fully corresponds to the width of the rooms of standard apartments. Therefore, today it is not necessary to glue or weld narrow strips of this flooring when laying: you only need to choose the linoleum of the desired width. When choosing, remember that thanks to modern technologies, shrinkage of linoleum is no longer happening, so there is no need to reserve a margin when buying. But the length of the required stock is about ten centimeters. This need is explained by the fact that the rooms in our houses (alas!) Are not always strictly rectangular and one of the walls may be a little shorter than the other. This can not be seen with the naked eye, but when laying a floor covering such an annoying trouble can easily be revealed. Having decided with the width of linoleum, remember the law of harmonious arrangement of the picture. With a longitudinal drawing, for example imitation of a parquet or a laminate, it should be located along the length of the room. Therefore, you need to buy linoleum in width, that is, according to the size of a short wall. So, if you take a floor covering for a room three by four meters (twelve squares), then you buy a linoleum three meters wide. If the size of the room, for example, five by four, then you need a four-meter linoleum. And a few more elementary rules:
- check the linoleum for the absence of various damages and defects: bumps, cracks, unpainted places;
- buy linoleum only in specialized stores, where you are guaranteed quality;
- when buying several rolls, buy linoleum only one lot, otherwise there may be a difference in color;
- When making a purchase, ask the seller for a hygienic product certificate.
Going to the store, measure the entire length of all sides in the room, and having determined the size, proceed to the choice of linoleum by its appearance.
Types of linoleum
Depending on which materialsmade linoleum, it can be natural, polyvinyl chloride, alkyd and rubber. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of these types of linoleum. Natural linoleum, as the name implies, is made from natural (natural) materials. The basis of such a floor covering is made of jute fiber, on which other natural materials are applied: cork bark, wood flour, mineral additives, linseed oil or wood tar. This linoleum has increased strength, high thermal insulation and environmental friendliness. The disadvantages of natural linoleum can be attributed only to its homogeneous structure, because of which the color scale and the options for drawing such a floor covering are very limited. In addition, linoleum from natural materials is also quite expensive. PVC-linoleum is made of polymer materials. Such a floor covering can be single-layered and multilayered. Depending on the number of layers and thickness, this linoleum is called commercial, semi-commercial and household. These varieties differ in the degree of wear resistance. The most persistent of them is commercial. It is appropriate to buy it for corridors, hallways and walk-through rooms (although it will also fit perfectly into other interiors). Semi-commercial linoleum also has a sufficiently high degree of durability and is suitable for the most "trampled" rooms, as well as rooms where heavy furniture is. Household linoleum is the most vulnerable, it is good, for example, for a bedroom, but here in the kitchen or hallway will not last long. PVC linoleum is not the cheapest, but quite affordable, and, despite the fact that it is made of artificial materials, is environmentally friendly. Its main disadvantage is its sensitivity to too high and low temperatures and chemicals. Alkyd linoleum or, as it is also called, glyptal has increased sound and heat insulation characteristics. At the same time, it is fragile, predisposed to deformation, the appearance of cracks and fractures, and is unstable to low temperatures. The rhelin or rubber linoleum is made of synthetic rubber and bitumen. It is very elastic and moisture resistant, but in residential premises it is practically not used due to hygienic requirements. Linoleum based on nitrocellulose (colloxylin) has excellent decorative shine and elasticity, but at the same time it is prone to shrinkage, sensitive to temperature changes and fire hazard. 
Selection according to operating conditions
Manufacturers of linoleum have provided an opportunitychoice of this floor covering for specific premises. The usual buyer in this choice will help marking the European classification system. According to this system, all premises are divided into three types: residential, office and industrial. Residential is designated by the number two, office - three, and production - four. The intensity of the load is also determined by the numbers: 4 (very high), 3 (just high), 2 (medium), 1 (low). Linoleum is marked with two figures and a corresponding figure (a pictogram in the form of a house and little people), along which it is possible to determine its class. What type of coverage is needed in a particular case, the catalog or the sales consultant will prompt. So, for example, for a bedroom a class 21 cover is suitable, for a kitchen in a house where one or two people live - 23, and in an apartment for a large family needs linoleum class 31. Determine how much the linoleum is resistant to deformation (from the effects of furniture legs or heels) can be based on the basis density. The higher the density, the more resistant the linoleum. Determine the density can be the severity of linoleum: with the same thickness, a denser coating will be heavier. But since "weigh" linoleum when buying is very problematic, you can just press on it with your fingers: the less the thickness of the linoleum changes, the denser its base.
Choice of color and picture of linoleum
Today it is no longer valid to be guided bythe concept of "cheerful" when choosing a pattern of flooring. Therefore, when buying a linoleum, it is worth considering, for which particular room you purchase it. Visually increase the space of linoleum cold light shades, and warm colors will add comfort to any room. Monotonous pattern works on a person soothing, but contrasting and bright, on the contrary, invigorates. The abstract pattern will emphasize the merits of furniture and decorative objects of the interior, and the small one will create the impression of an additional volume. Therefore, determining which linoleum to choose for an apartment, consider not only its quality characteristics, but also the ability to change the interior and affect the emotional state of those who will live in this interior. And let your choice be successful, and the acquisition - practical and quality! We advise you to read:
