It’s hard to imagine a cozy home without high-quality and beautiful flooring. Today, the number of offers on the market will make even a professional confused. But still, quite often, buyers prefer time-tested material - linoleum - to newfangled options. Over the years of its existence, it has acquired a lot of new characteristics. Therefore, in order not to get confused in the variety of its types, choose “yours” from the rating of the best linoleum collections for 2022.
Expert's choice:
| Name | Price |
| 1. Polystyl Kvazar Almaty 1 | from 1500 rubles |
| 2. Komitex Lin Parma | from 200 rubles |
| 3. Juteks Megapolis | from 400 rubles |
| 4. Tarkett IDYLLE NOVA Atlanta | from 700 rubles |
| 5. iDEAL collection Pietro | from 900 rubles |
Mini rating
Types of modern linoleum: household, semi-commercial, commercial, sports
Types of linoleum
Modern linoleum is divided into classes, indicating the resistance of the material to different types of load. Wear resistance is marked with two-digit numbers, where:
- the first digit reflects the scope of application;
- the second digit shows the maximum possible load.
There are usually three areas of application. Each number indicates its range of use:
- Household . This material is soft, easy to cut, and comes in a wide variety of colors. It is inexpensive, but usually lasts about 5 years. It is relevant for apartments and private houses with low traffic. Otherwise, after 2 years it will lose its appearance and be thrown away.
- Semi-commercial . This type of linoleum is in many ways similar to the previous version, but is denser and has an additional protective coating. It can be installed in a home or public premises (hospitals, administrative buildings and more). The service life can be up to 20 years.
- Commercial . This type of material is the most durable of all. It is dense, has several protective layers and sound insulation. It is painted throughout its entire thickness, thanks to which it retains its presentable appearance. Often the manufacturer equips the material with an anti-slip coating. Such linoleum is expensive and cannot be installed in residential buildings.
Important! Sports linoleum is included in a separate group. But it is rarely found on the open market, as it has a specialized purpose. It is expensive and limited in colors.
The degree of load is reflected in numbers from 1 to 4:
- Weak.
- Average.
- High.
- Very high.
For an apartment, levels 2 and 3 are sufficient, but for offices you should not take linoleum with a designation below the number “4”.
Important! Many manufacturers also label products with graphic images. A factory or a house, for example, reflects a purpose. And the number of people indicates the category of wear resistance.
Width of linoleum sheet: size standards for different models
When choosing the right coating, not only color, texture and thickness are important, but also the width of the roll. The production standard in this regard ranges from 1.5 to 5 m in increments of 0.5 m. Not all manufacturers produce linoleum in different sizes. For example, the width of the Tarkett linoleum sheet is 2.5 m, 3 m, 3.5 m and 4 m, and this size of the covering from the Forbo collection is 1 m or 2 m.
Width is one of the most important characteristics of linoleum, which must be taken into account when purchasing
Household-grade coverings generally do not exceed three meters, and linoleum 5 meters wide is found only in industrial series. For apartments, the most common widths of linoleum are 2 meters and 3 meters. A covering of this size can easily be laid in one piece without joints in small living spaces. It is necessary to select a roll with some margin on one side.
For spacious rooms, a linoleum sheet 4.5 meters wide is sometimes required. It is almost impossible to buy it for domestic use. Only a few manufacturers produce series of household linoleum with a four-meter width. Linoleum 4.5 meters is proof of this. This is a polyvinyl chloride coating that has a number of installation and operational advantages.
One-piece panel when laid on the floor eliminates welding work
Tarkett linoleum is resistant to various mechanical damage and is an excellent alternative to many coatings in cases where it is simply impractical to buy linoleum 5 meters wide. In addition, more expensive models from the commercial and semi-commercial classes have these sizes.
The width of the linoleum affects the total cost of the coating: the larger it is, the more expensive the price of linoleum per linear meter. That is why sellers set the price of linoleum per 1 sq. m. meter so that buyers can compare rolls of different widths and different qualities.
The thickness of the material ranges from 1.3 to 4.5 mm. The length of rolls from various manufacturers can range from 12 to 27 meters; for industrial needs, rolls up to 100 meters in size are produced.
The total thickness of linoleum determines the service life of the material
Popular linoleum manufacturers 2022
Expensive linoleum is not always a symbol of quality. When looking for good material, you should rely not on the price, but on the name of the manufacturer. The following brands are recognized leaders in the segment:
- Tarkett. One of the most famous companies among Russians, which focuses on safety, environmental friendliness and innovative technologies. Each line is carefully developed and tested. As a result, a product with an increased level of wear resistance and meeting all modern standards and requirements enters the market.
- Forbo. This manufacturer is unique in its kind, as are its collections. The main goal of the brand is to create an environmentally friendly product. Therefore, the material contains natural components that provide an extended service life - up to 3 decades. Also, all brand positions have antimicrobial properties.
- Grabo. The market leader is also the oldest “player” on it. Its linoleum has increased strength. And the design solutions will delight any consumer!
- Armstrong. An international brand with attention to detail. Its range includes all categories of flooring. Linoleum is known for its strength, thermal insulation characteristics and resistance to stress.
- Juteks. If you need a material that is resistant to fading and stress, then pay attention to this manufacturer. It produces high-tech products that are immune to almost any trouble.
- Artens. An option available to everyone. The manufacturer produces cheap and simple collections that do not differ in design diversity.
- Gerflor. A well-known French brand that produces only products of the highest quality. The company makes developments that form the basis of each line. This is facilitated by the presence of our own laboratories and production workshops, equipped with the latest technology.
Varieties
There are a large number of varieties of linoleum, differing in material of manufacture and nature of application. At first glance, it can be difficult to determine how they differ. In most stores there is no obvious division, it is easy for the average buyer to get confused, but upon closer examination the difference turns out to be significant.
Household, commercial and semi-commercial linoleum belongs to the same type, the differences are in the thickness of the coating and protective layer, in the areas of application: commercial - for non-residential premises, household - for home use. Some classifications also distinguish between stage and ballet linoleum with an ideal matte, glossy surface, which allows you to adjust the lighting in the work area with maximum precision and achieve the desired design effect. It has high sound and noise-absorbing characteristics, creating favorable conditions for creativity. Sports surface is a type of commercial surface and has its own production technologies.
For example, to determine which material is of high quality and which is not, you can conduct an experiment. Ask the store for a small piece of each type of flooring, place each one under a chair leg and sit on it for a while. Soon, marks and dents will appear on cheap, low-quality linoleum, while more wear-resistant material will remain unchanged.
Natural
Natural linoleum is made from limestone, special fiber, linseed oil, tree resins, cork and wood flour, and natural dyes. This type of material belongs to the premium class and has a specific smell that disappears a few weeks after installation. The shelf life of the coating is up to 30 years.
If people living in an apartment suffer from allergies, bronchial asthma, and other respiratory diseases, natural linoleum is the best option for flooring. The natural material has bactericidal properties, does not fade in the sun, and does not support combustion, thanks to its natural impregnation.
Eco-design and eco-materials are actively entering our lives today; people pay more attention to the impact of coatings on the environment.
The disadvantages of this type include fragility, excessive susceptibility to deformation, and high price.
PVC
The most common type of linoleum, which can be found on every counter of construction stores. It is made of fiberglass, on a fabric or non-woven basis, it can be single-layer or multi-layer. It has low thermal conductivity, is resistant to abrasion, is environmentally friendly, and is not susceptible to rotting or fungus. PVC is easy to install and comes in many colors.
PVC linoleum also has disadvantages. It does not tolerate high temperatures and exposure to solvents. At low temperatures it loses its elasticity. According to the structural composition, PVC linoleum can be homogeneous or heterogeneous. The first has a homogeneous structure and consists of one layer.
During the production of the material, quartz sand and lime are added. The more fillers, the cheaper the coating and the shorter the service life.
Heterogeneous linoleum has several functional layers. The bottom one is the backing, designed to protect against pressure, impacts and other loads. The basis of the PVC coating is fiberglass. Adds elasticity to the product and prevents deformation. The next layer is decorative. The top one is PVC in its pure form, protects the material from abrasion.
Relin or rubber
Relin, or rubber linoleum, has a lining made from a mixture of crushed rubber and bitumen. The front layer is made by mixing rubber, filler, and pigment. It has high elasticity, moisture resistance, and resistance to aggressive detergents and chemicals.
It is used in indoor and outdoor public spaces, swimming pools, and sports fields. It has good adhesion to sports shoes, is comfortable and safe to use. Not susceptible to scratches or damage from sharp objects.
Relin cannot be used in residential premises due to environmental unsafety. The material contains harmful volatile substances.
Alkyd
Alkyd or glypthal coating is made by applying an alkyd resin to a fabric base. Contains oils, fillers, pigment, and sometimes an antiseptic. Supplied in a large assortment, with different colors, patterns, textures. Most often used in technical and public spaces, it has good heat and sound insulation properties. Compared to PVC it has higher mechanical properties.
Linoleum is fragile and difficult to install. Improper installation causes cracks and damage. The material should be stored at a temperature of at least 10 degrees Celsius. When installing, it requires careful adherence to installation rules. During operation and maintenance, it is contraindicated to use alkaline and abrasive substances and acids.
Which linoleum to choose: important criteria
Choosing linoleum
Thin or dense linoleum? With or without additional coverage? Designer collection or simple drawing? These and many other questions plague potential buyers all day long.
To accurately answer them, be guided by the following criteria for choosing flooring.
Purpose
If the room is highly trafficked, buy only the commercial option. Semi-commercial linoleum will be good in an apartment with active children and places where traffic is slightly above average. A household option is suitable for the bedroom, hallway and living room in an apartment or cottage.
Wear resistance class
When choosing linoleum, classes are of paramount importance. The higher this class, the stronger the material. Traditionally, it is customary to focus on the following data:
- 21-23 – household purposes;
- 31-34 – commercial use;
- 41-43 – industrial use.
Important! Within the same room, it is not only possible, but necessary to vary the wear resistance class. It is advisable to lay the most durable linoleum in the kitchen and hallway, and in the bedroom, for example, 21 grade will be good.
Thickness
Thickness is a criterion that depends on the quality of the base. Wood requires maximum thickness, as it tends to sag, bend and change volume depending on humidity. A thick substrate will not allow all these nuances to become noticeable to the owners of the house and their guests.
Concrete screed is not so demanding on the thickness of the material. Therefore, you can put almost any coating on it.
Design
Here, be guided by your own taste. But if we are talking about appropriateness, then consider the following:
- abstract drawings are always relevant for any premises - they are especially good for decorating offices and other public areas;
- the wood pattern will fit perfectly into the interior of the living space, highlighting the kitchen and hallway;
- Textile design can decorate a bedroom, adding coziness and warmth.
additional characteristics
Additional properties are not of primary importance when a material is purchased for a home. But in the case of a clearly defined purpose, you need to take care of a number of additional options:
- antibacterial impregnation is relevant for hospitals and kindergartens;
- antistatic coating is necessary in server rooms;
- An anti-slip layer will be needed in children's, medical and other public institutions.
Color and pattern of linoleum in interior style
Each design direction requires a different surface design: plain linoleum, oak, wenge, stylish, patterned, patterned, mosaic. There are many options. And they are all suitable for a specific interior and have different effects:
- pastel shades. Light linoleum in the interior, photos of which usually look so impressive, visually expands the room and makes it more spacious. Looks good in minimalist modern styles; it can imitate bleached or cork flooring, wood laminate or parquet. Suitable solution for studios;
- dark tones. They make the room less cozy and spacious, but for rooms that are too large this is useful. Considering that linoleum is placed on the floor, it can serve as a contrast to the light walls and ceiling and, on the contrary, visually enlarge the room. Or, in combination with dark walls and a light ceiling, make it taller.
Linoleum for a living room in an apartment should differ from the covering that is laid in the kitchen of a private house. Before you decide to renovate, you need to make several mock-ups or sketches and compare.
Under laminate
This linoleum represents a laminate, and quite accurately. Some people don't even see the catch. It has everything that fibreboard has: a varnished surface with a precise imitation of wood texture, right down to the knots and veins. Wide range of colors, allowing you to choose a shade of beech, alder, walnut. It costs less and wears out a little faster.
However, all this is relevant and applicable to expensive options. Cheap linoleum for laminate imitates only color, it has no texture, it is very easy to distinguish it by the absence of a specific wooden sheen. To the touch, it does not at all resemble wood-coated dies.
The size of the rolls is standard, therefore, if the guest looks closely, he will see the seams. To make them less noticeable, you should choose dark colors and wet clean the room more often.
Under tiles
This is a rather original interior solution that provides different design possibilities. Linoleum under tiles is not resistant to abrasion and high temperatures, but it is more difficult to slip on it, and it is completely insensitive to mechanical stress, which is often fatal for tiles. It is also cheaper and easier to lay on the floor.
At the same time, it looks almost identical to the tile: different colors in the palette, sizes of the elements. If you do not take the cheapest options, then at first glance you will not be able to distinguish it from a tiled covering.
With ornament
It looks beautiful, even if it does not imitate any material. Typically, linoleum with ornaments has bright patterns and different shades. You can always find a design that suits any direction: an ornament for an eco-style dacha, intricate waves for modernism, an invisible geometric pattern for minimalism, funny animals or spots for a children’s room.
Plain
Perhaps this linoleum does not look as interesting as all the other options. However, if there are bright accents in the room even without it, then its invisibility can only be beneficial.
So, when there are bright multi-color wallpapers in the room, a light floor of a neutral shade will look good with them and will not overload the perception. Or if we are talking about a bedroom, then a plain, discreet floor would be ideal.
This type of flooring comes in the following colors:
- grey. A neutral, soft color that looks good in photos and is suitable for flooring a room full of accents. It goes well with almost all tones, contrasts with bright ones, and is related to neutral ones. The main impression will be made by accents;
- black. It is also a neutral color, but in itself it is gloomy and has a depressing effect on a person. Therefore, you need to carefully select the environment for it: the scale should balance it, help it open up. Well, the contrast with bright colors looks original and fashionable, but the combination with other neutral colors looks rather boring, because it lacks drive;
- brown. The gamma is great. This color can be warm or cold, light or dark - a lot depends on it. But in any case, this is a rather independent shade that can perfectly express part of the design idea. Its woody variety takes root well in classic interiors;
- chocolate. Rich, warm shade of brown. It looks original if you combine it with bright colors and other warm tones. But if you paint the walls, door, ceiling in similar shades, they will begin to put pressure on perception and create an uncomfortable atmosphere;
- yellow. The bright, festive color is very suitable for Tarkett linoleum or any other company. It will look great in a kitchen designed in an original modern style. The walls can be made white; for greater harmony, it is advisable to place an image of fried eggs on one of them;
- red. A color full of life and drive. It looks good in combination with yellow and white, but it is important not to miss the shade: if it is too bright, it can be reminiscent of blood and have a bad effect on the psyche.
Plain linoleum can be of any color, the main thing is that it matches the other shades in the room and is combined with its purpose.
With imitation stone or brick
Linoleum is not as resistant to external influences as stone or brick, but it is much lighter and suitable for situations where natural materials cannot be used.
For example, if the calculation showed that the floors of the house are too weak and will not support the weight of the stone tiles. Or if the owners want to be able to change the coating after a couple of years (as they get tired), without regretting the money and time spent.
Under an aged board or wooden floor
Linoleum imitates an aged board or wood floor just as well as anything else. Expensive options that resemble texture cannot always be distinguished (except by touch). But the cheap ones simply repeat the pattern.
And the seams are also visible on them, so you need to think through this point in advance and, perhaps, cover them with furniture.
Under parquet
Not a bad solution, especially if you choose an expensive version of parquet imitation. This variety has veins, bulges and knots, just like on a real tree, one die will be different from another. It is also important to note that this coating is quite wear-resistant.
Linoleum does not suffer from moisture, it is easy to clean, it does not burn well and does not dry out over time. It can be scratched, but the damage can be easily removed. It does not leave stains from hot or aggressive chemicals. Good, expensive linoleum can be laid under parquet even in classic styles.
But cheap options are not at all similar to real parquet. They only imitate the drawing, which does not give the desired impression.
Which is better: laminate or linoleum
Manufacturers of different types of linoleum position it as the best material for flooring. But laminate companies say the same thing. Which of these materials is better?
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to choose based on your primary needs.
| Type of coverage | Characteristics | ||||||
| Transportation | Moisture resistance | Installation | Connection strength | Unpleasant smell | Environmental friendliness | Price | |
| Linoleum | Not the easiest | High | Simple | The seams are coming apart | Present | + | Available |
| Laminate | Convenient | Afraid of water | Medium difficulty | High | No | + | Higher |
Comparison table
Unusual ideas
If the linoleum is bright red, let the walls and furniture be beige, cream, or white. A coral, emerald or gray accent, wall panel, painting will soften the color composition.
Red linoleum floor design
Red color is combined with orange, white, pale pink, gray. In the catalogs of online stores you can find a sample of linoleum covering, where tones and shades of scarlet are combined.
Black floors are a fashionable detail of the Art deco style. Gold is a unique design element because it combines with all materials, textures and colors. Black color is powerful, domineering, mysterious, and evokes strong emotions. The combination of gold and black is the quintessence of bourgeois luxury and looks intriguing.
Black floor, black furniture, gold
The color purple has many shades and tones, muted pastel, bright saturated. Purple flooring in a residential interior is a non-standard and controversial solution. This floor gives off a cold feeling. But the good thing about linoleum is that it’s not difficult to re-lay it if you get tired of the design.
Purple linoleum floor in a Scandinavian living room
