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What is better laminate or semi-commercial linoleum. Price category - does the choice depend on it? Laminate or linoleum: which is better?

More recently, the most common floor covering used in almost every home was linoleum - inexpensive, practical to use and quite durable. However, a few years ago, the situation began to change and linoleum gradually began to lose ground, giving way to laminate, which began to be positioned as a more modern, high-quality and safe material, with which you can create a more sophisticated and stylish interior. Laminate or linoleum - which is better, more convenient and will last longer - let's try to figure it out.

Laminate or linoleum - which is better

Both laminate and linoleum are sufficiently durable materials that are approximately in the same price categories, and in order to try to understand which of the materials is the best, it is necessary to make a comparison taking into account all the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, compare service life, environmental safety, and others. characteristics. It is also necessary to understand what each of these floor coverings is and what categories it can be divided into.

Laminate is often called laminated parquet, but this is not entirely correct, because parquet is made from natural wood, and laminate is just an imitation of it, representing a multilayer material consisting of an internal and decorative layer, which is covered with a polymer material for strength, making the laminate more secure. from external influence. Laminate is divided into classes depending on its wear resistance and warranty period - class 21-23 is intended for residential premises, and class 31-33 for public and residential premises with a heavy load on the floor. There are also moisture-resistant and water-resistant laminates that are designed for use in the kitchen and bathroom.

Linoleum is a PVC coating, which is a completely synthetic material. There is also natural linoleum, made on the basis of linseed oil, wood resin and jute fabric, but this material is quite rare and is less in demand due to its high cost.

Depending on the premises for which linoleum is intended, it can be domestic, commercial and semi-commercial. Household linoleum is intended for use in residential premises, commercial in public premises, and semi-commercial combines the qualities of both the first and second types of material.

Laminate - advantages and disadvantages

Laminate has a fairly extensive list of advantages that distinguish it from other floor coverings.

If we talk about the practical side of using this material, then it is worth first of all highlighting its high wear resistance, especially when it comes to class 32-33 laminate. It is not afraid of loads and impacts, is resistant to scratches and endures impact with dignity. high temperatures- a lit match or cigarette that falls on such a floor will not leave marks on it.
The laminate is not afraid of sunlight and does not lose its color as a result of their exposure, retaining its original color and pattern throughout its entire service life.
Caring for laminate flooring is quite simple. In addition, any household pollution is not able to change the color of the coating and leave marks on it, because they simply cannot be absorbed into the surface of the laminated coating.
In order to make a laminate floor at home, you do not need to have any special skills - you just need to get acquainted with the technology of laying this coating and do everything without resorting to the help of specialists. In addition, any previously used floor covering - parquet, linoleum, carpet or wood - can become the basis for laying laminate flooring, as long as the surface is even.
You can use a laminate even in cases where it is planned to equip a floor heating system, which is also worth noting as one of the advantages of this material.

Now you need to understand if this flooring has disadvantages and what they are. Of course, there are drawbacks, as, indeed, with any other material. At the same time, it is necessary to understand that the cheaper the laminate is, the more these shortcomings will appear in it.

One of the main drawbacks of the laminate is its fear of moisture - if the liquid contacts the surface for too long, or rather, the seams of such a floor, there is a possibility that the inner layer of the laminate will absorb moisture and, as a result, will begin to swell, which will lead to a change in relief canvases. To prevent this from happening, you must either carefully ensure that water does not get on the floor surface, or buy a more expensive one, or use special expensive mastics that will seal the joints and make them waterproof.
Another downside to laminate flooring, especially cheap ones and those labeled below Grade 31, is its ability to rub off in areas where it is used the most. The service life of such a floor can be no more than 5 years.

Linoleum - advantages and disadvantages

Now let's consider what are the pros and cons of another floor covering, which is an alternative to laminate - linoleum. Only synthetic material will be considered.

Linoleum has a lot of advantages. This is, first of all, a diverse selection of colors and patterns, allowing you to easily choose the right option for any room. The different widths of this material will allow you to perform laying without seams and joints and make it yourself. However, in the event that when laying linoleum it turns out that it will not be possible to do without seams, you will still have to resort to the help of specialists who will help to arrange the joints with high quality, although this can already be classified as a disadvantage.

The thermal conductivity of linoleum is relatively low, therefore, even if you lay it on bare concrete slab, the floor will not seem too cold. You can also purchase linoleum on a warm substrate, which will further increase the sound insulation of the room.
Linoleum is an absolutely non-slippery material, and some manufacturers further improve its production technology, which makes it possible to produce this flooring with a special marking, designated as “anti-slip”.
The floor on which the linoleum will be laid is absolutely silent and can last at least 30 years, depending on which type of linoleum is chosen. Special care for such a floor is not required, it is not afraid of moisture.

Now about what disadvantages are characteristic of linoleum. The first thing to say is that linoleum is an artificial material. It can also be sensitive to temperature changes, as a result of which its deformation and brittleness may occur. Linoleum is afraid of contact with hot objects - if you throw a cigarette butt on it or put a hot pan on the surface of the canvas, a mark will remain. Dents on the surface can also remain from heavy furniture that has stood in one place for some time, and it is already impossible to get rid of these traces. As a result of the movement of furniture on linoleum, it can stretch and deform, forming "bubbles" that cannot be smoothed out. Linoleum is also sensitive to some dyes that penetrate its structure and leave spots on the surface that cannot be removed.

Despite the fact that modern linoleum can imitate any floor covering with its pattern, some have a slightly biased attitude towards it, considering it material that is irrelevant for a modern interior. Of course, this is a purely subjective opinion of individuals, so you should not take it into account.

Comparison of laminate and linoleum

As you can see, linoleum and laminate have both similarities in terms of individual criteria, as well as some very significant differences. Both of these materials are artificial and can imitate almost any natural material. The installation of each of them is quite simple and it is quite possible to master it on your own. Both laminate and linoleum must be laid on a perfectly flat floor, otherwise their service life will be reduced significantly. They are quite resistant to external influences, however, cheaper options quickly lose their attractive appearance compared to more expensive counterparts.

And now for the differences. Linoleum can be washed with a lot of water, while laminate is afraid of excess moisture and can deteriorate as a result of water leaks in the apartment. Linoleum is afraid of a heavy load of furniture and heels, but this is not dangerous for laminate. But in the case of dyes, the laminate wins, the surface of which is not painted, unlike linoleum. The level of sound insulation when using linoleum is much higher and walking on this material is absolutely silent. Despite the fact that both of these materials are synthetic, laminate is considered to be more environmentally friendly and safer, although a lot depends on the manufacturer and the materials they use. Confirmed evidence that any of these materials can release substances that adversely affect human health and well-being has not yet been received. As another advantage of laminate over linoleum, one can name the fact that, despite the rather large weight, it is still easier to transport it, since the length of the canvases is relatively small, but in order to bring and lift large width linoleum into the apartment, it may require much more effort. The service life of linoleum, as a rule, exceeds the service life of a laminate of a similar price category, but much depends on the operating conditions and correct installation.

What conclusion can be drawn from all this, laminate or linoleum - which is better? The advantages and disadvantages of each of these floor coverings are approximately equal, but linoleum still seems to be more profitable - it is easier to wash, and it will last longer, and you won’t have to change it in case of a water leak in the apartment. But does it make sense to use flooring and expect that it will last 25-30 years, if, perhaps, after a few years you want to completely change the interior or there will be a financial opportunity to make a better repair using parquet board or other natural coating.

It may be more appropriate to give preference to each of these materials, using them to decorate the floor in different parts of the house. So, for example, in order not to buy expensive waterproof, you can buy good quality linoleum for the floor in this room, but for other rooms you can still choose a laminate, preferably not lower than class 31-32.

If we are talking about a field in an office or a store, then you should definitely opt for linoleum, preferably commercial grade, which will retain an attractive appearance for a longer time and is much easier to use.

Each of these floor coverings is worthy of being used for interior decoration of a home or office, but you should always understand that only an expensive flooring can be really of high quality and practical.

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.

Laminate can often be found on sale with the label - "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 a large number the coating will not withstand 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 specifications. Linoleum is even able to hold back the pressure of water for some time in emergency situations.

In 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.

Which one should be used is detailed with a photo in this article.

But what kind of substrate for linoleum on a wooden floor should be chosen and used, is described in this

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" general form rooms. 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 due to its soft texture, linoleum 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 roll 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 the house.

Living room

In this central room of the apartment, of course, the laminate will look better as a more presentable flooring. humble and practical linoleum it doesn't "fit in" 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 that will 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. Therefore, the best choice would be to use your material for different rooms. 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 high environmental safety, but also sets the price bar 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 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, start the search from the very cheap option not worth it, because the main source of savings is its service life.

Which is better, laminate or linoleum? Many people ask this question at the stage of renovation planning, so in this article we will consider all the pros and cons of both options, get acquainted with the opinion of an expert and determine in which rooms each of these floor coverings will be appropriate.

The modern flooring market offers a wide range, but linoleum and laminate occupy a special place among all materials. These materials have gained confidence due to their high performance and durability of use. And a wide palette of colors allows everyone to choose the floor to match their interior.

However, there is a big difference between these two types of flooring, which is the presence of certain advantages and disadvantages. Giving preference to one or another combination of properties, buyers choose either linoleum or laminate. It is not possible to determine which one is better, because. each is good in its own way.

Distinctive features of the laminate

Laminate - flooring in the form of small panels (1.5 × 0.25 m). This material was created as an alternative to expensive natural parquet, which today only rich people can afford.

Laminate is a layer cake. So, its bottom layer is paper impregnated with resin, which prevents moisture. Then comes the main layer of pressed timber, it is he who gives rigidity and strength to the flooring.

Read also: without involving specialists.

The color and color of the laminate is given by the third layer of paper or foil with a pattern of wood, marble, sand or any other image. This image is protected by a layer of acrylic or melamine resin.

This production technology gives the laminate a lot of advantages:

Laminate is very durable and can withstand the load of heavy furniture without deformation. He is not afraid of falling heavy and sharp objects, they do not leave a trace on him.
Laminate is not afraid of high temperatures, so a dropped match or cigarette will not burn through it and leave no stains.
The laminated coating is not afraid of direct sunlight. It does not fade or lose color in places where sunlight hits it.
There are no stains from various contaminants on the laminate, as the protective layer prevents absorption into the decorative layer of the panel.
Laminate is insensitive to temperature changes, so it can be placed on a glazed balcony.
Laminate flooring comes in a variety of colors and is the perfect complement to any decor and floor.
Moisture-resistant laminate can be used in the kitchen or bathroom of your apartment, it will not swell or lose its appearance.
It does not require special skills in laying, everything can be done by hand. In addition, if one or more panels are damaged, they can be replaced.

Along with such a set of advantages, the laminate has some disadvantages that you need to be aware of before making a choice:

If the laminate is not waterproof, it will be exposed to moisture. It is impossible that water gets on the joints of the panels, otherwise they will swell and deform.
Laminate is a rather expensive coating, especially if its class is above 31, so not everyone can afford it.
Laminate designed for home use has a thin protective layer that wears out over time and the coating loses its original appearance. Therefore, if a large load on the floor is planned, it is better to choose linoleum.

Distinctive features of linoleum

Linoleum has been present on the Russian market for a very long time and is not losing ground. All this is due to its advantages and a wide variety of products. Linoleum today is made from both synthetic fibers and natural ingredients, so everyone can choose the right option for themselves.

Linoleum creates a worthy competition to laminate, primarily because its price category is more accessible to the general public, and its performance is not inferior (it is more practical).

Among the advantages of linoleum are:

Durability and wear resistance. The commercial class of linoleum is generally not afraid of scratches, mechanical impacts, shocks. You can safely put heavy furniture on it, it will not leave dents and holes. A great option for apartments and houses.
Linoleum is not at all afraid of moisture, so it is advisable to lay it in rooms with high humidity. Therefore, in the question: “What is better linoleum or laminate”, for the majority the answer becomes obvious.
A variety of palettes and widths of flooring. You can choose the size of linoleum so that there are no seams and joints in the room.
Insulated linoleum can be placed directly on the concrete floor and it will not be cold. Therefore, if the floors in the house are warm, first determine which linoleum comes with insulation immediately. Can be used in unheated rooms.
Good linoleum has sound insulation, when walking on it does not create additional noise.
The service life of this coating can reach several tens of years, subject to all the rules for caring for it.
It is easy to care for and does not require special styling skills. It can be washed without fear of spoiling, unlike laminate.

Detailed ! Expert advice, what to look for, whether you need it - all this in the article at the link.

Among the disadvantages of linoleum are the following:

it must be laid only on a flat, prepared surface, otherwise all flaws will be visible;
linoleum does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature and becomes very fragile;
household linoleum is afraid of scratches, traces of heavy furniture remain on it, and stains can eat into the surface and not rub off;
linoleum is afraid of ultraviolet rays and can lose its color if sunlight falls on it;
if part of the linoleum is damaged or has irremovable stains, then it will not be possible to partially replace the surface, you will have to change the linoleum throughout the room.

What is the best linoleum? - it is important to understand for what purposes and in which rooms of your apartment or house it will fit. In the children's room, the natural type is better, in the corridor and the kitchen it is semi-commercial with increased wear resistance. You also need to pay attention to the class and thickness.

Thus, we can conclude that there is practically no difference in the advantages of laminate and linoleum, therefore, in order to save Money it is better to give preference to linoleum. The differences are mainly in appearance and the materials from which these coatings are made.

Where is it better to lay linoleum and laminate?

Nobody says that the floors in the house should be covered with only one material. In the house, each room has its own functional purpose and its own characteristics, which should be considered when choosing a floor covering. So, for example, a laminate is more suitable for a living room, a hall and a bedroom. It looks more like natural wood and imitates parquet. In addition, it does not slip and is pleasant to the touch. bare feet. Laminate can be embossed with natural wood and create a pleasant tactile sensation when walking.

If we talk about the kitchen or bathroom, then it is better to use commercial linoleum, because it is not afraid of moisture and mechanical stress. There it will look organic and complement the interior. Of course, you can also use laminate in these rooms, but only moisture resistant, and it is very expensive. The advice of specialists and experts here can be divided, because. the question is really debatable.

For children's room important indicators is the environmental friendliness of materials and resistance to pollution. It is also important that the surface is non-slip, toads prevent injury to children. Both commercial linoleum and commercial laminate can cope with these tasks, so parents decide what to choose.

For special connoisseurs of beauty, you can purchase one that imitates noble ceramics and at the same time is pleasant to the touch.

The biggest load falls on the hallway in the house, so the flooring there must be resistant to abrasion, pollution and increased loads. Linoleum will cope with this task better, since the floors in this room will be washed very often, which is undesirable for a laminate. Then, at the entrance, you will have to lay a special rug so that small debris on the shoes does not damage the flooring.

What to choose for your home, everyone must decide for himself, the main thing in this choice is not to forget about the balance of price and quality. Since high-quality linoleum will be much better than cheap laminate, which is almost the same in price category.

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The floor, as a decisive touch in the artist's painting, gives the interior a complete look. Properly selected flooring will fill the interior with harmony, and an unsuccessful choice can discredit any design decisions. Finally, how long the repair will last depends on the choice of flooring, because it is the floor that takes on almost all operational loads: furniture is placed on it, people walk on it, and it needs to be washed frequently. If, completing the repair, for one reason or another, you decide to abandon the living wooden floor, you have to decide what to choose: linoleum or laminate. Both of these types of clothing for the floor almost do not differ in price, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Durable - serve without repair as long as possible;
Moisture resistant - floors must be washed frequently;
Abrasion resistant - furniture is walked on the floor and moved;
UV resistant - won't fade in natural or artificial light.

Moreover, depending on the purpose of the room, the priority of the listed properties of the floor covering changes. For example, floors in an office must be particularly resistant to abrasion, because they have to withstand more intense mechanical stress than in a residential area.

Choose between laminate and linoleum depending on the purpose of the room

The floor in a very bright spacious living room of an apartment or a private house should be equally resistant to abrasion and UV rays. After all, guests are received in this room and the floor, even after dancing ladies in shoes with thin stilettos, should remain impeccable. Resistance to fading will allow you to rearrange furniture without fear that a darker spot will suddenly appear in place of a cabinet or a massive sofa.

Finally, in the kitchen, hallway or children's floors, it is necessary not only to wash frequently, but also to remove stubborn stains with detergents and even solvents, and therefore the main criterion when choosing a floor covering here is moisture resistance and high strength.

Therefore, only by understanding the features of the two floor coverings and "trying on" them to your specific room, you can answer the answer to almost rhetorical question: laminate or linoleum - which is better?

What is laminate

Laminate is an artificial multilayer floor covering. The basis and the thickest layer of the laminated flooring is, as a rule, a special MDF panel, on the "wrong" side of which a protective layer of polymer is applied.

Laminate is an artificial multi-layer floor covering that imitates the texture of wood and other natural materials.

The front side of the base of the laminate is drawn up as follows. A layer of decorative paper imitating the structure of various natural materials is glued onto the base panel, and then covered with a protective wear-resistant layer of acrylate or melamine resin or polymer film.

According to the method of surface finishing, laminate is

Glossy;
Satin;
Structured.

According to the level of wear resistance, the laminate is divided into classes, indicated by numbers. A larger number corresponds to a higher wear resistance:

21, 22, 23 - laminated coatings for residential premises;

31, 32, 33 - high-strength laminate for public spaces.

The sound insulation of the floor depends on the thickness of the laminated floor covering, which can be from 6 to 12 mm: the thicker the material, the higher the level of its sound absorption.

Essential Benefits of Laminate

Modern laminate flooring has a number of advantages, thanks to which they are so popular today in the interiors of residential and public buildings.

Resistant to UV rays. In this indicator, the laminate surpasses most floor coverings. Laminate floors do not fade under the influence of sunlight and artificial premises and retain their original range of colors and shades throughout their entire service life. You can rearrange carpets or rearrange furniture as much as you like: burnt spots on the floor will never appear.

Strength, wear resistance, heat resistance, environmental friendliness. Thanks to the reinforcement of absolutely environmentally friendly and mechanically resistant components, the transparent protective layer of the laminate is resistant to impact loads and pressure from massive furniture. There are no scratches or dents from stiletto heels or thermal “burns” from a accidentally dropped cigarette or a burning splinter from a fireplace on the laminate. Laminate flooring is antistatic and therefore does not attract dust or cause allergies.

Ease of installation. Quickly and easily, in just a few hours, a laminate floor can be laid even by a non-specialist, step by step following the recommendations of the manufacturer's instructions. Laminate flooring of the latest generation does not require glue for installation, and snap-locks are provided for connecting panels. A floor of this type can be easily dismantled and reused in another room.

Possibility of laying on any basis. Laminate floors can be laid on concrete and stone substrates. If they do not need alignment, you can do without preliminary preparation. Also, using a different type of special substrate in each case, the laminate can be laid on wooden boards, vinyl tiles and even on short-pile carpeting without dismantling them.

Ease of care. To clean the laminate floor, a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner is sufficient. It easily removes stains of grease, nail polish, resins and even fuel oil without leaving any residue.

There are many disadvantages to laminate flooring.

With many advantages, laminate, like any other construction material, is not free from disadvantages that should be taken into account when choosing the optimal flooring.

Life time. You should be selective when choosing a laminate for arranging a floor in rooms with high humidity or high traffic, namely in offices or in the corridor and kitchen of residential premises - even with the most careful care, laminate floors here will last no more than 5-7 years.

synthetic nature. Laminate is an artificially created finishing material and is not suitable for rooms in which the advantage is given to natural materials.

Sensitivity to water and aggressive media. With frequent washing with aggressive detergents and improper care, whitish spots that cannot be removed can appear on the laminate floor.

Weak tightness of the seams between the panels - a weak point of the laminate

Weak tightness of the seams between the panels. This is the most vulnerable point of laminate floors, regardless of the wear resistance class. The laying technology of the laminate does not allow to achieve perfect sealing of the seams. During operation, moisture and dust get into the joints, under the influence of which the edges of the panels collapse over time and the floor loses its aesthetics.

And yet, despite the shortcomings and thanks to the variety of collections and the constant improvement of properties, the popularity of laminate flooring in interiors knows no equal. Imitating natural wood, stone or tile, it compares favorably with the price of the prototypes. Styling, graphic and color solutions of the laminate flooring allow creating functional areas with “different” flooring materials in one room, and the transition lines, for example, from “parquet” to “marble”, look natural and harmonious. Today, laminate floors adorn living spaces, shops, restaurants, boutiques, showrooms, classrooms, and more.

Linoleum - an alternative to laminate

Linoleum is a wide range of floor coverings made on the basis of both natural and synthetic components. If natural linoleums consist exclusively of natural raw materials and linseed oil as a binder, then synthetic analogues, or PVC coatings, are produced on the basis of polyvinyl chloride with various additives. The performance properties of linoleums depend on the proportions of the initial components, which can be divided into two groups:

natural linoleum;
synthetic PVC linoleum;

In addition to natural and synthetic linoleums, this type of flooring also includes various types of rubber coatings and quartz-vinyl tiles.

Natural linoleum, characteristic

Natural linoleum is an artificial flooring material created exclusively from natural materials: linseed oil, natural wood resins, as well as cork or wood flour, chalk or limestone powder as a filler and jute fibers as a base. The result is a high-quality floor covering with excellent performance characteristics:

durability - service life of 25-30 years;
strength and high wear resistance;
antistatic;
flame retardant;
heat resistance;
moisture resistance;
bactericidal properties;
high level of noise absorption;
wide range of colors.

Natural linoleum is an artificial flooring material created exclusively from natural materials.

Natural linoleum, due to its strength and the highest hygiene, is indispensable in hospitals, schools, kindergartens, catering establishments, shopping and office centers. It does not crumble and does not crack with temperature and humidity changes, does not wear out, does not fade in bright artificial light and in the sun. The color or pattern of natural linoleum is dyed to its full depth, and therefore it will never rub off. Finally, thanks to the thickness of 0.8-4 mm, this flooring can be laid on any even not very even base.

Among the disadvantages of natural linoleums are the following:
high price;
the complexity of laying, which can only be performed by professionals;
demanding care - once every 4-6 months it is necessary to rub with a special mastic.

The extensive family of PVC synthetic flooring can be divided into three groups:

commercial linoleum. A group of high-strength synthetic floor coverings designed for flooring in rooms with high traffic and high mechanical loads. Commercial linoleum laid in educational institutions, sports complexes, warehouse and industrial premises. The main advantages of this material:

antistatic;
anti-slip;
noise reduction.

Household linoleum. Designed for residential premises, it is distinguished by a variety of colors and patterns. Due to affordable prices, it is widely used in kitchens, hallways, children's rooms and other premises of residential apartments and houses.

Modern synthetic PVC floor coverings can be divided into three groups: commercial, semi-commercial and domestic linoleums

Semi-commercial linoleum. The group that brought together best performance commercial and household linoleums. It is strong, durable, wear-resistant, differs in a variety of coloring and bright design. The range of commercial linoleum width is quite extensive, which is especially convenient when arranging floors in spacious offices, hotels, children's institutions, etc.

Advantages of synthetic PVC linoleums

democratic price;
a wide, frequently updated palette of colors, patterns and patterns;
ease of installation that does not require professional skills;
low thermal conductivity;
antistatic;
hygiene.

The palette of PVC linoleums is distinguished by a variety of colors and bright design.

In addition to the list of advantages common to the group of synthetic linoleums, separate types are produced with anti-slip properties and increased sound absorption.

Disadvantages of PVC Flooring

The disadvantages of PVC linoleums are mainly due to their synthetic nature:
sensitive to high temperatures - melt;
unstable to fats, alkalis, acetone and other solvents;
decrease in elasticity with decreasing temperature, as a result, the coating may crack or break.

Both laminate and linoleum have many undeniable advantages, but they are not free from disadvantages, and therefore there can be no unambiguous recipes for their use.

For example, comparing laminate and synthetic linoleums is incorrect, since the prices for these materials are incomparable. Therefore, if you decide to update and refresh the room as cheaply as possible, then of course PVC synthetic linoleum will suit you perfectly. True, if we are talking about a summer cottage that is not heated in winter, then by spring a brand new linoleum on the floor can be pretty bad from the cold.

Laminate and commercial or natural linoleum are comparable in price and may well become an alternative to each other. These types of floor coverings have almost the same advantages, but still there are several differences that can be decisive when choosing one or another material.

Linoleum can be washed as often as necessary, with any amount of water using any detergent. Laminate, on the other hand, can only be wiped with a well-wrung out, slightly damp cloth, not forgetting about the vulnerable seams-joints of the panels.

The service life of the laminate is shorter than the "life" of linoleum, but the laminate looks so much like natural wood or other natural material! If you want - lay.

For public areas with high traffic, PVC synthetic linoleum is an ideal floor covering

For public, warehouse or industrial premises, home workshop, any auxiliary utility rooms, of course, PVC synthetic linoleum is an ideal floor covering.

Video: what to lay on the "warm floor"

Finally, make a choice between artificial laminated flooring and natural linoleum, only your inner voice will help you, which, we hope, will not let you down.