Linoleum with imitation of laminate: the subtleties of choice and options in the interior

Modern technologies have significantly improved the consumer qualities of linoleum. Today, linoleum under the laminate, combining practicality, versatility and high quality, successfully withstands competition among other floor coverings.

Kinds

Linoleum, including those similar to laminate, is classified by type depending on the materials of manufacture, design features and directions of use.

According to the materials it is different:

Natural;
PVC;
Rubber (relin);
Nitrocellulose.

According to the degree of wear resistance, the following categories are distinguished.

Domestic. These are natural and synthetic PVC coatings (21-24 classes of wear resistance) on foamed and fabric bases.The thickness of the product is about 4 mm. The covering is soft, with high sound-proofing and heat-insulating parameters, is subject to mechanical influences.

Used for children's rooms, bedrooms and classrooms, as linoleum for laminate. It is characterized by low price, practicality and aesthetics;

Semi-commercial (class 31-32). Structurally different from the first thicker protective layer, and therefore more durable. Designed for living rooms, hallways, kitchens, as well as offices with a low level of attendance. Plainly mimics laminated panels;
Commercial (33-34 class). Produced from polyvinyl chloride. This type (in most cases it has a single-layer structure and without an additional substrate) is produced for shopping centers, schools, administrative buildings with intensive attendance. Meets fire and hygiene standards. The product has a powerful protective layer (more than 0.5 mm), which significantly increases its durability (up to 25 years). It withstands pressure, friction and other mechanical effects. It has a high cost.

The structure produces different linoleum:

Homogeneous (in one layer), performed from a mixture of polyvinyl chloride with dyes. It is considered the most durable and durable;
Heterogeneous (multilayer - five or more layers). Usually the first layer is the base. It is made of fabric or foamed PVC. The second includes fiberglass, reinforcing strength. The third one performs a decorative function and also has a protective layer. Heterogenous as semi-commercial species, and domestic leaf.

On sale a homogeneous canvas is usually represented by a narrow assortment: these are mainly monochromatic (light, dark) shades. There are unusual novelties.

Multi-layered options are more popular due to the wide range of colors imitation of laminate, wood, tile.

Linoleum coatings are also divided into two types - with or without a base. The first ones have a substrate made of polyvinyl chloride, jute or felt (warm variants), for their laying an additional substrate is not required. Modern linoleum can be laid curly pieces in the rooms of irregular shape and even individual stripes.

Material

As mentioned above, linoleum is divided by type of raw materials used in the production.

Natural coatings include cork flour, wood tar, lime and flax oil. The base is usually made of jute or felt. This type of canvas is environmentally friendly and non-flammable, therefore it is appropriate in children's and bedrooms.
PVC includes polyvinyl chloride and a thin layer of protection. The product is available without base or as a warmed version. At first, it has a characteristic smell that does not last long. Available in all kinds. The disadvantages are toxicity at high temperatures and noticeable shrinkage.

Relin - product for industrial premises. Often includes two layers, the top layer is usually rubber. The coating is moisture resistant, but has unstable evaporation.
Nitrocellulose or colloxylin views are performed in a single-layer version without a base. These are special coatings that are used, for example, in gyms because of their high elasticity, moisture resistance and durability. Toxic and unstable to fire at high temperatures.

Most often, the structure of coatings for laminate includes five layers, including the substrate. In addition to PVC, they can add lime powder, talc and quartz sand.

The size

Linoleum is on sale in rolled and tiled options.The width of the covering delivered in rolls is from 1.5 to 4 m. The vinyl covering with a fabric base is produced 1.6–3 m wide. The tile is usually produced in the form of squares and stripes. The sizes are different: 30x30, 45x45, 60x60, 30x60, 10x100, 20x100, 18x92 cm and so on. PVC products are made with a thickness of 0.7 to 4.5 mm. The most popular options - 1.5-3 mm.

Unlike household “budgetary” types (1.2–1.6 mm), single-layer commercial PVC coating is of medium thickness (2–3 mm) and rather wear-resistant. Acoustic linoleum has the greatest thickness, providing a high degree of sound insulation, which determines its use in music rooms.

For linoleum with imitation of laminate most often used the most common size - 120x20 cm. In some collections Tarkett, Juteks, Grabo have shortened or elongated laminated strips.

Colour

Cloth under the laminate produced in three colors.

Natural wood shades (light and richly honey, amber, muted gray-blue and graphite tones under an old tree);
Shades of bleached wood ("gray" linoleum). Include about 40 semitones, from snow-white to gray-blue;
Shades with imitation staining (light ocher, bitter chocolate).

When choosing linoleum, it is important to choose the right direction of the strips and colors, taking into account the functionality of the room and its style decision. It comes in a variety of shades, from milky white ash to dark wenge. Light color under the laminate looks good in living rooms and in children's rooms. For the hallway an excellent choice would be an imitation of cherry wood. Coloring "bleached oak" is most appropriate in small rooms with a lack of light. Light floor expands the space, gives it a feeling of lightness.

Almost all natural shades (ash, pine, oak, cherry and others) are considered universal. Be it a home or office - this is the right solution.

When using furniture made of solid wood or wood, the coating should be 1-3 tones darker or lighter.

Distinctive characteristics

Coatings under the laminate have advantages that, in some cases, are not inherent in the laminate.

These include the following:

Moisture resistance;
Easy installation;
Thermal insulation properties;
No noise when walking;
Resistance to various kinds of damage and scratches;
The integrity of the canvas;
Durability (under the terms of use).

Linoleum is placed away from open sources of fire and so as not to be exposed to direct sunlight.

Design

Design with imitation of laminate is widely used in the manufacture of PVC roll-type fabric. In the expensive series, the surface structure is more tangible, where fine lines and their bends, various nuances and frayed areas, and chamfer are repeated in relief. A wealth of visual effects is being created - a volumetric floor, an old boardwalk with gaps, an endless board and others.

In rooms with low illumination, light tones are recommended. For example, the color of bleached wood is used in interiors in the styles of antique, English classicism, renaissance, minimalism and others. The product under the laminate in the color of wenge or stained oak can visually overload the room, and therefore it must be diluted with light tones of the walls and furniture. This canvas looks beautiful in a variety of interiors, antique-style.

For proper selection, it is important to choose an accent - an element that serves as the initial color point (door, furniture, flooring). You can experiment with texture.

For example, furniture with lacquer and matte shade, linoleum with embossed embossing and patterned for aged wood or floor with imitation of laminate for radial sawing, and furniture for wood with tangential sawing.

The aesthetics of linoleum significantly depends on the color of wood, which it imitates.

Ash, oak, mahogany, beech give the room a solid and rich look, create an atmosphere of efficiency (head office). Design for valuable breeds is appropriate in spacious living rooms, and in the chimney halls of country houses;
Cherry, teak, exotic species stylishly look in retro interiors.

How to choose?

The main selection criteria are:

Functional space and the frequency of its visits;
The interior of the room and style;
Marking of the product;
Structure and shade;
Manufacturer, price.

One of the main criteria is the class of wear resistance.

2 - material for housing;
3 - for offices;
4 - industrial premises.

According to the intensity of abrasion there are such levels.

1 - low;
2 - medium;
3 - high;
4 - the highest.

In the strength and durability of linoleum, its thickness, density and the presence of a protective coating are essential.

You need to know the following:

For living rooms with a minimum attendance, a material with a thickness of protection from 0.12 to 0.15 mm is used;
In rooms with average attendance (average load) - with a twenty-millimeter layer of protection;
In rooms with increased attendance, the thickness of the upper layer is not less than 0.25 mm;
In public buildings - from 0.50 mm.

A large number of fillers leads to a decrease in the strength of the coating. The right choice of the manufacturer is also important.

In high-pass areas, it is better to use single-layer linoleum, which preserves the integrity of the surface structure for a longer time. The worn areas are practically not noticeable on it, it does not require laying any substrates.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of linoleum under the laminated coating are as follows.

Durability and long service life (semi-commercial and commercial options);
Wonderful appearance and many shades;
Easy installation;
Keeps warm well;
Fireproof;
Moisture resistant

Despite the abundance of advantages, the coating has the disadvantages:

The presence of harmful substances in some species. There is a smell. Laminate is more environmentally friendly;
High price for quality materials;
The complexity of the repair. In most cases, is carried out only when replacing the entire canvas.

Famous manufacturers and reviews

Tarkett company produces high quality PVC linoleum coatings. Production of various types has been launched in the city of Otradny of the Samara region.

Household roll floors;
Semi-commercial materials (for offices, halls and conference rooms);
Commercial single-layer and multi-layer flexible PVC products (for commercial and industrial facilities).

Products of almost all classes of wear resistance are produced under three brands.

Tarkett - high-quality linoleum of almost all types;
Sinteros - budget options for domestic and commercial coatings;
Polystyl - vinyl material. Availability of prices and quality Tarkett. The advantage of collections is versatility.

The company produces relatively inexpensive products of a wide range and practically for every taste and color.

The main advantages are:

High level of durability and wear resistance;
Environmental friendliness and safety. Products are used by preschool and medical institutions;
The breadth of design solutions (about 1000 decors);
The ability to choose warm and versatile linoleum;
Easy installation and maintenance;
Availability of affordable prices;
Long service life (10 to 40 years).

The cons of linoleum are:

High prices for specialized products;
Low cost versions of products initially smell unpleasant, but over time, the smell disappears.

Reviews

Consumer notes, as a rule, the quality and reasonable price of products, as well as the plausibility of imitations. Linoleum is dense, it does not slip, it is not easily soiled, it is easy to clean, it does not make noise when walking. Other manufacturers also occupy high places in the consumer rating.

Products under the Hungarian brand Grabo (household coatings of 21-23 and 31-32 wear resistance classes);
Products Forbo Flooring Systems (Forbo). The main product type is natural coatings;
Products of the Russian-Belgian joint venture (holding Beaulieu International Group). Trademarks: Juteks (Belgium, Slovenia, Russia); Beauflor (Slovenia, Russia); "Ideal" (RF).