How to choose linoleum for an apartment?

Among the entire range of modern floor coverings, linoleum is the first in popularity. This is due to the variety of its species, and the relative cheapness of this material.

It is very important to choose a good floor covering that meets your requirements. First, the product must be of high quality, if you want it to last as long as possible. Secondly, the linoleum you have chosen must have the necessary qualities (wear resistance, thermal insulation, anti-static, etc.). And thirdly, it is necessary to approach with all responsibility to the choice of linoleum design: it should fit optimally into the interior of your home. And now let's find out what kinds of linoleum are on the market of modern floor coverings.

Which linoleum to choose for an apartment?

1. Depending on the material from which it is made, linoleum can be synthetic or natural. The latter is a jute fabric as a base and an outer covering of a mixture of cork and wood flour, limestone powder and linseed oil. Buying natural linoleum makes sense if your family members suffer from allergic diseases or are adherents of environmentally friendly products, since it is very expensive. Synthetic kinds of linoleum are much more accessible, and their color scale is much wider. This coating can be single-layer or multi-layer and is made of PVC, alkyd resin, nitrocellulose. The basis of synthetic linoleum is a fabric or non-woven thermal insulation material.
2. The linoleum coating differs in thickness. The higher the permeability - the greater the thickness of the linoleum. For example, for a bedroom it is better to choose a linoleum with a thickness of about 1.5 mm, and for such premises in an apartment, like a nursery or kitchen, it is better to stop on a coating with a thickness of 3 mm. In addition to passableness, consider also probable mechanical damages: for dangerous premises in this respect (for example, children's room) it is best to buy linoleum with a protective coating, which will protect it from damage.
3. The appearance of the linoleum, which will cover the floor of your rooms, is also important. Today, a very fashionable trend in the production of linoleum was the imitation of a stone (marble or granite), tiles, wood. Also in demand is a coating that imitates expensive parquet or mosaic on wood, an artificially aged stone, etc. And for the original design interior, you can use the so-called fantasy linoleum of unusual colors.

Useful advice when choosing linoleum for an apartment

The best linoleum for an apartment is really realistic, if you pay attention to the following tips.

• to acquire a better coverage with a margin, given the presence in the apartment of thresholds, niches for heating radiators, as well as fitting joints;
• if you buy linoleum with a large footprint, make sure that all the goods are from the same lot, otherwise it can differ significantly in color, even if they have the same article;
• Check if there is a bad smell from linoleum: this may indicate its toxicity and extremely low quality. Be sure to ask the seller for a hygienic certificate of quality for the product: otherwise the question of whether such a linoleum is harmful in the apartment remains open;
• You can not bend the linoleum in half, otherwise it can crack. Transport it rolled up into rolls, and preferably the front side inward.

Now you know how to choose linoleum for an apartment and what you should pay attention to. These tips will help you not to make mistakes when buying and make a competent choice.