In which cases linoleum should be preferred to laminate

Repair begins in your new apartment. Along with this, questions begin - what building material to choose for flooring?

Of the most common options, linoleum and laminate come to mind.

These materials have a lot in common:

• Democratic price compared to natural materials;
• A variety of colors;
• Ease of use;
• Convenience in cleaning;
• Safe operation in normal conditions;
• Thermal insulation properties
• Resistance to abrasion (depending on the class).
• They require laying on a level surface.

Linoleum and laminate are completely different in structure materials. Linoleum consists entirely of synthetic materials, the number of layers of which can reach six. Laminate is a fiberboard (or chipboard), on top of which a synthetic decorative and protective coating is applied.

But, in addition, each of the materials has its own advantages and disadvantages, comparing which, making a choice will be easier.

What to be guided by?

Firstly, the price. Here, undoubtedly, the leaders are linoleum, the cost of which is usually two times lower than the cost of a laminate of a similar class.

Secondly, the way the coating behaves during operation under the influence of various factors:

• Water. Laminate is afraid, linoleum is not.
• Low temperature. Laminate is painless, linoleum can crack.
• Heat. Both materials are painlessly tolerated. Only one type of laminate (vinyl) can begin to release harmful substances.
• Fire resistance. Both materials are flammable.
• Soundproofing. Here linoleum wins a landslide victory.
• Life time. Linoleum is again ahead. Its service life can reach 50 years.

Thirdly, the appearance. Here laminate and linoleum are on equal footing, and should be guided only by your own taste.

After weighing all the pros and cons, we can conclude: if the main criterion for choosing a material is its price, then linoleum has no competitors.

And linoleum will be better applied in those rooms where there is constant humidity - in the bathroom, toilet and in the kitchen. In rooms where frequent wet cleaning is required, in the hallway and children's room, he will also have the place!

The floor of the balcony or loggia is perfect for linoleum decoration. True, if in your area harsh winters, it is possible that it can crack. But, if you return to the point “first,” you can recall that after three or four years, linoleum on the balcony can be easily replaced with a new one.