How to choose linoleum for the kitchen: tips for choosing and laying

Linoleum, familiar to everyone, is diverse. Types, GOSTs, classes - how to figure it out? It’s easier to choose the floor covering for the kitchen after a virtual tour among the bright rolls. How to choose the right quality linoleum for the kitchen will be discussed in this article.

Varieties of linoleum

It is easiest to decide on the icon with the icons of people and houses on the substrate. The larger the house, the higher the wear resistance class. Industrial designated workshop under the pipe. For the kitchen, we select those rolls on which a one-story house, that is, the 22nd or 23rd class. Where the icon with a high-rise is also suitable. These are classes: 31–34. They are more expensive. Designed for offices, boutiques, shops - in places of intensive passage.

Class	Intensity use	Description	Region application
22, 23	Low	Guaranteed environmentally friendly	The rooms kitchens hallways
31, 32, 33, 34	Average	Boutiques, the shops, hotels
41, 42, 43, 44	Low, medium, high	Conditionally environmentally friendly	Workshops utility premises

Class 21 can be laid in the bedroom, nursery, pantry. There are coatings of class 1 - single-layer fishing mats, for example. Icons created for buyers. A full description of the product contains only a certificate. Russian manufacturers adhere to GOST, but sometimes come up with their own specifications. Foreign suppliers mark compliance with EN 649 - the scale of wear resistance and shrinkage.

F - low wear resistance	Shrinkage 0.3-0.6 mm thick
M - medium	0.15–0.3
P - high	0,08–0,15
T - very high	Less than 0.08 mm

That is, advanced firms guarantee a return from the compressed state to the original thickness.

GOST does not contradict EN 649. It implies the release of floor coverings with a division into 6 types - depending on the production method:

• VK - roller-calender without a face protective layer;
• VKP - the same with the front protective layer of polyvinyl chloride film;
• EK - extrusion without a front protective layer;
• ECP - the same with the front protective layer of polyvinyl chloride film;
• PRZ - promaznaya with a printed pattern, protected by a transparent polyvinyl chloride layer;
• PRP - contact-promaznoy with a front protective layer of polyvinyl chloride film.

As a result, GOST is tougher. Import is produced according to EU standards. Domestic - according to in-house technical specifications, GOST, plus according to the same EU standards. TU (TU requirements are valid only within the enterprise) can create a beautiful appearance of anything. But if GOST + EU - then the quality is guaranteed.

GOST states: “Linoleum should be made single and multi-color (marble-like or with a printed pattern) with a smooth or embossed face surface. ”For example, PVC – PRP marking means that polyvinyl chloride linoleum produced by contact-lubricant way. Extrusion is easy to recognize by its marble structure. The laminate is often covered with a film, the embossed one is the first point, i.e. VC.

Natural

Naturals are generically called marmoleums (from Italian marmo - marble). Available in rolls and plates. The components from the day of the invention have remained unchanged:

• cork tree bark;
• wood flour;
• marble, calcareous powder;
• clay dyes (ocher), dyes from iron oxides (minium);
• binders - linseed, olive, palm oil,
• jute mesh - reinforcing base;
• gum resin, beeswax - plasticizers.

The pre-revolutionary leader in the production of marmoleums was Russia. Factories were in Odessa and Riga. Before the war, Germany became the center of linoleum. "Persian rugs that do not need to be knocked out" were yellow, greenish, brown. Corresponding to the name - drawing a la Persia.

Modern marmoleum composition is rarely tinted. The structure of the crumbs resembles marble. It is cramped, on top of a warm background add the structure of wood, stone, ceramics (the result of additional rolling). It is easy to recognize by the lining mesh of jute, linen, hemp. Marmoleums are expensive, but 100% environmentally friendly. Suitable for the kitchen, because they withstand the forces of 16 MPa (160 kg / cm), prevent slipping, do not exude unpleasant odors, long-lasting - from 7 years service life, additionally - antifungal effect on base.

The latter quality is especially important for allergy sufferers. In the era of the oil boom, natural coatings on sale were rare. Phenol and diethyl ether were used as a binder. Now banned additives, but they can be found on the remains of the warehouses of TU-production. An important quality of marmoleums is dielectricity.

Artificial

Synthetic doesn't mean bad. Deep processing of petroleum products, the introduction of the production of inert materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), alkyd resins, nitrocellulose, polyester, polyester, bitumen - a factor hampering natural from the market. The initial substances “linum” (flax) & “leum” (oil) do not contain synthetics.

But the material has new useful qualities: the ability to roll a tight roll, low price, a rich color palette, the stability of the picture under a mirroring PU-film.

Artificial linoleum is divided into:

• single layer (homogeneous),
• heterogeneous (multilayer).

Lamination improves the life of the main foam. This is usually PVC.

According to the material of the main coating layer synt. coatings are divided into:

Polyvinyl chloride

Among them: single-layer (collander). Runs under pressure. Surface rigidity is obtained from extrusion.

Layered. Heterogeneous PVC is similar to a layer cake: on top is a polyurethane film (from 0.07 to 0.8 mm), which prevents fading of pigments, absorption of moisture, and the effects of aggressive substances. The second layer is paint, the third is a colored base from the same tinted PVC.

A fiberglass mesh is hidden between the second and base layer (tread). Only 4 layers, 2 of which are difficult to see. But they are contained - what the "kitchen" class needs.

Collandra PVC coatings may have a reinforcing substrate. It is made of polyester. It has the appearance of a flannel. Often presented as a floor heater, which is reasonable. However, the main purpose of the polyester pad is reinforcement. The second purpose is noise reduction. Thermal insulation is effective, which is especially important for a concrete base.

Rubber

Linoleum from rubber belongs to the many-sided detachment of bitumen coatings. It includes the forgotten metlakh tile, shock-absorbing coating of garages, tracks of sports facilities, composite tiles, where the edge is processed according to the Lego principle, carpets with rubber base, garden tracks. The second name is Relin (Rubber + LINoleum). The thickness is different. For the kitchen, rolls or tiles up to 8 mm thick are suitable.

Special additives make the evaporation of benzene from Religion minimal. Relin is most akin to plastics: rubber mass is filled with colored plastic chips. Religion is said about safety by the fact that it is used in decorating operating rooms, for preschool institutions, exhibition centers, and trading floors. Silent walking, springy compensation of efforts, refined decorativeness. The listed qualities gave yesterday “rubber mats” a new impulse of popularity. Best developments: embossed "coin", checker stamping. Linoleum-relin has a PVC coating - just like most of the linoleum family. For the kitchen, relin is suitable.

Nitrocellulose

Collokeilin (nitrocellulose) floor is recognized by its incredible brilliance, saturated colors. The layer is thin, unlined. Highly flammable. Ecological purity of the material is noted. Since the invention of nitrocellulose (1832), its former composition is starch, wood pulp. But acetone is involved in the production. Residual factory odor is heard, but quickly disappears. Beautiful, but in the kitchen unsuitable.

Alkyd

Alkides are polyester polymers, one of the first achievements in polymerization. Polyester, as a binder, is harmful; it is everywhere removed from production. The extrusion process at t 90 degrees turns alkides into safe, but with a characteristic "smell" of materials. Coverage is widespread due to low cost. It is found in buses, trains: the price successfully coincided with incredible durability - about 40 years of service. Alkyd resins (polyesters) firmly bind all kinds of waste from the chemical industry (i.e. n vat). To prevent brittleness, the layer is reinforced with a polyester mesh.

Alkyd floors are unlikely to please children, pets, birds, adults suffering from respiratory diseases. In the kitchen, such alkyd products are suitable, but if "the doctor allowed." TU-labeled rolls are most often alkyd.

Taking into account health, convenience, we assign 5 stars to natural, 4 - multilayer PVC, 3 - relin, 2 - single-layer extruded. The rest divide zero and one. The price factor in the series is directly proportional.

How to choose: classification by scope

But do not be tempted to pick up something even more expensive, but reliable, with a service life of up to 40 years? The class of social purpose is intermediate, acceptable here and there, noteworthy.

Creating a substance for the layer, the manufacturer performs tests, compares the characteristics with competitors' analogues. That is, someone has already thought for the consumer.

The GOST classifier clearly divides the floors into:

• production
• residential
• public
• administrative household.

Possible kitchen coatings include the last three specifications. Quote: “... from polyvinyl chloride on a fabric substrate, single-layer and multilayer without a substrate, on a heat and sound insulating substrate, from alkyd, relin, based on synthetic fibers... must meet the requirements of GOST 7251-77, GOST 19247-73, GOST 14632-79».

Which one to choose - household or commercial? Specifications

Commercial is more expensive, but better in terms of wear resistance. Semi-commercial is intermediate. This factor is reflected in the table of technical characteristics:

Indicators	Domestic	Semi-commercial	Commercial
weight	1.25... 2.25 kg / m2	1.6... 2.5 kg / m2	2.7... 2.8 kg / m2
thickness	0.15... 3 mm	no limit	no limit
thermal conductivity	0.018... 0.035 W / m ∙ K	no limit	no limit
sound absorption	13... 18 dB	12... 16 dB	6... 10 dB
water absorption	less than 1%	«	«
shrinkage	less than 0.2 mm / m	no more than 0,1 mm / m	no more than 0,02... 0,1 mm / m
cost	3,5... 10 € / m2	5.5... 15 € / m2	10... 40 € / m2

The table shows that the household requirements are much more regulated than others.

Types and sizes

According to all TU, EU requirements, GOST, household durable linoleum should be multi-colored, easily wound on a rod with a diameter of Ø45 mm without cracks (for semi- and commercial - Ø10), which guarantees elasticity and, as a result, service life: the first - from 2 years, the second - from 7 years, the third - 10-25 years old.

The secret is not in the base layer, but in the upper ultrathin coating. The thickness of the covering membrane varies:

• 0.15 mm - for bedrooms and living rooms;
• 0.20 mm - in children's rooms;
• 0.25 mm - for use in kitchens, corridors, hallways;
• 0.30 mm - for use in office, office premises with an average intensity of movement of people;
• 0.50 mm - for use in office, office premises with high intensity of movement;
• 0.8 mm - for commercial coatings.

Small shrinkage of commercial samples allows the production of rolls up to 14 m wide. Non- and semi-commercial are produced with sizes that are multiples of 0.4 m - 1.2–2.4, household samples - are multiples of 0.5 m: 1.5–2–2.5 to 5 m in width.

Single layer

• Rubber. It can be recognized by the relief, pimples of the fused “chips,” by the roughness of the incoming granules. The release form is 1–1.3 m. Large areas are covered by welding.
• Nitrocellulose fuel. It is produced without a substrate, but with a thickness of 2-6 mm it has sufficient strength for flooring. It does not comply with the fire certificate G1 (the requirements for G2 – G4 are lower), therefore it is not suitable for kitchens.

Layered

• Marmoleum;
• PVC
• Alkyd linoleum. It occupies 20% of the market. The tape obtained during the extrusion process is fed hot onto a mesh base of natural fibers. We recognize alkyd by small notches of anti-slip. Natural components make it more expensive, but the price is acceptable, given the environmental friendliness of the material. Two-layer alkyd meets the requirements for household coatings very conditionally. Possible in the kitchen away from the hob.

Liquid

The flooring can be poured directly onto the concrete floor. Concrete mixture (cement grade 400, B15) make screed h = 0.8–1 cm. After drying (2 days), the screed is covered with a self-leveling cement mixture (type "Wave"). Application is made in bulk, distributed by a gear roller. Subsequently, the surface is primed, poured with an epoxy compound, sprinkled with granules, and poured with epoxy again.

Innovation - 3D drawing. The process is akin to the previous one. Only “chips” between the layers are replaced with a transparent film with photo print.

What to lay: tips for choosing high-quality durable linoleum for the kitchen

You can use all the linoleums recommended for the kitchen. The commercial cluster is recognizable by a somewhat dull coloring with a crumb texture. Given its wear resistance, it is used for applications - the motif “star”, “flower”, squares, concentric circles. Parts of the picture are adjusted to each other, fused with a special cord.

High-relief PVC and rubber carpets for the kitchen will not work: the former are too vulnerable, rubber do not wash well - they are embossed. PVC smooth is what you need.

In-house quality control

The smell gives out a fake. The sample should not stretch. After bending, good linoleum easily returns to its original state. In a multilayer upper protective layer should not bubble, peel. The absence of a mesh of cracks is the norm. On the reverse side there should be neat stamps with Euro icons or inscriptions on GOST compliance. There should be a label with markers on the roll wrapped in cellophane:

• name of manufacturer, its trademark;
• product designation;
• batch number, date of manufacture;
• linear dimensions of the web in a roll;
• the amount of L, m2;
• stamp of quality control or defect;
• brief information about the application;
• shelf life.

Design solutions: textures and colors

• For classic kitchens, the best examples are in the form of art parquet, identical for country, Provence, Victorian style. Drawing "ceramic tile" in these styles is also appropriate. The degree of “overwrite” of the old tree, imitation of valuable species of wood is taken into account in conjunction with walls and furniture.
• The drawing "wide floorboards" was created for the Scandinavian and loft-style.
• Techno, hi-tech suggest shades of gray, silver, abstract motifs. The trend is “rusted molten metal”.

Top Brands

The world leaders in flooring are:

• IVC (Belgium),
• IDEAL (Belgium - RF),
• Tarkett (Serbia - Russian Federation),
• Juteks (Slovenia),
• Grabo (Hungary),
• Armstrong (USA),
• TORLYS (Canada),
• Forbo (Belgium),
• Komitex-Lin (RF - China),
• Polystyl (Serbia - Russian Federation).

Each of the companies produces a huge range of coatings for residential premises, as well as specific products - up to the ballet floor.

Laying rules

An invariable condition for laying all linoleums is transportation in a roll. In frosty times, the roll is not rolled 48 hours. Another day, the material is laid flat.

The layer can not be laid close to the wall. An indent of 1.5 cm is required. Non-glued linoleum with an area of ​​up to 25 m2 is strengthened with skirting boards. The deployed roll should lie down without tubercles, lying at an angle on the far wall. From the passage, the drawing should be parallel to the nearest wall. Bubbles should settle, then cut off the excess.

Glue to concrete, plywood, chipboard, strictly following the instructions of the adhesive. Narrow strips are joined with special glue in the form of a syringe, protecting the areas with masking tape.

Surface preparation

The surface should be smooth, dry, not stratified, without fungus, cracks. The concrete floor is putty, sanded, primed, leveled with bulk mixtures. The complete drying of each layer is important. The final alignment is carried out by means of lining sheets from wood, wood-shaving materials.

DIY styling

At the beginning of the leveling of the old floor, the most protruding part is determined. The sticking-out parquet is removed by the milling cutter. An indispensable tool in the preparation phase will be the drop level.

Old linoleum is cleaned, degreased, cracks are repaired. Only after removing the crumbs and villi can a new canvas be rolled out.

Laying on underfloor heating

Linoleum suitable for underfloor heating is marked with a zigzag icon.

In addition to the choice, it is worth paying attention to the thorough preparation of the surface to be coated. Glued with specific substances manufactured by the manufacturer of the purchased linoleum. The adhesive mastics are applied with a notched trowel evenly, as indicated by the layer in the instructions. Its usual thickness is 1.5 mm. Gluing does not eliminate the need for gluing strips. Several rolls are laid out and joined alternately.

On a warm floor, non-stick coatings are acceptable. Unlined linoleum pieces are fixed with double-sided tape every 40 cm.

Photo: linoleum in the kitchen

In conclusion, the following can be said about linoleum: advanced material, regulated by production parameters, affordable. This is a good choice for styling on your own, and a wide range contributes to the implementation of the original design plan.