Linoleum is still the most popular flooring. The types of linoleum presented on the market have many different colors and textures. This allows you to choose a coating for any interior. A drawing can imitate various materials (wood, tile, stone, etc.) or simply create an original ornament. It has many advantages: low price, environmental safety, durability and ease of installation.
Types of linoleum depending on the material of manufacture
Natural linoleum
It is mainly made from wood tar, lime, cork flour and linseed oil. Such linoleum is considered environmentally friendly, has excellent antistatic properties and is resistant to various bacteria. In addition, it is difficult to ignite and does not absorb oily drops.
Polyvinylchloride (PVC) linoleum
Available in several versions: on fabric, foamed, heat-insulating non-woven bases.
It can be either single-layer or multi-layer. The main disadvantage of PVC linoleums is their large shrinkage, as well as a specific smell that does not disappear for a long time.
Relin or rubber linoleum
A two-layer coating with a base of crushed used rubber or bitumen. The upper part is made of synthetic rubber and a special filler with the addition of pigments. Relin is well resistant to moisture and fairly ductile.
Collokeylin or nitrocellulose linoleum
It is made without a base. It is a thin material based on nitrocellulose. The disadvantage of this type of coating is its high flammability. The positive qualities include elasticity, moisture resistance and a beautiful shine.
Gyphthalic or alkyd linoleum
This coating is based on woven material, alkyd resins and pigments. Such linoleum is more fragile than the rest, but has the best sound and heat insulation qualities.
Varieties of PVC linoleum depending on wear resistance and scope
Linoleum for domestic use
It is used in premises. Usually made of polyester or foam. Thin enough (about 4 mm), has many options for colors and patterns. Easy to install, soft, unpretentious in operation. But with increased loads and frequent use, it quickly loses its attractive appearance.
Semi-commercial linoleum
Used in hotel rooms, small offices. Often used in the residential sector. The structure of such linoleum is similar to everyday life. However, it has a special protective coating up to 0.7 mm thick. This significantly increases the life of the material.
Commercial linoleum
It is selected for rooms with high traffic. The most commonly used polyvinyl chloride coating. Thanks to the strong and reliable top layer, it serves for a long time and retains its original appearance.
Types of linoleum depending on the structure
Homogeneous linoleum
Its structure is a homogeneous mixture of PVC granules and dyes. The pattern on such linoleum is not applied to the top layer of the coating, but permeates it to the entire thickness. It is good to use in places with high traffic, since linoleum is very resistant to abrasion.
Heterogeneous linoleum
Consists of several layers (up to 6 pieces) of PVC. It is based on fiberglass. The substrate used is fabric, non-woven fiber or a foam structure.
Baseless linoleum
A relatively thin (1.5 to 3 mm) coating that requires a perfectly flat surface for installation. Linoleum is quite cheap and short-lived.
Basic
So called linoleum, which have a heat-insulating, fabric or non-woven substrate. Such material lies evenly on any surface, due to its elasticity.
Video: Popular types of linoleum produced in our time
Photo of various types of linoleum
