Linoleum: types of popular flooring

Linoleum is considered to be one of the most popular floor coverings. Any catalog with similar products contains a wide variety of options that will differ from each other in color, style, performance and technical characteristics. A brief overview of the main types and types of linoleum will help to better understand what is the secret of the popularity of these products.

The main types of linoleum

Linoleum belong to the budget category of flooring. However, it is quite convenient to operate and has impressive aesthetic potential. It is customary to classify modern products as follows:

Natural coating canvases (formed from oil components, resins of natural origin, oak bark, wood flour and limestone powder);
Products made of polyvinyl chloride (on non-woven and foamed basis, single-layer and multi-layer);
Colloxin or nitrocellulose appearance (a thin canvas without a base, characterized by special elasticity, completely moisture resistant, but prone to ignition);
Glifthal (woven-based coating with special soundproofing properties);
Rubber types (two-layer cloths consisting of a ball of crushed wood and a layer of synthetic rubber with a filler).

The most optimal option for modern apartments is natural linoleum. Even its composition looks extremely attractive to a potential buyer. The coating has excellent performance.The competitor of natural paintings is polyvinyl chloride linoleum. Comparison of environmentally friendly natural linoleum and an unusually strong and cheap analogue of PVC is inappropriate. Each type of coating is designed for specific conditions. Natural coating is best placed in a children's room or sleeping area, but budget PVC sheets will come in handy in a large spacious room or in the kitchen.

Structure classification

The species diversity of coatings is largely due to the special complex structure of the paintings themselves. For example, when considering PVC products, it is worth splitting linoleum into two main types, taking into account the special structure:

Homogeneous;
Heterogeneous.

Homogeneous products are single-layer fabrics with a uniform texture, produced using special granules and a number of dyes. If there is a drawing on such linoleum, it will not be visible on the surface, but along the entire depth of the canvas. Heterogeneous products consist of several layers, different in texture and origin.

Types by basis type

In some cases, a high-quality base plays a crucial role. According to the presence of the basis, it is mainly PVC sheets that are classified. Options for modern flooring can be divided into two categories:

On a specific basis;
Without using a special base.

The baseless type of coating is used in places where special loads are present. Linoleum at any base can be foamed or jute. This option has good thermal insulation properties and is widely used in children's rooms and bedrooms.

By scope and household purpose

The most famous type is household. It can be on a foam basis or differ in a polyester base. The thickness of the paintings does not exceed 4 mm. Special qualities: a variety of options, softness of the canvas, a rather low price for the goods. In addition, it is worth highlighting several more types of floor coverings:

Semi-commercial (can be used both in residential premises and for the improvement of administrative locations and entertainment centers);
Commercial (based on its outstanding performance characteristics, the canvas is acceptable for use in areas where a high level of mechanical, physical and biological stresses is noted);
Sports (the canvases are covered with a protective ball, which improves the wear resistance of linoleum, and also protects it from pollution);
Linoleum with a bactericidal coating (special components with the effect of disinfection are introduced into the composition, which make it possible to equip hospital locations and educational institutions with the help of linoleum).

In addition, it is also worth noting floor coverings with a special anti-slip effect and canvases that have particularly pronounced soundproofing characteristics. To do this, the manufacturer to add exclusive elements to the standard set of components, allowing to improve certain parameters. In general, a wide range of products allows a potential buyer to choose the best option for themselves. The flooring can look impressive and stylish, be inexpensive and high quality, performing a number of specific functions.