Which is better: laminators or linoleum? Comparative characteristics of linoleum and laminate and which is better for an apartment

Every person always strives to make their home cozy and modern. Flooring plays an important role in this. However, there is not always a clear answer to the question of what to choose – linoleum or laminate. It all depends not only on the characteristics of the coating, but also on individual preferences.

Characteristics of linoleum

The term “linoleum” essentially means a natural coating that contains wood flour, jute, lime powder, tree resin and flax oil. However, this material is not available to every buyer, because, firstly, it is very expensive, and secondly, it is not available for free sale everywhere.

If you need to figure out what is more environmentally friendly - laminate or linoleum, then, of course, it is clear that this is a laminated coating. It consists of natural components, while PVC coating is completely artificial. Of course, we are not talking about natural linoleum now.

Manufacturers produce three types of synthetic linoleum:

1. Domestic.
2. Semi-commercial.
3. Commercial.

The household type of coating is used mainly only in residential premises - houses or apartments. It does not have sufficient strength to withstand heavy loads. However, the variety of its textures and colors makes PVC linoleum of this type quite popular.

Semi-commercial linoleum is much stronger than household linoleum, and therefore its service life is much longer. As a rule, such covering is laid in office premises with low traffic, as well as in residential premises. This material is also available in a wide range of patterns and textures.

The commercial type of PVC coating is the strongest of all. It is successfully used in workshops, in public institutions with a large flow of people, for example, schools, institutes, hospitals. In addition, this coating has such a valuable quality as anti-slip.

At the same time, if you think about what is more expensive – laminate or linoleum, then you won’t be able to give a definite answer. The cost of the coating will depend on its quality.

Advantages of PVC coating

• Low cost - it all depends on the type of coating.
• Aesthetic beauty and a wide range of colors, patterns and textures make it very popular. In addition, you can combine different types of linoleum to create an original coating.
• Easy to install with your own hands. If the room is small, you can lay linoleum yourself.
• Linoleum conducts heat poorly, so heat loss with such a coating will be minimal, and the floor will not freeze. Therefore, in this case, if you still doubt whether laminate or linoleum is warmer, you can confidently say that it is linoleum.
• PVC coating is not prone to decomposition, since it consists entirely of synthetic fibers.
• Linoleum provides good sound insulation (more details: " ").
• A number of varieties of linoleum have an anti-slip effect, ensuring safe movement even on wet surfaces. This quality allows you to quickly decide what to lay - linoleum or laminate in the kitchen. By itself, this synthetic material is practically non-slip, unlike wooden coverings such as laminate, for example.
• As a rule, the service life of linoleum is up to 30-50 years. At the same time, it is impossible to guarantee that over time it will not lose its beauty and shine.

Along with all the positive characteristics of PVC coating, it certainly has a number of disadvantages.

Disadvantages of synthetic linoleum

1. The synthetic composition is one of the main disadvantages of this material. Although it can last quite a long time, it is still inferior to natural plank floors in appearance, environmental safety and quality (read also: " ").
2. PVC linoleum does not have sufficient elasticity and strength. Therefore, if you place heavy furniture on it or move it on linoleum, the coating can be damaged - stripes and dents will remain.
3. If the coating is quite cheap, then you should not be surprised that at high temperatures it can melt or wrinkle, and at low temperatures it can become cracked.
4. The appearance of linoleum can be classified as a disadvantage rather conditionally. Some people think that it does not look noble enough, however, thanks to successful imitations of parquet, tiles or marble made by well-known manufacturers, such a coating can look very impressive.

Laminate characteristics

Laminate is a multi-layer artificial material, although it is made from natural ingredients. The components of laminated panels are a substrate, a layer of fiberboard or MDF, a decorative layer that gives the laminate color and texture, as well as an outer layer of lamination, that is, protecting the material from the effects of the external environment. The highest quality laminate samples are treated with several layers of polymers for additional strength.

Just like linoleum, laminate is divided into several classes depending on its purpose and strength:

1. Classes 21-23 are intended for installation in residential premises with low traffic.
2. Classes 31-33 are more durable, therefore suitable for office, public and industrial premises.
3. Water-repellent laminate - designed for rooms with high levels of humidity.

It is impossible not to note the variety of colors of the laminated coating. Just like linoleum, this material replicates the structure of wood, tile, marble or metal. They produce varieties with a glossy or matte surface.

Advantages of laminate

• If you compare the price of laminate with tiles or parquet, then it is undoubtedly cheaper.
• Beautiful appearance and the ability to realistically convey the texture of other materials - wood, metal, stone.
• Laminate is produced with ready-made locking fasteners, so when laying it you can do without glue and do it yourself.

However, one cannot fail to mention the shortcomings of this modern material.

Negative sides of laminate

• Laminate coating without special moisture-resistant impregnation usually does not have a long service life. In particular, in wet rooms with high traffic, it will have to be changed after 5 years.
• In terms of strength, laminate is still inferior to coatings made of natural wood or ceramic tiles.
• The lamination layer in this material is sensitive to impacts from sharp and heavy objects.
• Laminate does not like to be wet cleaned too often, as the top layer may become stained due to moisture seeping through.
• Laying laminate on locks does not imply absolute adhesion, so dirt and moisture can gradually accumulate in the seams. Over time, this will lead to deterioration of the coating.
• Do not allow a large amount of water to get on the laminate, otherwise it will swell and will have to be replaced.

So, it’s difficult to decide right away which is more practical – laminate or linoleum. Let's conduct a comparative analysis.

Comparative analysis of laminate and linoleum

First, let's list the similar properties of both materials:

• relatively inexpensive;
• visually attractive;
• do not change color when exposed to direct sun;
• artificial origin (albeit only partially laminate);
• easy to install;
• do not belong to the premium class;
• quite stable.

At the same time, there are also quite a lot of differences between these species.

Care

You can wash linoleum as often as you like and using plenty of water. Laminate, on the contrary, does not like excess moisture, unless it is a moisture-resistant type of coating.

Operating time

The service life of linoleum is from 30 years.

Laminate cannot boast of such a lifespan. Its obsolescence occurs in 5-10 years at best.

Fire hazard

Resistance to mechanical damage and scratches

Linoleum may have dents and scratches from heavy furniture, animal claws, or shoes with sharp heels.

In this regard, laminate is a stronger material and is not so easily damaged. Although everything is possible if you try hard.

Ability to withstand flooding

Since linoleum is a synthetic material, it is not afraid of any flooding.

Laminate, being based on wooden elements, is extremely sensitive to such “natural disasters”.

Transportation

It is worth saying that linoleum is a rather heavy material. Transporting or carrying large rolls of linoleum on your own is quite difficult.

Laminate, on the contrary, is a fairly lightweight material. In addition, it comes in small packages that are easy to carry and place.

Environmental friendliness

Linoleum is produced using a large number of chemicals and is therefore considered more toxic. Sometimes provokes allergic reactions.

Laminate only partially contains chemical components. Very often, non-toxic resins are used in its production, so it is less likely to cause allergies.

Noise absorption

When walking on linoleum there is practically no extraneous noise.

But laminate does not absorb sound, so walking on it cannot be called silent.

Thermal insulation

Linoleum does not conduct heat, so in the cold season it feels warmer to the touch.

At the same time, the laminate takes on the ambient temperature, so it heats up more in the summer and freezes more in the winter.

Thus, taking into account all the factors, everyone will be able to conclude for themselves what is better – laminate or linoleum in the house.

Where and what kind of coating is best to lay?

When deciding what is better for the kitchen – laminate or linoleum, you should definitely choose linoleum. It is more stable, not afraid of moisture, and easy to clean. Laminate, of course, can also be laid, but it will not last long enough, and it will lose its appearance faster.

Bedrooms, children's rooms, living rooms and corridors in private houses can be finished with laminate. In such places it will be quite convenient, and beauty is not the last factor in the choice. In addition, it contains fewer toxic substances, which means it is safer for health.

We also do not recommend installing laminate flooring in offices or public buildings. Firstly, it creates a lot of unnecessary noise, distracting from work. Secondly, over time it may begin to dry out and deteriorate. It’s better to stick with linoleum – it’s quieter, more durable, and easier to clean.

In cold places, in particular on balconies, it is also better to give preference to linoleum. It is warmer and not so sensitive to temperature changes.

If the selection criteria include the question of what is cheaper - laminate or linoleum, then we can say that the price depends on the quality, strength and manufacturer of the material.

Have you planned and are deciding which is better: laminate or linoleum? Yes, it’s really difficult to determine the leader: the price of good quality laminate and linoleum is almost the same. Each material has its pros and cons; it is necessary to analyze the characteristics in more detail along with visual perception. Before choosing, you should decide for which room the coating is selected; traffic, humidity, and the likelihood of mechanical impacts play an important role. In today's review, the Homius.ru editors will try to help you choose between these two materials, revealing some of the nuances of operational parameters. All you have to do is choose the color.

Depending on the thickness of the layer and the purpose of linoleum, three categories can be distinguished.

Category	Description
Domestic	Layer thickness - no more than 4 mm, coating with a complex structure made of foam material. The linoleum is covered with a decorative layer on top, which performs a protective function.
Commercial	The floor covering has a denser structure, due to which it has increased wear resistance. Sometimes manufacturers treat the surface to reduce slipping.
Semi-commercial	Its composition is very similar to commercial linoleum, but with a thicker (up to 7 mm) protective layer, which makes semi-commercial linoleum the most popular on the market.

Base structure

Based on its structure, the coating can be divided into the following types:

• homogeneous, or single-layer,− it is made from granules with the addition of dyes. Its thickness is no more than 2 mm, the pattern is applied not to the top coating, but throughout the entire thickness. This explains the low abrasion of the single-layer material. It is suitable for high traffic areas. It is important to remember: the thinner the layer, the higher its wear resistance;
• heterogeneous- This is a more versatile linoleum; it can contain up to 6 layers. The thickness of the coating reaches 6 mm. The top layer is made only of PVC; sometimes granules are added during the production process, due to which the material acquires a 3D effect. For reinforcement, polyurethane may be included in the composition, which improves wear resistance.

Coating thickness

Thickness is one of the important parameters of linoleum; it can reach up to 0.7-5 mm. Material with a thickness of up to 1 mm is quite rare, and it is not suitable for apartments and houses at all. The ideal option for domestic use is to choose linoleum with a thickness of 2-4 mm, and it is important to remember that heat and sound insulation will depend on this parameter. In addition, the characteristics of a thicker base are much better.

You should know this! You may come across the opinion that durability is primarily affected by the thickness of the coating, but this is a misconception. The increase in service life is affected by the thickness of the protective layer, or, to be more precise, by its wear life.

Linoleum classes by wear resistance

Wear resistance is the ability to withstand mechanical and physical loads that arise during operation. Another indicator is abrasion, which determines the time at which the thickness of the upper protective layer decreases over the entire period of use. The laminate class, depending on its purpose, consists of two numbers:

• the first digit is the area of ​​application of the coating: residential, office or industrial premises;
• the second number (1−4) is the intensity of the load.

For use in residential premises, you should choose a coating of class 21-23; class 23 has the best performance. Classes 31 and 32 are intended for offices, but for shopping centers and stores the choice should be made on classes 32 and 33, their characteristics are much higher.

Linoleum: pros and cons

In order to objectively compare in the future which is better - laminate or linoleum in a house, you need to analyze their parameters: service life, wear resistance, environmental friendliness, heat, noise and moisture insulation, risk of injury and price. Let us highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of linoleum.

1. Affordable cost - almost anyone can afford such a purchase.
2. Moisture- and vapor-tightness - therefore it is recommended to install it in kitchens, corridors and bathrooms.
3. High wear resistance, resistance to mechanical damage. He is not afraid of women's heels and movement.
4. High sound and heat insulation - the coating is equal in these qualities to wood.
5. No additional protective layer is required.
6. Injury-proof - even the glossy coating has additional slip protection.
7. Linoleum can be laid on a substrate or placed underneath it.
8. The pattern on the coating is made by adding dye to the material; therefore, the pattern will remain the entire period of operation.
9. Easy care - can be used during cleaning.

For an objective assessment, the negative aspects of linoleum should also be noted:

• it consists of artificial materials, all layers are glued together, and it also contains rubber. Only in some types can you find natural fabric in the structure. Therefore, it emits a rather specific smell, which disappears 2 weeks after installation;
• stripes from shoes with black soles remain on the surface, which are quite difficult to remove;
• requires prior .

Main characteristics of laminate

Laminate is an excellent alternative to parquet boards, but at a much lower cost. In addition, it has undoubted advantages that are characteristic of parquet.

Board structure

A high-quality laminate with a thickness of 5-11 mm consists of five layers; budget coatings can have only 3 layers. Let's consider the composition of the material for grades 31–33.

Layer	Description
Upper	Made from malamine (acrylic) resin. It performs a protective function; the higher the coating class, the thicker this layer.
2nd layer	Paper layer with a decorative pattern.
3rd layer	Moisture-resistant film.
4th layer	The basis of the laminate is an HDF panel; it is a load-bearing layer; all the main characteristics of the coating depend on it: sound and heat insulation, moisture resistance. It contains a lock for connecting the panels to each other.
5th bottom layer	Moisture-resistant kraft paper impregnated with polymer resin.

Manufacturers can add or change layers to improve performance.

Classes

Laminate is widely used in all residential premises, with the only exception being in offices, warehouses, and shopping centers. Manufacturers produce coatings in six classes: 21-23 are intended for housing, 31-33 - for public institutions. For the hallway in an apartment, it is recommended to use a higher class - 23 or 31, but for the bedroom, where the load is low, you can save money and limit yourself to 21 class. There is another coating class - 34, it appeared in 2005 and is characterized by increased strength, due to which its service life is much longer.

Strength criteria

The strength criteria of the laminate are determined after testing, in which the panel is fixed on a special device and acted upon using an abrasive disc. The study requires two indicators:

• After what number of revolutions will the first scratches appear?
• After what number of revolutions will the top layer be completely destroyed?

The arithmetic mean of these values ​​determines the quality standard of the laminate.

Appearance

If you compare laminate with linoleum in appearance, it is difficult to identify a leader in this characteristic. Manufacturers offer imitation wood, parquet, stone and tiles in both coatings, a variety of colors and tint solutions.

Laminate: advantages and disadvantages

To objectively evaluate both coatings, we will highlight the positive qualities and disadvantages of the laminate.

1. High wear resistance, resistance to abrasion and mechanical stress.
2. Fire resistance is higher than that of linoleum.
3. Easy care - no special products required.
4. Anti-allergenic - environmentally friendly materials are used in production. In this regard, it is recommended for installation in children's rooms.
5. Simple installation - laying on a substrate or “warm floor” is acceptable.
6. With proper selection and installation, the service life can reach 20 years.
7. Low cost - it is affordable for the average buyer.

The disadvantages of laminate include:

• it is important to correctly determine the wear resistance class of the laminate for each room; to do this, you should first study the main characteristics and recommendations of the manufacturer;
• preliminary preparation of the base to perfect evenness is required;
• laminated panels do not tolerate excess moisture. After installation, it is recommended to treat the butt joints with special products with a protective function;
• if it is broken, the surface may swell and a squeak may appear during operation;
• the cost of a high-end coating can exceed the price of even a parquet board.

We compare the parameters and draw conclusions about what to choose: laminate or linoleum

To determine which coating is better, you need to compare all the pros and cons of linoleum and laminate. The decisive word will not be the cost, but the purpose of the room for which the material is selected, because the durability and quality of use depend on the correct choice.

Difficulty of installation

Linoleum or laminate: which is cheaper to operate?

Linoleum of different classes is still cheaper than laminate with the same characteristics, this is due to its composition: environmentally friendly materials are used for the production of panels. But as for operation, you need to keep in mind that if the linoleum is seriously damaged in a visible place, you will have to replace the entire canvas, while with laminate it is possible to replace the deformed section with a similar one.

What is more expensive: linoleum or laminate

The cost of some classes of laminate can exceed the price of linoleum by approximately 2-2.5 times.

Which is better: laminate or linoleum, according to an expert

We have analyzed all the main parameters and have already determined for ourselves which material is better. I wonder if our conclusions will coincide: what is better in an apartment: laminate or linoleum, according to a professional? According to experts, laminate has an undoubted advantage - environmental friendliness, a wide variety of textures, durability, and resistance to mechanical damage. Otherwise, linoleum exhibits better performance: it is easy to maintain, easy to install, moisture-resistant, and has higher sound and heat insulation.

Conclusion! Linoleum is better suited for office premises, loggias, kitchens and entrance areas. Laminate should be chosen for bedrooms, living rooms and hallways, as it has a more presentable appearance.

Which is better: laminate or linoleum, according to reviews on forums

If we analyze consumer reviews, their opinions on popular sites are divided approximately equally. Some people like the moisture resistance characteristics of linoleum, while others like the environmental friendliness of laminate. Therefore, before choosing what to lay on the floor in an apartment, our advice is to analyze the relevant topics on construction forums, see what consumers are dissatisfied with over time, and only then make a choice in favor of one of the materials. Many people speak out in favor of linoleum due to its ease of maintenance, however, at the same time they emphasize that price matters, since “the more expensive, the better.”

More details on MasterGrad: http://www.mastergrad.com/forums/t14152-linoleum-ili-laminat/?page=4.

But the next consumer speaks specifically about the environmental friendliness of laminate.

More details on ForumHouse: https://www.forumhouse.ru/threads/318083/page-2.

Another opinion in favor of linoleum for a family with small children, although deficiencies in the coating were discovered after repair during operation.

And in conclusion, we invite you to watch another professional opinion in the video.

This material was developed to replace natural floor elements, which made it possible to significantly save when organizing flooring. Each lamella is made in the form of a multi-layer board, which makes this product durable, beautiful and reliable.

Laminate is used not only in ordinary apartments, but also for flooring in office, retail and other premises with high traffic. For these purposes, lamellas with increased strength have been developed, which is determined by wear resistance class from 21 to 43.

The advantages of laminate include:

• relative cheapness compared to parquet boards or ceramic tiles;
• variety of colors and textures;
• Several degrees of wear resistance allow you to select the material for almost any operating conditions;
• ease of installation, all work can be done independently without the involvement of specialists.

Laminate structure.

Negative properties of the material:

• short service life (usually up to 5 years for cheap types);
• loss of appearance when water penetrates into the joints of the coating;
• insufficient sound insulation;
• the unnatural base of the material under certain conditions causes the evaporation of harmful substances;
• Laminate flooring becomes slippery after wet cleaning, which often leads to injuries.

Laminate classes.

Pros and cons of linoleum

Linoleum is a roll product used for organizing flooring in administrative and private buildings. Most often the base material is PVC.

The positive characteristics of linoleum include:

• low price;
• To keep linoleum floors clean, no special effort is required - just wipe the floor with a damp cloth;
• high degree of floor sound insulation;
• low thermal conductivity of the coating, which allows you to retain heat in the room;
• simple installation technology that can be done with your own hands;
• many options for patterns and colors;
• long service life - from 10 years.

Structure of linoleum.

Negative properties include:

• at high temperatures, dangerous volatile substances evaporate from the coating, and at low temperatures the product loses its plasticity and cracks;
• the material does not resist static loads well; punching holes are found at the installation site of large objects;
• cannot resist high temperatures (melts);
• releases formaldehyde during combustion.

Comparison of laminate and linoleum

To figure out which is better - laminate or linoleum in the house, you need to analyze these products in comparison.

Which is stronger

Laminate undoubtedly has higher strength characteristics compared to rolled material, but when planning the arrangement of furniture in a room with laminate flooring, you need to make sure that the legs of the sofa or cabinet do not fall on the same board, otherwise the docking lock will quickly become unusable. Otherwise, this material is equivalent in strength to parquet.

After static exposure to heavy furniture, dents remain on linoleum. When moving hard objects carelessly, linoleum often tears, leaving scratches on the surface.

Traces from furniture on linoleum.

Which material has higher moisture resistance?

Linoleum can withstand spilled water and even small floods, which is why it is more often used as a finishing flooring material in the kitchen space. Laminate boards are unable to resist excessive moisture, and water that gets into the joints of the lamellas leads to swelling of the product and the need to replace the coating.

Which is cheaper?

In the selection process, deciding on the question: linoleum or laminate - which is better and cheaper - is not easy. The price range for these materials is quite serious: cheap artificial boards are offered for 250 rubles. per sq.m., but high-quality and durable boards will be expensive: 1300 - 1500 rubles. per sq.m.

The same applies to prices for rolled products: the simplest samples will cost from 130 rubles. per sq.m., and expensive specimens can cost 600-800 rubles. It turns out that the prices for rolled products are lower, in addition, if you take into account that in order to lay the lamellas you need to purchase a substrate, it turns out that laying rolled products is more profitable.

Thus, the answer to the question of cost has been determined and it is definitely linoleum, but, nevertheless, a lot here depends on the operating conditions of the room.

Which is more harmful?

From an environmental safety point of view, both products are reliable and clean, but the absence of harm is limited by operating conditions. First of all, this applies to linoleum: with a significant increase in temperature (more than 35 o C), harmful volatile substances - formaldehyde - begin to be released from the surface of the material.

These substances, in high concentrations, are hazardous to health, especially for children. The same process occurs with cheap types of laminate, but to a lesser extent. Under normal operating conditions, both materials fully meet environmental requirements for interior spaces, but it is not recommended to place linoleum in bedrooms and children’s rooms.

Which is easier to wash?

Both materials can be wet cleaned, but when working with laminate it is necessary to wring out the cloth more thoroughly so that water does not penetrate into the joints between the slats. It is recommended to remove heavy dirt from the surface of linoleum using a cotton swab moistened with acetone.

Which is warmer

In order to figure out which is warmer - linoleum or laminate, you should remember the composition of these two products. The dense structure of the rolled material does not allow cold air to penetrate and retains heat indoors. Multilayer slats also protect the room well from the cold, but their degree of thermal protection is significantly lower than that of linoleum.

Despite the obvious differences, according to consumer reviews, the rolled material feels much cooler to the touch than laminate boards.

Which is quieter?

What is better - linoleum or laminate in an apartment in terms of sound insulation? Incredibly, linoleum has a higher ability to eliminate noise, unlike laminate flooring. The reason for the weaker sound insulation of laminate flooring is resonance.

If you lay a thin underlay under the boards, the sounds of footsteps and falling objects will be heard throughout the apartment and also disturb your neighbors, so you should pay special attention to the material and thickness of the leveling underlay.

Linoleum not only limits the propagation of sound waves indoors, but also prevents the penetration of extraneous noise from neighboring apartments, which is why this material is often placed in the kitchen and hallway, where higher sound insulation from neighbors is required.

Which coating is more wear-resistant?

It is quite difficult to determine the preferred option based on the degree of wear resistance. The opinion of experts boils down to the statement that for an apartment this parameter is not significant.

Both materials have excessive strength characteristics, especially if you use high-end products, so it is impossible to give preference to one or the other, but it should be borne in mind that both rolled material and laminate boards irrevocably lose their original appearance when exposed to abrasives.

Wear resistance of linoleum.

Having understood the comparative characteristics of both materials, you can determine what to choose, linoleum or laminate, for each specific situation.

The operating features of a particular room are the basis for choosing linoleum or laminate. The pros and cons of each material dictate the need for their use in various conditions:

• On the first floors of high-rise buildings, especially in new buildings, it is recommended to lay linoleum. The premises on the ground floor of the house are a risk zone for the penetration of high humidity from the basement, and if you lay laminate flooring in all rooms at once, a situation may arise when, within a short period of time, the joints of the lamellas swell and the coating becomes unusable. This problem can only be dealt with by organizing reliable waterproofing.
• In a private house the situation will be similar. You should not lay laminate flooring until you have received reliable information about the degree of humidity in each room. In this case, it is recommended to lay linoleum, parquet boards or organize traditional plank floors.
• For one-room studios, it is best to use laminate, but in the kitchen area it is still advisable to put rolled material.
• It is advisable to use laminate flooring to furnish the living room. This material fits harmoniously into any interior of the main room and allows you to show the level of wealth of the home owners.
• The corridor, hallway and kitchen are the areas with the highest traffic and pollution levels. Accordingly, it is recommended to lay only linoleum in these rooms.
• A balcony is a room where significant changes in temperature and humidity occur, so laminate cannot be used in this case; it is better to install durable and practical linoleum.
• For children's rooms and bedrooms, it is necessary to use laminate flooring that has higher environmental characteristics.

Video on the topic

When planning to re-floor an apartment, homeowners think about what type of covering to lay on the floor. Of course, solid boards or natural parquet are a luxurious and presentable option, however, not everyone has a decent amount in their pocket for this.

Therefore, most often people choose more budget options - laminate or linoleum. There are arguments in favor of laminate, but linoleum also has many advantages. In this article we will look at the features of each of these materials and find out which one is better suited for an apartment.

Why laminate is good

Laminate flooring can often be found on sale labeled “natural coating.” This is due to the fact that the laminate contains natural cellulose fibers, however, this material, of course, is not completely natural. The fibers are bound together by a real artificial polymer resin. It turns out to be a kind of hybrid of natural and chemical material.

pros

Laminate is a multilayer material, based on ordinary MDF or HDF. Its great advantage is that on one side (outer) the coating is coated with a transparent polymer resin, which protects the vulnerable wood layers of the material from moisture penetration. But the coating will not withstand large amounts of water.

In the photo - laminate flooring for an apartment

If you purchase a high-strength laminate (it is marked with the numbers 34), then such a material has great strength and can withstand significant loads. Its price, of course, will be quite expensive, but such a laminate can last at least 30 years without losing its external decorative qualities and performance properties.

This coating is very aesthetically pleasing. It looks like natural wood or a solid board, gives the room a noble appearance, and fits perfectly into any design.

The variety of laminate choices allows you to choose the material for almost any design. This flooring can be of different colors, patterns, and can imitate any type of wood, even stone and leather.

In the video - which is cheaper for an apartment: laminate or linoleum:

Minuses

Laminate flooring should not be washed with large amounts of water; it is highly recommended not to spill liquid on it. If water gets in, the laminate can swell and become deformed. It only tolerates light cleaning with a damp cloth. Due to moisture intolerance, laminate flooring will be impractical to use in those areas of the apartment where the likelihood of humidity is increased - the kitchen, bathroom, hallway. Water can destroy the coating so much that the planks are completely deformed, lose their appearance, and will be unusable.

Is it worth laying linoleum?

Rubber linoleum is characterized by increased elasticity, making it easy to install and use, however, due to its high toxicity, it is not suitable for household use. In apartments we use polyvinyl chloride linoleum, abbreviated as PVC.

pros

This flooring is cheaper than laminate - this factor can sometimes be important.

The moisture resistance of linoleum makes it an indispensable coating for kitchens, hallways and bathrooms. Linoleum is very practical, it is not afraid of spilled liquids, frequent wet cleaning, and does not lose its external and technical characteristics. Linoleum can even hold back water pressure for some time in emergency situations.

In the photo - rubber linoleum

Among the variety of types of linoleum, you can even find natural, so-called marmolinoleum. This type of material has a jute base, and the design on it is made using natural dyes. It is worth keeping this option in mind if you want a natural material that has the practical characteristics of linoleum.

The material has several varieties, which differ significantly in operational and aesthetic characteristics.

Thus, household linoleum has low wear resistance and not very high decorative qualities, but it is the cheapest floor covering.

But the commercial option, although it costs much more, however, has such high technical and aesthetic characteristics that it can serve without problems for several decades.

But you can find out what reviews there are about cork backing for linoleum

Minuses

The main disadvantage of PVC linoleum, which is used for apartments, is its low aesthetic properties. Few people decide to lay linoleum in their living rooms - it greatly “reduces the cost” of the overall appearance of the room. This is one of the most serious disadvantages of the coating.

Due to the fact that linoleum is a completely synthetic material with an adhesive base, the coating has a continuous texture and practically does not allow air to pass through, therefore the room does not “breathe”, ventilation and air circulation are impaired in it. It is for this reason that linoleum is recommended only for those rooms where people are not constantly present. These are rooms that have a purely practical purpose - a bathroom, a kitchen, a hallway.

In the video - which is better for the kitchen: laminate or linoleum:

Linoleum can “shrink” over time, that is, after a few years you may be surprised to notice that the coating no longer reaches the walls, but moves away from them. Dirt can get clogged in these spaces, resulting in the overall aesthetics and appearance of the room being lost.

Comparison of materials

Insulating properties

When choosing a floor covering in our cool latitudes, an important nuance is how much a particular material can protect an apartment from the cold in winter. This property of both linoleum and laminate depends on how thick the material is. If you want to choose warm linoleum, then pay attention to its variety with a felt or fabric base. And the warmest laminate will be the one that has a thicker backing.

It should be noted that linoleum, due to its soft texture, has excellent sound-absorbing characteristics - you can literally walk on it silently. But laminate flooring does not have sound-absorbing properties - echoing steps will be heard throughout the apartment. However, if the laminate has a high-quality and thick substrate, then this problem can be easily solved.

Environmental friendliness

It should be noted that both of these materials do not emit toxic substances. This alone makes them completely environmentally friendly floor coverings. However, when linoleum burns, it can emit harmful fumes, which makes it difficult to dispose of.

Of course, homeowners themselves rarely dispose of floor coverings, so this factor can be considered insignificant. But the rolled material does not allow air to pass through very well, making it difficult to circulate in the room. Therefore, laminate wins in terms of environmental friendliness.

Transportation

In terms of transportation, laminate is much more convenient than linoleum - its small bars can be compactly packaged, unlike bulky rolls of linoleum. Sometimes linoleum is so wide that it is difficult to even transport it in an elevator - you have to lift it to the desired floor on your own.

Installation

In this regard, both materials are quite simple, however, laying laminate flooring requires more knowledge and skills than linoleum flooring. For linoleum, sometimes all you need is a pair of hands, special glue and a good eye - and the covering will be laid evenly.

And laminate has to be assembled and adjusted like puzzles, so you have to try a little more. On the other hand, in order to lay linoleum, you will need to level the floor, but this is not necessary for laminate.

If necessary, several damaged laminate strips can be replaced with new ones - this will not work with linoleum - if the material is damaged, it will be necessary to completely re-lay the entire covering in the room.

Linoleum is a softer material, therefore less wear-resistant - stains and scratches easily remain on it, and it is afraid of mechanical damage.

Moisture resistance

In this regard, linoleum is much ahead of laminate, since water is not a problem for it. Where the laminate becomes warped and deformed, linoleum will hold firm without losing its appearance and technical properties.

Appearance

Roll materials are inferior to hard floor coverings in terms of external presentation. Therefore, in terms of aesthetic characteristics, laminate wins. Although linoleum is capable of masterfully imitating various types of wood, colors, patterns, textures and shades, it is immediately clear that this is an imitation and not a real, say, oak floor.

Flooring of different rooms

Let’s figure out what to choose as flooring for various rooms in the house.

Living room

In this central room of the apartment, of course, laminate will look better as a more presentable floor covering. Modest and practical linoleum does not “fit in” very well here.

In the photo - laminate flooring in the living room

The living room should make an impression - guests gather here and meetings are held, so by its appearance this room should demonstrate the material wealth and taste of the owners. Laminate meets this condition better.

Bedroom

It is also better to choose laminate for this room, since the bedroom space does not have much practical significance - there will not be a lot of dirt, moisture, and you will not need to constantly clean it. Laminate will better emphasize the beauty and relaxation of the bedroom, especially if a light-colored material is chosen.

In the photo - laminate flooring in the bedroom

Kitchen

In the photo - linoleum in the kitchen

Since the kitchen is a place where stains, splashes and other sources of contamination are inevitable, you need a floor covering that will keep the room tidy. But the information from the article will help you understand what parameters you should pay attention to.

Bathroom

As for this room, linoleum is best suited here, since water leaks and constant splashes during hygiene procedures are not excluded in the bathroom. Laminate may not withstand the high humidity of this room.

In the photo - linoleum in the bathroom

Hallway

Linoleum is better suited for the hallway, since street dampness and dirt first get here. It is most practical to protect the floor from leaks with a material that is simple and easy to care for. But how to glue linoleum to the floor and what is the price of glue for linoleum on a wooden floor, you can find out from this

In the photo - linoleum in the hallway

But whether it can be used and how it can be done correctly, the information from the article will help you figure it out.

What characteristics of Tarkett semi-commercial linoleum exist can be found out by reading this

Summarizing

We looked at the main characteristics of laminate and linoleum. As you can see, both materials have their pros and cons. And each of them is suitable for separate rooms in the house. Therefore, the best choice would be to use different materials for different rooms. But in this case, linoleum and laminate must be selected in such a way that they are as similar in pattern and color as possible - this will create the appearance of a single coating.

When choosing finishing materials for premises for different purposes, the question often arises of what is best to choose. The dilemma, as a rule, arises between laminate and linoleum.

What is laminate

Laminate can easily imitate parquet, while its quality indicators are much higher

Laminate is a modern floor covering that perfectly imitates parquet and solid wood boards or ceramic tiles, and is also available in stylized versions of “stone,” “leather,” and “metal.”

Laminated board consists of four or five main layers:

• soundproofing substrate;
• a stabilizing layer that increases rigidity and protects the material from deformation;
• load-bearing or main HDF layer, providing sound and heat insulation, and also equipped with a locking system for joining with adjacent elements;
• decorative paper layer with a pattern imitating natural or artificial finishing materials;
• top protective layer based on acrylic or melamine resin, which gives the surface wear resistance.

Despite the fact that the laminate consists of several layers, its thickness is only 6–12 mm. At the same time, their sound insulation properties directly depend on the thickness of the slabs.

The presence of a Click or Lock locking system facilitates the process of installing laminated boards and makes the adhesion as reliable as possible.

Advantages of high-quality laminate:

• environmental safety and naturalness;
• aesthetic appearance;
• durability and ease of maintenance.

What is the difference between linoleum

Linoleum is laid or glued onto a flat, dry base using polymer mastics or special adhesives

Traditional linoleum of natural or synthetic type can be represented by expensive heterogeneous or cheaper budget finishing material.

Main groups:

• natural varieties based on linseed oil, pine resin, oak bark powder, crushed limestone and natural dyes;
• polyvinyl chloride types are represented by materials on non-woven, fabric and foam bases, and can also be made in baseless, single-layer and multi-layer versions;
• colloxin (nitrocellulose) varieties are a thin baseless material with high moisture resistance and elasticity;
• glyphthalic finishing material on a woven basis has high sound-proofing and heat-insulating properties;
• two-layer rubber relin has an excellent level of elasticity and moisture resistance, but is not used for finishing in residential areas.

Linoleum is produced in the form of rolls with a length of 6 to 45 m, a width of 0.5 to 5 m and a thickness of 1.5 to 5 mm (special linoleum for installation in industrial, warehouse, public or sports facilities has a thickness of up to 8–9 mm ).

Natural linoleum is the most environmentally friendly finishing material of all types of this coating; has high wear resistance, low flammability, abrasion resistance, antistatic, and a relatively long service life.

All PVC linoleums are classified depending on several criteria, represented by structure, the presence or absence of a base and area of ​​application.

Advantages of high-quality modern roll material:

• excellent water resistance and sufficient density;
• good antistatic properties;
• wide choice of design options.

What is better to choose

Both laminate and linoleum are offered by the market in a wide range of consumer properties and prices

The choice between laminate and linoleum, according to experts, is made depending on the importance for the consumer of such parameters as sound insulation, insulation, ecology, moisture resistance and cost.

For home

In private households, it is equally important to use both materials for flooring.

They have fairly high thermal insulation properties, but cheap linoleum models are flammable, which must be taken into account if there is a fireplace or other heating system with an open fire in the house. In addition, linoleum and laminate are perfect for installing “warm floors” in a country house.

For apartment

For the flooring of the bedroom, dining room and living room, it is advisable to purchase a high-quality laminated board, which has a more stylish, modern and attractive appearance.

It is advisable to make the floor surface in the kitchen and in the children's bedroom or playroom with a more practical, reliable and durable roll covering.

For the dacha

In summer country houses for seasonal use, as well as on balconies and loggias without a stable heating system, it is recommended to install only modern laminate flooring.

The use of rolled flooring in a floor covering that does not have sufficient resistance to temperature changes or high humidity will require too frequent replacement of the finishing material.

Video: What to lay - laminate or linoleum

High-quality laminated boards and high-quality linoleum have almost the same price, but the appearance of the laminate seems more expensive and presentable. However, if you wish, you can always complete a completely budget flooring with good linoleum, imitating an expensive laminate.

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