Which is cheaper: linoleum or laminate in an apartment? Laminate or linoleum which is better

Before renovating a room, flooring in particular, there is always a choice between two coating options. Laminate or linoleum, which is better, cheaper, more environmentally friendly, more practical, etc.? Let's try to answer this question in our article.

The cost of these types of coatings is practically in the same price segment. However, the appearance of laminate is more attractive to many than linoleum. Buyers often doubt the durability of laminate flooring.

Choosing laminate or linoleum - which is better to choose. First, let's look at the structure of both materials.

There is usually a prejudiced attitude towards linoleum. It is considered a relic of the past, a “scoop”, a material much worse than laminate, it is absolutely not objective attitude! If your choice falls on linoleum, do not be guided by your emotions, approach the matter wisely, there are cases that this type of coating is the most successful.

Features of linoleum

The official name of linoleum, which we often see in stores, is “PVC coating”. Real linoleum is an expensive floor covering. It includes linseed oil, wood flour and resin, jute fabric, limestone powder, etc. This coating is difficult to find in a regular hardware store.

Flooring in kindergartens, educational institutions, clinics, office premises– This is a 100% PVC coating.

PVC coating- This is a completely artificial material. People nicknamed it “Linoleum”, after which construction materials factories assigned the same name.

Nowadays, linoleum consists of six layers:

• Purl.
• Foamed bottom layer.
• The supporting layer is glass canvas.
• Top, foam layer.
• Drawing, decorative layer.
• A transparent layer that protects linoleum from damage.

It is wrong to compare natural real linoleum and artificial linoleum. These two materials are completely different, because by linoleum, in most cases, we mean synthetic PVC coating.

PVC linoleum has three types:

1. Commercial linoleum. It is the densest, it is usually used in rooms where there is a large number of people. Such linoleum can be found in schools, medical government institutions, shops, as well as in other various in public places. Such linoleum is usually coated with a special coating to prevent slipping and accidents. The advantage of this coating is that it is durable and safe.
2. Household linoleum . It is used exclusively in residential premises. This material is not as reliable and durable as commercial lineleum. But this linoleum has an advantage; with it you can not restrain your imagination! What colors are not presented in stores - bright colors, a riot of color, imitation parquet, boards, bricks, tiles and others.
3. Semi-commercial linoleum. It is something in between, between household and commercial. Semi-commercial linoleum has average strength and service life. It can be used everywhere: both at home (apartment) and in other various commercial public buildings. Semi-commercial linoleum is not suitable for warehouses and factory floors.

The main advantages of linoleum

1. Low price segment, accessibility for any buyer.
2. Large palette of colors, shades, patterns. You can choose linoleum to suit any interior.
3. To lay linoleum, you do not need to be a specialist. If you have strong hands, you can easily handle it yourself.
4. Floors covered with linoleum are rarely cold. This material has low thermal conductivity.
5. Linoleum does not deteriorate; it is made from synthetic materials.
6. You will not be disturbed by noise from heels - such floors provide little sound insulation. Therefore, in this case, linoleum laminate is better A.
7. Linoleum often has an anti-slip coating.
8. Even if your linoleum is not anti-slip, it is very difficult to fall on it, it is not slippery.
9. The service life of linoleum is enormous! Just imagine, laying linoleum, you won’t have to think about the condition of the floor for the next 25-60 years.

Disadvantages of PVC coating (linoleum)

1. Today it is very fashionable to use environmentally friendly materials, but linoleum is not one.
2. Inferior to the beauty of a wooden floor.
3. Linoleum wrinkles under the weight of furniture. Your sofa is guaranteed to leave dents, and this is not very convenient if you consider rearranging
4. Inexpensive linoleum is rarely resistant to temperature changes. At high temperatures it will become deformed, and at low temperatures it will crack.
5. Often, linoleum looks cheap. But today, the manufacturer offers us interesting designs - imitation of any floor, be it wooden or tile.
6. Linoleum is easy to cut and scratch. If you have pets in your home, they will definitely leave their marks on the floor.

If you choose high-quality, modern linoleum, it will not differ at all from laminate. For most people, the entire negative attitude towards linoleum is “in the head”, and there is nothing justified. Try it various options Using linoleum in your home, believe me, your attitude will change dramatically, for the good.

Features of using laminate

Laminate is often called parquet, but this is a misconception. Parquet is a material made from natural wood, but laminate is a multi-layer, artificial material. (About laying laminate flooring with your own hands)

The structure of the laminate consists of:

1. Substrate. It protects the laminate from possible deformations and gives the material rigidity.
2. HDF base layer. It is in it that the lock is cut out, which will fasten the boards together.
3. Decorative paper, which gives the laminate color.
4. The top polymer layer (acrylic, melamine resin), which the coating protects from external, mechanical influences. There may be more than one layer. In this case, the quality of the floor will increase.

Laminate has different wear resistance classes. And depending on the wear resistance class of the laminate, you can select a laminate for a specific room, be it residential or public.

The household class of laminate is numbered 21, 22, 23. Commercial – 31, 32, 33. The difference in them is the degree of load that the coating can withstand.

Class 21 laminate is usually chosen for the bedroom, class 22 is usually installed in a children’s room or living room, class 23 is used for the hallway and kitchen. In the office, use class 32; in the conference room, class 31 would be appropriate. Class 33 laminate, which is designed for the heaviest loads, can be used in a store, cafe, gym.

Unfortunately, in Russia, the production of laminate of classes 21, 22, 23 has not been established. Because of this nuance, you have to purchase this coating at many times more expensive.
But in Europe, laminate is used for finishing cheap hotels and offices that are rented out.

At home, due to the durability of the coating, it would be appropriate to use laminate flooring in the hallway. There is a special laminate for the kitchen. It has moisture-resistant properties and a special impregnation is applied on top.

If you don’t know what is better than laminate or linoleum in terms of choosing patterns and colors, then you should know - in design solutions laminate is not inferior to linoleum.

It is made with imitation of a wide variety of materials and types of wood. The top layer of the laminate can be matte, glossy, or structural.

1. This building material has a low price compared to parquet.
2. With the help of laminate, you can very successfully depict a wooden floor.
3. Modern laminate does not need to be glued; it is laid using the “lock” method.

Pros and cons of laminate

1. If your room is humid and you did not use a moisture-resistant laminate, then the floor will not last long. Maximum 5 years. Therefore, it is better not to use laminate wet areas, it will be several times worse than linoleum.
2. Laminate is inferior to natural wood.
3. If a heavy object falls onto your laminate floor, it is possible that damage will be left behind.
4. If you wash laminate flooring frequently, unattractive white spots will remain on it.
5. When dust and water get into the seams between the masonry, the edge of the laminate deteriorates. The floor begins to creak.
6. If your neighbors flood you, then most likely the laminate flooring will have to be replaced. He is afraid of moisture! Therefore, in this case, linoleum is better than laminate.
7. An unexpected fact about laminate - this material attracts dust due to its static nature. Sometimes, he can even give you an electric shock! There are special antistatic agents that do not solve this problem much.

As you may have noticed, both types of flooring have advantages and disadvantages.

What unites them?

Similarities between laminate and linoleum

1. Affordable.
2. Both are not inferior to each other in beauty.
3. Both do not burn out.
4. Both are not eco-friendly materials.
5. Both coatings are from the cheap segment of materials, not prestigious.
6. Relatively stable.
7. Easy to install and does not require professional skills.

Material differences

• The washing up. These types of coatings will not bring any particular trouble to the housewife. Linoleum is not fancy. This building material is not afraid of moisture, it can be washed with water, it will not lose its original appearance. Will withstand linoleum and testing household chemicals. Laminate flooring should be washed carefully with a well-wrung out cloth. It is important not to use products that contain alkali. If stains from felt-tip pens, varnish or lipstick appear on the laminate, use acetone or another mild solvent. (Read also - What)
• Material service life. Linoleum clearly wins. Its service life is at least several times longer; as a rule, linoleum is twice as durable as laminate. This is a material that can be safely called “set it and forget it.”
• Fire hazard. Both materials are flammable because they are made from synthetic (chemical) materials. True, linoleum is a little more fire hazardous than laminate.
• Resistant to stiletto heels, animal claws and teeth. Laminate is more stable; dents and defects remain on linoleum. Scratches on the laminate, if desired, can be masked with wax, special pencils.
• If your apartment is flooded by your upstairs neighbors. The laminate will have to be changed; linoleum should only be wiped with a dry cloth.
• Convenient delivery of material to the apartment. To bring a roll of linoleum into your apartment, you will need movers. You can deliver the laminate yourself and bring it into the apartment in small parts.
• Quantity chemical elements in the material. Laminate is more environmentally friendly; linoleum can even cause an allergic reaction.
• Noise insulation. In this fight, linoleum definitely wins!
• To the touch. Linoleum is warm and quite pleasant to the touch. In a cold room, laminate flooring will seem even colder.
• Price.
• If your budget is limited, then this aspect will be decisive for you. Household linoleum is presented in the store at prices starting from 300 rubles. per sq. meter, commercial and semi-commercial options are not much more expensive - from 350 to 350 rubles per square meter. meter. The price of laminate is much higher. Prices start from 400 rubles per square meter.
• Damage. Defects on the linoleum surface will have to be masked with foot mats or furniture. You can put a patch - but it will stand out due to its joints and color. But there is a secret in laminate - you can easily remove the damaged section and insert a new one.
• In the nursery. Laminate flooring in a nursery looks beautiful, but if you have small children, then financial and emotional losses cannot be avoided! Make a choice in favor of linoleum - kids leave puddles, spill water, and the laminate becomes deformed.

The conclusion is obvious - linoleum wins in terms of its characteristics.

How to choose flooring for a specific room

It is better to install laminate flooring in the bedroom, living room and hall. It's less toxic and more stylish. Its texture is pleasant on the feet.

It is better to lay linoleum in the kitchen if you do not plan to change the floor every 3 to 5 years. However, this is a matter of taste and your financial capabilities.

For an office, it is also best to choose linoleum. Laminate quickly loses its appearance and begins to creak if you choose it for a walk-through room. Every entrepreneur knows that a beautiful office is the image of the company. Laminate flooring is very noisy, and the sound of heels can distract employees from their work, reducing company performance. For example, in American offices, carpet is often used for flooring. In our country this is practically impossible (due to dirty streets).

Floor on the balcony - which one to choose?

If you need to make a floor on a balcony or loggia, and you are faced with a dilemma, is it better to use linoleum or laminate, then choose the first option. Laminate does not tolerate rain; it will deteriorate if you do not close the glass window. Linoleum is warmer for feet. The only negative in this case is that it can deteriorate from the bitter frost.

What is better to choose for the floor on a balcony or loggia. It is advisable to choose linoleum, as it is moisture resistant and less susceptible to temperature changes. Maybe the best option There will be tiles.

We hope we have helped you in making the right choice, you need to choose building material with a special approach. It’s better not to waste time and money on choosing building material on the floor, so as not to regret later about the money spent and time lost. Do not skimp on quality, because the stingy pays twice. It’s better to pay more one day, but make truly high-quality and beautiful floors that can last for decades. Feel free to go to the store using the knowledge gained from this article.

When choosing a floor covering, of course, you want to choose something more reliable, durable, natural and pleasant. But the price natural stone, cork, as well as parquet inspires the consumer with a desire to find a more economical alternative. This is especially true for those owners who are planning only short-term cosmetic transformations. In these situations, you can compare two options for materials, namely linoleum and laminate. It would be best to consider these two flooring options based on several factors that are most important to today's consumer, including cost and shelf life.

The most important selection criteria

If you are faced with the task of deciding which is better - laminate or linoleum in an apartment, then you need to pay attention to the price of the material, external indicators, ease of installation, and safety. It is important to consider that you will most likely be laying the material yourself, so that a budget floor does not turn out to be more expensive due to the use professional help. It is also important to pay attention to how each type of material tolerates exposure to water, since you will periodically have to do wet cleaning. Sound insulation and thermal characteristics are also important qualities.

Comparison of materials by external characteristics

If you are thinking about what is better - laminate or linoleum in an apartment, then you need to pay attention to the aesthetic indicators of both coatings. Due to the fact that the described finishing materials have a fairly low price, they are both popular among consumers. The buyer in the store is presented with numerous options that have all kinds of colors and textures. You can choose both linoleum and laminate in imitation natural materials like granite, wood, marble and even leather. In this struggle, it is impossible to determine the winner based on appearance, since linoleum and laminate today are produced in very attractive design solutions.

Comparison of materials by cost

If you still haven’t decided which is better - linoleum or laminate, consumer reviews are worth considering. Initially, the advantage in terms of price is on the side of the PVC coating, which applies to linoleum. It is worth noting that its expensive natural prototype loses in this race. The laminated coating will be 2.5 times more expensive than PVC material. This indicates that linoleum is significantly cheaper than laminate in all respects. If we compare average prices, then linoleum, of course, will be cheaper.

Comparison of safety materials

If you are faced with the question of which is better - linoleum or laminate, you need to study the reviews on this parameter. The issue of safety is of great interest to consumers; it is divided into several criteria, one of which is environmental friendliness. Both materials are synthetic. Despite the fact that the laminate contains 80 percent lumber, their connection is carried out using an artificial method, which uses polymer binders, as well as chemical components. If we consider budget linoleum, then it can be classified as vinyl coverings. It is manufactured like a laminate in terms of environmental balance, however, recycling laminate flooring will be quite simple, which cannot be said about linoleum.

Consumers often pay attention to this when they think about whether laminate or linoleum is better for the bedroom. The latest version of the material does not decompose on its own, but when exposed to fire it begins to smoke. It has the ability to develop allergies in humans. In both cases, before purchasing, you need to read the certificate, which should indicate the possibility of using the coating for furnishing residential premises and public institutions. These documents must indicate the amount of formaldehyde. Experts say that this figure should be close to zero. At most, this number should be insignificant. If the product does not have a certificate, then it is advisable to refuse to purchase it.

Risk of injury

If you are thinking about whether to lay laminate or linoleum on the floor, then you also need to pay attention to the ability of each material to put a person in danger when using it. So, there is a risk of injury when moving on the surface. In order to eliminate such an unpleasant property, the manufacturer gives the surface of the coating a relief, which, at the same time, increases the realism of the simulated structure.

If a cheap laminate flooring is filled with oil or water, you can slip on it, but you need to take into account what finishing coat does not withstand exposure to oil or water, so this case can only be classified as conversation. It should also be taken into account that both types of materials described are classified as flammable. That is why, when figuring out which material is more environmentally friendly and safer, it is not possible to identify a winner in this area.

Laying features

If you are thinking about what to choose before purchasing laminate or linoleum, then you need to take into account that deviations when checking the rough base should not exceed 2 millimeters, as for laminated and PVC coatings. Otherwise, the linoleum may become deformed and tear in poor-quality areas, and as for the laminate, its locking system may require complete replacement.

The substrate must be laid under both coverings, however, such manipulations are not necessary for laying linoleum. Moreover, the reverse side of the coating is equipped with a layer of foamed polystyrene or felt. Based on this, and also taking into account your own experience, you can choose the coating that is right for you.

Economic benefits

When considering purchasing linoleum or laminate, the pros and cons of each coating definitely need to be studied. It is important to compare technological features. Thus, if you want to complete the work in a shorter time and spend less effort, then it is preferable to choose large-sized linoleum. After all, it will be much easier, because laminated boards need to be adjusted to size and connected to each other. But experts say that laying laminate flooring is not such a difficult and time-consuming task; you will only need to follow the instructions and follow the rules. However, this will still require more time, which is why it is worth considering what to choose - laminate or linoleum.

What is better, an expert’s opinion will help you understand. Experts say that linoleum can be fixed to the surface with glue or double-sided adhesive tape. This can be considered an additional expense item. Laminate floors are rarely installed by joining the elements with glue. When laying laminate using a technology called floating, there is no attachment to the base. Whereas if linoleum is laid with glue, then it will no longer be possible to correct the errors. Laminate flooring can be disassembled and reinstalled after installation. It is not necessary to do this in the same place; it is permissible to use boards in any other room. Quite often, consumers think about what to choose - linoleum or laminate when they want to install a heating system in their home. Both coatings are compatible with heated floors, whether electric or water. In the fight according to this criterion, none of the coatings breaks out into the first positions.

Best before date

If you don’t know what to choose - linoleum or laminate, then you can pay attention to one more criterion, which is expressed in terms of service life. In this matter, primacy can be given to linoleum. The owners will not have to think about replacing it for 10 years; some manufacturers guarantee the possibility of using this floor for 30 years.

If you buy a cheap laminate, it will last about 5 years, and then it will begin to lose its properties. quality characteristics and appearance. Such coverage quite often attracts those buyers who are accustomed to changing their decor every three years. If you choose a laminated floor, which is an expensive option, then its shelf life will be 10 years. If you take good care of such a floor, its quality characteristics will be better than cheap linoleum.

Practical component

When thinking about what to choose - laminate or linoleum, you also need to pay attention to the operating features of each coating. You cannot wash laminate flooring, for example, or fill it with water, as it may warp. You will have to part with such a coating after exposure to water. The maximum that you can afford with this floor is treatment with a well-wrung out rag. But the impact heavy objects such a coating will not withstand at all. However, an acrylic or melamine coating will prevent the formation of dents, protect against cigarette burns, and also prevent scratches. Caring for laminated flooring using chemicals and abrasives is prohibited. If you are thinking about what to choose - laminate or linoleum, you need to consider that the latter option can be cleaned by deck cleaning. This is true if the installation was carried out with a continuous carpet.

Such cleaning can also be carried out if there is a coating that is made up of separate sheets welded with seams. If the seams have not been welded, then you should forget about this method of care, since the substrate will be wet and become a breeding ground for mold and fungi. You can burn through such a coating quite easily, which cannot be said about the heat-resistant variety of the brand. Linoleum can easily withstand impacts, but heels and thin legs of furniture, as well as sharp claws of pets, will be destructive for it. When thinking about what is better - laminate or linoleum in terms of practicality, it is worth awarding the victory to vinyl-based material, since it lasts longer.

Sound insulation and thermal characteristics

If you still haven’t decided for yourself which is better - laminate or linoleum, then you also need to pay attention to sound and thermal insulation. The insulating properties of both materials leave much to be desired. These indicators directly depend on the thickness of the laminated boards and the presence of a substrate on back side linoleum.

If we talk about vinyl and wood chip bases, they do not interfere with the passage of noise and heat. These tasks must be performed by felt, composite layer, and expanded polystyrene. Due to the fact that the laminate is laid using floating technology and is not fixed to the rough base, the use of the substrate acts as necessary stage. Otherwise, it will clatter under your feet.

When choosing laminate or linoleum, which is better for the kitchen, you need to think about it in advance. If we talk about soft linoleum, then it does not make so much noise when you step. But if it was laid on a cement floor without using a heat-insulating lining, then the coating will be very cold. In this matter, none of the materials can be awarded primacy either.

Application area

Many consumers do not know what to choose - laminate or linoleum. What's better? An expert's opinion can help you decide. Experts say that it is definitely worth considering the appearance of the coating. For example, laminate looks somewhat more noble compared to linoleum, but it is more capricious and sensitive to moisture. This indicates that it is used less frequently in kitchens and sanitary areas. It is most often used where the need for repairs periodically arises (this applies to hallways, children's rooms, bedrooms and living rooms). But linoleum doesn’t care about all the problems. You can wipe it off from dirt as much as you like, using any means (except abrasive ones). Vinyl flooring can be installed anywhere, but it is quite rare to meet consumers who want to lay linoleum in children’s rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. Quite often it is installed in bathrooms or hallways. As a conclusion, we can say with confidence that none of the materials is without restrictions, so in this matter it will not be possible to award primacy to anyone.

Transportation Features

If you are thinking about what is better to lay - laminate or linoleum, then you first need to pay attention to the transportation features. It will be quite simple to deliver exactly the laminate, which is carefully packaged by the manufacturer in separate packs. You can even transport the material in the trunk of your car, but an elevator will help with delivery to your apartment.

In this matter, with linoleum everything is more complicated. If the kitchen requires renovation, laminate or linoleum can be laid on the floor. However, before this you need to choose one material. It should be taken into account that it will be quite difficult to handle linoleum upon delivery, since it is sold in dimensional rolls. The larger the area of ​​the room, the more the material will weigh, and the roll will be too bulky to drag into the elevator. It will be necessary to spend additional cash for delivery and loader services. When it comes to ease of transportation, laminate flooring for your home wins.

Finally

If you are thinking about what material to lay - laminate or linoleum in your apartment, then you need to consider all the parameters of each covering. If we take into account the above circumstances, then linoleum wins this race with a score of 3:1. But durability and practicality vinyl covering will not convince the consumer that it is necessary to use it, and not a laminate that is noble in appearance, which is based on material from the woodworking industry.

Quite often for the consumer important points are not all, but only a few criteria, which are expressed in cost and appearance. Buyers pay attention to whether the material is environmentally friendly. But not many people know how to verify the seller’s words are true. Quite often, certificates and other documentation are simply hidden from the consumer. You should never put up with this if you are concerned about the health of your loved ones.

Many people consider laminate flooring not comfortable enough for a living space, since it is quite difficult to move around it, for example, in slippers on a hard rubber base, without creating a lot of noise. This can be a real problem for families with small children. That is why, before purchasing, you need to especially carefully consider all the most important criteria for choosing flooring, taking into account the interests of all household members, financial capabilities, interior features, etc.

Many of us have faced renovations in an apartment or private house at least once in our lives. And if the repair involved the floor, then the question of replacing the floor covering probably arose. Some people lay linoleum or carpet on the floor, others lay parquet or laminate flooring. Naturally, there is no ideal floor covering; each material has its own strengths and weak sides. The choice of floor coverings nowadays is simply huge, and it is impossible to describe all the coverings in one article. Therefore, in this article we will look at the two most commonly used materials: linoleum and laminate.

Which is better: linoleum or laminate? Surely, many will immediately be able to answer this question with confidence. But if you ask a person to justify his answer, you won’t be able to get a clear explanation. Many people believe that laminate is definitely better than linoleum, because it is more expensive and more modern. But linoleum, whose characteristics are not inferior to, and in some ways even superior to, those of laminate, also has a right to exist. Let's look at the pros and cons of these two coatings in more detail so that everyone can decide which is better, linoleum or laminate.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate.

What is laminate? Quite often, laminate is confused with parquet, considering that it is a type of parquet. But this is not at all true, laminate and parquet are completely different materials. Laminate is, as a rule, an artificial covering that has a multi-layer structure. Most upper layer is responsible for the wear resistance of the laminate and consists of either various resins or special protective film. Under the protective layer there is a decorative coating that externally imitates various materials, such as parquet, stone or old boards. Next comes the thickest layer, which is often made of special MDF. Well, the bottom layer is polymer.

The main advantage of laminate is its resistance to ultraviolet radiation, which allows it to maintain its original color and shade throughout its service life. You can rearrange the furniture or re-lay the carpet as many times as you like and will not notice any changes in the shade of the floor covering. The laminate coating is resistant to high temperatures. For example, a dropped cigarette will not leave a scorched mark on the floor. Legs of cabinets, chairs, tables, as well as studs women's shoes are not at all scary for laminate. Caring for laminate flooring is quite simple and will not cause you any difficulties. possible without dismantling the old coating. The laminate can be laid, for example, on wooden boards or Of course, it’s not advisable to do this, but it’s possible. If you are planning to install a heated floor, then it can also be successfully placed under the laminate.

Despite the fact that laminate is so good, this coating also has disadvantages. When they say that a laminate coating is wear-resistant, this does not mean that it lasts forever. Of course, everything eventually falls into disrepair. So with laminate, having laid it, say, in the hallway or in the kitchen, prepare after some time to replace the flooring in these rooms. Laminate flooring is not recommended to be installed in rooms with high humidity and the flow of people. Laminate is capable for a long time withstand the pressure of heavy objects, but is not able to withstand impacts. So if you drop something on such a floor, the coating may be damaged. As already mentioned, caring for laminate flooring is simple, but requires the use of only high-quality detergents. If you use too aggressive cleaning agents, the coating may become covered with stains that cannot be removed. Laminate does not tolerate the hands of amateurs when laying, since the seams between the laminate panels are the most vulnerable point of this coating. Poor installation and frequent subsequent cleanings will quickly render the entire coating unusable.

Advantages and disadvantages of linoleum.

Unlike laminate, linoleum is much cheaper and this is an important advantage for many. Laminate will never be able to boast such a wide color scheme and a variety of designs, like linoleum. Almost anyone can lay linoleum without having any vocational training for this. What could be easier than laying on the floor and cutting off the excess if necessary. But, of course, it is better to entrust this operation to professionals. If you are wondering what is better than linoleum or laminate in terms of thermal conductivity and noise absorption, then laminate is an outsider. Linoleum is warm and has excellent sound-absorbing properties. In addition, linoleum can have a special PVC coating that is not at all afraid of water, so you can wash linoleum as much as you like and with anything.

The disadvantages of linoleum include the fact that over time the color of the coating becomes less saturated. Linoleum is not able to withstand long-term local heating of the surface. It is difficult to set fire to high-quality linoleum, but the same dropped cigarette will leave a lifelong imprint on the coating. If you have chosen linoleum as a floor covering, then you should think carefully about what will stand and where. This is due to the fact that furniture legs press down on the linoleum and leave noticeable imprints on it. Before laying linoleum, you need to carefully prepare the floor surface. Remove all uneven surfaces, protruding nails, etc. If you are laying linoleum on a plank floor, then it should be perfectly flat and the boards should not “move” relative to each other. If you do not comply with these requirements, then in places where there are unevenness and the slightest differences in height, the linoleum will very quickly begin to crack and tear.

As you can see, it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which is better, linoleum or laminate. Before choosing a coating, you need to take into account all the individual nuances of the premises and compare everything with your financial capabilities. Laminate is undoubtedly a modern and fashionable material, but the cost of such a coating deters many. Linoleum, of course, has disadvantages, but after reading this article, it will probably be easier for you to accept correct solution in choosing the flooring you need.

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 equipment 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.

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.

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.

TO positive characteristics linoleum include:

• low price;
• No need to keep linoleum floors clean. special effort— 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 you can do yourself;
• many options for patterns and colors;
• long service life - from 10 years.

Negative properties include:

• at high temperatures, hazardous 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;
• can't resist high temperatures(melted);
• 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.

Which material has higher moisture resistance?

Linoleum can withstand spilled water and even small floods, which is why it is often used as finishing material floor on 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. At normal conditions both materials are fully responsive to operation 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 spread 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.

Having dealt with 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 penetration high humidity from the basement, and if you immediately lay laminate flooring in all rooms, a situation may arise when, within short term the joints of the lamellas will swell and the coating will become 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 level of humidity in each room. In this case, it is recommended to lay linoleum, parquet boards or arrange traditional plank floors.
• For one-room studios it is best to use laminate, but in 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 main room and allows you to show the level of wealth of 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.
• The balcony is the room where significant differences temperatures and humidity, so you can’t use laminate in this case; it’s better to put 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

If the renovation is focused on affordable floor coverings, then you will have to choose from two options - laminate or linoleum. In both options, the price is almost the same, but the materials have their advantages and disadvantages. To make it easier for you to make a choice, let's look at the coatings separately and compare their performance and aesthetic characteristics.

Modern linoleum is associated with artificial materials. However, Frederick Walton, the inventor of this flooring, intended it exclusively as a natural covering. Over the century and a half that has passed since its creation, linoleum has been displaced main component– linseed oil. Natural linoleum is still used today, but polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is most often used as a binder. There is no point in comparing absolutely natural linoleum with laminate, due to the obvious advantages of the latter. Therefore, below we will only talk about coatings with a PVC base. Conventionally, it can be classified into three categories.

• Household linoleum. The thickness does not exceed 4 mm. It has a complex structure - most often it is a foam material, on top of which there is a decorative layer with a protective surface. This type of linoleum has a short service life, which is compensated by its low price and soft base.
• Commercial linoleum. The densest fabric with maximum wear resistance. Appearance such material is given less attention, so the choice of patterns and colors is a little limited. The surface is sometimes specially treated to reduce slipping.
• Semi-commercial linoleum. The structure is similar to the household version, but the protective layer is thicker and is at least 0.7 mm thick.

The cost of linoleum is greatly influenced by the presence or absence of a base of insulation.

Basically, the pattern of linoleum imitates natural materials - wood, marble and natural stone. In linoleum options for the kitchen, a pattern imitating ceramic tiles is often used.

Care and appearance

Laminate copes much better with imitation of a coating made of natural material. Floors made from laminate look attractive primarily because they are very reminiscent of classic parquet. Apart from imitation wood, there is no fundamental difference between laminated boards and linoleum.

Maintaining the original attractiveness of laminate flooring is much more difficult. It practically does not fade in the sun, but requires careful care. These floors need to be washed by special means. For linoleum, ordinary water is enough.

Prices

What is cheaper: linoleum or laminate? Depending on the characteristics you need, there are several answers to this question. High-quality linoleum is practically the same price as laminate, but on average, linoleum is usually cheaper. The use of natural materials in laminated boards implies high environmental safety, but also sets the price level higher than the minimum cost of linoleum.

Conclusion

Both materials have unique characteristics, and each can be used successfully in certain conditions. That is why it is most effective to use in different rooms different types floor coverings. If we are talking about a balcony or loggia, then linoleum will look better, and in the room and living room, it is more profitable to use laminate. In any case, when choosing a floor covering, start your search from the very beginning. cheap option It’s not worth it, because the main source of savings is its service life.