Which floors are better: laminate or linoleum? Laminate or linoleum: choosing what is better and cheaper for the floor in the apartment

Buyers choose flooring most often based on four basic criteria - cost, beauty, practicality and, paradoxically, fashion. Of the materials in the “economy” and “business” series, the most interesting are laminated parquet and linoleum products in all their diversity.

Elastic coatings have been produced for a little less than a century and a half. Over the past decades, the product formula and its properties have changed significantly better side. Today, linoleum is a flexible finishing material for floors and walls, produced in the form of rolled sheets or modular sections (tiles, planks).

Based on their composition, there are two types:

Natural or marmoleum

Marmoleum.

It is made from a jute base on which a mixture of linseed oil, natural resin, wood flour, pigments and other components. The surface is covered with protective wax or varnish.

The resulting elastic material is characterized by safety for children and adults, wear and moisture resistance, bacteriostaticity and slip resistance. The requirements for laying marmoleum are high, but in operation the floor covering is durable, easy to maintain and resistant to chemicals. household chemicals.

Among the disadvantages, we note the high price, as well as the characteristic smell.

Synthetic or PVC coating

A polymer analogue of marmoleum was developed more than 60 years ago, and today most collections are not inferior to natural linoleum, parquet and even porcelain stoneware in many respects. PVC material is considered more practical because it is durable, resistant to abrasion, water, aggressive household chemicals, various biofactors, and easy to use.

Thanks to various production technologies, homogeneous (single-layer) and heterogeneous (multilayer) products are produced in all price categories, from “economy” to “premium”. But the most important advantage is the huge number of decors in all sorts of shades, including new or aged wood, natural and fake diamond, glossy ceramics or matte granite, textiles and much more.

The disadvantages of PVC coating are the chemical smell (which quickly disappears) and high requirements for the base.

Both types of elastic flooring materials are available in four series:

Thus, linoleum finishing materials can safely be called universal, presentable and easy to use. At the same time, marmoleum will cost 2-7 times more than its synthetic analogue.

Laminate - pros and cons

Thin laminated parquet has been patented as a flooring at the end of the 70s of the XX century. This material was developed as a budget analogue of solid wood flooring and parquet boards. Today, laminate is positioned as a practical and durable floor finish for any budget.

Unlike linoleum, laminated coating is hard, but multi-layered. Consists of (from top to bottom):

The coating is made in all sizes, from 21 to 43. Thanks to this, laminated parquet is easy to choose for any type of room. The average service life, subject to proper installation, is 10-20 years. The advantages of the material also include aesthetics, durability, maintainability, ease of maintenance and practicality. The covering can be laid on the floor in a kitchen or bedroom, office or store, restaurant or school. But many consider the main advantage of the installation method to be “floating” locking, without the use of glue, screws or other types of fixation.

Disadvantages of laminate (HDF series): swelling upon prolonged contact with water, accumulation of static charge on the surface, a specific odor (which disappears in 1-2 weeks), the need for sound insulation, as well as high requirements for the base during installation. The latter is especially important, because the comfort and service life of the floor covering depend on it.

What to choose

Let’s make a reservation right away - we compare products only from well-known brands that strictly monitor the quality of their products and constantly certify them - Forbo, Grabo, Juteks, Pergo, Haro, Krono Group, etc.

For clarity, we will compile a comparative table of the main characteristics.

The table shows that elastic coating is cheaper and more practical, but laminated parquet, due to its rigid structure, better imitates wood. Expert opinion:

Buyers often ask what warmer. Based on this indicator, it is not entirely correct to compare coatings - different thicknesses, many subtypes of products that differ significantly from each other. A striking example is marmoleum and PVC linoleum or HDF laminate and PVC laminate.

If we take average values, then the thermal conductivity coefficient of laminated parquet is 0.15-0.33 W/(m*K), the coefficient of linoleum is 0.17-0.38 W/(m*K). The difference is obvious at first glance, but much depends on the density of the coating, cross-section, type of base and other parameters. For example, a good, calendered linoleum of a semi-commercial series has almost the same thermal conductivity as a class 32 HDF laminate with a thickness of 8 mm - approximately 0.16-0.17 W/(m*K). As a rule, sellers do not have detailed information. To get accurate indicators, ask the store for a product passport (supplied with each batch of goods) or search on the manufacturer’s website.

Often buyers try to find out what more environmentally friendly. The question is controversial at first glance. Manufacturers of laminated parquet appeal to the fact that the product consists of 90-95% wood. But they are silent about the fact that the remaining percentages are melamine, phenol-formaldehyde, urea-formaldehyde and other rather toxic compounds used as binders, surface protection and other things. At the same time, natural marmoleum is approved almost all over the world for installation in children's, school and medical institutions as the most environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic and bacteriostatic material. In the same way, PVC coatings from the “antibacterial” and “sanitary” series are approved for use. What is more harmful and dangerous in the end?

It's actually simple. A long-established certification system will help you resolve this dilemma. When conducting tests, Russian certifying organizations check the compliance of laminate and linoleum with all mandatory standards, including the presence of toxic substances in the composition, the level of their release into the air (maximum permissible concentrations - MAC), etc. Linoleum from Tarkett or Forbo, as well as laminate from BerryAlloc or Kaindl products pass all types of studies with equal success and receive a full package of documents confirming the safety of their products: sanitary and hygienic conclusion, certificate of conformity, fire safety.

There is one more important point. Some large manufacturers understand that customers are easily intimidated by various myths that are invented by marketers and PR experts who are not entirely honest. Therefore, additional certification of products is ordered on a voluntary basis. For example, Tarket has the right to label its linoleum with the Russian “Leaf of Life” sign, and the German laminate from HDM has been assigned a similar environmental identifier “Blue Angel” (Der Blaue Engel).

Thus, it does not matter what color or thickness of coating is planned to be laid in the apartment. Choose quality products, meeting Russian and international safety standards.

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Beauty, durability, reliability – these are the criteria by which flooring is chosen. The environmental component is no less important, especially in homes with small children. The last condition somewhat narrows the search for a suitable material, but the stumbling block is the price - parquet and solid wood are not a cheap pleasure. In this case, you should choose from two options - laminate or linoleum. What is better is described in this article

Beauty, durability, reliability – these are the criteria by which flooring is chosen. The environmental component is no less important, especially in homes with small children. The last condition somewhat narrows the search for a suitable material, but the stumbling block is the price - parquet and solid wood are not a cheap pleasure. In this case, you should choose from two options - laminate or linoleum. Which is better is described in this article.

What is laminate

A floor covering consisting of several layers that provides the board with the proper appearance and strength - this is laminate. Read more in this article. The coating has a classification, thanks to which the choice for a particular room will be accurate. The advantages of laminate include:

1. Durability.
2. Easy installation (even for amateurs).
3. Exceptional appearance. The board can imitate natural wood, stone, carpet, etc.
4. Easy care.

Laminate cannot be considered completely environmentally friendly due to the glue between the layers and the melamine or acrylic resin on the decorative paper. However, it is a product that is more related to wood processing than linoleum, which is most often produced from styrene.

What is linoleum

This is a type of flooring made from polymers or natural raw materials, produced in rolls - more details here.
Natural option is rare and expensive, so consumers mainly consider its styrene analogues - polyvinyl chloride, nitrocellulose, alkyd and others. The coating has the following advantages:

1. Durable. Service life is guaranteed by manufacturers up to 15 years.
2. Super easy to clean. Dirt does not stay on it. The surface tolerates any cleaning agents inertly.
3. Additional sound, heat and waterproofing - linoleum will not leak, it has a backing. A warm floor is laid under it.

The disadvantages include the possibility of damage to linoleum. He is powerless in the face of heels, falling sharp objects, and bending.

Comparison of materials by characteristics

Now, having some idea about the two types of flooring, let’s look at whether to choose laminate or linoleum, their advantages and disadvantages in relation to each other:

Appearance

Both coatings are distinguished by a variety of colors and textures. Most popular is laminate in the form of a wood board with a corresponding natural pattern that imitates expensive varieties - beech, oak, ash, maple and others.
Which, however, does not mean that it is impossible to purchase laminate flooring with a fancy pattern. Linoleum similarly imitates wood, parquet patterns, stone, even leather.
In this classification, both materials are good.

Practicality and applications

A house or apartment is a living space. Active activities take place there and the coating should not be of museum value so that you are afraid to step on it or inadvertently ruin it. What is more practical: laminate or linoleum? The first has advantages in the following cases:

It has a hard surface that is inert to impacts, walking in heels and scratches from pets' claws.
However, if damage does occur, the area will have to be replaced.
Maintainability. For laminate it is higher due to interlocking connections during installation. It is enough to simply replace one lamella with another. But if the damage occurred in the middle of the area, then a significant area will have to be dismantled.
The durability of laminate is greater - manufacturers give it up to 50 years, while linoleum, even with careful handling, can age, fade, and wear out after 15 years of service.

Laminate is considered impractical in the care sector.
It is afraid of water and requires only slightly damp cleaning - abrasives and chemicals are not allowed. For this reason, laminate flooring is not installed in bathrooms.

Now about linoleum:

It is laid everywhere - the film does not allow moisture and odors to penetrate into the structure of the coating.
Clean with anything with plenty of water (provided there is a seamless coating).
Due to the cost, the coating can be changed frequently.

Unfortunately, linoleum has more disadvantages in terms of practicality. It is irreparable - cigarette burns, holes from sharp objects and heels cannot be masked. It is customary to walk on linoleum in soft shoes or barefoot. To replace the covering, the entire floor area is dismantled.

Safety

It is difficult to decide which is better - linoleum or laminate in terms of safety. Both surfaces are smooth, which creates a movement hazard for small children and elderly household members. Both are made using polymer adhesives, which can cause allergies. But laminate is still related to wood, which cannot be said about linoleum if used polymer version– formaldehyde predominates in its composition. Before purchasing, it is important to read the instructions, which clearly indicate the installation location of linoleum or laminate - residential or Technical buildings. Important property - Fire safety. Laminate flooring is incapable of igniting from a match, cigarette butt or fallen candle - the danger arises later, when the fire ignites. Linoleum immediately begins to smolder, emitting poisonous gas - a misfortune will happen even before a fire occurs.

Possibility of self-installation

For both options, an even base is important - neither laminate nor linoleum will lie flat and in the future they may break or tear at a plane difference of more than 0.3 cm. Further, the differences:

1. Laminate requires a backing (usually foamed polystyrene or felt).
For linoleum the condition is optional.
2. Laminate flooring is easy to install due to prefabricated units. Linoleum is inconvenient to install, and if you use a single piece over the entire area without seams, you will have to work hard during installation.
3. Laminate does not require glue.
To prevent bulging, it is recommended to lay linoleum with it or use special tape.

4. In terms of time, installation of the laminate will take longer - the boards need to be adjusted and joined. However, for linoleum, it is necessary to remove all foreign objects from the floor area, measure and trim the material, which is also not done quickly.

The unifying quality of the two materials - no installation skills required. It is enough to read and follow the instructions exactly.
Details in this and other articles.

Price

Main aspect wrong choice– owners want to get quality for little money. What is cheaper, laminate or linoleum - let's look at:

Natural linoleum will be more expensive than the average laminate, as it wins according to many criteria - environmental friendliness, safety.
PVC coating is approximately 2.5 times cheaper than the average quality laminate, which has better characteristics.

As a result, laminate flooring will cost owners more than linoleum, but based on the combination of quality features and durability in operation, the expense is justified. Linoleum at a low price will suit the owners of those apartments where it is intended redecorating or they are ready to change the coating every 3-5 years. Naturally, technical version unacceptable.

conclusions

So what laminate is better or linoleum in the house? It is impossible to draw unambiguous conclusions without determining your own situation: expectations of durability, features of an apartment or house, the possibility dangerous situations and other things. Betting only on appearance and cheapness means getting an unpredictable result.

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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. For the reason that the described finishing materials They have a fairly low price, and they are both popular with 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 of natural materials such as 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 more short time and spend less effort, 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 the noble one appearance laminate, 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.

Replacing the floor - headache owners, financially burdensome and troublesome. When choosing what to buy, parquet, laminate or linoleum, they always look at how much it costs, how long it lasts and how difficult it is to care for. Parquet flooring immediately falls out of this row - the current prices for the material are beyond the means of the middle class. The indicators of the two remaining types - laminate and linoleum - are often very close to each other. As a result, a dilemma arises: what is better to choose - linoleum or laminate for your apartment or house. In order not to become “Buridan’s donkey”, who died without deciding which armful of hay, left or right, to eat, let’s compare floor coverings and find out which would be best to stop at.

Advantages and weaknesses of laminate

• High strength. This indicator can only be determined for companies from Belgium and Germany. Moreover, in the same class of laminate, the range of strength is so large that for the best examples of class 31 it can be higher than that of class 33 laminate. Manufacturers from Russia and China indicate only the class. Therefore, it is impossible to say unequivocally that the material being purchased is durable - you can buy lamellas with very low strength characteristics;
• Long service life. This indicator depends on wear resistance, and, firstly, it can be different, and, secondly, with the same indicator value it provides in one case a maximum of 7 years of operation, in the second - more than 20 years. This is explained by the measurement technique;

Conclusion: high strength and wear resistance are inherent only in expensive brands of laminate. In the middle price sector there is complete uncertainty - you can buy both.

• A wide selection of textures, colors and sizes, allowing you to satisfy the most sophisticated tastes. At the same time, laminate can visually change the size of the room: lengthen or expand, highlight separate zones in the room;
• Easy and understandable installation technology;
• High resistance to fading - a special film is applied that does not transmit UV rays;
• No laminate flooring required special care: no need to scrape, varnish or wax. You can clean the dirt with a damp cloth or paper napkin;
• Laminate boards are well resistant to sharp heels, heavy furniture, falling objects, and cigarette ash;
• Ease of transportation;
• Excellent withstands abrasive loads;
• A price accessible to a wide range of buyers.

At the same time, there are several statements that are completely untrue:

• It has good noise absorption - the opposite is true: it resonates and amplifies sounds;
• Retains heat - cannot be used as insulation due to its high thermal conductivity.

Manufacturers and sellers do not like to talk about the shortcomings of laminate flooring. And they are also significant:

• Availability in laminate up to 80% natural wood does not in any way guarantee its safety for health. The remaining 20% ​​are phenol-formaldehyde resins, which release harmful formaldehyde (chemical formula HCHO) into the air. This process occurs especially actively when installing a “warm floor” system;
• One of the main disadvantages is low moisture resistance. It swells when exposed to water, especially when it floods from above or breaks pipes in the apartment. This is a complete replacement of the floor and significant financial costs. The same result can be obtained in an apartment on the ground floor, if there is a damp basement below, and the waterproofing technology was violated;
• Another significant drawback is that an almost ideal floor screed is required: smooth, strong, dry and clean, with a height difference of no more than 3 mm per 1 m2. It is expensive, time consuming and difficult;
• The ability of laminate to resonate does not bring pleasure to either the neighbors below or the apartment owners. Correctly carried out soundproofing work partially solves the problem, but not completely. Judging by the reviews on the forums, many are trying to get rid of the noise using a thicker backing. But this is a version of the “Trishka caftan”, when, solving one problem, they create several new ones - on a thick substrate, the lamella locks are very quickly destroyed;
• The protective film of the laminate accumulates static voltage from a running personal computer. These are unpleasant sensations when walking and accumulating dust;
• Spilled grease, ink and Oil paint difficult to remove, which is why experienced professionals do not recommend installing it in the kitchen and children’s room;
• Laminate floors are very slippery after wet cleaning, which is almost never mentioned, but traumatologists are well aware of the problem;
• The floor surface feels cold, which is especially unpleasant in the autumn-winter period;
• The slightest failure to comply with the installation technology can lead to deformation of the laid floor due to sudden temperature fluctuations;
• Special care is required when installing furniture. Getting two legs on one panel will inevitably lead to the destruction of the lock.

Pros and cons of linoleum

The large number of fans of linoleum is explained by its many advantages:

• Having an affordable price (cheap), it is available to almost every family - the most expensive type can be afforded by a family with below average income;
• Long service life - in the “one-room apartments” of Khrushchev’s buildings it could last 20-30 years;
• Easy to install - most simple technology installation among all types of flooring, so any “nerd” can lay it;
• Easy care - just a mop and a rag; in case of heavy contamination, detergents will help;
• Can be laid on a “warm floor”;
• Absolute resistance to moisture; if immersed in water for several days, the material will retain all its consumer properties;
• High level of grip - it is difficult to slide on it, so it is laid in gyms and public places;
• It is a good insulator - the bottom layer of felt or foamed PVC has low rate thermal conductivity;
• Does not conduct noise - the quietest floor covering;
• Big choice according to design and colors - any design idea can be done in practice.

It is difficult to find a building material without flaws. Linoleum also has disadvantages:

• Performance characteristics change with temperature fluctuations: it becomes slippery and moves in waves at sub-zero temperatures, begins to emit substances harmful to health (no longer environmentally friendly) and shrinks at high temperatures (more than 27 degrees Celsius). Low-grade material becomes brittle and prone to deformation in the cold at the dacha;

For reference: linoleum is a chemical material, so it behaves unconventionally when exposed to temperatures: it expands where other materials contract, and shrinks where they expand.

• Constant specific smell when it’s hot outside;
• Inconvenient for transportation - you need freight transport and manual carrying, since the rolls do not fit in the elevator;
• Melts on contact with hot objects, including cigarette ash;
• Damaged (marks remain that cannot be removed) when moving furniture;

Important: in Soviet times The last drawback was circumvented with the help of lard skins - they were placed under the legs and moved. This method made it much easier to move objects, without leaving marks.

• A visible seam under which dirt constantly accumulates - attempts to glue the joint with tape or special materials do not give a long-term effect: they begin to peel off;
• Sensitive to chemical reagents;
• Requires level screed gender;
• Traces from black soles are difficult to remove;
• Material of any class will certainly shrink, as a result of which the connecting seam will separate after 3-4 years and begin to hurt the eyes. Therefore, the joints need to be hidden near the walls or use material 5 m wide.

As you can see, when determining which is better - linoleum or laminate, the considered pros and cons do not make it possible to make a clear choice in favor of one type of flooring. Therefore, we will conduct a direct comparison of materials on all technical, technological and economic indicators.

Comparative analysis of linoleum and laminate boards

To understand which is better, linoleum or laminate in an apartment, let’s compare the flooring and draw conclusions based on the following characteristics:

• price of 1 m 2 of material;
• cost of laying 1 m2;
• complexity of the installation process;
• requirements for the floor screed surface;
• possibility of disassembly (dismantling);
• life time;
• fire safety;
• wear resistance;
• resistance to UV rays (fading);
• resistance to static loads;
• resistance to dynamic loads;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• waterproof;
• thermal conductivity;
• soundproofing properties;
• environmental friendliness;
• ease of care;
• which gets polluted faster;
• use under a “warm floor” system;
• design.

Which is cheaper?

One of the main criteria for choosing a floor is its price. Therefore, you first need to decide what is cheaper - laminate or linoleum in the apartment. If we take budget building materials, then linoleum is about 2 times cheaper than laminate - the price of linoleum starts from 120 rubles/m2, laminate boards - from 260 rubles/m2.

In the premium class, the difference is even greater - 2.3 times: linoleum can be bought for 360-600 rubles/m2, laminate - for 840-1400 rubles/m2. Conclusion: in this comparison, linoleum has an undoubted advantage.

Which is cheaper to install?

In addition to the price of the material itself, the cost of laying the floor has a significant impact on the owner’s wallet. To install laminate directly, you can hire a team of builders for 250-400 rubles/m2, plus 150 rubles/m2 for laying waterproofing and underlayment. Linoleum flooring will cost from 90 rubles/m2.

Conclusion: laying laminate flooring is expensive, so linoleum has the advantage. However, when doing the work yourself, the materials have almost parity - to lay the lamellas you need a tool that you need to either buy or rent.

Which is more difficult to lay?

Laying the flooring in both cases is quite simple - even a beginner can handle the job. However, the labor intensity of the work and its complexity still make a difference - laying laminate flooring will require good knowledge of technology, attentiveness, ability to work with tools and much more time for the entire process. Conclusion: the indicator is in favor of linoleum, although with a slight advantage.

Which material has simpler requirements for floor screed?

Linoleum and laminate require an equally flat base surface on which to lay. Any unevenness affects the surface of the material - linoleum is wiped off in such places, and the locks of the laminate are destroyed.

The effect of bumps up to 3 mm in height on the floor covering is eliminated by using a backing for the laminate, felt or PVC film for linoleum (glued to the bottom of the material). For large differences in height, it is necessary to carry out additional leveling of the screed.

Which is easier to dismantle?

Linoleum can be removed in a few minutes. You will have to tinker with the laminate - very often the locks during operation are firmly glued together and are difficult to dismantle. Conclusion: removing linoleum from the floor is simpler and easier.

Which is more durable?

According to the service life declared by the manufacturers, both materials have an approximate parity of 10-15 years. However, during operation, linoleum is easier to damage: scratches from sharp objects, melted areas from an iron or ash from cigarettes, traces from moving furniture and black rubber soles.

Linoleum can break through under strong pressure, retain an impact mark for a long time, etc. The listed reasons sharply reduce its service life. Laminate is not so afraid of dynamic and static loads, it is not afraid of sharp objects - it is difficult to scratch it. Conclusion: for the first time, laminate has, at least a small, advantage - it is more practical.

Which material burns worse?

Linoleum is made from chemical components. Therefore, its ability to burn is much higher. The inscriptions on the packaging also remind us of this, where the flammability class is indicated by the letter “G” (flammability) and numbers from 1 to 4 (class). Another problem: when linoleum burns, toxic substances are released, as is reminded by the classifiers designated T1-T4 (increasingly).

Laminate does not support open flame- smoldering. However, it also releases harmful substances, however, in small quantities. All this served as the basis for laminate manufacturers not to indicate flammability and toxicity classes for their products. Conclusion: in terms of fire safety, laminate has an undoubted leadership.

Which material has higher wear resistance?

In terms of this indicator, the materials are approximately equal - in residential premises they cannot be wiped while walking. When exposed abrasive materials They also deteriorate quite quickly - traces remain that cannot be removed. Conclusion: the indicator can be ignored - none of the materials has an advantage.

Which burns out less?

There is no strict connection to a specific type of material. Everything is determined by the absence or presence of a special film (by the way, whether it is on the surface of the material or not does not affect the price) that protects the decorative layer from ultraviolet radiation. Determine availability yourself protective film difficult. Therefore, ask consultants or gym managers. Conclusion: the materials are completely equal.

Which is stronger

Here we compare the materials according to three indicators: resistance to static and dynamic loads, as well as mechanical damage. In all three characteristics, the undoubted leader is laminate. When installing furniture, it is important to prevent two or more legs from falling on one laminate board - the locks will be destroyed.

Linoleum can withstand heavy furniture, but footprints remain almost until the end of its service life. Sharp objects leave scratches that cannot be removed. When an office chair with legs is used for a long time in one place, abrasion appears on the linoleum. Conclusion: laminate is definitely stronger.

Which material has higher moisture resistance?

There is no need to go into details here: linoleum will withstand not only accidentally spilled water, but also a real flood. Laminate is hygroscopic - damp weather is enough for it to become unusable. Conclusion: if we are talking about a room with high humidity or frequent flooding, then only linoleum is needed here.

Which is warmer

Here, contrary to popular belief, linoleum is in the lead. A thin chemical material conducts heat less well than a thicker wood fiber laminate. The situation is evened out by thermal insulation of the floor under the laminate. Conclusion: linoleum retains heat better, although, as noted on the forums, it is colder in tactile sensations.

Which is quieter?

Laminate is a very good resonator. Almost everything that happens in the apartment can be heard by the neighbors below. Such a floor also disturbs the residents themselves - sounds scatter well throughout the rooms. Carrying out perfectly executed soundproofing work solves the problem by 90 percent. For example, the clicking of thin heels cannot be drowned out no matter how hard you try.

Linoleum not only absorbs all types of extraneous noise well, but also does not conduct apartment sounds to the walls and ceilings. He is the most silent floor. Conclusion: linoleum is the undisputed leader in noise absorption.

Which is more harmful?

Regarding the health hazards of the analyzed materials, the situation is a little confusing. IN optimal conditions In use, each material is environmentally friendly, so much so that a small child can play on both laminate and linoleum without any health consequences. In case of deviation temperature regime from optimal, for example, upward, both materials begin to release harmful substances into the air. But we emphasize that this is under force majeure circumstances.

Conclusion: despite the chemical components included in the materials, they are both safe for human health.

Which is easier to wash?

It is very easy to care for both types of material. If necessary, detergents can be used. The only limitation: laminate flooring must be washed with a wrung-out cloth. Yes, black shoe marks on linoleum can be easily removed with a cotton swab soaked in acetone. Conclusion: there is complete equality here.

Which gets dirty faster?

Due to the accumulation of static electricity, the laminate becomes dirty faster. But this minus, oddly enough, has its own plus: less dust on the walls, shelves, lamps and various decorative elements, which is much easier to wipe from the floor than from the items listed above. Conclusion: paradoxically, experts give preference on this issue to laminate, although it gets dirty faster.

What type of material can be laid on a “warm floor”

Became popular in Lately“warm floors” can work in conjunction with both laminate and linoleum. Manufacturers directly indicate that they can be laid on “warm floor” systems. Conclusion: there is no advantage in this indicator for any type of sex.

What's more beautiful

The varied designs of laminate and linoleum have led to the fact that it is often visually difficult to determine the type of flooring. Various colors, textures, designs allow you to realize the most unexpected decisions on flooring when decorating the interior of a room and apartment as a whole. Conclusion: both materials do not create problems for the designer.

In conclusion to the topic of which is better, laminate or linoleum, here is the opinion of an expert: linoleum is more likely kitchen view floor, although it can spread in any room of the apartment, it is less desirable in the bedroom and nursery due to its slightly noticeable odor. In addition, it is ideal for loggias and balconies. Laminate was conceived and produced for residential premises - it has a more presentable appearance. It is undesirable in the kitchen and unacceptable in the bathroom.

Which is better and in which room?

Before we begin to consider the question of what is better and in which room, let’s look at two particular issues.

1. In new buildings, linoleum should always be laid on the ground floor. While the house is not in use, it is difficult to predict what the basement will be like: damp or dry. Only when replacing the floor can you lay laminate flooring. If dampness comes from the basement, you will have to do double waterproofing: under the screed and along its top.
2. A similar situation is in a private house. Until there is clarity on the humidity under each room, linoleum should be on the floor.

Attention: in practice, there are frequent cases of disruption of water metabolism in construction site when pouring the foundation, as a result of which, in a dry area, unexpectedly appears under the building high humidity.

Returning to the main question, we note that in living room laminate is preferable. This is explained by the status of the premises: the central place in the apartment (house), where guests gather for holidays and get-togethers are held. It is here that the level of wealth and taste of the owners can and should be demonstrated, which is possible with a presentable laminate.

IN bedroom It is also better to lay laminate panels. They are odorless, look beautiful, do not collect dirt - there are no static charges. IN hallway and in corridor would be better suited linoleum - dirt from the street is easier to wash away. However, the presence of mats on both sides of the door allows you to successfully use laminate flooring in these rooms.

On kitchen and in bathroom Linoleum looks more functional - high humidity and constant water on the floor are not for laminate. On balcony there is no alternative to linoleum - regular wetting during rain excludes the option of laminate, and in the loggia you can use any of the materials in question.

Conclusion

When comparing materials for each position, conclusions were drawn. Let us summarize them and present them in a concentrated form. In terms of money, linoleum is a very profitable flooring option - its material price and installation cost are several times lower than laminate flooring.

In terms of strength, laminate is a more reliable material: it can withstand higher static and dynamic loads. It is difficult to damage it with thin heels, hot and sharp objects. If you choose more quality material, then it’s difficult to give preference to anyone here. Both materials have approximately the same service life, and both look equally beautiful. Both types of material are not hazardous to human health.