Which wear resistance class of linoleum is better and what does it mean?

Icer
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Icer May 29, 2016Specialization: master in the construction of plasterboard structures, finishing work and laying floor coverings. Installation of door and window units, finishing of facades, installation of electrical, plumbing and heating - I can give detailed advice on all types of work.

Very often, when choosing flooring, buyers cannot decide on the type that is best suited for a particular room. Many sellers recommend using linoleum class 34-43, they say that only these two options are truly reliable. In fact, purchasing these types for all rooms in the house is at least unwise, since their cost is very high; you can get by with more budget solutions.

In the photo: in order for linoleum to maintain its ideal appearance for as long as possible, you need to choose the right class of flooring

Extra options

In addition to the listed parameters, there are additional ones that you should also pay attention to when making your choice. On the reverse side of the canvas an additional classification must be indicated, namely:

1. Smoke formation. Denoted by the letter “D”. The rule here is that the lower the number, the better. There may be three variants of numbers.
2. Flammability. This indicator is indicated by the letter “G”; this criterion indicates what danger the product poses in the event of fire. There are 4 groups.
3. Flammability and flame distribution. The first indicator is designated by the letter “B”; the higher the number, the lower the quality of the material. The second indicator is indicated by “RP”; here, too, the lower the number, the better.

These parameters directly determine the safety of those who will use linoleum. All tolerances are specified in the document - GOST 30402. We can conclude that in accordance with the classes of linoleum, its purpose is determined, and therefore its application.

What kind of linoleum backing should there be?

Linoleum underlay is an additional building material that acts as a layer between the floor and linoleum. There has long been a debate among builders as to whether it is necessary to use an underlayment. Some are confident that it is desirable, and in some cases even necessary, while others are of the opinion that laying additional material is a waste of time and money.

In fact, both sides are right: in some cases it is impossible to do without a substrate, and in others it will be an unnecessary element. If a question arises about the need to use it, you must first familiarize yourself with the wide list of functions that the substrate performs:

1. Reliable sound insulation. This feature is important in multi-story buildings, as it prevents the penetration of noise from rooms located below.
2. Additional thermal insulation. This function is relevant for apartments with cold floors, for example, those located on the ground floor and above non-residential premises that are not heated. It is the substrate that can become an excellent insulation material.
3. Leveling the surface. The additional layer prevents close contact of the main floor material with the floor, levels out pits, cracks and bumps, which helps level the base and extend the service life of the linoleum. After all, the presence of flaws on the floor entails rapid deterioration of the material.

Types of substrates

There are several types of substrates:

1. Jute backing consists of fibers of plant origin. This is a unique material made from natural jute fibers. It contains a fire retardant that prevents rotting and burning. It is able to absorb and remove moisture over time without getting wet.
2. Cork consists of crushed tree bark. Its production process eliminates the use of synthetic substances. However, it has the best thermal and sound insulation properties. In addition to its high price, cork material has another significant drawback. Due to its low rigidity, its surface bends under heavy furniture. And this leads to deformation of the linoleum.
3. The linen underlay maintains natural ventilation between the floor and the floor covering. And this prevents the appearance of moisture and fungus. Since flax is used in the manufacture of this material, it is an absolutely natural product. During the production process, the material is treated with fire retardants, which prevent insects from infesting and prevent rotting.
4. Regarding the foam type, experts have long come to the conclusion that it is not suitable for linoleum. It quickly wrinkles and loses its shape without performing its functions.

Types of bases

A concrete base leveled using a special leveling mixture, concrete screed or “floating floor” is considered ideal. This is actually the best substrate for linoleum.

A wooden floor is also a good base, but if there are cracks, irregularities, nail marks or other flaws in it, then plywood 8-12 mm thick is pre-installed on top of it. It is this that will perform the function of an insulating and leveling material.

Provided that the old linoleum adheres firmly to the base and has no unevenness, torn spots or deformations, a new coating can be laid on it. Before doing this, the base needs to be degreased and glue applied to it.

Ceramic tiles are an ideal base for laying linoleum. If the tiles have come off, cracked or the tile seams have become deformed, then before installing the linoleum, all defects are eliminated using a leveling compound, only after which can you begin laying the linoleum.

TARKETT commercial heterogeneous linoleum collections

NEW ACCZENT TERRA collection series

In Russia, these collections are the most famous and in demand. It is distinguished by a pleasant chip design. The technical characteristics of commercial Tarkett linoleum of this series are also impressive.

TRAVERTINE collection series

Travertine is a type of natural stone. This is what the linoleum from this collection imitates, and very skillfully. This floor will fit well into any design.

PRISMA collection series

Very practical linoleum, which is very functional and varied in color and texture. This can be a wooden surface or abstract drawings.

ALLIANCE ULTRA collection series

Beautiful design plus modern technological innovations - this is the linoleum of this collection. Its feature is a durable protective coating with a layer of 1 mm.

FUSION ULTRA collection series

If you want to give your rooms airiness and lightness, then this collection is for you. Soft unobtrusive tones are very pleasing to the eye.

Prices for commercial heterogeneous linoleum Tarkett:

The best commercial linoleums of class 34

For rooms with high traffic, experts recommend commercial linoleum class 34, which is highly wear-resistant and durable. The flooring can be used in shopping centers, business centers, corridors of airports and railway stations. The product has a high price, which is fully compensated by its long service life in difficult conditions.

Tarkett Horizon 13

The collection of homogeneous commercial linoleum from the market leader attracts with a universal abstract pattern that will harmoniously fit into the interior of an administrative building, shopping center, school or boutique. Finishing materials are produced in accordance with GOST requirements. With a small thickness of 2 mm, it can be restored by grinding. Additional abrasion resistance is provided by a protective layer of polyurethane-based varnish.

The finishing material is highly resistant to the effects of thin heels and furniture legs. Roller chairs cannot damage the decorative layer, the absolute residual deformation does not exceed 0.1 mm. Linoleum does not promote the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms and has good resistance to aggressive chemicals.

Advantages:

• Can be used in a system with heated floors;
• Minimum water absorption;
• Abrasion no more than 150 microns;
• Environmentally friendly material;
• Antistatic.

Flaws:

Overcharge.

Tarkett products are installed on a concrete floor using glue. The range includes welding cords that make joints between strips 2 meters wide invisible.

Komitex Lin Elbrus Blues 3

Heterogeneous linoleum with a protective layer, 0.7 mm thick and a classic parquet pattern. The design is printed on calendered film, which ensures the naturalness of the print. Designed for halls of large country houses, schools, kindergartens, offices. Hygienic characteristics allow use in restaurants, cafes and food departments of supermarkets. There are no micropores on the surface that absorb dirt. No special care products are required for cleaning.

It has good color fastness; tests carried out in accordance with GOST requirements demonstrated that the standards were twice exceeded. According to user reviews, linoleum has good sound absorption. Tests have confirmed this opinion; the material absorbs up to 13 dB of impact noise.

Advantages:

• Good antistatic characteristics;
• Does not contribute to the development of microflora;
• Low abrasion – 26 microns;
• Can be used with heated floors;
• Stable linear dimensions;
• Light weight.

Flaws:

Low overall thickness.

Legend

The wear resistance class, as well as a number of additional characteristics of linoleum, can be found on the back of the canvas in the form of icons or pictures.

The meaning of the pictures is:

• the coating has antistatic properties;
• This linoleum has a low susceptibility to fire;
• the surface of the material has an anti-slip effect;
• linoleum is not afraid of mechanical damage, including from the claws of pets;
• the coating is additionally protected by a polyurethane layer;
• linoleum lends itself well to wet cleaning using any type of household detergent.

It is worth noting that for families in which small children are growing up, linoleum with antibacterial protection is preferable, which will be especially important if there are pets in the house.

Advantages

Semi-commercial linoleum is an excellent material that has a number of advantages. In addition to the fact that it is able to hide small cracks and unevenness of the floor, the coating:

• resistant to excessive wear;
• has an antistatic structure;
• not susceptible to rotting and creating an environment for microorganisms;
• unpretentious in care and installation, does not absorb moisture or dirt;
• has a wide range of colors and shades;

• has high sound and thermal insulation properties, absorbing noise and vibration;
• has an affordable price and is available to the general consumer group;
• is an indispensable attribute of creating a cozy home atmosphere;
• recognized as fire-resistant material;
• has a long service life (at least 10-15 years).

This type of flooring is unique in that it fits into any room of the house, be it a bedroom, kitchen, children's room, living room, hallway, corridor. Due to the ability to apply a clear pattern, it allows you to decorate the floor with a different effect, imitating the surface of tiles, parquet, laminate, plank flooring, natural stone, marble, etc.

Classification of linoleum

In fact, there are several classifications of linoleum. For example, it can be distinguished by the material from which it is made:

1. Natural. Mainly used in production are tree resin, lime, cork meal and linseed oil. This linoleum is considered environmentally friendly, has excellent antistatic properties and is resistant to various bacteria. In addition, it is difficult to ignite and does not absorb greasy drops.
2. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The main disadvantage of PVC linoleums is their high shrinkage, as well as a specific smell that does not disappear for quite a long time.
3. Relin. The upper part is made of synthetic rubber and a special filler with the addition of pigments. Relin is well resistant to moisture and is quite flexible.

These are 3 main types of linoleum depending on the material that is used. But which linoleum is better to choose for your home? Here it should be understood that in addition to this, depending on the conditions under which linoleum is used, it is divided into household, semi-commercial and commercial.

Commercial linoleum

How to choose quality linoleum for your home? Commercial linoleum is linoleum intended for use in public premises, light industrial premises, and public transport.

The main advantages of commercial linoleum:

1. Moisture resistance.
2. Resistant to chemicals.
3. Antistatic.
4. No fire.
5. High class of wear resistance.

It is a fairly good linoleum. Commercial linoleum is divided into two types - homogeneous and heterogeneous. How to choose linoleum for an apartment? The differences between both types are the coating structure and price. Homogeneous PVC floorings have a homogeneous structure, which allows them to maintain the brightness of colors during long-term use. More expensive heterogeneous linoleum has a multilayer structure, consisting of an upper protective layer, a middle layer reinforced with fiberglass, and a lower foam layer. This structure gives the coating strength, resistance to damage and reliability. It is easier to choose a suitable design for heterogeneous linoleum - in the manufacturers' catalogs there are a larger number of colors, textures and imitations of other materials.

Watch this video on YouTube

Semi-commercial linoleum

Semi-commercial linoleum is a universal PVC floor covering with a multilayer heterogeneous structure. This linoleum is the golden mean between commercial and household linoleum. From commercial he took wear resistance and resistance to mechanical damage, and from household he took ease of installation and ease of use.

The main distinguishing feature of semi-commercial linoleum is its weight. One square meter weighs 2-2.5 kg, while the weight of household linoleum is much less - only 1.2-1.8 kg. As for the structure, at first glance, semi-commercial linoleum is identical to household linoleum. The bottom layer is a backing made of foamed PVC and serves for sound and heat insulation (this layer is also reinforced with fiberglass - this allows you to stabilize the linear dimensions and increase the strength of the coating). The decorative layer is responsible for the aesthetic appearance of linoleum - it can be plain (the choice of colors is very large) or imitate natural stones, wood, or marble.

Watch this video on YouTube

Household linoleum

This type of coating is used for residential premises. Its thickness ranges from 1 to 4 millimeters, and it can withstand light traffic. Under severe loads, the service life is no more than 2 years. The main advantage is that it has a soundproofing effect.

The pros and cons include:

• Attractive shine;
• Wide range of different colors, patterns and geometries;
• Versatility;
• Resistance to water and moisture;
• A diverse range of uses in the apartment: in the kitchen, in the rooms, in the hallway;
• Ease of installation;
• Softness;
• Durability.

There is an opinion among some people that commercial linoleum is harmful to health. This is wrong. At least, if you purchase commercial linoleum, you don’t have to worry about this. PVC, a material considered one of the most harmful in floor coverings, is guaranteed not to release harmful substances into the environment for 10 years. Other varieties are even more environmentally friendly.

Watch this video on YouTube

Linoleum for school, kindergarten, office space

According to statistics, the most readily sold is polyvinyl chloride flooring. This is a relatively cheap linoleum, and there are many types of it. Available for purchase:

• with and without base;
• with many layers and single layer, and the base can be foam, fabric, non-woven with thermal insulation;
• a variety of colors, patterns, shades.

During installation, it easily lays on the base because it is elastic and does not contain toxic substances.

If you pay attention to the shortcomings, you can identify the following:

• after it has just been laid on the floor, there will be an unpleasant smell in the room for some time, but soon there will be no trace of it;
• when the temperature in the room is constantly elevated, shrinkage occurs, but this does not apply to those types that contain fiberglass and foam.

READ MORE: How to lay linoleum on an uneven floor

In the production of polyvinyl chloride multilayer linoleum, certain raw materials are usually used for the backing layer: fabric, jute, foamed PVC.

Be sure to include a layer of fiberglass: it is impregnated with polyvinyl chloride glue. The main one - the surface front layer with a printed pattern of polyvinyl chloride - turns out to be dense; on top there is always a transparent, very thin layer of PVC.

Dimensions

Due to the fact that there is no specific GOST for this type of product, manufacturing companies have developed their own standard parameters that make it possible to determine that this material belongs to the semi-commercial class of floor coverings.

Standard indicators characterizing the canvas include:

• total thickness of linoleum, ranging from 2 to 4.5 cm;
• thickness of the protective layer (polyurethane top), varying from 0.3 to 0.6 mm;
• weight per square meter, equal to 2 to 5 kg;
• canvas width ranging from 1.5 to 4 and 5 meters;
• abrasion, having an indicator of 10 - 15 g/sq. m.

Characteristics of commercial linoleum

Wear resistance and classes

Both types of commercial coatings are particularly durable. Due to their high wear resistance, they have performed well in industrial and public spaces. The European standards that flooring must comply with are common to both types of linoleum. According to the EN-685 standard, there is the following classification of linoleum:

• Class from 21 to 23 – for residential premises;
• Class from 31 to 34 – for public premises;
• Class from 41 to 43 – for industrial premises.

Commercial types of linoleum can be 34, 41 or 43 classes. In a public building with extremely high loads, material of class 34 will be good. And in industrial premises, flooring of class 41 to 43 is laid.

Sometimes a dilemma arises: which linoleum to prefer, heterogeneous or homogeneous type. It may seem that the last one wins, since its pattern does not fade over time. However, the wear resistance of both types of commercial coatings is approximately the same. After all, heterogeneous linoleum has the strongest protection from pure polyvinyl chloride, which is very difficult to erase.

If you pay attention to the technical characteristics of commercial homogeneous linoleum, you will find that its composition, in addition to PVC, contains some fillers that give it weight and an even appearance after installation. However, the presence of additives clearly reduces strength. It is, of course, better protected from mechanical damage, but in terms of elasticity it is inferior to its heterogeneous relative. Note that the price for these coatings is approximately the same.

Fire characteristics and exposure to chemical environments

Each type of commercial linoleum can withstand long-term exposure to chemically active substances. Also, these materials have a good ability to self-extinguish (as soon as the source of flame is eliminated). They are materials with slow flame propagation over the surface when exposed to an independent energy source. They do not spread flames on their own. As a rule, commercial types of linoleum belong to fire hazard class KM 2; all materials with this class have:

• Flammability G1 (slightly flammable);
• Flammability B2 (moderately flammable);
• Smoke-forming ability D2 (with moderate smoke-forming ability);
• Toxicity T2 (moderately hazardous);
• Flame propagation RP1 (non-propagating).

Lifetime

These types of linoleum can be compared in terms of service life with flooring materials such as ceramic tiles or marble tiles. According to European standards, this means that for as long as 10 years, a load of up to 10 tf can be applied to one square meter of coating every day. And after this, the linoleum will remain safe and sound, and its appearance will not change. Such floors serve properly for at least 15 years.

Roll width

A roll of homogeneous type linoleum has a standard width of 2 m - no other width is provided. But heterogeneous material is available in a wider variety of sizes - it can be from 2 to 4 meters with an interval of 0.5 meters.

Environmental standards

There can be no complaints about these floor coverings - after all, they are carefully tested for safety, fully complying with international standards (such as ISO 14001 and ISO 9001). Therefore, you can safely lay commercial linoleum in any room of a residential building without fear that it will smell bad or emit anything toxic. However, before purchasing, you need to make sure that your flooring has all the necessary environmental certifications.

Appearance of linoleum

If you compare commercial homogeneous coatings with household ones, you can see that their colors are different. Here you won’t see wood or parquet patterns, multicolored colors and patterns. Usually this is either a monochrome pattern or a pattern that includes no more than 3 or 4 colors. Something neutral, speckled or finely grained.

If there is a general background, then there may be individual inclusions on it, the shade of which differs from the background color. This was invented specifically to disguise dirt. After all, usually, with minor dirt, the floor looks exactly like this. When linoleum is laid in public buildings, this fact is very convenient.

Several examples of the appearance of homogeneous linoleum.

But the appearance of heterogeneous commercial linoleum can either repeat the textures and abstractions of its younger brother - household linoleum, or be similar to homogeneous.

Total thickness and protective layer thickness

The thickness of all types of commercial coatings is classified according to EN-428. Typically this parameter is 2 mm. For heterogeneous linoleum, there is another standard - EN-429. It determines the thickness of the PVC protective layer. Typically, for heterogeneous linoleum, it ranges from 0.7 to 1 mm, however, in some collections, the technical characteristics of commercial heterogeneous linoleum may be different. This happens when the material has a specific purpose.

Other characteristics

• One square meter of commercial linoleum weighs on average from 2.8 to 3.2 kg.
• Noise absorption varies from 6 to 10 decibels.

Advantages and disadvantages of middle class linoleum

Very often, this type of linoleum is called an improved household coating, which is inherently a practical and multifunctional product. Among its main advantages are the following criteria:

• no traces from the legs of heavy furniture due to the high strength of the coating;
• moisture resistance, easy to wet clean, and does not deform when in contact with detergents;
• ease of washing and cleaning;
• the presence of a large assortment of designs and color solutions that can easily decorate both domestic and office premises;
• service life, which is on average 10 years; subject to operating rules, this period can be significantly longer;
• affordable cost, compared to more expensive commercial options.

Commercial linoleum does not have any disadvantages as such. It fully complies with the declared characteristics and can be used for various types of buildings, except industrial ones, characterized by medium and high traffic levels.

How is it different from residential and commercial?

Linoleum is classified, first of all, by the thickness of the protective layer, which determines its resistance to mechanical load. The commercial type is the strongest, it can even be used in a factory floor or in a large shopping center, where a lot of people are constantly moving. The household version is soft, suitable mainly for bedrooms and living rooms. That is, for those parts of the house (apartment) where people do not walk very actively.

Any semi-commercial linoleum is based on foamed polyvinyl chloride (unlike household linoleum, in which fabric can also be used). The substrate is responsible for holding the layers together and gives rigidity to the entire structure. Next comes the decorative layer, which uses single-color or brightly interspersed paintings.

It is also possible to imitate other finishing materials (logs, boards, masonry). The thickness of the protective surface is 0.4-0.6 millimeters (which is more than usual).

Installation of flooring of all three main types is carried out in the same way:

The subfloor should be made perfectly flat - the slightest defect will immediately affect the outer layer and not only spoil the mood, but also shorten the service life of the linoleum. For this purpose, the old coating must be dismantled, and the new one is laid on plywood, plasterboard or chipboards.

• The surface to be finished needs to be measured and any of its features taken into account. Having discovered unevenness in the walls, it is better to buy coatings in excess; a few centimeters on all sides will cost little, and will save a lot of time and nerves.
• Trimming after adjusting the patterns is carried out along a ruler with a sharply sharpened knife. Smooth joints are obtained using a simple technique - the linoleum is laid overlapping and the intended border is carefully cut to the base, then the cut points are connected by cold welding.

Types of linoleum by material

What types of linoleum are there? Below is a classification according to the material from which the coating is made.

1. Natural. Composition of linoleum: lime, tree resin, linseed oil and cork meal. It has excellent antistatic properties, does not absorb grease and is not susceptible to fire.
2. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). What it is made of is clear from the name. The base can be different: non-woven, foam or thermal insulation. In addition, the coating can be either single-layer or two-layer, which affects its density.
3. Alkyd (glypthal). This type is made using alkyd resins and pigments based on woven material. Technical properties: fragility, high level of heat and noise insulation.
4. Rubber (relin). It is based on bitumen and crushed rubber that was used; The top layer is synthetic rubber with backfiller. This type of flooring is flexible and moisture resistant.
5. Nitrocellulose (colloxylin). Unlike previous varieties, it does not have a base. It is a thin elastic material that is resistant to moisture.

Despite the variety of manufacturing materials, it is PVC linoleum that is most popular among consumers

Wear resistance classification

Such a criterion as wear resistance is one of the most important when choosing a floor covering. Wear resistance is the ability of the flooring surface to withstand regular mechanical loads.

Each material model is assigned a two-digit number, where the first digit indicates the type of room, and the second indicates the wear resistance of the top layer of coating. Before assigning certain parameters to a material, the manufacturer carries out all the necessary tests. It is worth highlighting the following load levels, which are divided into categories:

• Low load level.
• Average load level.
• High and intense load.
• Increased load.

Room type

If the floor covering label shows the number 2, this means that you are considering household linoleum. On the packaging, the production usually indicates a house. Among the advantages it is worth highlighting:

1. Lowest cost.
2. The material is pleasant to the touch and comfortable to walk on barefoot.
3. Excellent thermal insulation performance.
4. Variety of choice.
5. Environmentally friendly material.

In these models, the thickness of the protective layer is approximately 0.1-0.35 mm, while the total thickness is in the range of 1.5-5 mm. The service life is approximately 5 years, depending on the conditions of use.

• 21st grade. This is a soft material that experts recommend laying in places where there is low load. These could be bedrooms, dressing rooms or storage rooms.
• 22nd grade. An average load is acceptable here. An excellent solution for arranging floors in children's rooms, living rooms and bedrooms.
• 23rd grade. This category is considered the most common and is in demand more often than others. Suitable for installation in places with increased dynamic load, for example, corridors, halls.

If the number 3 is indicated in the floor covering marking, this means that you are considering commercial linoleums; you might also have heard the name - office. The packaging usually indicates the production location is an office building. The service life reaches 15 years. Among the advantages it is worth highlighting:

1. Wide variety of textures and colors.
2. Increased wear resistance.
3. Very dense structure.

The thickness of the protective layer is in the range of 0.3-0.6 mm. Suitable for use in areas with high traffic.

• 31st grade. This is an excellent choice for offices of bosses and accountants. Where there is not particularly high traffic of people. These could also be hotel rooms.
• 32nd grade. Features improved characteristics. Suitable for kindergartens, shops and reception areas. This option is often chosen for the home, since for a very low cost you get a truly reliable floor covering.
• 33rd grade. Highly durable material. This is an excellent solution for office spaces with high traffic levels.
• 34th grade. This option is the most reliable and durable. It is chosen for installation in supermarkets, airports, and train stations.

If the floor covering is marked with the number 4, this means that you are dealing with industrial linoleum. The factory indicates production on the packaging. This type of coating is used exclusively in industry. Since the material is subject to increased criteria, the manufacturer offers a very limited color option. The service life of such coating is at least 10 years or more. The thickness of the protective layer is 0.6 mm. There is one significant drawback - high cost.

• 41 class. It is used in production, where mostly sedentary work is required. These can be workshops, technical control departments and others.
• 42 class. Suitable for use in almost any industrial premises. The exception is those in which special equipment moves.
• 43rd grade. This type of material is the most durable and high quality. Suitable for use in rooms with high traffic intensity of both people and equipment.

Wear resistance classes and other important criteria

Let's figure out what indicators are important when choosing linoleum. It is worth noting that the Soviet version of the classification, which was used in the last century, is no longer relevant in our time. And although domestic manufacturers are guided by GOST standards when manufacturing coatings, its labeling is brought into line with European requirements, and that is what we will deal with.

Markings - all the symbols you need to know

First of all, you need to understand one simple truth: it is almost impossible to determine the wear resistance and quality of linoleum by eye. The overall thickness, brightness of the pattern and other visible signs do not allow us to determine how reliable the top layer is applied to the coating, but wear resistance depends on it.

Simply put, nondescript linoleum of small thickness can be much more reliable than a beautiful thick coating with a bright pattern.

When choosing a specific option, first of all consider the quality of the product, and not the beautiful design

As for the designations that you should study first, they correspond to the European classification of floor coverings EN 685, that is, you can easily understand both domestic and imported products, which is very convenient and practical.

If you understand the markings, you can easily choose not only linoleum, but also laminate, parquet and other types of floor coverings. Therefore, carefully read and remember all the information presented in this review.

In addition to wear resistance, it is also necessary to take into account such an indicator as abrasion. There are four main groups:

It should be understood that abrasion and wear resistance are different concepts, so linoleum with a thin layer of coating of group “T” will be approximately the same in strength as material of group “M” with a thick protective coating.

In industrial versions of products, appearance is given secondary importance, the main thing is the reliability of the coating

The main marking consists of two numbers, each of which carries certain information about the product.

For clarity, the information is presented in the form of a diagram, and below is a brief description:

One number indicates the type of room, and the second indicates the degree of load for which the coating is designed.

• The first indicator shows what room the linoleum is intended for. The number “2” indicates that the coating is perfect for residential premises, the number “3” suggests that the material is made for office premises, and the value “4” indicates that linoleum can be used in industrial facilities;
• As for the second number, it indicates the degree of load for which the material is designed. Everything is simple here: the higher the value, the more reliable the material.

Linoleum for residential premises

Let's start with this option; this includes all products in which the first digit of the marking is “2”; products in this group are designated in the form of a house. That is, if the packaging has an icon like the one shown below, it means that this is a household version of the coatings.

This is the designation for linoleum for residential premises

The main advantages of this option are as follows:

• The most affordable price among all options;
• Good thermal and sound insulation performance, especially for options on a special non-woven backing;
• Linoleum is very pleasant to the touch, it is comfortable to walk on even barefoot, which is very important for residential premises;
• A wide selection of patterns and textures, you can choose the best option for almost any room;
• Environmental friendliness – this group of products is subject to increased safety requirements for human health. Therefore, products must necessarily have a hygienic certificate stating that the product meets all established standards.

The thickness of the protective layer for products of this type is from 0.1 to 0.35 mm, the range is wide, so try to choose options with a more reliable coating.

Classes of application of linoleum for residential premises:

• Class 21 is the most budget-friendly of all, but its reliability leaves much to be desired. It is most advisable to use it in the following rooms: bedrooms, dressing rooms, storage rooms, living rooms;

In the picture, the low load level is shown as one person

• Class 22 is suitable for rooms with an average degree of surface load. Most often it is used in living rooms (if the family consists of 2-3 people), children's rooms (if the child is small or, conversely, is already an adult and does not run around the room), in kitchens (again, if the family is small);

This is what the class 22 marking looks like, there are already two people in the picture, which indicates the average strength of the coating

• As for class 23 , this is the most durable coating option for household use. The surface is much more resistant to loads, so this material can be used in corridors, hallways and other rooms where traffic is quite large;

A high degree of load on the marking is shown as 3 people, as you can see, even without digital symbols you can immediately understand what kind of linoleum is in front of you

As for manufacturers, there are several main brands:

• The products are found almost everywhere and are distinguished by a wide selection of decors and a rich range of colors. As for the cost, in retail it starts from 150 rubles, and it should be noted that even the lowest class products have very decent quality;
• The Sinteros brand is also one of the market leaders, the choice of options is also decent, and the quality is at a good level. As for the price, it is approximately the same as the option described above;
• Utex linoleum is popular due to its affordable price; there are many inexpensive options in the collections of this manufacturer. The price starts from 140 rubles at retail, although the majority of products cost from 200 to 300 rubles;

Office option

This type of linoleum is otherwise called semi-commercial, which means that it occupies an intermediate position between household and industrial options.

As for the main features, they are as follows:

This is the marking for office type linoleum

• The product has an increased level of wear resistance, so it is successfully used in both residential and office premises;
• The variety of colors is quite large, although there are significantly fewer of them than in household options;
• Products of this type always have a multilayer structure, and the coating thickness can range from 0.3 to 0.6 mm.

As for the classes of this type of linoleum, they have the following features:

• Class 31 is used where the load on the surface is quite small: in executive offices, conference rooms, hotel rooms, and office premises that are not intended for receiving visitors;

This is how the option we considered is labeled

• Class 32 has good wear resistance; at the moment it is one of the most popular options, both for offices and for houses and apartments where the load on the floor is high. As for the direct purpose, this option is intended for offices with heavy traffic of people, reception areas, various boutiques, etc.;

If you like an option with this marking, feel free to take it, as it has excellent wear resistance

• Class 33 linoleum is very durable, so it can be used in large office centers, on corridors in general premises, in classrooms and auditoriums;

Class 33 can withstand even significant loads

• The most durable and reliable option is class 34 linoleum; it meets the highest strength ratings and can be used in the most critical places: airports, train stations, supermarkets and other places with high foot traffic.

Class 34 linoleum can be used in any public institutions

As for the manufacturers, they are similar to the group of products described above, but the price tag is significantly different, it is two or more times higher:

• The cost of Tarkett products starts from 370 rubles;
• Linoleum "Utex" will cost about 300-400 rubles per square meter;
• Sinteros brand coatings cost around 350 rubles;

It is worth noting that materials of class 23-32 are approximately the same in terms of performance, it’s just that the second type will most likely have a greater thickness.

Industrial linoleum

This option is used only for industrial purposes due to its high strength.

It is almost never used for residential premises, but for commercial properties it is indispensable. As for the features, several factors need to be highlighted:

The commercial version of linoleum is indicated by a factory icon

• The cost of this option is several times higher than others, which is not surprising, because the most expensive components are used for its production and the most raw materials are used;
• The choice of colors is not very diverse, since in manufacturing quality is much more important than design;
• The thickness of the protective coating is 0.6 mm or more, which provides excellent wear resistance;
• The service life is from 10 years, which is also very important, because changing the floor covering every few years is too expensive.

Now let's look at the classes of this type of product:

• Class 41 is used in industrial premises where the load on the floor is low and workers mainly spend time in a sitting position. This option is often used in clothing factories, enterprises producing precision electronics, etc.;

This linoleum is suitable only for enterprises where workers mainly sit

• As for class 42, it is used much more widely, because the coating can withstand significant loads. It can be used in any type of production where a large number of people move on the surface, but machinery and loading and unloading equipment do not travel;

This option perfectly withstands very intensive movement of people

• The strongest and most durable option is class 43; there is simply nothing more reliable than linoleum. As for the scope of application, it is most often used in rooms in which, in addition to people, various mechanisms move.

Class 43 does not have high decorative appeal, but its strength meets the highest standards

The production of this product option is not established at all enterprises; most often the products of the following companies are on sale:

• Tarkett linoleum is presented in a large number of options, the cost of one square meter starts from 600 rubles;

Where equipment moves, only the 43 class variant can be used

• you offer industrial coatings at a price starting from 570 rubles, the range of options is small;
• Another brand that offers commercial linoleum is “Ideal”; the price of the material starts from 630 rubles.

Imported samples will cost you even more, although their quality is unlikely to be higher.

Features of the classification of floor coverings

There are many types of flooring available on the market today, each with a wide variety of durability characteristics.

The wear resistance of linoleum is the ability of the material to resist mechanical loads acting on it during operation. The category of mechanical loads includes impacts such as friction when walking, friction from rolling wheels and moving various objects along the surface of the coating.

The wear resistance class of linoleum reflects the ability of the material to withstand one or another degree of load without damaging its surface.

The wear resistance of linoleum may depend on its thickness (single-layer or homogeneous linoleum), on the thickness of the protective top layer (multilayer or heterogeneous linoleum), as well as on the amount of its abrasion (the rate of thickness loss depending on the load). Depending on the degree of abrasion, linoleum is divided into four categories:

1. highly abraded (group F);
2. moderately abraded (group M);
3. slightly abraded (group P);
4. practically indestructible (group T).

At the same time, it is necessary to understand that abrasion and wear resistance of linoleum are completely different concepts. For example, linoleum with a thin layer of material, which has abrasion class T, and linoleum with a thick layer, which in terms of abrasion parameters belongs to class M, can have almost the same degree of wear resistance.

In order to determine under what conditions a particular type of linoleum can be used, you can use the data of the European classification system for floor coverings EN 685, which is also used in Russia.

According to this classification, premises are divided into three categories: index 2 has residential premises, index 3 – office premises, index 4 – industrial premises. Another index of this classification regulates the intensity of the load on the floor: number 1 - low load, 2 - medium, 3 - high load, 4 - very high. The class of the flooring is indicated by a pictogram depicting little men and a house, as well as two numbers. For example, the digital designation 21 can be deciphered as a residential premises with a low load, 32 – an office premises with an average load, etc.

We understand the wear resistance classes of linoleum

Types of material Linoleum classification system Conventions Number of layers of linoleum

It would be worth noting that thanks to the latest production technologies, modern linoleum is becoming more and more similar in appearance to laminate, parquet or ceramic tiles. In any case, the buyer will not be disappointed if he chooses this particular flooring option.

However, in order to purchase a truly high-quality and durable coating that will not cause owners problems during operation and maintenance, it is worth knowing about its main characteristics. Perhaps the most significant indicator is the wear resistance class of linoleum. How to determine it, what it affects and what its varieties are are further in the material.

But for installation in a home environment, it is preferable to choose an insulated covering on a felt basis, for example, which will provide coziness and comfort. Another important point is that the strength class of linoleum affects its cost, so if you are planning to install such material at home, then there is no point in buying an expensive heavy-duty coating that you would rather get tired of than become unusable.

Is linoleum popular today?

This coating is very convenient not only in residential buildings, but also in offices and industrial enterprises - it is used with pleasure as the most reliable coating that is not afraid of dirt, many external influences, and cleaning such a coating is easy and without any problems.

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There are so many types you won’t find in the store these days. Therefore, it is necessary for the owners of housing construction, businessmen for their own enterprises, and directors of industrial production, if they decide to improve their establishments, to understand the quality and area of ​​​​use of this magnificent coating.

What it is?

Semi-commercial linoleum is a type of floor covering made of polymer materials, occupying an intermediate position between household and commercial class linoleum. It is an option developed by modern industry with the aim of reducing the shortcomings of building materials and increasing their quality technical indicators.

Its performance characteristics are not much inferior to its commercial counterpart, which is the best in the line of linoleum floor coverings. It is distinguished by its high density, which is formed by fiberglass.

The material has another name - “office”, because such linoleum is excellent for places with high traffic, having a structure that is resistant to mechanical damage and abrasion. Another name for it is the meaning of “reinforced household linoleum”.

This is a floor covering widely used in offices, clinics, kindergartens, shops, and public institutions (cafes, salons, restaurants). It is a separate line of linoleum classes, combining the best qualities of household (classical) and commercial analogues. This is a durable coating that is resistant to intensive use, convenient and easy to install.

What types of linoleum does Tarkett produce and what are their features?

This manufacturer has been operating in the flooring market since 1886. In Russia he is the leader of the popularity rating. After all, linoleum produced by the international company Tarkett is distinguished by its beauty, environmental friendliness and special resistance to wear. It lasts for an unusually long time without losing its appearance. Today the following types of Tarkett linoleum are produced:

• household type;
• commercial heterogeneous type;
• commercial homogeneous type.

TARKETT household linoleum

This coating is very versatile - it is most in demand in Russian conditions. Buyers love its modern and stylish look, reliability and practicality. They are especially attracted to colors and textures that skillfully imitate natural materials. After all, it is much easier to lay linoleum than to make tile or laminate floors. And visually it looks almost the same.

By the way, laying this flooring is not difficult at all. And it doesn’t require any special care, so Tarkett household linoleum can be used in any residential premises. Let us also note its absolute safety for human health.

TARKETT commercial heterogeneous linoleum

This type of flooring is suitable for those rooms where the load on the floor is large. This type of linoleum has a top protective polyvinyl chloride film that is thicker than that of household linoleum. And its base is particularly compact. Thanks to all this, the design does not wear off for a long time, and the floor does not lose its attractive appearance, without requiring special care.

TARKETT commercial homogeneous linoleum

This type of flooring is the leader in durability. It is suitable for any public premises with the highest traffic. The word “homogeneous” in the name means that the material is completely homogeneous - from the base to the surface. So, throughout its service life, the coating can be restored many times, giving it its original appearance. Homogeneous commercial linoleum is ideal for schools, hospitals, clinics.

What is semi-commercial linoleum TARKETT

In addition to household and commercial linoleum, semi-commercial linoleum is also distinguished in Russia. But in fact, there is no such type of linoleum in Europe. The thing is that semi-commercial linoleum is still the same household linoleum, but the technical characteristics of Tarkett semi-commercial linoleum are significantly improved, but are slightly inferior to commercial-type linoleum.

The best non-flammable commercial linoleum

IVC Concept is an antistatic, conductive, non-flammable (NG) linoleum that has the appropriate fire safety certificates.

Recommended as a floor covering in general education, preschool, secondary specialized and higher educational institutions, as well as medical institutions of various profiles, hotels, holiday homes, boarding houses, in particular on fire escape routes

IVC Concept is considered one of the best in terms of fire safety and performance characteristics. It has an additional protective polyurethane layer Superguard (PU), additionally covered with a film on top.

Foamed PVC polyvinyl chloride provides good heat and sound insulation. High fire resistance is confirmed by the corresponding KM2 certificate.

Pros:

• flame retardant;
• low flammable;
• does not spread flame;
• combustion products are slightly toxic;
• beautiful design, wide palette of colors;
• choice of widths 2, 3, 4 m;
• high resistance to abrasion and mechanical stress;
• stain resistance;
• excellent noise absorption;
• affordable price for linoleum of this level.

Minuses:

• when ignited, produces an increased amount of smoke;
• some types require matching according to the pattern.

Functions:

• commercial coverage for preschools and schools, medical institutions, hotel-type facilities;
• recommended for installation on fire escape routes in high-traffic areas (airports, train stations, shopping centers).

Characteristics:

• fire safety - KM2 (G1, V1, RP1, T2, D3);
• thickness – 2 mm;
• surface layer – 0.7 mm;
• width – 2 m, 3 m, 4 m;
• roll length – 25 m;
• wear resistance – 34/43;
• weight – 2.758 kg/m²;
• anti-slip coefficient – ​​R10;
• abrasion - T;
• residual compression after mechanical impact – 0.16 mm;
• noise absorption – 7 dB;
• color fastness – 6.

Technical characteristics of Tarkett household linoleum

Collection FORCE

Very dense and durable linoleum, which is distinguished by its variety and sophistication of design. It can perfectly imitate both cold marble and a wooden surface, warm and cozy. There are also abstract colors in calm tones. Linoleum from this collection is very popular - it is well suited for both office floors and apartments.

Collection IDYLLE NOVA

This material is distinguished by increased strength - for example, you can safely walk on it in stiletto heels. And sharp metal furniture legs will not damage the floor at all. This linoleum will save heat and muffle noise well - there is no need to fear the discontent of the neighbors, if anything happens. It also has an additional textile base, thanks to which it is not afraid of temperature changes. So don’t be afraid to lay it in your country house.

If you like to have fun with friends, throwing noisy parties, if your house is always full of guests, then linoleum from this collection will suit you very well. After all, it can withstand heavy loads perfectly.

Collection PASTORAL

Linoleum with increased wear resistance is suitable for rooms in an apartment or house with high traffic. And in the office it can be laid where the load is moderate. Calm wood-like colors or elegant ornaments will add coziness and charm to the atmosphere.

MODA Collection

A very attractive price plus excellent quality - that’s what this material is, which has stood the test of time with dignity. Its voluminous texture with the inclusion of chips and abstract drawings allow you to make the room original and modern. A thick and dense protective layer will save the floor from scratches and abrasion. And thanks to the large selection of widths, you can lay this linoleum with virtually no waste.

Collection GALAXY

Abstraction, “wooden” design, and marble chip design go perfectly with office spaces. However, this flooring would be quite appropriate in an apartment. Moreover, it is suitable for installing heated floors.

SPRINT PRO Collection

The linoleum from this collection surprises with its variety of not only widths, but also patterns and textures: there is wood, stone, cork, and tile. It, like the previous one, is produced using calender technology, which imparts special strength and density. This floor will look great in an apartment or small office, school or kindergarten.

Collection GRAND

This collection is distinguished by delightful and varied decors - you won't be able to take your eyes off them. These can be fancy lines, exquisite patterns, as well as classic herringbone or cork parquet. Thanks to a unique development - the “living structure” relief - linoleum is indistinguishable from a natural material both in appearance and to the touch. And its solid thickness (4.5 mm) makes it possible to use it in any home room.

DISCOVERY Collection

This collection brings us closer to nature, with its smiling sky after rain, rays of sun on a tree trunk, a basket full of mushrooms, and the singing of a nightingale on a May night. Eco-linoleum perfectly conveys all the charm of natural materials, and at the same time does not harm nature. You can decorate any corner of the planet in your home by visually making the floor stone, wood or even fur. Thanks to the realistic relief, this floor is very pleasant to touch, especially with bare feet. And the EXTREME PROTECTION coating makes it extremely durable.

FAVORITE collection

Those who want to create a sophisticated palace atmosphere in their home will love this collection. Classic, strict and elegant parquet, tinted wooden floors or an original designer’s flourish - all this will immerse you in the world of luxury and splendor. And if you close your eyes and carefully touch the linoleum, you can feel yourself in another world, fabulous and beautiful. The “living structure” wonderfully creates the illusion of a natural material, and the durable polyester coating gives linoleum a long life.

Collection MAESTRO

Each of the six colors of this collection looks beautiful - classic or palace wood, marble tiles, and imitation solid boards. Realistic relief perfectly emphasizes the beauty of linoleum.

Collection HARMONY

This is truly harmony - a combination of the texture of living and warm wood with a variety of patterns and colors. Such linoleum will satisfy the most sophisticated taste, and the already familiar “living structure” allows you to magically be transported to a forest thicket, filled with the noise of leaves and the chirping of birds. And the world around will become calmer and more harmonious.

Collection MAGIA VIVA

This collection has everything: wood, textile surfaces, and ceramic tiles, so pleasant to the touch. The floor looks unusually realistic (thanks to the same “living structure”), but it is also very practical and durable.

PRESTIGE Collection

Once again, a luxurious collection with exquisite patterns that would be appropriate in royal chambers. The realistic relief that perfectly conveys the texture and the EXTREME PROTECTION coating make this linoleum suitable for any room.

IMPERIAL DELUXE Collection

Avant-garde designs and fantastic combinations of patterns, luminous sparkles and an abundance of textures - all this makes it impossible to leave indifferent. The linoleum in this collection is truly unique in design.

Collection EMPIRE

This is a classic that always remains relevant. Wooden surfaces or tiles with patterns - you can choose one of eight colors.

PREMIUM Collection

This collection is truly innovative. It gives not only a rich palette of colors, but also a shimmering “Majestic” effect, giving the floor some mystery. This linoleum also has a durable EXTREME PROTECTION coating, so it is also very durable.

EUROPE Collection

This is one of the main collections that has a long history. The wonderful design and rich color palette made it one of the most popular.

Prices for household Tarkett linoleum:

Which linoleum to choose for apartments and houses

In apartments or country cottages it is recommended to lay natural or PVC linoleum. These are environmentally friendly, healthy materials that are designed for an average of 5-10 years of service. They do not require complex care. What type of linoleum for the floor to choose depends on the purpose of the room.

Kitchen, dining room

People spend most of their time in the kitchen, so the flooring is subject to constant stress. When washing dishes, splashes fly. When preparing food, grease settles on all kitchen surfaces, including the floor. Linoleum of at least 32.33 class is suitable here. This coating is not afraid of even falling cigarette ash or a lit match.

For kitchens you need to choose a material of at least 32, 33 classes.

Living room, hall

These are relatively quiet rooms with an average level of load. Partially the floor is covered with carpet, so there will be little wear on the linoleum. A rational solution would be to purchase household class 22, 23 or semi-commercial class 31.

For the hall you need to choose a material that can withstand an average level of load.

Bedroom

In the bedroom, the flooring takes on minimal loads. Mostly people only sleep here, so class 21 household coverage is more than enough. The thickness of the material is also not important.

As a rule, linoleum in the bedroom takes on minimal loads.

Balcony

If the balcony is not heated and serves only as a place to store things, then you can choose a cheap household covering of class 21. Temperature changes may cause it to deform. However, in a small area it most likely will not be noticeable.

For a small balcony, class 21 linoleum is suitable.

If the owners plan to spend a lot of time on the loggia or balcony, they should give preference to a thicker coating.

Children's

Children spend maximum time in this room. Here they play, learn lessons, dance, draw, and receive friends. The floor must withstand heavy loads. Semi-commercial 32, 33 class will be a smart choice. Experts recommend not saving on children’s health, so install natural coating instead of PVC. Especially if the child is prone to allergies or has asthma.

The floor in a children's room must withstand loads. Preference should be given to materials of classes 32 and 33.

Differences from residential and commercial

Semi-commercial linoleum is the golden mean between household and commercial counterparts. It is better than household and lighter than commercial, while being a worthy option for flooring for a home, cottage, or apartment.

Semi-commercial linoleum has a number of differences from analogues of other classes. It is stronger than household coating, so it is not afraid of sharp heels, chair legs, and furniture casters. This linoleum differs in weight: if you compare a canvas measuring 1 square. m, the weight of a semi-commercial coating will be one and a half times more than a household one and much less than its commercial counterpart.

Other parameters include load resistance and price: semi-commercial coatings are more expensive than household coatings and cheaper than commercial coatings. The service life also differs. Semi-commercial linoleum gets boring and becomes outdated faster than it wears out without losing its attractive appearance.

Differences between household and commercial linoleum

The main difference between these types is the purpose - household brands are used for installation in residential premises, or in small offices with a small number of people. Commercial models are designed for more severe operating conditions. They are thicker, abrasion resistant, and are not afraid of water. There are also semi-commercial types, which are a group of mid-level materials. All materials have different prices, household ones are cheaper, and commercial types have the highest cost.

Externally, household and commercial brands are practically no different from each other.