Which is better: laminate or linoleum? Expert opinion Which is better: laminate or

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

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

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

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

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

Care and appearance

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

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

Prices

What is cheaper: linoleum or laminate? Depending on the characteristics you need, there are several answers to this question. High-quality linoleum is practically not inferior to laminate in price, but on average, linoleum is usually cheaper. The use of natural materials in laminated boards implies high environmental safety, but also sets the price level higher than the minimum cost of linoleum.

Conclusion

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

Better, more durable, more pleasant, more reliable, of course, are natural floors. However, the cost of parquet, cork and natural stone often inspires the desire to find an economical alternative. Especially if the owners are planning only short-term cosmetic changes. In such situations, predominantly two fighters enter the flooring ring, each of whom stands for the budget materials club. Let's see who wins the battle: linoleum or laminate - which will look better, cost less and last longer.

Criteria for the upcoming fight

Let's try on the status of an independent referee, impartially assessing the opponents, and distribute the rounds. We will choose the winner in single combat based on the following qualities:

• aesthetic indicators;
• cost framework;
• safety;
• ease of installation, because We obviously assume that the buyer wants to settle in with his own hands;
• operational terms;
• attitude towards water, wet cleaning and household care products;
• thermal and sound insulation properties;
• scope of use;
• vicissitudes of transportation.

We will make verdicts after comparing the “fighters” according to each of the criteria.

Consistent comparison of consumer qualities

Round one: aesthetics

Both types of flooring are understandably popular due to their affordability. The result was the supply to the market of a considerable number of brands with a wide range of designs. The buyer is offered numerous options so as not to group comrades by taste and color. In both cases, you can choose imitation wood, marble, onyx, granite, even reptile skin, abstraction, etc. True, a couple of decades ago linoleum was classified as a “soviet” coating, but new options completely refute the old opinion. Draw.

Round two: price

The initial preponderance of forces is on the side of the PVC coating, i.e. linoleum. Note, not its expensive natural prototype, created from a mixture of resins, oil, wood and dolomite flour, applied to a jute base, but a synthetic material with a very low price. The difference between the cheapest representatives of linoleum and laminate will be a multiple of approximately two. The middle link of a laminated parquet will be approximately 2.5 times more expensive than a PVC coating of the same class. There are no upper limits, because The brand names of the competition participants are sometimes more expensive than parquet.

In the championship under the motto “which is cheaper: laminate or linoleum,” the last fighter wins.

You can glue linoleum to a concrete floor with your own hands, if you know how and what is the best way to do it. We'll tell you about this in our article: .

Round three: safety

The concept is versatile, so we will cover each of the facets:

• Ecology . Both opponents belong to the category of synthetic materials. Despite the 80% content of lumber waste in the laminate, their connection is still carried out artificially using polymer binders and chemical adhesive components. Budget linoleum is generally more correctly called. The production of both laminate and vinyl material does not upset the balance of the environmental situation, but recycling laminated floors does not cause difficulties, and disposing of old linoleum is not so easy. It does not decompose on its own, and when burned it smokes terribly.
• The ability to cause allergies. In both cases, before purchasing, you need to study the certificate, which indicates the possibility of its use for furnishing housing and public institutions. Information about the maximum concentration of formaldehyde should also be indicated there. It is desirable that the number indicating it persistently tends to zero. In extreme cases, it was an insignificant number with one, two, or better yet three zeros in front of it. If the product does not have a certificate, you should refuse to purchase it.
• Risk of injury when moving. In order to eliminate this unsightly property, the coatings are given a relief, which at the same time increases the realism of the simulated structure. They say you can slip on a damp or oil-filled cheap laminate floor, but... You can’t fill it with water or oil, so these cases belong to the category of conversations.

Attention. Both types of budget flooring are classified as combustible finishing materials.

Many people are tormented by the question - is it possible to put laminate flooring on loggias? We will analyze in more detail the conditions and features of installation, and also help you choose the coating and substrate in the material: .

Conclusion: in clarifying the questions of which material is safer and which is more environmentally friendly: laminate or linoleum, there are no clear winners. Each criterion has caveats, just as there are pros and cons to both options.

Round four: styling

Let's start with preparation. Deviations when checking the rough base with a 2-meter lath applied to the floor plane in an arbitrary direction should not exceed 2 mm, both for laminated floors and for PVC material. Otherwise, the linoleum will be deformed, frayed, or even break through in poor-quality areas, and the locking system of the laminate will be damaged and the floor will have to be completely replaced.

The underlay is placed under both coverings, but it is not necessary for laying linoleum. Moreover, if the back side of the PVC coating is pre-equipped with a layer of felt or foamed polystyrene. Economic plus.

Let's compare the technological qualities of our rivals:

• Laying large panels of linoleum on the floor is faster and easier than cutting, adjusting and joining laminated boards. However, it is not an extremely complex, time-consuming job; it simply requires compliance with step-by-step instructions and takes more time.
• Linoleum must be attached to the base with glue or double-sided adhesive tape. This is an additional expense item. Laminate floors are now extremely rarely constructed by joining boards together with glue. according to the floating scheme, they are not attached to the base.
• Errors in laying linoleum “planted” with glue cannot be corrected. Laminate flooring can be disassembled into strips and laid again. Not necessarily in the same place.

Both coatings are compatible with water and electric underfloor heating systems. Verdict: the score is again “draw”.

Round five: service life

Unconditional primacy behind linoleum. You won’t have to think about replacing it for 10 years, and a number of manufacturers sincerely convince you of 3 dozen years of blameless service and issue guarantees for this period.

It will not be possible to use cheap laminate for more than 5 years. On average, 2-3 years, which attracts those who like to frequently change the furnishings and decoration. An expensive commercial class laminate floor will last 10, and with good care, even more years, but its cost is significantly higher than cheap linoleum.

Round six: practical side

Laminate flooring cannot be washed, much less filled with water, as it will warp. You will have to part with him. Maximum rare care with a very thoroughly wrung out damp cloth. Strength testing by impact with a randomly dropped heavy object should be abandoned. But its acrylic or melamine protective and decorative coating will not allow stains to be absorbed, will protect against match and cigarette burns, and will not allow scratches to appear.

Attention. Caring for laminate floors with chemical solvents and abrasives is not permitted.

Linoleum can be washed using the “deck” method if it is laid with one continuous carpet. Just like vinyl covering, made up of several panels with welded seams. If the seams are not welded, you should forget about the deck maintenance method, because... a wet substrate can become a breeding ground for fungi and mold. You can burn it without much effort, except for a heat-resistant brand. Linoleum is indifferent to impacts, but it does not respect stiletto heels, thin legs of heavy furniture, or the sharp claws of pets, and a dropped corkscrew or knife blade can leave a hole in it.

Let's draw a balance and decide what is more practical: laminate or linoleum. We award the victory to vinyl material, taking into account the fact that it lasts significantly longer.

Round seven: heat engineering with sound insulation

The insulating qualities of both materials compared leave much to be desired for further improvement. They directly depend on the thickness of the laminated dies and on the presence of a backing on the back side of the linoleum. By themselves, neither vinyl nor particle boards prevent the passage of heat and noise. This work is done for them by polystyrene foam, felt, cork or a composite layer.

High-quality artistic laminate is a worthy replacement for block parquet. You can read more about what kind of coating this is, what types there are and how to install it yourself on our website:.

Because The laminate is laid using a floating method and is not attached to a rough base; the use of a backing is a necessity. Otherwise, it will “clack” under your feet. Soft flexible linoleum does not respond to footsteps as noisily. However, a cement floor finished with linoleum without an insulating backing will be incredibly cold. In short, it's a draw.

Round Eight: Scope of Use

The laminated floor looks a little more noble than its rustic rival, but it is very capricious and sensitive to moisture. Therefore, it is not used in hygienic rooms and kitchens. Most often they are used where repairs need to be done with a certain frequency: in children's rooms, in hallways, and less often in living rooms and bedrooms.

Linoleum doesn't mind all the troubles. You can wash and scrub it as much as you like using any means. Only an abrasive is undesirable if it is not homogeneous, i.e. full-thickness dyed material. The top layer of a homogeneous coating can also be erased due to abrasive action, but this cannot be determined visually. In theory, vinyl flooring can be placed wherever you want. True, there are rarely fans of arranging linoleum floors in bedrooms, children's rooms, offices, and living rooms. This “workhorse” serves in kitchens and bathrooms, and works great on the floor in hallways.

Conclusion: no material is without limitations. Draw.

Round nine: transportation

It is easier to deliver laminate to the site neatly packaged in easily transportable bundles. You can transport it in the trunk of your personal car or deliver it to the apartment by elevator. It’s more difficult with linoleum: it is sold in rolls. The larger the area of ​​the room to be finished, the more the inconvenient, too tall package with a height of 2 or more meters will weigh. Sometimes you won’t even be able to fit it into the elevator. You will need to splurge on delivery and loader services. Laminate won.

So what's the end result?

The score is three-one in favor of linoleum. However, neither the practicality nor the long-term durability of vinyl flooring will convince those who have made a firm decision to purchase and install laminate flooring. We sincerely wish them success in the difficult path of independent finishing.

What to give preference to - what to choose laminate or linoleum?

When completing a new home or completing a major renovation, any happy owner of a renovated space wonders which flooring is best to choose.

The variety of materials can be overwhelming, but laminate and linoleum have become the most popular in recent years.

To figure out which one is best for a particular room, you need to know at least a little more about them.

Today's market is filled with different types of laminate flooring, which differ in color, pattern, quality and cost. It should be noted that different types of material may differ in price, but this does not mean that they have a big difference in quality.

Characteristics

Laminate is a panel 15-40 cm wide, its length is 1-1.5 m, and its thickness varies from 4 to 12 mm.

It consists of several layers, each of which plays its own role.

This top layer is used to determine the class of the laminate.

Coating properties

Laminate panels, like any building material, have their positive and negative qualities.

Advantages

Laminate is light in weight, but can withstand greater loads than wood flooring. It is moisture resistant and hygroscopic, it does not crack. Thanks to the protective film, it is resistant to scratches and abrasions.

This also includes its resistance to ultraviolet radiation - it does not fade or change color over time.

Its practicality is obvious, since once you install it, you can forget about the problem of repairing the floor for decades.

Environmental friendliness

Laminate is based on natural materials and does not contain resins or formaldehydes harmful to the human body, unlike other floor coverings.

Its production is subject to high material safety requirements, so it can be safely installed in any room of the house or apartment.

Aesthetics

Laminated film perfectly imitates the pattern of any texture, be it wood or stone.

The laid laminate flooring is almost impossible to distinguish from natural parquet. Designers use this material for general interior design, using its aesthetic qualities.

Hygiene

Since laminate is moisture resistant, mold cannot grow on it. The material is easy to clean - just regular wet cleaning is enough.

The laminate panels fit so tightly against each other that dirt particles cannot get between them.

This can also be attributed to its positive properties.

Flaws

This flooring has significantly fewer negative qualities than positive ones, but they still exist:

• some types of laminate can attract dust and small debris due to the fact that they can accumulate static electricity;
• the material is not able to make the floor as warm as natural parquet can do.

These are almost minor negative points compared to all its advantages. But it should be noted that these shortcomings are completely correctable.

Linoleum is a rolled flooring material. It is available in several types and with a variety of patterns, has many colors and shades. It can be easily selected to suit every taste and any interior.

Characteristics

• Linoleum is produced in different thicknesses - thin and insulated, in widths of 1.5 m, 2 m, 2.5 m, 3 and 4 m.
• The thickness of the baseless thin coating varies from 1.2 to 1.6 mm.
• Insulated has a foam backing from 2 to 4 mm, and linoleum with a warm thick base can have a thickness of 1.5 cm.

If thin linoleum is laid, the floors under it are leveled to perfect condition.

A coating on a thick base can easily hide small irregularities.

Types of linoleum

This flooring is available in several types and from different materials:

This material is also divided into homogeneous (single-layer) and heterogeneous (multilayer) types:

• Heterogeneous linoleum consists of several layers. The first, lower one is a foamed or insulated backing, followed by a decorative layer with a pattern and a transparent top one - a protective film.
• Homogeneous linoleum is a material whose pattern runs throughout its entire thickness, so it is not afraid of abrasion. This type is good for laying in places with high traffic.

PVC linoleum does not tolerate temperature changes well; it is deformed when it significantly increases or decreases.

The disadvantage of this type of flooring is that it does not tolerate low temperatures well, it becomes brittle and can break.

Its bottom layer consists of recycled rubber mixed with bitumen, which is covered on top with rubber, to which fillers and pigments have been added.

Positive and negative qualities of linoleum
Advantages

Linoleum has a large number of positive qualities, which is why it is very popular:

• Affordability makes it possible for even a family with an average income to purchase the most expensive option;
• Easy to maintain - linoleum does not require much effort when cleaning, It is enough to wipe it with a damp cloth or walk over it with a vacuum cleaner;
• The material makes it possible to move around it silently, which contributes to the creation of comfort;
• A coating on a warm substrate, having a thickness of 1.5 cm, can create good sound insulation for the floor in an apartment;
• Linoleum has a fairly low thermal conductivity, so the floor will not be cold, even if you lay linoleum on a concrete floor.

Naturally, in this case it is better to choose thick linoleum on a warm backing;

Flaws

The flooring also has its disadvantages, which you also need to know about:

• The material is not made on a natural basis and is an artificial product. The exception is natural linoleum, but it has not yet become widespread;
• Not resistant to chemical influences (solvents, dyes);
• reacts to changes in temperature conditions, while it becomes fragile and can be deformed;
• Vulnerability when coming into contact with hot objects;
• Traces from furniture placed on it remain on the linoleum, which are not subsequently removed;

Moving furniture on this flooring is strictly prohibited, as it can be easily fatally damaged, it may become deformed or, at best, scratches will remain on it.

Material comparison criteria

If you are faced with the question of choosing between these materials, you need to make a comparison and identify all the pros and cons of linoleum and laminate.

Floor coverings have not only fundamental differences, but also similarities, so if you rely on them, the materials can sometimes become interchangeable.

comparison table
What rooms are the materials suitable for?

Laminate and linoleum are divided according to strength by the criteria of cross-country ability, i.e. wear resistance. Public organizations and buildings need a coating that can withstand the passage of a large number of people for a long time; office premises also need to be covered with reliable, durable material. Therefore, floor coverings are available in several classes.

Laminate classification

It is indicated on each package with two numbers, the first of which indicates the intended use for residential or non-residential premises, and the second indicates the degree of strength of the coating:

• material for living rooms is indicated by numbers from 21 to 23,
• for non-residential and work premises from 31 to 33.

But it should be noted that recently many manufacturers are refusing to produce laminates of class 21-23, since materials of class 31-33 are more popular, since in terms of their environmental friendliness they are no different from coatings for residential premises.

• 31 - laminate for offices where there is no heavy load on the coating, also good for bedroom ;
• 32 - material for public organizations with more intensive traffic, for the home, it good for living room, balcony and bathroom ;
• 33 - laminate for rooms with heavy traffic, where it bears heavy loads, for example, shops and hotels. In residential premises, this class of coating is installed in the hallway or kitchen.

Classification of linoleum

Linoleum is also divided according to wear resistance; there are three classes:

• Household - this material is used in residential premises.

It has high wear resistance and environmental safety, and this is one of the most important requirements for this floor covering.

It can be placed in any room of the apartment, it will last quite a long time.

• Semi-commercial - this class is intended for office premises and catering organizations; it has wear resistance for average traffic.

This class of linoleum is rarely installed in residential premises, since it is not necessary.

• Commercial is the most wear-resistant and durable class of linoleum.

Therefore, it is laid in public buildings such as shops, schools, hotels, etc.

When choosing a floor covering, you need to take care not only of its aesthetic value, but also of its environmental friendliness.

Choosing the right wear resistance class will help save your family budget. Based on all the data received, it will not be difficult to choose the right option.

What to choose linoleum or laminate - advantages and disadvantages of materials in comparison

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

Characteristics of linoleum

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

The material that we used to call linoleum is actually a polymer-based coating or PVC coating. It is actively used in public institutions - hospitals, schools and kindergartens, in office premises and even in residential buildings and apartments. Further, by the term “linoleum” we will mean PVC material (read also: “Which linoleum is better for the kitchen: types and features of materials”).

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

Manufacturers produce three types of synthetic linoleum:

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

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

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

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

Advantages of PVC coating

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

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

Disadvantages of synthetic linoleum

Laminate characteristics

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

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

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

Advantages of laminate

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

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

Negative sides of laminate

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

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

Comparative analysis of laminate and linoleum

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

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

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

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

Operating time

The service life of linoleum is from 30 years.

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

Fire hazard

Both materials burn well, but linoleum is considered more fire hazardous than laminated flooring. In this case, the question is also relevant: what is more harmful - laminate or linoleum. Toxic combustion products of linoleum are much more dangerous to human health (more details: “Is linoleum harmful to health - criteria, composition and classification of the material”).

Resistance to mechanical damage and scratches

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

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

Ability to withstand flooding

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

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

Transportation

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

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

Environmental friendliness

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

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

Noise absorption

When walking on linoleum there is practically no extraneous noise.

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

Thermal insulation

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

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

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

Where and what kind of coating is best to lay?

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

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

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

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

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

What to choose: laminate or linoleum? Compare and draw conclusions

Linoleum or laminate?

Good linoleum and laminate cost almost the same, but many people like the look of laminate more, but its durability is questionable. What to choose – laminate or linoleum? It is difficult to give an objective answer to this question, because a lot depends on the tastes of the owners of the premises.

There is some bias when evaluating a floor covering such as linoleum. Many people consider it a relic. Often in Internet discussions one comes across such an apt definition in relation to linoleum as “scoop”. Well, what kind of objectivity can there be here? However, when making a decision, you need to be guided by reason, not emotions. Let's figure it out Which is better - linoleum or laminate. comparing these two floor coverings.

Linoleum. Advantages and disadvantages of linoleum

What we call linoleum should actually be called " PVC coating" Real linoleum is a floor covering made only from natural raw materials (linseed oil, tree resin, wood flour, limestone powder and jute fabric). However, such natural linoleum is really expensive and is not sold in every building materials store. The flooring that we are used to seeing in the homes of our compatriots, as well as in offices, kindergartens, schools, etc. - this is nothing more than a PVC coating. That is, an artificial material based on plastic, which was first popularly and then officially called “linoleum”, although in fact it is not.

Of course it's unreasonable compare natural linoleum and laminate. which is a completely artificial floor covering. They are in different weight categories. As a rule, if the problem of choosing between laminate and linoleum arises, then we are, of course, talking about synthetic linoleum, and not natural.

Linoleum in the kitchen

There are three types PVC linoleums. commercial, semi-commercial and household. Commercial linoleum– the densest, suitable for use in high-traffic areas. This type of linoleum is purchased for flooring in educational, medical, retail, office and other public premises. As a rule, commercial linoleum has the additional property of anti-slip, so it is not only the most durable, but also safer.

Household linoleum Suitable only for residential premises, as it is not as durable and reliable as commercial ones. But household linoleum is available in the largest number of colors: you can choose a plain linoleum or one that imitates boards, parquet, masonry, tiles, chips, etc.

Linoleum "under the tiles"

There is a huge assortment of colors and semi-commercial linoleum. It is more durable than household ones, and therefore its service life is longer. Semi-commercial linoleum is laid both in residential premises and inside public buildings. However, for factory floors, warehouses, etc. semi-commercial linoleum is not very suitable - for such premises it is better to give preference to commercial PVC coating.

Wood-like linoleum

- low cost;

— a wide variety of colors, which allows you to choose flooring for the interior in any existing style;

- ease of laying flooring - in principle, anyone with strong enough hands can lay linoleum in a medium-sized room;

— linoleum has low thermal conductivity, so floors with such a coating are rarely cold;

- linoleum does not rot, since there is nothing there to rot - after all, it is made of synthetic materials;

— floors covered with linoleum are not noisy;

- linoleum may have such an important additional property as anti-slip;

- even good linoleum that does not have “anti-slip” is not slippery;

- the shelf life of linoleum is 30-50 years - this is called “set it and forget it”; However, the appearance of linoleum even after ten years may leave much to be desired.

- linoleum is an artificial material, it is significantly inferior in quality, environmental friendliness, and beauty to a wooden floor;

- linoleum can be pressed under the weight of furniture - if a table or sofa has to be rearranged, dents will most likely remain on the floor;

- inexpensive linoleum is sensitive to very high and very low temperatures - in the first case it can be deformed, in the second it can crack;

— linoleum looks cheap (subjective opinion, but it is shared by many). However, here you need to take into account that modern linoleum from leading flooring manufacturers can imitate any floor - wood, tile, etc. Moreover, the imitation is very high quality and realistic, so the appearance of linoleum may be no different from laminate. Consequently, when assessing the appearance of linoleum, one’s own attitude towards this material is often included.

Linoleum: does it really look as cheap and outdated as many people think?

Laminate. Advantages and disadvantages of laminate

It is also called laminated parquet, but this is fundamentally wrong. Laminate has nothing to do with parquet, because parquet is wood, and laminate – artificial multilayer finishing material. consisting of a substrate, an inner (main) layer of chipboard or MDF, decorative paper that gives the laminate its color, and the laminate itself, that is, the top polymer layer that protects the coating from external influences. Laminate. By the way, it may include several additional layers that improve the quality of the floor.

Laminate is divided into several wear resistance classes - depending on the class, laminate is chosen for a particular type of room: residential (21-23), public (31-33). Wear-resistant laminate is purchased for offices, childcare centers, gyms, cafes, shops, etc. as well as for residential premises with high traffic (halls, hallways, corridors). There is also a special moisture-resistant laminate. It is also called “kitchen laminate.” The edges (joints) of these laminated “planks” are moisture-resistant impregnated.

Laminate, like linoleum, can imitate various materials - wood of various species, stone, ceramics, metal, sand... The top layer of the laminate can be glossy, matte or structured (imitating the structure of a particular material - for example, wood).

Laminate imitating stone

- low cost compared to parquet or tiles;

— a wide variety of colors, the ability to imitate a wooden floor very realistically;

- ease of installation, since modern laminate does not need to be glued - the laminate is installed using the “locking” method.

Laminate under tiles

— the service life of ordinary (not moisture-resistant) laminate in wet rooms (kitchens, hallways) usually does not exceed 5 years;

— laminate is an artificial material that is significantly inferior to natural floor coverings;

— the laminate coating (top layer) may be damaged if a sharp and/or heavy object falls on the floor;

- improper care of laminate flooring and washing it too often can negatively affect its appearance - in particular, indelible light spots may appear on the surface of the coating;

- even with proper installation that fully complies with the requirements, the seams will not be airtight, which means that moisture, sand, and dust can get into the joints. This gradually leads to deterioration of the edge. As a result, the quality of the floor will deteriorate, the panels will become movable, the coating will begin to creak;

— if the laminate is flooded with water, it will most likely need to be replaced.

So, both linoleum and laminate have advantages and disadvantages. So which flooring is preferable? Let's compare.

Laminate or linoleum: which is better?

- do not burn out;

- are not natural;

Have you thought about this too? This means that you and I are colleagues. It’s not for nothing that they say that the problem of choice makes a person unhappy. For several days I puzzled over this question, calculated, cut out, looked for where it was cheaper. As a result - bought laminate. To tell the truth, initially I was leaning towards linoleum. There were several reasons for this. But, after weighing all the pros and cons, counting all the costs, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages, I came to the conclusion that laminate is more suitable for me. In this review I am going to tell you why I came to this decision. I'll show you at the same time how to choose laminate flooring, what to pay attention to, what a home craftsman will generally need in order to lay the flooring himself. Believe me, unlike, which is best left to professionals, anyone with arms, legs and, naturally, a head can handle laminate flooring.

Frankly, at first I wanted to cover the floors with linoleum. At that time, it seemed to me that such a coating would be cheaper, would last longer, and was somewhat easier and faster to install than laminate. However, over time, I became more and more convinced that the latter has many advantages that linoleum does not have.

Let's try to compare these two coatings based on their main characteristics.

Thermal conductivity

If you put thin linoleum on a concrete base, then it will not be very comfortable to walk on such a floor barefoot. Cold. Stone - even artificial - is stone. And playing while sitting on the floor with a child would also be very problematic. Look, not the cheapest linoleum has a thickness of only 2-3 millimeters:

If you put it directly on a concrete screed, then walking on the floor barefoot will be cold even in summer, not to mention winter. Of course, even among inexpensive options there are examples with a thicker backing. The thickest linoleum that we managed to find in the OBI store had a thickness of 4.2 mm

However, even such a layer will not be a panacea. In addition, the cost of this particular linoleum is 799 rubles per square meter:

Mentally multiplying it by 103 square meters that had to be covered, adding about 15% for scraps that inevitably remain during installation, I received a sum of about 95 thousand rubles.

But it wasn’t even these considerable expenses that stopped me from buying. In the end, coverage is not purchased for one year, and you can spend money. The matter was completely different.

I was not sure that if I laid such linoleum on a concrete base, it would be possible to walk on the floor barefoot - the way we are all used to. Of course, you can put the coating on a porous thermal insulation substrate, but in this case, when walking on the floor, you will feel as if you are walking through a swamp, slightly sinking at every step. This will be especially noticeable at first, until the substrate settles in. What will the floor look like in those places where furniture legs press on it? Can you imagine?

You can also first cover the floor with some kind of wood-plywood layer, and then put linoleum on it. But I had to immediately discard this option, because, on the one hand, I would have to reinstall the doors, and on the other hand, significant additional costs were somehow not included in my plans.

In addition, the store simply did not have a suitable option for linoleum with the roll width I needed - 3.5 meters. I didn't like the ones that were available. Either too bright, or with a pronounced pattern, selecting which when connecting individual pieces, for example, in doorways, is a long story and a waste of material.

In a word, after wandering around in the linoleum department, I realized that nothing here suits me. I don’t know about you, but I absolutely don’t want to see such a drawing under my feet in the next 5-10 years:

Like in some district clinic :).

With laminate the situation is somewhat different. It is based on the so-called hardboard. To put it simply, it is wood dust bound with resin and compressed under high temperature. The thermal conductivity of the material is very low. Laminate itself is a good heat insulator and insulation material.

In addition, it is on average two to three times thicker than linoleum. The usual thickness of laminated boards is 8mm. There are slightly thinner ones (6-7 mm) and thicker ones (9-11 mm). But, as you can see for yourself, even the thinnest laminate is thicker than the thickest linoleum. In addition, the laminate is laid on a substrate with a thickness of 3 mm. Even if it shrinks over time and becomes thinner, we will still have a thicker coating with an additional thermal insulation layer.

Thus, the laminate looks more attractive in terms of thermal conductivity.

As for the price, on average, budget laminate options cost about 400-600 rubles per square. This is approximately comparable to linoleum with a thickness of about 3 - 3.5 mm. The benefits of laminate are obvious.

Moisture insulation

If you lay out the linoleum correctly and avoid unnecessary joints, then such a floor will “hold water” perfectly. This means that it can be washed with a regular mop with water without fear that the liquid will penetrate into the substrate and some unpleasant processes will begin there. In addition, if you accidentally spill water from the kettle, it will also remain on the surface. You can assemble it without much difficulty.

Of course, all this works as long as we don't make holes in the linoleum. Not on purpose, of course. For example, we dropped a knife - there was a small hole, but it turned out. They moved a heavy cabinet unsuccessfully and tore a bigger hole. We tripped with a slipper on the joint of two pieces in the doorway - you understand what happened. There’s no need to talk about moisture insulation here. Gradually, focal accumulations of mold may form in such places, and this is not very pleasant.

Photos from the Internet

If you “heat” the room according to all the rules, in the sense that there is plenty of water and slippers float on the surface at the level of the window sills, then the linoleum will have to be “lifted,” turned over and dried. In principle, there is nothing impossible about this, but working with a piece of flooring with an area of ​​20-30 square meters, and even alone, will not be very convenient. Especially when you consider that you will have to temporarily put the furniture somewhere.

Thus, the convenience of linoleum in terms of retaining liquid is beyond doubt only when it is new. Over time, the coating loses its wonderful properties and at some point must be replaced.

If we are talking about laminate, then its waterproofness does not stand up to criticism at all. Spilled water quickly finds the cracks between the individual planks and penetrates downwards, where it meets the substrate. If the latter is laid correctly, then the water remains on its surface and then gradually dries out. If this happens once and the water is quickly removed at least from the surface of the coating, then nothing bad will happen. With regular exposure to moisture, the laminate begins to swell with all the ensuing consequences.

The problem is partly solved by a special gel that is used to impregnate the joints, but this is still not a panacea.

On the other hand, laminate has one undeniable advantage: the entire coating consists of individual planks. If any specific elements of the coating are swollen or scratched, you can easily replace them with new ones. The main thing is to have some kind of emergency reserve. In the case of linoleum, you will have to change the entire coating or arrange a beautiful patch.

Soundproofing

If we talk about inexpensive single-layer linoleum options, then their sound insulation is practically zero. In thicker multi-layer versions, especially if there is a fleecy or porous layer, sounds are partially muffled.

Laminate laid directly on a concrete floor has even worse performance. But usually it is laid on a substrate, which somewhat improves the situation. One way or another, laminate is a fairly noisy material. Try to spill something small on it, for example, parts from a children's Lego set, and you will immediately understand what I mean.

In other words, in terms of sound insulation, linoleum looks like a better choice.

How much does laminate cost?

This is an important question. We have already discussed it in part and found out that if you do not strive for super quality and do not rely on imported materials, then the cost of laminate flooring can fluctuate between 400-600 rubles (as of 2017).

Of course, there are more expensive, good and beautiful boards. For example, this German laminate, which imitates the structure of stone (in the middle in the picture). Its surface is cold and textured:

Or this creative option:

After all, if you have the money, why not buy real parquet?

At the other extreme is an inexpensive and fairly simple laminate, only 6 mm thick:

But the closest attention should be paid to those types of laminate that are sold at a discounted price. Their regular price indicates that this is not the worst representative in its class, and a discount of up to 30-50% makes the purchase much more pleasant:

Of course, its thickness is 7 millimeters, but since the floor in my house is properly leveled, it will be quite enough. It would be possible to even put a “six”, but I’m not ready for such expensive experiments yet.

Based on the promotional price of the laminate, the total cost of covering an area of ​​103 meters was approximately 42 thousand rubles, taking into account a 10% reserve for trimmings.

In addition to the coating itself, you need to purchase a substrate. Depending on your taste and wallet, you can choose either a simple material - blue Porilex (a roll of 50 square meters costs 885 rubles), or denser expensive polymers (gray and pink, 15 square meters for 600 rubles and kopecks), or even cork (10 square meters, thickness 1.5 mm, cost 1055 rub.):

You will also need some tape to glue the backing together. You can use a special, metallized one, which prevents the penetration of water between the sheets of the substrate and supposedly has thermal insulation properties. But regular or even masking tape will do just fine. They are cheaper, and the result is almost the same.

You will also need files for. The OBI store offered two options for canvases. One was suitable, but the other was absolutely not suitable. Take a look at these paintings:

Their teeth are directed downwards. This is right.

Now let's look at this option:

The teeth are directed upwards. They will tear pieces out of the boards and spoil the surface. Of course, the sawn edges are usually placed against the wall under the baseboard, but it is still much more pleasant to work with blades with teeth pointing down.

Pay attention to the special gel for grouting the cracks between the boards. It is especially appropriate where there is a risk of water getting on the coating. For example, in the kitchen, in the hallway, at the entrance to the bathroom, etc. The cost of such packaging is 299 rubles. It is enough for about 5 square meters of surface. Place the required number of tubes into the basket.

Finally, OBI stores offer a special French plank - a persistent strip for “tamping” the already laid parts of the covering. Such a bar is needed so as not to knock with a wooden or rubber hammer on the ribs of the laminate boards themselves. They can be easily deformed. But if you lay a French strip, the work becomes much more convenient and the risk of deformation of the coating elements is reduced.

This miracle costs nothing: 379 rubles. But because - France!

Well, of course! You simply cannot get such pieces of wood anywhere closer. You definitely have to bring it from abroad. On the other hand, you can buy it and then boast to your friends that the latest technologies according to European standards were used when laying the laminate flooring.

By the way, the same bar, but with a set of wedges, costs more than 500 rubles. But because - France!

The very last thing that may come in handy is a film with which you will cover the already laid laminate floor, so as not to immediately trample it with your dirty boots :)

Important feature: how to choose laminate

Not being a great expert in working with these coatings, I first looked at several options based on thickness and pattern.

But a salesman I knew came and said that the samples I had chosen were “not very good.” I started to object, but with just one argument he won me over to his side.

Look at this photo. Here I tried, as best I could, to show such an important part of the tablet as the lock:

Do you see the side on the right? So there you go! On the other side of the board there is also a protrusion of the corresponding shape. If you connect adjacent planks correctly, they will hold tightly to each other. If you try to separate them using only horizontal force, you will most likely fail (unless you are strong).

Now let's look at this option:

Although this is a more expensive laminate option, there is almost no edge. It's not very good. Over time, if you move carelessly, you can easily create a gap in the floor covering. For example, they were walking somewhere on the floor and suddenly braked.

Locks on laminate flooring appeared relatively recently. Previously, they did not exist and the boards were attached to each other with glue. It is believed that a lock is a more convenient thing, since it allows you to quickly install the covering and, if necessary, just as quickly remove the damaged board, replacing it with a new one.

Yes, you guessed correctly - to do this you will have to dismantle half of the floor. However, this is not particularly difficult to do even for a person who has never touched laminate before. They simply disassembled it, replaced the problematic element, put it back together, and screwed the baseboards into place. ALL!

If the boards were glued together... I don’t even want to think what a long and “creative” process it would be.

So, when choosing laminate, pay attention to the locks. The more prominent they are, the calmer it will be for you to walk on the floor.

Conclusion

Following the practical advice of my friend, a salesman from OBI, I bought laminate flooring on sale. It had a good price, great locks, and was 7mm thick. in my particular case it was quite appropriate.

In total, a 103-meter house required 40 packages weighing 600 kilograms. I had to order delivery - I feel sorry for my car.

In the next article I will show you the process of laying laminate flooring. You'll see, everything will be very simple... if you know how :)

Not an exception. Some people prefer external attractiveness. For others, performance is important. For others, the deciding factor is price. Let's find out what is better to use in the apartment: laminate or. For an objective assessment, let’s look at the features of both options and compare them according to ten criteria.

What is linoleum

Flooring is made from natural or synthetic raw materials. Depending on the components used, it may differ in structure and properties. Unlike other coatings, it is produced in rolls, which allows you to quickly lay the floor with a single continuous sheet. The structure of modern products consists of several layers:

1. . Made from foamed PVC or felt. Levels out slight unevenness of the base, increases sound and thermal insulation.
2. Fiberglass. Gives strength, resistance to linear expansion and deformation. Protects against pressure from heels and furniture.
3. Facial layer. Serves as a basis for applying decorative patterns. The brightness and clarity of the image depends on the type of raw material.
4. Transport layer. Provides abrasion resistance. It is its thickness that determines the service life of the floor. Protective layer. Prevents dirt from sticking to the surface, making cleaning quick and easy.

Types of material

PVC coating has become widespread. This is what we will consider in comparison. But there are other versions. Before you finally decide whether it’s linoleum, let’s take a closer look at all types of rolled floors:

• Natural. Made from plant materials. The most popular type of product, marmoleum, is made from jute, wood flour and chalk. It is the most expensive, but environmentally friendly and safe. Best suited for children's rooms.
• Nitrocellulose. Has high strength with minimal thickness. Not widely used due to increased flammability. Suitable for installation in wet rooms: bathrooms, bathtubs, showers.
• Glypthal. It is a fabric base with a plastic outer layer. Provides high heat and sound insulation. It is not resistant to shear deformations, so wrinkles appear in passage areas over time.
• Rubber. Belongs to the special category. It is elastic, non-slip, resistant to deformation and softens falls. Great for gyms and play areas.
• Polyvinyl chloride. Production technology allows us to produce wear-resistant products of different textures and colors, while maintaining an affordable price. The products are widely used in living rooms, offices and industrial premises.

Pros and cons of linoleum

Advantages:

• Easy to install. It is enough to roll out the roll and cut it to size near the walls. On large areas you have to glue it, but this also does not take much time.
• Wear resistance. Modern technologies make it possible to achieve high abrasion, compressive and shear strength. If you want to play it safe, you can use commercial-grade products at home. Its service life reaches 20 years. In both cases, there is a possibility of pushing through the surface with a point load: a thin shoe heel or a furniture leg.
• Thermal conductivity and sound insulation. Products with a foam or felt backing are “warm” and do a good job of suppressing noise from neighbors below.
• Easy to clean. There are no seams or joints into which dirt can get stuck. The front side practically does not interact with dirt, which allows you to quickly remove it.
• Affordable price. High-quality commercial samples cannot be called cheap. But they do not need additional substrates, and you can mount everything yourself.

Flaws:

• Difficulty in transportation. The length of the roll is equal to the width of the room. When delivering material for large rooms, you have to use the services of freight carriers, even if you have your own car.
• Low maintainability. If damaged, the floor must be completely re-laid.

The material is in demand among people who prioritize practicality rather than external sophistication. Due to the high speed of installation and good technical performance, this flooring is often used in public buildings.

Types of material

The most important parameters that determine reliability are rigidity and strength. They depend on the thickness of the lamellas. They produce 7 standard sizes from 6 to 12 mm. As thickness increases, strength, heat and sound insulation increase.

The speed and quality of installation is affected by the type of lock used to fasten the panels together. There are two options:

• Lock. There is a tenon on one side of the joining profile and a groove on the other. Their size is made so that one part fits into the other with a slight interference fit. It is difficult to insert and remove them by hand. You have to use a mallet. Nowadays such a connection is rarely used.
• Click. The joining edges are made in the form of a hook. During installation, one panel is inserted into the other at an angle of 45 degrees, and when moved to a horizontal position, it is securely fixed. Thanks to this design, you can quickly and efficiently assemble the floor yourself.

Among the many textures and colors, we highlight three types of front finishing of the lamellas, which affect the practicality of use:

• Glossy. They shine nicely in the sun. But a perfectly smooth surface is more slippery. It is not always convenient for children and elderly people to move along it.
• Textured. Textured vinyl floors with leather and stone textures have become popular. Dirt gets stuck in the grooves and uneven areas, making cleaning difficult.
• Matte. Products are an ideal option if exclusive appearance is not the most important indicator for you. They are smooth but not slippery. A bright pattern can repeat any texture.

Pros and cons of laminate

Advantages:

• Wear resistance. The protective layer on the surface of the lamellas makes the floors resistant to abrasion. With sufficient thickness, there are no traces left from furniture legs and high-heeled shoes. But chips from impact loads are possible.
• Maintainability. If a defect appears, it is enough to replace the damaged panel.
• Ease of transportation. Piece products are packaged in small packs. They are easy to transport by personal vehicle.

Flaws:

• Noisy. The slabs make ringing sounds when walking in outdoor shoes. Therefore, they are rarely used in public buildings.
• Features of cleaning. The joints and end edges of the lamellas expand with prolonged exposure to water, which leads to deformation of the floor. You need to be careful when cleaning wet and promptly remove spilled liquid.
• Price. The cost of high-quality panels is comparable to the price of rolled products. But you need to buy additional backing.
• Difficult to install. Modern stoves are easy to install. You can even do this work yourself. But, compared to laying rolled flooring, you have to spend several times more time.

In practice, flooring has become widespread in apartments. The slats serve as an imitation of parquet, in some cases they look more advantageous and presentable.

There are several parameters that are approximately the same for both materials, for example, if you start comparing which is more environmentally friendly - laminate or linoleum. Synthetic raw materials are used in the production of both floors. This creates problems during disposal. But the surfaces themselves do not emit harmful substances, therefore they are safe.

In appearance, modern floors are practically not inferior to each other. A significant difference is visible only if, in an attempt to save money, you start buying products based on the principle of “what is cheaper”.

Classification of floor coverings

Depending on the type of load and purpose of the room, both types of products are divided into classes, which are marked with numbers. Their main difference is the thickness of the protective layer (indicated in parentheses). The parameter must be specified in the technical specifications. It must be taken into account when choosing the type of floor.

Domestic:

• 21 (0.15 mm) Fits in rooms that are rarely used - wardrobe, closet, bedroom.
• 22 (0.20 mm) Suitable for constant presence of people in the room - kitchens, living rooms, offices.
• 23 (0.25 mm) Used under conditions of increased loads, for example, if many people live in a house. Suitable for corridor, kitchen or hallway.

Commercial:

• 31 (0.35 mm) Spread in rooms with little traffic - meeting rooms, hotel rooms.
• 32 (0.45 mm) Used for average wear in reception areas or offices with up to 25 workers.
• 33 (0.55 mm) Placed in high traffic areas - corridors, classrooms.
• 34 (0.80 mm) Suitable for very high wear rates - shopping pavilions, airports, train stations.

Despite their strength characteristics, they are all designed for normal operating conditions. When you need to get special properties, for example, choose the option that is warmer, you should pay attention to special coatings:

• antibacterial;
• anti-slip;
• acoustic;
• antistatic.

Linoleum or laminate: comparing the pros and cons of coatings

Above we have given the advantages and disadvantages of each type of floor. For ease of analysis, let's combine the data into a pivot table.

Both options are worth considering. Judging by the technical parameters, they do not have critical disadvantages or undeniable advantages. It is only important to take into account the characteristics of each material in relation to specific operating conditions.

Before making a choice, it is important to study reviews from experts and consumers. We invite you to watch a video from which you will find out which is better, according to an expert, laminate or linoleum.

• Material prepared by: Igor Stepankov