The flooring is an important element of the interior, which largely determines the aesthetic and practical characteristics of the room. On the modern market there is a huge range of materials for “dressing” the floor. One of the market leaders has long been linoleum, and recently the laminate has been successfully competing with it. These are synthetic flooring, which mainly differ in the base.
Linoleum: disadvantages and advantages
Linoleum - roll low-cost coating, which is made on the basis of polymeric materials. This material is divided into several groups, compiled by certain parameters. Depending on the raw materials used are:
- PVC linoleum. It is the most common type of linoleum. In terms of strength, it is inferior to natural, but much cheaper.
- Natural from natural materials, made on the basis of resins and vegetable oils. Differs in the increased wear resistance and a monophonic coloring.
- Kolloksilinovy. 1-layer linoleum made from cellulose processing products. It has high elasticity and moisture resistance.
- Alkyd linoleum. It is made on the basis of alkyd resin, made on a fabric substrate. It has high thermal insulation parameters.
- Linoleum-relain. 2-ply, its lower part is a mixture of rubber and rubber, the upper one is a synthetic colored rubber. Differs in high elasticity and moisture resistance.
The advantages of linoleum include:
- Wide range of;
- Affordable price;
- High wear resistance;
- Sufficient strength;
- High zvuko-and heat-insulating properties;
- Moisture resistance.
To number deficiencies linoleum should be attributed sensitivity to chemicals and sudden temperature fluctuations, the need for careful and regular care, the complexity of installation.
Laminate: advantages and disadvantages
Laminate flooring is an artificial floor covering that has a multi-layer structure, including a wear-resistant layer, a base, a polymer layer, and decorative paper that allows you to imitate natural wood.
Laminate can be moisture resistant and water resistant. Also, this material is divided according to the class of operation, which is determined by the time interval during which the material retains its original appearance under mechanical influences on it.
Advantages of laminate:
- Wear resistance, durability, heat resistance due to the presence of environmentally friendly and resistant components;
- Resistance to the influence of ultraviolet rays;
- Environmental friendliness;
- Easy to care and styling.
The main disadvantage of the laminate is the fear of high maneuverability, poor moisture resistance, flammability, the presence of many seams that do not always have proper tightness, the use of incorrectly chosen detergents.
Comparison of laminate and linoleum
Durability
The first place in terms of durability is given to laminate, there will be no traces of furniture and household appliances left on it, it is not afraid of sharp heels, claws of pets. What can not be said about linoleum. It may remain traces of flashing, if the surface will be in contact with combustible material. Mechanical damage to the laminate can occur at the junction of the plates, but this trouble can be avoided if you trust the installation of professional craftsmen.
Linoleum wins on contact with water. If a large amount of water is poured onto its surface, the liquid will collect in puddles and may evaporate for a long time without causing harm to the floor covering.On the laminate, the liquid in such quantities leads to the appearance of bubbles on the floor, and the floors will have to be completely rebuilt indoors.
Installation
Linoleum in the installation process wins the laminate, because for the laying of laminate needed a perfectly flat surface. That is why a layman is unlikely to be able to lay a laminate of high quality. Linoleum is not demanding on surfaces, however, if there are different projections, you will have to work with it. The process of laying linoleum does not require special knowledge and skills in construction.
It is important to ensure that the laying of linoleum was performed on a clean surface, otherwise any foreign objects that are located under it, will leave ugly bulges.
Appearance
Laminate was originally produced as an imitation of natural wood flooring, and the use of chipboard in its manufacture helped consumers save money. Currently, many companies have been able to master the production of high-quality laminate, featuring a magnificent appearance.
Both linoleum and laminate perfectly imitate natural materials - granite and marble chips, precious woods, natural stone, etc. That is why consumers when choosing linoleum or laminate are guided only by their own preferences and taste.
Thermal insulation
Linoleum has a relatively low thermal conductivity, which is why it is better able to retain heat. This is a "warm" material. The difference is especially noticeable in cold seasons. On the other hand, laminate flooring is excellent for laying on heated floors.
Cost of
Currently, laminate and linoleum at a cost are almost at the same level. When choosing a quality coating, it will be quite difficult to find large differences in this parameter, therefore, in this category, the consumer independently makes a choice, preferring the desired material.
Soundproofing
Linoleum and laminate can not be called materials with excellent sound insulation characteristics. In this regard, linoleum wins, but laminate coatings can have good sound insulation due to the reinforcement of substrates or the use of special materials in this quality.
Feature of care
Laminate in comparison with linoleum is more demanding to care. The treatment of this coating must be carried out exclusively with special detergents, it is not allowed that dirt gets into the joints, and the connections of the plates are cleaned regularly.
It is possible to care for linoleum using ordinary detergents, they will not have a negative impact on this coating.
Environmental Safety
Here, preference should be given to laminate. Linoleum contains significantly more substances that affect health.
Life time
In general, the service life wins linoleum. However, there are also some nuances to consider. For example, the type and class of material, the conditions in the room where the flooring will be made of a particular material.
What is better linoleum or laminate?
Definitely determine what is better linoleum or laminate is simply impossible. Each of these materials has its drawbacks, merits and specific features. In this regard, it is desirable to choose the floor covering from the definition of the room where the floor will be laid. For example, linoleum is great for the kitchen because it is moisture-proof, and for a bedroom or living room it is better to choose laminate, because it emphasizes more vividly the imitation of natural material.
