Choosing a flooring is not an easy task, especially if there are alternatives. Which is better, laminate or linoleum - how not to make a mistake and make the right decision?

Choice of flooring

To answer this question, let us analyze each of the coatings in terms of composition, advantages and disadvantages, and also compare their characteristics. The decisive factor in choosing should not even be the price, but the type of premises for which this or that covering is needed. After all, it is on him that the duration and quality of the floor covering depend.

Comparison by composition

Reference: Laminate is a base made of MDF or chipboard, a layer with resin impregnation that improves the protective properties, a layer of decorative paper that imitates wood in appearance, and a laminating polymer coating. Linoleum, namely its synthetic variety, consists of a layer of fiberglass impregnated with PVC paste, a primer layer on which the pattern is applied, and a protective transparent PVC layer.

Natural linoleum consists of environmentally friendly materials, has a high price and excellent quality indicators, so we will compare laminate and PVC linoleum.

Like laminate, which is divided into classes depending on wear resistance, linoleum also has its own gradation. It can be household, commercial and semi-commercial. Belonging to one type or another, as in a laminate, depends on the thickness and density of the coating.

As we can see, laminate is more environmentally friendly in terms of composition. This is confirmed by the fact that during the combustion of the laminate, less hazardous toxic substances will be released than from the burning of linoleum.

By the complexity of installation

The laminated flooring is laid on a perfectly flat floor on a special polyethylene backing. The complexity of fastening the panels together depends on the type of lock.

• The Click connection is easy to make by yourself by snapping in;
• The Lock connection involves hammering the panels, which is best left to professionals.

Laying linoleum is not particularly difficult for any person. In addition, linoleum can visually hide small irregularities and a substrate is not required for its installation.

By durability

What is better linoleum or laminate for an apartment for durability?

• First, it depends on the coverage class you choose.
• Secondly, if we compare these two coatings in general terms, then linoleum is less resistant to mechanical stress (it is easier to leave a dent on it from heels or furniture, scratches from animal claws).

Important! In addition, linoleum has a shorter lifespan than laminate flooring. For comparison, in linoleum it is 10-15 years, the laminate can last up to 20 years, and more in cases of high-class use in residential premises.

The durability of the coating also depends on its resistance to other types of influences. So, in terms of moisture resistance, linoleum wins significantly. He is not afraid of moisture at all, while the ingress of water into the cracks of the laminate threatens him with deformation and swelling. If a large amount of water gets on the coatings or flooding, it is enough to turn the linoleum over and dry, but the laminate will most likely have to be replaced. That is why linoleum is better suited for the kitchen.

Thermal conductivity

Laminate is colder in feeling. Linoleum has low thermal conductivity, it retains heat better. However, the use of a heat-insulating substrate under the laminate will make it no worse than dense linoleum.

Soundproofing

Laminate is a harder coating, which means that it will reduce outgoing sounds from contact with it to a lesser extent. Linoleum is a softer material, it drowns out sounds better. This is why it is more commonly used in large offices, as the quietness in the workspace makes employees more focused and productive.

For ease of care

Despite the fact that the laminate is resistant to fading in the sun, it needs careful maintenance. It should be wiped with a well wrung out cloth with or without mild detergents. In addition, it is necessary to periodically clean the joints between the panels, as dirt often gets into there and this may impair the performance of the laminate. Linoleum is practically unpretentious in maintenance, it is resistant to most detergents and is a monolithic coating without gaps.

By external characteristics

If we compare these two coatings in terms of the variety of colors, then the choice is equally great for both linoleum and laminate. Both of these coatings can imitate both wood and tiles. Color solutions can also be varied - from light to dark, from pastel to rich. The only thing that laminate flooring can have an advantage in is the variety of textures (glossy, matte, with a relief). In addition, due to the texture, the laminate looks more expensive compared to linoleum. Although on this score everyone has their own opinion.

By price parameters

Different classes of PVC linoleum are on average 1.5-2.5 times cheaper than their respective classes of laminate. It depends on the composition of the coatings: since more natural materials are used in the laminate, and it claims to be more environmentally friendly, therefore, its price will naturally be higher.

Laminate or linoleum: which is better? Expert opinion. Taking into account all the pros and cons of the described flooring, experts recommend paying attention to the type of room for which the flooring is selected. As we found out, laminate has its own advantages: it is relatively environmentally friendly, has a richer appearance, is resistant to mechanical stress and has a significant service life with proper care. Otherwise, linoleum is superior to laminate in terms of characteristics, it is easier to maintain and install, it resists moisture better, has better sound and heat insulation properties.

Depending on these properties, experts advise using linoleum for offices with high traffic, for the kitchen, as well as for loggias and balconies. Nevertheless, if the linoleum is of poor quality, there is a risk that it may crack in severe frosts. For the bedroom, living room and corridors, it is preferable to use laminate flooring, since it is more natural and presentable in appearance.

In the hallway or entrance area, it is still better to use linoleum if you live where there is a snowy winter. This is more reasonable for the reason that the laminate reacts worse to contact with water, and in winter, as you know, we often bring snow on our shoes, which turns into water indoors.

Which is better: laminate or ordinary linoleum - summing up

Opinions and consumer reviews were roughly split in half in choosing between these two coatings. Someone considers laminate to be warmer than linoleum, someone chooses semi-commercial or commercial linoleum and is satisfied with its quality and thermal insulation. Of course, in order to improve all the properties of any coating, it is enough just to choose its class at a higher level (while remembering the higher price). Many people love laminate flooring for its appearance, this is natural, when the consumer has a desire to create the impression of expensive repairs for reasonable money (after all, visually it looks like parquet). However, it is important to understand that the external "high cost" should not become a decisive factor in the choice.

What to choose - laminate or linoleum in the apartment - it's up to you. If you often change the interior or live in a rented apartment, do not choose coverings that are too expensive, do not fall for the beliefs of the sellers. The choice between linoleum and laminate should be based solely on your needs and space.

Carefully study all the pros and cons, decide what is right for you. Visit several specialty home improvement stores, listen to the recommendations of different experts, if the choice of flooring is an important issue for you. Often, not only the external picture of your kitchen, bedroom and nursery depends on this. Sometimes the health of your family members depends on the right choice of flooring. Demand a detailed and accessible description of the product, certificates and guarantees. And we wish you good luck with your choice.

Below, we publish an expert opinion on the choice of laminate and linoleum. All the pros and cons of the two floor coverings: