Decoding the classes and markings of Tarkett linoleum: 32, 34, km2 and others

It can be difficult to choose the perfect linoleum for your house or place of business because of the different classes and markings. Renowned flooring manufacturer Tarkett provides a variety of linoleum products, each with unique features and advantages. Making an informed choice requires knowing how these classes and markings differ from one another.

The significance of Tarkett’s linoleum classes and markings, such as 32, 34, and km2, will be explained in this article. You’ll be in a better position to choose the ideal flooring that suits your unique requirements and tastes if you can interpret these labels. There is a Tarkett linoleum that is ideal for you, depending on your needs—durability, style, or ease of maintenance.

We will discuss the meanings associated with each class, how the markings affect the linoleum’s performance, and which solutions work best in various settings. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to make longer-lasting flooring decisions and feel more secure about your investment.

Class/Marking	Explanation
32	For medium commercial use, such as offices and boutiques
34	For heavy commercial use, like department stores and schools
KM2	Fire-resistant and safe for use in public buildings
31	For light commercial use, suitable for conference rooms
33	For heavy traffic commercial areas like corridors and entrance halls

What does the concept mean?

One such quality feature of the category’s finishing floor covering is the Tarkett linoleum class, which enables the customer to ascertain the following quickly:

• the degree of its wear resistance;
• mechanical strength;
• the type of load that can be applied to PVC materials;
• the number of layers;
• energy efficiency indicator;
• fire safety level.

The Tarkett linoleum class is a system of unique symbols created by the brand’s manufacturer. A comprehensive list denoting each position in this classification can be found in any authorized Tarkett dealership.

A Tarkett linoleum class index is represented by two or more numbers, each of which has a unique meaning. As a result, a prospective customer can choose precisely the material he needs or that satisfies the requirements of the working project even at the point of sale because of the marking and indication of the class of linoleum.

What does the marking include??

The following kinds of symbols are part of the Tarkett linoleum class marking; they are repeated in the quality certificate of every product and can be found on the roll’s reverse in a designated frame in the corner:

• Digital indexes, consisting of 2 numbers, which indicate the category of the room in which this floor covering can be laid and used, as well as its level of abrasion and the permissible intensity of use of the material under various static or dynamic loads. The first digit in the marking of a roll of linoleum indicates the category of residential, public, commercial or industrial premises in which the use of these materials is allowed. The second digit in the index is an indicator of the intensity of static or dynamic loads that can be applied to the material itself after its installation, during the operation of the facility.
• Symbols, each of which describes additional characteristics of the model in question and modification of linoleum. One product item may contain 2, 3 or more symbols, each of which describes a specific parameter.

The official Tarkett linoleum manufacturer website also provides this information in electronic form, in case the consumer needs to quickly recall the markings of the flooring after it has been laid down.

Classification by first digit

The Tarkett linoleum numerical code designation has informative digits for each. The rationale behind the first digit in the marking on the roll’s back is provided in the following comprehensive classification of these decorative finishing floor coverings.

2

The following categories of residential buildings are designated by the number "2" in Tarkett linoleum’s code marking:

1. Living rooms in apartments and flats.
2. Private residential buildings.
3. Dormitories at factories or educational institutions.
4. Rooms in hotels and inns, provided that these premises are used with low or medium intensity.

Qualities:

1. A wide selection of different colors and patterns that suit different premises, depending on their finish.
2. As a rule, this linoleum is produced with a felt or porous polymer base.
3. The highest sanitary and hygienic requirements apply to the material, according to SanPiN.
4. All types of linoleum for residential premises are 100% moisture resistant, which allows for wet cleaning of premises, including with the use of chemical detergents.
5. Most often, heterogeneous linoleum is produced for residential premises, which has different patterns and textures of the front layer, with imitation of parquet, stone, valuable wood and other materials.

Features:

• The total thickness of the product is from 2 to 2.5 mm.
• Working thickness of the material (top layer) – from 0.6 to 0.9 mm.
• Type of finishing – glossy varnish for PVC coatings PU Standard.
• Roll width – from 2 to 4 m.
• Roll length – from 10 to 20 m.
• Covering area of ​​the room without pruning – from 20 to 80 m2 .

Organization:

• Fiberglass base.
• Working layer "Transparent".
• Foam insulation layer for hanging energy efficiency and sound insulation
• The final protective front layer with a machined texture or printed pattern, depending on the model, modification and design option of this product.

Application:

• Decorative function.
• Increasing the heat transfer resistance of the floor structure.
• Protected against structural noise and vibration transmission.
• Reduced risk of injury when a person falls to the floor due to the elastic structure of the material.

Benefits

• Attractive appearance.
• Wide selection of colors and textures.
• Environmentally friendly composition.
• Low retail cost of most products compared to other classes.
• Ease of installation, elasticity and flexibility of the porous material.

Drawbacks:

• Low wear resistance.
• Low mechanical strength for use in public or industrial premises.
• High risk of damage to the finishing layer by piercing or cutting objects with sharp edges.
• Relatively short service life.

Due to its low mechanical strength and dependability, this particular brand’s linoleum class is among the least wear-resistant floor coverings and is not suitable for use in commercial or industrial settings.

3

The Tarkett brand’s linoleum marking, denoted by the number "3," permits the following fundamental categories of use for the material in public spaces:

• Office rooms.
• Offices in business centers.
• Waiting rooms, reception areas.
• Halls, corridors in office buildings.
• Ancillary communications of shops and shopping centers.
• Floor coverings in boutique type stores with average foot traffic during the day.
• Schools, kindergartens, colleges, universities, as well as other children"s and educational institutions.
• Hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers and other healthcare facilities.
• Halls of restaurants, cafes, snack bars, bars and other catering places.
• Cinemas, theaters and other facilities for cultural and entertainment events.

Strangenesses:

• Simple structure of the design, without bright colors, most often, laconic, calm shades.
• Little or no texture.
• Most often, a homogeneous floor covering (consisting of one layer) is found on sale, but consumers can also encounter and purchase heterogeneous linoleum (with a porous elastic base).

Features:

1. The total thickness of linoleum is from 2.0 to 3.0 mm.
2. Working thickness of linoleum (top layer) – from 0 to 1.0 mm.
3. Type of decorative protective front covering – matte or glossy high-strength varnish for PVC materials.
4. Product width per roll – from 2 to 4 m.
5. Roll length – from 10 to 20 m.
6. The area of ​​the material when unfolded is from 20 to 80 m2 .

Organization:

• Fiberglass base (for linoleum of increased mechanical strength category).
• Polymer reinforced elastic working layer.
• Finite coating made of durable polymers and special varnish with a printed pattern.

Application:

• Protection of floor screed from mechanical damage.
• Creating a single, continuous floor covering.
• Waterproofness of floor pie in public spaces.
• Improving the aesthetic properties of the room.

Benefits

• High factory quality products.
• Increased mechanical strength and wear resistance.
• This linoleum belongs to the category of commercial flooring made from PVC materials, which is why it lasts at least 25 years without the need to replace it.

Drawbacks:

• Some models have higher retail prices.
• Low sound insulation and energy efficiency.
• Some modifications have a too dense structure due to the increased density of the material structure, which leads to difficulties when laying linoleum.

Tarkett’s linoleum, which is identified by a number starting with "3," is made of high-strength materials with an average level of dependability and resistance to wear.

Linoleum is a simple installation choice for residential spaces because it is free of potentially harmful substances that can cause allergic reactions or irritate the respiratory tract when heated, thanks to the stricter environmental regulations that are applied during the manufacturing process.

4

The following types of industrial buildings can use any variation of Tarkett’s linoleum, whose rolls are identified by the first number "4":

• Production workshops in factories, if this PVC flooring does not violate the technological requirements for the premises in question.
• Design offices at factories and industrial enterprises, offices, halls, meeting rooms, corridors, entrances, staircases and other used spaces.
• Exhibitions and showrooms, foyers, security rooms, locker rooms, rooms for storing personal belongings of working personnel, meal rooms, canteens, buffets in factories.
• Other industrial premises where the installation of floor coverings made of PVC materials is allowed.

Strangenesses:

1. Calm colors, and monochromatic collections of Tarkett linoleum are also often on sale.
2. Lack of texture.
3. No glossy varnish.
4. Rough front surface to prevent a person"s foot from slipping and falling to the floor.
5. Only homogeneous high-density linoleum is offered for sale to provide the highest abrasion protection.

Features:

• Thickness – from 2.0 to 3.5 mm.
• Working thickness – from 2.0 to 3.5 mm.
• Face coating – matte varnish for PVC materials 4 – 5 layers to ensure strength and continuity.
• Width of roll with linoleum – from 2 to 4.5 m.
• Roll length – from 20 to 40 m.
• Area of ​​material in the unfolded state – from 40 to 180 m 2 .

Organization:

1. High-strength base made of double glass cloth with aramid fibers.
2. Self-leveling monolithic working layer made of a special polymer.
3. Multilayer varnish coating with a pronounced irregular texture of the upper layer of the material.
4. Some modifications are also equipped with sand sprinkling under the varnish layer to enhance the frictional resistance of the material.

Apply:

• Prevention of dust formation and increase in its concentration in the indoor air in workshops.
• Reducing wear of the final floor covering.
• Protection of floor screed made of concrete or cement-sand mortar.

Benefits

• The highest mechanical strength.
• Increased temperature resistance for the possibility of operation in workshops with various technological requirements.
• The life of the manufacturer reaches 30 years or more.
• Dense structure, which excludes the formation of plastic deformations even when heavy objects fall on the floor.

Drawbacks:

• High retail and wholesale cost of each product.
• Complete absence of soundproofing properties.
• Zero heat transfer resistance indicators.
• The complexity of the cutting due to the high density of the material.
• Requires the use of special heat -resistant glue for laying and fixing to the surface of the black floor.

Please be aware that this PVC material is not advised for use as a finishing floor covering in children’s, medical, or residential spaces since it might not meet all sanitary requirements when purchasing this linoleum for use in any other locations that are not industrial facilities. hygienic standards, and it also costs a lot more than goods labeled with the first two or three digits.

By second digit

Apart from the first number, each Tarkett brand linoleum marking also has a second number ranging from "1" to "4", denoting the abrasion class or stability as a structure.

Thus, the material’s top layer of PVC coating is subject to both static and dynamic loads over a predetermined amount of time. The following provides a thorough explanation of the second digit of the Tarkett company’s linoleum index, which is available for free purchase in a variety of sizes.

1

The floor covering’s two-digit marking, where the second digit is "1," indicates that linoleum can only support modest static loads in the absence of continuous dynamic or impact influences.

Strangenesses:

• Suitable for installation in residential, public or industrial premises. To select the right material, you should select it according to the first number in the marking.
• Differs in low vitality indicators.
• Cannot withstand shock loads.
• We offer both textured and colored collections, as well as plain commercial linoleum.

Features:

1. The total thickness of the product is from 1.5 to 2.0 mm.
2. Operating thickness of the product – from 0.6 to 0.9 mm.
3. Covering – protective layer of PVC, standard glossy or matte polymer elastic varnish.
4. Factory roll width – from 2 to 4 m.
5. Factory roll length – from 10 to 20 m.
6. The covering area when laid in a room without trimming is from 20 to 80 m2 .

Organization:

• Base made of fiberglass or carbon mesh.
• Working polymer elastic layer.
• Finish coating.
• Varnish laid in 1 – 3 layers, depending on the first number in the material marking.

Application:

• Decorative function.
• Protective function.
• Waterproofness of floor pie.
• Reduced risk of screed damage.
• Continuous polymer coating device.

Application domains:

• Apartments and private residential buildings – for installation in bedrooms, children"s rooms, living rooms, dining rooms.
• Office premises, work rooms.
• Utility rooms in workshops at industrial facilities.

Benefits

• Low retail cost of materials.
• Perform their assigned function of protecting the floor screed and ensuring the aesthetic appeal of the interior.
• Wide variety of colors and textures on sale.
• Easy installation and fixation due to the softness of the material.
• High levels of noise protection.
• Increased thermal insulation properties due to the porous structure.

Drawbacks:

• Low mechanical strength.
• The declared service life is no more than 15 – 20 years.
• Does not withstand high temperature changes.
• The material breaks due to impact.

2

The second "2" in the marking indicates that, when average static and dynamic loads are applied to linoleum during operation, the material does not collapse or undergo plastic deformation.

Strangenesses:

• Can be used for residential, industrial or commercial purposes.
• May be homogeneous or heterogeneous.
• Covered with 3 – 4 layers of varnish.
• Can be textured, glossy or matte.

Features:

1. The total thickness of linoleum is from 2.0 to 3.0 mm.
2. Working thickness of all layers of material – from 0.6 to 1.1 mm.
3. Coating – reinforced protective layer of PVC, high-strength glossy or matte PVC elastic varnish – 3 layers or more.
4. Roll width – from 2 to 4 m.
5. Roll length – from 10 to 20 m.
6. The total covering area when rolling out one roll is from 20 to 80 m2 .

Organization:

• High-strength aramid mesh or fiberglass base.
• Self-leveling working layer.
• Finishing layer made of wear-resistant polymers.
• Textured plane and paint coating with a print in the form of a pattern, according to the appearance of the material declared by the manufacturer.

Application:

• Increasing the aesthetic appeal of the room.
• Ensuring a continuous floor covering.
• Ensuring the material is waterproof.
• Ensuring fire protection properties.
• Preventing dust from forming in the screed.

Application domains:

• Halls, technical rooms, hallways, kitchens, corridors of apartments and private residential buildings.
• Corridors and most accessible areas in office premises.
• Stores of clothing and other non-food products, objects of cultural significance.
• Production workshops with gentle operating conditions.
• Other public or residential spaces with moderate or low foot traffic.

Benefits

• Optimal ratio of price, reliability, durability and workmanship.
• Reinforced top layer.
• Availability of both textured and smooth surfaces on commercial or household Tarkett linoleum.

Drawbacks:

• Not suitable for many categories of industrial workshops with aggressive operating conditions.
• Not recommended for use in many public buildings with high traffic volumes.
• In case of strong impact or contact with sharp objects, there is an increased risk of rupture of the material structure.

3

The ability to apply increased loads from people, furniture, and equipment as well as impact impacts within the space without sacrificing the structural integrity and original appearance is represented by the second digit, "3."

Strangenesses:

• Most often found on sale in homogeneous products to increase the working thickness.
• Covered with 4 – 5 layers of elastic varnish.
• Typically available in textured and matte finishes.
• Can be additionally equipped with anti-friction quartz coating under the paint coating.

Features:

1. Thickness – from 2.0 to 3.0 mm.
2. Working thickness – from 1.0 to 2.0 mm.
3. Coating – multi-layer paint and varnish material.
4. Width of linoleum roll – from 2 to 4.5 m.
5. The length of linoleum in a roll is from 20 to 25 m.
6. Covering area when laid in a room without trimming – from 40 to 112.5 m2 .

Organization:

• Composite mesh base.
• Base layer on the back of the product.
• Working layer made of high-density polymers.
• Quartz coating to improve friction properties.
• Multilayer varnish coating.

Application:

• Reliable protection of the screed from destruction.
• Preventing the transfer of operational dynamic and shock loads to the floor slab or subfloor screed.
• Provides a waterproof membrane for easy operation in wet areas.

Application domains:

• Any premises in residential buildings, apartments or private houses, including public elevator halls, staircases.
• Commercial premises with high traffic volumes.
• Most of the industrial premises where the technology allows laying a polymer floor covering.

Benefits

• Increased mechanical strength.
• Protected from abrasion.
• Durability up to 25 years.
• The material is not damaged by contact with sharp objects of small mass, without shock loads.

Drawbacks:

• Increased retail cost of some modifications of commercial linoleum.
• Lack of a wide variety of bright colors and textures.
• Difficulty in rolling and laying due to the increased thickness and density of the material.

4

The second number, "4", denotes the highest wear resistance class, which is excellent wear resistance and the capacity to apply very high static, dynamic, or impact loads to the floor covering without running the risk of causing it to break, deform, or abrade.

Strangenesses:

• Only homogeneous linoleum of this class is offered for sale.
• Occurs exclusively for public premises with classes “31”, “32”, “33” or “34”.
• Characterized by laconic classic shades and patterns without pronounced ornaments.

Features:

• Thickness of homogeneous material – from 2.0 to 3.5 mm.
• Coating – lamination of high-strength film, or up to 6 layers of varnish of the highest class in terms of wear resistance.
• Standard parameters for roll widths are from 2 to 4 m.
• Standard roll length parameters – from 20 to 30 m.
• The area in the rolled out state without trimming is from 40 to 120 m2 .

Organization:

• Fiberglass made of high-strength aramid fibers.
• Self-leveling working layer for the entire thickness of the product.
• Paint coating in 5 – 6 layers or polymer lamination.

Application:

• Providing the highest level of subfloor protection.
• Preventing the destruction of the coating under various shock or dynamic loads.
• Ensuring the floor is completely waterproof.
• Ensuring increased fire resistance of finishing elements of public premises.

Application domains:

• Schools, kindergartens, colleges and any other educational institutions.
• Gyms, indoor stadiums and other sports facilities.
• Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, sanatoriums, cultural institutions for medical or health purposes.
• Cultural and entertainment facilities, exhibition centers, cinemas and other institutions.
• Any catering facilities, with the exception of high-traffic areas where porcelain tiles are required.

Benefits

• The highest level of mechanical strength and wear resistance of the material.
• The longest service life declared by the manufacturer is up to 30 years.
• Increased frictional resistance, which guarantees complete safety during operation.
• Possibility of operation in any cold or warm rooms, as well as in rooms with high temperature and humidity conditions.

Drawbacks:

• Highest retail price among lower class analogues.
• Difficulty in laying and fixing, trimming the material due to the increased rigidity and density of the structure.
• The difficulty of carrying out repair work using hot or cold welding in case of damage to the material by a sharp, heavy object.
• A limited range of colors and textures of linoleum of the class in question is on sale.

All varieties of Tarkett

As was already mentioned, one of the biggest producers and suppliers of linoleum in our nation is the Tarkett production company. The entire classification of all currently available PVC linoleum classes from this brand is provided below, along with information on each class’s features, application range, and sample collections of finishing floor coverings.

21

Features:

• Total thickness – 2.8 mm.
• Working thickness – 0.15 mm.
• Varnish – “Titanium”.
• Weight per 1 m2 – 1750 g/m2 .
• Durability – up to 10 years.

"SPRING" collection.

22

• Thickness – 3.0 mm.
• Operating thickness – 0.2 mm.
• Coating – “Titanium”.
• Weight per 1 m2 – 1800 g/m2 .
• Service life – up to 10 years.

Eruption of collection.

23

• Total thickness – 3.0 mm.
• Working thickness – 0.45 mm.
• Finish type – Extreme Protection.
• Density per 1 m2 – 1850 g/m2 .
• Duration of operation – up to 15 years.

Complete Selection.

31

• Material thickness – 2.0 mm.
• Operating material thickness – 0.40 mm.
• Varnish category – “Titanium”.
• Total weight per 1 m2 – 2100 g/m2 .
• Claimed durability – up to 10 years.

Bonus Collection.

32

• Total thickness – 1.80 mm.
• Working thickness – 0.40 mm.
• Varnish – Extreme Protection.
• Weight per 1 m2 – 2600 g/m2 .
• Durability – up to 15 years.

SPRINT PRO Line.

33

• Thickness – 2.50 mm.
• Operating thickness – 0.60 mm.
• Coating – Extreme Protection.
• Weight per 1 m2 – 2500 g/m2 .
• Service life – up to 15 years.

Gathering FORCE R.

34

• Total thickness – 2.0 mm.
• Working thickness – 2.0 mm.
• Finishing type – PU Standard.
• Density per 1 m2 – 3200 g/m2 .
• Duration of operation – up to 25 years/
• Fire safety class – km2

Primo Plus Depot Collection.

41

• Material thickness – 2.0 mm.
• Operating material thickness – 2.0 mm.
• Varnish category – PU Standard.
• Total weight per 1 m2 – 3500 g/m2 .
• Claimed durability – up to 20 years.

HORIZON of Collection.

42

• Total thickness – 3.5 mm.
• Working thickness – 2.0 mm.
• Finish type – New iQ PUR.
• Density per 1 m2 – 3810 g/m2 .
• Duration of operation – up to 25 years.

The Acoustic Collection by iQ Granit.

43

• Thickness – 2.0 mm.
• Operating thickness – 2.0 mm.
• Coating – PU Standard.
• Weight per 1 m2 – 3200 g/m2 .
• Service life – up to 30 years

PRIMO PLUS DEPOT Collection

Types by abrasion

The Tarkett brand of linoleum is further categorized by abrasion class, which refers to the material structure’s ultimate varnish coating’s capacity to withstand frictional effects of prolonged, heavy use for a predetermined amount of time without sacrificing its initial quality or fundamental mechanical and physical properties.

This criterion divides all PVC finishing floor products from the concerned manufacturer into the following fundamental groups:

• F – the lowest class for abrasion. These floor coverings are classified as household flooring, from the lower price category. The paint coating, arranged in one or maximum two layers, quickly wears off and loses its thickness, protective and other performance properties, which leads to a decrease in most technical characteristics. However, such a danger in relation to any model of linoleum from the Tarkett brand exists only if it is used incorrectly in public, retail, commercial or industrial premises with increased requirements for the wear resistance of the floor covering. Collection "SPRING".
• M – moderate protection against abrasion – these categories of linoleum also apply to household floor coverings, but can be used in office premises with conditional restrictions on intensive use. The decorative and protective film can be wiped off for up to 10 years of operation in moderate mode, without the application of increased frictional, abrasive, shock or dynamic loads. Tarkett linoleum film wipes off evenly and does not require local repairs throughout its entire service life. SPRINT PRO Collection.
• P – standard wear resistance – the most common types of commercial or household linoleum, which can be used in many public or residential premises, with the exception of industrial purposes, or retail areas with high traffic volumes. Such linoleum lasts up to 15 years under conditions of intensive use, without the risk of having to quickly replace it due to physical wear and tear when increased frictional loads are applied, for example, from the soles of users’ shoes. HORIZON.
• T – highest abrasion resistance – this linoleum from the Tarkett company belongs to the premium class, from the higher price category. The flooring material of this category is easy to install and used in industrial or commercial premises without any restrictions, and the service life declared by the manufacturer is up to 30 years, without the risk of destruction of a thick layer of varnish or lamination, which is also confirmed by positive user reviews on independent forums in networks. iQ GRANIT ACOUSTIC.

It is advised to examine all potential material operating parameters beforehand before making a linoleum purchase based on abrasion criteria. It makes no sense to overspend on a wear-resistant product in apartment living rooms, and the most wear-resistant coatings are advised for use in industrial or commercial buildings where linoleum is subjected to harsh conditions.

According to fire safety indicators

Increased fire safety regulations apply to the majority of residential, public, office, commercial, and industrial buildings. This has a significant impact on both the equipment and furniture safety as well as the safety of the people using the property.

Therefore, since linoleum is a finishing floor covering, this requirement also applies to all other finishing elements in the room. The following fundamental categories are used to group Tarkett’s linoleum based on the fire hazard indicators criterion:

• KM1 – linoleum belongs to the NG class, that is, completely non-flammable materials that do not ignite even when exposed to open fire for at least 15 minutes after the temperature in the fluffing increases to a critical level. Collection PRIMO PLUS DEPOT.
• KM2 – this linoleum is a self-extinguishing material that does not support combustion. In this case, the PVC finishing flooring material ignites under the influence of an open fire, but, after its disappearance, goes out without the use of water or any other effective flame extinguishers. Collection FORCE R.
• KM3 – low level of fire protection – commercial linoleum, which begins to burn within 5 – 10 minutes after the fire spreads throughout the room, or when the temperature in the room rises to the polymer melting threshold. Burning linoleum of fire hazard class 3 requires prompt elimination of the outbreak using special protective equipment. Fire hazard class 3 linoleum burns slowly, without intense flame, and is easily extinguished with plain water or foam extinguishers. ABSOLUT Collection
• KM4 is the lowest, which is often used in residential apartments or private economy class houses, with a low risk of fire. This type of household linoleum supports combustion, but does not emit caustic toxic substances that irritate the respiratory tract and damage the human brain. The flame is knocked down with water, foam from a fire extinguisher, or other means of primary protection from fire, without causing increased complexity. Collection ERUPTION.
• KM5 – the level of fire danger is not standardized, since the material of this category is highly flammable. Resistant only to low-calorie household sources of open fire with a small ignition area and low temperature. Collection "SPRING".

The following characteristics of Tarkett’s linoleum, in accordance with the fire safety classes mentioned above, include:

• Full resistance to fire from small flame sources – from a candle, cigarette, match, smoldering piece of paper on the floor, or other objects that do not cause an increase in room temperature.
• Ignition is possible only after complete melting of the material when the room temperature rises above critical values ​​for most polymer ingredients of the finishing floor covering from the Tarkett company.
• The surface of linoleum of any class should not quickly spread flame – even if it catches fire, the material smolders slowly and does not transfer fire to curtains, furniture or other objects in a burning room.
• Minimum concentration of smoke, as well as the release of toxic or poisonous volatile substances into the air that paralyze the respiratory tract, which allows a person to quickly evacuate without loss of consciousness or smoke poisoning from a burning room.

In this instance, all experts concur on one point of view: it is advised to purchase linoleum with the highest rates of effective protection against any risk of fire of PVC materials during a fire, regardless of the category and level of responsibility of the property.

additional characteristics

Symbolic graphic visual designations are visible on the back of the Tarkett linoleum roll in addition to the main characteristics. These are explained as additional technical and operational characteristics of the material and are decoded in the following order:

1. A drill with a grinding disc indicates the highest wear resistance of the finishing layer of linoleum, as well as its frictional resistance.
2. A cat"s paw with claws indicates the increased resistance of the laminated linoleum layer against scratches caused by sharp objects or abrasives.
3. The classic zigzag, symbolizing an electrical discharge, indicates increased resistance to the occurrence of static electricity when linoleum comes into contact with woolen carpets or other natural materials.
4. The mop symbol indicates the possibility of unhindered wet cleaning of the room using chemical cleaning agents and household chlorine-containing reagents.
5. A burning match depicted on the marking symbolizes the highest fire-fighting properties and an increased safety class when using linoleum.
6. If the user sees the word PUR in a separate square frame, this means that the linoleum is reinforced with an additional polyurethane layer with the highest wear resistance.
7. A wheel from mobile furniture indicates the possibility of using this equipment in any room without restrictions, since linoleum is not subject to plastic deformation without the possibility of restoring its shape after the load ceases to act.
8. A drop of water means complete waterproofness of the entire structure of both heterogeneous and homogeneous commercial or household linoleum in premises of any purpose.
9. A foot in a shoe, next to which the symbol of a crossed out speaker is drawn, indicates the increased sound insulation properties of the floor covering made of PVC materials.
10. If the marking shows a heating spiral with a vertical arrow pointing upward, as well as a temperature indicator with its numerical value in degrees Celsius, for example, 27 o C, this indicates the possibility of using a heated floor in a screed under linoleum, but within the specified heating parameters, which eliminates the risk of material melting and loss of performance properties.
11. If the symbolic marking shows a professional paddle smoother, this linoleum belongs to the premium class of the higher price category, and the damaged or physically worn paint coating can be easily restored to increase the service life of the material.

The consumer can thus always select precisely the product that he needs, allowing him to obtain the desired result, durability, for a fair price, given that the Tarkett company has taken care to produce a full range of commercial or household linoleum with various characteristics and performance properties.

Why is it important to know the features?

Every prospective buyer is advised to carefully review every aspect of the Takaet linoleum classes and markings detailed above. The following outcomes are attained with an understanding of all the parameters, performance attributes, technical features, and subtleties of the finishing floor coverings under consideration:

1. The ability to select exactly those parameters and functional properties of linoleum that are required for long-term operation of the floor covering in a specific room.
2. Preventing the risks of premature wear of linoleum, if its characteristics fully correspond to the static and dynamic loads applied to the floor.
3. Eliminating the risk of linoleum fire during a fire.
4. Ensuring the resistance of the material and paint composition to static, dynamic or other loads applied to the floor covering.
5. Ensuring that floor coverings are cleaned, including using chemical detergents.
6. Possibility of using furniture on casters without the risk of damage to the finishing layer, which must be resistant to any types of scratches from variable short-term dynamic loads during rearrangement of furniture pieces.
7. Providing the necessary resistance to heat transfer of the enclosing structure of the floor together with the floor pie, as well as sound insulation and acoustic resistance, which significantly increases the comfort during operation of any residential or public space.
8. When choosing linoleum from a higher price category, the consumer gets the opportunity to restore the finishing floor covering and paint layer, which significantly increases the durability of the material, and this function is also indicated in the symbolic marking on the back of the roll with the finishing material.
9. Possibility of saving money when purchasing linoleum with optimal technical characteristics and operational parameters.

If the customer has not carefully considered all of the features of classes and markings, a number of unfavorable outcomes could happen. These could include increased expenses for linoleum that does not meet operational requirements, such as in residential settings, or a reduction in energy efficiency or excessively rapid material wear resistance, which frequently necessitates replacement after the first few years of heavy use.

It’s critical to comprehend Tarkett linoleum classes and markings, such as 32, 34, and km2, in order to select the best flooring for your requirements. These classifications show how long-lasting and adaptable linoleum is to different types of settings, including commercial, industrial, and residential ones. You can make an informed choice to guarantee that your flooring satisfies the needs of your particular space and provides the ideal blend of quality, performance, and style by understanding these markings.

Useful video

General details regarding the video’s linoleum classes:

Making an informed choice requires an understanding of Tarkett linoleum’s classes and markings, which may initially seem overwhelming. Understanding the meaning of the numbers and letters will make it simple for you to choose the ideal kind of linoleum for your requirements.

Classes like 32 and 34 show how long-lasting and environment-appropriate linoleum is. Class 34 is intended for heavy commercial use, such as in large stores or public buildings, while Class 32 is ideal for moderate commercial use, such as in small offices or boutiques. By using these classifications, you can make sure the product you select will withstand the rigors of its intended use.

Additional details about the linoleum’s resilience to wear, ease of maintenance, and other significant features can be found by looking for markings like KM2. For example, KM2 might indicate a certain fire resistance level or a specific kind of backing material that improves the overall toughness and comfort of the floor.

Equipped with this understanding, you can choose Tarkett linoleum for any room or business space with assurance. Whether you’re designing a high-traffic retail space, outfitting an office, or remodeling a home, knowing these classes and markings will guarantee that you get the most out of your flooring investment.

Video on the topic

Comparison of laminate 31, 32 and 33 strength classes

Colors of linoleum "Gladiator"

LinoleUMb review Linoleum TARKETT GLADIATOR Miller