For many homeowners, foam-based linoleum is a popular flooring option because of its affordability, ease of upkeep, and durability. It is very well-insulated and soundproof, and it feels soft underfoot. Particularly in high-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, and kitchens, this kind of linoleum is preferred.
Selecting foam-based linoleum requires careful consideration of the manufacturer’s reputation. Forbo, Tarkett, and Armstrong are a few of the top producers on the market. These companies are renowned for producing high-quality goods that are available in an extensive range of hues, patterns, and textures, so there’s sure to be something to fit every taste and interior design aesthetic.
Most do-it-yourselfers can handle the simple process of installing foam-based linoleum. To guarantee a seamless, long-lasting finish, it is imperative to adhere to the correct installation guidelines. Make sure the subfloor is level, clean, and dry before proceeding. After that, precisely measure and cut the linoleum to fit the area, leaving a tiny opening for expansion at the edges. Press down hard to remove any air bubbles from the linoleum after securing it with an appropriate adhesive.
All things considered, foam-based linoleum is a great flooring choice that blends aesthetic appeal and practicality. It can improve the comfort and appearance of your house for many years to come with proper installation and maintenance. Foam-based laminate flooring is a dependable option that is worth taking into consideration, regardless of whether you’re remodeling your entire home or just one room.
Main Characteristics of Foam-Based Linoleum | Best Manufacturers | Installation Rules |
Durable and comfortable underfoot, provides good insulation, available in various designs and colors | Armstrong, Tarkett, Forbo | Prepare the subfloor by cleaning and leveling it, measure and cut the linoleum, use adhesive for securing it, and press out air bubbles during installation |
- What does the concept mean??
- Structural features
- Properties and characteristics
- Basic requirements
- Varieties
- Criterias of choice
- Top 5 manufacturers
- Tarkett Magic Viva
- IVC Bingo Grass 025
- Force Colibri 6
- Ideal Voyage Australian pine
- Tarkett synteros
- Installation rules
- Basic mistakes
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Video on the topic
- Total thickness of linoleum
- What do samples of modern linoleum look like??
- Which linoleum is warmer? Linoleum test with felt base and PVC base.
- Everything you need to know about linoleum in 2025 from Juteks
What does the concept mean??
Another name for it is foamed vinyl. This flooring, which is made up of multiple layers. Here, fiberglass serves as the foundation. It has chemical foam applied to both its top and bottom surfaces. This improves the material’s capacity to insulate against heat while also guaranteeing the surface’s suppleness and elasticity.
For children’s rooms, foamed linoleum is the perfect flooring option. However, this is not the only way that this material can be used. Foamed vinyl is frequently installed in areas that require frequent cleaning (kitchens, bathrooms, etc.) or in areas with high humidity. P.).
Structural features
Standard foamed linoleum is composed of five layers:
- Protective layer. This is a thin but durable film that protects the base material from mechanical damage. It also prevents it from abrasion.
- Below it is a layer with a pattern. This is what a person sees when he looks at this type of flooring.
- Foam layer. It covers the base from the outside. Thanks to it, the elasticity and elasticity of the surface is ensured.
- Fiberglass. This is the basis. Thanks to this material, linoleum receives the necessary rigidity and strength.
- Foam layer. It protects the base from the underside.
There are two methods for applying the foam layer: mechanical and chemical. In the first instance, the cells’ structure is a little bit like that of a dishwashing sponge. The cells in the second scenario are sealed shut. This has an impact on the coating’s cost and performance attributes.
The air bubbles in the chemical foam layer burst when a heavy object was placed on top of it. As such, the coating is unable to take on its original form. It is not the same with mechanical foam.
Air bubbles simply travel through tiny channels to nearby "compartments" when a heavy object is applied. They go back to where they were as soon as the pressure is released. The material thus takes on its original form. For this reason, the cost of linoleum with mechanical foam is significantly higher than that of material with a chemical layer.
Properties and characteristics
Foamed linoleum falls within the wear resistance class 31–36 of semi-commercial flooring types. This makes it feasible to use it in small offices that see little traffic in addition to apartments.
Additional technical attributes consist of:
- Weight: up to 2250 g / m2.
- Deformation: no more than 0.2 mm.
- Roll width: from 2 to 4 m.
- Coating thickness: 2 – 3.5 mm.
Basic requirements
The officially approved lists of the EAEU TR do not include linoleum. GOST R does not contain it either. As a result, certification of flooring is optional. The buyer has the right to request various permits from the manufacturer prior to the goods being sold, but the manufacturer must still obtain them before the sale can take place.
Federal Law No. 123 mandates that any material used for interior decoration on the property be certified as fire safe. This document attests to the coating’s adequate fire resistance and its inability to start a fire.
An expert opinion is the second document that the buyer may ask for from the seller. This document attests to the fact that linoleum satisfies all environmental and hygienic standards and is safe for people’s and their pets’ health.
Varieties
This material is primarily separated into two categories: mechanical and chemical, depending on how foam is applied. The first one is more costly but easier to use; that is, it allows him to rapidly regain his shape after coming into contact with heavy objects. The second is a better option for bathroom flooring even though it lacks this feature. Its base is nearly monolithic, and it does not absorb moisture.
Three major categories of foamed linoleum are distinguished based on their intended use:
- Domestic. This is the richest linoleum in terms of variety of design solutions. It is intended for use in ordinary apartments, mainly in children"s rooms. Low cost and low thickness. The protective layer here does not exceed 0.3 mm.
- Semi-commercial. This is a transitional group in the mid-price category. It is somewhat stronger than household flooring. The protective layer 1 is a little thicker here. This material is suitable if there are many people and pets living in the apartment. It can also be installed in bathrooms and toilets.
- Commercial. Features increased strength. Can be used in high traffic areas. Commercial foamed linoleum can be seen in the offices of small companies, public toilets and small cafes.
Two materials are primarily used to produce a protective layer of foamed linoleum: polyurethane and transparent polyvinyl chloride. They both exhibit a high level of resistance to wear. Thus, it is illogical to favor one of them over the other.
It is important to consider the room’s commercial class when choosing linoleum. A domestic choice is appropriate for living rooms and bedrooms. For semi-commercial bathrooms. For commercial use in offices and cafes.
Foam-based linoleum is a popular, reasonably priced flooring choice that is easy to install, comfortable, and long-lasting. It is perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic or homes with children because it provides a soft, cushioned surface. Prominent producers such as Armstrong, Forbo, and Tarkett offer a range of patterns and hues to complement any style. Easy to install, it requires only simple tools and little setup, which makes it a great option for do-it-yourselfers. Foam-based linoleum can last for many years as a fashionable and useful flooring option if properly cared for.
Criterias of choice
Prior to selecting linoleum, you ought to consider the following questions:
- For what room is linoleum purchased?? After all, one material is suitable for a bathroom, another for a nursery, and a third for a balcony. However, there are several universal models, but their cost is generally several times higher than standard analogues.
- Will linoleum be able to withstand the loads it will be subjected to?. Many will agree that the load on linoleum in the bedroom and office is completely different. This should be taken into account when choosing flooring.
- What requirements must linoleum meet?? In apartments, linoleum, in addition to the function of flooring, can perform a number of other tasks, for example, act as an additional heat-insulating or noise-absorbing material.
- Is linoleum suitable for the design of the room?. This is the simplest selection criterion. Today you can find hundreds of flooring options in stores. Choosing it for a specific room interior will not be difficult.
A person should research the typical costs for this type of material once he is aware of the technical and aesthetic requirements for the coating. Additionally, it’s best to examine them from multiple angles. It is best to decline such a purchase if a customer arrives at the store and observes that the prices of the items vary noticeably from one another.
Two choices are available:
- or the store greatly increases the price tag;
- or is trying to sell a low-quality product.
Even if the linoleum has the necessary technical qualities and is reasonably priced, you shouldn’t buy it right away. You should look closely at the product’s appearance.
You must smell it first. The sample is either a fake or has a flaw if it has a strong chemical smell. The distinctive scent of premium linoleum is present, but it is not overbearing. It totally vanishes after a full day or two of consistent use.
The sample is closely examined in the following step. A special focus is placed on the drawing’s quality. A hazy or fuzzy image indicates a product that isn’t working properly. The material’s delamination serves as additional evidence for this.
You can run the following quick test to assess quality:
- A piece of linoleum is sharply bent and unbent several times to the maximum angle.
- After this he is examined. Normal product will not change. On a defective or fake coating, a thin white stripe will appear at the bend (this is limescale, indicating the thinness of the base material).
- Then you should ask the seller for documents indicating the quality of the goods. If they are not there, this is a reason to think.
The best places to purchase linoleum are big-box retailers. There is very little chance of coming across a fake in such places. These businesses’ owners cherish their brand and only buy products from reliable suppliers, frequently straight from producers.
Top 5 manufacturers
Popular foamed linoleum models are shown below.
Tarkett Magic Viva
This Tarkett semi-commercial linoleum is strong enough to bear heavy mechanical loads. It can therefore be applied in places with heavy traffic. It cleans up easily.
In contrast to most models, this material can conceal minor base irregularities. That is, floors with minor fissures and projections can be covered with it. Nothing, however, jeopardizes its aesthetic and functional qualities. The unevenness will just be covered by the bottom layer. A square meter costs 500 rubles on average.
IVC Bingo Grass 025
Ideal for places with little traffic. It is noteworthy for being modest. It cleans up easily. Under the weight of furniture, it does not droop. A 0.2 mm PVC film serves as a representation of the protective layer. The material is 2.8 mm thick overall. The average cost is 400 rubles.
Force Colibri 6
This is linoleum that is semi-commercial. He has a sizable roster. This enables you to select flooring that complements any interior design.
This brand’s linoleum can be used in small offices as well as living rooms. His wear resistance class is high. It cannot be unintentionally damaged by a falling knife or a slipped heel. A 0.6 mm thick protective layer stops this. This flooring has a total thickness of 2.5 mm. The average cost is 600 rubles.
Ideal Voyage Australian pine
This linoleum’s foundation is foamed polyvinyl chloride. The flooring is offered in a variety of design options, the majority of which mimic the appearance of real wood.
This coating is thought to be universal. It works well in every room of the apartment, even the bathroom. Moisture cannot seep into its base.
The model has a total thickness of 3 mm. Among them, 0.25 mm hits the barrier. The average cost is 500 rubles.
Tarkett synteros
Capable of supporting heavy mechanical loads. As a result, it can be utilized in cafés or tiny offices.
It blocks outside noise from entering the space and adds another layer of thermal insulation.
Pet owners should use this brand. Not even a cat’s razor-sharp claws could harm this material in the environment. It affects the thick protective layer.
The average cost is 550 rubles.
Every price is expressed in Russian rubles for a square meter of carpet.
Installation rules
The application of foamed-base linoleum follows accepted practices. The base must be ready for him before he can begin. It needs to be pristinely clean and smooth. During surgery, linoleum can burst from even a tiny base dent. Uneven substrates can be covered by a select few brands without affecting their performance.
The base is prepared and then covered with an adhesive base. This might be glue or double-sided tape, depending on the kind of room. It is possible to install linoleum on baseboards in small rooms.
Installing linoleum in spaces (like bedrooms and storage rooms) where the flooring is not subjected to significant loads is a good use for double-sided tape.P.). The adhesive is applied in large, humid, and traffic-heavy rooms (hall, living room, kitchen).
Starting from the far wall and working toward the exit, linoleum is carefully laid on the prepared base.
Preventing air bubbles from forming beneath the floor covering is particularly crucial. They may cause harm to the material’s integrity while it is in use.
Basic mistakes
According to builders, linoleum has a long memory; that is, he remembers the shape that is given to him and attempts to go back to it. This flooring feature is often overlooked.
The flooring needs to be laid out on a level, horizontal surface before you start installing the linoleum. Weights are applied to the edges. This position is maintained for a minimum of 24 hours with the material.
When buying linoleum in the winter, the coating is kept in a roll for two to three days after it is delivered to a warm apartment. If you begin to unroll it immediately, the coating may begin to crack.
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
- ease;
- strength;
- elasticity;
- large selection of designs;
- ease of installation;
- high wear resistance;
- depreciation;
- easy care;
- the ability to restore its shape;
- affordable price.
Drawbacks:
- contains materials to which some people may be allergic;
- a sharp temperature change can lead to deformation of the material;
- low level of fire resistance;
- cannot be used in rooms with “warm floors”.
The benefits of foam-based linoleum are its affordability, comfort, and longevity. Its foam backing offers superior cushioning, which makes it a cozy option for homes and businesses alike. It’s also a sensible choice for locations with a lot of foot traffic and spill potential due to its resistance to wear and moisture.
Tarkett, Armstrong, and Forbo are highly recognized as leading producers of foam-based linoleum, valued for their superior quality and inventiveness. There is a choice for every taste and interior style thanks to the range of designs and finishes offered by these brands. Many of their product lines feature recyclable materials and low emissions, and they are renowned for their environmentally friendly products.
Foam-based linoleum installation is an easy task that both pros and do-it-yourselfers can complete. The subfloor must be ready, the linoleum must be precisely measured and cut, and it must be firmly affixed in place. A smooth, long-lasting finish that can greatly improve any space’s aesthetic and functional value is ensured by careful preparation and installation.
To sum up, linoleum made of foam is a practical and adaptable flooring option. Because of its comfort, robustness, and customizable design, it can be used in a variety of settings. You can get years of use out of this flooring if you choose reliable manufacturers and adhere to installation guidelines.