Because of its longevity, ease of upkeep, and aesthetic versatility, linoleum is still a popular choice for flooring. Nonetheless, a vital element that is frequently disregarded is the linoleum’s thickness. Making an informed choice and selecting the ideal linoleum for your particular requirements can be achieved by being aware of the significance of thickness.
The comfort, insulation, and durability of linoleum are all influenced by its thickness. Greater resistance to wear and tear, a more comfortable walking surface, and improved sound insulation can all be found with thicker linoleum. It is therefore the perfect option for high-traffic areas in your house or place of business.
It’s important to take the installation location into account when choosing linoleum. In low-traffic areas like bedrooms, where durability is less of an issue, thinner linoleum might be appropriate. However, because thicker linoleum can tolerate more foot traffic and potential spills, it is better suited for areas like living rooms, hallways, and kitchens.
In addition to thickness, other things to think about are the linoleum’s design, color, and finish. Selecting the ideal arrangement of these components will guarantee enduring performance in addition to improving the space’s visual appeal. You can choose the ideal linoleum that satisfies your aesthetic and functional requirements by paying attention to these little details.
Concept
Thickness is thought to be linoleum’s primary attribute. It is essential to the coating’s ergonomics, strength, and performance attributes. The base and extra layers add up to the total thickness.
Similar to other materials utilized in spaces where individuals reside either permanently or temporarily, linoleum must meet several quality standards.
There is no set order for coating sizes set by manufacturers. In terms of thickness, GOST 18108-2016 must be taken into consideration.
What is common for gender??
The structure of linoleum largely determines its thickness. Significant events occur:
- homogeneous (single-layer);
- heterogeneous (multilayer).
Typically, the latter are marginally thicker than the former. They have a maximum of seven layers, each with a thickness of less than a millimeter.
Linoleum ranges in thickness from 1.2 to 9 mm overall.
Indicators depending on purpose
Producers conditionally divide linoleum on the following to facilitate flooring selection:
This classification makes it easy to determine what kind of room a given material is meant for right away. Their strengths and thicknesses are not the same.
Domestic
This class is intended for installation in low-traffic areas such as apartments, homes, private offices of employees of small businesses, and other spaces. It has some of the weakest strength indicators. Household-grade linoleum typically ranges in thickness from 1.2 to 2 mm. But there are also larger models available. One of the main factors influencing coating strength is thickness.
Operating conditions determine the small thickness. Household models are not exposed to harsh chemicals or put through significant mechanical stress. Because of their dimensions, they can support three to five people at once in addition to the weight of medium-weight furniture.
Household models are unable to conceal uneven floors because of their low thickness. As a result, it’s imperative to set up a perfectly level foundation for them; otherwise, the material’s service life may be shortened multiple times.
Semi-commercial
This category is in transition. It works well in challenging areas of the apartment, like the kitchen, or in public areas with minimal foot traffic, like small cafes or offices. This substance is stronger. Its thickness is therefore higher. Her range is 2 to 4 mm.
Medium-traffic rooms are the target market for semi-commercial models. They are resilient to medium loads. Certain models are anti-slip and anti-static. Their thickness is also impacted by this.
Industrial
The thickest, most resilient linoleum. Its purpose was to endure heavy mechanical loads. A clear polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or varnish protective layer is a must for every model.
This makes it possible to use it even in rooms that are close to the street. He is not harmed by equipment wheels or temperature changes. The models in this class range in average thickness from 5 to 7 mm. Up to 1.2 mm of this is accounted for by the protective layer.
Special
Certain properties require the installation of a specific kind of coating. For instance, linoleum should have antistatic qualities in areas with a high concentration of electrical equipment and an antibacterial layer to stop the spread of viruses in hospitals.
The material’s thickness reflects all of this. She has a 9 mm reach. The majority of these coatings possess a non-uniform structure. homogeneous, made of polyvinyl chloride or rubber, and utilized for sports-related premises.
Due to their high cost, private homes do not install special coverings.
What to consider?
The primary consideration for people choosing flooring thickness is the environment in which it will be used. However, don’t overlook the room’s structural integrity. The room’s owner must select the "golden mean" if the apartment has a heated floor system.
Under these circumstances, linoleum that is too thin can easily lose its aesthetic appeal. Heat will not be able to pass through thick material. The system will become worthless and an inefficient energy user.
When selecting a coating for an apartment, it is important to consider the makeup of the household. While playing, kids and pets could harm themselves and the delicate material. Thicker models should therefore be preferred, if they are available.
When it comes to rooms with uneven floors, the same brands will apply. For example, it is preferable to use thick material when installing linoleum over plywood sheets. If not, straight lines from the joints will soon appear, even in a monolithic structure. This will make the room look terrible.
For your flooring, selecting the proper linoleum thickness is essential for comfort and longevity. Linoleum comes in thicknesses ranging from 1.5 to 4 mm; thicker varieties provide superior cushioning and noise absorption, while thinner varieties are more reasonably priced and best suited for low-traffic areas. To ensure you get the best performance and longevity out of your flooring, take into account your personal comfort preferences, the type of subfloor, and the traffic volume in the room when choosing linoleum.
What should it be in different cases?
The conditions under which linoleum is used primarily determine its thickness. A bathroom, for instance, requires more resilient materials than a bedroom. If the linoleum in the first scenario needs to be at least 2 mm thick, then 1.2 mm will do in the second scenario.
Remembering the coating’s composition is important. It is strictly forbidden to lay linoleum on a felt lining in the same bathroom. Water will be absorbed by the material, but it cannot dry. The smell of mold will quickly fill the apartment. Insects will start to proliferate in the worst situation. It will be necessary to replace the covering and disinfect the space.
Linoleum in commercial spaces needs to be resilient to strong mechanical and occasionally chemical forces. Consequently, this material ought to be thicker. optimally between 4 and 9 mm, based on particular operating circumstances.
Additionally, the precise location of linoleum use is crucial. You can get by with 2-4 mm models in a heated room. However, the linoleum should be thicker if it is installed on the street or in rooms that are close to it (balcony, corridor, etc.).
Use the most robust models, ranging from 5 to 9 mm, outdoors. They essentially have a homogeneous structure, meaning that a material made of multiple layers could easily come loose from exposure to adverse environmental conditions (rain, snow, etc.) or from a sudden change in temperature.
Why is it important not to make a mistake in choosing?
A person will probably need to recover if he makes a poor decision. There will be time, nerves, and money lost in this. For example:
- Thin linoleum laid in the production workshop will begin to deteriorate after the first full shift. Workers with their boots and tools will first apply the protective layer, and then the base material. Thin models cannot be used in unheated rooms. They are negatively affected by sudden changes in temperature. After the first frost, the material will turn into something like stretched paper. If you touch it with something sharp (or sometimes just step on it) and it will come apart at the seams. For rooms of this type it is better to use thick, good linoleum of a homogeneous structure, or materials with an additional insulating layer.
- If you lay too thick a coating in an apartment, it may turn out that half of the doors (if they do not have high thresholds) stop closing. Linoleum will act as a stopper, t.To. there will be no free space between him and the door.
Numbers from different manufacturers
| Thickness of Linoleum | How to Choose the Right Coating |
| 1.5-2 mm | Suitable for low-traffic areas like bedrooms. |
| 2-3 mm | Good for moderate-traffic areas such as living rooms and dining rooms. |
| 3-4 mm | Ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. |
| 4+ mm | Best for commercial spaces and areas with heavy use. |
Selecting the appropriate linoleum thickness for your floors is essential to attaining the intended level of comfort, longevity, and aesthetics. Greater insulation and comfort underfoot are provided by thicker linoleum, which is usually between 3.5 and 8 millimeters thick. This makes it perfect for high-traffic areas like living rooms and bedrooms or anywhere additional warmth is required. Utility rooms and guest bathrooms are better places for thinner linoleum, which is typically 1.5 to 3 millimeters thick, especially if budget is an issue.
Take into account the particular requirements of each room when choosing linoleum. Choose thicker, more resilient linoleum for high-traffic areas to ensure longevity and resilience against deterioration. Thickner options also offer better sound insulation and cushioning in areas where comfort and noise reduction are top priorities. Thinner linoleum can be an affordable option for less-trafficked areas without compromising style.
It’s crucial to take the installation procedure into account. More exact installation methods might be needed for thicker linoleum to prevent problems like uneven surfaces or bubbling. To get the best results, make sure the subfloor is smooth and well-prepared. It is possible to ensure that the linoleum is installed correctly and prolong its lifespan by consulting with a professional installer.
In summary, the ideal linoleum thickness will depend on the particular needs of your room, taking comfort, longevity, and cost into consideration. Knowing these things will help you make decisions that will guarantee your flooring looks fantastic and holds up over time. A careful selection of linoleum thickness can have a big impact on the overall quality and satisfaction with your flooring choice, whether you’re remodeling a single room or your entire house.
