Ceramic tiles and linoleum are two of the most popular floor coverings in Russia. That's just where their similarity ends, and in order to find the answer to the question of what is better than tile or linoleum, you will have to sort through the bones of the advantages and disadvantages of both types of flooring.

Linoleum or tile? Who will win

Evaluate all the pros and cons

Linoleum is a universal coating that can be used in any residential area. In the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, hallway - everywhere it will be appropriate. A huge range of colors, designs, textures allows you to easily choose the right option for both the nursery and the bathroom. Linoleum under a tile, under a tree, under marble, under a parquet and a laminate - what only varieties of this floor covering do not exist, and there are many types of linoleum. You can buy natural linoleum, which is highly durable and environmentally friendly, you can opt for an artificial PVC coating, which is inexpensive and looks amazing. In general, while solid pluses.

Economic class artificial PVC coating

Linoleum under a tree - beautiful, original, fashionable

What else Benefits has linoleum?

1. Softness. When falling on linoleum, the likelihood of injury is minimal, since its surface is quite soft.
2. Elasticity. The structure of linoleum is elastic and pliable, which makes it easy to lay it on the base.
3. Strength. PVC coating does not crack, is resistant to abrasion, does not crumble, does not deform, as is often the case with tile or wood coatings. With proper installation, linoleum (especially natural) can last from 20 to 30 years.
4. Ease of maintenance. You can wash linoleum with ordinary water using detergents or with a vacuum cleaner.
5. Ease of installation. Thanks to the substrate, the thickness of which can reach 4 mm, it is possible to lay artificial linoleum even on an uneven surface - height differences will not be noticeable.
6. Moisture resistance.
7. High rates of sound and heat insulation.
8. Relatively low price(compared to the same laminate, tile or parquet).
9. Artificial coatings do not rot, as they are made from polyvinyl chloride components.

Disadvantages of linoleum:

1. Artificial types of linoleum are quite sensitive to solvents, alkalis, fats and high temperatures. Some products can leave permanent stains on the surface of linoleum, and the sun's rays will permanently spoil the color of the material.
2. Low coefficient of frost resistance. When the temperature drops to -10-15 degrees, linoleum begins to break and crack, its elasticity in this case decreases.
3. Instability to mechanical influences. A knife, fork, legs of chairs and tables that have fallen to the floor can easily ruin linoleum.
4. Abrasion resistance. Over time, the surface of linoleum may be partially erased, because the pattern is applied not over the entire structure of the material, but only on its surface.
5. It is almost impossible to lay natural linoleum on your own; you will have to contact specialists.
6. Natural linoleum is fragile and cruel, but it is almost 2.5 times more reliable than its artificial counterparts - the service life of this coating can reach 40-50 years.

Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic tiles

Tiles, unlike linoleum, are not at all appropriate in a bedroom or a nursery - in these rooms you want something warm and cozy, and cold ceramics are not at all like these epithets. But on the other hand, in the kitchen, in the bathroom or in the hallway, durable tiles will come in handy. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of ceramic tiles.

Ceramic tiles - from a simple ...

… to elite

Advantages:

1. High strength. Thanks to a special manufacturing and firing technology, the tile has a rigid, durable structure.
2. Increased wear resistance.
3. Resistant to moisture, steam and change temperature regime. It is these characteristics that make it possible to use tiles in saunas, baths and bathrooms.
4. Ease of maintenance.
5. Resistant to pollution. Ceramic tiles are not afraid of any stains, so for the kitchen and hallway - this is perhaps the only option.
6. High resistance to external influences. These include mechanical, chemical, and atmospheric influences.
7. Does not burn, does not rot, does not emit toxic substances when heated.

Flaws:

1. Low heat and sound insulation coefficients.
2. The surface of ceramic tiles is cold and hard. The last moment often causes injuries when falling, and the dishes, falling on the tiled floor, instantly break into smithereens.
3. Difficulty in installation.

On account of the fact that ceramic tile cold is true, although not all of its types have the same thermal conductivity coefficients. Glazed tiles cool faster than matte tiles, but neither can boast of the comfort that linoleum provides. Walking barefoot in winter on a tiled floor is not very pleasant, but in summer, when it is hot outside, such a coating gives incredible bliss and even animals enjoy relaxing on ceramic tiles.

The problem of cold tiles can be easily solved thanks to modern heating technologies. A warm electric floor will warm even in the most severe frosts, and in summer this function can simply be turned off.

What to choose?

Both tiles and linoleum have their drawbacks, in principle, just like laminate and parquet. But still! The tile is several times stronger than linoleum, which means that it will last much longer, although no one is safe from accidental falling of a weight or anvil, which can end tragically even for the thickest tile. Linoleum loses here, because even a fork can “injure” the surface of the coating.

Linoleum is softer, which means that the fallen dishes have a chance to “stay alive”, and the child, stumbling, will not hurt his nose or knees. It turns out that linoleum is the winner here.

Ceramics are resistant to stains and dirt of any kind, linoleum cannot boast of this, but it is easy to lay, unlike tiles.

PVC coating is warm and cozy, tiles are cold, especially in winter and without heating.

What is the result? And the result is not unambiguous: both linoleum and tile can be an ideal coating for the kitchen, bathroom, hallway. Both have their advantages, but also have their drawbacks. You still have to choose the flooring - compare all the available data, weigh your options and opt for the flooring to which both the soul and the wallet lie.

When it comes to facing the floor of the hallway, kitchen, balcony, the question often arises - better fit PVC tile or regular linoleum? Both materials have both similar and different characteristics, so analyze and compare them with each other.

Despite the similarities, PVC tiles have some significant differences from linoleum.

Features of PVC tiles

First of all, consider what PVC tiles are. The abbreviation stands for the abbreviation of the substance from which it is made - polyvinyl chloride. The product consists of several layers. The upper ones are represented by a film with a pattern and protection against damage.

The multi-layer structure of PVC tiles provides resistance to wear and moisture penetration

To better understand the properties of PVC tiles and linoleum, consider their main advantageous characteristics. PVC coating has:

• Moisture resistance. The tile is absolutely not susceptible to water and is not even afraid of floods, preventing the penetration of liquid into the structure of the subfloor.
• chemical inertness. Does not react to contact with most substances. This allows you to clean the surface without fear of using various types of household chemicals and cosmetics near the coating.
• Antistatic. Does not accumulate static electricity, and therefore does not attract dust.
• Fire safety. Does not burn or release toxins when exposed to high temperatures.
• Environmental friendliness. It is made from raw materials safe for human health. Specify this indicator for each product separately.
• Impact resistance. Not afraid of falling objects on its surface, contact with shoes and other damage. It is almost impossible to create a chip or crack on it.
• Soundproofing. Partially muffles the noise both from the outside and from the back.
• Wear resistance. The decorative layer practically does not wear out, and a minimum of scratches and damage is formed on the surface. Such material is considered eternal.

Due to the multi-layer structure, PVC tiles have good sound insulation.

The exact list of positive qualities is considered in the context of the analysis of the products of a particular manufacturer.

Features of linoleum

This material is also of artificial origin. Rolled flooring, similar to the previous type of floor finish. But it differs in composition and some characteristics. First, we note that linoleum consists of more layers. In order to prevent slipping on the floor, a special substrate is used, often made of jute or felt. Then comes the soft foam layer and fiberglass. On the front side there is a pattern covered with a protective film with additional features wear prevention.

The structure of linoleum provides a variety of colors and designs, softness and ease of installation.

Among useful qualities linoleum, we highlight the following:

• Soundproofing. Perfectly muffles steps and other noises, does not create ringing when objects fall and prevents their destruction.
• Thermal insulation. The bottom layer provides temperature retention and separates the coating from cold concrete.
• Moisture resistance. The outer surface does not let water through and is not afraid of direct contact with it. Can be safely washed with a wet cloth.
• Decorative. Linoleum imitates various coatings: tiles, stone, parquet, laminate. A room with such a floor looks quite decent.
• Mounting. It is enough to spread the roll and fix its edges. Even a beginner can handle this task.

Linoleum is produced in the form of rolls from 6 to 45 m long.

What to choose in different types of premises

Deciding which is still better: linoleum or simple PVC tiles is quite difficult. Consider some of the shortcomings and other features of the products.

For linoleum, we note that not every type is able to withstand contact with chemicals. This is fraught with the formation of stains and streaks. Poor quality samples emit harmful substances, in particular, formaldehydes, which provoke the development of oncology in humans. When water gets under the flooring, it is deformed and cannot be restored, and mechanical damage is eliminated only by applying a patch.

With regards to tiles, the coating is not so pleasant to the touch and requires heating. In addition, for its installation, glue is needed and time to dry. Otherwise, it is devoid of obvious flaws.

Regarding installation, in both cases a perfectly flat surface is prepared. When laying linoleum, it is enough to spread the roll and fix the edges of the segment. The tiles are glued to a special polymer adhesive, which is applied in a thin layer to the floor.

Installation of PVC tiles is carried out on glue applied to the entire surface, which eliminates the possibility of water leaking under the coating

The service life in general for both materials is practically unlimited. But PVC tile wins in some way, because it is not so prone to interaction with ultraviolet radiation and is more durable. If the coating is damaged, it is difficult to hide the flaw on the linoleum. For this purpose, the same piece of material is selected by color and thickness, and then it is cut in instead of the damaged area. With the repair of tiles, things are easier: just replace the damaged element.

Another aspect is floor heating. Cheap linoleum emits harmful substances and changes properties, up to appearance. But under the tile, a floor heating system is installed.

Regarding moisture resistance, we also say that linoleum loses. It, like a laminate, is able to withstand surface contact with water. However, if the second swells when moisture enters the joints, for linoleum, water leakage under the coating becomes fatal. The tile is securely glued to the floor and this problem does not arise.

The result of water flowing under the linoleum is the replacement of the affected coating

Combination options

If you cannot limit yourself to using only one material, take into account the possibility of combining different products. For example, combine similar coatings. If you choose the right pattern, you will achieve an interesting effect.

They combine not only PVC tiles with linoleum, but also laminate. It looks especially good in studio rooms. The areas most exposed to moisture and pollution are covered with the materials described above, and the dining room or living room with laminate.

To mask the transition, a special decorative threshold is used.

It is difficult to choose which is better: linoleum, PVC tiles, laminate. Much depends on the quality of the products, the style of the room and the personal preferences of the owners. In other words, the answer to the question is rather subjective.

When choosing between laminate and linoleum for the kitchen floor, your choice will most likely fall on linoleum.

There are several explanations for this decision in favor of linoleum.

And if you choose between linoleum and tiles?

We offer to figure out what is still better for the kitchen and why.

Laminate or linoleum in the kitchen

Laminate is not very "friendly" with moisture and mechanical stress.

If in the kitchen there is a constant fountain of splashing water from the sink and oil from the pan, pots and plates fall out of your hands regularly, then the laminate is not destined to last long.

Another “but”: compared to linoleum, laminate is a very sonorous material, on which even a cat cannot walk silently.

Only the speed of its installation, relative cheapness, and the ability to imitate natural materials (tile, parquet) can play in favor of the laminate.

Laminate is well suited as a temporary experimental floor covering until the next overhaul.

Tile or linoleum in the kitchen

Choosing between linoleum and tile as a floor covering in the kitchen is not easy.

Both coatings have many advantages, with a minimum of significant disadvantages. First, let's evaluate the advantages of each of the coatings.

Tiles: strength, wear resistance, durability, a wide choice of patterns and colors, moisture resistance, environmental friendliness.

Linoleum: wear resistance, a wide choice of patterns and colors, moisture resistance, low cost, easy dismantling, imitation of tiles and parquet is possible.

Disadvantages. Tiles: problematic dismantling, high cost of material and installation, cold material, brittle.

Linoleum: relatively cold material, scratch-resistant, less durable.

As a result, we have the following: ceteris paribus and low requirements for coverage, linoleum will be a budget option with the ability to quickly replace it with a new one, and tile is a more expensive option with a long-term perspective.

When arranging the “warm floor” system, the tile loses its main drawback (coldness) and becomes the ideal solution for the floor.

Linoleum for the kitchen natural

The old, well-known natural linoleum on the kitchen floor is a budget flooring option for those who often like to change the interior of the entire apartment and the kitchen in particular. Natural linoleum against its background seems to be a little-known and forgotten older "brother", whose history begins in the 17th century.

Today, the popularity of natural linoleum is gaining momentum.

And not in vain, because possessing all positive qualities PVC linoleum (durability, wear resistance, a wide choice of colors and patterns, resistance to chemical reagents), it has several more qualities that are very important for the consumer.

Among them - antistatic, bactericidal properties, high light resistance, fire safety, environmental friendliness.

In other words: dust does not attract, prevents the growth of bacteria and microbes, does not fade in the light, practically does not burn and does not melt, it is made of natural components.

It was not, of course, without drawbacks.

The cost of the linoleum itself and its installation are not cheap pleasures.

But, given the service life of 20 to 30 years, the price factor is not fundamental.

Polymer self-leveling floor or “liquid linoleum” is a relatively young, but well-established floor covering in the kitchen.

How to recognize liquid linoleum? Very simple: it looks like linoleum, feels like tile.

For domestic premises, only one of the three types of liquid linoleum is used - polyurethane.

What attracts this material?

• Absolute seamlessness will save you from debris in the cracks and allow you to create a whole picture on the floor.
• High wear resistance and impact resistance.
• No restrictions in the choice of color or pattern. Commissioning the pouring of the floor creative person, in return you can get a real work of art.
• Durability. The service life is more than 50 years.
• Simple and waste-free installation.
• Allows you to create 3D drawings on the floor.

Liquid linoleum still has one obvious drawback - the difficult dismantling of the coating.

*** Delivery of goods on a call to all regions of the Russian Federation by any transport service, rise to the floor, payment on the spot!

Articles

Tile or linoleum: what to choose?

Linoleum and ceramic tiles are the most popular types of flooring. To understand which material is most suitable for your repair, you need to consider all their advantages and disadvantages.

A bit about linoleum

This universal covering can be applied absolutely in any rooms. Linoleum will be appropriate both in the rooms of the apartment and in public places (hospitals, motels, hotels, etc.). A wide range of colors and textures will allow you to choose the material for each individual case, whether it is a nursery or a bathroom.

Benefits of using linoleum:

• soft surface minimizes injury when falling to the floor;
• the elastic structure of the material allows laying immediately on the base;
• durable PVC coating does not wear off, does not deform or crumble;
• you can even clean linoleum with ordinary water with the addition of detergents;
• the height of the substrate (up to 4 mm) allows you to lay linoleum even on an uneven base;
• high rate of moisture resistance, heat and sound insulation;
• artificial materials are not subject to decay;
• relatively low cost.

Flaws:

• artificial materials are quite sensitive to alkalis, solvents or fats. The stains obtained in this way are not always possible to remove. In addition, exposure to sunlight greatly affects the color of the product;
• low frost resistance (at temperatures of -10 ... -15 ° C, the material loses its elastic qualities and begins to crumble);
• long years of operation leave marks on the surface in the form of scuffs, small scratches, etc.;
• Laying natural linoleum is a very complicated process, so you can’t do without the help of professionals.

A few words about ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles have a cold surface, which makes their use in some rooms somewhat inappropriate (for example, in children's bedrooms). However, in rooms where there are increased requirements for flooring (kitchen, bathroom), such a cladding will come in handy.

Advantages of a ceramic tile floor:

• a special manufacturing and firing technology allows the tile to have a rigid structure, which, in turn, affects the strength of the material;
• high wear resistance;
• ease of care;
• resistance to high humidity, steam and temperature extremes;
• the coating is not afraid of the appearance of any stains, any contamination is removed without harm to the surface;
• the material does not burn and does not rot;
• the tile is not afraid of chemical, atmospheric or physical influences;
• when heated, toxic substances are not released.

Flaws:

• a hard and cold surface can cause injury if it falls, a fragile object (for example, a vase or dishes) left on the floor will break into smithereens;
• low coefficient of sound and heat insulation;
• installation complexity.

What is better to choose?

Of course, the choice will depend on personal preference. So, for example, the hard surface of the tile will allow the cladding to last for a considerable time, but it will not protect the fallen child from injury. At the same time, linoleum is softer and warmer, but not as resistant to stains and mechanical stress.

Both tile and linoleum have a number of undeniable advantages. When choosing a coating, weigh all the most important characteristics for you, evaluate your financial capabilities and buy the material to which your soul lies!