Linoleum natural - what is it? Types, characteristics, prices

Linoleum natural - what is it? In the view of most consumers this synthetic floor covering. It turns out that this kind of cheap and simple production ousted the ancient linoleum from natural materials.

History

In the 18th century, a method of floor covering was invented, which is a jute substrate with a surface of natural components: wood flour, linseed oil, beeswax and natural dyes. Later, the cork bark entered the structure . He received a patent for a similar coating in the 19th century by Englishman F. Walton, the technology of production was improved by him. Since then, almost nothing has changed in it, only new materials have entered. Such a floor could only be found in rich houses. Linoleum natural - what is it?

Now the natural cover is available to most buyers. All because of the cheaper components. For example, linseed oil replaced a cheaper analog - linoxin. Its thick mass was called "flax cement". The quality of the finished product from such a replacement was not affected. But the most affordable linoleum made component - polyvinyl chloride. This is a widespread form, which replaced the natural sex.

But modern fashion welcomes the naturalness in everything: fabric for clothes, properly grown products, safe furniture. Therefore, linoleum manufacturers are increasingly abandoning artificial, giving preference to natural and environmentally friendly materials.

Technological process of production of natural cover

Earlier the manufacturing process was very complicated and laborious, hence its high cost. All processes were performed manually. It was necessary to mix flaxseed oil with beeswax, gum and wood tar, later dyes were added. Stirring occurred at a certain temperature. The prepared mixture was applied to the fabric, then dried. Later, wood chips were added to the components.

Manufacturers tried to reduce the cost of finished products due to a change in composition. Therefore at different times some components were added, others were removed.

What components in the composition can boast linoleum natural, what is it, consider below. So, the composition of the coating includes:

- linseed oil;

- wood flour;

- wood resin of coniferous species;

- powder of lime.

In special bunkers of these components, the "linoleum mass" is prepared. In them, it ripens during a week at a certain temperature, which should not be below +30 degrees. After 7 days, dyes can be added to the mass.

Then it is pressed. For this use a calender machine. It produces layers in the width of one meter. Next, the layers are overlapped on a base of jute. To reduce the thickness, the finished material is passed through the apparatus again, until the desired thickness of the linoleum is reached, namely 2-5 mm.

Dry linoleum for 2 weeks in a special chamber. Wear resistance of the coating obtained is much lower. To increase it, special treatment of the upper layer with a protective film is carried out. Then linoleum is ready for packing.

Types of natural cover

The natural class of linoleum is firmly entrenched in the construction market.

There are such a cover by the type of the base:

- Castle. The bottom layer is a chipboard. It is joined by the type of laminate or parquet. It consists of three layers: the first - directly linoleum 2 mm thick, medium - chipboard, the bottom - cork coating.

- Cork. Substrate of natural material is spread on the glue.

Coverage can vary and by type of production on:

- Roll-fed. Its thickness is up to 4 mm, width is from 1.5 to 6 meters, length is up to 32 meters. The weight of one roll is 120 kg. This makes it difficult to transport. Roll rolls can only be rolled once because of the brittleness of the material. Therefore, there is no right to make a mistake.

- Panel. The size of one - 300 * 900 mm, stack it on the glue.

- Tiled. Natural linoleum (tiles manufactured) has the size of one element 300 * 300 or 500 * 500 mm. Laying is done on glue.

Pros of the natural coating

Many advantages are linoleum natural. What it is?

- The most important positive quality is only the natural ingredients in the composition.

- Wear resistance at the highest level. The service life can reach 30 years. On average, manufacturers give a guarantee in 10-15 years.

- The surface of natural linoleum is not static.

- High fire safety.

- The bactericidal property of linseed oil is transferred to the entire coating.

- Ease of cleaning.

- Practicality.

- Over time, does not change its structure and color.

- Resistant to aggressive media and chemicals.

- Not afraid of temperature drop or humidity.

- Can be used for underfloor heating.

Cons of natural type

The first and main drawback is its high cost. For all its rigidity, this coating is very fragile, so it requires some handling during transport and installation. Cracks that can form, will give an unaesthetic appearance of the surface. Moisture resistance is insufficient to use in bathrooms or bathrooms. High demands are placed on the surface of the substrate. There should be unevenness and large differences, otherwise all shortcomings will manifest themselves over time on a new floor. The choice of pictures is limited.

Purchase of natural cover

The sizes of a linoleum at the majority of manufacturers identical. In a roll, this is 2 meters wide. The thickness will depend on the brand. If it is 2 mm, then this coating can be used in public places, children's institutions and living quarters. With a thickness of more than 2 to 4 mm can be used everywhere, because it has more wear-resistant qualities. Suitable for dance or sports halls, large offices and medical facilities.

The construction market is not protected from counterfeits and poor-quality materials, therefore, when choosing a natural linoleum, you should pay attention to the edges of the roll. They should not be severely crushed. If they had white stripes, the manufacturer saved on materials and added a lot of lime.

Buy expensive material better in a large store, which will be able to provide the goods with certificates of compliance and safety. If you need to buy a few rolls, then it's better to choose from one lot, because others can differ in color. The intensity of the load is indicated on the package, and is indicated by the numbers from 1 to 4. And 4 is the highest load. Buy a better roll, which was stored in a vertical position, and did not hang horizontally.

Stacking

Laying of natural linoleum is better to entrust to professionals. The mounting technique is very similar to the installation of a synthetic coating. The only difference is in the use of water-dispersion glue. It has a thicker texture and is applied with a construction spatula with teeth. After laying it is necessary to expel the air from under the cover. Do it better in two ways: first across, then along.

Manufacturers of natural linoleum

The domestic market is represented by a small number of brands engaged in such products.

A well-known company producing natural linoleum - Forbo. It has in its range a wide range of products. The brand "Marmoleum" is very in demand, it can distinguish the following types:

"Real" - has the color of marble chips. On such a surface there will be no noticeable dirt.

Fresco - the image imitates ancient wall murals.

Walton - this class of linoleum has a uniform pattern that professionals can successfully combine.

Artoleum - this novelty has a unique relief pattern of the surface.

Is it worth choosing a natural kitchen floor

Choosing such material for the house, there is a question and about, whether the natural linoleum for kitchen approaches or suits? It is impossible to answer it unequivocally, but you can recommend it for the dining area. Here he certainly will serve more than a dozen years.

When deciding the question of the work area, one should weigh, and whether it will be expedient to lay it down? Or can I replace it with a cheaper analog? Strength and durability allow its use in such an aggressive environment. He will steadily take out and fatty stains, and any others, thus will not lose the form and a kind. Everything will depend only on the desire of the owner and his financial capabilities.

So, we found out what a natural linoleum is. The price for it varies depending on the manufacturer, type and other characteristics. But they start from 1000 rubles per square meter, if it is a question of natural material.