Natural linoleum - what is it? Most consumers see this as a synthetic floor covering. It turns out that this species, due to its cheapness and ease of production, replaced the ancient linoleum from natural materials.
History
Back in the 18th century, a floor covering method was invented, which is a jute substrate with a surface made of natural components: wood flour, linseed oil, beeswax and natural dyes. Later the cork tree bark also became a part.
He received a patent for such a coating in the 19th century by the Englishman F. Walton, he improved the production technology. Since then, almost nothing has changed in it, only new materials have entered. Such a floor could only be found in rich homes.
Natural linoleum - what is it?
Now natural coating is available to most buyers. All because of the cost reduction of the constituent elements. For example, linseed oil has replaced a cheaper analogue, linoxin. Its dense mass is called "flax cement." The quality of the finished product did not suffer from such a replacement. But the most affordable linoleum made component - polyvinyl chloride. This is the widespread species that replaced the natural floor.
But modern fashion welcomes naturalness in everything: fabrics for clothes, properly grown products, safe furniture. Therefore, manufacturers of linoleum are increasingly abandoning artificial ones, preferring natural and environmentally friendly materials.
Natural coating manufacturing process
Previously, the manufacturing process was very complicated and time-consuming, hence its high cost. All processes were performed manually. It was necessary to mix linseed oil with beeswax, resin and wood resin, dyes were added later. Mixing occurred at a certain temperature. The prepared mixture was applied to the fabric, then dried. Wood chips were later added to the components.
Manufacturers tried to reduce the cost of finished products by changing the composition. Therefore, at different times, some components were added, others were removed.
What components in the composition can boast natural linoleum, what is it, we will consider below. So, the composition of the coating includes:
- linseed oil;
- wood flour ;
- softwood resin;
- lime powder.
In special bunkers, βlinoleum massβ is prepared from these components.
In them, it ripens within 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. To do this, use a calendaring machine.
It produces formations one meter wide. Further, the layers are overlapped on a jute base. To reduce the thickness, the finished material is passed again through the apparatus until the desired linoleum dimensions in thickness, namely 2-5 mm, are reached.
Linoleum is dried for 2 weeks in a special chamber.
The wear resistance of the resulting coating is much lower. To increase it, a special treatment of the top layer with a protective film is carried out. Then the linoleum is ready for installation.
Types of Natural Coating
The natural class of linoleum is firmly entrenched in the construction market.
Distinguish such a coating by the type of base:
- Castle. The bottom layer is a chipboard. It connects as a laminate or parquet. It consists of three layers: the first is linoleum directly 2 mm thick, the middle is chipboard, the bottom is cork.
- Cork. A backing made of natural material spreads on glue.
Coverage may vary by type of production on:
- Roll. Its thickness is up to 4 mm, width is from 1.5 to 6 meters, length is up to 32 meters. Moreover, the weight of one roll is 120 kg. This makes it difficult to transport. You can roll a roll only once because of the fragility of the material. Therefore, there is no room for error.
- Panel. The size of one is 300 * 900 mm, they are laid on glue.
- Tiled. Natural linoleum (made by tiles) has the size of one element 300 * 300 or 500 * 500 mm. Laying is done on glue.
The benefits of natural coating
Natural linoleum has many advantages. What it is?
- The most important positive quality is only the natural components in the composition.
- Wear resistance at the highest level. The service life can reach 30 years. On average, manufacturers give a guarantee of 10-15 years.
- The surface of natural linoleum is not static.
- High fire safety.
- The bactericidal property of linseed oil is transmitted to the entire coating.
- Ease of cleaning.
- Practicality.
- Over time, does not change its structure and color.
- Resistant to aggressive environments and chemicals.
- Not afraid of temperature or humidity.
- Can be used for underfloor heating.
Cons of a natural look
The first and main disadvantage is its high cost.
For all its rigidity, this coating is very fragile, therefore, it requires certain handling during transportation and installation. Cracks that can form will give an unaesthetic appearance to the surface. Moisture resistance is insufficient to use in bathrooms or toilets. High demands are made on the surface of the base. There should not be bumps and large drops, otherwise all the flaws will appear over time on the new floor. The selection of drawings is limited.
Buying a natural coating
The sizes of linoleum are the same for most manufacturers. In a roll, it is 2 meters wide. The thickness will depend on the brand. If it is equal to 2 mm, then such a coating can be applied in public places, child care facilities and residential premises.
With a thickness of more than 2 to 4 mm, it can be used everywhere, since it has more wear-resistant qualities. Suitable for dance or sports halls, large offices and medical facilities.
The construction market is not protected from fakes and substandard materials, therefore, choosing natural linoleum, you should pay attention to the edges of the roll. They should not be badly wrinkled. If white stripes appeared on them, then the manufacturer saved on materials and added a lot of lime.
It is better to buy expensive material in a large store that can provide certificates of conformity and safety for the goods. If you need to buy several rolls, then it is more correct to choose them from one batch, because others may vary in color. The intensity of the load is indicated on the package, and is indicated by numbers from 1 to 4. Moreover, 4 is the highest load. It is better to buy a roll that was stored in an upright position rather than hanging horizontally.
Stacking
Laying natural linoleum is best left to professionals.
Installation technology is very similar to the installation of synthetic coatings. The only difference is the use of water dispersion glue. It has a thicker texture and is applied with a construction spatula with teeth. After laying, you need to expel air from under the coating. It is better to do this in two directions: first across, then along.
Natural linoleum manufacturers
The domestic market is represented by a small number of brands engaged in similar products.
A well-known company producing natural linoleum is Forbo. It has in its line a wide range of products. The Marmoleum brand is in great demand, the following types can be distinguished in it:
"Real" - has the color of marble chips. On such a surface there will be no noticeable dirt.
Fresco - a drawing imitates ancient wall murals.
Walton - This class of linoleum has a uniform pattern that professionals can successfully combine.
Artoleum - this novelty has a unique embossed surface pattern.
Should I choose a natural floor for the kitchen
Choosing such material for the home, the question arises as to whether natural linoleum is suitable for the kitchen?
It is impossible to answer it unequivocally, but you can recommend it for the dining area. Here he will definitely serve for more than a dozen years.
When deciding on the working area, it should be weighed, but will it be appropriate to stack it? Or can it be replaced with a cheaper analogue? Strength and wear resistance allow its use in such an aggressive environment. He will firmly tolerate fat stains, and any others, while not losing shape and appearance. Everything will depend only on the desire of the owner and his financial capabilities.
So, we found out what natural linoleum is. The price of it varies depending on the manufacturer, type and other characteristics. But they start from 1000 rubles per square meter, if we are talking about natural material.