Linoleum in the bathroom: pros and cons, types and choices

When people talk about materials for covering bathroom surfaces, they often think about different types of tiles. Sometimes it comes to wallpaper, natural stone and similar options. But no less attractive and, moreover, a practical way of design will be the use of linoleum in the bathroom.

Yes, this material is rarely found in bathrooms. And the very expediency of its use there causes fierce controversy. Professionals know that not every type of linoleum is suitable for a humid environment, and that the installation technology is not the same as in other rooms. However, there are no insurmountable obstacles to the use of such coverage. There are no special brands or varieties of linoleum that would be intended specifically for the bathroom.

Of the currently commercially available types of coverage for this room, only PVC-based options are suitable. Some experts also say that marmoleum can be used. But such statements should not be completely trusted. Yes, marmoleum is of high quality, but its main layer can absorb water and steam. In addition, this material is more fragile than PVC-based products.

To decide whether to use linoleum in the bathroom, you need to clearly understand its positive and negative qualities. With the help of such a material, it is possible to guarantee the absolute impermeability of the floor to water. Of course, if the coating is chosen correctly and laid exactly according to the technology. Linoleum trim is also attractive because of its low cost. Only paint is more accessible, and even then not of any brand.

Immediately after laying out the linoleum rolls and securing them, you can start using the bathroom.No need to wait for something to dry, set or stick. In addition, linoleum can be decorated with a variety of materials. There are options for wall rolls with imitation:

• tiles;
• wood;
• stone;
• laminate.

The second option is especially attractive, because it is not very rational to use natural wood for finishing the bathroom. Laying linoleum with your own hands is easy compared to installing ceramic tiles. Only some stages require certain skills.

Touching the linoleum surface with another part of the body also does not cause discomfort. Only wood is warmer, but we have already discussed its shortcomings. In addition, modern roll coatings do not have any special requirements for care. After ordinary wiping with a damp cloth, the surface regains its characteristic shine. However, this does not mean that you can ignore the problems that arise when choosing linoleum.

If water gets under the layer of material (liquid or vapor - it doesn't matter), it will not be able to go back. Therefore, the danger of mold is very high. If the surface of the linoleum is wetted, it will slip, which means a high risk of injury. In addition, inexpensive grades of material, even labeled as moisture resistant, last much less than tiles. The way out is the use of solid commercial linoleum and the rejection of false savings on its quality.

But even PVC linoleum for the bathroom must be chosen correctly. Errors in assessing the properties of a material can have a detrimental effect on its further operation. First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the structure of the coating. Only completely homogeneous solutions without any backing will work. If it is, it will serve as a kind of sponge that absorbs water.

An equally important indicator is wear resistance. Both in an apartment and in a private house, linoleum laid in the bathroom for permanent use must belong to the commercial class. It is allowed - but not encouraged - to use semi-commercial flooring. A high density polyurethane top layer is required. However, even floor coverings that meet the listed requirements may not be suitable.

The fact is that only non-slip linoleum can be laid in the bathroom. To prevent slipping, crushed corundum is placed in the surface layer. The anti-slip quality is classified according to the international standard DIN 51130; assign one of the categories from R8 to R13. In the bathroom, only linoleum of at least R10 can be placed on the floor.

It should also be borne in mind that wetting the surface reduces the anti-slip properties. Therefore, it is necessary to make a choice between using an elite non-slip coating and laying out a simple linoleum, which is covered with rubber mats in the most critical places. The choice of color and texture is not very important from a practical point of view. However, these points are very important in terms of design concept and personal taste. Considering the peculiarities of the bathroom, it is better to choose linoleum with antibacterial components.

When laying linoleum on the walls or on the floor in the bathroom, you will have to pay maximum attention to sealing the coating. Thoroughly cover the perimeter of linoleum carpets and all joints. The characteristics of the screed also play a very important role. It is allowed to fix linoleum only to completely dry screeds. Moreover, their surface must be perfectly leveled. Linoleum scrupulously repeats the shape of the base on which it is laid.

Therefore, the slightest irregularities, deviations from the ideal geometry will certainly be reflected in the properties of the coating.This is not only an aesthetic defect. After some time, destruction of the material will inevitably begin. Experts advise to lay as many solid pieces as possible, ideally by temporarily dismantling the plumbing. The unfolded material must be kept unrolled for at least 24 hours in order for it to perfectly adapt to the shape of the underlying surface.

In places where you cannot do without joints, you need to cut and adjust the linoleum very carefully. First, the prepared strips are superimposed on each other with a margin. The cut needs to be carried out along the overlap. This should be done with the expectation of absolutely exact coincidence of the edges. To seal the joints, cold or hot glue welding is used.

It is better if the edges are folded over the wall. In this case, something like a "trough" is formed. Later, even if the water spills, a large amount of it will be retained in the "trough". The glue used must be resistant to moisture.

Linoleum is glued in two stages. Initially, one part of the roll is rolled out to the middle of the bathroom. The screed is coated with an even adhesive layer with a spatula. Then the roll is rolled out, trying to press it down at the same time. This will remove both air bubbles and excess glue that would otherwise collect in the middle.

The most critical area is the junction of the floor and wall. A smooth transition is provided with a triangular plastic skirting board. When the material is laid out, the top edge is pasted over with a soft border. This step allows for excellent tightness. But there is another technique.

It involves working with the so-called fluted skirting boards. Each such skirting board consists of 2-3 parts. One piece is placed at a corner and helps to smoothly bend the linoleum. The other (the skirting board itself) covers and seals the wall edges. It has been proven in practice: fluted skirting boards not only simplify the work, but also guarantee an excellent sealing of the coating.

It is even easier to prepare a wooden base for laying linoleum than a stone. Both materials can change their sizes and shapes, therefore they are ideally combined with each other. Of course, the wood must be absolutely even. Best of all - wooden boards (plywood or chipboard).

For information on how to properly lay linoleum, see the next video.