Warm floors are perhaps the dream of all modern homeowners, however, their installation may not be affordable for everyone. An excellent and quite profitable option for finishing the floor space can be felt-based linoleum, produced worldwide well-known company Tarkett.
In addition to comfortable movement, such a coating has many advantages, and its durability and decorativeness can be envied by any traditional type of linoleum.
Linoleum on felt: properties
Felt-based Tarkett linoleum is a foamed vinyl material made from polyvinyl chloride, plasticizing agents, fillers, as well as pigment particles and other additives that improve performance characteristics material.
The coating production process involves sequential application of polymer layers onto fiberglass.
Structurally, the composition includes several layers:
- Polyurethane or polyacrylic protective coating;
- Polyvinyl chloride protective layer;
- Designer pattern;
- A layer of foamed polyvinyl chloride;
- Fiberglass base;
- Felt backing.
Although in fact, felt in this case is a conditional name. These are polyester threads from which a non-woven canvas up to 2 mm thick is formed.
Linoleum on a foam felt backing can come in a variety of textures and patterns applied to the surface of the vinyl before it is treated with a protective varnish. The protective PVC layer has a thickness varying from 0.15 to 0.8 mm.
Its main functions are to reduce abrasion of linoleum, protect against mechanical stress and moisture, and ensure a long service life.
The difference between felt linoleum and classic linoleum is tactile warmth. That is, laying linoleum on a felt base is quite comparable to installing water and electrical system“warm floor”, only at a better price.
It will be pleasant to walk on the coating, even if it is lined with concrete base, known for its coldness.
The products are presented in a wide range of shades, designs and patterns (21 designs). There is a realistic imitation of tile, porcelain stoneware, parquet and laminate.
| Index | Unit | Indicator value |
| Total coating thickness | mm | 3,7 |
| Protective coating thickness | mm | 0,5 |
| Linoleum width | m | 2.5; 3; 3.1; 3.5; 4 |
| Length | m | 23 |
| Weight 1 m 2 | kg | 2,5 |
| Abrasion | g/m 2 | ≤ 30 |
| Change linear dimensions | % | ≤ 40 |
| Absolute permanent deformation | mm | ≤ 1,2 |
| Heat absorption index value | W/m 2 ∙K | 12 |
| Impact Noise Reduction Index | dB | 18 |
| Usage class | 23/32 | |
| Fire hazard | KM 5 | |
| Water resistance | sustainable | |
| Resistance to wheels with casters | high stability | |
| Impact resistance furniture legs and heels | high | |
| Color fastness to aquatic environments | Yes | |
| Operational life | 15 years |
Choice flooring- one of the important stages of home improvement. Despite the variety of flooring materials, linoleum can be called a classic. This is a practical, cheap and durable material that has many advantages. You can find it on sale different types linoleum. One of them is felt-based linoleum.
What is special about this type of flooring? What are its advantages and disadvantages? How to choose material? What do users say about it? We will look at the answers to all your questions, which will help you have a complete picture about felt linoleum.
Advantages and disadvantages
Everyone knows what linoleum is. This is a floor covering made from polymer materials. Felt-based linoleum is an insulated option. It is used for concrete floors to make operation more comfortable. Felt-based linoleum has disadvantages and advantages that characterize the material.
The advantages of the products include:
- Easy to care for. Dust and dirt will not be visible on the surface. Cleaning is a pleasure. The covering is easy to vacuum, sweep and wash. It is not afraid of wet cleaning.
- You can do the work of laying felt material yourself. This saves money. In addition, the floor does not need to be pre-prepared to perfection. The products are laid directly on the subfloor.
- Easy to use. Unlike wood or tiles, it is more pleasant and comfortable to move around. Many people walk on it barefoot, not afraid to drive a rolling pin into their feet.
- Due to the felt layer, the product acquires excellent sound and thermal insulation. This allows you to walk on the floor barefoot and not get sick. And if this is the second floor, then the felt material will protect it from noise from the first floor.
- The product has an affordable price, with all the positive aspects.
- A large assortment of products allows you to choose a variety of patterns on the surface. You can create harmonious design premises.
The disadvantages of the products include:
- short service life. Frequently used coating will last no more than 10 years;
- in comparison with its brother, foam-based linoleum, felt material is not as resistant to mechanical stress and is less wear-resistant;
- despite the fact that the top layer can be washed, it roll material afraid of moisture. This means that the scope of use is decreasing. Use felt linoleum for the bathroom, kitchen and other rooms with high humidity it is forbidden.
There are clearly more positive aspects to felt linoleum. This is what makes the material so popular among many developers. The price-quality ratio also tempts many. But the choice of products depends on several other factors.
Structure of felt-based products
Although the thickness of linoleum is not very large, the products have a rather complex structure. It consists of several layers that play their role. Most often, the number of layers does not exceed 6. The bottom layer is the substrate, which consists of felt. It is due to this that linoleum acquires excellent thermal and sound insulation properties with a small thickness. The felt layer reaches 3 mm, no more. To make the rolled material tougher, it contains a layer of fiberglass. Another layer is decorative. This is what we see: drawing, imitation of material and patterns on the surface. Since it passes through the entire thickness of the layer, it can not wear off for a long time and retain its original appearance.
Roll material needs protection. This is why a protective layer is created. It consists of thin PVC, 0.15-0.8 mm thick. Another layer is applied behind it, protecting the product from dust and dirt that can penetrate the structure. This layer is made of polyurethane or polyacrylic.
Linoleum Tarquette
Felt-based Tarquette linoleum is one of the best products that occupies a leading position in the market. The company produces sexual materials best quality. You can find linoleum in different colors and textures on sale. The product is protected by a thick ball. With it, the coating is quite wear-resistant and can be used in high-traffic areas.
Now regarding the classes of linoleum. When choosing a product, first of all you need to know its classification. In Russia they use the European classification of products. It is a combination of two numbers. The first indicates the type of room where the roll material can be used, and the second indicates the load exerted on the coating. Here's an example:
- 2 - used for residential premises;
- 3 - used for office-type premises;
- 4 -- production premises.
Second digit:
- 1 - low wear resistance;
- 2 - average wear resistance;
- 3 - high wear resistance;
- 4 - very high wear resistance.
If we talk about Tarkett linoleum, then it is class 23/32. Its thickness is 3.2 mm, 0.5 mm of which is the protective layer. Class 23 is used for the corridor, place common use. It is also placed in the hallway. Class 32 is used for children's institutions and boutiques. It can be seen in fitting rooms and office-type premises. The most wear-resistant linoleum is class 43. It is used for industrial production, warehouse premises. For normal use, semi-commercial felt-based linoleum is suitable.
Rules for choosing warm linoleum
The main task when purchasing is to choose correct option, suitable for a particular room. To do this we will consider general recommendations concerning linoleum as a floor covering, as well as the features of felt products. Here's what to consider:
So, if you need to additionally insulate your concrete or wood floor, then felt-based linoleum is great solution. But its properties do not allow the material to be used in some rooms. And when careful attitude, the coating will last for many years. To do this, it is recommended to regularly clean the surface and perform wet cleaning.
Bonding linoleum on a felt base
Choosing linoleum is one thing, but laying it is quite another. Sometimes the store does not have a product that is suitable in width for the room. In this case, the linoleum is glued together. How to do it? There are several options for exactly how to do this.
Linoleum is joined in these simple ways.
What is good about felt-based linoleum? How to properly glue such linoleum? Which linoleum base is better - foam or felt? Let's look at these questions in our article.
So, what questions should you ask when choosing linoleum?
Does it suit your interior? Will it be able to withstand the load on the floor? Does it meet the requirements?
Which is better - foam or felt? Which linoleum to choose? What are the basics of linoleum?
Types of linoleum
The quality of linoleum and its properties depend entirely on its base - the part that is in direct contact with the subfloor made of wood or concrete. 
The most important characteristics of the coating depend on the thickness and structure of this part: heat and noise insulation, its service life and strength, shock absorption, which can reduce the load on a person’s musculoskeletal system when walking on the floor, as well as the ability to mask unevenness.
The base of linoleum, in turn, can consist of two types of materials: PVC or felt.
PVC-based linoleum (or foamed linoleum): the most main feature of this composition - its moisture resistance and resistance to high and point mechanical loads - thanks to this, all “dents” left by heels or table posts disappear from the floor.
However, it should be remembered that this base is thin (1.5-3.5 mm), i.e. Such linoleum does not have excellent elasticity, which makes it hard and poorly shock-absorbing. 
In addition, its structure is unstable with respect to high temperatures– if the floor heating exceeds 27 o C, then the foamed linoleum may lose all its quality properties.
Felt-based linoleum: this composition has high environmental characteristics, due to its thickness (up to 5 mm) it has high elasticity and shock absorption, noise insulation, and preserves appearance for a long service life, and also not demanding in terms of maintenance.
At the same time, this basis has a number of disadvantages: the main one is low moisture resistance, as a result of which fungus can develop in the linoleum and rotting can begin.
The most durable among these types of coatings is commercial. Its thickness ranges from 8 to 10 mm, which gives it particular wear resistance, and its service life exceeds 20 years, but at the same time, in terms of ease of installation and aesthetic content, this option is worse compared to other types of linoleum.
Questions about purchasing and laying felt linoleum
When choosing linoleum, you should pay attention to the following things: an unhealthy shine and a pungent odor indicate that the product is extremely Low quality and even life-threatening!
To understand that linoleum is ready for use, you should check the GOST numbers on the packaging: if there are not two, but one, then the linoleum was manufactured in violation of technology.
It is best to buy felt linoleum for private homes and large premises only in large stores where temperature conditions are observed. 
You should also be guided by the rule that the floor should be laid with only one texture of linoleum: a mosaic of different rolls increases the likelihood of deformation of the coating and the floor as a whole.
In addition, you should be guided by three characteristics of linoleum: the level of wear resistance, the overall thickness of the coating and the thickness of the protective layer. For your home, it is recommended to choose class 23 linoleum, specially designed for rooms with a low level of mechanical load.
In this case, the thickness of linoleum should be at least 3 mm.
Where is the best place to place felt linoleum? First of all, this is a living room, bedroom or children's room.
You should not lay felt linoleum in the bathroom and other rooms with a high moisture content: this material has poor resistance to water; instead, in these situations, it is better to use foamed linoleum.
In addition, you should pay attention to following features felt linoleum installations:
Some samples of felt linoleum show shrinkage of approximately 1 cm per 5 m, which is why entrepreneurs are increasingly inclined to produce a heterogeneous material that practically does not shrink.
Linoleum is a popular flooring characterized by low cost and relatively high strength. Among all types of this flooring, materials with a felt base are of great interest.
The felt base has a pile that well blocks the sound wave even from large speakers
The structure of linoleum on a felt basis
The felt-based material has a complex structure of several layers. It contains various types of fillers that impart plasticity, as well as substances that improve physical and technical characteristics.
Attention! The number of layers and components may be different; below is the structure of Tarkett brand linoleum.
Material structure The heterogeneous structure looks like this:
- Felt base.
- Strengthening fiberglass.
- Foamed PVC.
- Decorative layer.
- PVC protection.
- Polyurethane or polyacrylic protective film.
As you can see, felt makes up only a small part, because the main material is polyester, forming threads of fiberglass.
The felt-based coating can have a wide variety of designs and patterns, which are applied until a vinyl protective layer with a thickness of 0.15 to 0.8 mm is formed. PVC serves as the main protector against abrasion, moisture and mechanical stress, thereby increasing the service life of linoleum.
The presence of felt gives warmth to the coating, which is not typical for classic types of linoleum. Therefore, this material has gained high popularity, because at a competitive price you can get flooring comparable to “warm flooring”.
Benefits of felt base
The following can be said about a relatively new type of material that appeared a century and a half ago. First of all, it is worth noting what shortcomings this material had.
Big choice coatings with various patterns and designs - Significant residual response to mechanical deformation.
- Fear of moisture.
- Poor sound insulation.
- High fire hazard.
- Poor thermal insulation.
Using felt for the base made it possible to get rid of almost all these shortcomings. This linoleum is characterized by the following advantages:
- Due to the high elasticity and softness of the structure, residual deformation has been greatly reduced.
- The coating has become even softer, has excellent springiness and does not cause pain when moving, even if it is mounted on a concrete base.
- High sound insulation.
- The use of fire retardants has made it possible to acquire a high degree of fire protection.
- Improved thermal insulation.
In short, felt coverings are deservedly so popular. This flooring has high quality indicators and has transformed its disadvantages into advantages. Separately, I would like to note the beauty of the coating, which has just been transformed.
Nuances of use
Before blindly choosing linoleum on felt for installation, it is worth clarifying several nuances and points regarding the appropriateness of its use. For example, felt linoleum is not recommended to be placed in a room with high humidity. Foam-based flooring is well suited for these purposes.
Felt dislike remains one of the biggest drawbacks. It cannot be laid if the base has a moisture content of more than 5%. It is not always possible to achieve such a low humidity level, but it is worth trying, because fungi, mold and other organisms that love a humid environment can arise.
Here's what you have to consider before and during the process of laying linoleum with a felt base:
- The laying surface must be thoroughly dried and waterproofed.
- To create a seamless coating over the entire area of the room, it is necessary to weld the canvases together. This matter is best left to professionals.
- The joints of the canvases must be airtight. To achieve a similar effect, you can purchase a special adhesive moisture-resistant tape that will connect the joint from the inside.
- Older samples were characterized by shrinkage of the canvases up to 1 cm for every 5 m. This caused flattening and elongation of linear dimensions. Of course, newer samples have a special structure that almost eliminates the possibility of shrinkage. If you are still not confident in the quality of the material, it is worth leaving damper gaps along the contour of the walls 5 cm wide. In the future, they can be covered with skirting boards.
Important! In order for all the advantages and benefits of felt linoleum to become practical properties, it is necessary to carry out installation strictly following the technology.
Methods for gluing felt-based canvases
If the room has big sizes, then it is not always possible to purchase a whole canvas. In such cases, it is necessary to connect the canvases together. Various methods can be used for this.
Double-sided tape
Double sided tape isn't too much reliable look seam connections You can join two canvases using double-sided tape. This method is not very reliable. Rather, it should be viewed as temporary.
To make a connection you need:
- Clean the floor surface in the areas where the adhesive tape is glued from grease and dirt. Do the same with the reverse side of the canvases.
- Apply the tape to the floor surface, but do not peel it off protective film from the top side.
- To be safe, roll the tape with a roller.
- Next, gradually remove the protective film and stick on the linoleum.
The advantage of the method is the speed of work and minimum costs, but the joints are not very reliable and even.
Decorative threshold
In order to hide the junction of two canvases, you can use a decorative threshold. There is a huge amount various types, shapes and materials.
A decorative threshold is usually installed in the place where the door threshold should be Welding seams with a threshold is much easier than double-sided tape, because it is necessary to achieve an absolutely even fit of the panels.
- It is necessary to attach the threshold to the mounting location.
- Mark the mounting locations using special holes.
- If the base is concrete, then prepare the holes and insert dowels into them.
- Place the threshold again and tighten it with self-tapping screws.
Thanks to this method, the connections are reliable. But a protruding part on a flat surface may not be very decorative, nor may it be practical. For example, if you organize a joint in this way in an office, it can cause problems with the movement of chairs on wheels.
Hot welding
The following method has proven itself to be one of the most reliable, but it requires special tools and certain skills. It is worth noting that the use of hot welding is only possible with fabrics for commercial use.
A hot air gun fuses a special cord at a temperature of 400–500 degrees The general procedure for performing hot welding is as follows:
- It is necessary to fix the blades on the floor surface so that they do not move during welding.
- For the hot welding method, it is necessary to place the blades close to each other. Then make a V-shaped seam along the entire length of the connection.
- Clean the seam from dirt and dust.
- Place a special polymer - a cord, which, when fused with a hot air gun, will form a welding of the sheets.
- Heat the hot air gun to the required temperature and start the welding process from the center of the room to one end, then from the center to the other end of the seam.
- After the surface has cooled, remove excess fused polymer with a knife.
Advantage this method is that it allows you to make a sealed and beautiful seam.
But this method also has certain disadvantages:
- It cannot be used for household types coatings, since they will simply melt due to their small thickness.
- You need an expensive tool, a hot air gun, which resembles a regular soldering iron in appearance.
- You need to know how to use a hot air gun to get a beautiful and even seam.
Cold welding
There is a more convenient welding method that does not require mastering a complex tool. The seams will be secured with a special adhesive. There are two types of glue for this:
- type "A";
- type "C".
If type “A” glue is used, then you need to lay the sheets with a gap of 2-3 mm, if the second type of composition, then closely. There is also a difference in composition. For example, the first type has a thicker consistency.
A tube with a special pointed needle for implementation cold welding To perform cold welding with type “A” glue, you need:
- Place masking tape at the junction of the panels.
- Carefully cut the masking tape along the seam. It is necessary as a limiter to prevent the glue from spreading over the coating.
- Pour liquid adhesive mixture into the gap in the masking tape.
After the glue has dried for 15-20 minutes, remove the tape. And after the glue has completely set, its excess is removed from the surface. The actions with type “C” glue are similar. Only in this case you can not use masking tape.
Based on the described actions and having considered all the methods of connecting joints, we can summarize that the cold welding method is the most acceptable.
Using double-sided tape is not too serious, the decorative threshold will stand out, and the hot welding method can be financially expensive.
Felt linoleum coverings are more popular than textile-based ones due to their warm and pleasant structure, which is sufficiently durable and insulates sound vibrations.
One of the most popular coatings is linoleum. It consists of materials that provide high strength, wear resistance and reliability of the coating. This material is relatively inexpensive, but has high performance qualities. Linoleum can be commercial, semi-commercial and household. Insulated linoleum is used in rooms with too cold concrete or wooden floors. It may have a different basis: you need to pay attention to this when purchasing it.
When the room has a cold floor, it requires either thorough insulation or the use of materials that can provide the surface with thermal insulation. Linoleum is an excellent coating that does not require large material costs, unlike installing a heated floor. Insulated linoleum is used to insulate the floor without additional material costs.
Thick linoleum is often used for covering uneven surfaces to hide cracks and deformations of the floor.
Linoleum can have a different base with a complex structure. At the same time, manufacturers offer a wide range of coatings with a variety of designs: geometric, abstract, thematic. This linoleum is elastic, which ensures comfortable movement on the surface.
Types of bases for linoleum:
- Foamed. Characterized by a complex structure. It consists of a top decorative layer. The middle layer is made of foam rubber. It creates excellent thermal insulation and also protects against the penetration of excess noise. The material is quite effective, despite its thinness. The coating is practical and easy to care for.
- Warm. It consists of a film that is glued to the base of a jute or felt surface. The coating has a soft, pleasant surface. The disadvantage is that the top layer is vulnerable to damage. This material should not be laid in a room with high traffic, or in a room with high humidity.
The choice of material quality directly depends on where the linoleum will be laid. It is important to consider the characteristics of the room, its traffic, humidity level and floor finish. Reviews about each type of warm linoleum can be read on the Internet.
How to choose the right warm linoleum
Modern warm linoleum is no longer made on the basis natural materials. Artificial materials have proven their reliability, strength and wear resistance. Warm linoleum can be divided into several types, depending on what base it has. Methods for laying linoleum also depend on what materials it is made from.
For example, linoleum with a felt base can be laid on the floor without preliminary screed.
For installation in residential areas with cold floors, especially on the first floors, felt linoleum is used, which retains heat well and does not allow cold to pass through. It is this kind of linoleum that is best used for a summer house if it is not possible to install a heated floor. In order for linoleum to last for a long time, when choosing it you need to follow the advice of professionals.
Tips for choosing warm linoleum:
- Linoleum based on jute or felt is best laid in a room with high level humidity.
- If the floor will bear a heavy load, it is better to lay foamed linoleum on it.
- It is important to match the decor of linoleum to the overall style of the interior. When laying, make sure that the design or pattern matches.
- The width of the linoleum should be such that there are not too many joints on the floor.
The choice of linoleum should be influenced by how wear-resistant it is. The service life of the surface will depend on the class of linoleum. When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to product quality certificates.
Foamed linoleum layers
The structure of foam-based linoleum is quite complex. The thickness of linoleum is large enough to provide the surface with heat and make it even. Linoleum with this type of base has a beautiful appearance, which contributes to its popularity among consumers.
One of known species linoleum, which is widely popular and has high-quality characteristics, is Tarkett.
This is linoleum with a heat-insulating surface, wear-resistant, durable and at the same time breathable. Its base consists of six layers, each of them performs its own function. Linoleum is thinner than felt-based flooring, but the addition of fiberglass makes it much stronger.
Foamed linoleum layers:
- Transparent layer for protection;
- Decorative;
- Foam layer;
- Primed layer;
- Bottom foam layer;
- Back layer.
This is the most practical type of flooring. It is easy to care for and wash. It is only important to remember that it is better to clean linoleum every day, and not just once after it becomes impossible to wash it from accumulated dirt and dust.
The process of laying linoleum with pile
This type of coating requires specific attention. It should be noted that choosing linoleum is a simple matter, because they choose it for a long period of time. The material has a two-cavity structure, which affects the characteristics of linoleum and its performance.
Linoleum with pile is perfect for those who love warmth, comfort and coziness: it is soft, elastic and easy to cover the floor surface with.
But it is worth noting that this material can only be laid in a dry room, since moisture can destroy the structure of linoleum and render it unusable. If the floor experiences heavy loads, it is likely that linoleum with pile may not withstand it. Therefore, before purchasing, it is important to take into account all the nuances and characteristics of the room in which linoleum is to be laid.
How to prepare the floor:
- Remove old coating. Assess the condition of the floor without it. The finish must be good, otherwise repair work will need to be carried out.
- Lay a substrate that will serve as a transition layer. It is better to choose the jute option - it has a natural base.
- Cover the floor plywood sheets– this will give the surface strength.
- Carry out waterproofing if the floor is covered with wood. To do this, put a film on it. Cover it with fiberboard, prime it, and cover it again with film.
The film floor is laid on top of all this floor structure. Experts do not advise laying chipboard under linoleum - this is a rather fragile material that can lead to the failure of the floor. Linoleum with pile is perfect for dry living spaces, with normal level humidity.
Types of insulated linoleum (video)
Insulated linoleum allows you to significantly save on installing heated floors. It is usually used to cover cold concrete wooden surfaces. Linoleum can have several bases, but they all differ in their heat and sound insulation function. This quality largely depends on the thickness of the coating. You need to choose the material very responsibly, taking into account the characteristics of the room in which the linoleum will be laid. Linoleum comes in three types: household, commercial and semi-commercial. When purchasing, be sure to check the product quality certificate.