A person who is renovating his personal apartment begins to think about choosing flooring. Fortunately, modern stores have a large selection of different coatings, from classic ones (tiles, parquet, laminate) to bolder exotic options (3D poured flooring, cork flooring, carpet tiles, etc.). However, the most common were and remain linoleum and carpet. These coatings are affordable and easy to find in specialized stores. But before buying, I want to find out which is better, carpet or linoleum, by considering the advantages and disadvantages of each coating.
Advantages and disadvantages of carpet
This coating is a flexible material consisting of pile and base. Outwardly, it resembles a rug, but is more durable and functional. The main advantages of carpet are:
- good thermal insulation properties;
- durability (service life 8-15 years);
- versatility (can be used in many rooms);
- a large assortment of patterns and textures;
- low flammability.
The main disadvantage of carpet is its high susceptibility to stains and difficulty in cleaning. So, if you accidentally spill wine or your child draws on it with paint or markers, it will be difficult to completely remove traces. A high-pile carpet, like a sponge, absorbs all household contaminants (sand, animal hair, soil) that involuntarily penetrate from the street into the house. For this coating you need to purchase a special vacuum cleaner with a steam treatment function.
Carpet is mainly laid in cold apartments with problems in the heating system, as well as in rooms that a priori should radiate warmth and comfort (bedroom, living room, children’s room).
Advantages and disadvantages of linoleum
This coating is cheaper and therefore accessible. As a rule, it is chosen by practical people who value durability and high wear resistance. Linoleum has the following properties:
- possibility of laying on surfaces with defects;
- the presence of a protective coating that protects against abrasion;
- contaminants are easily removed from the surface;
- resistance to cigarette heat and mineral oils;
- many interesting imitations are presented (parquet, wood, tile);
- excellent bactericidal properties;
The main disadvantage of this flooring is the ability to be pressed under heavy furniture – if a sofa or wardrobe needs to be rearranged, small dents will remain on the floor.
In addition, it does not provide the comfort and freshness that carpet provides. Due to its good performance characteristics, linoleum is laid in rooms with high traffic (entrance hall, corridors); linoleum performs well in the kitchen. Some use it throughout the house to unify the space and not separate rooms. But in this case, you need to get used to walking in slippers or using additional carpets and rugs, since cold will emanate from the floor.
Conclusion
Carpet is purchased in order to fill the room with comfort and warmth, and linoleum is purchased so that caring for the floor is as simple and easy as possible. Be prepared that the carpet will quickly become dirty and can become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungus and even mites, while linoleum will feel synthetic and cold. If it is important for you that linoleum or carpet is cheaper, then it is better to go with linoleum. But in both cases, it is advisable to choose high-quality coatings, since the level of your renovation and the feeling of comfort in the apartment depend on this.
