Flooring for a kindergarten: what to choose and what to ask
In a kindergarten group room, the floor is one of the surfaces children come into direct contact with most often. Children play, sit and lie on it, build with toys, spill paint and bring sand or modelling clay onto the surface. The floor is also cleaned regularly, so the selected covering must be safe, hygienic, durable and easy to maintain.
When choosing flooring for a kindergarten, four main factors should be considered: indoor air emissions, hygiene, resistance to intensive use and ease of daily maintenance.
☘ Why is the choice of flooring so important in a kindergarten?
Children spend a considerable amount of time close to the floor and frequently touch its surface with their hands, toys and other objects. Children are also more sensitive to air pollutants than adults, which is why low-emission flooring and low-emission adhesives are recommended for educational facilities.
The expected service life of the floor is equally important. Kindergarten floors are not normally replaced every few years. An unsuitable product may therefore result not only in additional costs but also in disruptive renovation work in an operating educational facility.
☘ Six questions to ask the supplier before signing a contract
- What are the emissions after 28 days?
Ask for a specific TVOC value and supporting documentation rather than relying on a general claim that a product is “eco-friendly”. For example, 2.5 mm Marmoleum sheet has a TVOC emission value of ≤ 0.01 mg/m³ after 28 days according to EN 16516. - Does the flooring contain PVC, phthalates or other plasticisers?
Natural Marmoleum linoleum contains no PVC, phthalates or plasticisers. Plasticisers are used in flexible PVC flooring, although modern products do not necessarily use phthalate-based plasticisers. The composition declaration for the specific product should therefore always be checked. - What is the use classification?
Commercial use class 33 or 34 is generally recommended for intensively used kindergarten areas. The appropriate class should be selected according to the purpose of the room, expected traffic and project specification. Standard 2.5 mm Marmoleum is classified for use in classes 23 / 34 / 43. - How should the floor be maintained?
Find out whether the product requires waxing, polymer finishes or periodic renewal of protective coatings. It is also important to know which cleaning products may be used and how different types of stains should be treated. - Is the product suitable for the specific room?
In Lithuania, hygiene standard HN 75:2016 (clause 48) requires kindergarten flooring to be non-slip, level (presenting no trip and fall risk), easy to clean by wet methods and resistant to cleaning agents. Standard 2.5 mm Marmoleum achieves R9 according to DIN EN 16165 (Annex B) and a coefficient of friction of μ ≥ 0.30 according to EN 13893; it is resistant to conventional cleaning agents, diluted acids, oils and fats, but not to prolonged exposure to alkalis. R9 may not be sufficient for wet rooms, entrances or areas with a higher risk of slipping – a specialist safety flooring product should be selected separately for such areas. - Which documents will the supplier provide?
Request a Declaration of Performance (DoP), technical specification, fire classification, emission certificates and, where relevant, an Environmental Product Declaration. The documents must apply to the specific collection and product thickness being offered.
☘ Marmoleum in a kindergarten: key technical information
- Low emissions: the TVOC emission of standard 2.5 mm Marmoleum after 28 days is ≤ 0.01 mg/m³ according to EN 16516. Marmoleum also carries low-emission and indoor air quality certifications (M1, French A+, Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold). The documents applicable to the selected collection should be verified before purchase.
- Composition: Marmoleum is made from approximately 97% natural raw materials (up to 99% in the Soul collection): linseed oil, wood flour, limestone, pine rosin and jute. It contains no PVC, phthalates, plasticisers or mineral oil.
- Hygienic properties: Marmoleum has natural bacteriostatic properties. Independent laboratory testing confirms that its surface inhibits the growth of certain bacteria, including MRSA. However, this characteristic does not replace regular cleaning or the facility’s hygiene plan.
- Allergens: when cleaned and maintained correctly, the smooth surface does not provide favourable conditions for the accumulation of dust, dust mites and allergens. Marmoleum has been awarded the Allergy UK Seal of Approval (valid to 14 April 2027).
- Slip resistance: standard 2.5 mm sheet achieves R9 according to DIN EN 16165 and a coefficient of friction of μ ≥ 0.30 according to EN 13893. A separate flooring solution should be specified for wet areas.
- Underfloor heating: Marmoleum is suitable for installation over underfloor heating systems. The surface temperature of the subfloor must not exceed 27 °C. Its thermal conductivity is 0.17 W/mK.
- Resistance to intensive use: standard 2.5 mm Marmoleum is classified for use in classes 23 / 34 / 43. Its residual indentation according to EN ISO 24343-1 is ≤ 0.15 mm. Suitable protective feet should still be used under tables, chairs, cots and cabinets.
- Fewer seams: Marmoleum sheet is supplied in rolls 2 metres wide and up to 33 metres long. Careful layout planning can minimise the number of seams. Depending on the room and project requirements, seams may be installed net fit or with a welding rod.
☘ Paint, modelling clay and sand: daily maintenance
Marmoleum has a factory-applied Topshield pro surface finish. It improves resistance to stains, scratches and daily wear. The floor does not require an initial wax or polymer finish before use.
Spilled paint, drinks and other substances should be removed as soon as possible. The appropriate cleaning method depends on the type of stain. The manufacturer’s maintenance instructions should be followed, and strongly alkaline or abrasive cleaning products should not be used.
The frequency of daily cleaning should be determined by the level of traffic, the amount of soiling and the kindergarten’s hygiene plan. Dust and loose dirt can be removed by vacuuming, sweeping or mopping. A neutral floor cleaner should be used for wet cleaning.
If a small area is damaged, local repair or replacement of the affected section may be possible. This work should be carried out by an experienced flooring installer, and the repaired area may remain slightly visible.
☘ Colours and zoning
The complete Marmoleum range includes more than 300 colours and design options. Different colours can be combined in sheet installations to create inlays, pathways, symbols and other visual features.
In kindergartens, colour can be used to identify play, rest, dining and circulation areas. This can make the layout easier for children to understand, although excessive use of colours and patterns should be avoided.
A practical detail: HN 75:2016 (clause 49) requires changes in floor level to be marked with warning signs or a contrasting colour – which can be solved with the flooring itself by inlaying a contrasting strip.
☘ Which documents should be obtained before purchasing?
The quotation should preferably include:
- the product’s technical specification;
- the Declaration of Performance;
- fire classification documentation;
- emission test reports or certificates;
- an Environmental Product Declaration;
- cleaning and maintenance instructions;
- installation instructions;
- information about the recommended low-emission adhesive.
M1, French A+, Indoor Air Comfort Gold, Allergy UK, Blue Angel and similar labels do not replace one another. Their validity should be checked for the specific collection, product thickness and market for which the document was issued.
☘ Frequently asked questions
Is Marmoleum too cold for children to sit on?
The temperature and perceived comfort of a floor depend not only on the floor covering but also on the subfloor construction, room temperature and heating system. Marmoleum is suitable for underfloor heating, provided that the surface temperature of the subfloor does not exceed 27 °C. If thermal comfort is a priority, the complete floor construction should be assessed rather than only the upper floor covering.
How is Marmoleum different from PVC flooring commonly called “linoleum”?
In everyday language, PVC flooring is often called linoleum, although they are different products. Marmoleum is a natural linoleum made primarily from linseed oil, wood flour, rosin, limestone and jute. PVC flooring is a synthetic product whose composition and performance depend on its construction and manufacturer.
When can the room be used after installation?
This depends on the selected adhesive, subfloor, temperature and humidity. Forbo’s installation guidance recommends protecting newly installed flooring from heavy traffic and high point loads for approximately 72 hours, and avoiding intensive wet cleaning during the first few days. Note that this relates to mechanical protection while the adhesive cures, not to air quality – in emission terms the floor is odourless from the start. The installer should confirm the exact time when the room may be used, taking the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions into account.
How long does Marmoleum last?
Its service life depends on the amount of traffic, subfloor preparation, installation quality and maintenance. When installed and maintained correctly, Marmoleum can remain in service for decades in commercial and educational buildings. A long service life also reduces the frequency of renovation and the amount of flooring waste generated.
Can we receive samples before making a decision?
Yes. We can provide colour samples, present the collections at the Openini showroom in Vilnius and prepare a proposal based on the room area, intended use and technical requirements.
Related: Linoleum for schools: certificates and specification · Marmoleum eco-labels explained
The technical information is based on official Forbo documentation for standard 2.5 mm Marmoleum sheet flooring. Technical data, certificates and installation requirements for the specific collection will be supplied with the quotation.