📋 What to remember: Personally, I consider Balatome to remain the champion of value for money, with an average cost under 15 euros per square meter. My opinion is that it is the ideal solution for renovating a damp room without undertaking major work. It is a flexible flooring that combines ultra-fast installation with simplified daily maintenance.
Long reserved for utility or modest spaces, balatome is now established as a smart choice in many renovation or fitting-out projects. Behind this term, we find an affordable flexible flooring, easy to install and whose performance has greatly improved over the years. Whether you are a tenant, owner, or craftsman, understanding the advantages, the different forms – rolls, planks or tiles – as well as the price of balatome often offers real technical and economic solutions.
📍 My experience: I installed this type of flooring in a utility room in 2022 to cover old cracked tiles. In just 3 hours, the room was transformed without having to plane the doors. The lesson learned is never to neglect surface preparation: the slightest pebble under the Balatome eventually creates a visible bump over time.
What is balatome?
🌟 The advantages
- Very affordable price
- Installation without heavy tools
- 100% waterproof
🔍 Drawbacks
- Susceptible to punctures
- Less durable than hard flooring
Behind this somewhat old-fashioned name lies a very current reality: balatome refers to a type of flexible flooring, close to vinyl flooring, linoleum or modern PVC floors. Made from flexible composite materials, it generally combines a textile base and a waterproof top layer, printed or colored with many patterns.
Confusion between balatome, balatum, lino and vinyl flooring is common. Balatome was originally intended to imitate linoleum floors, but with a simpler composition and reduced cost. Easier to work with, it has found its place in many homes and professional premises thanks to its attractive prices and quick installation.
To go deeper, I advise you to check if your wallpaper is hard to remove before redoing all the decoration. If you install this flooring in a kitchen, knowing how to replace a self-piercing tap can also be useful. And to go further, don’t forget to clean the adjacent tile joints for a professional finish.
Main characteristics of balatome
The main advantage of balatome lies in its elasticity: true walking comfort, little noise, and interesting thermal insulation. Unlike tile or solid wood flooring, balatome flooring absorbs shocks and limits the transmission of impact noises, ideal especially in apartments or family homes.
In terms of maintenance, regular sweeping is enough and wiping with a damp mop quickly restores the shine to this type of flexible flooring. Its water resistance allows it to be installed even in humid rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom, provided the joints around the edges are carefully sealed.
🌍 Did you know?
The term Balatome originally was a registered trademark that became a common noun, just like Frigidaire or Scotch. This material is made of 100% multilayer PVC, which gives it its natural sound insulation properties.
Cuts and formats: rolls, planks, or tiles?
Balatome mainly comes in three formats, each offering specific advantages depending on the room layout and aesthetic preferences: rolls, planks, and tiles.
Rolls allow for quick coverage of large areas without multiplying seams. This format is particularly suitable for classic rectangular rooms such as bedrooms or hallways. Planks imitate parquet or certain woods, while tiles often follow the style of tiles or natural stones.
For a room with right angles and few cuts needed, the roll remains unbeatable in terms of installation time. Its low number of joints also reduces the risk of infiltration or lifting. On the other hand, in irregular spaces or when you want to quickly replace a damaged element, planks and tiles are best suited.
It is also not uncommon to find balatome in the form of self-adhesive planks, an option that facilitates installation while limiting the glue required. Maintenance also becomes easier: if a plank suffers significant damage, it can be replaced individually without having to touch the rest of the floor.
⚠️ Common mistake
The classic mistake is to install the roll immediately after purchase. The PVC must be stored flat in the destination room for at least 24 hours to thermally stabilize and avoid bubbles after installation.
Easy installation: a key advantage of balatome
One of the major strengths of this flooring remains its ease of installation, perfect for beginner DIYers or those who want to limit invasive work. Generally, it is enough to properly prepare the substrate (clean, dry, and smooth floor) before unrolling the roll or placing the planks and tiles. In many cases, a standard utility knife cut is sufficient.
To enhance durability and waterproofing, many installers nevertheless recommend gluing the edges or using an appropriate adhesive for certain configurations. This prevents the flooring from lifting over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Preparation of the substrate (cleanliness, flatness)
- Cutting adapted to the dimensions of the room
- Possibility of loose or glued installation
- Quick installation, even during renovation
💡 Practical tip
For a perfect cut along the walls, use a scraper or a new cutter. Always leave a small expansion joint of 1 to 2 mm which will be covered by the baseboard to allow the floor to breathe.
Price of balatome: why is this flooring so popular?
(function(){if(window._alpLd)return;window._alpLd=1;var s=document.createElement(‘script’);s.src=’https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/alpinejs@3/dist/cdn.min.js’;s.defer=true;document.head.appendChild(s);})()In the world of floor coverings, the price criterion is very important for both individuals and professionals in charge of a project. In this area, balatome is one of the most competitive options, while providing a modern finish.
On average, the price of balatome ranges between 5 and 15 €/m², depending on the format (roll, plank, tile), finishes, and thickness chosen. To compare properly, you must take into account the additional cost of adhesive or installation materials if applicable.
| Format | Price range (€/m²) | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Rolls | 5 to 10 | Large regular surfaces |
| Planks | 8 to 13 | Small areas, spot repairs |
| Tiles | 10 to 15 | Spaces with complex geometry |
Comparing the price of balatome with that of linoleum, vinyl flooring or other alternatives shows that it remains among the most affordable, especially for quick renovations or temporary work.
Frequently asked questions about balatome and flexible floors
What is the difference between balatome, linoleum, and vinyl flooring?
- Balatome is a flexible floor covering made of synthetic materials, designed to offer an economical alternative to traditional linoleum.
- Linoleum is a natural material made from linseed oil, known for its longevity and ecological qualities.
- Vinyl flooring resembles balatome but often includes additional layers to enhance durability and insulation.
| Product | Composition | Main quality |
|---|---|---|
| Balatome | Synthetic | Low price, easy installation |
| Linoleum | Natural | Longevity, eco-friendly |
| Vinyl flooring | Multilayer synthetic | Durability, varied design |
On which surfaces can balatome be installed?
Balatome can be installed on many solid supports such as concrete screed, existing tiles, OSB panels, or old flat parquet floors. The main requirement remains to have a smooth, dry, and clean surface to ensure adhesion and flatness after installation.
- Cement or concrete screed
- Sound tiles, without broken pieces
- Raw or veneered wood panels
How to effectively maintain a balatome floor?
Regular vacuuming followed by damp mopping ensures the cleanliness of balatome. The use of mild detergent products is allowed but be careful to avoid standing water and overly abrasive cleaners that could scratch or dull the surface.
- Careful vacuuming or sweeping
- Slightly dampened mop
- Avoid solvents and metal scrapers
Can balatome be installed in a bathroom?
Yes, balatome tolerates moisture very well and is suitable for a bathroom, provided good sealing is ensured at joints and baseboards. Also plan for quick drying and avoid any puddles to preserve the product’s durability over time.
- Reinforced bonding at edges
- Anti-mold treatment available from some manufacturers
