5 little-known benefits of linoleum flooring (2023)

Do you think linoleum and vinyl floors are the same? Think Again Although many people mistakenly call vinyl tile "linoleum," the two couldn't be more different. Unlike vinyl tile, a flooring material developed in the 1930s from chips of a synthetic resin called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), linoleum has a more natural texture that has been in production longer. Patented in the 1860s, it is made from renewable materials such as linseed oil (also called linoxin), tree sap, recycled wood flour, cork dust, and mineral pigments, all mounted on a jute or canvas backing. To understand how this material is still viable.floor optionLearn about the history and best qualities of linoleum flooring, which has been in our homes for centuries.

A brief history of an original ecological building material

The first commercial linoleum was made by the American Linoleum Manufacturing Company of Staten Island, New York, a company founded in 1872 by English inventor Frederick Walton and his owner Joseph Wild. In fact, it became one of the most popular floor coverings used in American homes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, being installed everywhere from high-traffic areas like hallways to dust-prone areas. and humidity, like patios.kitchensand bathrooms. (Its water-repellent properties have found it attractive even outside the home! In fact, the US Navy commissioned a special thick linoleum known as "battleship linoleum" to be used on the interior decks of battleships.)

Despite its affordable price, linoleum was considered a luxury material for many years; in fact, it was used in the great ballroom, dining room, and other areas of the Titanic! However, cheaper vinyl flooring gradually overtook linoleum in the 1940s.Cheapestand easy to maintain, it's just a printed design with a protective layer on top. Once this protective layer is worn or damaged, the floor covering must be replaced. The benefits associated with linoleum floors, on the other hand, ran deeper. Here are five top reasons homeowners choose linoleum.

5 advantages of linoleum floors

1. DURABILITY

Most manufacturers offer warranties for linoleum flooring of 25 years or more, but proper care and maintenance can extend the life of the product up to 40 years, more than twice the expected life of vinyl flooring. Part of the product's longevity is due to its inherently fixed construction: the color and pattern extends across the full width of the material rather than simply being printed onto the surface (as is the case with tiles). Just be sure to outfit your home with linoleum flooring that contains a protective coating added by the manufacturer to prevent the surface from darkening or yellowing (a process called "ambering"), especially if it's in direct sunlight; this is not necessarily included with all linoleum flooring. This protective top layer increases the material's resistance to dirt and scratches, but linoleum is not completely waterproof. However, please avoid damage such as dents and cracks caused by sharp objects, including high heels, metal furniture legs, and dropped knives.

2. WATER RESISTANCE

In addition to being stiff enough to withstand normal pedestrian wear and tear, linoleum has a basic level of water resistance that you won't find in flooring like hardwood. This benefit makes it a smart choice forRooms that accept wet shoes and snow covered bootsoutside, as well as those that receive splashes, such as kitchens or bathrooms. However, linoleum floors should never be submerged in water, as excessive moisture can cause the edges, corners or seams to buckle. Floods, broken pipes, and even high humidity can cause damage. For a more waterproof option, look for comparable vinyl tile options.

3. EASY MAINTENANCE

Linoleum is one of the simplest floor coveringsclean and maintain🇧🇷 While the protective finish repels dirt and scratches, you should still clean it regularly with mild, ammonia-free detergents. A quick sweep or vacuuming at regular intervals will remove abrasive dirt particles that can scratch linoleum over time, as will an occasional clean with warm water. Stains can be easily removed with a cloth and a mild detergent. Because linoleum's color soaks into the material, if it gets stained or scratched, you can sand down the damage and repaint the floor. Linoleum that is not factory coated to prevent ambering should also be cleaned and waxed every two to three years to prevent yellowing and protect the surface from scratches and water damage.

4. ECOLOGICAL

Reflecting the product's all-natural roots, the name linoleum comes from the Latin words 'linum', meaning flax or flax, and 'oleum', meaning oil. Linoleum is also easy to recycle and biodegradable. Thanks to its wooden components, the material can be disposed of after 25 to 40 years without hesitation: used linoleum can be sent to a power incineration plant or, if the waste pile is small enough, evenfertilizer for your gardenas can be done with straw or wood chips. And its all-natural composition ensures that no harmful VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions are released!

5. ENDLESS OPTIONS

Today's linoleum comes in a wide variety of colors, styles, and patterns, including designs that mimic the look of wood, stone, or marble. However, the appearance of the linoleum is not the only decision to make; It is also available in a variety of overall appearance and installation options.

• linoleum sheet flooringoffers the widest range of colors and patterns and comes in jumbo rolls suitable for covering large open areas.
• linoleum floorit is similar to ceramic, porcelain and stone, but much cheaper.
• Click-and-Lock-Linoleumit is designed to be used as part of a floating floor system and is available in either tile or plank. Linoleum tiles and panels are generally glued together, while click-and-lock flooring snaps into a floor frame and therefore requires no additional adhesive.

¿DIY o no DIY?

Updating your kitchen floor with linoleum can be a DIY project, especially if you've opted for tile, which often comes in an "interlocking" configuration meant to be installed as part of a floating floor system. However, for sheet linoleum, it's best to hire a professional flooring installer; This type of linoleum flooring is much stiffer than sheet vinyl and can be difficult to accurately measure, cut, and fit. If you're hiring, be sure to factor in labor costs when planning your renovation. Installation costs typically range from $716 to $2,068, with a national average of $1,378Home Advisor Actual Cost Guide.

Installing new flooring is a series of steps that goes beyond just making sure you know how the pieces fit together. Since preparation is key to getting end results you'll be happy to live with, whether you do it yourself or enlist the help of a professional, keep these considerations in mind before installing:

• make surethe floor below is level.
• Remove any old flooring, staples, tack strips, nails, or dirt.
• Do you have a properly installed subfloor?
• Leave a gap of at least 3/8 inch between the subfloor and the top of the baseboards to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the linoleum floor.

cost comparisons

Linoleum is an extremely cost-effective flooring option, especially when compared to hard-surface flooring like wood, ceramic, or stone. Average linoleum prices tend to be around $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot; that's a little more than vinyl flooring, which starts at $0.50 per square foot and goes as high as $5 or as high as $8 per square foot for newer Luxury Vinyl Alternatives. Meanwhile, hardwood can range from $5 to $15 per square foot, ceramic from $5 to $15, and stone from $7 to $20 per square foot.Home Advisor Flooring Costs Overview.

If the benefits of linoleum flooring outweigh the disadvantages for you, start researching your options at the only company that now sells the majority of residential linoleum flooring here in the US:Marmoleum de Forbo🇧🇷 (Armstrong Marmorette recently discontinued and now recommends comparable vinyl flooring products, which are no longer manufactured.) 🇧🇷 Kitchens, bathrooms, entrance areas and toilets can benefit from quality materials and easy maintenance.