(true natural) linoleum flooring

Linoleum flooring is a cheap and environmental solution for kitchens, entryways or playrooms. New linoleum choices include more vibrant colors and a special protective layer, allowing an easier maintenance and higher resilience to stains and to color fading.

Linoleum and vinyl

Do not confuse linoleum with vinyl. Dealers often contribute to that confusion, presenting vinyl samples to their clients instead of linoleum.

Linoleum is a natural floor covering material, made from linseed oil, wood flour, tree resins, cork dust, ground limestone and mineral pigments pressed onto a jute backing. Linoleum is an environmentally-friendly option, vinyl isn’t.

Vinyl exhibits some resemblances with linoleum but it is a very poisonous plastic, made from chlorinated petrochemicals, with properties that differ from linoleum.

Old and New linoleum

Linoleum is an old flooring material, very common on residential uses before World War II. And it is surging back... The reasons? New linoleum comes in a new set of colors, very different from the old ones, and new manufacturer-applied coatings protect these colors from stains and allow a much easier maintenance.

Protective layer

Linoleum may include a protective layer bonded to its surface, to protect it from stains and scratches, and to make cleaning easier. The alternative is to polish the linoleum, after installation and often every year, to prevent staining.

Availability

Linoleum flooring is sold in tile and sheet (2m / 6' 7" width). A 0,1’/2.5mm thickness is suitable for residential uses.

Uses & Rooms and moisture

Linoleum is a good choice for kitchens, playrooms or entryways. Pay attention to the manufacturers' recommendations regarding the use of linoleum in bathrooms. They differ.

Linoleum prices

$3 to $4 per square foot installed are common.

Linoleum, Odors & Asthma and Respiratory Allergies

Linoleum is often recommended for people suffering from allergies, namely asthma and other respiratory ailments. It doesn’t trap dirt or moisture the way carpet does, and its bactericidal qualities make it a prime choice for hospitals and day-care centers.

However, new installed linoleum also releases a characteristic though harmless odor, which some people dislike. The odor lasts – with a decreasing intensity - some few months.

Linoleum advantages

Linoleum in an environmentally-friendly option, with a long lifespan (30-40 years), easy to clean, resistant to scratches and stains when applied with a protective layer. And it is also inexpensive, and with vibrant colors and designs in their more recent presentations.

Linoleum drawbacks

Linoleum is damageable if exposed to persisting moisture or water, or to improper maintenance.

Though resistant to scratches, stains and moisture, linoleum is not as ‘solid’ and resistant as a good ceramic or stone tile. Linoleum is porous, and its appearance and durability depends on regular maintenance, namely if it hasn't a manufacturer's protective layer. Acrylic sealing, and polishing once a year is crucial to keep non-protected linoleum with good appearance.

Linoleum odor, though limited to a few months after installation, is also a drawback.

Durability & Polishing and Life Expectancy

Linoleum can last more than 40 years if installed and maintained properly.

Without protection layer, it will demand regular polishing, stripping and reapplying of polish. Polishing will extend linoleum color and durability, namely when applied in high traffic rooms. the lifespan of the polish layer is however rather limited. You may be forced to polish linoleum more than one time a year in high traffic rooms. Before applying the new polish layer, strip the old one.

Linoleum lifespan and warranties

Warranties from 5 to 25 years are common. A lifespan of 30 and more years is also common.

Linoleum maintenance

Linoleum maintenance is rather simple, apart from polishing. It should be mopped when needed with a neutral pH. Do not use non-recommended household cleaners. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Installation

Installing linoleum tiles is easy You just have to spread latex adhesive on the floor, snug the linoleum tiles against each other, and flatten the tile with a roller.

But installing sheet linoleum is a rather different matter. It requires experience, skills to cut and handle, and also specific tools. In that case, professional installation is highly recommended. Since linoleum tends to grow in width and shrink in length with wear, only a professional knows how to compensate these linoleum's properties.

Pay also attention to seams: to keep out moisture and dirt, linoleum seams should be sealed.