The Best Flooring Choices – Linoleum Flooring
It is a common question that I get asked all the time: “Do they still make Linoleum flooring?” Linoleum or lino, as it’s affectionately called, is still being manufactured and is a top choice for flooring around the globe.
It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting that floor as their new flooring.
Linoleum may have been out of fashion for a while but it is back. This fun and quirky floor covering has been given a stylish makeover, and it is now in high demand by top architects and designers around the globe.
Linoleum may not be for everyone but it is a practical and popular choice for everyday homeowners.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of linoleum flooring.
Pros
Eco-Friendly
Linoleum is one of the most eco-friendly floors available. This floor is made from compressed natural resins and cork dust, wood fibres, mineral pigments, linseed oil, and wood fibres.
Linseed oil is made from the quickly renewable flax seed. The same ground flax seed that you use in your morning smoothie is used to make linseed oil. Linoleum is named for the “lin” that appears in linseed oils.
Flexible backing is usually made from woven jute, canvas or natural latex and bonded with it.
Although it may seem odd to discuss removing your floor while you are buying a new one, it is actually quite normal. It is likely that you will eventually get tired of looking at your floor in your home and want something else.
Get instant quotes from local flooring prosIt may be reassuring to know that your linoleum will eventually decompose completely, and not remain in a landfill for hundreds upon years. Some people even compost their linoleum.
Low VOC
This eco-friendly flooring will not emit harmful chemicals once it is installed in your home.
Linoleum has a naturally low VOC. This stands for Volatile Organic Compound. VOCs can cause respiratory problems in some vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
There may be a slight odour after the first installation of the Linoleum. However, this is normal and natural. It will fade over time.
Water-resistant and More
Linoleum can be used as a multi-tasking natural all-natural product. Linoleum is antimicrobial, anti-static, fire-resistant, stain-resistant, and anti-static.
It is also water-resistant. It is also water-resistant.
Fashionable
Linoleum is available in many colours, patterns and textures. Linoleum can be customized to fit any design or taste.
Many manufacturers offer wood patterns, including flecked solid, marbled, and striated looks. To create a floor unique to your neighbours, you can order custom-made inlays or borders.
Resilience
Linoleum is a resilient floor family that includes vinyl and cork. Here’s a comparison of linoleum with cork. These floors are resilient because they bounce back.
Linoleum has a soft, springy feel underfoot and a low self-healing ability. Over time, small dents and cuts can become less obvious.
Durable
Linoleum products are typically warranted for 25 years by most manufacturers. Your floor will last for up to 40 years if you take good care of it.
Linoleum, one of the oldest types of flooring still in use today, is also available. Linoleum may be found in your local doctor’s or school, library, hotel or other favourite stores. This floor is durable and has been used in high-traffic areas for many decades.
Continuous Color
Linoleum is a continuous-colour flooring that has no seams, unlike laminate and sheet vinyl. Linoleum is transparent so dents and dings will not be as noticeable.
It is also a valuable floor covering high-traffic buildings such as schools and hospitals.
Multifunctional
Linoleum’s versatility is due to its durability and many resistances. It also offers a variety of styles. Linoleum is great for open-plan layouts where you need something unique that coordinates with your decor.
A custom linoleum monogram, logo or inlay can be made and installed at your home or office. This is so cool!
Cons
Maintenance
Linoleum traditional is a hard floor to maintain. It needs to be waxed and polished regularly in order to keep it looking its best. The frequency of cleaning depends on the foot traffic and the cleaning schedule.
Linoleum is an entrance hall of a busy house that will need more mopping and sweeping, and it will lose its shine faster than in a bedroom or office.
How do you know when it is time to shave and re-wax your skin? It will be obvious when it is time. It will appear dull and worn-out, as well as dingy and sticky.
Remember that waxing, stripping and polishing can be a time-consuming process. If you don’t have the time or energy to sweep and mop, this can make a big difference.
Many manufacturers now offer pre-finished Linoleum, which eliminates the need to strip and polish. You can restore the finish by lightly buffing it. This flooring option is more difficult to maintain than vinyl or other wash-and-go options like vinyl.
Discolouration
Linoleum floors can develop natural discolouration, called “ambering”. This is caused by linseed oil accumulating on the floor. It causes the floor to yellow or become darker. Uneven exposure to sunlight or the placement of heavy furniture or rugs on the floor can lead to ambering.
To reverse the process, don’t use chemicals or cleaners. They will only make things worse. Although you may be able to remove some of the items and allow the floor to turn a darker colour, this is not a guarantee.
It is important to remember that ambering, while a natural property of Linoleum, is not a manufacturer defect. Therefore, your floor warranty will not cover it.
A UV-resistant coating is usually applied to factory-finished linoleum, but it will not prevent it from discolouring.
Waterproof but not water-resistant
It is important to know the difference between a floor which is “waterproof” and one which is “water-resistant.”
Linoleum is classified as water-resistant. Linoleum can be wet mopped, but it should not be left soaking in water for too long or exposed to steam.
Linoleum is popular for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and entryways. An appliance or plumbing leak can cause irreparable damage to your linoleum.
You might want to consider changing your flooring if you have children who are unable to hold the water in their tubs or prefer to conceal the spilt from you.
Sheet linoleum is best if you plan to install linoleum on a wet surface. If the finish is not removed, moisture can’t penetrate this type of linoleum.
Pet Friendly
Linoleum is easy-to-clean, but it also has a soft floor. Linoleum is not a good choice for large dogs. Your floor can be damaged by heavy paws or claws.
Your floor may look dull and worn if your cat’s nails aren’t properly trimmed. Some cats will use your linoleum floor to scratch their claws.
A pet accident that is left unattended can cause damage to the floor. You can repair wax and polish types of linoleum floors by using a bio-enzymatic cleaner to clean the floor before stripping it and polishing it.
Challenging Installation
Linoleum can be purchased in both a glue-down, traditional tile and a click-together tile or plank.
Sheet linoleum installation is difficult and should be left to professionals. This requires special tools and can make it difficult for even the most experienced professional to complete quality seams.
How to Find A Quality Linoleum Floor
It can be overwhelming to find good-quality linoleum flooring with all the choices available. But it doesn’t have to. These are some tips to help you navigate the linoleum-buying journey.
Doing your research will make the buying process less stressful. When you have a clear idea of your needs, you can start picking out samples for home.
CarpetAce offers a mobile showroom that comes to you in Melbourne. Get a free quote by contacting us
This tactic will allow you to avoid sales pitches and give you the opportunity to ask specific questions about your product.
If you don’t, there may be people who will happily steer you to the most expensive linoleum in the showroom. While the price can be an indicator of quality, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the flooring is high-quality.
High-quality tile or sheet linoleum will be at least 2.0mm thick and have a durable jute backing. A high-quality click plank made of linoleum will have an 8mm HDF core and a layer of linoleum bonded to the top. The attached cork underlayment is also included.
Linoleum has a great advantage in that the quality of the flooring is consistent across brands (see engineered hardwood and solid wood), vinyl, porcelain tile, ceramic tiles, etc. Based on the type and quantity of raw materials used, there are specific guidelines that define what can and cannot call linoleum.
How to Look for Durability
Like any floor, if something seems too good to be true it most likely is.
It’s now possible to purchase something online from companies that aren’t as detailed.
Although it might be more difficult to visit a flooring store or showroom, being able to touch and feel the product could make the difference between buying a floor that you love and one that you regret.
You can usually tell the difference between a durable product from one that will fall apart by having a sample of flooring in your hand.
A thicker linoleum will provide greater durability. A thicker linoleum will offer greater dimensional stability and resistance to humidity changes, which will last longer.
It is a good idea to select a prefinished linoleum with a stain-resistant and UV-resistant coating. This coating is applied at the factory. This durable finish will last for a longer time and requires less maintenance.
