Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring: They've come a long way!
You may be aware that vinyl and linoleum flooring has a bit of a bad reputation as a cheap, unattractive flooring choice - especially with the advances in hardwood and laminate flooring technology. However, the vinyl and linoleum flooring industries have also been hard at work to improve their products. Now there are more styles, patterns, colors and installation choices than ever before, and a range of quality from entry level to premium. They can simulate the look of wood, brick, stone and marble with a durable, low-maintenance finish that can rival other flooring options.
Vinyl or linoleum?
Although “linoleum” has been used as a generic term to refer to vinyl and linoleum floors, it is important to distinguish between the two, as there are significant differences. While both are sanitary, easy to maintain and are available in sheet floors and tiles, the main difference is that linoleum is natural and vinyl is synthetic.
Linoleum is made from linseed oil, which is derived from flax, and other natural, renewable resources such as rosin, wood, cork powder and pigments. As a result, linoleum is biodegradable, and an environmentally friendlier choice. It is naturally anti-bacterial so there are no chemical anti-bacterial agents required during manufacturing or maintenance.
Harmful emissions
Vinyl flooring contributes to poor indoor air quality, releasing dangerous volatile organic compound (VOC) offgassing. In contrast, when installed with low-emission adhesive, linoleum does not emit these harmful chemicals. Indeed, concerns over indoor air quality have increased linoleum's popularity. However, linoleum does emit linseed oil fumes, which some people are extremely sensitive to. It is best to check your reactions to linoleum before purchasing it.
Linoleum is more durable
Linoleum is more durable and lasts much longer than vinyl flooring. Whereas a linoleum floor can last 30 to 40+ years, the maximum life expectancy for a vinyl floor is about 15 years. Linoleum is more resistant to burning; a vinyl floor can be burned by a match or other hot or lit object.
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For all its benefits, linoleum is more expensive than vinyl flooring. Although there is a wide variance in price of different qualities of linoleum and vinyl flooring, Environmental Building News, a trade publication for builders, estimates the cost of linoleum at $4 a square foot compared with $1.50 to $2 for vinyl. In many cases, linoleum costs roughly the same as a top quality vinyl.
Vinyl is easier to install and more water-resistant
Vinyl is easier to install than linoleum. In fact, easier installation, along with the lower price and less maintenance, is what prompted the big a switch from linoleum to vinyl in the 1970s. Linoleum is also not as water-resistant as vinyl, and must be protected from moisture in the subflooring. For this reason, vinyl is recommended rather than linoleum on uncured concrete or on below-grade floors.
Linoleum floors should be dry-mopped, or mopped with a minimal amount of water and neutral detergents, unless it is waxed periodically with an acrylic sealer. And if linoleum is used in bathrooms, it is important to caulk the edges where linoleum meets tubs and showers. Vinyl is waterproof so it can be wet-mopped and it is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
The choice is yours
Both vinyl and linoleum floors have their strengths and weaknesses. But whichever you choose, you will have a durable, economical and attractive new floor.
Use the Cost Estimator Tool to help you estimate the cost of your flooring project.
