What Is Linoleum Flooring?
Linoleum flooring is a great option for homeowners looking for long-lasting flooring. Linoleum was first patented over 150 years ago when it was discovered that linseed-based paint produced a thick, strong, but flexible film that floated on top of the paint.
Linoleum is manufactured from solidified linseed oil and additional elements like cork dust, pin rosin, and wood flour. Experiments revealed that this material could be combined with other materials to produce a robust and malleable product, making it suitable for flooring.
Types Of Linoleum Flooring
Some of the types in Linoleum flooring include:
1. Linoleum Sheet Flooring
This is the most common linoleum flooring option. Sheet linoleum comes in the broadest range of patterns and colors, and it comes in 6’6″ rolls, making installation extremely difficult.
A professional should do sheet linoleum flooring installation unless you have the appropriate expertise. This is the most difficult to install amongst all the linoleum flooring options.
After bonding with a water-based adhesive, sheets are flattened using a 100-pound roller. Keep heavy furniture off the floor for three days to avoid generating dents.
This flooring comes in many different styles, patterns, and colors. Linoleum flooring rolls are typically six feet wide, but they come in various widths and forms to suit your preferences.
2. Linoleum Floor Tiles
Although it has the same shape and handling as any other tile flooring material, it offers a different set of benefits than ceramic or stone files. Its organic makeup is suitable for use in hospitals, nursing homes, other medical facilities, and residences where an anti-allergen environment is required.
It is soft underfoot, allowing you to stand for long periods without discomfort. It also repels dust and grime (hypoallergic), making it ideal for allergy sufferers. Linoleum tile is also chosen over other types of tiles due to its ease of upkeep.
Because of its natural water resistance, it provides a low-maintenance alternative to ceramic or natural stone tiles. 10-by-10-inch and 20-by-20-inch squares and 10-by-20-inch rectangles are the most common sizes of such tiles.
For dimensional stability, the backing is polyester rather than jute. Because the corners are slightly beveled, the pieces fit together tightly, almost eliminating seams. The installation is similar to that of sheet linoleum.
3. Linoleum Plank Flooring
Linoleum planks are the newest addition to the family. These planks are extremely thick tiles installed as floating floors rather than using adhesive. They’re available in long (up to 60 inches) and slender pieces that work as a click-lock system over a subfloor or underlayment material. The color options in linoleum planks are more limited than the others.
4. Floating Linoleum Flooring
When it comes to kitchen flooring, this is the most excellent option for do-it-yourself tasks. This linoleum is put on a floor frame with snap-in click and lock edges. Installing this type of flooring is very simple as it requires no effort.
As said earlier, this particular type is mostly used for kitchen floors. It is available in planks that are put directly onto the floor frame without adhesive glue. The end result is a stunning linoleum floor.
5. Forbo Linoleum
This is a form of linoleum used to make other types of linoleum. In actuality, it’s a linoleum manufacturer. This linoleum brand makes a variety of linoleum under the names Artoleum® Graphic, Scala, Piazza, Passione, and others.
Because of its dirt-camouflaging technique, the Artoleum® Graphic product is the most popular. These linoleums are more stable at high temperatures and long-lasting than regular linoleums.
6. Solid Colored Linoleum
This is a linoleum floor that offers a range of colors and designs. The hues are long-lasting and do not fade over time.
7. Marble Linoleum
It gives you a fancy, smart, outstanding, and exquisite look for a small price. This is a low-cost linoleum flooring choice that adds a sophisticated look to your floor without breaking the bank. Guests will leave your home with an exquisite and contemporary style that will have you admiring your floor for the rest of the day.
8. Patterned Linoleum
Available in a nearly infinite number of patterns, allowing for a wide range of aesthetics. These tiles are meant to be durable, but they may take longer to install so that seams are precisely aligned.
This is a flooring option designed for folks who enjoy trying new things. It transforms your floor into a blank canvas, ready for you to draw on and create those one-of-a-kind patterns that leave a lasting impact.
Advantages of Linoleum Flooring
Some of the advantages of linoleum flooring include:
● Linoleum flooring is exceptionally long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear. It can last for almost 40 years if properly maintained.
● Linoleum flooring installation is substantially less expensive than other flooring solutions.
● Linoleum is a water-resistant flooring material that is suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.
● Linoleum flooring products are environmentally good since they can be burned to produce environmentally friendly fuel after their lifespan is up. Because the remains are biodegradable, they can also be disposed of in a landfill.
● In contrast to other flooring solutions, linoleum floors collect less dust and dirt particles. This trait is beneficial to allergy sufferers because they will not be afraid of stepping on dirt and dust-laden floors, aggravating allergies.
● Linoleum floors are usually the finest choice for moisture-prone areas like the bathroom and kitchen. The reason for this is that the linoleum floor is impermeable.
● Linoleum flooring does not produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can harm one’s health.
● It is scratch-resistant and can hide a lot more wear and tear than vinyl flooring.
● It requires occasional mopping and brushing of the floor.
● Various colors are added to fit different designs and patterns during the manufacturing process. The main advantage of these colors is that they take a long time to fade, unlike vinyl and laminate flooring. Pigments are usually applied to the wear layer from the bottom up.
● There’s no need to use an underlayment because linoleum flooring rolls will trap the heat on their own.
● Linoleum is an elastic flooring material that compresses and bounces back naturally when you walk on it, giving it a slight cushioning effect. This decreases the risk of injury from a fall and is ideal for children’s rooms. Also, walking on this surface is somewhat quieter because of the cushioning.
Disadvantages Of Linoleum Flooring
Some of the disadvantages of linoleum flooring include:
● Linoleum flooring is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. If you have linoleum in a moist environment, such as bathroom or kitchen, the floor should be sealed regularly. Linoleum flooring can be seriously damaged by flooding and even extreme humidity.
● Linoleum is easier to scrape and gouge because it is so soft. If you are not careful, sharp edges like high heels or furniture edges can scratch the surface.
● Linoleum must be sealed at least once a year, it also needs to be waxed every two or three years if it doesn’t have a coating.
● The installation of linoleum sheets must be done by a professional. Linoleum installation is often not a do-it-yourself project due to its stiffness.
● Linoleum can turn yellow as it gets older or isn’t cleaned properly.
● Dents from furniture legs can damage linoleum.
● Linoleum releases linseed odors for about a week to a month when it is first laid. These fragrances are harmless; however, they may irritate certain people.
● Unsealed linoleum will need to be polished and buffed regularly, but this is not a concern with the linoleum that has been sealed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Conclusion
Linoleum flooring is a long-term investment that retains its uniqueness after decades of use. Keep in mind that linoleum may need expert installation, unlike other flooring alternatives, which may increase the overall cost. Keep these benefits and drawbacks if you’re thinking of installing linoleum flooring.
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Hardwood Flooring – Pros & Cons
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