In 1860, Englishman Frederick Walton created linoleum. He discovered, quite by chance, that dried linseed oil created a durable yet flexible film on the upper edge of an oil-based paint can. Before patenting his new product and appropriating the “Lin” portion of the name from the linseed oil used in the process, he spent nearly ten years experimenting with the process by adding natural ingredients such as cedar rosin, ground wine bottle dust, wood chips, as well as a canvas or jute backing to the dried linseed oil.
Although linoleum took a while to gain popularity, it eventually replaced hardwood flooring as an affordable option for both homes and businesses. Linoleum offered better moisture resistance and was a more affordable option when compared to other flooring options available at the time, such as hardwood and tile.
Linoleum is a strong, environmentally friendly-flooring option, especially in light of the current emphasis on all-natural, eco-friendly materials. Like vinyl, linoleum is a resilient flooring that provides a smooth surface for walking and working. Due to this quality, it was installed on the majority of US Navy ships and is still in use today on submarines. In the 1950s, vinyl, which was even more affordable, gradually replaced it.
Since it is made primarily of natural materials as opposed to vinyl, which is produced using petrochemicals, linoleum has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent decades with the progression toward green building products.
See also: Laminate flooring ideas for a contemporary look
Types of linoleum flooring
Linoleum flooring is much simpler to choose from because, nine out of ten times, people already know what they want when they decide to install linoleum flooring. Linoleum is available in various forms, designs, hues and distinct tones. Before making your purchase, think about a few flooring options.
Sheet linoleum flooring
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The sales of today show that sheet linoleum flooring is at its most popular. This is primarily because it offers the broadest range of patterns and colours. This kind of linoleum flooring comes in enormous rolls and needs very intricate installation.
Tile linoleum flooring
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This kind of linoleum flooring serves as an excellent substitute for expensive ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles. It offers all the wonderful advantages of tile flooring and is just as eye-catchy and beautiful! Each section will feel cosier than tile and can even be laid on top of an existing pre-laid floor, provided the old floor was properly installed.
Clickable or floating linoleum floors
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When it comes to innovation in the area of flooring, this kind of linoleum flooring is as cutting edge as it gets. They are just as simple to install as most floating vinyl and laminate floors currently available. They offer glueless click-and-lock planks or tiles that cause very little mess during installation.
Ensure there is at least a 3/8″inch (10mm) gap around the baseboards and that the subfloor has been installed correctly. This will permit proper expansion, and the linoleum floor will not be detached from the subfloor.
Read also: Flooring tile design to lift up your floors
Linoleum flooring: Design options
Linoleum flooring features consistent colour and patterns throughout its thickness, ensuring longevity without fading. Manufacturers now employ advanced printing methods to create vibrant colours, intricate patterns and realistic natural textures. This innovation offers a limitless range of design possibilities while retaining linoleum’s practical benefits. Modern linoleum has evolved significantly from its retro appearance, providing diverse options to match various aesthetics.
How to pick the best linoleum flooring?
Despite its drawbacks, linoleum makes an excellent flooring choice. The only choice left is which kind of linoleum floor you would like to have installed, assuming that you are okay with a little routine maintenance. Here are a few things to consider initially.
- It is best to leave sheet material installation to the experts. Consider buying linoleum tile or planks if you are planning a DIY project.
- Consider the extra-thick qualities of linoleum planks or commercially available options if your new floor will be subjected to a lot of foot traffic or frequent spills.
- Be aware that the seams in tiles and slats will be visible. The best option for a smooth appearance might be sheet linoleum.
Benefits of linoleum flooring
Following are some of the major pros of picking linoleum flooring:
- Made exclusively from natural and biodegradable materials.
- Unlike vinyl, it has colour all over its body, and as a result, it has a much longer wear life.
- Hypoallergenic, antistatic and naturally antimicrobial.
- It is stain and fire-resistant thanks to the natural materials.
- Easy to install and contributes to LEED points.
- Excellent resistance to water.
Drawbacks of linoleum flooring
Certain drawbacks of choosing linoleum flooring include:
- Not as easily available as vinyl.
- Some varieties cost more to wax than vinyl.
- Fewer pattern and colour options than vinyl.
- Can suffer dents from heavy furniture.
Linoleum flooring: Installation
Installing linoleum flooring is distinct from other options and often necessitates professional help due to the challenges involved. Linoleum sheets require precision cutting and specialised handling. Professionals typically apply sheets with adhesive and weld seams for a seamless look. If attempting a DIY installation, ensure your subfloor is flawlessly smooth to avoid imperfections. Modern linoleum offers DIY-friendly options like tiles and planks with a click-lock system, allowing easy floating installation without adhesive. This approach simplifies the process, akin to assembling Legos.
Linoleum flooring: Care and maintenance
Linoleum requires occasional brushing and mopping to stay clean and requires minimal maintenance. Simple cleaning supplies like soap, water, and a regular mop are all that’s required. Because of its excellent water resistance, linoleum can be used in bathrooms and kitchens with great success. However, standing water should be avoided, especially with linoleum tiles, since constant water infiltration at seams can compromise the glue underneath.
Linoleum can last anywhere between 20 and 40 years, rivalling engineered wood floors’ lifespan. There are many linoleum installations that, with proper maintenance, can last for more than 50 years. However, warranties are typically shorter than the expected lifespan. Settlement or movement of the subfloor, which stresses the glue and joints, generally is the most significant barrier to a long-lasting installation.
With time and exposure to UV light, linoleum tends to be slightly yellow, which is largely because natural linseed oil was used in the manufacturing process. Another characteristic of linseed oil is flexibility, which gives linoleum its long lifespan.
FAQs
How should the linoleum floors be cleaned?
Cleaning linoleum kitchen floors with a water-vinegar-dish soap solution after sweeping up dust and other particles is the best method. A day should be set aside for dusting, one a week for mopping, and one or two a year for deep cleaning.
How long will linoleum flooring last?
A linoleum floor can last up to 40 years with proper maintenance. Linoleum will age over time, though not as quickly as other flooring types, and will eventually need to be replaced.