Linoleum Flooring

Classic, Comfortable Versatility

If your wanting to "spice" up or soften the look of a room, linoleum floor coverings has so many choices you are bound to find exactly what you have in mind...

No matter if it is a sophisticated, contemporary design for your dinning room, an "old-fashioned" tiled kitchen or a brightly colored floor tile pattern in a playroom, linoleum can be used to create many different looks!

Invented (some 150 yrs. ago) and manufactured in Europe, it is imported to the US via brokers, with Armstrong World Industries having exclusive rights to market and sell it in the US.

Genuine linoleum flooring is a classic and still a big contender in the flooring industry. Not to be confused with vinyl flooring (although similar in appearance), they are definitely not the same product....

Pros & Cons

Linoleum flooring is softer and warmer on the skin than vinyl and is often used in commercial and institutional facilities where foot traffic is high.

It may be more expensive ($4-$7 per/sq.ft. installed) than standard vinyl, it is also longer lasting, BUT as it ages it will harden and become more brittle.

If manufactured without a high performance protection layer (some are), linoleum will need to be waxed regularly to prevent staining and scratches.

When first installed a harmless, non-toxic, odor (from linseed oil) is released but will dissipate in a short period of time.

Sheets of linoleum come in many thicknesses, but limited widths of 6 ft. 6 in. (2m).

Tiles are more prone to curled edges or warping compared to sheet form.

All of the materials used to produce linoleum flooring, including its backing, are natural and abundant resources

Features

Linoleum is known to have antibacterial, antistatic-antidust and hypo-allergenic properties, and are well-suited for kitchens, bathrooms, dinning rooms, hallways and childrens rooms.

Very comfortable, practical and affordable with prices to suit any budget and style.

You can design your own floor motif using either tiles or sheeting and the manufacturer will even help you do it!

Linoleum is a low-maintenance material.

Durability

"True" linoleum will last 30-40 years. Unlike other floor-coverings, light will not affect the finish, dull colors or cause it to "yellow" as it ages.

When compared to vinyl or cork, also resilient floor coverings, linoleum came out on top for using sustainable resources and having the lowest impact on the environment...

Manufacturing

Made from all natural, raw materials of linseed oil (flax plant), wood or cork powder, pine rosins, ground limestone and mineral pigments, to give it the rich colors. All ingredients are mixed together, rolled out between two cylinders (calendaring) onto a jute backing, then cured for 14 to 21 days in ovens.

Once cured, a high-performance coating is applied to the surface to protect the linoleum from stains, scratches and to make cleaning easier.

Note not all linoleums have this type of finish. Be sure to ask your dealer if the flooring you choose has a bond finish from the manufacturer...... it will make your life much simplier if it does...

The Environment

Linoleum is biodegradable. All of the materials used to produce linoleum flooring, including its backing, are of natural and abundant resources.

No toxic, pollutant chemicals are emitted into the air, nor filling waste dumps with non-biodegradable garbage!

Cleaning & Care

To remove abrasive particles (prevent scratching), sweep regularly with a soft broom.

Use as little water as possible when mopping. A cleaning solution of 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid to a gallon of water and a sponge mop (or on hands & knees) will keep your linoleum floors sparkling. Thats it!

Follow the manufacturers recommendation about using wax or floor enhancers on your linoleum floors.

Installation

Many do-it-yourselfers like linoleum floor-coverings because they are fairly easy to install, but it does take some skill.

Floor tiles are the easiest to install, but do not hold up as well as sheets.

Linoleum sheets are brittle and more difficult to handle and it is recommended that a professional be hired to tackle the job.

Sheets may need to be sealed together if the width of your floor area is more than 6' 6" wide.

Reminder: Sheets or tiles need to be kept on-site in a warm room at least 24 hours before installing.

Do it yourself or have it professionally installed... if you have doubt about your skills in this area don't take a risk that could be costly, talk with a professional first.... better safe than sorry!

No longer boring or ho-humm, this is one type of flooring where the sky is the limit when it comes to choices.... just imagine and go for it!

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