Linoleum Flooring Buying Guide
Posted by Tom Shaw on 13th Sep 2022
At Floormart, we stock and supply a great range of Linoleum, which we supply online to both domestic and commercial customers. Linoleum has enjoyed its position as one of the world’s most popular flooring types. Although it’s easy to see Linoleum as a relatively modern flooring choice, it’s been manufactured since the 1800’s. Although there are many different flooring types to choose from, which has reduced Linoleums market share - it remains an excellent flooring choice.
What is Linoleum & is it Eco-Friendly?
Linoleum is a much more environmentally friendly flooring choice, compared to different flooring choices. Linoleum is made from a mixture of naturally occurring materials - including cork dusk, rosin, wood flour, various fillers and linseed oil.
Linoleum Advantages
We have hinted at the environmentally friendly benefits of Linoleum above, and when thrown away - this type of flooring does decompose, unlike other types of flooring, such as vinyl. Linoleum is hard wearing, and can easily withstand the wear and tear of a commercial setting.
Linoleum sheet installation is pretty easy to carry out, meaning that downtime to a business is minimised. Linoleum flooring is also available in a number of different styles and colours - including natural materials, such as stone effect Lineoleum. Linoleum is fire retardant and is a good choice for those suffering with allergies.
The design of Linoleum also means that if it is badly dented or scratched, you will not see a different colour underneath - which again, is an advantage.
Linoleum Disadvantages
Linoleum does require polishing to keep it looking in its very best condition. It’s water resistant, VS waterproof - so it’s important not to let water pool on Linoleum.
Linoleum VS Vinyl
Every flooring type has a ‘rival’ flooring choice which competes on both budget, and style. One of the first distinctions is Vinyl Flooring being a completely man made product, with Linoleum made from materials which are naturally occurring. Both Linoleum and Vinyl flooring are a pretty inexpensive flooring choice, so both are budget friendly.
Linoleum is more durable than vinyl, and cork backed Linoleum also adds an important spring in the step of anybody walking on it, and can outlast vinyl for many years - Linoleum looks better, for longer.
Linoleum Sheet VS Tile VS Planks
There are a few different variations of Linoleum available to purchase, and we will run through these types below:
Linoleum Tiles
Linoleum Tiles offer the greatest variety of colours and designs. They are easy to install, so a professional fitter is not always required - and most tiles are 12 x 12 and are either backed with an adhesive, or click into place. The downside of using tiles, is that they have
Linoleum Planks
Modern Linoleum Planks use a click lock system which snaps planks/boards together. These planks are the thickest type of Linoleum you can buy, but they also have seams so could do with sealing. Styles are more limited with Linoleum Planks.
Linoleum Sheets
Sheet Linoleum is the best choice for many workplaces and commercial environments, especially those concerned with water damage.
Linoleum Thickness
Thickness is important when it comes to any flooring choice and the same applies to Linoleum. Linoleum thickness is measured in millimetres. Thickest available is plank Linoleum which is typically between 8mm and 10mm thick. Sheet and tile linoleum is thinner, averaging 2.5mm thickness.
Linoleum Flooring Cost
Plank Linoleum Flooring is one of the most expensive options, followed by tile and sheet linoleum which is cheaper, although it’s not as cheap as vinyl flooring options - it’s not all that expensive at all, compared to wooden or laminate flooring choices.
Linoleum Online
Across our site, you can find an excellent array of Linoelum Flooring which is purchased by those looking for the ideal solution for their commercial or domestic flooring. As well as supplying Linoleum, we also stock and supply a great array of Linoleum Flooring Tools.