Benefits & Advantages Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is a green flooring material that became a hit after its invention in England in 1863. However, Vinyl flooring appeared on the scene in 1933 and rapidly gained popularity. Vinyl became a more popular material because of its inexpensive price and versatility. But even though vinyl flooring has some advantages over linoleum, vinyl is manufactured from petrochemical products which are harmful to our environment.

Linoleum, on the other hand, is a 100% natural product that is made from natural materials like jute, powdered wood, cork, pine resin, solidified linseed oil and natural pigments on a canvas base. In our era of environmental awareness and effort to reduce our global impact, Linoleum is the perfect flooring material to install in your home.

Benefits of Linoleum Floors

Durability

Linoleum flooring is tough and can last for decades. It can be your companion from your toddler days right up your fabulous forties. This ruggedness has made Linoleum a popular choice in areas that see heavy usage like the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area. Linoleum flooring can even be used in areas that put up with a lot of abuse like kitchen counter tops.

Color from top to bottom

One of the major drawbacks of vinyl is that the color is limited to the uppermost layer. Once that layer is damaged by traffic or accidentally it must be replaced. In linoleum flooring the color runs through the entire thickness and is not confined to the top layer. So if your child happens to tear the flooring or if it is accidentally scratched the damage would not be as apparent as it would be in vinyl.

Face lift options

If you like to give your floors a face lift every few years Linoleum is just what the doctor ordered. You can paint the flooring in a different color or get patterns painted on it without removing the flooring. Voila! You have a new floor without uninstalling the entire flooring.

Environmentally Friendly

If you feel sincerely for the Mother Earth and are looking for an environmentally friendly flooring material, Linoleum is the answer. Linoleum is made of non toxic materials that do not persist in the environment but are biodegradable. It is not just the earth that would thank you for choosing linoleum; your body will be happier and healthier too.

Easy Maintenance

Linoleum flooring offers easy care and maintain because it does not require regular polishing or refinishing like hardwood flooring. It can be easily mopped and cleaned. It is water resistant and can be used on bathroom floors in place of ceramic tiles.

Drawbacks of Linoleum Flooring

• Difficult to Install – Installing Linoleum flooring is not a DIY task. It is difficult to install and is best done professionally. This could increase the cost and make it less affordable.
• Less Luxurious – Though Linoleum is now available in a wide variety of colors and patterns such as marbled, striped, and clear geometric designs, it cannot match the sheen or luxurious feel of other contemporary flooring materials.
• Affordability – When compared to wooden flooring Linoleum is a cheaper option but not when compared with Vinyl flooring. It is expensive and also more difficult and costly to install than Vinyl flooring.
• Fire Safety – Linoleum is more flammable than Vinyl flooring. Vinyl contains certain products which make it fire retardant. But these fire retardant products can be a double edged sword in the event of a fire these very products can release toxic compounds.

With growing environmental concern and everyone opting for nature friendly options, Linoleum flooring is making a comeback with vengeance. It has an old world charm that is difficult to match. Its resilience and ability to put up with abuse, continues to be its strongest trait. You can get it installed once and it will last you for decades.

What’s more you can paint it all over for a totally new look. Due to its organic constituents Linoleum is hypo allergenic and ideal for health care facilities, hospitals and even homes. If a natural flooring material is what you would like to install in your home, you can choose from a wide range of natural flooring materials available here at Contempo Floor Coverings.

Visit our Los Angeles Flooring showrooms for more information about Flooring Los Angeles.