When asking what is better, linoleum or vinyl flooring, the real question is not what is better, but what fits your needs and wants. Both are types of resilient flooring (meaning they keep their shape), each with their own pluses and minuses.
Pros and Cons of Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is a natural product that is made of linseed oil, limestone, flours made of wood and cork, tree resin, and pigment. Linseed oil is extracted from flax seed. All of these materials are renewable.
If you are interested in minimizing your carbon footprint, then this is the way to go. According to Armstrong Flooring’s blog, linoleum was discovered accidentally in 1861when it oxidized into a layer on top of a paint can.
Because linoleum is a pigment carrier, that means it offers a complete range of colors. The colors are not just printed on the top of the flooring, but run through it. So it does not fade. However, it does not offer the variety of prints and styling.
Because linoleum is made from natural ingredients, care and upkeep of the floor takes bit more work than vinyl floors. It is sensitive to high PH cleaners. Vacuuming and a damp cloth are the easiest way to keep linoleum clean.
There is a “bloom” on new linoleum flooring that gives it a yellowish cast, but once exposed to sunlight, it will fade.
Linoleum is also susceptible to moisture and must be sealed after installation. If used in rooms with high moisture and humidity, like bathrooms or laundry rooms, it can warp over time. And curl at the edges.
Like vinyl, it can be installed easily in a tile or roll format.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is man-made from oil by-products, which are non-renewable. It is created from a blend of vinyl, felt, fiberglass, and dyes compressed under heat. Production of vinyl flooring takes a lot of energy, and can produce CO2 emissions.
New technology allows manufacturers to create a product that looks more realistic that even a few years ago. Luxury vinyl flooring planks can often be hard to tell from the real thing.
Vinyl flooring is the easiest to care for, it is moisture, rot, and mold-free. It is not as picky about what type of cleaner is used on it as linoleum.
It does not wear as well as linoleum. Over time the layers will wear out. While linoleum can last 20 to 40 years, vinyl will only last 10-20 year depending on the amount of traffic.
Of the two, vinyl is the less expensive. It is half the cost of linoleum. A 120 square foot room of vinyl tile will begin at about $60. A roof of the same size in linoleum will begin at $240.
What Is the Best? Linoleum or Vinyl?
Getting back to which is best. It all depends.
If you are interested in stylish, eco-friendly, and are not budget conscious, then you will want to purchase linoleum.
For those who have a budget, or an area that has lots of moisture, then vinyl will be your flooring of choice.
What every you choose, City Tile in Murfreesboro has a wide variety of styles and colors to choose from. Their designers will help you find just the right product for your home or office project.
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