All About Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is a durable and affordable choice for almost any floor.  Developed a century and a half ago, linoleum quickly became popular throughout the U.S.  It lost popularity during the 1950s as new vinyl flooring materials were developed, but has been enjoying a resurgence recently.  Made from renewable resources, such as linseed oil, rosin, cork, limestone, and wood flour, the green friendly product has caught the attention of environmentally conscious consumers.

The main attraction of linoleum is its durability.  A linoleum floor can last a lifetime, literally, which makes it a perfect material for high traffic areas such as the kitchen or laundry room.  It is also naturally anti-microbial, which makes it great for kids' rooms and playrooms.  Combine this fact with the little maintenance linoleum demands and it is easy to see why it has been so popular among homemakers.  Linoleum requires only sweeping, damp mopping, and occasionally the application of a sealer.  Follow the manufacturer's instructions for this, but generally resealing is done about once a year and involves removing the old wax (using a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water), rinsing, and adding a new coat.  Always use protective gloves and eyewear while working with solvents.

Unless you are dealing only with small tiles or linoleum "click" flooring (which floats above the original floor with little or no adhesives) linoleum should be installed by a professional.  It is a difficult process and there is a risk of the warranty being voided if not properly installed.

There are a couple disadvantages to linoleum.  It is susceptible to moisture damage from the sub-flooring, so should not generally be used in basements or over any concrete sub-floor.  The wisdom of using it in bathrooms is also debatable, though it is and has been quite popular for these rooms.

Linoleum is more expensive than its vinyl counterparts.  Starting at about forty dollars per yard, it is quite an investment compared to vinyl, which starts at about ten dollars.  Most vinyl flooring can also be easily installed by the homeowner, saving money on the installation costs of linoleum.

Removing old linoleum can be a messy and harrowing ordeal.  Most people only remove it if completely necessary, instead choosing to lay down new flooring on top.  If you do need to remove linoleum, check it first for asbestos, which was commonly used as a backing.  Most manufacturers will provide instructions for the safe and proper removal of their product.

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