Your grandparents’ flooring is having a modern glow-up
Linoleum is a durable, biodegradable flooring product.
Modern linoleum can mimic a variety of colors, patterns, and natural looks.
Linoleum floors are not waterproof and are susceptible to dents and UV damage.
You’ll likely need to pay a professional to install your linoleum floors.
Linoleum flooring costs $3 to $12 per square foot.
Although hard to find nowadays, linoleum was once among the most popular home flooring options. It's recently been making a comeback thanks to its versatility and long life span. If this material is on your radar, it's worth knowing all of the pros and cons of linoleum flooring so you can make an informed choice about whether it's right for your next renovation.
Linoleum flooring is made from a blend of sustainable natural materials. The exact composition will vary by manufacturer, but it usually consists of linseed oil, jute, cork powder, tree resin, and wood flour.
The finished material will have a design embedded throughout. Linoleum floors in older homes often have a distinctly retro look. However, modern linoleum can be made in a practically endless array of different colors and patterns, including faux-natural designs that look like real wood or minerals.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable and long-lasting | Susceptible to denting |
| Low maintenance | Low ROI |
| Wide variety of design options | Difficult to find |
| Affordable material costs | Requires professional installation |
| Scratch-resistant | Slippery surface |
| Water-resistant | Not waterproof |
| Biodegradable | Darkens or yellows from UV damage |
| Hypoallergenic |
Here’s what to love about this flooring type.
Linoleum resists wear and tear very well. With proper care and maintenance, it can last for more than 40 years. It's worth noting that linoleum will change in appearance over time, aging until it requires replacement.
Linoleum flooring requires little maintenance and is easy to clean with a broom and mop. Stains can be tackled using a mild detergent or linoleum-specific cleaning solution, and periodic sealing is also required to help prevent scratches. Dust and pollen rest on the surface and are easily swept up, so linoleum is also hypoallergenic.
Modern linoleum flooring is manufactured using advanced printing techniques that produce just about any color or pattern on tiles and planks of any size or shape. Linoleum designs can mimic other popular flooring styles, such as hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile, at a fraction of the cost.
The cost of linoleum flooring ranges from $3 to $12 per square foot, putting it on par with carpet, laminate, and vinyl. The lower flooring material cost makes it more affordable than tile, stone, or natural hardwood.
Linoleum is an eco-friendly flooring choice made from non-toxic, renewable materials that don't release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home. It's biodegradable, unlike vinyl, which tends to be made using petroleum-based products.
As with all flooring, linoleum has a few drawbacks.
Despite its long-lasting durability, linoleum isn't invincible. It's particularly susceptible to denting from heavy furniture and UV damage in the form of unsightly dark or yellow patches. Removing linoleum flooring is also tricky when it does get damaged.
While linoleum has come a long way in recent years, its reputation hasn’t caught up. Linoleum is not heavily marketed, and buyers may still see it as outdated even though it’s comparable to popular flooring options like vinyl. If you choose linoleum, you'll get the best return on your investment if you go for a contemporary style.
Linoleum comes in large sheets that are not easy to DIY like smaller vinyl or laminate pieces. While you could learn how to install linoleum flooring yourself, it's difficult. This means that you're more likely to hire a local flooring pro for installation, adding professional labor to your overall cost.
Linoleum can resist moisture from occasional spills for a short time, but it's not waterproof. It will warp and swell over time if exposed to standing water, making it a risky choice in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
Linoleum flooring is not among the most popular flooring options on the market. Several other manufactured hard surface products achieve a similar look and function, and these alternatives are often even confused with linoleum:
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
Waterproof flooring
Linoleum flooring is a long-lasting investment that can resist decades of wear with relatively little maintenance. If you're interested in an affordable, damage-resistant surface with unique retro appeal, linoleum is a good choice. However, it's not waterproof and therefore not ideal in bathrooms or basements where standing water is often a risk.
AFS was excellent from start to finish. Jess, the sales associate, was fantastic...very knowledgeable and very professional. The installation crew was excellent. I couldn't be more pleased with the process. Best of all, my new floor looks fantastic!
America's Floor SourceWe hired Jim to replace our hardwood floors with new hardwood. He and his helper Jerry did a fantastic job. Their work ethic is impeccable!! We would highly recommend McColl Floors!
Chaz, the owner, was very responsive and he communicated with us throughout the entire process. The overall cost was in the middle compared to the three estimates we received. The installation crew was very professional. Chaz was considerate enough to send a crew back to our home to repair...
Unique Hardwood Floor LLCAwesome company. Had a jacuzzi tub taken out and replaced with huge walk in shower with partial glass enclosure. Onyx to the ceiling with a decorative border, moved plumbing and installed hand held shower, new ceiling, flooring, and paint. Replaced window with glass block. Everything was done...
Columbus Bath DesignFelix came in roughly 2 days after my first contact with him to give me an estimate. I had one other company give an estimate and Felix was right in line with that estimate. He offered a 5% discount for Angieslist customer, as well as another 5% for paying the service in cash. The first...
Mr. Felix Floor IncWith the help of a contractor, I did a full basement finish, and Dawn Marie and the team at Simply Floors made the flooring portion of my project easy and high quality. Dawn Marie was my primary contact throughout the 3+ months that I was in and out of the store. She was patient, informative,...
SIMPLY FLOORSEarly on there were problems with the hardwood flooring product quality. Those issues were quickly aknowledged and the solution exceeded expecations. I can attest that the flooring and the work to install it is of the highest quality. The workforce consisted of seasoned professional...
They were prompt, careful and thorough. I have also had them wash interior floor to ceiling windows which were perfect.
Technicare Carpet CleaningFine, done in timely manner. The plumber wore shoe booties to protect our floors.
Muetzel Plumbing, Heating & CoolingFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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