Everything You Need to Know About Vinyl vs. Linoleum Countertops

Vinyl and linoleum are two of the most frequently used (and often confused) materials for countertops and floors. Homeowners get them mixed up because linoleum, an all-natural material, somehow started to be used as an interchangeable term for vinyl, an all-synthetic material, in the mid-1900s.

The products share some similarities; they are both affordable and durable and come in a variety of styles to meet your kitchen’s decor. But they are far from being the same thing, and one might be a better fit for your home than the other.

Vinyl vs. Linoleum: Key Differences

Vinyl is a type of synthetic plastic that comes in peel-and-stick sheets for covering a countertop. Contact paper countertop coverings are a type of vinyl. Linoleum is a mix of linseed oil, resin, wood flour, and cork, making it a natural material that is far more sustainable than vinyl. 

What Is Vinyl?

Vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a type of synthetic plastic. As one of the most popular materials used across the world, it is estimated that 20% of the plastic produced worldwide is rigid or flexible PVC.

You might hear vinyl countertops sometimes referred to as peel-and-stick countertops. They are also sometimes grouped with Formica® laminate countertops, which are made of different materials but are another easy-to-install and budget-friendly option. 

In the past, vinyl countertops have gotten a bad rap as being unattractive and not as long-lasting as other materials. Today, though, newer brands with beautiful designs and good performance are making vinyl a solid option for kitchen countertop ideas on a budget.

Best for: 

• Kitchen refinishing on a budget

• Homes with lots of activity

• DIY installation

Pros of Vinyl Countertops

Vinyl countertops are affordable and easy to install. Often, you can install contact paper on countertops over an existing countertop. Today’s vinyl countertop options come in a variety of colors and patterns. 

They are stain resistant and easy to clean, making them a good choice for a busy home with lots of activity. They are also waterproof and, if vinyl countertops sustain small scratches, tear, or rip, you can repair them fairly easily. 

Cons of Vinyl Countertops

While they are versatile and easy to install, vinyl countertops are not as durable as other materials, like granite or marble or even linoleum. Because they are essentially flexible plastic, they cannot be buffed or refinished, so if they are highly damaged, replacing them is a better option than trying to refinish them. As with any plastic product in the home, there are concerns about off-gassing and shedding microplastic pieces.

What Is Linoleum?

If you are wondering, “Is linoleum the same as vinyl?”, then you are not alone. Linoleum and vinyl often get lumped together, since linoleum is used (incorrectly) to refer to vinyl, but they are made from different substances. Linoleum is considered an extremely green kitchen countertop material because it is made using natural, even edible, ingredients; but, like vinyl, it is durable, easy to work with, and affordable.

Unlike vinyl, linoleum is made from natural materials such as wood flour, resins, and powdered cork. When used on countertops, it typically comes in glue-down sheets or snap-together tiles.

Best for: 

• Homeowners who want to use sustainable products

• Busy kitchens that benefit from an easy-to-clean material

• Homeowners on a budget

Pros of Linoleum Countertops

Some consider linoleum to be more attractive than vinyl, and it is typically more durable. (Remember that it is often used as flooring, which requires significant durability.) As with vinyl, linoleum is easy to install, and you will not need any special tools to tackle the project. Because it is made with natural ingredients, it is a sustainable material with a smooth, warm finish that invites the touch. You can buy it in a range of colors. Linoleum countertops can last between 20 and 40 years with proper maintenance. 

Cons of Linoleum Countertops

Even with their benefits, linoleum countertops come with some cons. They are not as hard as other materials, like granite or quartz. And they likely will not raise the resale value of a home as other materials would. While they are affordable, they do typically cost more than vinyl countertops, so if you are on a really tight budget, this may not be the right choice. 

Vinyl vs. Linoleum Countertops

So, in the vinyl vs. linoleum countertop debate, which is right for your own surfaces? Here are some factors to consider.

Cost: Vinyl

Vinyl for countertops is definitely cheaper than linoleum. You can expect to pay between $790 and $1,600 for a vinyl kitchen countertop installation, whereas linoleum will cost between $600 and $2,400. Both materials are commonly used for flooring as well, so the cost to install new floors will be similar.

While linoleum is more expensive, both materials are very affordable, especially when you compare them to the price of granite, Corian® marble, or quartz. (A marble countertop, for example, might cost up to $9,000 to install, whereas a Corian® countertop costs up to $5,000.)

Scope of Repair: Linoleum

The phrase “peel and stick” implies simplicity, and it is definitely true that installing vinyl countertops is easy. Vinyl may also come in glue-down sheets, whereas linoleum must be glued down or pasted down with liquid and a troweled-on adhesive.

In the case of vinyl, you can repair small tears or scratches, but you cannot refinish it as you would other countertop materials like granite or butcher block. If linoleum becomes damaged, you can buff out dents or scratches.  Hiring a local countertop specialist can make it easier to get vinyl or linoleum countertops repaired correctly.

Longevity: Linoleum

Linoleum tends to last much longer than vinyl on countertops. Deciding whether this is a long-term or short-term solution can help you choose the right material.

In fact, there are some situations where the short-term benefits of vinyl could be beneficial. For example, if you own rental property and need a stopgap solution for a tenant’s peeling or damaged countertops, a simple vinyl installation could be the best approach.

In some cases, homeowners also install vinyl as a short-term solution to save up money for more expensive countertops (marble, granite, etc.). Installed properly, though, vinyl can still last 10 to 20 years. 

If you are looking for a permanent or long-term solution at a more affordable price, linoleum is your best bet.

Maintenance: Vinyl

Both vinyl and linoleum are pretty easy to maintain, and you can easily patch holes or tears in either without replacing the entire counter. But because they are made from different materials, upkeep looks a little different. 

Ammonia-based cleaners, for example, should not be used on linoleum. As it is made from natural ingredients, you also may need to apply an annual protecting coating and wax to the surface every year to keep them looking new, though some newer varieties do not require this.

Resale Value: Tie

Both vinyl and linoleum countertops are budget countertop options that likely will not raise the resale value of your house in the way that granite or marble would. The exception could be if you use them as an affordable option to refinish countertops that are highly damaged and may deter potential buyers. A local countertop installer can help you make the right countertop decision and may even offer insights into the resale value that different materials offer.  

Sustainability: Linoleum

Vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride, is a synthetic plastic that is much less sustainable than linoleum. Because linoleum is made from natural materials like wood flour, powdered cork, and resins to bind them together, it is more sustainable than vinyl. 

Which Is Best for You?

Consider costs (upfront and long-term), the scope of the project (and if hiring a pro fits into your budget), and how long you hope to have your countertops. These factors can help you decide if vinyl or linoleum is right for your kitchen countertops.