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About Linoleum Flooring Originally introduced in the late 1800s, linoleum flooring was extremely popular in homes across the United States. As time passed though, linoleum became known as a "dirty word" in home builds and remodels. Thanks to newer, more vibrant color choices and a push to improve and restore homes with original materials, linoleum flooring can now be found in many homes. Linoleum flooring is eco-friendly, natural, durable and beautiful. Linoleum is a great flooring choice.
Linoleum is often confused with vinyl flooring. There is one significant difference between linoleum and vinyl: linoleum is made from natural, raw materials, while vinyl is a synthetic floor covering. These raw materials include linseed oil, which is derived from the flax plant. Other ingredients used in linoleum processing are wood, cork powder, resin and ground limestone. With more than 150 years of heritage, linoleum is a classic floor covering that is relevant in today's eco-friendly world.
While the eco-friendly nature of linoleum makes it popular among homeowners, its natural elements offer no protective coating, leaving linoleum floors susceptible to stains and damage. Immediately after installation, linoleum will need to be polished and sealed to remain stain-free. If a homeowner finds a stain on a sealed linoleum floor, a simple strip and re-wax of the stain area will return the linoleum to its natural beauty. After installing linoleum flooring, the linseed oil used in manufacturing linoleum will briefly emit an odor vaguely reminiscent of fresh paint. In addition to the unique scent, linoleum also exhibits a unique color after installation. This yellow cast, on the surface, is known as "drying room film" and is completely normal. Over time, with exposure to natural light, the yellow cast will fade away. Homeowners will need to remember this color fading when choosing a linoleum color and pattern. Before making the final linoleum choice for a home, ensure you are choosing the color you want by exposing the linoleum to light for a few hours. While a homeowner may love the look of a linoleum piece in the showroom, things may change quickly after the yellow cast has faded and the true colors are revealed. Choosing the proper linoleum floor is important for a beautiful final product. While linoleum is offered in tile form, homeowners should choose a linoleum sheet product. Linoleum tile often warps and curls easily, leaving the material hard to handle and maintain. Maintenance and life expectancy are important factors to consider when choosing a flooring material. Linoleum is a very durable material with a life expectancy of more than 30 years. The maintenance on the other hand, requires sealing and caulking to ensure water resistance and cleaning with minimal water, a neutral detergent or dry mop. Linoleum can easily be damaged by standing water, unlike synthetic alternative floorings. Depending on the pattern, size and area, linoleum flooring can cost a homeowner from $4 to $25 per square foot, plus installation charges. It is important for a homeowner to employ a licensed flooring contractor for the linoleum installation. Several bids and references should be collected before settling on one flooring company.
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