LINOLEUM FLOORING

Linoleum flooring is not the same as vinyl flooring. It's an all-natural product that's antistatic, antibacterial and recyclable. To learn more about it and its resurgance as a flooring choice, read on. Then, if you want to learn more, just open look elsewhere on this site for more articles or book suggestionss.

LINOLEUM BASICS
Linoleum, which disappeared from the marketplace for many years, is making a strong comeback. It offers a distinctive look that can be styled as highly contemporary, retro or simply as durable, everyday floor.

When vinyl appeared in the marketplace, and eventually forced linoleum to take a sabbatical, many people began to confuse the two. They’re very different, though. Vinyl is a synthetic, petroleum-based material, while linoleum is made entirely of natural materials.

Why did linoleum disappear? Remember, it wasn’t too long ago when many natural products were replaced by synthetics that were supposed to make our lives better. Synthetics were “modern” and many good products drifted off into oblivion.

So a better question than “why did linoleum disappear?” is “why did linoleum make a comeback?” There are many answers to that question.

Linoleum is made of all natural materials. In fact, it gets its name from linseed oil, which is its main ingredient. Linseed oil, which is extracted from flax seed, is dried out and ground into a fine power called “linoleum cement.” The cement is mixed with ground cork, pine resins, wood flour and natural pigments. Generally, it has a jute fiber backing. If properly maintained, linoleum is highly durable and will last for decades.

As an all-natural product, linoleum offers many advantages.

First, it’s considered an environmentally friendly material. It’s made entirely of highly sustainable, natural materials that can be recycled. And because it can be recycled, 100% of the leftover or waste products from its creation are used in future production.

As a natural product, linoleum helps create a healthy living environment in a home and does not emit gasses.

Linoleum is great for people who suffer from allergies or asthma, because it’s hypoallergenic. It’s also naturally antistatic, so dust, dirt and pollen particles are repelled, making it easy to clean.

Linoleum even has natural antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth and spread of microbes.

As flooring, linoleum is thermally insulating, quiet and shock-absorbing. Available in vibrant colors that offer a wide range of design possibilities, Linoleum allows a high degree of personal expression.

It’s also easy for the average homeowner to install.

For additional information, see the specific installation recommendations with each brand.