Whats the difference between linoleum and vinyl ?

Question

Or is it the same.I want to put down linoleum for the kitchen floor.Does it matter if I use vinyl ? I hear it might bubble up, or linoleum is better for moistured areas.Of course I would use a whole roll, instead of putting one sticky tile at a time.

Answer 1

Vinyl in a kitchen is better. Lino is made of wood dust an solidified linseed oil on a canvas backing. Vinyl is plastic and more waterproof and will stand spills without absorbing. You can get vinyl rolls that look like individual tiles when it's laid.

Answer 2

Vinyl Vs Linoleum

Answer 3

Linoleum Vs Vinyl

Answer 4

Linoleum is made from natural products like linseed oil and cork with a canvas back. Vinyl is just a sheet of PVC. Vinyl is often referred to as linoleum but there is a difference. Real linoleum is going to be much more expensive than vinyl.

Every type of glue down, flexible floor covering has the possibility of "bubbling up". Either would be fine for a kitchen floor. Just make sure that it is installed well. However, unless you are doing a fairly highend job, go with vinyl. Or better yet, go with ceramic.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Whats the difference between linoleum and vinyl ?
Or is it the same.I want to put down linoleum for the kitchen floor.Does it matter if I use vinyl ? I hear it might bubble up, or linoleum is better for moistured areas.Of course I would use a whole roll, instead of putting one sticky tile at a time.

Answer 6

Vinyl is a photo copy that has a plastic over coating, lino has the copy on top, there are both the same cost, there is not much difference in price, you pay for what you get.
One type may be more costly because it's simply better, heavier and the photo is coated with a heavier plastic. You can feel the texture.
I have installed hundreds of both, they're both simple to install if you know how. Tile of course is simple.

The trick: make sure you have a clean area, no humps or bumps, clean off everything, like new. then put down a coating of sealer, two coats are nice. Don't get any particles of dirt in it.

have your lino or vinyl cut perfectly and put one side down. I can't tell you where to start without seeing it for myself. But, I chose a side and two people start and lay it down together, rubbing it in as you go to get any bubbles out, these are a problem, you have to keep all air bubbles out, use a roller, it helps, rent one.
I laid the lino out in a clean garage floor and measured all cuts and made them there, then make all the secondary cuts to fit and:
Make all your cuts as you go, being careful when you cut, us a sharp knife (box-cutter) measure twice, cut once.

In the end rub out all the air pockets, I used 'Henrys glue" it was the best. Smooth it out evenly and let it dry according to directions or it won't work.

If you've never done this and have no idea how, then have someone help you, this is really no job for a newbie unless you've laid tile or lino.

Answer 7

A couple of people here got it right, most got it wrong. (P.S. -"Mindshift", aren't you supposed to cite your sources when you answer a question via research?) Linoleum is still made, but is extremely difficult to find and very expensive. It is now a "high-end" item used in historic restorations, etc. what most people refer to as linoleum is some form of vinyl. VAT (vinyl asbestos tile) was used until the mid 1980s, but no longer is (for obvious reasons) VCT (vinyl composite tile) has been used primarily in commercial/industrial applications, although it is being used quite a bit in homes now as a substitute for linoleum. It is the speckled/mottled flooring you have seen in hospitals, schools, lobbies, etc.. The vinyl flooring used most often, and sold at home improvement stores comes in 12' wide rolls, known as sheet flooring, and various size tiles (most are 12"). Apart from this difference, they are the exact same product.

Answer 8

Linoleum is a product based on natural materials. Vinyl is wholly man made.

Vinyl is fine for wet areas. We have that in our bathroom.

Answer 9

vinyl is vinyl, linoleum is an asphalt product. having been in the flooring installation business for years, i highly reccomend the vinyl product if you choose a good product. start with a very clean and very smooth sub-floor and use a glue made for vinyl. better yet, is get a professional to install your floor, they know what they are doing. good luck.

Answer 10

home depot has this new type vinal that you don't glue down,
simply remarkable, it feels almost like rubber and we put it down in our kitchen, it even feels softer when you walk on it.
great stuff. i would recommend it to anybody.
its amazing how it stays in place without the glue and doesn't buckle.