What's the difference between linoleum and vinyl flooring?

Answer 1

Linoleum in the older floor. linoleum is a combination of cork, sawdust and linseed oil on a backing. Most time made about 6' wide. Vinyl is a plastic on a foam back. can be made any width. Both can be inlaid with color going all the way to the backing. Linoleum was the staple for Armstrong, but is no longer made in the USA. Most of the linoleum is now made in Europe. Vinyl is made almost everywhere. Vinyl can be made to be no wax, Linoleum must be waxed to keep it looking good. Of the two linoleum is considered to be the "greenest". Both contain very small amount of formaldehyde, but linoleum is more biodegradable. Vinyl can be installed on or below grade on concrete. Linoleum can only be installed on grade and on concrete only if steps are take for moisture. Linoleum never curls on the edges vinyl may if not installed properly. Vinyl can have simple or very complex patterns. Linoleum can only be made with simpler patterns or solid colors.

Answer 2

Vinyl Flooring Vs Linoleum

Answer 3

Vinyl Linoleum

Answer 4

Although “linoleum” has been used as a generic term to refer to vinyl and linoleum floors, it is important to distinguish between the two, as there are significant differences. While both are sanitary, easy to maintain and are available in sheet floors and tiles, the main difference is that linoleum is natural and vinyl is synthetic.

Linoleum is made from linseed oil, which is derived from flax, and other natural, renewable resources such as rosin, wood, cork powder and pigments. As a result, linoleum is biodegradable, and an environmentally friendlier choice. It is naturally anti-bacterial so there are no chemical anti-bacterial agents required during manufacturing or maintenance.

Harmful emissions
Vinyl flooring contributes to poor indoor air quality, releasing dangerous volatile organic compound (VOC) offgassing. In contrast, when installed with low-emission adhesive, linoleum does not emit these harmful chemicals. Indeed, concerns over indoor air quality have increased linoleum's popularity. However, linoleum does emit linseed oil fumes, which some people are extremely sensitive to. It is best to check your reactions to linoleum before purchasing it.

Linoleum is more durable
Linoleum is more durable and lasts much longer than vinyl flooring. Whereas a linoleum floor can last 30 to 40+ years, the maximum life expectancy for a vinyl floor is about 15 years. Linoleum is more resistant to burning; a vinyl floor can be burned by a match or other hot or lit object.

Answer 5

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RE:
What's the difference between linoleum and vinyl flooring?

Answer 6

Does anybody still use linoleum? It's old-fashioned stuff that comes in layers. On top is a thin layer of stuff with all the color and pattern. When that wears out, you get down to the black stuff underneath. Vinyl is just vinyl from top to bottom. It's much more durable. One exception is padded vinyl, which is nice for kitchens, because if you drop something on it, it probably won't break.

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 floor covering that has been virtually out of use for decades with the advent of vinyl flooring. I believe people use the term today to refer to vinyl but it is a misnomer. I don't want to go into a long drawn out resitation about the differences its a mute subject. Like i said I haven't seen it used in the US by any home builders for decades.DONE!

Answer 9

Linoleum is a hard, washable floor covering formed by coating burlap or canvas with linseed oil, powdered cork, and rosin, and adding pigments to create the desired colors and patterns. Linoleum originated in 1860.

Vinyl flooring is the modern alternative. It has the same admirable qualities, but is available in unlimited patterns and finishes compared to the original.

Answer 10

Linoleum comes in roles usually in 12' roles, vinyl flooring usually in squares.