It's Gorgeous. It's Healthy. It's Back
Today’s linoleum can be used beautifully in just about any room in the house. Its warm, comfortable to walk on, easy to clean, and is available in a multitude of colors and patterns.
Hem lines, hairstyles and fashions come and go... and come back again – almost always with new and improved twists.
Although this cycle is usually reserved for
whatever might affect our looks, big comebacks also influence our choices in the home. Take linoleum, for example. You may fondly remember your grandmothers’ colorful linoleum floor, but did
you know that linoleum is back? And it’s better than ever!
Linoleum was the predominant residential flooring until after World War II, when vinyl flooring was introduced. While linoleum remained strong in commercial applications because of its resistance
to heavy rolling loads and foot traffic, by the 1960s homeowners turned to vinyl, which was less expensive, easier to install and easier to maintain. Recently, improvements in the product, updated
designs and a growing awareness of linoleum’s health and environmental benefits have enabled linoleum to make a strong comeback.
Reports of poor indoor air quality often present in today’s homes have produced a
demand for natural building and furnishing products. Linoleum is made from linseed
oil, pine rosin, wood flour, limestone dust, natural pigments and jute – and contains no formaldehyde, chlorine or solvents. Manufacturers provide a low-VOC, water-based adhesive for application.
(VOCs are volatile organic compounds that may cause detrimental health effects.)
Linoleum flooring may particularly benefit people with allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems. Unlike carpeting, linoleum reduces dust and dirt accumulation. But it offers yet another benefit
– its natural anti-static properties keep dust and dirt from easily adhering to the floor.
Because of the continual oxidation of its linseed oil, linoleum also prevents microorganisms from multiplying; this bactericidal property has made it a perennially popular choice in hospitals.
Environmentalists have given linoleum their seal of approval as well. It is considered a rapidly renewable resource. The raw materials used to make linoleum are minimally processed and commonly available.
Linoleum is quiet and comfortable under foot. Its anti-static properties prevent electric shocks. It is generally warm to the touch, because its natural ingredients help keep the
floor at room temperature.
Durability is another factor behind linoleum’s resurgence. Although it costs roughly the same as a high quality vinyl floor, it wears much longer (up to 40 years). It resists
cracking and abrasions and is self-healing, making it an excellent choice for high traffic areas. Stains don’t sink into linoleum as they do in carpet. Unlike many vinyl floors in which the design
is stamped on the surface, linoleum’s pattern goes all the way to the backing – so minor burns or scratches can be buffed out. If a serious injury to the material does occur, a professional
installer can cut out a spot and piece in a replacement.
Linoleum is also easy to maintain. After installation, 1 or 2 thin coats of an acrylic finish is recommended, but sweeping, vacuuming, dust mopping or damp mopping with vinegar or
a neutral detergent is all that is necessary on a regular basis.
Professional installation is recommended, especially for sheet flooring, says Piera Marotto, Marketing Director for Forbo Flooring, the largest manufacturer of linoleum in the United States. “The
subfloor must be smooth and flat, as imperfections can telegraph through the linoleum – as it can with other sheet vinyls. APA grade underlayment is recommended and it can be installed, on, above
and below grade. If it is installed over concrete, the concrete’s moisture levels should be tested and should meet manufacturers’ recommendations.”
According to Marotto, the antioxidants in rubber or latex-backed floor mats that can stain traditional vinyls will have much less or little to no effect on linoleum.
The final and most exciting aspect of linoleum is the unlimited design possibilities. “We offer over a hundred colors and patterns,” says Marotto. “Different color tiles can be
used to create checkerboard patterns. Sheet and tile colors can be mixed to create an infinite array of design patterns. Your floor can be a work of art – with borders, geometric shapes, faux
‘area rugs,’ stripes...any custom design you can imagine!”
“Linoleum can be used beautifully for just about any room in your home,” Marotto continues. “It is so much more than the traditional, one-pattern kitchen floor. Because it is warm
and comfortable to walk on, it is a great choice for easy-to-clean family rooms, play areas and bedrooms.”
Linoleum – the same healthy, environmentally friendly product is back – but it’s not your grandma’s floor. As you can see for yourself, it’s definitely “new and
improved.”
