Learn the key differences
Vinyl and linoleum are differentresilient flooringmaterials that share many characteristics.
Many people use the names interchangeably due to the similarities of the materials.
But there are a surprising number of important differences between linoleum and vinyl.
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Compare all the characteristics to determine which throw in of resilient flooring is best for you.
Today’s linoleum is comprised largely of linseed oil, a naturally occurring substance extracted from flax seeds.
The fact that linoleum is a wholly natural material is perhaps the key difference between linoleum and vinyl flooring.
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Vinyl was discovered in the 1920s.
Unlike linoleum, it is a completely synthetic material comprised mostly of PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
It came into widespread use as a cheaper replacement for linoleum flooring in the 1960s.
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In addition to PVC plastic, vinyl includes various phthalate plasticizers for flexibility.
It is virtually impossible to safely dispose of discarded vinyl flooring.
Once old-fashioned, linoleum is trendy and modern again.
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This allows you to achieve some of the most vibrant and realistic effects of any flooring material.
Old vinyl tends to have shabby spots where it has worn through to the PVC core layer.
Old linoleum still has the same color and pattern as the day it was installed.
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Best for Appearance: Vinyl
Vinyl flooring offers more design variety than linoleum.
Older types of vinyl use felt as the backing layer, which can be susceptible to water damage.
Newer vinyl uses fiberglass backing, which is immune to water and damage.
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Of the two materials, linoleum has better heat resistance.
Hot skillets or curling irons do not generally melt linoleum immediately, as they do with vinyl flooring.
And linoleum does not readily burn and emit toxic fumes in a house fire, as vinyl does.
However, be aware that linoleum is somewhat more resistant to heat damage.
Care and Cleaning
Vinyl is one of the easiest floors to keep clean.
Just sweep or vacuum it periodically.
Stains can becleaned by handwith a rag and a mild detergent.
Best for Care and Cleaning: Tie
Both vinyl and linoleum flooring are equally easy to clean.
Modern vinyl flooring has a very tough protective wear layer, so no waxing or sealing is ever necessary.
Linoleum is a slightly softer material than vinyl, and it can be more easily scratched and gouged.
Small damage is somewhat less evident, though, since there is no core layer to show through.
Sheet vinyl flooring is usually installed with a full glue-down tool, and installation is somewhat awkward for DIYers.
Cutting large sheets to a precise fit is difficult, as is joining seams between pieces.
Because professional installation is rather cheap, most people opt for this method.
Installing linoleum can be very similar to installing vinyl.
However, sheet linoleum can be even harder to work with than sheet vinyl and pften installed by professionals.
Sheets are somewhat tougher to cut than vinyl, but a sharp linoleum knife usually works.
The sheets are applied with a glue-down bond, and seams are welded together.
Much higher costs are possible for designer styles sold at specialty flooring stores.
Again, higher costs are possible with designer styles.
Best for Cost: Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is less expensive than linoleum.
While vinyl costs less than linoleum, it will last only between 10 and 20 years.
But vinyl flooring maintains its glossy appearance until the top layers suddenly wear through, exposing the core.
A linoleum floor can last 20 to 40 years or more.
Some people like the patina of an aging linoleum floor; others dislike it.
Tiles are sold as squares 9 to 18 inches across.
Sheet linoleum is also available in 6- or 12-foot rolls.
Best for Size: Tie
Neither flooring material has an advantage when it comes to size.
Vinyl flooring is slightly less noisy than a hard material like ceramic tile or laminate.
Linoleum is a slightly softer material that may have more resilience underfoot.
Environmental Considerations
There are few building materials in the world more inherently toxic than vinyl.
These materials remain in landfills for centuries, and disposal through burning is not an option.
Linoleum could not be a more different material from vinyl.
Its primary ingredient is plant-based linseed oil, which is mixed with other natural materials.
Top Brands
Several of the major brands that manufacture vinyl flooring also offer linoleum flooring.
Other companies specialize in linoleum only.
Vinyl is more popular than linoleum flooring.
This can be attributed to its durability, low-maintenance design, affordable price, and variety of available styles.
Vinyl is easier to install, making it a favorite for DIYers.
It’s more flexible and softer than linoleum, making it easier to work with.
Vinyl is waterproof, while linoleum is water-resistant.
Cohen Lorenzo, Jefferies Alison.Environmental Exposures and Cancer: Using the Precautionary Principle.
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Creating Healthy Healthcare Environments, Linoleum: A Natural Alternative.
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Linoleum Flooring Care & Maintenance.Floor Factors.
