If you are considering installing linoleum flooring it’s smart to do a little research first so you know if linoleum is right for you. Linoleum has been around since the late 1800s and is made largely from linseed oil (where it gets its name) but has other fillers such as cork dust, wood flour and other resins. The makeup of linoleum makes it a sustainable resource as all of the products that are used to produce it are renewable. The process of making Linoleum allows it to be embossed or dyed for a very wide variety of designs and textures. Many flooring companies will use linoleum or vinyl as interchangeable terms. Linoleum and vinyl are indeed two different floor coverings as they are made from different materials but in their use and characteristics often can be considered similar products. Some present day linoleums are even made from poly-vinyl chloride instead of linseed oil but maintain similar characteristics and are all sold in the same category. For more information about the subtle differences between these floorings you can read this article comparing linoleum to vinyl.
There really isn’t much to complain about when it comes to linoleum flooring. Linoleum flooring was developed as a low cost durable floor covering and it continues to accomplish that same task today. Linoleum holds up very well to high foot traffic and most other abuses. One downfall of linoleum flooring is that although it is tough it is not very hard. This means that hard objects like the corner of a filing cabinet, a kitchen knife, or even some stiletto high heels can puncture or rip through linoleum leaving holes or tears. Stone, tile and concrete floors can hold up these types of impacts because they are so hard, but you will pay significantly more for their durability.
The pros of linoleum flooring speak for themselves as linoleum has stood the test of time and has continued to be a widely used flooring covering all over the world. One of the main benefits of linoleum flooring is its durability. Once properly installed, linoleum or vinyl flooring can last for 20 to 40 years! Having flooring last for so long will definitely save you money in the long run but linoleum flooring will also save you money immediately. Linoleum and vinyl flooring can be significantly less expensive than wood or tile floors saving you 50% or more on your project.
Linoleum is also extremely easy to care for. It’s often chosen for kitchen and bathroom flooring because it is water proof and stain resistant. Linoleum doesn’t have to be sealed or waxed like many other hard floorings and will maintain its pattern and embossment for the life of your floors. Caring for linoleum is as easy as a regular sweeping and moving any large furniture or area rugs occasionally to make sure sun fading happens evenly over the years. Linoleum also comes in a huge variety of colors, patterns and styles. It can be intricately cut to fit in any space and will allow you to choose the exact color and pattern you want. Many linoleum and vinyl floor patterns produced today are so well constructed and patterned that they can be difficult to distinguish from real stone or tile.
Linoleum flooring is a great option for you if you are trying to keep your flooring costs low. Even if you have a larger budget linoleum flooring can give you the flexibility and options to create your space exactly how you want it to look and make sure it looks that way for years to come!
In the Charleston area, Carolina Flooring Services is your number one source for linoleum and vinyl flooring. Whether you want our expert installation services or our cash and carry option for the handy man, Carolina Flooring Services has the floors you want at the prices you can afford. To see the wide variety of options available, stop by our showroom at 3830 Dorchester Rd. in North Charleston. To take advantage of our free in home measurements you can make an appointment at 843-255-0700 or you can visit our webpage for more information on vinyl flooring.