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There are many ways to upgrade your home at a low price, and installing new flooring is not one of them. Floors are among the most expensive home improvement projects. When you get floors installed, you’re probably hoping they will last you a long time.
That being said, picking the right flooring is an important decision that you’ll have to stick with for a white. The material you choose will determine the use, difficulty of installation, and maintenance of the floors. It will ultimately become a big part of the interior design of your home.
If you’re reading this article then you’re probably considering linoleum. It’s a great and eco-friendly option!
People often count the similarities between linoleum and vinyl, but the two are quite different. Linoleum was first patented in the mid-1800s. It was very popular then, and it is still widely used for kitchens and bathrooms.
You might think that nobody uses linoleum anymore. That’s not true at all! The product is still very popular, as it’s quite durable. It’s also eco-friendly. That’s an important factor now, considering consumers are becoming more aware of the impact production has on the environment.
With time, linoleum only got better. It looks better too! You will find linoleum in some of the most architecturally-advanced homes. While it is still as popular as it was in the previous decade, it is not so easy to find. There are only a few manufacturers of linoleum flooring on the market.
You should always do as much research as you can before you make a choice. To help you with that, we’ve compiled a list of brands that offer the best linoleum flooring. But first, let’s talk about the material we call linoleum.
What Exactly is Linoleum Flooring?
Linoleum is made from natural materials. It is eco-friendly and bio-degradable. In other words, its impact on the earth is quite small. Linoleum is also non-allergenic and gives off no toxic fumes. When it comes to design, you can choose from a variety of styles and color options.
Linoleum flooring comes in different forms. You can choose sheets, tiles, or a floating floor. Sheets are big and usually require professional installation. Tiles are much smaller and can be installed by a non-professional. A floating floor can be installed alone as well.
Origin of linoleum
In 1872, Frederick Walton and Joseph Wild founded a company called the American Linoleum Manufacturing Company, in Staten Island, New York. This very company was the first one to make linoleum.
How is linoleum made?
As you already know, linoleum is made from natural materials. But what exactly does that mean? The main ingredient used in linoleum is seed oil. Add wood or cork powder and ground stone, and you got yourself some linoleum!
The material is created partially from recycled materials, and it’s also recyclable. The wood dust, pigments, and limestone used in the production process create colorful granules of linoleum.
Once a sheet of linoleum is finished, it has to dry in a huge heated room for weeks. The chemical processes that go on make the linoleum yellow or “amber” at first. That color disappears after the flooring has been exposed to any sort of light.
Design options for linoleum flooring
Image source: Crogan Inlay Floors
Don’t be fooled into thinking that linoleum only has one look. There are many designs and colors you can choose from. You can opt for some solid floor colors, or get the marble floor look. Designs and textures range from sparkling and glossy effects to a flecked design. You can even customize your pattern!
Types of Linoleum Floors
Before you’re ready to settle on one flooring type, you should look at all the options. Here are some to get you started:
Sheet linoleum
Sheet linoleum comes in wide sheets, with some reaching up to 6 feet. It’s safe to say that the installation can be quite challenging.
Modular tile linoleum
Tile linoleum has the same shape as other tile flooring types. It is usually handled the same way too. Modular tile linoleum is a better alternative to stone and ceramic floors. It is less expensive and much more environmentally friendly.
Floating linoleum
This type is very similar to laminate or vinyl flooring. The installation system is much easier than other types of linoleum. The click-lock system of installation makes the process a walk in the park.
Click-together linoleum
This one is very similar to floating linoleum that was described above. Your flooring will come in the form of click-and-lock tiles or planks. You won’t need glue in the installation process.
Benefits of Linoleum Flooring
Resiliency
Image source: Margie Grace – Grace Design Associates
Linoleum is wonderful for places where you will be standing a lot. Consider it for your kitchen, for example.
Eco-friendly
Linoleum is made from compressed natural resins, cork dust, wood fibers, mineral pigments, and, notably, linseed oil. The name of the material says it all! “Linum” means flax or linen when translated from Latin. “Oleum” means oil.
The material is recyclable and biodegradable. You can throw it out after 30 years of use and not worry about its environmental impact.
Durability
Image source: Studio 853 design
Linoleum flooring usually comes with a 25-year warranty. As if that’s not long enough, with good care and maintenance, you can keep your floors for as long as 40 years! For comparison, that’s more than double of the life expectancy of vinyl floors.
Anti-bacterial
The linseed oil in linoleum keeps oxidizing, which prevents bacteria from multiplying and growing. Thus, linoleum is a good choice for places that are prone to bacteria, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Easy maintenance
Image source: North Tiles and Stone Centre
It’s very easy to clean and maintain. The top layer wards off dirt, so it doesn’t sink into the floor. Clean your linoleum floors with mild, non-ammonia-based cleansers. Vacuum the floors regularly to remove any dirt that could scratch the linoleum. Alternatively, you can mop the floors with warm water and a bit of soap.
Anti-static
This just means you won’t get an electric shock from touching the light switch after walking on the linoleum floor. It also won’t attract and collect as much dust.
Stylish
Image source: Pauls Floors
Linoleum does not just have one look. Choose from a variety of styles, patterns, colors, and textures. Find the design that will suit your decor best. Manufacturers offer wood-like patterns, as well as flecked, solid, striated, and marbled looks. Finally, you can customize your floor to complement your interior design.
How to Find a High-Quality Linoleum Floor?
Unlike other flooring types, the quality doesn’t vary very much across different linoleum brands. Almost any brand you pick will offer great quality. That’s because not just any flooring material can be called linoleum. There are strict guidelines and rules that determine the raw materials that can be used in linoleum. This way, you won’t be cheated into buying something completely different.
All the choices might seem a bit overwhelming when you know the quality is good across the board. Follow our list of the best linoleum flooring brands to avoid any confusion!
The Best Linoleum Flooring Brands
Forbo Flooring Systems
The first one of these linoleum flooring brands is an industry giant. 60% of the world’s linoleum is purchased from Forbo. The brand makes both residential and commercial flooring. There are many styles to choose from, from marbled to solid to patterned prints.
Forbo’s linoleum has a special name – Marmoleum. It comes in different colors and designs. Forbo’s Marmoleum is suitable for homes and offices. You have control over your preferred installation method. You will walk out of the store with a 25-year residential warranty.
Forbo’s linoleum sheet flooring is made from 97% natural materials and 43% recycled materials. Overall, there are approximately 330 options to choose from. The brand has the largest color and pattern selection on the market.
The Marmoleum Linear line of linoleum offers a variety of textured surfaces. There are not many color choices, but the line compensates with bright and vibrant colors that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Have a look at Red Roses for example.
Armstrong
Armstrong is a big household name that works mostly with commercial customers. It is also good for residential repairs. Its linoleum products are appreciated by architects and construction workers worldwide. Armstrong offers high-quality, durable floor coverings.
Armstrong LinoArt is the brand’s linoleum line. It has a small color range and only 4 patterns to choose from. Those are solid, marbled, linear, and flecked. There is no click-together option either. You can only get glue-down tiles or sheets.
Overall, there are 6 different linoleum sheet and tile collections for commercial flooring. You can buy rolls of 6.5 feet by 98.4 feet. If you’re looking for tiles, they come in the following sizes: 12” by 12”, 24” by 24”, or 12” by 24”. You get a 5-year commercial warranty.
Armstrong Marmorette is another line that comes with over 40 colors. It has more of a traditional marble look. If you’re going to purchase a roll, it will be 6’6” wide. The laminate comes with a 15-year residential warranty.
Johnsonite Harmoneum XF
Johnsonite Harmoneum XF is a subsidiary of Tarkett. The brand is best known for its vinyl products. It also made the first linoleum that was Cradle to Cradle certified. The flooring is made from 94% raw natural materials. It is very sustainable.
The brand offers mostly commercial flooring, but you can use it as residential. The rolls of linoleum are 6’6” wide. There are 5 collections of the XF2 Harmonium.
Etrusco is available in 5 different tones.
- Veneto is a marble design that comes in 62 color options.
- Lenza comes in 11 striated colors. The flooring looks just like real wood.
- Tonali offers the marbled look in 15 different colors ranging from black to orange.
- Veneto Acoustiflor offers 6 color options. The linoleum is backed by a 1.3mm foam layer that reduces noise and makes the floor softer.
Johnsonite offers a 5-year commercial warranty that works for residential use too.
Nova Flooring
The last one of these linoleum flooring brands is Nova Flooring. It is a smaller brand with dealers in the US and Canada. It has a small selection of linoleum compared to the other brands. However, it offers the thickest flooring that is also the easiest to install. Nova Flooring sells floating linoleum.
Choose between 12” by 12” tiles and 12” by 36” boards that snap together. The top layer is 2mm thick linoleum. The middle is 6.8mm thick HDF. There is a 1.2mm thick cork at the bottom.
The brand offers a 20-year residential warranty and 10-year commercial warranty.
Other Things to Consider When Choosing Linoleum Flooring
Cost
Image source: Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.
Linoleum will last you a long time, so it’s an investment. Choose linoleum flooring for a home where you want to spend the rest of your life. To get the full price, find the cost of the materials you will need for the installation.
Linoleum boards cost between $4 and $7 per square foot. Tiles and sheets cost a little less, between $2 and $4 per square foot. Tiles and sheets are not cheap, but they’re not as expensive as boards.
Installation cost
Image source: MSR Design
The installation will cost you between $0.65 and $0.90 per square foot. The final price depends on the complexity of the job. Naturally, obstacles will raise the price. Stairs are priced separately, at $15-20 per stair.
Repair is expensive, so it pays off to hire a professional right away and avoid future repairs. Remember that the installation cost is still only a percentage of the cost of the materials.
Best uses for linoleum flooring
Image source: Allen’s Fine Woodworking, Inc.
- Kitchen flooring. Kitchens are high-traffic areas. Linoleum will take care of the spills and messes.
- Bathroom flooring. Linoleum is water-resistant and naturally warm.
- Nursery/playroom flooring. Linoleum is easy to clean. It’s also safe and hygienic for infants.
FAQs about linoleum flooring brands
1. What are some popular linoleum flooring brands in the market?
Armstrong, Forbo, Tarkett, and Marmoleum are a few of the most well-known linoleum flooring manufacturers on the market. These companies are renowned for their dependability and environmental friendliness and provide a large selection of color and design possibilities.
2. Which linoleum flooring brand offers the best quality and durability?
Because of the remarkable quality and longevity of its linoleum flooring, Forbo is frequently regarded as the market leader in this area. It is created from natural raw materials, has a lengthy lifespan, and is quite durable.
3. What is the price range of linoleum flooring brands and which brands offer the best value for money?
Prices for linoleum flooring might differ based on the brand, style, and installation expenses. The price per square foot might range from $2 to $8 on average. Brands like Armstrong and Tarkett provide inexpensive solutions without sacrificing quality, making them excellent values.
4. What are the available color and design options for linoleum flooring from different brands?
The color, pattern, and style options for linoleum flooring are abundant, ranging from traditional and neutral hues to striking and bright prints. The most varied selection of alternatives, including options for custom design, are provided by companies like Forbo and Marmoleum.
5. Which linoleum flooring brand is the most environmentally friendly?
Given that it is constructed of natural components like linseed oil, pine rosin, and wood flour, linoleum is one of the greenest flooring solutions available. Although Forbo is regarded as the most environmentally responsible brand due to its use of renewable resources, closed-loop manufacturing, and numerous environmental certifications.
6. How easy is it to clean and maintain linoleum flooring from different brands?
Due to its resistance to stains, dampness, and bacteria, linoleum flooring is generally simple to keep clean and maintain. The majority of brands advise staying away from abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals that can harm the surface when cleaning and instead using a gentle detergent and water.
7. Which linoleum flooring brands offer the best warranty and after-sales service?
The industry’s best warranties and post-sale support are provided by Forbo and Armstrong. They provide thorough guarantees on their goods, covering things like fading, wear, and manufacturing flaws.
8. Are there any specific installation requirements for linoleum flooring from different brands?
Depending on the brand and kind of substrate, linoleum flooring installation requirements can change. However, the majority of manufacturers advise hiring a pro installer and making sure the subfloor is tidy, dry, and level before installation.
9. Which linoleum flooring brands are recommended for high traffic areas?
For high traffic areas, Forbo and Tarkett are suggested due to their exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. They include slip-resistant choices as well, which makes them perfect for public and heavily used home areas.
10. Can I find linoleum flooring brands that are suitable for commercial or industrial applications?
Yes, a number of linoleum flooring manufacturers, such as Armstrong, Forbo, and Tarkett, provide commercial and industrial-grade alternatives that are especially made for extreme wear and tear and significant foot traffic. These choices are perfect for industrial situations because they are also resistant to dampness and chemicals.
Ending thoughts on the best linoleum flooring brands
If linoleum was not in your consideration set for flooring before, maybe it is now. The material is durable, sustainable, water-resistant, anti-microbial, low-VOC, and versatile. What more could you want?
Linoleum is the best option if you’re looking for a resilient floor. Sure, there are just a few manufacturers on the market. Don’t let that stop you from choosing the right color and style for your home!
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