What S The Difference Between Linoleum And Vinyl Flooring

Linoleum flooring and vinyl flooring often get mistaken for each other by homeowners who are searching for sheet flooring that will look good for the long haul.

What s the difference between linoleum and vinyl flooring.

Unlike linoleum vinyl is a synthetic product. The cost difference between vinyl and linoleum is offset to some degree by their relative life expectancies. Other chemicals may be added to the mix to give it more durability or flexibility. Despite these differences in construction both types of flooring can be very long lasting.

It will need a thorough cleaning at least once or twice each year and waxed periodically depending on the wear layer. Vinyl flooring s design is applied to the top of vinyl as a printed layer protected by a wear layer on lvt or wax coating on vct. Vinyl floor colors will appear more vibrant. Overall linoleum flooring is relatively easy to maintain although it requires a little more care than vinyl sheet flooring or luxury vinyl planks.

Linoleum flooring being made of natural materials contains more natural earthy pigments. While vinyl costs less than linoleum it will last an average of only 10 or 15 years. It is primarily a mix of colored chips of polyvinyl chloride pvc resin. It also allows more intricate patterns on vinyl.

This helps linoleum wear longer. But vinyl flooring tends to maintain its glossy appearance right up until the top layers suddenly wear through exposing the core. And linoleum s color or pattern runs all the way through the linoleum making it very long lasting if it doesn t become damaged. The colors can even have a yellow tinge because of the linseed oil base.

Both floor types are indeed tough and long lasting and can be installed pretty much anywhere. But there are some important differences between the two.