Pros, Cons and Installation Tips

Linoleum is a resilient, flexible flooring material made from cork, limestone, wood flour, linseed oil, and pigments. All of these ingredients are mixed with resin, spread, and allowed to harden. Once hardened, a surface protection treatment and jute backing are added, and the material is cut into sheets, 12″ x 12″ tiles, or 12″ x 36″ planks.

Invented by Frederick Walton in 1860, linoleum was widely used in businesses and homes until the 1960s. Although it has always been popular in Europe, where it was manufactured, linoleum has recently seen a resurgence of interest in the United States as people seek a product made from natural materials that is easy to care for. Linoleum is easy to clean, long-lasting (thanks to a protective coating), and, unlike wood floors, doesn't need to be refinished every few years. “Most people just don't like it,” says Walton. [linoleum] “Floors can be stained for aesthetic reasons long before the product wears out,” Rohde says.

Designer Leandra Fremont Smith wanted to incorporate period details into the 120-year-old New England home, so she chose linoleum floors and a vintage-inspired white palette from Farrow & Ball.

Because linoleum is a natural (and sometimes recycled) material, it's attractive to environmentally conscious homeowners who want to move away from using synthetic materials. Even scraps left over from the linoleum manufacturing process can be reused, making the material almost infinitely recyclable and producing very little waste. However, Rohde says that producing linoleum requires energy, so it does have some environmental impact.

Not only is linoleum made from renewable, natural materials like linseed oil, jute, cork and resin, it's also extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear. It also feels soft and warm underfoot. And the color and pattern are consistent throughout the product, making it more durable than other types of flooring; for example, the pattern will still show through if it's scratched or scratched, Rohde says.

Older linoleum was criticized for yellowing over time due to oxidation of the linseed oil, but modern formulas have stabilizers added to address that issue, says Rohde. But over time, you may notice yellowing or discoloration on your linoleum floor. Linoleum also shows signs of scratches and scuffs easily, especially in high-traffic areas.

“Look at the big picture and determine if it's right for your home,” says Rohde. “Consider your expectations, the activities that will take place in the space, and what is most important to you. Don't choose a flooring type based on just one characteristic.”

Lobster Red ties old and new together in this farmhouse-style kitchen designed by Tom Seeler. Like Fremont Smith, Seeler wanted a flooring material that didn't look too new against the other antique details, so he chose Aronsons linoleum.

According to data from Angi, you can expect to cost between $650 and $4,800 for linoleum flooring. The current national average cost is $1,760. By area, linoleum flooring can cost between $3 and $12 per square foot. This wide cost range is due to differences in thickness, design, and material composition.

Installing linoleum flooring is typically a job for professionals. But with patience and careful attention to detail, you might be able to install linoleum tile yourself. Either way, make sure your substrate (i.e. the surface you'll be installing the linoleum on) is perfectly smooth and free of imperfections. You don't want any bumps or imperfections showing through in the finished product, says Rohde.

Forbo linoleum flooring and bentwood chairs are a practical and classic choice in the kitchen of this New York City apartment designed by Christopher Maya.

“Linoleum already has a surface treatment, so there's no need to wax or polish it,” says Rohde. Instead, keep your linoleum looking its best by sweeping it frequently to remove grit and dust. Stains and spills can be wiped away with a damp mop and a floor cleaner designed for linoleum floors. Acidic cleaners will damage linoleum. Finally, be sure to put felt anti-slip pads on all furniture legs to prevent scratching the material.

It depends on the product, but most manufacturers offer warranties on linoleum for between 5 and 15 years, but linoleum can last in your home much longer than that, potentially 20 to 30 years or more.

Forbo (also known as Marmoleum) and Tarkett are the two most popular brands of linoleum flooring.

• Marmoleum linoleum is 100% biodegradable and made from natural materials, and consumers often choose the brand for its climate-conscious production.
• Tarkett uses 97 percent recycled and natural materials in its linoleum construction, and its modern design is popular with style-conscious homeowners.

Are linoleum tile floors waterproof?

Linoleum is water-resistant, but not waterproof. Spills and splashes can cause the linoleum to warp if it's not wiped up and dried promptly. For this reason, you should avoid using linoleum in the bathroom.

What is the difference between linoleum and vinyl flooring?

While both linoleum and vinyl are durable, cost-effective alternatives to hardwood and tile, they differ in the following ways:

• linoleum It's made from all-natural materials, including resin, wood, and linseed oil. It's a softer material than vinyl and comes in a single sheet instead of multiple layers.
• vinyl Vinyl is a PVC product with a design printed on it. Vinyl is often cheaper because it is made from synthetic materials. Some vinyls are waterproof, whereas linoleum is only water resistant. Vinyl is also easier to DIY because it is thin.

Can I install linoleum tile flooring myself?

While you can install linoleum flooring yourself, it's always best to call in a professional to ensure the job is done properly. If you want to try a DIY flooring project, opt for vinyl flooring, which is thin and easy to remove if you make a mistake.

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Kate McGregor is House BeautifulAs a Digital Editor at , I write in-depth articles, design inspiration stories, and more. With over 5 years of experience, I've written commerce and search optimized content for brands such as: Domino, Really simpleand Architectural DigestAt Clever, Kate has developed a passion for discovering the personal stories behind the inspiration for people's spaces. She has previously Elle Decor There, she identifies the industry's top products and brands and interviews up-and-coming designers for their thoughts on the latest trends. Kate has a BA from Belmont University, and when she's not researching the peculiarities of begonia plant care, you can find her trawling vintage markets in search of the perfect wrought iron chair, knitting yet another cardigan, or reading historical non-fiction.

Jane Rohde, AIA, FIIDA, ASID, ACHA, CHID, LEED AP BD+C, GGA – EB, believes in a global cultural shift towards non-institutionalized senior living through research, advocacy, and a humanistic approach to care. She serves on various committees on senior living, healthcare, and sustainability, helping to create a tipping point for people-centered care environments. In 2015, she received the inaugural Changemaker Award for Senior Living Environments from The Center for Health Design, and in 2018, she received the ASID Design for Humanity Award. She has also been recognized as an honorary graduate of Clemson University’s Architecture + Health program and named one of the top 10 women in design for their leadership in design and architecture.

Jane is an avid sailor and enjoys riding her Harley.