Differences between linoleum and vinyl flooring

Although linoleum and vinyl flooring may look similar, they are actually quite different in terms of cost, durability, ease of installation, and various other factors. That’s why it’s important to know the pros and cons of each type of flooring before deciding which flooring to install in your home. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between linoleum and vinyl floors.

Difference between linoleum and vinyl floors

To determine whether linoleum or vinyl flooring is better for a particular room in your home, it’s helpful to know the difference between the materials. The background for each is as follows.

linoleum

• invented 1860
• Although the latest synthetic version is available, traditional linoleum Made with all natural and biodegradable materials such as linseed oil, pine resin, limestone, cork flour, wood flour and jute
• sheet linoleum Costs $5 to $7 per square foot

• linoleum tile $3 to $5 cost per square foot
• Life expectancy is 20 to 40 years
• Harder than vinyl and less likely to cut, but also has excellent durability
• Water resistant, but more susceptible to water damage than vinyl
• It should be sealed every 3-10 years to keep it waterproof.
• More heat resistant than vinyl
• Natural linoleum does not contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

vinyl flooring

• invented in 1920’s
• Synthetic; made primarily of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin
• vinyl sheet 50 cents to $2 per square foot
• vinyl tile About $3.50 per square foot
• last 10 to 20 years
• Waterproof; Resistant to mold and mildew
• Available in more colors and patterns than linoleum
• More flexible and easier to cut than linoleum
• Easier to install than linoleum

How to decide which flooring to use

Which flooring should you choose? Both are easy to clean and are popular choices for kitchens and bathrooms. For poorly ventilated bathrooms that tend to be damp, waterproof vinyl may be the way to go. Linoleum, on the other hand, may be a better choice for your kitchen, as it is more heat resistant.

When considering cost, ask yourself if you’re interested in saving money upfront (vinyl wins in this case) or thinking long term (linoleum wins).Technically you can install both Lay the linoleum and vinyl yourself, but vinyl floors are much easier for inexperienced DIYers.