{"id":1990,"date":"2023-12-15T08:25:31","date_gmt":"2023-12-15T08:25:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lxhausys.com\/us\/blog\/?p=1990"},"modified":"2024-04-23T13:26:23","modified_gmt":"2024-04-23T13:26:23","slug":"vinyl-flooring-vs-linoleum-flooring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lxhausys.com\/us\/blog\/vinyl-flooring-vs-linoleum-flooring\/","title":{"rendered":"Vinyl flooring vs Linoleum: Differences and Top Brands"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Vinyl flooring vs Linoleum: Key Differences<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
Selecting the right flooring for your home can feel like a huge challenge. There are many factors to consider, including material type, cost, durability, maintenance, and aesthetic. You want to be sure that whatever flooring you pick will meet your needs, has a long lifespan in your home, and aligns with your lifestyle.\u00a0<\/div>\n
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Two flooring types, vinyl and linoleum, are increasing in popularity as cost-effective alternatives to hardwood and stone. In this article, we\u2019ll take an in-depth look at the differences between vinyl and linoleum and the unique benefits of these materials for home applications.<\/div>\n
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Linoleum Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Linoleum flooring is made of natural materials, such as linseed oil, which is where the name \u201clinoleum\u201d comes from. Its makeup also includes wood flour, pine resin, cork, and mineral fillers. Linoleum\u2019s renewable components make it an environmentally-friendly flooring option and a great choice for green design projects. Linoleum flooring consists of a single, solid layer that is water resistant. With proper sealing, linoleum floors can be expected to last up to 40 years \u2014 more than double the lifespan of vinyl flooring.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Lolstream
Lolstream is made of eco-friendly and natural materials can continue until 40 to 40 years of plastic water.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vinyl Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Vinyl flooring is created from synthetic materials, including resins, plastic and fiberglass. Its artificial materials make it highly durable and more waterproof than linoleum. As such, it\u2019s an excellent option for high-traffic and splash-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms. Vinyl is DIY-friendly because it\u2019s easy to install and requires little maintenance over its lifespan, which averages 20 years. Vinyl is a favorite among designers due to its color and patterning options, which make it versatile for any space.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\"LX
LX Hausys HFLOR Luxury Vinyl Tile Vintage Savana Collection<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Water, Heat Resistance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Linoleum Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Linoleum does have a basic level of water resistance, making it less susceptible to water damage than hardwood flooring. That said, linoleum does need to be sealed correctly at least once per year to protect against water. If exposed to standing water, linoleum floors can curl at the corners, edges, or seams of the tiles. For this reason, it\u2019s not an ideal flooring choice for areas that may have regular water, moisture, or humidity, like a bathroom or laundry room. However, linoleum is more heat resistant than vinyl. It tends to withstand intense heat without melting immediately and does not readily burn or emit toxic fumes due to its natural material makeup.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Vinyl Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Vinyl flooring has superior waterproof properties compared to linoleum. It can be installed in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements without needing to worry about water damage. On the other hand, vinyl is more susceptible to heat damage and will release toxins when burned.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Vinyl
Vinyl Flooring is superior waterproofing for moisture-prone areas.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Maintenance & Care<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Linoleum Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Linoleum floors must be sealed at least once a year to maintain their water resistance and color pattern. Without proper sealing, linoleum floors can darken or take on a yellow tinge, especially when exposed regularly to sunlight \u2014 this process is called \u201cambering.\u201d If your flooring was not factory-coated for ambering, you may also need to clean and wax it every two or three years to prevent scratches, discoloration, and other damage. Linoleum floors can be cleaned with vacuuming, damp mopping, and mild, non-ammonia-based cleansers.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Linoleum
Linoleum floors must be sealed at least once a year to maintain water resistance and color patterns, otherwise cleaned and waxed every 2 or 3 years.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vinyl Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Vinyl flooring is one of the easiest floors to clean and maintain, as it is engineered to be resistant to mold, mildew and moisture. It can be vacuumed and mopped, and you can use any type of detergent without fear of damaging the material. Wiping down your vinyl flooring on a regular basis will keep it looking clean and new.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Appearance & Comfort<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Linoleum Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

When linoleum flooring is manufactured, the color is printed all the way through the material in each tile. This makes the design of the flooring more resistant to fading over time. However, linoleum flooring has fewer color, pattern, and design options than vinyl. Because it\u2019s less aesthetically versatile than vinyl, some designers consider the material outdated. Linoleum is a slightly softer material than vinyl due to its use of cork and other natural materials, so it may feel less hard underfoot.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Vinyl Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

On the other hand, vinyl is endlessly customizable. It can be manufactured to authentically replicate the look of wood or stone flooring in different natural stains. Vinyl can also be created in thousands of colors and patterns to match the needs of any design project. When it comes to comfort, vinyl flooring tends to be a colder, harder material underfoot, especially when installed over a concrete subfloor.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\"LX
LX Hausys HFLOR Luxury Vinyl Tile SILVERY MOON PRESTG SPC Collection<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Installation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Linoleum Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Linoleum is typically harder to install than vinyl, so linoleum floors are typically put in place by professionals. Linoleum sheets are tougher to cut than vinyl sheets and require a specialized tool. In some cases, linoleum sheets are applied to the floor with a glue-down bond and then the seams are welded together to create a smooth finish. Linoleum can also be installed with a \u201cclick-lock\u201d method, where tiles are joined together without any glue.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Vinyl Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Vinyl tiles are easy to install, making them a favorite flooring option for DIYers. Many tiles are now manufactured with a peel-and-stick adhesive, making them easy and fast to insert into the correct position. You can also install some vinyl tiles with glue. Alternatively, vinyl sheet flooring can be more challenging to install because the sheets must be cut and joined precisely to fit together. Many homeowners opt for professional installation for vinyl sheet flooring, which still tends to be cost-effective when compared with other flooring options.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Vinyl
Vinyl tiles are popular with diers because they are easy to install and may require professional installation due to accurate cutting, but they are cost-effective.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cost & Resale Value<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Linoleum Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Linoleum flooring is known for being a cost-effective material, especially when compared with hardwood or ceramic. It costs, on average, $2 to $5 per square foot if purchased in sheets. It can cost from $3.50 to $5 if purchased in tiles. The cost difference of linoleum compared to vinyl is offset by its longer life expectancy. While linoleum flooring isn\u2019t typically seen as a way to increase the value of a home, it may be a positive attribute for homebuyers who prefer environmentally-friendly materials.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Vinyl Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Vinyl flooring is typically lower in cost than linoleum. It costs on average $.50 to $5 per square foot, if purchased in sheets, and up to $5 per square foot for luxury vinyl plank. Vinyl flooring is typically recognized as an economy flooring option and does not add resale value to a home.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Durability & Lifespan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Linoleum Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

When properly sealed and maintained with care, linoleum flooring has a long lifespan averaging 40 years. Its long-term durability makes it an excellent option for homeowners who want a flooring that will stay with them for decades without having to worry about regular replacements. As linoleum is made from all-natural materials, it can be recycled or incinerated safely when no longer in use.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Linolium
Linolium flooring lasts a long time with proper care and can be safely recycled or incinerated when no longer needed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vinyl Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Vinyl flooring has an average lifespan of 20 years, so homeowners should plan for needing multiple flooring replacements as part of long-term homeownership. In addition, disposing of an old vinyl floor can be challenging. Because vinyl is made from plastics, resins, and other toxic chemicals, it cannot be recycled or burned, meaning it will remain in landfills for centuries.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Top Brands<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

There are a variety of brands that manufacture linoleum and vinyl flooring with different price points, design aesthetics, and shipping and distribution options. We\u2019ve compiled a list of some of the popular manufacturers to help you find the right flooring option for your project.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Linoleum Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
The following are brands that manufacture linoleum flooring:<\/div>\n