What Factors Should You Consider When Selecting Linoleum Flooring for High-Traffic Areas?

 Linoleum is a hard floor covering made of a mixture of oxidized linseed oil, gums and resins and other substances applied to a canvas or felt backing. It was an important part of flooring for homes in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Its durability made it a practical choice for high-use areas, and its water resistance enabled cleaning that was easier than with wood or tile floors. It was largely superseded by other hard floor coverings in the 1950s, but it remains an excellent choice for historic homes and renovation projects that call for durable, low-cost flooring.



Sheets or modular tiles

Today’s Linoleum Flooring is manufactured in sheets or modular tiles that snap together and can be installed over a variety of prepared subfloors. It comes in a wide range of colors, patterns and materials. Some manufacturers use advanced printing techniques to achieve a wide range of styles and designs, including realistic reproductions of wood or stone floors. Because the color and pattern are embedded in the linoleum, it is not susceptible to fading from sunlight as vinyl floors can be.

Expensive flooring option

Although a more expensive flooring option than vinyl, linoleum is more durable and provides more design options. It can be used in any room of the house, but it is particularly suitable for kitchens, where spills and abrasions are common.

Linoleum’s natural oil 

When properly cared for, linoleum can last decades. Regular sweeping removes abrasive dirt particles that can scratch the surface, and occasional damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner reduces the risk of staining. Linoleum’s natural oil helps it resist moisture damage, so periodic re-coating is not necessary.

Good choice for rooms

Its rigidity makes it a good choice for rooms that see frequent traffic and furniture shifting, but it is also suitable for rooms that experience spills or splashes, such as bathrooms. Its basic water resistance is an advantage over wood floors, which require a special finish to keep them dry.

The most important consideration when deciding whether to install a new linoleum floor is the condition of the subfloor. Any areas of bare concrete or below-grade slab should be treated with a vapor barrier to prevent moisture penetration that could damage the underlying wood or cement. If the linoleum is being installed over old linoleum, holes and cracks should be filled and sanded to ensure a smooth, even surface.

Conclusion

If you want to DIY install a new linoleum, modular tiles are the easiest option. Sheet Linoleum Flooring is more complex to install, and should be left to professionals. A professional installer can also help you choose the right linoleum for your space, and help with any installation issues that may arise. When laying sheet linoleum, make sure the surface is completely dry before starting, and allow the material to acclimate for at least two days before installation. This will avoid gaps or warping later on. A linoleum floor requires less maintenance than most other flooring types, but is still prone to gouges and scratches. If it becomes damaged, repairing is relatively simple--as long as you save a piece of linoleum from the original installation. To repair a deep gouge, shave off a scrap piece of the linoleum, and mix it with clear-drying wood glue to create a paste.


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