Laminate and linoleum are two popular floorings that have been around for decades but need to be noticed. Make no mistake about it – while these two floorings may not sound or look glamorous, like hardwood or luxury vinyl, they are functional and, most importantly, have withstood the test of time in terms of reliability. They have also grown in aesthetic beauty and quality. Let’s take a look at Linoleum flooring vs. laminate in greater detail.

Linoleum Flooring vs. Laminate: Which is Better?

If you are considering flooring with either linoleum or laminate, here are a few things you should know about linoleum vs. laminate flooring.

What is Linoleum?

Linoleum is one of the oldest flooring materials in the industry. One key feature of this material is that it is manufactured using natural materials, like wood flour, cork dust, solidified linseed oil, pine rosin, and several other substances. 

For homeowners, it is important to know that linoleum is not the same as vinyl; the latter is a synthetic product far more expensive than linoleum.

Linoleum was once the most popular flooring, but because the first-generation products looked dull, tacky, and lacked aesthetics, its popularity declined once other flooring materials became available. 

But fast forward to 2000, and the latest linoleum products are aesthetically superb, biodegradable, functional, and can even mimic marble, wood, or tile. And linoleum is one of the most affordable flooring options. 

What is Laminate?

Laminate is another flooring material that has been around for many decades. Again, the first-generation products could have been more aesthetically pleasing; consequently, laminate never became widely popular. 

However, with technological advances, the latest laminate flooring is exceptionally pleasing, and functional, and can even mimic hardwood or marble. It is available in many designs, patterns, and styles to match nearly any decor in the home. 

Some people consider laminate a cross between traditional linoleum and hardwood flooring. Laminate is usually composed of three essential layers that include the following:

  • A fiberboard base layer or plywood
  • A photorealistic layer that projects an image
  • A hard plastic composite layer that protects against dents, scuffs, and dings

When considering linoleum vs. laminate flooring, if you have always wanted hardwood but could not afford it, the next best alternative is to purchase laminate flooring. Even some flooring experts can have difficulty telling the difference between laminate and hardwood.

The latest generation of laminate products is exceptionally beautiful and mimics hardwood, which is why it has become popular among homeowners. The other advantage of laminate is that, unlike hardwood or bamboo, it is very affordable.

Which One Should a Homeowner Choose: Linoleum Flooring vs. Laminate?

Pros of Linoleum – Linoleum Flooring vs. Laminate

  1. Different material: First, it is difficult to compare linoleum and laminate because they are both made differently using other materials. Linoleum is eco-friendly, is available as tiles, and is made from naturally occurring material, whereas laminate is synthetic. 
  2. Price: The cost of both floorings is generally similar, including the installation. Overall, linoleum may be cheaper than laminate, but the difference is minor.
  3. Eco-friendliness: Linoleum is biodegradable and very environmentally friendly. The material rarely ends up in landfill sites.  
  4. Availability: Linoleum is available in several designs, patterns, and styles that can mimic other materials, like marble, wood, or natural stone.
  5. Comfortable: Linoleum is much softer on the feet than laminate, which is somewhat harder. Because of its softness, linoleum can also cushion the impact of a fall.

Cons of Linoleum – Linoleum Flooring vs. Laminate

  1. Waterproof: One of the negatives about linoleum is that it is not 100 percent waterproof. During the installation process, the edges should be adequately sealed to prevent water from seeping through, which is another reason to have it professionally installed.
  2. Availability: Because linoleum products have been supplanted by vinyl, sometimes it can take time to find a wide range of linoleum products.
  3. Installation: When it comes to installation, linoleum is usually glued down to the subfloor, whereas laminate is installed on a floating floor, which is slightly easier to install. In addition, linoleum installation must be over a smooth subfloor to prevent warping.

Pros of Laminate – Linoleum vs. Laminate Flooring

  1. Aesthetics: While linoleum and laminate are available in many styles, laminate is superior in aesthetics. It is likely to resemble hardwood flooring in terms of appearance and feel. Many homeowners prefer the hardwood appearance of laminate. The laminate flooring may enhance the home’s value if the installation is done well.
  2. Scratch resistant: Laminate is more scratch resistant compared to linoleum. This flooring will serve well for those with young children, pets, and heavy foot traffic as it doesn’t easily get damaged.
  3. Hardwood mimic: if you love hardwood but cannot afford it, then for a fraction of the cost, you can get laminate, which can mimic the aesthetics of hardwood.
  4. Inexpensive: For the most part, laminate is inexpensive flooring, but the price can increase depending on your options.
  5. Thickness: Laminate is also much thicker than linoleum and, for this reason, can be embossed to mimic hardwood.
  6. Cleaning and maintenance: It is relatively easy to clean and maintain.
  7. Installation in more areas: Because of the improved aesthetics, laminate is often installed in common family areas, including bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms.

Cons of Laminate – Linoleum vs. Laminate Flooring

  1. Price: While the basic laminate flooring may be relatively inexpensive compared to other options, the latest generation laminate with surface coating can be a little more expensive – so you need to ask the price first.
  2. Durability: Even though laminate flooring can mimic hardwood in appearance, it is a different story regarding durability. Laminate doesn’t have hardwood’s durability and only lasts 2- 3 decades.
  3. Not soundproof: Laminate is not quiet. In fact, because laminate does not muffle sound, it can sound loud in heavy traffic.
  4. Not slip resistant: Laminate, when wet, can feel slippery; therefore, getting a non-slip layer on it is essential to prevent slips and falls.
  5. Not 100% waterproof: Laminate is not 100% waterproof, and, while it can tolerate water for some time, prolonged contact with water can lead to seepage in the subflooring, which can lead to rotting.

The Final Point: Linoleum vs. Laminate Flooring

Linoleum flooring vs. laminate is a good question. Linoleum has been around for many decades and is quite eco-friendly. It has many functionalities and good aesthetics, but it faces stiff competition from luxury vinyl. Laminate is layered composite flooring that is made from a combination of plastic and organic materials. It can also resemble hardwood. 

Both have their pros and cons, and the ultimate decision on which one to buy depends on your personal preferences, the needs of your home, and your budget. While linoleum is slightly cheaper than laminate, it does not have the length of durability that laminate does. If money is not an overwhelming concern, laminate is a great alternative. 

Reach out to the professionals at East Coast Flooring & Interiors. The expert staff has many years of knowledge regarding all flooring types. Call us today or visit us in our showroom for more information.