Most people talk about bamboo, rubber, reclaimed wood, or cork when it comes to eco-friendly flooring options. But what most people may not know is that for nearly 150 years, linoleum has been the most sustainable and eco-friendly flooring option globally. Natural linoleum flooring has a long history, and today, it’s not just one of the most eco-friendly options but also one of the most affordable.
How is Linoleum Made?
The creation of natural linoleum flooring does not utilize synthetic products, plastic, or chemicals. The main component is linseed oil with a mix of other sustainable materials like powdered cork, jute, ground limestone, and wood flour. This is the same recipe that was used to make the linoleum nearly 150 years ago. Recycled linoleum is also used to create new flooring.
The creation process isn’t the only thing that makes this flooring choice so eco-friendly. It’s also biodegradable. When linoleum comes to the end of its life, it can be recycled. Better flooring can be created.
The Benefits of Installing the Best Linoleum Flooring Options
If you’re not quite sure that the eco-friendly nature of linoleum is enough to convince you to install it in your home, you may want to know more about the other benefits this flooring choice offers. Take a look at a few of the most powerful benefits.
Durability:
Linoleum is very underrated in terms of its durability. The first-generation linoleum flooring was thin and prone to staining and tears, but the newer generation of linoleum is durable. With good care and maintenance, it will easily last several decades. The material is able to withstand heavy foot and roller traffic without showing signs of wear and tear.
Even the patterns and design on linoleum hold up with age partly because the dye is infused throughout the entire material. The one downside of linoleum is that the color may fade with time. Linoleum is extremely resistant to damage because of its abrasion resistance and elastic properties.
Even in areas of heavy foot traffic, it will show very little visible evidence of wear, and tear-this is why it is often used as flooring in hospitals, airports, schools, and commercial businesses.
Beauty:
The latest linoleum products have excellent aesthetic appeal. Linoleum is available in many styles, colors, and patterns and can even mimic other flooring materials like natural stone, hardwood, or marble. Because it is available in many patterns and styles, one can create almost any type of artistic layer to enhance the home’s aesthetics. Furthermore, you can even have the hardwood look for a fraction of the price of real wood.
Affordability:
One great feature of linoleum is that it remains one of the most affordable flooring on the market. Compared to other eco-friendly flooring materials like rubber, bamboo, or tiles, linoleum is much cheaper but still retains the same functionality.
Low Maintenance:
Another bonus feature of linoleum is that it requires very little maintenance. The flooring is easy to look after; all you need to do is sweep or vacuum it every week to remove dirt and debris, and the occasional wipe with a wet mop to remove scuff marks and stains. To ensure that the flooring remains waterproof, the seam lines will need resealing every few years.
Hypoallergenic:
For people who have allergies, linoleum flooring can be a blessing. Because the flooring is made of natural materials, the risk of allergies is very low. In addition, linoleum does not collect dust and dirt particles, nor does it release any noxious gasses into the environment; hence people with allergies are able to have a good quality of life.
Easy Installation:
Linoleum is available in several formats, including tiles, rolls, and sheets. Rolls are easy to install, whereas sheets and tiles usually require the use of adhesives to make the flooring stable and secure. Sheets are the most popular as they have an unbroken look. And unlike tiles are much easier to install.
In addition, sheet flooring is also less expensive than tile flooring. Linoleum is also available in a tile format. The one major advantage of tile is that it allows the homeowner to replace individual tiles in case there is damage, which is far cheaper than replacing the entire flooring. Linoleum tiles are usually installed using adhesives or using the peel-and-stick method.
Ready to Make a Purchase?
If the best linoleum flooring seems like the right choice for your home, the only place to turn is East Coast Flooring. We offer a variety of different options to meet your needs, and we’ll help you select the perfect choice for your home. Contact us today to learn more.