Both vinyl flooring and linoleum flooring offer durable and comfortable flooring that is very easy to maintain. What attracts many people is the variety of patterns and colors available. Both offer a beautiful and water proof surface that can be repaired with relative ease. There are, however, some key differences that distinguish them.
The first and the most basic difference is the material they are made out of. Vinyl flooring is made of plastics derived from petroleum. The major component is polyvinyl chloride, a byproduct of petroleum processing. In contrast, linoleum is a made entirely out of natural materials. The major component is the dried oil of linseed called linoleum cement. To this cement, cork and other natural fibers are added on a jute backing to produce linoleum flooring.
This difference is also visible in the coloring of the two materials. Being an all natural material, linoleum flooring offers greater color penetration and saturation. Colors are limited to the top layer of vinyl flooring. Similarly, the patterns go deeper in linoleum than vinyl. Linoleum flooring is therefore more forgiving when it comes to scratches and nicks. This means that a deep scratch on vinyl floor will be stand out more than on linoleum flooring.
Both are surprisingly strong and resistant to water. Being all natural, linoleum flooring is considered more resistant to bacterial growth. Vinyl flooring on the other hand is more resistant to chemicals and can tolerate harsher cleaners. Care should be taken to use only hose cleaners that are designed especially for vinyl floor. The colors and patterns on vinyl can become discolored if harsh chemicals are used.
Many experts consider linoleum flooring to be more durable than vinyl flooring. A properly installed linoleum floor can last well over 20 years. Vinyl flooring has a tendency of wrapping and cracking. These are dependent on the ambient temperature and the wear and tear that the floor suffers. Linoleum flooring, being all natural, does not face this problem.
These two materials are also very different when it comes to maintenance. Vinyl flooring does not require any more maintenance than an occasional thorough wiping with a mild cleaner. In contrast, linoleum flooring requires a coat of an acrylic sealant when it’s installed. This coat has to be renewed annually so that the wear and tear, dust and moisture cannot get to the floor. This is often overlooked by many homeowners and is the number one reason behind damaged linoleum flooring.
Despite these differences, many people confuse linoleum flooring with vinyl flooring and vice versa. Many experts believe that the many homeowners are not aware of these key differences. They often choose the wrong flooring for their homes. Although a layman won’t feel any difference in day to day use, many contractors face problems when it comes to repairs and renovation.
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