November 20, 2019
Most homeowners often reach a crossroad when it comes to choosing the right floor type for their home, in particular the battle between Vinyl Vs Lino.
Despite being two completely different types of materials, there are many similarities between the two.
From affordability and maintenance to aesthetic appeal, durability & stability, and application, both floor types manage to tick all the right boxes.
But between the two, how do you know which floor type is the better choice for your home?
In this article we explain the key differences between Vinyl and Linoleum flooring and compare characteristics to help you decide which floor type will be best for you.
Over the years, vinyl flooring has become the people’s choice not only for its versatility but also its endless design possibilities.
The fact that you can achieve an authentic wood-look or stone tiled floor in any room of the house says a lot.
It’s also extremely durable and waterproof, making it an excellent flooring option for rooms with moisture such as the bathroom, laundry and kitchen.
These days, types of vinyl flooring can now come as easy-to-install tiles and planks, known as Luxury Vinyl Tile/Plank, as opposed to your old school vinyl sheet, which was much harder to install and replace.
However, there are circumstances where sheet vinyl is recommended over tiled/plank, which we will explain further on in this article.
Vinyl product is a synthetic material and is created using 4 main layers: Wear Layer, Decorative Image, Vinyl Core, and Under Layer, with the core of it being made from polyvinyl chloride resins.
Key Benefits of Vinyl Flooring
Of the two floor types, linoleum was once all the craze and up until a few decades ago, where it was revered for its natural qualities and affordability. However, it has found new glory for being environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
Serving as a hypoallergenic flooring option, lino flooring is made from natural materials, such as flax seeds extract, cork dust, wood flour and rosin, and has become an ideal choice for homeowners with allergies.
It has also become a popular choice in the commercial space, as more businesses look towards a more sustainable future.
These days, linoleum flooring can be commonly found in aged care facilities, schools and healthcare facilities.
One should not be too hasty to rule out lino type flooring as an option in their home without comparing its characteristics first.
Key Benefits of Linoleum Flooring
One of the largest benefits to vinyl flooring is its endless design possibilities and the ability to be able to authentically replicate natural wood, concrete, marble and natural stone.
For a more authentic finish, most homeowners would install tiles or planks to achieve a textured and grout-like end product. Whereas a vinyl sheet — harder to install and comes in a 12-foot-wide roll — will need to be cut to fit the shape of the room.
However, different circumstances may favour sheet vinyl, such as a medical centre, or hospitality for waterproofing factors.
Once upon a time, vinyl flooring that was exposed to UV rays for an extended period of time was susceptible to fading, but thanks to the advancements in vinyl technology, there are now fade resistant properties.
Linoleum on the other hand, is limited in its design options. Despite being around for more than a century, and was once the most popular floor type in homes, it has failed to keep up with the increasing hype and demand for realistic-looking modern flooring.
However, where it may lack in design choices, linoleum makes up for versatility with the ability to create large patterns with embedded designs or blocks of colour.
Because linoleum is dyed, you can choose from a wide variety of colours, from subtle to bold, making it an easy choice of flooring for schools and hospitals where there is a need to cover large areas with consistency.
Vinyl is a non-porous material that is highly water resistant and does not require any sort of added sealing or protection.
Sheet vinyl in particular, is completely waterproof and is an excellent option for high moisture areas that are prone to spills, including schools, hospitals and restaurants.
Vinyl planks and tiles on the other hand, are only waterproof to a certain extent because of the seams where each panel/tile is connected together.
Vinyl is a flexible floor type that is easy to maintain, can withstand heavy foot traffic and won’t warp, crack or buckle from moisture.
Unlike vinyl, linoleum requires a protective acrylic or wax coating to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface and requires a little more maintenance upon installation to protect it.
It’s susceptible to moisture damage and if installed on an uneven substrate it may cause long term durability issues such as warping, bending and cracking.
When it comes to maintenance and cleaning, because linoleum is susceptible to water damage you will need to be careful on how you attempt to clean it.
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners and water, instead sweep or vacuum it regularly. Tougher stains can be removed using a small amount of detergent, but will need to be dried immediately to prevent moisture from seeping into the floor.
Linoleum will also require periodic resealing, just like the one received when it was first installed, to maintain its water-resistant properties.
The cost of vinyl flooring will vary depending on the quality, pattern and style, whether it be luxury vinyl planks and tiles, or vinyl sheet.
Similar to vinyl, the cost of linoleum will vary depending on the quality and style, sheet or tile.
When it comes to deciding between vinyl and linoleum flooring, it really depends on application and preference.
From a residential perspective, it might make sense to go with vinyl flooring for its wide range of design options and natural good looks.
From a commercial sense, linoleum might be a better choice for covering large areas with a consistent pattern.
Although the differences between vinyl and lino are quite subtle, it pays to get a better understanding of each flooring product.
If you’re unsure on what type of flooring is suitable for your home or business, you can always contact the experts here at Jupps Floor Coverings.
We’ll provide a free on-site measure and quote with our friendly customer service and professional insight to ensure you get the best flooring suited to your needs.
