Now offered in beautiful vivid colours, modern patterns and even recreations of natural wood and stone tile, linoleum flooring has come a long way. Thanks to advancements in both printing techniques and technology, modern linoleum designs are a far cry from the retro floral prints you may remember covering the floor in your grandma’s kitchen throughout the 90’s - unless, of course, that’s the style you’re going for!

Still made from the same mixture used by creator Fredrick Walton in 1860, linoleum is composed of renewable natural ingredients including linseed oil, tree resin, and wood flour. This eco-friendly flooring option can be found in school hallways, home kitchens, and even battleships, all over the globe. With its vast catalogue of design and colour options, there's no question why the popularity of linoleum flooring has withstood the test of time.

Before you dive into the catalogue of options available for linoleum flooring, you should make sure it’s the right option for your space. Here’s a quick look at the good and bad of this ever popular flooring option:

The pros of linoleum flooring

• Durability - Designed to be exceptionally resistant to wear and tear, linoleum flooring is made to withstand the test of time, lasting up to 40 years with proper care/
• Affordability - Linoleum flooring, available in two forms - sheet or tile - is economically priced at:
  • Sheet - $2 to $2.50/sq ft
  • Tile - $2 to $5
• No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - Not only does linoleum flooring improve the look of your home, but it can also help it be a healthier place to live, as linoleum flooring doesn’t emit harmful VOCs into the air of your home.
• Minimal maintenance - Keeping linoleum clean is quick and easy, requiring little more than occasional sweeping and mopping.
• Water Resistance - Resistant to spills and drips, linoleum flooring has been used for decades in schools, doctors offices, and even battleships. There’s no doubt it’s the perfect flooring for your entryway, bathroom, kitchen or anywhere else in your home spills and drips may occur.

Cons

Despite the seemingly endless list of great things about linoleum flooring, there are downsides to installing it in your home:

• Dents - Although linoleum is known to be quite resilient and can camouflage scratches better than vinyl, its soft surface is susceptible to dents from furniture legs.
• Water resistant, but not waterproof - Despite its significant water resistance, damage may occur with extended exposure to standing water and high-moisture environments.
• The friction factor - Brand new or freshly waxed linoleum is very slippery, making it easy to lose footing and putting those walking on it at risk of slips and falls.
• Professionals required - Despite the product itself being affordably priced, linoleum flooring requires professional installation which increases the overall cost.
• Discolouration - Exposure to direct sunlight may cause your linoleum flooring to darken or turn yellow over time.

The flooring experts at Floor Trendz, located in the heart of Calgary, can help you choose from the various flooring options available, get you set up with installation or answer any flooring questions you may have. Call us at 403-474-4401 to book your free estimate today.