Think that your linoleum flooring is a little bit tired-looking and a thing of the past? Well, think again! Linoleum is much cooler than you think. With an endless array of colors and patterns, linoleum can perk up your room or business, is a natural alternative to use for a floor covering, and is easy to clean, maintain and appreciate!
A Briefing on Linoleum
About 142 years ago, linoleum flooring was invented and patented, by Frederick Walton in 1863. During the mid 1900's, linoleum was one of the most popular floor coverings, but like apparel and other products, linoleum started to slip out of fashion and popularity, as vinyl flooring was introduced into the market: a cheaper version to that of linoleum.
However, linoleum has seen a resurgence of popularity in recent times, with its cool designs and funky colors, and as well of the importance of being environmentally friendly. Believe it or not, linoleum is a NATURAL PRODUCT, and is created by renewable resources including wood flour, rosin, cork dust, ground limestone, linseed oil and various pigments, all pressed into jute backing. This unique characteristic makes linoleum environmentally friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable. When set using a low-VOC adhesive, linoleum releases a lower level of contaminants to that of its competitor flooring--vinyl. Linoleum is also recyclable.
Note the vinyl in your home: if your home was built some time ago, the linoleum flooring could actually add value if it is in good condition!
Linoleum: A Suitable Flooring Selection
Linoleum is comfortable and resilient to spills and damages. It is water resistant, and durable--it is often set into kitchens, bathrooms and washrooms, repelling bacterias. It is also said to be naturally anti-microbial--a terrific solution for kids, schools, hospitals and places of business. If you are creating and designing a kids room, a lovely linoleum flooring with a cute rug may be a terrific solution!
What's more, it is hard to mess linoleum up--if a sharp object falls and dents the linoleum, it can self-heal the dent over time, provided that the damage isn't too big.
It can also lend personality to your home or office: Cut in an endless array of colors and patterns, and easily fashioned to fit the shape of the room and dimensions of the floor, linoleum can be fun!
Since linoleum is water resistant, and made of linseed oil, it is a sensational selection for the bathroom--just make sure that it is sealed properly, protecting it from the moisture that can be trapped or is coming from the sub-flooring.