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.
Linoleum: Better For Some Places Than For Others
It isn't appropriate for dank places, such as the basement, where moisture tends to collect. This could also cause the linoleum to curl up from the sub-flooring.
Not sure how to make your counter tops stand out? Well, try linoleum! Everywhere but the kitchen that is. Because the linoleum has an acrylic finishing, it shouldn't be place near food, only you stringently use cutting boards and plates set over the counter top.
Linoleum: Just So Easy to Take Care of and Enjoy
A good sweeping, mopping and sponging, or spot clean (where necessary) is all that your linoleum needs get rid of messy spills, dust or dirt tracked in by walkers. A good mop and cleaner should do the trick. It isn't recommended to soak the linoleum tiles in a lot of moisture; the seal may loosen it around the edges, causing it to curl. Don't use to harsh of a cleaner, as it may fade the color of the linoleum.
Lineoleum floored areas are a terrific place for parties and high traffic areas: it maintains its appearance during a lot of usage. It is also really quiet and shock absorbing, also repelling dirt and pollens, because of its anti-static/hypo-allergenic properties.
You CAN Do it Yourself:
If you love to personally make your house into a home, try laying down tiles instead of sheets. It is easier to keep track of and align tiles, than it is for the entire sheet and lying it down evenly. What's even cooler, is that you can install your brand new linoleum over old flooring, as long as it is sealed closely to the subfloor. If it isn't, you will need to remove the old flooring prior to installing the linoleum. JUST MAKE SURE THAT THE OLD FLOORING DOESN'T CONTAIN ASBESTOS: Cut out a small piece of old flooring and take it to a professional for consultation. Don't worry about cost: Linoleum flooring is comparable to carpeting and wood flooring.