Is that mystery floor under your feet vinyl or linoleum? While both are common types of resilient flooring, they have distinct characteristics. Linoleum, a natural product with a rich history dating back to the 1800s, boasts eco-friendly credentials.
Vinyl, a synthetic option that arrived on the scene in the 1950s, took center stage for a while. But the tide is turning, and linoleum’s natural appeal is making a comeback. Unsure which one graces your home? Here are some simple tips to identify your floor covering.
Embossed Vs. Embedded Color Pattern
The age of your home can be a clue, but for more definitive answers, check the pattern itself. Vinyl, being a newer material, features an embossed design. Imagine a picture printed on a sheet – the pattern sits on top. This means wear and tear can chip away the surface, revealing a different color underneath or even destroying the design entirely.
Linoleum takes a different approach. Its patterns are embedded, meaning the color goes all the way through the material. That’s why even with wear, the pattern on linoleum will likely remain visible, only showing its age through deeper scratches or gouges that reveal the full material thickness.
Earthy Tones vs. Bold Choices
Linoleum’s natural roots shine through in its color palette. Frederick Walton, the inventor, relied on natural pigments for color, resulting in a look similar to earthy, muted tones found in handmade oriental rugs. This is because the linseed oil base in linoleum can also slightly mute the colors, sometimes adding a subtle yellowish tinge.
Vinyl, on the other hand, offers a wider range of bolder, more artificial-looking colors. Imagine the vibrant options of factory-made rugs. This is because vinyl uses synthetic dyes, allowing for a much broader spectrum and a more contemporary aesthetic.
Linoleum Flooring Fire Test
The time-tested manufacturing process of linoleum offers a clear advantage when it comes to fire safety. Frederick Walton’s ingenious method, still used today, involves creating a cement with linseed oil and resin.
This mixture is then combined with natural fillers like limestone, cork, and wood flour before being rolled into sheets and baked for a full 21 days to cure. Linoleum’s strength doesn’t stop there. The cured resins and linseed oil also make it stain-resistant and hypoallergenic, perfect for creating a safe and healthy living environment.
Other Features: Tiles and Thickness
While vinyl has traditionally offered both tiles and sheet flooring, linoleum tiles are a more recent development. So, if your kitchen boasts older floor tiles, they’re most likely vinyl – and potentially contain asbestos, so exercise caution if considering renovation.
For sheet flooring, a closer inspection can be revealing. Check the exposed edge at a doorway (carefully lifting a corner if necessary). Vinyl flooring is typically quite thin, around 1/8 inch or less. Additionally, the underside of linoleum often features a telltale jute backing, whereas vinyl sheet flooring usually has a cloth backing.
