Eco-Friendly Flooring 101: What Makes Linoleum Stand Out?

Want an eco-friendly flooring choice? Want something durable that’s easy to care for and easy to clean? Linoleum flooring is quickly gaining popularity because of its benefits for residential, commercial, and industrial facilities.

Is linoleum the right choice for you?

What is linoleum?

Linoleum is a durable flooring made from natural materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, cork dust, and pigments. It is often used in commercial and residential buildings as an alternative to vinyl flooring.

Linoleum is made through a process that involves combining natural ingredients to create a durable, flexible material that can be used for flooring and other applications.

It starts with mixing linseed oil, wood flour, cork dust, and various pigments to create a homogenous mixture. The mixture is then heated in a large kettle, which causes the ingredients to bond and form a thick paste.

This paste is spread onto a canvas backing using a roller or similar tool. It’s typically performed in multiple layers to create a sturdy, multi-layered material.

Once completed, the linoleum is allowed to dry for several days to several weeks, depending on the thickness of the layers and the environmental conditions. When fully dry, it can be cut into sheets or tiles of various sizes and shapes, ready to be installed.

Linoleum may be treated with various finishing agents to enhance its durability and appearance, such as surface coatings or additional pigments.

Eco-Friendly Flooring 101: What Makes Linoleum Stand Out?Homeowners are turning to linoleum because it’s known for its durability, longevity, and eco-friendliness, as it is made from natural, renewable materials. It is also resistant to water, fire, and scratches, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

What makes flooring eco-friendly? 

It shouldn’t be surprising that the last few years have made us more eco-friendly consumers. We shop differently, look at home items differently, and aren’t afraid to let manufacturers know what we think.

A June 2021 Global Consumer Insights Pulse Survey found that half of all consumers say they have become more eco-friendly in their shopping methods, demanding more from the products they buy.

Maybe that’s why there’s been a steady rise in the demand for eco-friendly flooring. What does that mean? People today dig deep into their flooring choices. They look for:

  • Flooring is made from sustainable materials where the resources can be quickly replenished. They have a lower impact on the environment than other materials unavailable in nature.
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can be released from certain types of flooring, contributing to indoor air pollution. Eco-friendly flooring typically has low VOC emissions, meaning it doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the air.
  • Flooring that can be recycled or is biodegradable at the end of its useful life is considered eco-friendly because it reduces waste and the need for landfill space.
  • Eco-friendly flooring is often produced using energy-efficient methods and technologies, such as renewable energy sources or recycling waste materials.
  • Durable and long-lasting flooring reduces the need for frequent replacements and repairs, which can have a positive environmental impact by reducing waste and conserving resources.

Guess what? Linoleum fits all of these and more!

Advantages of linoleum

Think linoleum may be the right choice for you? We agree. There are many advantages of installing linoleum in your home, including:

Durability – Linoleum is a highly durable material that can withstand heavy foot traffic and last many years. It is resistant to scratches, scuffs, and other types of damage, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Eco-friendly – Linoleum is made from natural, renewable materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, and cork dust, making it an eco-friendly flooring option. It is also biodegradable and can be recycled at the end of its useful life.

Low maintenance – Linoleum is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only periodic sweeping and mopping to keep it looking its best.

Variety of colors and patterns – Linoleum is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose a flooring option that matches your décor and style preferences.

Water-resistant – Linoleum is naturally water-resistant, making it an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where moisture is a concern.

Antibacterial properties – Linoleum contains natural antibacterial properties that can help to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, making it a hygienic choice for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Disadvantages of linoleum

There is never a perfect flooring choice that will suit everyone’s needs. If linoleum has moved up on your possibilities list, it’s also a good idea to understand the disadvantages. They include:

Initial cost – Compared to other types of flooring, linoleum can be relatively expensive to install, especially if you opt for custom colors or patterns.

Susceptibility to moisture damage – While linoleum is water-resistant, it is not entirely waterproof, and prolonged exposure to moisture can cause damage or warping. It pays to know your area well and select the right flooring to suit your needs.

Susceptibility to scratches – While linoleum is durable, it can still be scratched or scuffed, especially if sharp objects are dragged across its surface.

Fading in sunlight – Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause linoleum to fade, especially if installed in areas that receive a lot of direct sunlight.

Can be slippery – Linoleum can be slippery when wet, making it a potential safety hazard in areas where spills or moisture are common. If you have any concerns, talk with one of our flooring specialists to ensure you’re making the wisest choice for your situation.

Requires regular maintenance – While linoleum is easy to clean, it does require periodic maintenance to maintain its appearance and durability. Some manufacturers require linoleum to be waxed regularly or have special sealants be applied throughout its lifetime. Check with the manufacturer you’re considering before finalizing your choice.

Is linoleum right for you? 

While linoleum can be a practical and eco-friendly flooring option, it may only be ideal for some settings or budgets. It is essential to carefully consider the potential advantages and drawbacks before deciding.

Have even more questions? We’re here to help. Stop by today and see our complete line of linoleum.

We can help you make the best choice to suit your needs.

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Easy steps to take when choosing flooring for your home.

In many ways, home decorating is difficult because there are too many choices vying for your attention.

Even after you’ve settled on a particular type of flooring – carpet? Hardwood? Luxury vinyl planks? – there are so many options even within a specific style. Color, patterns, sizes – how are you supposed to make a decision when it’s something you’ll have to live with for years to come?

If choosing new flooring is leaving you nervous and overwhelmed, take a step back and make it an easier process. We have several steps you can take that will make it easier to choose.

Settle on the type of flooring that makes sense for your rooms
You can fall in love with traditional hardwood, but if you lay it in a heavily used bathroom, you might come to regret your decision not long after installation.

Every room has specific needs. Is it a high traffic room? Does it receive a lot of moisture and humidity? What overall purpose is the room used for?

All of this dictates what flooring is best to suit the function of the room.

Carpet is a great choice in low traffic rooms like bedrooms. It cuts down on noise, and adds warmth to a room. That can be a very good thing on a cold winter morning. It also provides softness that makes it a great choice for a kid’s room. If they lie on the floor playing board games and make-believe, carpet is almost always a great choice.

Hardwood is a great choice for main living space. It functions well under normal living conditions, and looks beautiful as you enter your home. If you pay attention to manufacturers, you can install sustainable flooring that doesn’t harm the environment. With so many choices in species, colors, and patterns, you can find one that suits your tastes as well as your desires.

Easy Steps To Take When Choosing Flooring For Your HomeEngineered wood is another top choice for main living spaces. Homeowners often choose engineered wood because it steps up the durability factor. It looks like traditional hardwood, but it stands up better to moisture. If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, this may be a perfect choice for flooring for your home.

Ceramic tile is a popular choice for rooms throughout your home. It makes a great addition to entryways, where cleanup will be easy to do. It holds up well to moisture and water, which is why you often find it in the bathroom. And if you want unlimited choices, and have a desire to create a unique look all your own, look no further than ceramic tile. Sizes, textures, patterns, colors – you’ll be pleasantly surprised at all the options waiting for you. Maybe that’s why ceramic tile is often adhered to the walls, countertops, backsplashes, and more, in addition to the floors.

Luxury vinyl is growing in popularity because it offers waterproof flooring options with a look homeowners demand most. Want hardwood but nervous about how it will stand up to your family’s activities? Give luxury vinyl a look. It comes in many formats, but currently, people are excited about LVP and LVT – luxury vinyl planks and luxury vinyl tiles. Both mimic the most popular flooring on the market today in looks, but offer a lot more durability than other choices you can install. The hardwood and stone can look so real, even an expert will have to take a second look to see it isn’t real.

Have your type in mind? Now focus on your style.
What holds a lot of homeowners back from making a choice is their heads and hearts are requesting different things. Maybe you’ve dreamed of hardwood for so long, yet after all the research you’ve performed, you know it might not be the smartest choice given your lifestyle.

We suggest you spend some time seeing a few different choices. When you come into our retail location, we can show you lots of options to suit your needs. Bring in your questions and concerns. We can help you compare and contrast different choices, and make the right selection for your home.

Don’t forget to keep your lifestyle in mind.

We know that many homeowners right here along the Front Range have fur babies as well as kids. When the two combine, it means a house full of love … and the occasional chaos that goes along with it.

Will they chase each other through your home? Of course.

Will they spill and track in things you might not even want to know what it is? You bet.

That’s a part of raising a happy, healthy family.

But isn’t that what you want from a flooring – a product that stands up to all you dish out, without having to worry about how it stands the test of time?

We’re at one of the best times for marrying up functionality with personality. If you really want hardwood, for example, but have reservations about how well it will stand up to the punishment your family dishes out, give luxury vinyl planks a look. Maybe the 100 percent waterproof, durable, pet-resistant, scratch-resistant flooring is just what you need.

Now let’s look at long term value

The last thing you want is to be sorry you installed flooring soon after you purchase it. Flooring is supposed to last for years. You’ll have trouble looking at it if you regret your decision a few months after installation.

That’s why it’s important to take your needs into consideration, and think about how well a flooring will work for you over time. Will it continue to hold its value as your family grows and changes?

Also consider your own goals. Are you fixing up a house you hope to sell in just a few years? Or is this your forever home, one you hope to grow old in?

Homebuyers look for quality, and they know what they want. Hardwood floors continually top their desire lists. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t open to other options. If you install a high quality luxury vinyl plank, and it moves into the bathrooms and offers waterproof features where a homeowner needs it most, that adds value.

The more you focus on what choices make sense in your life, the more a potential homebuyer will see that as added value too.

Ultimately, what flooring you choose is up to you. Spend some time considering your options carefully, and purchase something you can live with now and well into the future.

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