When it comes to making the right flooring choice for your space, you might feel that there are too many choices. There are two common contenders that ostensibly share many similarities - linoleum flooring and vinyl flooring. But how different are these two types of resilient flooring materials, and which is best for you? Keep reading to find out more, and how First Point Flooring can help with your vinyl and linoleum flooring solutions.
One of the leading disparities between vinyl and linoleum flooring is as simple as the appearance. When it comes to looks, it really depends on your own personal aesthetic vision. Vinyl flooring has a printed design layer which is placed beneath a clear surface wear layer. This means that the top layer of the vinyl has not got a “set” design - you have more freedom to make a unique and personal choice and can select from a broad range of colours, images and patterns to reflect your branding or colour scheme.
By contrast, linoleum is not constructed in the same way, providing less variety. Linoleum is a solid material which is colourfast. This means that the colour and pattern is on the linoleum itself, rather than being printed on the surface layer, meaning that you will be given fewer choices of design and colours. While for many organisations this isn’t an issue, it can be restrictive if you have a firm idea of your branding.
One of the most vital things to know about vinyl and linoleum is that their heat and water resistance are not the same. This can impact how suitable they are for certain areas of your establishment. Contemporary vinyl is nearly waterproof, and if you are working in a damp environment it is usually considered to be the best choice.
On the other hand, linoleum is only water resistant and will require sealing on a periodic basis. However, linoleum is known for better heat resistance and does not discolour or warp as quickly as vinyl under extreme heat - though neither should be exposed to consistently high temperatures.
Both vinyl and linoleum flooring solutions are often used in areas with heavy footfall. It is good to know that both offer robust solutions, with vinyl flooring having the design you choose layered on top of PVC. It’s important to note that the design layer can sometimes experience significant wear.
Linoleum is seen as generally more durable, due to the material being of a solid construction rather than having a design layer.
While vinyl and linoleum differences might not seem huge at first glance, the small details can mean one is preferable for your specific environment. If you still aren’t sure which is right for you, or you want to discuss your bespoke requirements in more depth, then get in touch with First Point Flooring.
Image Source: The Spruce