Vinyl vs. Linoleum Flooring

The vinyl flooring vs. linoleum comparison is one filled with many similarities. From cost and cleanup to applications and aesthetic value, the vinyl flooring vs. linoleum debate is for the most part pretty even keeled. There are however a few key differences between the two flooring options that should definitely not be ignored — especially as you assess which quality flooring product will be the best fit for your next interior design project.

Vinyl flooring — a contemporary yet classic flooring product — is one of the most versatile flooring options on the market today, not only in terms of its durability, but also with regards to its design possibilities. As a result, interior designers routinely rely on vinyl flooring to be a durable and design-rich flooring option in their commercial design projects.

Linoleum, on the other hand, represents the old guard of flooring options. Made from linseed oil, linoleum was created in the 1860s and up until a few decades ago was revered for its natural qualities and affordability. These days, however, linoleum is known as a somewhat aged flooring product most commonly be found in schools and hospitals. Having begun to lose its luster in the interior design industry, linoleum is now viewed by many design experts as the vinyl flooring of old.

In order to truly understand the vinyl flooring vs. linoleum comparison, it’s helpful to look at the following quantifiable qualities: Look & Style, Durability & Stability, Applications and Cost.

Look & Style

The difference in design versatility between vinyl flooring vs. linoleum is astounding.

Linoleum is extremely limited in its design options. Unlike vinyl, which authentically replicates the natural look of wood and stone, linoleum is essentially a dye product capable of achieving a simple, yet sometimes vivid color selection. Additionally, linoleum can be susceptible to color change — which is most often referred to the “yellowing” or “bloom” of the flooring product.

Vinyl, on the other hand, is limitlessly customizable and designable — giving you the versatility you need to complete any interior design project.

Durability & Stability

The durability discussion is where vinyl flooring and linoleum begins to separate themselves from one another. The biggest differentiator, however, involves the maintenance each flooring product needs to maintain a long-lasting aesthetic.

While both flooring options are easy to maintain, linoleum is susceptible to moisture damage and requires additional maintenance upon installation. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is a non-porous material; the result is a flooring that is resistant to high moisture and spills.

Both vinyl flooring and linoleum are fairly easy to install, however while linoleum is starting to introduce tile options, it is mostly available as a sheet product making installation efforts slightly more complex than installing luxury vinyl tile and plank.

Installers will commonly seal linoleum to ensure greater protection against moisture, whereas vinyl requires no such initial maintenance. Vinyl flooring is a flexible material that can form to the substrate and won’t warp or buckle, while linoleum is slightly more problematic. If linoleum is installed on an uneven substrate, this may influence its long-term durability—thereby causing the flooring to bend, crack and warp over time.

Additionally, linoleum is rather limited in terms of the cleaning products that should be used for maintenance. Because linoleum is made of natural materials, the type of cleaner used must be sensitive so as not to corrode the flooring. Typically, an acrylic coat or wax is applied to linoleum to protect it from cleaning products. With vinyl, this type of additional maintenance is not required.

Cost

A cost comparison of vinyl flooring vs. linoleum is fairly head to head.

• Luxury vinyl—Vinyl flooring can cost anywhere from $2-$5 per square foot for commercial-grade material, not including installation.
• Linoleum — Linoleum is comparable to vinyl flooring, often times falling within the same pricing range. When factoring in the additional maintenance needed for linoleum, luxury vinyl is a dependable and affordable flooring solution.

Applications

As mentioned earlier, linoleum is used only sparingly by interior designers working in commercial installation projects related to education and healthcare.

On the contrary, vinyl flooring is ideal for almost any commercial design project thanks to its multi-faceted and cross-purpose functionality. Whether it’s healthcare, education, multi-family, corporate, retail or hospitality, vinyl performs particularly well in areas susceptible to high moisture and humidity.

If you found this comparison of luxury vinyl vs. linoleum flooring helpful, you can find more information on our blog, including this post — “Why is Vinyl Flooring The Fastest Growing Material?” Feel free to contact us to find out more about why Parterre has become the leader in modern, high-quality premium vinyl flooring. We would love to work with you on your next project.