What Does Linoleum Floor Mean In Construction?
What Does Linoleum Floor Mean In Construction?
Linoleum is a type of flooring made from a combination of materials such as solidified linseed oil (linoxyn), pine resin, ground cork dust, sawdust, and mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate.
It is available in sheet form or as tiles and can be printed on both sides with a variety of colors and patterns. Linoleum is usually laid over concrete or wooden floors to get a more attractive look.
Linoleum flooring is exceptionally durable and resistant to wear and tear, with proper care it can last over 40 years.
It is also water-resistant, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchen floors, and relatively easy to care for with only occasional sweeping and mopping needed.
Additionally, linoleum flooring has a solid color and pattern that’s present throughout the entire thickness of the material which won’t fade out over time.
The main disadvantage of linoleum flooring is that it limits design options due to its solid color and pattern throughout the entire thickness of the material.
Additionally, while linoleum flooring is relatively affordable compared to other flooring options, it may not be considered “cheap”.
What Kind Of Flooring Is Linoleum?
Linoleum is a resilient (flexible) floor covering which is made from natural ingredients including linseed oil, cork, limestone, wood flour, and pigments.
It is considered to be more durable than vinyl flooring due to its construction which features solid material through the thickness of the flooring.
Linoleum is sold in two different forms: flooring rolls and tiles.
It is water-resistant and has a solid color and pattern that’s present throughout the entire thickness of the material, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchen floors.
Installation of linoleum flooring typically calls for a professional as it is challenging to cut and handle.
How To Lay A Linoleum Floor?
Installation of linoleum flooring requires careful preparation and attention to detail.
- The first step is to calculate how much linoleum is needed for the area.
- Then, any obstructions must be removed and the subfloor should be sanded with a course-grit sandpaper.
- The linoleum should then be left in the area where it will be installed to acclimate to the temperature and moisture content of the room.
- The next step is to apply a thin coat of flooring adhesive to the underside of each tile using a notched trowel.
- The tiles should then be placed against ⅜-inch spacer blocks along the baseboard of the room, with tongue edges oriented towards a corner.
- The tiles should then be clicked together two perpendicular tiles at a time, starting from the corner and maintaining an angle as they are connected.
- Once all of the tiles have been laid, use a floor roller to flatten them properly, eliminating wrinkles, bubbles or waves.
- For sheet linoleum, put it in position and apply adhesive before laying it in place and affixing any remaining floor pieces.
- Finally, use a seam roller to press down any seams between pieces of linoleum. This will ensure that they are properly sealed and secure.
What Are The Advantages Of A Linoleum Floor?
Linoleum flooring has many advantages, including being soft and comfortable to walk on, durable with a lifespan of up to 40 years when properly maintained, renewable and biodegradable, available in different patterns, hues, and designs, better at holding color than vinyl flooring, water-resistant, easy to clean and maintain, cost-effective, and antistatic.
It is also environmentally friendly and doesn’t reflect scratches or scuffs. Linoleum is suitable for high-traffic areas due to its strong coating.
What Are The Advantages Of A Linoleum Floor?
The main disadvantages of a linoleum floor are that it is prone to scratches and moisture damage, and if not sealed, it requires regular buffing and polishing to prevent discoloration or yellowing of its surface.
Additionally, linoleum is a softer material, making it more susceptible to damage from furniture being dragged across the floor or from high heels. It can also give off linseed fumes for up to a month after installation.
