Linoleum floors are about as green as flooring gets as they are made with biodegradable and sustainable materials. Of
course, there are ways in which some linoleum floors can be less eco–friendly than others. In order to ensure that you
get truly green linoleum floors, use the questions in this section when consulting a local linoleum flooring store. For your
convenience, we've also included additional questions you should ask to determine the best techniques for maintaining and
installing your new green linoleum floors. Have a
question but don't see it here? Use FindAnyFloor.com's™ Live Chat to get in touch with a linoleum flooring professional
today!
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Linoleum Flooring Questions to Ask Your Local Floor Store
Is this flooring true linoleum?
Although the products could hardly be more different, many people – even flooring dealers – use the term
"linoleum" for vinyl flooring as well as for true linoleum. Vinyl flooring is made from petrochemicals, while linoleum is
made from all–natural ingredients. Just to confuse things a little more, you may have heard of Marmoleum. Despite the
hype, this is just a brand of linoleum, nothing more and nothing less.
Linoleum has a strong odor. What is it and is it unhealthy?
The odor associated with linoleum comes from the out–gassing of organic compounds in the linseed oil. The smell goes
away over time. It isn't dangerous, but may bother people who are extremely sensitive to chemicals. It's not a bad idea to
"air out" your new linoleum in a sheltered open area like a patio.
Where can linoleum be installed?
Some manufacturers do not recommend installing linoleum in basements or
other areas where moisture might come through concrete. At a minimum, the moisture content of the concrete needs to be tested
before the linoleum is installed. However, linoleum has come a long way in terms of appearance and quality over the years and
is quite suitable for most rooms.
How is linoleum flooring installed?
Linoleum is available in sheet goods, tiles, and click–lock planks. Manufacturers recommend professional
installation for sheet goods, but tiles and click–lock planks can easily be installed by
do–it–yourselfers. If you need some installation tips, check out the FindAnyFloor.com™ installation guide
for linoleum.
Are there special recommendations for installation?
Most manufacturers recommend that linoleum be allowed to "acclimate" for at least a week before it's installed. That
simply means it should be placed in the installation area and allowed to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels. Don't
forget: If you have any hiccups during the installation process, you can click on the Live Chat button at the top of this
page and get real–time answers from one of our flooring experts.
How can I reduce noise levels with this flooring?
Linoleum tends to be louder than other types of resilient flooring. Some tiles and click–lock products come with
backing materials (such as cork) designed to reduce noise levels. Your retailer should be able to recommend special
underlayment materials that can be used with sheet linoleum.
What maintenance is recommended?
Linoleum usually requires very little maintenance beyond frequent sweeping and occasional damp mopping with neutral pH
cleaners. Some manufacturers also recommend that you apply a sealer periodically. Minor scratches often can be removed by
buffing the area with a fine abrasive pad.
Can chips and deep scratches be repaired?
It's difficult to repair chips and deep scratches completely, but they can be concealed. Many manufacturers offer repair
kits that make it simple to hide damage. Preventive measures, such as putting adhesive pads on the ends of furniture legs,
can head minor damage issues off at the pass.
