Linoleum vs Vinyl

As much as they look the same there is of course some differences between the two types of flooring. Hardness and durability come to mind first. Environmentally friendliness and selection are also at the top of my list as well as selection and safety. Let us look closer at a couple of these differences.

Selection:

Vinyl flooring allowed for greater variance in appearance over lino and hence the selection of colors, patterns and textures. If you are a fussy bug then vinyl is sure to please. Not too say that linoleum has nothing but black and white, but rather not an extensive range as its counterpart.

Price:

When something new first hits the market and it is cheaper than its predecessor it usually wins out whether quality is involved or not. Vinyl flooring can be cheaper than lino and in most cases is, but that does not mean it is always of less quality either. Vinyl is usually softer  and therefor it scuffs, scratches and can wear faster.  Linoleum is generally harder and hardens more and more over time giving it outstanding durability.  The general rule of thumb as with most things is you get what you pay for. However, keep in mind you may not want your floors to last for half a decade. You may want to change up your decor more than once a lifetime and so buying top of the line, most enduring flooring may not be a good idea.

Safety:

Not everyone gives thought to the fire resistance of the products and materials they put into their homes but perhaps they should. Linoleum is naturally fire retardant and doesn't give off dangerous fumes as much as vinyl does. In most cases it is made from natural biodegradable materials so it doesn't produce overly toxic fumes should it be exposed to intense heat or fire. In the long run it is definitely more environmentally friendly than vinyl.

Since linoleum is making a small come back its selection has increased somewhat. If you are looking for an alternative to vinyl flooring and don't mind spending more on average you may want to consider linoleum as it has some advantages and is in some sense a greener product than its newer rival.