Linoleum flooring

The alternative to vinyl/PVC

Description
Linoleum flooring was previously made with vinyl, cork dust and a variety of chemicals in the 60s and 70s
Nowadays linoleum is made from natural materials; linseed oil, hessian, pine rosins, wood flour, limestone with a jute backing and colouring
Available in a large variety of colours and patterns
Available in sheeting or tiles

Uses
Suitable for residential and commercial flooring
Ideal for bathrooms, ensuites and kitchens where resilient flooring is needed
Table, desk and worktops, trim and stair treads

Advantages
Comfortable and warm underfoot
Non-toxic
Natural linseed oil creates good antibacterial properties
Able to wipe away liquid spills without staining
Good anti-static properties – doesn’t attract dust
Waterproof
Good resistance to fire; burns from cigarettes can be rubbed off
Flexible
Damage such as scratches and scuffs are not easy to spot as the colourway is not a surface print
Good resistance to indentation from static loads (double the resistance to vinyl tiles)
Good resistance to cracks and abrasions
Linoleum gets tougher with time as the linseed oil cures
Is self healing to some degree

Disadvantages
Lower sound absorption properties
After installation the linseed oil releases a natural odour as it cures

Embodied Energy
High levels of embodied energy during fabric manufacture and distribution

Source/Origin
Natural materials sourced from European planted forests

Renewable
Raw materials are natural and sustainable and rapidly renewable

Environment & Health
The materials used are harvested with little energy consumption
Production does not need anti-bacterial agents which are chemical based
Production does not create chemical by products or emissions
No chemical additives (e.g. formaldehyde) or VOCs if solvent free / water based adhesive is used
Linoleum used with a low VOC adhesive releases a lesser amount of toxic vapours than vinyl
Long life span reduces the need for virgin product manufacture and the need to fill landfill sites with waste
No negative health consequences across the complete lifecycle; extraction, manufacture, use and disposal
Natural linseed oil offgases aldehyde emissions which some people, especially those who suffer with multiple sensitivities may be affected by

Performance
Highly durable with a lifespan of up to 40 years
Linseed cures over a long time, getting stronger

Maintenance
Easy to clean with a brush or hoover
Clean regularly with a damp cloth/mop with mild detergent (non chemical based)
Avoid contact with petrol based substances, acid and alkalis

Recyclable
Yes all materials are recyclable

Disposal / Biodegradable
100% biodegradable

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