Linoleum is a long-lasting floor type made from all-natural materials. Linoleum flooring has been around for more than 150 years, but its popularity took a nosedive in the 1950s, due to the availability of less expensive vinyl floors. But its durability, available colors and “green” standing have made linoleum floor a common choice for modern homeowners. Because of its durability and resistance to moisture, linoleum is most often installed in kitchens and bathrooms.

Benefits of Linoleum Flooring

There are many advantages of installing linoleum flooring in your home:

• For the environmentally conscious, linoleum is an all-natural floor type, made from plant byproducts, wood fibers and linseed oil.
• Linoleum floor is very low-maintenance and easy to clean, and it’s resistant to moisture, mold and bacteria.
• Linoleum is available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
• Well-maintained linoleum flooring is extremely durable, and will last at least 15 years–much longer in some cases.

Drawbacks of Linoleum Flooring

You’ll also want to consider the disadvantages of this type of home flooring before you make your decision:

• Installation of linoleum flooring must be precise, and rolled linoleum can be tricky to install.
• A linoleum floor needs to be cleaned regularly, or it begins to have a dull finish.
• Linoleum is expensive; much pricier than its biggest competitor, vinyl flooring.
• The linseed oil in linoleum floor material can give off a slight odor after it’s installed. (This odor is harmless and eventually goes away.)

How to Install Linoleum Flooring

Homeowners have their choice of installation: linoleum tiles or rolls. Linoleum floor tiles are relatively easy to install. They involve a snap-and-lock mechanism, similar to laminate flooring. However, linoleum tiles are susceptible to curled edges and warping. Rolled linoleum requires strong precision and attention to detail, especially when cutting and working around corners.

Before you start, make sure the subfloor is level and dry, with no cracks in the concrete. Use a water-based adhesive specifically made for use on linoleum. After you lay the linoleum, let it dry completely before walking on it to keep it from shifting. You may notice a yellowish cast on your new linoleum. This is a natural drying room film that will disappear once your floor encounters a few hours of natural or artificial light.

Be sure to buy extra linoleum and adhesive so you’ll have some on hand when repairs are needed.

How to Maintain Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum flooring is very easy to care for, as long as you stay on top of it. Sweep the floor and mop it with mild floor soap. If you wish, you can buy cleaners specifically for use on a linoleum floor. Hardware stores also carry linoleum polish to shine the floors and linoleum stripper to attack deep-set dirt and grease in the floor’s cracks.