Linoleum flooring is still enjoying popularity today, even if it does sound a bit outdated. Linoleum floor installation allows you to add more color to any room. Linoleum is also very resilient and many manufacturers add a protective coating that helps against scratches and fading from exposure to sunlight.
The Benefits of Linoleum Flooring
Many homeowners opt for linoleum because it’s low maintenance and environmentally friendly. Often people mistake linoleum as plastic flooring when, in fact, it’s actually produced from all-natural materials. These include linseed oil, ground cork dust, wood flour, limestone, jute backing, and pine rosin. This also means that linoleum flooring is recyclable.
It is a durable product with a lifespan of anything between 30 and 40 years. The stain resistant qualities also make it perfect for areas that have high traffic, including the kitchen, corridors, dens, and bathrooms.
Dry and wet spills can easily be dealt with without damaging the floor. In fact, linoleum is one of the flooring options that require the least amount of maintenance. Taking care of spills is easy, and once installed, linoleum requires some routine damp mopping to prevent microbe growth, dust collection, and outdoor allergens.
And since the colors in linoleum run right through the material, the design patterns are more resistant to wear, which may just consist of a top layer of coloring in other flooring options.
Linoleum flooring is also very attractive to many homeowners due to its price. Compared with other flooring materials, like hardwood or ceramic tiles, linoleum is definitely a more affordable flooring solution. Many of the linoleum flooring options on today’s market imitate expensive flooring like wood, stone, and granite…with an untrained eye unable to tell the difference.
Cons of Linoleum Flooring
There is a downside to installing linoleum. Sharp objects like high heels and furniture legs can damage its surface. It can also be susceptible to dampness when exposed to excessive moisture. Be very careful when installing this type of flooring in your bathroom or laundry rooms and ensure that there will be no unnecessary contact with water. If your basement has a history of leaks and flooding, linoleum is probably not your best option.
If the product you choose does not come with a factory-applied protective coating, you may also experience what is knows as “ambering”. This is when your linoleum darkens or turns yellow due to excessive exposure to sunlight. Another factor to keep in mind is that linoleum can be extremely dangerous when newly waxed, and slippery floors can often lead to unfortunate accidents.
How Much Does Linoleum Flooring Cost?
The cost to install linoleum flooring will depend on several factors, and you should always compare several estimates from local contractors to get a better idea of the current pricing trends in your area.
However, on average, linoleum can usually cost anywhere between $2.50-$3.50 per square foot. The cost to have it installed by a local handyman begins at around $300 per 500 square foot but it can be much higher depending on your location.
You should budget anywhere in the region of about $1700 per 500 square feet for vendor-supplied contractors while ordering materials and installation directly from a trusted flooring designer can go for as much as $2800 in some situations.
Why not get in touch with a local contractor to get a more accurate estimate for the cost to install linoleum flooring in your home.