Linoleum and vinyl are two of the most affordable materials that you can choose from for your flooring in Ealing. They are often mistaken for one another because they are created in sheets. But vinyl comes in tile and plank forms as well. There is much to know about these materials. Let’s explore in more detail to find out which suits you best.
Linoleum
This predates vinyl by a few decades. It was invented in the year 1855 by Frederick Walton. Initially used to cover ship decks, many homes today are still using it. It has a reputation for being a long-lasting flooring material.
Principal ingredients in creating linoleum include linseed oil, wood flour, natural pigments and resins, and limestone. These make it a product that is environmentally friendly. Disposing of it is worry-free since it is biodegradable. It is also anti-static and anti-microbial. Your pets can roll around all they want without fear of being shocked. Although its price is comparable to vinyl, the installation cost varies. Different types of adhesives are used between them.
Having a linoleum floor requires periodic maintenance. If you have it installed under direct sunlight, it may experience some degradation or discoloration due to its natural ingredients. As such, make it a point to seal it annually. Throughout the year, just wax or sweep as needed.
Vinyl
The world was introduced to vinyl in 1933 when it was showcased at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. Its many forms show its versatility. It can come in sheets like linoleum. In tile form, it can be formed into different shapes. In plank form, it can be installed as a floating floor. This means that there is no need to use tape or adhesives. The easy installation options make vinyl DIY-friendly.
Vinyl’s name came from the plastic material called polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Completely man-made, its main ingredients are ethylene and chlorine. This material only makes up the two middle layers of a tile or plank: the core and the design. Here are all the layers in their correct order from top to bottom to help visualize it better:
- Wear layer. This layer provides protection and added durability to the tile or plank. Urethane is used as a coating due to its flexibility and clear color.
- Design layer. A thinner layer of vinyl with the design printed on it.
- Core layer. This is the thickest part and is made out of pure vinyl.
- Backing layer. This is the hardest layer. It will determine the type of adhesive you can use. It can be made out of calcium carbonate and wood pulp. It is the backbone, as it preserves the form. Without it, the other layers may curve or bend.
Maintaining vinyl is an easier affair. Once it has been installed, the occasional sweeping, vacuuming, or waxing should suffice. Should the protective coating wear off, it can be easily replaced.
Both linoleum and vinyl have their merits. They are also both budget-friendly options. You can’t go wrong with either of these materials.
