

However, linoleum does have to be sealed periodically, which means that some maintenance is necessary, whereas a vinyl floor never needs to be sealed. When exposed to high heat, vinyl can melt and emit potentially toxic chemicals. Linoleum also offers increased heat resistance in comparison with vinyl. The top layer of vinyl can wear away over time, whereas linoleum’s single layer is longer-lasting. When comparing the two materials in terms of durability, however, linoleum has the advantage. Linoleum is more durable than vinyl flooring.īoth linoleum and vinyl are each highly durable flooring options. When cleaning linoleum, on the other hand, it’s best to use a gentle cleaning product or a dedicated solution specifically designed for linoleum floors. Vinyl’s waterproof nature also means it’s resistant to the buildup of mold and mildew. Vinyl has a slight edge because it can be cleaned with virtually any kind of detergent or cleaning product without worrying about causing discoloration. Vinyl and linoleum can both be swept, mopped, and vacuumed without incurring damage, making each option easy to clean. RELATED: The Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Vinyl and linoleum floors are both easy to clean. It needs to be sealed regularly-every 3 to 10 years, depending on the level of foot traffic-in order to maintain its water resistance. Linoleum is water-resistant, but it can be damaged by significant water exposure. When shopping for the best waterproof option, consider sheet vinyl over vinyl tiling because it has fewer seams and will therefore be even more moisture-resistant.

This makes vinyl an excellent choice for use in bathrooms and kitchens. One of vinyl flooring’s primary advantages is that it’s completely waterproof and won’t be damaged by spills. Linoleum requires occasional sealing, whereas vinyl is waterproof. However, being made of natural materials, linoleum flooring rolls come in a more limited variety of finishes and patterns than vinyl. However, the appearance of a vinyl floor can become worn or discolored if the top layer wears down.Ī linoleum floor, on the other hand, is made up of a single layer, which will retain its color longer if properly maintained. Vinyl flooring is made up of multiple layers of material, including a core layer printed with a color or pattern and a protective clear layer on top. As a result, vinyl floors can be made to mimic the look of wood, stone, tile, or other natural materials. Vinyl flooring comes in a wider variety of colors, patterns, and textures than linoleum.īoth linoleum and vinyl flooring come in a variety of colors, but vinyl floors’ synthetic materials can be crafted into virtually any shape or color. The manufacture of vinyl requires a large amount of petroleum, making it an environmentally harmful practice. Phthalates are associated with cancer risk in humans and have been banned from children’s toys in California and the European Union. Vinyl flooring is made from plastic-specifically polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a petrochemical resin that emits toxic phthalates when burned. While linoleum at one time included asbestos, that hasn’t been the case since the 1970s. It’s relatively eco-friendly because it doesn’t contain any volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Linoleum is made from ingredients like linseed oil, sawdust, cork dust, resin, limestone, and mineral filling agents and pigments.

Linoleum flooring was invented in the 1860s by Frederick Walton as an alternative to traditional wood planks. The main difference between vinyl and linoleum flooring is that vinyl is manufactured from synthetic materials, while linoleum contains natural materials.
