Linoleum Choices

Linoleum is a resilient floor which means it has a natural springiness and has the ability to resume its original shape, this combined with its durability and affordability has made it a popular choice for commercial use. With wider colour ranges now available, it has also started to penetrate the residential market. Linoleum is a natural and environmentally friendly floor, manufactured out of natural raw materials.

What is Linoleum

Also know as Marmoleum it is manufactured by mixing Linseed oil which is the main ingredient coming from the flax plant and wood or cork powder, resins, ground limestone and mineral pigments together. This mixture is then rolled out between two cylinders onto a jute backing and then cured in ovens for 14 to 21 days. After this some manufacturers apply a high performance coating to the surface which improve the floors resistance against stains and scratches.

Where to Use Linoleum
Raw or untreated linoleum is not recommended for moist areas and should be polished periodically, most linoleum comes pre coated from the manufacturer and these floor can be used in nearly any area from commercial to residential. Linoleum is naturally anti-bacterial and hygienic, making it ideal for playrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, ask your retailer if the particular make can be installed in bathrooms.

Like all smooth surfaced flooring linoleum is recommended for asthma or other respiratory ailments as it will not trap dirt or moisture and being a natural product does not emit any harmful fumes. This durable floor is ideal for high traffic areas like kitchens, hallways and commercial applications. Linoleum is also a popular choice for walls and work surfaces like table tops and desks.

Linoleum Shape Options
Manufacturers are coming up with new ideas and shapes regularly, below are the two most common and readily available shapes in South Africa.

• Sheets: The most frequently used sheets or sheeting comes in the widest range of colours and patterns, these sheets are packaged in very heavy rolls of 2m wide and up to 30m in length.
• Tiles: Giving the same effect as a ceramic tiled floor or vinyl tiles, linoleum tiles are available in different sizes normally ranging from 330 X 330mm to 500 X 500mm and can also be rectangular in shape.

Design and Colour Options

• Colours: Linoleum is available in an extensive range of colour and known for it vivid, saturated colours. Note that linoleum has a natural yellowish film after installation, this is from the linseed oil in the manufacturing process and will dissipate very quickly with exposure to natural light or artificial light after installation.
• Design: Linoleum is available in solid colours, flecked pattern, marble patterns or graphic patterns and can be custom-cut to create unique patterns on the floor which can be done in different colours and patterns.

Linoleum Surface Finish

• Un-Finished: This product has not been treated or coated by the manufacturer and needs to be polished after installation and periodically. If left untreated this floor will be acceptable to moisture and stains.
• Coated: Most linoleum floors are pre-coated by the manufacturer, these floors are easy to maintain and will resist stains, scratches and clean easily.