Linoleum Vs Vinyl Difference

Unlike linoleum vinyl is a synthetic product.

Linoleum vs vinyl difference. These chips are bonded together with heat and pressure creating flat sheets. While linoleum is all natural vinyl is a synthetic product made with a variety of toxic chemicals primarily polyvinyl chloride pvc resin. Vinyl overtook linoleum flooring in popularity after its introduction but since it s a green building material linoleum is making a comeback. Less color and pattern options than vinyl.

Linoleum floors are available in a wider variety of colors. Both linoleum and vinyl offer realistic wood and stone looks but there are a few differences. The key difference between vinyl and linoleum is that the vinyl is a product of petroleum oil whereas the linoleum is a product of linseed oil. Vinyl uses photo imagery to create a realistic image on top of the plank or tile or sheet similar to laminate flooring while in linoleum the color goes all the way through the tile.

Vinyl flooring was introduced to the public at the 1933 world s fair in chicago. Whereas vinyl is a synthetic material that didn t come on the market until the 1950s. Today vinyl is the fastest growing sector of the flooring industry. More expensive than vinyl.

Other chemicals may be added to the mix to give it more durability or flexibility. Not as readily available as vinyl. Vinyl sheet like linoleum vinyl also comes in sheet form that usually requires a full spread adhesive. When you use the word linoleum today you re often referring to vinyl.

Vinyl is also a composite flooring material but it s made of pvc aka plastic. Vinyl sheet is much easier to work with than linoleum since it isn t as stiff. A primary difference between vinyl and linoleum flooring is that linoleum is a natural product invented in the 1800s. Sheet vinyl flooring also contains phthalate plasticizers for flexibility.

Some varieties require occasional waxing. Ever since the 1950s it s been getting more and more popular. While vinyl costs less than linoleum it will last an average of only 10 or 15 years. Linoleum is made from natural products and requires more maintenance but is more environmentally friendly than vinyl flooring.

The cost difference between vinyl and linoleum is offset to some degree by their relative life expectancies. It is primarily a mix of colored chips of polyvinyl chloride pvc resin. Further the vinyl tile is easy to install and maintain while linoleum tile is a bit hard to install and maintan but is water resistant.