Linoleum flooring is a truly fantastic solution for anyone looking for a flooring that’s versatile, durable, and eco-friendly. Often confused with PVC or vinyl, linoleum is a completely natural material, composed of dried linseed oil, wood flour, cork powder, resins, pigments, and jute. This unique composition makes it a sustainable and hypoallergenic choice, ideal for every room in the house. In this guide, we will explore all aspects of this material, from its thickness to style options, to help you understand why buying linoleum flooring might be the perfect choice for your next furnishing project.
Table of Contents
Part 1. What is Linoleum and why should you be interested
So, what exactly is linoleum flooring and why should you consider it for your home? Let’s dive in. Linoleum is a flooring material invented in the 19th century, composed of natural ingredients such as oxidized linseed oil, cork flour, wood powder, resins, and mineral pigments, spread on a jute backing. Unlike synthetic materials, it is biodegradable and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a healthy choice for families and sensitive environments.
In a world where sustainability is more important than ever, how can a traditional material like linoleum compete with more modern options? Its evolution is the answer. Today it is available in a wide range of colors, with realistic patterns that mimic the look of wood or stone, and in very practical formats. Linoleum positions itself as an ideal solution for design projects, offering high-quality replicas of iconic styles at a reduced cost thanks to a direct production model.
What is the thickness of Linoleum Flooring?
You might be wondering: how thick does a floor need to be to stand up to daily life while still feeling comfortable underfoot? The thickness of linoleum flooring typically ranges from 0.08 to 0.16 inches for sheet versions, while tiles or planks can reach 0.20 inches or more for greater durability. A thinner thickness, around 0.08 inches, is ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms, where the cost is contained but installation requires a perfect subfloor to avoid irregularities. Conversely, greater thicknesses offer better acoustic and thermal insulation, perfect for busy spaces.
From authoritative sources, such as cost and material analyses, a standard thickness of 0.10 inches costs around $2.3 per square meter, balancing economy and resistance.
Types of linoleum available on the market.
What linoleum variants could transform your space? There are mainly three types: sheet, tile, and plank. Sheets, up to 13 feet wide, create continuous surfaces ideal for large areas, but require professional installation to avoid bubbles. Tiles, square or rectangular, facilitate DIY installation and allow for partial replacements. Planks, like parquet, offer an elegant look with click interlocking for quick installation.
Each type has specific applications: sheets for damp environments like bathrooms, thanks to fewer joints; planks for living rooms, mimicking natural wood. Companies like George’s Furniture specialize in creating custom linoleum flooring. They can produce versions inspired by famous designs at a fraction of the cost, making them a great fit for larger projects like hospitals or outdoor areas.
Part 2. What are the Pros and Cons of Linoleum Flooring?
Linoleum is a material that brings numerous benefits to daily life. In addition to being an ecological choice, it is resistant, durable, and practical. Its natural composition makes it completely recyclable and biodegradable, while the elastic and insulating surface ensures comfort and well-being in any environment.
Linoleum flooring is wear-resistant, with a lifespan that can reach up to 40 years if maintained correctly. The presence of cork in the mixture makes it soft underfoot and capable of absorbing impacts. It is also antistatic, antibacterial, and easy to clean, making it particularly suitable for those living with children or pets.
However, there are also some disadvantages. Linoleum is not completely waterproof, so it requires periodic sealing, especially in humid environments. Furthermore, if laid in very thin sheets, it can show imperfections in the subfloor and is more prone to scratches than laminate. Finally, installation requires some experience, with higher initial costs compared to other coverings.
To visualize better, here is a summary table of the pros and cons:
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
| Durability | High, up to 40 years | Sensitive to humidity without sealing |
| Sustainability | Natural materials, biodegradable | Energy-intensive production |
| Comfort | Soft and insulating | Can fade with direct sunlight |
| Cost | Economical long-term | Complex installation for sheets |
Where is Linoleum Flooring suitable for use?
Linoleum flooring is especially suitable for environments where resistance, hygiene, and good protection from humidity are required. It is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and corridors, because it tolerates water and daily wear well. Thanks to its natural antibacterial properties and low VOC emissions, it is also widely used in schools, hospitals, offices, and gyms, where a safe, durable, and healthy floor is sought. Furthermore, its wide range of colors makes it perfect for both modern homes and high-traffic public spaces.
Sustainability is another strong point. Made with linseed oil, wood flour, natural resins, and cork, it is 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Those who wish to furnish with environmental awareness will find linoleum an ideal solution.
Part 3. Cost of Linoleum Flooring Installation
Budget for professional installation
The cost of professional installation of linoleum flooring varies based on the complexity of the project and the quality of the labor. On average, labor costs between $0.30 and $1.10/sq ft, while additional materials range between $0.20 and $0.65/sq ft. Some projects require subfloor preparation ($0.30-$0.90/sq ft) and removal of old flooring ($0.10-$0.55/sq ft), increasing the overall expense. Larger or more complex projects can reach $4,800 or more in total.
Linoleum price per square meter
Linoleum has a highly variable price depending on thickness, quality, and design. Basic versions start from approximately $1.50/sq ft, while premium models can reach up to $6.80/sq ft. Some specific designs, such as troweled effects or parquet imitations, have an intermediate cost between $2.30 and $3.70/sq ft. The choice of linoleum directly affects the final project budget.
How much does Linoleum cost for a 12×12 room?
A 12×12 ft (144 sq ft) room requires approximately 150 sq ft of material, considering cutting margin. Linoleum costs therefore vary between $225 and $1,020 for materials, depending on the chosen quality. Professional installation adds an extra cost between $45 and $160, bringing the total overall to $270-$1,180. Any subfloor preparation or old flooring removal can further increase the expense, especially in the case of uneven surfaces or complex work.
Cost of replacing Linoleum Flooring
Replacing linoleum flooring involves costs like the initial installation, but includes the removal of existing covering, which varies between $0.10 and $0.55/sq ft. In some cases, structural repairs to the subfloor or additional interventions may be necessary, with extra costs between $200 and $800. The size of the room and the quality of the chosen flooring also influence the final price, making each project unique.
| Type | Price per sq ft ($) | Typical Thickness (in) | Ideal Application |
| Sheets | 1.50 – 2.50 | 0.08 – 0.10 | Large areas |
| Tiles | 2.00 – 3.25 | 0.12 – 0.16 | Bathrooms |
| Planks | 2.30 – 3.70 | 0.16 – 0.20 | Living rooms |
| Premium rough | 3.25 – 6.80 | 0.12 – 0.20 | Offices |
Part 4. George’s Furniture: Complete Linoleum and furnishing solutions
Buy Linoleum flooring at the best price on the market.
George’s Furniture stands out as a benchmark in the furniture sector. Our direct sales model allows you to get factory direct prices, eliminating retailer markups (typically 20-40%) and ensuring cost savings of up to 50% or more. This approach allows us to offer high-quality products at extremely competitive prices; for example, for those interested in the price of linoleum per square meter, they will find convenient and tailored solutions for every need with us.
We offer not only a product catalog, but complete solutions, from the design phase to final delivery. Our step-by-step support and project management ensure that every detail is handled with the utmost attention. Furthermore, we offer a 2-5 year warranty on all our products and ship to over 120 countries, guaranteeing delivery within 30 days.
We can create customized furnishing solutions for a very wide clientele, including hotels, offices, healthcare facilities, and schools. Our product range covers every environment, from living areas to bedrooms, with furniture such as sofas, armchairs, tables, chairs, storage systems, and children’s furniture. Even for flooring, George’s Furniture linoleum floors are an excellent choice, combining design, sustainability, and resistance for every type of space.
Part 5. How to maintain Linoleum Flooring in perfect condition!
Linoleum is a robust and natural material, highly valued for its resistance, but to preserve it best it is important to adopt small daily and periodic attentions.
- Thorough cleaning
Daily cleaning of Linoleum flooring is essential to prevent scratches and dullness. Dust and debris should be removed with a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner. After this operation, a well-wrung damp cloth keeps the surface fresh and hygienic, without the risk of damaging the covering.
- Washing
For deeper hygiene, weekly washing is fundamental. A neutral detergent specific for linoleum, diluted in water, is used. Aggressive products like ammonia or bleach should be avoided as they damage the finish. A rinse with plain water at the end preserves the shine.
- Protection
Protection of Linoleum flooring is achieved by periodically applying a suitable linoleum wax. This creates a layer that defends against wear and keeps the color vibrant. It is also useful to add doormats at entrances and felt pads under furniture, to limit scratches and marks.
- Attention to stains
Stains are the number one enemy of Linoleum flooring and should be treated immediately, because if they dry, they risk penetrating. Light ones are removed with water and neutral soap, while for more resistant dirt, it is sufficient to rub gently with a soft sponge. Abrasive scourers, however, should be avoided as they leave permanent marks.
- Luster but not too much.
Over time, Linoleum flooring can lose its natural luster. In these cases, a stripping treatment followed by a new waxing can be used, which restores uniformity and shine. If the damage is deeper, professional intervention is the best choice. In any case, do not overdo the polishing to avoid a mirror effect.
FAQ about Linoleum Flooring
Q1. Where is linoleum flooring suitable for use?
Linoleum is suitable for domestic and commercial environments with heavy traffic. It holds up well in kitchens, entrances, and corridors, combining practicality, resistance, and ease of cleaning.
Q2. What is the thickness of linoleum flooring?
Generally, the thickness varies between 0.08″ and 0.13″. For common residential use, 0.10″ linoleum is a good choice, while for commercial use, a greater thickness is recommended.
Q3. Is laminate flooring the same as linoleum?
No. Linoleum is natural and biodegradable, while laminate is synthetic. They differ in composition, ecological resistance, and intended uses, offering solutions suitable for completely different needs.
Conclusion
In summary, linoleum flooring offers an ideal mix of sustainability, durability, and style, with accessible costs and simple maintenance. Ideal for various environments, it often surpasses alternatives like laminate in terms of eco-friendliness. Visit George’s Furniture for personalized solutions: explore our showroom or contact us for a free consultation.
