There was a time when linoleum was only associated with grandma’s kitchen. However, this environmental friendly flooring is back in fashion. Invented in England in 1863 by Fredrick Walton, linoleum is suitable throughout the house, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and hallways.
The name linoleum is a concoction of ‘lin’ and ‘oleum’ meaning linseed and oil. Linoleum looks like vinyl flooring, but it actually isn’t. It is made up of all natural ingredients. Solidified linseed oil and wood flour or cork dust are used over jute canvas backing to make linoleum sheets. Pigments are later added for giving colour to the sheet.
Linoleum is especially known and used for its durable nature. Linoleum flooring can easily survive to half a decade. Its wearing is incredible. In buildings where rigid material like ceramic tile might crack, good quality linoleum provides a feasible alternative. In fact, linoleum is much softer to walk on than a ceramic tile.
Another great characteristic of the flooring is that it does not get affected by reasonable floor temperature. Also colour in linoleum goes all the way through the flooring. So in case of scratch on its surface, you just need to buff it off. It doesn’t stand at risk of damages from oils and greases. It is also not much of a combustion supporter.
List of not positive things about linoleum is not too long. The foremost drawback is its maintenance. A new linoleum floor requires at least two coats of acrylic sealer. Another fresh coat is needed annually. Moisture or alkali, if remaining in contact with the flooring for a long time, may be a reason of its damage. Also, some people get bothered by the oily smell that it gives.
Linoleum just like plastic vinyl comes in large sheets. And thus laying linoleum, and that too DIY way, is not very easy. Because of this fact, many people even though appreciate linoleum, avoid using it. If one finds linoleum best for his / her home, he / she should use it. Professional floor fitters can easy handle laying this flooring. They can also advice you on its maintenance in the future.
Author Resource:-
Joanna is a well renowned Polish journalist specialising in Polish, Russian and English translation services. She has been residing in the UK for 3 years where she has made her home among the Polish community in Tooting, South West London.
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