Linoleum Vs Vinyl Difference

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.

Linoleum vs vinyl difference.

Vinyl is also a composite flooring material but it s made of pvc aka plastic. Linoleum is made from natural products and requires more maintenance but is more environmentally friendly than vinyl flooring. Not as readily available as vinyl. Linoleum floors are available in a wider variety of colors.

Whereas vinyl is a synthetic material that didn t come on the market until the 1950s. Sheet vinyl flooring also contains phthalate plasticizers for flexibility. Today vinyl is the fastest growing sector of the flooring industry. While vinyl costs less than linoleum it will last an average of only 10 or 15 years.

It is primarily a mix of colored chips of polyvinyl chloride pvc resin. Ever since the 1950s it s been getting more and more popular. Less color and pattern options than vinyl. Vinyl is pvc based lasts longer and is easier to install and maintain.

Vinyl overtook linoleum flooring in popularity after its introduction but since it s a green building material linoleum is making a comeback. Unlike linoleum vinyl is a synthetic product. But vinyl flooring tends to maintain its glossy appearance right up until the top layers suddenly wear through exposing the core. Vinyl flooring was introduced to the public at the 1933 world s fair in chicago.

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. While linoleum is all natural vinyl is a synthetic product made with a variety of toxic chemicals primarily polyvinyl chloride pvc resin. Some varieties require occasional waxing. The cost difference between vinyl and linoleum is offset to some degree by their relative life expectancies.

Both linoleum and vinyl offer realistic wood and stone looks but there are a few differences. Vinyl sheet is much easier to work with than linoleum since it isn t as stiff. Vinyl sheet like linoleum vinyl also comes in sheet form that usually requires a full spread adhesive. Vinyl and linoleum are both resilient types of flooring in that they have some degree of elasticity.

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. These chips are bonded together with heat and pressure creating flat sheets. A primary difference between vinyl and linoleum flooring is that linoleum is a natural product invented in the 1800s.