Linoleum
Linoleum (usually abbreviated to ‘Lino’) is a traditional, smooth, seamless floor covering that is made by combining linseed oil, rosin (solid pine resin), flax, cork flour, wood flour, pigments and other ingredients. The name is a combination of two Latin words: linum (flax) and oleum (oil). During the manufacturing process, the oil is oxidised, a process that is aided by heating and which makes the oil solidify into a resilient, tough sheet.
The process of combining renewable, natural ingredients and pressing them onto a canvas backing to form sheets was invented in England by Frederick Walton in 1860. By 1869, the product had become so popular that Walton began exporting to Europe and the US. He continued to refine the process right up to the early 20th century when he invented an inlay machine that could produce patterned linoleum which proved to be extremely durable.
From its invention right up to the 1960s, linoleum was a popular floor covering which, being seamless, provided a surface that could be hygienic, easy to lay and easy to clean. Originally used for hallways and corridors, it soon spread to kitchens, bathrooms and even living rooms.
Lino is still made today but by a fast-tracked process. However, it is not made in the same quantities and has been largely superseded by synthetic floor coverings such as vinyl and wood laminates. Vinyl has become very popular and has around the same flexibility and durability, but it is less flammable and is supplied in colours which can be brighter and more translucent.
Another differentiator is that while linoleum has the design embedded throughout its constituent materials, modern vinyl coverings have three layers, one of which is an image layer which can carry a pattern or representation of stone, wood etc. Linoleum may also require a protective seam sealant to avoid water penetration.
Despite falling sales since the late 1960s, linoleum sales started to rise in the first two decades of the 21st century. In the UK, it is chiefly manufactured under the trade name of Marmoleum by Kirkaldy-based Forbo Nairn. Hailed as CO2 neutral from cradle to grave, it contains 97% natural raw materials, 72% rapidly renewable and 43% recycled content. It is available in a range of colours and designs which include marble and concrete.
Benefits of linoleum.
- Environment friendly.
- Low VOC content.
- Provides a cushioned, relatively comfortable floor.
- Water resistant.
- Easy to clean.
- Durable.
- Relatively easy installation, especially in tile format.
- Availability in a variety of colours and patterns.
- Continuous colour can mean dents and scrapes are less conspicuous.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Ash or oak wood flooring.
- Cork flooring.
- Domestic floors: Part 1: Construction, insulation and damp proofing.
- Floor definition.
- Flooring defects.
- How to fit carpet.
- Insulation for ground floors.
- Raised floor.
- Resilient Floor Covering Institute.
- Resilient flooring.
- Resin flooring.
- Rubber flooring.
- Screed.
- Separating floor.
- Sprung floor.
- Terrazzo.
- The Differences Between Engineered Flooring and Solid Hardwood Flooring.
- Types of carpet.
- Types of floor.
Featured articles and news
Cladding remediation programmes, transparency and target date.
National Audit Office issue report on cladding remediation.
HBPT and BEAMS Jubilees. Book review.
Does the first Labour budget deliver for the built environment?
What does the UK Budget mean for electrical contractors?
Mixed response as business pays, are there silver linings?
A brownfield housing boost for Liverpool
A 56 million investment from Homes England now approved.
Fostering a future-ready workforce through collaboration
Collaborative Futures: Competence, Capability and Capacity, published and available for download.
Considerate Constructors Scheme acquires Building A Safer Future
Acquisition defines a new era for safety in construction.
AT Awards evening 2024; the winners and finalists
Recognising professionals with outstanding achievements.
Reactions to the Autumn Budget announcement
And key elements of the quoted budget to rebuild Britain.
Chancellor of the Exchequer delivers Budget
Repairing, fixing, rebuilding, protecting and strengthening.
Expectation management in building design
Interest, management, occupant satisfaction and the performance gap.
Connecting conservation research and practice with IHBC
State of the art heritage research & practice and guidance.
Innovative Silica Safety Toolkit
Receives funding boost in memory of construction visionary.
Gentle density and the current context of planning changes
How should designers deliver it now as it appears in NPPF.
Sustainable Futures. Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
More speakers confirmed for BSRIA Briefing 2024.
Making the most of urban land: Brownfield Passports
Policy paper in brief with industry responses welcomed.
The boundaries and networks of the Magonsæte.