One of the most
popular, durable and
versatile flooring choices
available, vinyl and
linoleum flooring have
earned their reputations
as exceptionally reliable
for the long term.
Easy to maintain
and ideal for
a variety of
purposes,
vinyl and linoleum
are classic American
flooring choices
available in a
wide variety of
colors and styles.
This contemporary kitchen
uses a linoleum floor
for easy maintenance
This child's bedroom
uses a linoleum floor
in a summer cabin
What is the main difference between
genuine linoleum and vinyl floors?
Although some people still call all sheet floors "linoleum," genuine linoleum is quite different from vinyl floors. Vinyl floors are composed of synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride and urethane, while genuine linoleum is made from natural components... (Read more below)
About Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring was first used broadly during and after World War II to meet many of the critical infrastructure and safety needs of that time. Yet vinyl blends many attributes of traditional materials with the advanced performance characteristics of today's building products. Durability, light weight, solid environmental and fire characteristics, versatility and low maintenance requirements are just a few of the properties that have propelled the growing use of vinyl flooring.
Vinyl's moisture resistance makes it a natural choice
for bathrooms needing frequent cleaning
A country kitchen
uses a maple linoleum floor
for its natural benefits
An apartment's kitchen
uses a linoleum floor
for economic advantages
Resilient vinyl flooring - both sheet and tile - has become a valued design tool for many interior designers and architects, particularly those designing for heavy-traffic locations - such as a grocery store - or for rooms that must be kept clean - such as a hospital operating room.
Vinyl flooring is also called "resilient" flooring because it characteristically "bounces back" from the weight of objects that compress its surface. It has long been the most popular hard surface flooring in the United States, according to industry reports in Floor Covering Weekly.
Vinyl floors are available in either tile or sheet form for both commercial and residentail use. Resilient flooring accounts for about 12 percent of all floor covering sold in the United States. (Other major categories include carpet, ceramic tile, hardwood and laminate.) New technologies in recent years have improved vinyl's performance - especially in the areas of durability against rips, tears and gouges. Because resilient floors are durable, easier to maintain and more moisture-resistant than many alternative materials, vinyl is preferred for use in residential kitchens and bathrooms, as well as in healthcare facilities, and commercial and retail establishments.
A commercial dining room uses
high quality Vinyl Tile.
In general, there are two types of vinyl flooring: sheet flooring (typically 6' or 12' wide) and tile (typically 12"x12" or 9"x9"). In addition, there are two basic categories of vinyl tile - solid vinyl and vinyl composition - and three basic categories of vinyl sheet flooring - homogeneous, inlaid and layered composite. These products differ in manufacturing process and content. In fact, some floors contain as much as 55 percent vinyl (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) while others may contain as little as 11 percent vinyl, yet each of these floors is referred to as "vinyl flooring." (In addition to vinyl resin, vinyl floors typically contain fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers and pigments.)
The Benefits of Vinyl Flooring
Many factors should be taken into consideration when determining which flooring material to select for a specific application. For example, the flooring may need to stand up to rolling carts or support standing (static) loads. Moisture resistance may be critical, or resistance to fading. Each manufacturer can provide detailed information on the performance characteristics of its flooring, as well as proper installation and maintenance to avoid damage. You should expect long-lasting beauty from properly installed and maintained vinyl floors.
Design flexibility
Vinyl sheet flooring and tile are available in myriad styles and colors. Vinyl tile is available in shapes that can be custom cut and laid out in patterns using different colors or finishes. Tiles can be arranged, for example, to depict a corporate logo or to guide traffic in a hospital or retail setting. Virtually any look can be obtained to suit any decor, including classic looks that simulate wood and ceramic. Custom-made designs are easily created using sheet vinyl flooring.
Resilience
Vinyl flooring reduces noise and provides comfort underfoot. Unlike such hard surfaces as wood, laminate, terrazzo or ceramic tile, vinyl floors have "give" and thus are referred to as "resilient" flooring.
Durability
Vinyl flooring is durable and time-tested, maintaining its beauty under heavy foot traffic and use. It is moisture and stain resistant, so spills can be easily removed. When compared with alternative materials, vinyl offers an attractive installed cost with economical maintenance over the life of the floor.
Aesthetics
Today's vinyl floors are made to enhance the aesthetic features of an interior environment. While often mimicking the look of other hard surfaces, they are "warmer" than ceramic tile. Designers can use pattern and color to make a large room seem smaller or a small room more expansive. And since vinyl is durable, the color and original appearance will last longer with routine maintenance.
Safety
A wide range of both tile and sheet vinyl floors is available with enhanced slip-retardant surfaces. These floors are suitable for a variety of commercial and institutional applications. Because they are vinyl, these slip-resistant surfaces can be easily cleaned. Check with manufacturers for vinyl floors designed to meet other special needs like static control.
Healthcare Applications
Vinyl flooring is frequently used in healthcare facilities because it is nearly impervious to water, offering a significant sanitary advantage over carpeting. These characteristics are particularly important in hospital rooms, extended care facilities, nursing homes and day care centers. Many commercial sheet vinyl floor installations offer sealed or welded seams that prevent contaminants from being lodged in the seam area. And with fewer seams than most other hard surface floors, bacteria has fewer places to hide and grow. Disinfectant cleaners can provide a sterile surface without damaging the floor. In addition, most stains can be easily removed. Check with the manufacturer for complete maintenance instructions.
For hypersensitive populations, where mold allergies may be a problem, vinyl flooring offers advantages as well. Researchers at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas have found that carpet can produce high airborne mold counts, which can actually be aggravated by vacuuming. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, can be cleaned without dispersing high levels of mold into the air.
Sports Facilities
Sheet vinyl flooring products can provide an attractive alternative to expensive wood flooring systems in gymnasiums, exercise rooms and other recreational areas. The no-wax stain-resistant surfaces of these floors mean lower maintenance costs and greater usage than traditional floors - and these surfaces will accept paint lines for use as a basketball, racquetball or volleyball court. High-density vinyl foam cushion backing systems provide a shock absorbing surface that reduces impact shock and leg fatigue. Many of these surfaces are protected by a clear wear layer and a high-performance, polyurethane surface and comply with NCAA basketball rules for bounce, rebound and hardness.
Vinyl Flooring Limitations
Vinyl floors are not recommended for use in most commercial kitchens, although vinyl composition tile is commonly used in light duty kitchens and both tile and sheet vinyl floors are the leading choice for residential kitchens. Some vinyl floors can be susceptible to tears when heavy or sharp objects (such as cans or knives) are dropped. In addition, they can be subject to permanent indentation from static loads or damage from rolling loads. Vinyl flooring also may not be recommended for automotive maintenance areas or automotive showroom areas unless the flooring is protected from oil spills and contact with rubber tires. In addition, vinyl flooring is not recommended for outdoor installation, where excessive heat, cold or sunlight may cause fading and discoloration.
About Linoleum
One of the first resilient floors, it was introduced in the 1800s.
Made of linseed oil, gums, cork, or wood dust and pigments, linoleum is no longer manufactured in the U.S.
Often the term is used incorrectly to describe resilient floors made of vinyl.
Linoleum has been a popular flooring for over a century. It is manufactured from renewable resources: linseed oil, rosin, wood floor, cork powder and pigments. Due to its appeal as a "natural" product, linoleum is again being specified for flooring and in such uses as baseboards and trim; desk, table and counter tops; and stair treads and risers. Linoleum is available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Linoleum's durability (up to 40 years as flooring) makes it very suitable for high traffic areas. Linoleum does not show scuffs or scratches, and is resilient and flexible. Linoleum is naturally biodegradable, and so it does not add to waste problems, as does vinyl flooring. Linoleum has other advantages: it does not burn easily, it is waterproof, and it does not generate static electricity.
Part of linoleum's popularity is due to concerns over indoor air quality. Because linoleum is naturally anti-bacterial, there are no chemical anti-bacterial agents needed in its manufacture or maintenance. When used with a low-VOC adhesive, linoleum emits far lower levels of contaminants than does vinyl flooring.
What is the main difference between
genuine linoleum and vinyl floors?
Although some people still call all sheet floors "linoleum," genuine linoleum is quite different from vinyl floors. Vinyl floors are composed of synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride and urethane, while genuine linoleum is made from natural components.
How is genuine linoleum made?
The main ingredient of genuine linoleum is linseed oil. (In Latin, linum is the word for linseed, which comes from the flax plant, and oleum means oil.). The oil is boiled, mixed with melted resins, and combined with powdered cork, wood flour, resins, ground limestone and other natural materials. Mineral pigments provide the color. This mixture is formed into a durable sheet by applying heat and pressure.
How durable is genuine linoleum?
Genuine linoleum is extremely long-wearing because its color and construction go all the way through to the backing. By comparison, in most vinyl floors, the pattern is printed onto the surface, which is then protected by a vinyl or urethane wear layer.
Does genuine linoleum have to be waxed?
Because the surface of genuine linoleum is more porous than vinyl floors, it's important to protect it with a floor polish. This will prevent spills or dirt from penetrating and staining the surface. After several cleanings, it's a good idea to re-apply the floor polish; but to avoid polish buildup, don't over-apply to areas that are not walked on.
How should genuine linoleum be installed?
Professional installation is recommended.
What does the term "blooming" mean?
Bloom is the term given to the minor color adjustments linoleum flooring makes when exposed to light. It turns its true color. Because genuine linoleum is made from natural raw materials, oxidation of the linseed oil in your floor may result in a yellowish cast when not exposed to light (under the range, rug or refrigerator, etc.). This visual discoloration is only temporary. Once exposed to light, the yellowing disappears and your genuine linoleum floor will "bloom" again.
What kind of rugs or mats can I use on my genuine linoleum?
We do not recommend the use of rubber- or latex-backed mats because the chemical (antioxidant) used to keep the backing from becoming brittle can permanently stain your floor. We suggest a nonstaining, colorfast woven rug. Most of these products are identified "colorfast" by the manufacturer.
If I damage my genuine linoleum floor, can it be repaired? How?
One of the great characteristics of linoleum is that the wear layer goes all the way through to the backing of the floor. Minor burns or scratches can be buffed out of the floor by carefully rubbing with a soft nylon brush or a nylon cleaning pad. You can cut out a gouge or scratch and replace it with good material. A professional installer can ensure that the pattern is aligned correctly and that the seams are tight, so that the repair is difficult to see.
Where can genuine linoleum be installed?
Installation of linoleum is limited to wooden or concrete subfloors above grade. It should not be installed over concrete floors that are below grade, which will secrete moisture that can stain the linoleum from below. Linoleum should also not be installed in bathrooms.
A Highly Skilled Staff of Insured Professional Installers
With high expectations from discerning customers, Foster Flooring assures customer satisfaction by using the skills of highly trained, experienced in-house professional installers who pride themselves on fine, careful workmanship.
Fully insured, these accomplished craftsmen treat every job as an artistic challenge.
Supplies and Guidance for Do-It-Yourselfers
Since some customers prefer to do their own work, Foster's keeps a ready supply of installation supplies available for every type of installation. Knowledgeable personnel are always happy to advise do-it-yourselfers who have questions about the best route to success.
Store Hours
Mon., Tues. Wed.: 8:00 - 5:00; Thurs., Fri.: 8:00 - 8:00; Sat. 9:00 - 1:00; Closed Sun.
Closed on selected long holiday weekends. Please call for additional details.
Directions to Showroom
What We Offer | Tips on Sizing Up Your Room
Broadloom Carpeting | Ceramic Tile | Wood Flooring | Cork
Natural Stone | Vinyl & Linoleum | Porcelain Tile
Map and Directions | Contact
See Flash Movie
Return Home
Vinyl flooring is also called "resilient" flooring because it characteristically "bounces back" from the weight of objects that compress its surface. It has long been the most popular hard surface flooring in the United States, according to industry reports in Floor Covering Weekly.
Vinyl floors are available in either tile or sheet form for both commercial and residentail use. Resilient flooring accounts for about 12 percent of all floor covering sold in the United States. (Other major categories include carpet, ceramic tile, hardwood and laminate.) New technologies in recent years have improved vinyl's performance - especially in the areas of durability against rips, tears and gouges. Because resilient floors are durable, easier to maintain and more moisture-resistant than many alternative materials, vinyl is preferred for use in residential kitchens and bathrooms, as well as in healthcare facilities, and commercial and retail establishments.
A commercial dining room uses
high quality Vinyl Tile.
In general, there are two types of vinyl flooring: sheet flooring (typically 6' or 12' wide) and tile (typically 12"x12" or 9"x9"). In addition, there are two basic categories of vinyl tile - solid vinyl and vinyl composition - and three basic categories of vinyl sheet flooring - homogeneous, inlaid and layered composite. These products differ in manufacturing process and content. In fact, some floors contain as much as 55 percent vinyl (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) while others may contain as little as 11 percent vinyl, yet each of these floors is referred to as "vinyl flooring." (In addition to vinyl resin, vinyl floors typically contain fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers and pigments.)
The Benefits of Vinyl Flooring
Many factors should be taken into consideration when determining which flooring material to select for a specific application. For example, the flooring may need to stand up to rolling carts or support standing (static) loads. Moisture resistance may be critical, or resistance to fading. Each manufacturer can provide detailed information on the performance characteristics of its flooring, as well as proper installation and maintenance to avoid damage. You should expect long-lasting beauty from properly installed and maintained vinyl floors.
Design flexibility
Vinyl sheet flooring and tile are available in myriad styles and colors. Vinyl tile is available in shapes that can be custom cut and laid out in patterns using different colors or finishes. Tiles can be arranged, for example, to depict a corporate logo or to guide traffic in a hospital or retail setting. Virtually any look can be obtained to suit any decor, including classic looks that simulate wood and ceramic. Custom-made designs are easily created using sheet vinyl flooring.
Resilience
Vinyl flooring reduces noise and provides comfort underfoot. Unlike such hard surfaces as wood, laminate, terrazzo or ceramic tile, vinyl floors have "give" and thus are referred to as "resilient" flooring.
Durability
Vinyl flooring is durable and time-tested, maintaining its beauty under heavy foot traffic and use. It is moisture and stain resistant, so spills can be easily removed. When compared with alternative materials, vinyl offers an attractive installed cost with economical maintenance over the life of the floor.
Aesthetics
Today's vinyl floors are made to enhance the aesthetic features of an interior environment. While often mimicking the look of other hard surfaces, they are "warmer" than ceramic tile. Designers can use pattern and color to make a large room seem smaller or a small room more expansive. And since vinyl is durable, the color and original appearance will last longer with routine maintenance.
Safety
A wide range of both tile and sheet vinyl floors is available with enhanced slip-retardant surfaces. These floors are suitable for a variety of commercial and institutional applications. Because they are vinyl, these slip-resistant surfaces can be easily cleaned. Check with manufacturers for vinyl floors designed to meet other special needs like static control.
Healthcare Applications
Vinyl flooring is frequently used in healthcare facilities because it is nearly impervious to water, offering a significant sanitary advantage over carpeting. These characteristics are particularly important in hospital rooms, extended care facilities, nursing homes and day care centers. Many commercial sheet vinyl floor installations offer sealed or welded seams that prevent contaminants from being lodged in the seam area. And with fewer seams than most other hard surface floors, bacteria has fewer places to hide and grow. Disinfectant cleaners can provide a sterile surface without damaging the floor. In addition, most stains can be easily removed. Check with the manufacturer for complete maintenance instructions.
For hypersensitive populations, where mold allergies may be a problem, vinyl flooring offers advantages as well. Researchers at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas have found that carpet can produce high airborne mold counts, which can actually be aggravated by vacuuming. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, can be cleaned without dispersing high levels of mold into the air.
Sports Facilities
Sheet vinyl flooring products can provide an attractive alternative to expensive wood flooring systems in gymnasiums, exercise rooms and other recreational areas. The no-wax stain-resistant surfaces of these floors mean lower maintenance costs and greater usage than traditional floors - and these surfaces will accept paint lines for use as a basketball, racquetball or volleyball court. High-density vinyl foam cushion backing systems provide a shock absorbing surface that reduces impact shock and leg fatigue. Many of these surfaces are protected by a clear wear layer and a high-performance, polyurethane surface and comply with NCAA basketball rules for bounce, rebound and hardness.
Vinyl Flooring Limitations
Vinyl floors are not recommended for use in most commercial kitchens, although vinyl composition tile is commonly used in light duty kitchens and both tile and sheet vinyl floors are the leading choice for residential kitchens. Some vinyl floors can be susceptible to tears when heavy or sharp objects (such as cans or knives) are dropped. In addition, they can be subject to permanent indentation from static loads or damage from rolling loads. Vinyl flooring also may not be recommended for automotive maintenance areas or automotive showroom areas unless the flooring is protected from oil spills and contact with rubber tires. In addition, vinyl flooring is not recommended for outdoor installation, where excessive heat, cold or sunlight may cause fading and discoloration.
About Linoleum
One of the first resilient floors, it was introduced in the 1800s.
Made of linseed oil, gums, cork, or wood dust and pigments, linoleum is no longer manufactured in the U.S.
Often the term is used incorrectly to describe resilient floors made of vinyl.
Linoleum has been a popular flooring for over a century. It is manufactured from renewable resources: linseed oil, rosin, wood floor, cork powder and pigments. Due to its appeal as a "natural" product, linoleum is again being specified for flooring and in such uses as baseboards and trim; desk, table and counter tops; and stair treads and risers. Linoleum is available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Linoleum's durability (up to 40 years as flooring) makes it very suitable for high traffic areas. Linoleum does not show scuffs or scratches, and is resilient and flexible. Linoleum is naturally biodegradable, and so it does not add to waste problems, as does vinyl flooring. Linoleum has other advantages: it does not burn easily, it is waterproof, and it does not generate static electricity.
Part of linoleum's popularity is due to concerns over indoor air quality. Because linoleum is naturally anti-bacterial, there are no chemical anti-bacterial agents needed in its manufacture or maintenance. When used with a low-VOC adhesive, linoleum emits far lower levels of contaminants than does vinyl flooring.
What is the main difference between
genuine linoleum and vinyl floors?
Although some people still call all sheet floors "linoleum," genuine linoleum is quite different from vinyl floors. Vinyl floors are composed of synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride and urethane, while genuine linoleum is made from natural components.
How is genuine linoleum made?
The main ingredient of genuine linoleum is linseed oil. (In Latin, linum is the word for linseed, which comes from the flax plant, and oleum means oil.). The oil is boiled, mixed with melted resins, and combined with powdered cork, wood flour, resins, ground limestone and other natural materials. Mineral pigments provide the color. This mixture is formed into a durable sheet by applying heat and pressure.
How durable is genuine linoleum?
Genuine linoleum is extremely long-wearing because its color and construction go all the way through to the backing. By comparison, in most vinyl floors, the pattern is printed onto the surface, which is then protected by a vinyl or urethane wear layer.
Does genuine linoleum have to be waxed?
Because the surface of genuine linoleum is more porous than vinyl floors, it's important to protect it with a floor polish. This will prevent spills or dirt from penetrating and staining the surface. After several cleanings, it's a good idea to re-apply the floor polish; but to avoid polish buildup, don't over-apply to areas that are not walked on.
How should genuine linoleum be installed?
Professional installation is recommended.
What does the term "blooming" mean?
Bloom is the term given to the minor color adjustments linoleum flooring makes when exposed to light. It turns its true color. Because genuine linoleum is made from natural raw materials, oxidation of the linseed oil in your floor may result in a yellowish cast when not exposed to light (under the range, rug or refrigerator, etc.). This visual discoloration is only temporary. Once exposed to light, the yellowing disappears and your genuine linoleum floor will "bloom" again.
What kind of rugs or mats can I use on my genuine linoleum?
We do not recommend the use of rubber- or latex-backed mats because the chemical (antioxidant) used to keep the backing from becoming brittle can permanently stain your floor. We suggest a nonstaining, colorfast woven rug. Most of these products are identified "colorfast" by the manufacturer.
If I damage my genuine linoleum floor, can it be repaired? How?
One of the great characteristics of linoleum is that the wear layer goes all the way through to the backing of the floor. Minor burns or scratches can be buffed out of the floor by carefully rubbing with a soft nylon brush or a nylon cleaning pad. You can cut out a gouge or scratch and replace it with good material. A professional installer can ensure that the pattern is aligned correctly and that the seams are tight, so that the repair is difficult to see.
Where can genuine linoleum be installed?
Installation of linoleum is limited to wooden or concrete subfloors above grade. It should not be installed over concrete floors that are below grade, which will secrete moisture that can stain the linoleum from below. Linoleum should also not be installed in bathrooms.
A Highly Skilled Staff of Insured Professional Installers
With high expectations from discerning customers, Foster Flooring assures customer satisfaction by using the skills of highly trained, experienced in-house professional installers who pride themselves on fine, careful workmanship.
Fully insured, these accomplished craftsmen treat every job as an artistic challenge.
Supplies and Guidance for Do-It-Yourselfers
Since some customers prefer to do their own work, Foster's keeps a ready supply of installation supplies available for every type of installation. Knowledgeable personnel are always happy to advise do-it-yourselfers who have questions about the best route to success.
Store Hours
Mon., Tues. Wed.: 8:00 - 5:00; Thurs., Fri.: 8:00 - 8:00; Sat. 9:00 - 1:00; Closed Sun.
Closed on selected long holiday weekends. Please call for additional details.
Directions to Showroom
What We Offer | Tips on Sizing Up Your Room
Broadloom Carpeting | Ceramic Tile | Wood Flooring | Cork
Natural Stone | Vinyl & Linoleum | Porcelain Tile
Map and Directions | Contact
See Flash Movie
Return Home