How Much Does it Cost to Install Vinyl or Linoleum Flooring?

The primary difference between vinyl and linoleum is the base material. Vinyl is a wholly man-made product that is manufactured with petroleum. Petroleum is not only not a renewable resource, but the energy required to extract it is significant. On the other hand, linoleum is made from a variety of natural and renewable materials. The primary ingredient in linoleum is linseed oil, which is an extraction from flaxseed. The rest of the materials can be comprised of a variety of natural resources such as cork, tree resin and wood flour. Despite these differences, part of the reason the two get confused at home improvement stores is because the costs of the raw materials for both are roughly the same.

Installation

Of the two types of flooring, vinyl is probably the easiest to install for a homeowner without professional help. For small areas, the vinyl tiles can easily be laid next to each other and do not require much after care. However, larger areas can get more difficult for the DIY homeowner as it requires larger sheets that need to be measured and cut precisely. Linoleum has a similar application with tiles being easier and sheets taking more precise attention. However, linoleum is extremely susceptible to moisture damage during initial installation. This means it needs to be treated adequately with a surface sealer after installation and before anything heavy is placed on top of it. This is an important element that often requires the expertise of a professional.

Eco-Friendly

Because vinyl is made with petroleum, which is considered a non-renewable resource, this material is not as eco-friendly as linoleum. There have also been concerns about chemicals released from flooring after installation as well as concerns about the plants that manufacture vinyl. On the other hand, linoleum is biodegradable, made from both natural and renewable resources, and does not have any significant manufacturing concerns. Homeowners should decide if ecological concerns factor into the purchasing decisions of these flooring types.

Water Concerns

Vinyl is completely waterproof and is ideal for installation in areas that have a potential for wetness. This includes kitchens, bathrooms and cellars. It also means that flooring installed on a second level will not get saturated and leak onto the floors below. On the other hand, linoleum is considered water resistant but not waterproof. Flooding can easily ruin a linoleum floor. It is also susceptible to moisture damage and thus needs to be periodically sealed. Humidity is another possible cause of damage and excessive amounts can cause the flooring to curl in places. The potential maintenance and repair costs of these two types of flooring should also be considered.

Aesthetic Concerns

Both vinyl and linoleum come in a wide variety of prints and colors. However, the designs on vinyl are only on the surface layer of the material. Over time, the colors and designs wear down and fade. Linoleum is colorfast, which means that the colors and designs go through multiple layers. This allows the material to wear easily without losing its vibrancy. In terms of cleaning, both flooring types are easy to clean through sweeping, vacuuming or some wet cleaning. The only difference is that vinyl can be mopped and scrubbed at will, but linoleum should never be immersed in water and scrubbing is discouraged as well.

Additional Costs

Vinyl requires a smooth surface for adhesive purposes. Many vinyl floor applications are self-adhesive, but if the installation is to be over an existing floor or another surface that is not smooth, an underlayment will be required. This is usually about one layer of 1/4-inch plywood. The vinyl is installed over that. Underlay or extra adhesive can add costs to vinyl installations.

The extra costs in linoleum usually come from sealant. Linoleum needs to be sealed after installation and will need to be sealed regularly in the years after to protect it from moisture.