How Much Does Marmoleum Cost?

If you’re renovating and looking for more eco-friendly flooring options, Marmoleum could be a great fit. This flooring option is not as pricey as some other sustainable materials, making it ideal for eco- and budget-conscious homeowners. Marmoleum projects typically range from $500 to $2,000.

What Is Marmoleum?

Marmoleum cost depends primarily on the size of the project. For a 160-square-foot kitchen, you’ll spend an average of $1,000, with costs typically ranging from $500 to $2,000. Marmoleum costs $3 to $7 per square foot, not including the cost of labor, adhesives, and other supplies.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Marmoleum?

Although Marmoleum is available in hundreds of color options and many textures, which you choose hardly impacts the final cost. That means you can get a luxe look with marbled Marmoleum for the bathroom, and it’ll be a similar price to solid Marmoleum or other patterns.

However, the cost can vary depending on the type of system you buy. There are three main Marmoleum systems: tiles, sheets, or Click Cinch Loc. Of course, the cost of flooring also varies based on the size of the project.

Marmoleum Tiles

Marmoleum tiles are customizable and available in a variety of sizes. The tile system is great for creating floor patterns, so if you want a retro checkerboard look in the kitchen or guest bathroom, this is the Marmoleum system for you. 

The average cost of Marmoleum tiles is $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot. Marmoleum tiles are available in 44 color options. This system requires professional installation with approved adhesives. 

Marmoleum Sheets

Marmoleum is also available in sheets or rolls with a huge range of color options and three designs: solid, linear, and marble. Sheets average $3.50 to $4 per square foot. Marmoleum sheets offer a clean, seamless look, but that also means they are more difficult to install. You should typically turn to professionals for this type of job.

Click Cinch Loc

No adhesives? No problem. Click Cinch Loc is another type of Marmoleum tile, but it doesn’t require adhesive. Instead, these tiles have a cork backing and click into place. 

This option is easier to install without a professional, so if you’re looking to save some money and re-tile your mudroom, this is your best bet. Prices for Click Cinch Loc Marmoleum range from $3 to $4.50 per square foot.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Marmoleum Yourself?

For Marmoleum tiles that require special adhesive or Marmoleum sheets, hire a local flooring contractor to install the tiles properly. If you want to DIY, opt for Click Cinch Loc tiles, which will cost you $3 to $4.50 per square foot. The time required to install your flooring depends on the size of the room and your skill level. The benefit to hiring a professional for the job is that you’ll waste less time laying the flooring, particularly in tricky rooms with obstacles. 

Whether you go the DIY route or hire a contractor, you’ll need to let the Marmoleum acclimate for 24 to 48 hours in the room before installation. Forbo recommends doing this to allow the flooring to adjust to the room’s moisture level and temperatures. Then, after installation, minimize foot traffic for an additional 48 hours.

Marmoleum Cost Breakdown

You can break down the cost of Marmoleum into a few main components: the Marmoleum itself, adhesive costs, and labor.

Marmoleum Cost

Marmoleum itself ranges from $3 to $7 per square foot, with click tiles starting as low as $3 per square foot. Glue-down tiles typically cost $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot, and sheets or rolls average to $3.50 to $4 per square foot. Depending on the condition of your subfloors, the project could require additional charges as well.

Adhesive

Marmoleum requires specific adhesives that are non-toxic and do not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause adverse health effects like headaches, nausea, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and nervous system damage.

The most common Farbo-approved, non-toxic adhesive for Marmoleum is Sustain 885m, which costs $50 to $70 per gallon. The cost of adhesive averages out to $0.50 per square foot. Adhesive is required for modular tiles and sheets, but this cost is unnecessary when budgeting for Click Cinch Loc Marmoleum tiles.

Labor

Hiring a pro is a small additional expense but worth it to get the job done quickly and correctly. Installing glue-down tiles and sheets can be tricky and time-consuming. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll run the risk of spending a lot of extra money replacing tiles and sheets that are cut or installed poorly. Labor to install Marmoleum is typically around $36 an hour or $0.25 to $1.00 per square foot.

Subflooring

If your subfloors are in good shape, they won’t need repair or replacing. But rotted or warping subfloors need to be replaced before you install Marmoleum. Your overall cost could increase by $35 to $60 per square foot to replace and level subfloors.

FAQs About Marmoleum

Why should I install Marmoleum?

There are many benefits to Marmoleum compared to other flooring types. It’s an eco-friendly option that can count toward LEED certification credits for green buildings. It is manufactured sustainably and is recyclable or biodegradable at the end of its lifespan. 

It’s also made with renewable materials and does not release VOCs, which can cause difficulty breathing, nose and throat irritation, and central nervous system damage when inhaled. As such, Marmoleum is certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly.

If you are hoping to install underfloor heating, Marmoleum is also heat-resistant. That means you can enjoy warm, cozy floors in the cold mornings and brisk winter months.

With proper care, Marmoleum is a long-lasting floor option with a lifespan of 30 to 50 years. Compared to vinyl, real linoleum and the branded Marmoleum last longer and are made with natural materials.

What are some of Marmoleum’s drawbacks?

Although it has many benefits, Marmoleum does have some vulnerabilities. It is susceptible to staining, water damage, and puncturing. Marmoleum is waterproof, though, when a professional installs it properly. Add felt pads to furniture legs to prevent damage, and clean up spills quickly to keep your floors looking their best. 

How do I maintain my Marmoleum floors?

Marmoleum flooring is easy to clean. Simply sweep, vacuum, and damp mop with neutral cleaner regularly. Avoid using highly abrasive materials or high pH cleaners to prevent cracking, warping, or discoloration. Marmoleum floors have a topcoat called TopShield, so you do not need to polish these floors.