Vinyl and lino flooring is often confused as the same thing. But you’d be surprised to know they both have very different properties. Lino flooring was the first to make an appearance on the flooring scene. It’s made out of 100% natural resources and is one of the most eco-friendly choices of flooring. However, vinyl is made completely from plastic-based materials that make the floor a lot more durable. Both have unique and amazing designs, but you’ll often find vinyl imitates the look and feel of real wood.

 

The Pros and Cons of Lino Flooring

Remember that awful, bright orange patterned sheet flooring your grandma had back in the 90s? That was lino. A canvas-backed floor made out of linseed and other natural materials that were popular from the 50s to the late 90s. Lino flooring (short for linoleum) has now had a complete revamp with better patterns, colours and textures.

Pros

  1. Easy to clean While Lino is less durable than vinyl, it doesn’t take long to give it a clean. All it needs is a sweep and mop from time to time.
  2. Soft and flexible Lino is made from natural materials including Which makes it bouncy and flexible. If properly maintained, it can last up to 40 years.
  3. Colours and patterns Lino generally has more colours and pattern options.
  4. Sustainable Lino is one of the most sustainable flooring options out there today. It’s bio-degradable, chemical-free and can be recycled.

Cons

  1. Sensitive to direct sunlight Lino flooring may fade when exposed to direct sunlight for a long time.
  2. Scratches and tears easily If heavy objects are constantly dragged across Lino flooring, they will tear and scratch.
  3. Durability While Lino is cheaper, it’s not as durable as vinyl flooring.
  4. Maintenance Lino needs resealing now and then, it may start to peel if it’s in areas with high moisture levels.
  5. Installation Lino often comes in a roll rather than planks. This can be a faffy job, especially if you have walls that are difficult to cut around

man laying down lino flooring

Credit: Adobe Stock

The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is the gift that keeps on giving. Its gorgeous design is being welcomed into more homes than ever before. It looks good in any room of your home while holding valuable properties such as durability and attractiveness. It’s one of the best floors to imitate the look of natural wood. 

Pros

  1. Durability. Vinyl is incredibly hardwearing and durable.
  2. Affordable. Vinyl is generally cheaper than lino because it’s widely available across a whole host of different stores.
  3. Underfloor heating. Vinyl is one of the best materials for underfloor heating.
  4. Water-resistant. One of the best things about vinyl, as opposed to lino, is that it's water-resistant because of the synthetic materials. The perfect floor for bathrooms and wet rooms due to its water-repelling properties.
  5. Easy to maintain. Vinyl flooring is very easy to maintain, all it needs is a quick sweep and mop to keep it squeaky clean.
  6. Installation. For vinyl floors, you can opt for vinyl click flooring which is perfect for beginners and more experienced DIY-ers!

kitchen with herringbone grey vinyl flooring

Credit: @bungalow_bricks

Cons

  1. Denting. While sheet vinyl is durable, it is susceptible to denting, especially if heavy objects are constantly dragged on your floor. Choose Vinyl SPC flooring for a much more durable limestone backing instead.
  2. Sustainability. Vinyl isn’t bio-degradable or eco-friendly. It’s a lot harder to recycle and can emit volatile organic compounds.

Your questions answered

What's Linoleum made of?

Linoleum is made from all-natural, recycled materials such as wood, stone and cork. It’s one of the most sustainable flooring options out there, as it's not chemically processed.

Which is better Lino or Vinyl?

Overall, Vinyl is a better option, it’s more water-resistant than Lino, making it a better option for bathrooms, utility rooms and kitchens.

Will bleach damage Lino?

Like all other household products, bleach can often discolour floors if used abrasively. It will affect the wear layer that will affect the colour and design. 

Which is cheaper Lino or Vinyl?

Vinyl is more affordable than lino flooring. If you’re getting a professional fitter to do the job, expect to pay a little more.

Is Vinyl the new Lino?

Both lino and vinyl flooring are great options if you’re looking for an affordable and attractive floor. They are both easy-to-clean, water-resistant and have a wide range of designs, patterns and colours.

But the obvious winner here is vinyl. Avoid the traditional look of lino and instead, choose a floor that comes in a wide range of textures and colours. Choose between WSPC, SPC and Luxury Vinyl Tiles to keep your home looking fresh and on-trend.

Browse our stunning range of SPC, WPC and Luxury Vinyl Tiles today. Need a little more inspiration? Take a look at which flooring goes with which décor if you are about to renovate your home.