A Guide to Resilient Flooring Types – Linoleum

Linoleum is a natural flooring material made from oxidised linseed oil, pine resin, wood flour, fillers and pigments. Linoleum has been in use as a contract floor covering for over 100 years; it was first manufactured at Staines, Middlesex in 1864. It has a reputation for durability, toughness, easy maintenance and a wide colour choice. Linoleum is permanently anti-static, has bacteriostatic properties and is resistant to cigarette burns.

Linoleum has been extensively used in hospitals, schools, office buildings, travel termini, laboratories and residential applications where provision of a decorative and highly functional floor covering at a reasonable cost is demanded. In use, it has excellent dimensional stability, resistance to wear and aging and good resistance to the effects of dilute acids, and most common chemicals.

Linoleum Sheet and Tile to BS EN ISO 24011

Linoleum sheet is manufactured in rolls 2m wide and thicknesses between 2mm and 4mm. The most frequently used decoration is a soil-hiding marble effect but plain, linear and chip decorations are also available. The most commonly used thickness for commercial use is 2.5mm.

The backing for 2m wide sheet linoleum remains woven jute and a recommended adhesive must be used. Suitable adhesives with little or no solvent are now widely available.

Linoleum tiles are manufactured in a gauge of 2.5mm and, like carpet tiles, are available in 500 × 500mm. Other sizes in both square and rectangular tiles are available, offering greater design flexibility. Although the linoleum wear surface is similar to that for sheet, the backing is woven polyester for extra dimensional stability. Some manufacturers offer 610 × 610mm tiles for raised access floors.

Adhesives approved for sheet linoleum may sometimes be used for tile linoleum but other adhesives may also be recommended. Check with the manufacturer for adhesive compatibility.

Acoustic Linoleum to BS EN686 (Foam Backed) & BS EN687 (Corkment Backed)

Linoleum is available with foam or corkment backing offering higher levels of impact sound insulation to meet the requirements of building regulations when applied to a concrete slab.

Loose Lay Linoleum Tiles and Panels to BS EN14085

Linoleum is available in loose lay tile and plank format. Consult the manufacturer for advice on availability, suitability and installation guidance.

Static Control Linoleum

Static dissipative linoleum ranges are available for use in static sensitive areas where protection from ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) is required. These floor coverings should not be confused with standard linoleums offering anti static properties only and which are used to provide personal comfort to the individual by offering protection against shocks from static electricity.

The installation of static dissipative linoleums will require conductive adhesive and a suitable metal tape/earth grid (see section 18 of the CFA’s Guide to Contract Flooring). Consult the manufacturer for full installation guidance.

Other Ranges

Other linoleum product ranges are available for a variety of specialist uses such as sports surfaces, desks and counter tops and notice boards. Consult with the manufacturer for product specifications and application details.

Seam Welding

A correctly cut seam will not shrink or open up during the life of the linoleum. Net fit (closed) butt seams are often considered to be aesthetically better than a welded seam. This is particularly so in the case of plain and cork linoleums. So, if the application and specification allows, welding of linoleum is not obligatory. Where seam welding is required, colour coordinated hot seam welding cable that can be applied using standard floor covering welding equipment is also available.

Accessories

Preformed linoleum coved skirting is available. Linoleum manufacturers offer acoustic underlays to provide additional impact sound resistance when used in conjunction with standard linoleum sheet or tile. Consult manufacturers for advice.

For more information on resilient flooring read the CFA Guide to Contract Flooring.