answersLogoWhite

0

Well since all the natural linoleum trees died off due to over fishing & harvesting and global warming all the man made Linoleum comes from the US & France, Just kidding there are NO Linoleum trees, never were!

Linoleum is a word much like, Kleenex & Frigidaire, we often use it for all shiny Kitchen flooring. Linoleum is actually a specific type of flooring that dates back over 100 years. "Oiled sail cloth" which was just "painted sail cloth" was a common flooring as far back as the 1700 and that was followed by other innovations to cover up the wooden floors of the day.

Linoleum is made mostly of a fine Cork dust (sawdust), linseed oil, Pine resin and a few other secret ingredients depending on the maker. The mixture is applied as a "dough like consistency" to a fabric backing and rolled out flat under a series of rollers till it is smooth and uniform & then hung in drying ovens to cause the components to react with each other to form a very resilient, yet tough material.

Most Linoleum is made 6' wide because it is so heavy and brittle that it would break and be nearly impossible for installers to handle in broader widths.

Traditionally much of the styling was solid colors or marbled coloration. Patterns were an innovation and may have been the contribution of Th Armstrong company of Lancaster Pa.

Originally called the Armstrong cork company, The story is told by the Armstrong company that it was selling cork scrap and the dust from the cork production to a company in France, by the boatload. When they finally went to see what that company was doing with it, they found the originator of Linoleum in France, making a good living converting the Armstrong scrap Cork to a great product.

While Linoleum is not an American invention the only current US producer of true Linoleum is also the oldest, Armstrong in Lancaster Pa. In France the companies are called Toli & Marmoleum.

Tough and resilient and literally a great environmental story, Linoleum does have 3 slight downsides, not counting cost.

#1: 6' width causes more seams and more seams always means a higher failure rate at something during the life cycle. Linoleum seldom fails, but when it does it will almost alway be at the seam.

#2 Higher Maintenance. Linoleum is Tough and CAN be a nearly lifetime floor IF maintained well. We live In a world where we are used to one step cleaning and maintenance personnel that often don't speak or read the language. Linoleum is NOT low maintenance and not the no wax flooring most were raised around. It must be wet mopped, waxed & basically "fed oils" throughout its life in order to keep it healthy and looking good. The cost of maintenance is seldom fully appreciated when it is chosen.

#3: Linoleum has a VERY distinct aroma. If you like it , great! If you don't you are stuck with it for a generation! It will make whatever room it is installed in smell like Linoleum for MANY YEARS.

Since the 60's Linoleum has all but been replaced by 12' wide no wax, low maintenance Vinyl flooring. In the 1980's Pergo introduced the world to Laminated floors and has seriously eroded the vinyl and Linoleum market share. Hardwood and Ceramic/porcelain tile has the rest of the "Wet Rooms" (Kitchens, baths, laundry) home flooring business.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Who invented linoleum?

The person who invented linoleum in 1855 was a man named Frederick Walton. He is also the person who invented Lincrusta in 1877.


Is linoleum a mineral?

Uh No. linoleum is made from linseed oil, hence the name


What is linoleum?

Linoleum is a material made up of a canvas backing, thickly coated with linseed oil and powdered cork.


What is the best linoleum for printmaking?

The best linoleum for printmaking is typically traditional linoleum made from natural materials like linseed oil and cork. This type of linoleum provides a smooth surface for carving and holds ink well for high-quality prints.


which is better tile, vinyl or linoleum?

The main difference between vinyl and linoleum is that linoleum is made from natural products while vinyl is purely synthetic. The color of Linoleum is throughout the material, while the color is just printed on the surface of vinyl so can wear out in areas of heavy traffic.


What is a sentence for linoleum?

linoleum


Linoleum Flooring?

form_title= Linoleum Flooring form_header= Beautiful and affordable. Install linoleum in your home. Where are you installing the linoleum?*= _ [50] What is the square footage of the room?*= _ [50] What color linoleum do you want?*= _ [50]


When was linoleum invented?

Linoleum was invented 1860.


Is linoleum waterproof?

Yes, linoleum is waterproof.


How do you use the word linoleum in a sentence?

In the past, all kitchen floors were covered with linoleum. The linoleum was worn.


How did Linoleum affect society?

how did Linoleum affect society


Can you install linoleum over existing linoleum flooring?

Yes, it is possible to install linoleum over existing linoleum flooring as long as the existing flooring is in good condition and properly prepared.