Marmoleum flooring – a budget friendly flooring solution

Marmoleum flooring is made of natural materials, it is a sustainable product which offers many advantages. Before looking at the pros and cons of marmoleum we have to answer to one of the most frequent questions – what is the difference between linoleum and marmoleum. Linoleum is made of natural materials like linseed oil, wood flour, pine rosin, etc. Marmoleum is a brand name for linoleum produced by Forbo Flooring Systems. The company was established in 1928 as a merger of several European linoleum manufacturers and is the largest and oldest manufacturer of linoleum in the world. In the 1970s the company was renamed and since then it is known as Forbo Flooring Systems.

Many people confuse linoleum, marmoleum and vinyl flooring but they differ significantly. Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and various compounds are added to add color, flexibility, hardness and improve the characteristics of the material.

What are the advantages of Marmoleum flooring?

When choosing a flooring for the home, people take into account many factors – budget, visual appearance, durability, maintenance, environmental friendliness, installation, etc. Marmoleum has proved as a functional and versatile flooring option and is one of the top choices of customers. Let’s look at the benefits of marmoleum and see why it is so appealing to homeowners.

Marmoleum flooring is made of natural materials. It has no foul odors, does not exude toxic chemical residues and in addition has antibacterial properties which prevent spreading of dangerous microbes which is of importance to people with allergies.

Marmoleum is resistant to heat which makes it a good flooring option as it does not burn easily. Further, it has very good anti-static properties, which means that dirt will not stick to the floor and is easy to clean. The maintenance of clean marmoleum flooring requires a dust mop and damp mopping. Any spills can be wiped out and you will not worry that a stain will sink in.

Marmoleum comes in a variety of colors. You can combine different colors if you want more intricate patterns for your flooring or use a uniform color, whoever suits your taste. Marmoleum comes in different varieties – sheet, tile or click and you can design your own floor pattern as it can be cut easily to form borders.

It is comfortable to walk and does not feel cold to bare feet. It is 100% biodegradable which makes it environmentally friendly flooring option. With a lifespan of about fifty years, marmoleum is one of the most durable flooring options, suitable for areas with high-traffic in commercial s and residential places, at a budget friendly cost.

What are the cons of Marmoleum flooring?

Like any material, marmoleum has a few drawbacks, which you need to know. Prior installation the sub-flooring should be perfectly smooth without any dents so that you have the perfect floor. Installation and finishes should be done by people who have experience in installing marmoleum.

Marmoleum flooring can be stained by aggressive liquids or pets. Marmoleum is water resistant but it is not waterproof and spills must be wiped up immediately to avoid damage. Cleaning a marmoleum flooring is easy, but you should not use a steam cleaner or hot water as it will damage the finishing of the floor.

Marmoleum can be easily scratched or dented. Moving furniture across the floor or high heels can leave deep scratches. However, despite the drawbacks, marmoleum is an excellent choice and you will have a long lasting and durable flooring, provided it is installed, finished and maintained correctly.