Do People Still Use Linoleum Flooring? What Homeowners Should Know Today

"Linoleum" and "vinyl" get used like they mean the same thing. They don't, and that mix-up is a big reason people think linoleum disappeared.

Real linoleum never really left. It just became harder to find, and harder to recognize.

This guide explains what happened to linoleum flooring. You'll learn why it fell out of favor, whether it's making a comeback, and how it compares to vinyl flooring today.

We'll walk through the history, the current trends, and what each material offers your home. By the end, you'll know if linoleum flooring belongs on your shortlist.

Do People Still Use Linoleum Flooring?

Yes, people still use linoleum flooring today. It fell out of favor in the mid-1900s when cheaper, easier-to-install vinyl flooring became widely available. But real linoleum is made from linseed oil, cork, and wood flour, so it's naturally biodegradable and low in harsh chemicals. It can last 25 to 40 years with proper care.

Homeowners drawn to eco-friendly, non-toxic materials are choosing linoleum again, especially for kitchens and mudrooms. It's less common than vinyl or LVP, but it's still a durable, sustainable choice you can find through specialty flooring retailers.

What Is Linoleum Flooring, Really?

Linoleum and vinyl flooring often get mixed up. They look similar, but they are not the same material.

Real linoleum is made from linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour. These natural ingredients get pressed onto a jute backing. Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic PVC instead.

The two materials also have different histories. Linoleum was invented in the 1860s and became a staple in American homes for nearly a century. Vinyl came along later and eventually took its place as the more common choice.

Over time, people started using "linoleum" as a catch-all word for any sheet flooring. That habit stuck, even when the flooring in question was actually vinyl. This is why so much confusion exists today.

Here is a simple way to tell the two apart:

Linoleum flooring:

• Made from linseed oil, cork, wood flour, and jute backing
• A natural, biodegradable material
• Usually found through specialty flooring retailers

Vinyl flooring:

• Made from synthetic PVC
• Not biodegradable
• Widely available at most flooring and home improvement stores

Why Did People Stop Using Linoleum?

Vinyl flooring changed everything in the mid-1900s. It was cheaper to make and much easier to install than linoleum.

Vinyl also held up better against water and stains at the time. Homeowners wanted flooring that could handle spills without much fuss.

As vinyl took over, linoleum started to feel old-fashioned. Many people connected it with older homes and outdated kitchens.

Manufacturing played a role too. Vinyl could be produced faster and in larger volumes, which kept costs low and supply high. Linoleum, made from natural materials, took more time and skill to install correctly.

Within a few decades, vinyl became the flooring most homeowners reached for first. Linoleum stuck around, but it moved to the background.

Is Linoleum Making a Comeback?

Linoleum is seeing new interest, and it comes down to what it's made of. More homeowners want flooring that's natural, biodegradable, and low in harsh chemicals.

That shift toward eco-friendly materials has put linoleum back on people's radar. It offers a natural alternative to synthetic flooring options without giving up durability.

Linoleum has also changed in style. Older linoleum came in a narrow range of colors and patterns. Today's linoleum offers far more variety, which makes it easier to match modern design tastes.

Linoleum tends to work best in spaces that see moderate moisture and daily use. Kitchens, mudrooms, and home offices are common places for it.

Linoleum vs. Vinyl Flooring: Which Should You Choose?

Both linoleum and vinyl flooring have their strengths. The right pick depends on your space, your budget, and how long you want the floor to last.

Durability and lifespan:

• Linoleum typically lasts 25 to 40 years with proper care
• Vinyl typically lasts 10 to 20 years, depending on quality
• Linoleum's color runs through the material, so scratches show less over time

Moisture resistance:

• Vinyl is more water-resistant and handles spills well
• Linoleum resists moisture but needs sealing in wetter areas like kitchens
• Vinyl is the stronger choice for bathrooms and other high-moisture rooms

Cost:

• Vinyl generally costs less upfront per square foot
• Linoleum generally costs more upfront, but its longer lifespan can offset that cost over time
• Installation costs vary based on room size, subfloor condition, and material thickness
• For a closer look at local vinyl and laminate pricing, see our guide to budget-friendly flooring options.

Maintenance:

• Both floors need regular sweeping or vacuuming
• Linoleum benefits from occasional sealing to protect against stains
• Vinyl generally needs less upkeep day to day

If durability and natural materials matter most to you, linoleum is worth a closer look. If upfront cost and water resistance matter more, vinyl may be the better fit. Browse our vinyl flooring options to compare.

Pros and Cons of Modern Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum offers real benefits, but it also comes with a few tradeoffs. Here's what to weigh before you choose it.

Pros:

• Made from natural, biodegradable materials
• Can last 25 to 40 years with proper care
• Naturally antibacterial, which suits kitchens and busy areas
• Color runs through the material, so wear is less visible over time
• Available in a growing range of colors and patterns

Cons:

• Needs periodic sealing to protect against moisture and stains
• Offers a narrower color selection than vinyl
• Costs more upfront than many vinyl options
• Subfloor must be flat and level, since linoleum is thin and shows imperfections underneath

Installation also takes more care than vinyl. A flat, clean subfloor makes a real difference in how the finished floor looks and performs. Working with an experienced installer helps you avoid problems down the road. If you're weighing wood-look options alongside linoleum, our wood and laminate flooring supply page covers other natural and natural-look choices for Spokane homes.

Where to See Real Linoleum Flooring in Spokane

Many "linoleum" products sold online are actually vinyl. Manufacturers and retailers use the terms loosely, and it's easy to buy the wrong material without realizing it.

Seeing and touching real linoleum samples helps you avoid that mix-up. You can feel the difference in texture and weight, and compare colors in person before you commit.

We carry linoleum flooring at our Spokane showroom. Our team can show you genuine samples and answer questions about installation, care, and where linoleum works best in your home.

Try Our Flooring Visualizer Before You Buy

Our flooring visualizer takes out the guesswork. You can see your space changed right away.

Upload a photo of your room. Pick a product from our collection. Watch what happens instantly. The realistic picture shows you exactly how different floors will look in your actual space.

Step 1: Upload your photo. | Step 2: Pick a product. | Step 3: See the change right away!

Use the visualizer to pick your favorites online. Then ask for those specific samples to test in person. This gives you both online ease and hands-on proof.

Try the Pro Floors and Blinds Flooring Visualizer today!

Ready to explore your options? Contact Pro Floors and Blinds and schedule a free flooring consultation with our team!