Browse all articles for: Flooring

How Much Does Linoleum Flooring Cost?

Last Updated: January 14, 2022

On This Page

Linoleum fell out of favor among homeowners after World War II but has experienced a comeback in recent years thanks to a more appealing color selection and growing interest in environmentally-friendly building materials. Available in sheets and tiles, linoleum floors are durable, low-cost, customizable, and appropriate for a wide range of applications.

Linoleum Floor Considerations #

Linoleum is made from linseed oil, wood flour, cork dust, limestone, resins, and mineral pigments. These all-natural ingredients are pressed together and mounted on jute backing. Aside from this basic composition, however, linoleum floors offer quite a bit of variability. The most common linoleum options are described below.

  • Tiles vs. Sheets: Linoleum can be installed as sheets (6' x 7" width) or tiles (12" x 12" and 20" x 20" are common). Linoleum is easy to cut, so you can mix and match different linoleum colors and patterns for a customized look.
  • Color and Pattern: Linoleum is sold in a wide range of traditional, retro, and modern colors as well as a number of different patterns, including solid, marbled, and flecked.
  • Gloss: Choose from high, medium, and low-gloss linoleum.
  • Thickness: The wear layer of linoleum flooring includes the entire flooring surface except for the jute backing. In general, a thicker wear layer is associated with greater durability. Several thicknesses, including 2mm, 2.5mm, and 3mm+, are available.

Linoleum Benefits #

Linoleum is a favorite among homeowners for reasons that include the following:

  • Environmentally Friendly: Made without harmful chemicals, linoleum is non-toxic and biodegradable.
  • Versatile: Linoleum can be installed over a variety of subfloors, including below-grade concrete. The material's water-resistance means that it can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Perimeters, however, should be sealed with caulking to keep water from penetrating the linoleum substrate.
  • Durable: Linoleum resists dents, scratches, stains, and gouges and is appropriate for high-traffic areas as well as households with pets and/or children. When properly installed and maintained (regular sweeping, mopping, and an annual coat of acrylic sealer are recommended), a linoleum floor can last 40 to 50 years or more. Some manufacturers offer warranties of up to 25 years.
  • Cost: Linoleum is significantly cheaper than natural stone, hardwood, and ceramic tile.

Linoleum Flooring Costs #

  • Linoleum sheet flooring typically costs $2 to $3 per square foot; linoleum tile may cost up to $5 per square foot.
  • Plan on spending an additional $1 to $3 per square foot for linoleum flooring installation. Note that linoleum is not recommended as a DIY project. The material must be cut precisely and the spread adhesives required for installation are difficult to work with.

Use Our Free Service and Find Linoleum Flooring Installation Companies Near You #

Our Visitors Save an Average of 18% on Flooring Projects By Using Our Free Service

Enter Your Zip Code and Get Free Price Quotes From Local Flooring Pros. You Are Never Pressured to Hire Services or Purchase Anything!