With the popularity of tile and wood flooring the old linoleum and vinyl floors have taken a back seat in many areas of the home. A trip to the flooring shop will show just how many different varieties of linoleum and vinyl there are.
Linoleum and vinyl flooring are often spoken as being the same material when, in actuality linoleum is mostly a natural product made from linseed oil whereas vinyl is synthetic. Naturally speaking, linoleum is the way to go but vinyls are cheaper and can last as long. In addition, old vinyl floor can be recycled into other products.
The problem with sheet flooring like vinyl and linoleum is, in most cases, it has to be installed by a professional. Very few amateurs have the skills to do proper seams on a large floor. Vinyl tiles, on the other hand, can be installed by anyone who can draw a straight line. There are two basic types, one with the pattern right through to the backing and the other where the pattern is printed on the surface and coated. They usually come in 12″ squares and thicknesses from to 1.0mm to 1.5mm.
The best type of vinyl tile is the self-adhesive tile because there is no mastic required. They can be glued down on almost any clean surface, even other flooring. But the flooring has to be smooth and free of bumps and nail holes. In addition, any patterns on the vinyl flooring below may show through after time do this has to be taken out or smoothed with a floor leveler. A seam in the floor will also cause the tile to crack after a while.
The best recourse is to lay down a marante board or 1/4″ plywood sheet. Gluing will assure the smooth finish but the seams between the sheets have to be filled. Any screws or nail holes should be filled as well.
