If you’ve got an older home, odds are good that linoleum flooring is part of your story—probably in the kitchen, maybe in the bath or laundry room. For decades, linoleum was the resilient flooring of choice. Durable, affordable, and surprisingly green long before sustainability was a buzzword, linoleum quietly held its place underfoot in millions of homes.
But is it worth saving? Or should you rip it up and move on?
Let’s break it down—what linoleum is, how it compares to vinyl, and whether this old-school floor still deserves a place in your home.
What Exactly Is Linoleum?
Linoleum isn’t just a vintage look—it’s a natural product invented in 1860 by Frederick Walton, an Englishman who noticed a rubbery film forming on top of oil-based paint. That film was oxidized linseed oil, and it became the heart of a new invention. Walton mixed it with ground cork dust, wood flour, pine resin, and added it to a jute or canvas backing. The result: linoleum. A flexible, durable flooring made almost entirely from renewable materials.
Fast forward a century and a half: linoleum hasn’t changed much—and that’s a good thing.
Unlike vinyl, linoleum is not a plastic product. It’s made from natural materials, and that’s earned it a fresh wave of attention. In fact, global linoleum sales have grown steadily in recent years as homeowners and designers lean into healthy, low-VOC, and sustainable materials.
Linoleum vs. Vinyl: Not the Same Thing
Here’s where confusion creeps in. People often lump linoleum and vinyl together because they look similar and perform in similar ways. But vinyl—introduced at the 1933 World’s Fair—is a synthetic made from petrochemicals. It gained traction in post-war America thanks to its rock-bottom price and ease of installation.
But it’s not linoleum.
The key differences:
| Feature | Linoleum | Vinyl |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Linseed oil, cork, wood, jute | Petrochemicals (PVC, phthalates) |
| VOC Emissions | Low/None | Moderate (especially in cheaper types) |
| Durability | 20–40+ years | 10–20 years |
| Historical Use | 1860s–today | 1950s–today |
| Environmental Impact | Biodegradable, renewable | Not biodegradable, fossil-based |
Studies like the 2023 EU Indoor Air Quality Report found that linoleum emits 90% fewer VOCs than standard vinyl flooring, making it a better choice for homes with kids, pets, or anyone who wants to live a long healthy life.
Why Linoleum Is Making a Comeback in 2025
There’s a reason linoleum is finding its way back into homes, schools, and even hospitals. Here’s what it brings to the table:
✅ Pros of Linoleum
- Made from renewable, biodegradable materials
- Naturally antimicrobial and antistatic
- Durable, with color running through the material—not just printed on top
- Low VOCs, ideal for improving indoor air quality
- LEED credit eligible for green building projects
- Fire retardant and water resistant
❌ Cons of Linoleum
- Higher upfront cost than vinyl ($3–$5/SF tile or click-lock)
- Requires professional installation for sheet form
- Can yellow slightly with age (known as “ambering”)
- Limited pattern options compared to vinyl
How Long Does Linoleum Last?
Properly installed and maintained, linoleum can last 30 to 50 years. That’s not a guess—it’s field-tested.
For example, the Marmoleum line from Forbo comes with a 25-year warranty on click-lock tiles and up to 15 years on sheet products, though installations in low-traffic areas often last far longer.
What shortens the lifespan? Mostly subfloor movement and water intrusion—particularly at seams. Otherwise, linoleum’s natural flexibility and dense body composition help it absorb wear gracefully.
Maintenance is simple: sweep regularly, mop occasionally with mild soap and water, and you’re set.
Where to Buy It Today
Marmoleum remains the biggest name, but brands like Nova, Armstrong LinoArt, and Tarkett have expanded their linoleum offerings in 2024 and 2025, thanks to growing demand in both residential and commercial markets.
Retailers like Green Building Supply and FlooringInc now report a 28% year-over-year increase in linoleum sales as more homeowners move away from synthetic floors.
Is It Historically Appropriate?
For homes built before 1950, linoleum is often the only period-appropriate resilient flooring. Vinyl didn’t become common in homes until the post-war boom. So if you’re restoring a Craftsman, Colonial Revival, or even a Mid-Mod ranch, original linoleum is the right fit.
Restoring it—rather than replacing it—preserves character, reduces landfill waste, and honors your home’s materials story.
And yes, it’s possible to clean, repair, and even patch match linoleum using specialty suppliers and restoration pros.
So, Is Linoleum Worth Saving?
If your linoleum floors are in good condition, yes—absolutely. They’re authentic, durable, eco-friendly, and safer for indoor air than modern synthetic alternatives.
Even if your old floors need work, restoration is often cheaper than a full tear-out—especially when weighed against the longevity and green benefits of keeping them.
And if you’re planning a remodel? Linoleum is one of the few flooring options that checks every box—historic, healthy, and built to last. When I converted my garage to a guest house we installed linoleum tiles on the floor in a checkered patterns and it has held up great.
The Conclusion
Linoleum is a flooring product that I believe is poised for a big comeback due to its health benefits, relatively low price, and long life. Not to mention, linoleum is one of the most pleasant flooring options to walk upon given its soft and resilient texture.
Add in the naturally microbial performance of linoleum and in the post-pandemic age of flooring and the renewable products used to manufacture it, and you’ve got the perfect flooring for residences, schools, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
So to come all the way back around to our initial question: Is linoleum flooring worth saving? In this contractor’s opinion, linoleum flooring in good shape is definitely worth saving. More than that, if you are looking for a new flooring option, linoleum is an excellent choice whether you have a new or old house
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I love old houses, working with my hands, and teaching others the excitment of doing it yourself! Everything is teachable if you only give it the chance.
I have a c. 1928 Tudor, and it has a cute kitchen that was probably done in the 50s or 80s (we basically just refreshed the paint and are leaning towards the 50s in decor) but it has this terrible sheet (vinyl?) flooring that was not cut right and peels up at the edges, but they kept the original linoleum flooring underneath. Looks terrible and doesn’t match anything- I just looked at the Marmoleum page on Green Building Supply and the same pattern is in the video (looks like red stone)! I don’t think the original red stone pattern is salvageable because of the glue from the other layer and with our otherwise green/white/yellow kitchen, it wouldn’t look right. We were considering click-lock vinyl to replace the top layer, and I didn’t know Linoleum comes in that, so thanks for sharing this post so we can get something more appropriate!
Hi. Thanks for sharing this info. I’m a bit confused about how to tell if our old linoleum is a type that should be stripped/waxed? And if it is, how should a person do that? (Can’t afford a professional cleaner to do it. Would have to be DIY.)
I’m reasonably sure that all 9×9 floor tile contains asbestos. Am I right?
We have a 1914 Bungalow that we renovated about 15 years ago and we used the Marmoleum in the kitchen. It’s great. A beautiful floor. I was unaware that it is so “green” and that you can get LEED points for using it.