The main difference between vinyl and linoleum flooring is that vinyl is a synthetic product made from plastic, whereas lino is a natural flooring material.
Vinyl is versatile, budget-friendly and waterproof, while lino is eco-friendly, long-lasting and made from sustainable materials.
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What Is Lino (Linoleum) Flooring?
Linoleum flooring, often called lino, has been used in homes for decades. It’s made from linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour and resins that are pressed onto a jute or canvas backing.
Because of its natural composition, lino is fully biodegradable, recyclable and free from harmful chemicals. This makes it one of the most eco-friendly flooring choices available. While its popularity peaked in the mid-20th century, it remains a niche option today for those seeking sustainability.
Vinyl vs Lino: Key Differences
| Feature |
Vinyl Flooring |
Lino Flooring |
| Composition |
PVC and synthetic layers |
Natural oils, wood flour, cork, resins |
| Appearance |
Wide range of wood and stone designs with realistic textures |
Rich colours, matte finish, patterned sheets |
| Cost |
£10-£30 per m², click LVT is higher |
£25-£50 per m², requires professional fitting |
| Durability |
Up to 25 years with proper care |
Up to 40 years with proper maintenance and sealing |
| Water Resistance |
Fully waterproof |
Water-resistant |
| Installation |
Click options are DIY-friendly, glued-down is best left to professionals |
Best done by professional fitters |
| Maintenance |
Simple to clean with a quick sweep or vacuum and the occasional mop |
Requires occasional resealing, use mild cleaners only |
| Eco-Friendly Credentials |
Harder to recycle |
Biodegradable, recyclable, low VOCs |
| Comfort & Heat |
Softer underfoot and underfloor heating compatible. |
Firm underfoot, naturally heat resistant, may yellow in strong sunlight |
| Commercial Use |
Popular for homes and commercial spaces due to durability and waterproof properties |
Favoured in schools and hospitals for hygiene and resilience, but it’s less commonly used nowadays. |
Credit: Adobe Stock
How Much Does Vinyl Flooring Cost Compared to Lino?
Typically, vinyl flooring costs between £10-£30 per m², with click luxury vinyl tiles sitting at the higher end. Our range of LVTs tend to start around £23.99m², rising to £49.99m². Keep an eye out for our sales to catch them at a lower price! You can also save on installation costs with click-fit vinyl as it’s DIY-friendly.
Lino flooring tends to cost more, ranging from £25-£50 per m² and it requires professional installation, which adds to the overall costs. However, lino does have a longer lifespan with the right care, helping to balance the upfront costs.
Credit: @bungalow_bricks
What is the Lifespan of Vinyl and Lino Flooring?
Vinyl flooring typically lasts up to 25 years with the right care and maintenance, but this can depend on the thickness of the wear layer.
Lino flooring can last up to 40 years with proper sealing and care. Plus, it’s naturally resistant to heat and indentation.
Is Vinyl or Lino Better for Kitchens and Bathrooms?
Vinyl is better for kitchens and bathrooms thanks to it being 100% waterproof. Lino, on the other hand, isn’t recommended as it’s only water-resistant and requires sealing in moisture-prone areas.
How Do They Look?
Vinyl flooring is available in endless designs, from rustic oak planks to sleek stone effect tiles. It’s capable of realistically mimicking natural materials, while staying low-maintenance and budget-friendly.
Lino flooring is available in bold colours and retro-inspired patterns. Its colour runs through the material, so it won’t fade or wear away. However, it has fewer options than vinyl does.
Which Is Easier to Install?
Vinyl flooring is known to be the easier option to install because of its popular click-fit system, which is designed to be a DIY-friendly way to lay luxury vinyl tiles. However, the glued-down method is a bit more complicated as it requires more precision and preparation, so it’s best to leave glued-down vinyl to the professionals.
Lino flooring usually comes in large sheet rolls that need to be cut precisely, which can be challenging for DIYers, so it’s best left to professional fitters.
Which Is Easier to Keep Clean?
Vinyl flooring is very easy to maintain, all it needs is a quick sweep and mop to keep it squeaky clean. Whereas lino needs resealing every now and then as it can peel in areas with high moisture levels. You should also use mild cleaners to prevent any damage.
Can You Put Vinyl Over Lino?
You can install vinyl over existing lino as long as the surface is flat, clean and dry. Any unevenness needs to be levelled with a suitable underlay to prevent dents from coming through.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Vinyl and Lino Flooring?
Vinyl usually has a printed pattern on the surface with a smooth, sometimes glossy, finish.
Lino is thicker with colour running all the way through, meaning the design is visible through the material when it’s cut.
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