Linoleum flooring, manufactured using cork, calcium, linseeds, and carbonate, is a good flooring option, available in different patterns and sizes. This flooring is suitable for high traffic areas and is durable. During its installation, you will consider certain factors, including its width, to know how much of the material you will require for your space.
So, how wide is linoleum flooring? On average, linoleum flooring width is between six and seven feet. The length of the sheet will vary depending on the distributor and country. Most manufacturers sell linoleum sheets around 50 feet in length, with others being almost 120 feet long. Fortunately, you can cut linoleum to fit the length of your space.
With many types of flooring solutions available, there is a need to understand each flooring solution better before deciding which is best suitable for your floor.
Linoleum continues to be a popular flooring option for businesses and homes. It is versatile, durable, and easy to install, and DIY users prefer it for their home renovations. Since understanding your flooring measurements is necessary to guide your purchase and installation, you may wonder, how wide is linoleum flooring?
Linoleum flooring rolls have an average width of 6 to 7 feet. Like vinyl, linoleum planks are 48 inches long and about 4-6 inches wide. Depending on the type of linoleum and manufacturer, the length may vary. Most manufacturers sell them at 50 feet, but some are available at 120 feet.
Since different people have different tastes, linoleum is available in three styles to match the market needs. These include linoleum sheets, tiles, and click and float. The sheets are available in rolls with lengths up to 6ft and a width of 7 inches.
These sheets are heavy and rigid, contributing to the handling difficulty. As such, you will require professional help for this type of installation. Before installing linoleum sheets, you should prepare your floor accordingly by smoothening the floor. Failure to smooth out your floor will cause these irregularities to show through your floor after installation, affecting durability.
Unlike sheets, linoleum tiles are compact. They are also easy to install, hence a good choice if you want a DIY installation. You can also install this flooring on your subfloor as long as it is smooth. However, they are available in limited colors and designs, limiting your choice.
Linoleum click and float style feature a click and lock mechanism of installation. With this method, you will easily join the planks, available in 12×12 inches by 12×36, without professional help.
Like in other flooring options, the area you intend to install will dictate how much of the flooring materials you will buy. To determine this, calculate the surface area of your room and divide it by your linoleum surface area.
You should add at least 10% to your room area to cater to any waste that may arise. Buying more rather than the exact pieces of linoleum flooring is advisable, as the extra pieces come in handy in case of adjustments. Given their durable nature, it may take years before your floor wears out, and if it does in patches, the pieces in your store will serve you as the exact pattern may be out of stock.
On average, it will cost you 3-5 dollars per square foot to install linoleum flooring. The extra costs you will incur include labor, floor removal, supplies, tools, and disposal. Whether you take the DIY route or seek professional help, ensure you prepare the underlying floor by leveling it.
If you have the old flooring, remove it together with the staples, nails, and any other debris. Next, install your subfloor properly. This installation will include a 3/8 inch gap between your subfloor and baseboard tops. This gap allows your linoleum floor to expand and contract, enhancing durability.
Is Vinyl Sheet Flooring the Same as Linoleum or Is it Different?
Vinyl sheets and linoleum feature similarities in cost, aesthetic value, and application. However, there are some key differences between these flooring options that you should not ignore when deciding which flooring product is ideal for your next interior design project.
Linoleum and vinyl are different in their material, with linoleum featuring natural products requiring more maintenance. As such, linoleum is more environmentally friendly. On the other hand, Vinyl is PVC-based, hence not environmentally friendly.
In terms of color and patterns, linoleum features limited selection penetrating through the material, unlike the vinyl pattern, which is embossed on the surface. As such, the pattern will wear out in vinyl with the top coating, unlike in linoleum.
As stated earlier, linoleum features renewable materials in its composition. These include pine rosin, ground cork dust, wood flour, and mineral fillers. To add to its color schemes, manufacturers add dyes.
Linoleum is available in tiles and sheets. On the other hand, vinyl is made from vinyl sheets, which are synthetic materials obtained from petroleum, dyes, chemicals, and fiberglass. Vinyl is available in planks and squares, while the sheet vinyl comes in rolls.
In addition to their make, vinyl and linoleum also feature differences in benefits. Initially, linoleum was useful in commercial spaces. However, there is a resurge in its use in these spaces to preserve nature, with most users switching to vinyl.
Even then, linoleum stands out as non-allergic, not to mention the antibacterial qualities that make it popular in hospitals. Linoleum is also scratch and wear-resistant. This feature makes it more durable than vinyl by up to three times. Linoleum is more challenging to install than vinyl and not ideal for a DIY beginner.
Linoleum is also not waterproof and poor installation will result in moisture penetration, damaging it and the subfloor. For this reason, it is advisable to consider professional installation. It is also sensitive to cleaning agents and using the wrong type will damage your flooring.
Therefore, you should consult your manufacturer for recommendations and always test a small portion of your flooring before cleaning to ensure no adverse reactions. Its biodegradable nature makes it easy to recycle.
Vinyl flooring features an easy to install, affordable, and waterproof flooring solution. Also, it is available in various styles and finishes, giving users a wide variety to choose from. Vinyl is durable, but this durability depends on its top protective coating. When this coating wears out, your only option will be to replace the worn flooring.
It is also less sensitive to cleaning products, given its synthetic material. While its synthetic nature enhances durability, it intakes high energy to produce toxic byproducts and organic chemicals after installation, hence unsuitable for allergic individuals. Vinyl is also non-recyclable, thus environmentally unfriendly.
Linoleum and vinyl also feature differences in their designs. Unlike vinyl, linoleum features limited design options. Essentially, linoleum relies on dyeing products to achieve its color selections.
As such, it is susceptible to color changes, also called the “yellowing” of the product. Vinyl features unlimited and customizable designs, enabling you to achieve the versatility you need in your project.
Linoleum and vinyl are installable in either DIY or professional means. The former flooring option is mostly available in sheet options, and their installation is more complex than vinyl. You will apply a flooring adhesive below your linoleum flooring and complete the installation with a finishing coat on top. You will also seal your flooring to protect it against moisture.
During linoleum installation, the floor should be dry with the surface intact and level. Installing linoleum on an uneven substrate will affect its durability, causing the flooring to crack, bend or warp in the long term. When installing vinyl, the process will vary depending on whether you are installing tiles, sheets, or planks. Vinyl is also flexible and will not buckle or warp with proper installation.
While linoleum and vinyl feature easy maintenance, the styles vary, given their differences. Linoleum is susceptible to moisture damage, requiring extra maintenance after installation. On the other hand, vinyl is non-porous and resistant to spills and high moisture. Linoleum also features limitations in the cleaning products that you can use for maintenance, given its natural materials. This is unlike vinyl, which does not require extra maintenance.
The cleaning solutions you use on your linoleum flooring should be mild to avoid corrosion. You can use mild soap with warm water to clean and apply wax or an acrylic coat to protect your floor from the cleaning products. You should also refinish your floor at least once a year to maintain your flooring’s durability.
If your floor gets damaged, consider repairing the patches using the remaining pattern. Despite its durability, vinyl will eventually wear out, requiring replacement. If you installed the vinyl tile, this replacement would be easier if the tile is still in production or you have a spare in store.
In terms of the cost, vinyl costs around 2-5 dollars per square foot, excluding the installation costs. Linoleum will also fall within this range if you factor in the extra maintenance costs, making vinyl a more dependable and affordable option. Finally, linoleum is a preference in education and healthcare installations in terms of application.
Vinyl is ideal for almost all DIY projects, courtesy of its functionality. Given its moisture resistance, you will happily install this flooring in areas susceptible to high moisture and humidity, such as your bathroom and kitchens.
How Wide Is a Roll of Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a contemporary but classic flooring option. It is also a cost-effective flooring option. Even then, installing your vinyl flooring can be challenging, and before this, you should know the widths they come in to make transportation and installation convenient.
Vinyl flooring is available in rolls of up to one hundred linear feet, and their width is between 6-12 feet. Hence, if you want to cover an area wider than your vinyl sheet, you will require a connector to connect your vinyl sheets. Vinyl sheets are available in rolls, given their fiberglass core does not crack or curl because of uneven pressure.
The availability of vinyl flooring in rolls makes them portable. Each of these rolls features several vinyl sheets that you can immediately install. The rolls come in a wide range of patterns and colors to match your taste.
Among the vinyl flooring options that come in rolls include the vinyl sheet and plank. The vinyl sheet is ideal for big areas and is easy to clean. The peel and stick type features an adhesive back that you can remove and stick the sheet without using additional tools. Vinyl plank features a deep texture and is waterproof.
As stated earlier, the width of your flooring will depend on the manufacturer. The wide variety in width allows you to choose a unit depending on your room size. Despite the usual width ranging between 6 and 12 inches, there are wider vinyl, with the widest roll having a 15 feet width. On average, a plank of vinyl will weigh about 1.5 pounds. Since most of the vinyl rolls have about 352 square feet of sheets, the weight of a single roll will be above 500 pounds.
The number of vinyl rolls you will need for your room will depend on the room surface area. Hence, to find out the size of the flooring you require, measure the area of your room and increase the size by about 10 to 20% to cater for waste. Installing vinyl will cost between $830-$3150 on average. This price will vary depending on the vinyl grade you choose.
Wrap Up
Installing flooring requires you to know the measurements in the package for better purchase decisions. Linoleum features 6 to 7 feet in width and is available in rolls of different lengths depending on the manufacturer.
Vinyl flooring is available in 6-12 feet in width with varying lengths. To install any of these flooring options, you should calculate the surface area of your space and divide it by the area of the linoleum or vinyl. During purchase, add 10% to the total surface area of your space to cater to the waste.
Finally, while linoleum and vinyl may confuse your eyes, they feature differences in their make, with linoleum being a natural hardwood, unlike synthetic vinyl. Other differences in these flooring options are their design, style, installation, and maintenance. As such, you should assess your needs properly to ensure you settle for an ideal option and ensure durability.
