Why choose vinyl?
Sheet vinyl, sometimes referred to as cushion-floor or lino (true linoleum), is a flexible, cost-effective flooring solution supplied in large rolls that's available in an array of designs and colours. It's typically provided in widths of 2, 3 or 4 metres for efficient installation with minimal joins. It's also seamless, making it great for bathrooms.
Did you know, lino and cushion-floor are actually not quite the same? Although both lino and cushion-floor come in large rolls and are laid as a single sheet, there are specific differences. Because real Linoleum was the standard for decades, the name stuck. When modern, more cost-effective vinyl (cushion flooring) took over in the 1960s, people kept calling it lino.
Which to choose?
Choose cushion floor if you want budget-friendly, warm, and waterproof flooring.
Choose lino if you want an eco-friendly, tough floor that can last up to 40 years, but can be more costly.
| Feature | Linoleum (Lino) | Cushion-Flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Natural oils, wood flour, and cork | PVC plastic with a foam backing |
| Waterproof | Not naturally, needs sealing | Yes |
| Design | Colour goes all the way through | Printed on top |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes. Natural and biodegradable | No. Synthetic |
| Noise | Sound when walked on | Muffled and quiet |
| Cost | Higher cost | Very budget-friendly |
| Texture | Hard, smooth, and solid | Soft, bouncy, and padded |
| Warmth | Naturally warm (cork content) | Very warm (foam insulation) |