How to Determine Whether You Have Vinyl or Linoleum Flooring (and Why You Should Do It)
Let’s say you’ve recently moved into a new home and want to thoroughly clean your kitchen floors and then properly maintain them. This should be a relatively simple task, but unfortunately you’re not quite sure whether it’s vinyl or linoleum. The good news is that there are a few simple ways to make this distinction to ensure the best care for your floors.
Difference between vinyl floors and linoleum
First, let’s talk about the difference between vinyl floors and linoleum . According to Joe Ferguson, an architectural woodworker at Skiftings R Us , traditional linoleum is made from natural, environmentally friendly materials, while vinyl, which is typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a durable plastic. “Compared to linoleum, vinyl is easier to use in DIY projects and can be removed in sections,” he says. “Although linoleum is available in tiles or planks, it is often laid out in sheets.”
How to determine whether you have vinyl or linoleum flooring
With these differences in mind, here are some tips for determining whether you have vinyl or linoleum flooring, courtesy of John Peña, real estate agent and CEO of Peña El Paso Realty Group , and Keith Sant, founder and CEO of Kind House Buyers. :
Look at the material
For Peña, one of the easiest ways to determine whether a floor is vinyl or linoleum is to look at the texture and pattern of the material. “Vinyl flooring typically has a printed pattern that mimics the look of natural materials like wood or stone, while linoleum has a more uniform and consistent pattern,” he says. “Additionally, vinyl floors often have a glossy finish, while linoleum has a more matte finish.”
Check for trademarks or labels
Sant suggests looking for trademark marks or logos on the floor itself: “They can often be found hidden in corners or along the edges of floorboards, and can provide valuable information about the type of material used in your flooring.”
In addition to trademarks, logos and labels, Peña also recommends looking for serial numbers or other codes that can identify the type of material on the back of the flooring.
Check the flexibility
Another way to determine the type of flooring is to conduct a simple test (in an inconspicuous place). “For example, vinyl floors tend to be more flexible and can be easily dented or scratched by a sharp object,” says Sant. “On the other hand, linoleum is more durable and resistant to scratches and dents.”
Why is it important to determine the type of flooring?
Why go through this hassle? First, knowing whether you have vinyl or linoleum floors will allow you to properly care for them. “Vinyl and linoleum require different cleaning methods and products, so knowing which one you have will help prevent damage to the material,” Pena says.
This will also give you a better idea of how long the floor will last. “While both types of flooring are durable, linoleum tends to last longer and withstand more wear and tear compared to vinyl,” Sant says.
Finally, this knowledge can come in handy if your flooring is damaged and you want to replace part or all of it. “Knowing the type can help you choose the right materials and tools needed for the job,” says Sant.