Vinyl vs lino

Vinyl and lino are two popular flooring options that have been around for decades. They have both proven to be durable and affordable, making them excellent choices for many homeowners. However, there are differences between these two flooring types.

In this guide, we’ll explore what vinyl and linoleum flooring are, the benefits of both vinyl and lino, which rooms they are best suited for, and ultimately answer the question, “Which is better: vinyl or lino?” Let’s jump into it.

Real Customer Home
Riche Larice

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials in multiple layers, including a wear layer, printed design layer, and a backing layer. The wear layer is a protective surface that provides excellent resistance to scratches, stains, and fading. The printed design layer can replicate the look of wood, stone, and tile.

Vinyl flooring is available in sheets, a bit like carpet, making it flexible and easy to install, and can come in a variety of thicknesses, making it really comfortable under your feet in every room. Unlike carpet, vinyl is There are a few ways it varies from carpet, not least because it’s water-resistant. There’s plenty more differences you can find in our vinyl flooring vs carpet guide. There is also a version of vinyl flooring called luxury vinyl that can come in tiles and planks. You can find out more about the ins and outs of all types of vinyl in our guide to ‘What is vinyl?’ which is packed full of lots more helpful information.

Which rooms are best suited for vinyl?

Vinyl is a versatile flooring option and can be used in any room in your home. It’s particularly well-suited for kitchens, bathrooms, and conservatories. Kitchens and bathrooms are high-traffic areas that are often exposed to moisture, making vinyl one of the best floorings for kitchens. That water-resistance is so useful in bathrooms too. In conservatories, vinyl's durability and easy maintenance make it an excellent choice for a room that may get a lot of use and have people coming in and out of the garden.

Vinyl and laminate are also good options for your living room and bedroom too, as they are both comfortable underfoot and look just like solid wood flooring, which is a contemporary pick for modern bedrooms and living rooms. And there’s always the option to throw a stylish area rug over the top if you’re looking for some added comfort underfoot.

What is lino flooring?

Linoleum flooring, commonly referred to as lino, is a natural flooring option made from linseed oil, resins, and natural materials such as wood flour, cork dust, and limestone. It's been around since the 19th century, which is why it's still made from these more traditional materials. Lino is available in a range of colors and patterns, making it a varied choice for many homeowners. It’s also available in sheet form, making it a more cost-efficient option for larger rooms.

Which rooms are best suited for lino?

Lino is a natural, eco-friendly flooring option that’s particularly well-suited for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. Kitchens and bathrooms are high-traffic areas where spills and moisture are common, making lino's water-resistant properties a significant benefit. In hallways, lino's durability and resistance to wear and tear make it an ideal option for a flooring that will withstand heavy foot traffic.

Real Customer Home
Remy Kendal

Vinyl vs lino

Both flooring options work well for different reasons, so to help you narrow down your preference for your space, here’s a comparison of the benefits you’d get from having each in your home:

Benefits of vinyl

Vinyl is the more popular flooring choice for several reasons. It’s highly durable and can withstand busy areas, making it an excellent option for homes with pets or children – in fact, it’s in the running for the best flooring for pets. Vinyl is also easy to maintain and clean, making it an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas. Additionally, vinyl is water-resistant and can withstand spills and moisture, making it the perfect flooring for areas prone to moisture.

Benefits of lino

Lino is a great choice for many homeowners who want an environmentally friendly flooring option. It’s made from natural materials, making it biodegradable and recyclable. Additionally, lino is highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent option for high-traffic areas of your home. Lino is also naturally antibacterial and easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where hygiene is essential. On the downside though, lino is not very common in the UK, and can be much harder to source. It’s been overtaken in popularity by vinyl, for all the reaons we've explained above!

Which is better: vinyl or lino?

Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal preferences, your room's purpose, and your budget. If you’re looking for a water-resistant and low-maintenance flooring option for busy areas of your home, vinyl is the better and more contemporary choice. Our floorologists are happy to talk you through our incredible collections and explain why vinyl might be the best pick for you!

If you're considering vinyl flooring for your home, Tapi Carpets and Floors has an extensive collection of vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring that's sure to meet your needs. From stylish designs to practical durability, Tapi's range of vinyl flooring has it all. We encourage you to visit your local Tapi store to see the selection for yourself and speak to one of our experts who can guide you through the process of selecting the perfect flooring for your home. Don't forget to check out Tapi's Ideas Hub for even more inspiration and advice on flooring options that will elevate your home's interior design. We can't wait to see your dream home become a reality with Tapi Carpets and Floors!

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Published: 23-03-2023