Linoleum and Laminate – A comparison of two modern flooring coverings

Anyone who wants to equip their flat or house with a new floor covering can choose from a wide variety of products. Elastic flooring such as PVC flooring, vinyl design flooring, linoleum flooring, and cork flooring is just as much a choice as so-called hard floorings such as parquet or laminate.

Laminate flooring is still the number one choice in German households because it has an attractive wood look, but is cheaper and easier to maintain than real parquet flooring. More and more, however, awareness of environmental protection and our health is moving into our living spaces. Linoleum offers ideal conditions in this respect. To make your decision easier, we would like to briefly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of laminate and linoleum flooring.

LAMINATE AND LINOLEUM FLOORING IN COMPARISON

While a linoleum flooring consists of more than 90% renewable raw materials such as linseed oil, cork, jute, wood flour, tree resins, and limestone powder, which are kneaded into a homogeneous mass that then has to mature under heat treatment, a laminate floor usually has a multi-layer structure. For this reason, linoleum flooring is characterised by elasticity, while laminate flooring is characterised by stability.

The core of the laminate is a so-called HDF core board. A resin-impregnated paper layer balances out tensions between the carrier layer and the melanin overlay, which are abrasion-resistant, transparent paper webs that protect the upper decorative layer from wear and tear.

HARD-WEARING & EASY-CARE: PROPERTIES OF LAMINATE & LINOLEUM

If you compare linoleum and laminate, the elasticity of the linoleum floor is particularly striking. Thus, linoleum in living areas can impress with its pleasant walking comfort, like the flooring, in contrast to laminate, is easy on the joints.  Linoleum flooring is hard-wearing and they are suitable for commercial and industrial areas. Linoleum is non-slip, heat-resistant, very easy to clean, durable, and has a very low installation height. Unlike laminate, linoleum reduces footfall sound by itself and is also suitable for installation on underfloor heating. As this is a natural product, linoleum charges less compared to laminate flooring.

When comparing linoleum and laminate, however, it also becomes apparent that linoleum is best glued down over its entire surface if it is to be laid in the bathroom. Linoleum flooring is sensitive to moisture. Laminate flooring does somewhat better here, as it can also be laid in the bathroom if it is suitable. In some collections, such as the Wineo 300 laminate, you will now find laminate flooring with Aqua-Stop technology, which prevents moisture from penetrating. The laminate is often easy to install thanks to the click system, such as the BerryAlloc Smart 7 laminate. This is usually easy to remove and can also be used in combination with underfloor heating. They are also easy to clean and often available with integrated impact sound insulation.

VARIETY OF LAMINATE FLOORING DECORS: AUTHENTIC DECORS FOR A NATURAL MODERN AMBIENCE

When comparing linoleum and laminate, laminate flooring comes off very well in terms of pattern variety. Not only do stylish wood decors find a place on the laminate, but also tile looks as well as inspiring vintage decors. In the Ter Hürne Classic Line collection, for example, you will find oak-look laminate as well as a vintage laminate in tile look. If you prefer something more rustic and stylish, go for walnut laminate or teak laminate:  BerryAlloc Ocean "62001250 Teak Brown" laminate

VARIETY OF COLOURS AND DESIGN OPTIONS FOR LINOLEUM FLOORING

In contrast to laminate, linoleum scores with a rich choice of colours. Manufacturers such as Forbo rely on a wide range of shades in their numerous collections.  However, there are also attractive decors for linoleum flooring in the home. Wood-look linoleum is wonderfully suitable for the living room. From grey linoleum flooring to colourful as well as white and black nuances, there is something for everyone. In a comparison of linoleum and laminate, linoleum often has a discreetly structured design.

INSTALLING LINOLEUM & LAMINATE: THESE ARE THE DIFFERENCES

When comparing linoleum and laminate, there are not as many differences in terms of installation as one might think. Although linoleum is usually offered in rolls in a width of two meters, there is also click linoleum such as that from Forbo Marmoleum Click, which is just as easy to install as the stylish click laminate from BerryAlloc Original HPL and is also suitable for individual colour combinations.

Especially when installing in the bathroom, however, a linoleum floor should always be glued down over the entire surface. When it comes to gluing, the difference between linoleum and laminate is obvious. Laminate flooring is usually available in a plank format, while linoleum is available by the metre.  Compared to laminate, linoleum flooring offers a very even surface when laid correctly, and can even be disinfected.

WITH A GOOD CONSCIENCE: LINOLEUM & LAMINATE OFFER THESE BENEFITS IN TERMS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND HEALTH

When it comes to environmental protection and health compatibility, linoleum is right up there with cork flooring.  Linoleum and laminate linoleum flooring has been certified as organic. They are eco-friendly. Moreover, the production of linoleum flooring is very resource-friendly. As a rule, linoleum flooring is also biodegradable. Furthermore, linoleum is harmless to health because it is free of harmful softeners and pollutants.

In a comparison of linoleum and laminate, linoleum flooring scores slightly better in terms of environmental friendliness. But laminate flooring does not consist of harmful substances either. At most, the glue could be questionable, but the manufacturers use adhesives that are harmless to health. Manufacturers such as BerryAlloc explicitly refer to sustainable and environmentally friendly production in their datasheets, which is confirmed by the A+ emission class and environmental seals.