Linoleum
![]() |
Linoleum (usually abbreviated to ‘Lino’) is a traditional, smooth, seamless floor covering that is made by combining linseed oil, rosin (solid pine resin), flax, cork flour, wood flour, pigments and other ingredients. The name is a combination of two Latin words: linum (flax) and oleum (oil). During the manufacturing process, the oil is oxidised, a process that is aided by heating and which makes the oil solidify into a resilient, tough sheet.
The process of combining renewable, natural ingredients and pressing them onto a canvas backing to form sheets was invented in England by Frederick Walton in 1860. By 1869, the product had become so popular that Walton began exporting to Europe and the US. He continued to refine the process right up to the early 20th century when he invented an inlay machine that could produce patterned linoleum which proved to be extremely durable.
From its invention right up to the 1960s, linoleum was a popular floor covering which, being seamless, provided a surface that could be hygienic, easy to lay and easy to clean. Originally used for hallways and corridors, it soon spread to kitchens, bathrooms and even living rooms.
Lino is still made today but by a fast-tracked process. However, it is not made in the same quantities and has been largely superseded by synthetic floor coverings such as vinyl and wood laminates. Vinyl has become very popular and has around the same flexibility and durability, but it is less flammable and is supplied in colours which can be brighter and more translucent.
Another differentiator is that while linoleum has the design embedded throughout its constituent materials, modern vinyl coverings have three layers, one of which is an image layer which can carry a pattern or representation of stone, wood etc. Linoleum may also require a protective seam sealant to avoid water penetration.
Despite falling sales since the late 1960s, linoleum sales started to rise in the first two decades of the 21st century. In the UK, it is chiefly manufactured under the trade name of Marmoleum by Kirkaldy-based Forbo Nairn. Hailed as CO2 neutral from cradle to grave, it contains 97% natural raw materials, 72% rapidly renewable and 43% recycled content. It is available in a range of colours and designs which include marble and concrete.
Benefits of linoleum.
- Environment friendly.
- Low VOC content.
- Provides a cushioned, relatively comfortable floor.
- Water resistant.
- Easy to clean.
- Durable.
- Relatively easy installation, especially in tile format.
- Availability in a variety of colours and patterns.
- Continuous colour can mean dents and scrapes are less conspicuous.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Ash or oak wood flooring.
- Cork flooring.
- Domestic floors: Part 1: Construction, insulation and damp proofing.
- Floor definition.
- Flooring defects.
- How to fit carpet.
- Insulation for ground floors.
- Raised floor.
- Resilient Floor Covering Institute.
- Resilient flooring.
- Resin flooring.
- Rubber flooring.
- Screed.
- Separating floor.
- Sprung floor.
- Terrazzo.
- The Differences Between Engineered Flooring and Solid Hardwood Flooring.
- Types of carpet.
- Types of floor.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.