Are Vinyl Flooring and Lino Flooring the same?

Are Vinyl Flooring and Lino Flooring the same?

Are Vinyl Flooring and Lino Flooring the Same?

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While they are similar and look alike, vinyl and lino (or “linoleum”) flooring are not the same. Understanding the differences can help you make a better choice for your home or business.

Keep reading to learn what is vinyl vs lino, how to tell lino vs vinyl apart, and the key differences between linoleum and luxury vinyl flooring.

Is Vinyl and Lino Flooring the Same?

No, vinyl and lino are two different types of flooring. The main differences are:

  • Material: Lino is made from natural materials, whereas luxury vinyl is made from PVC and has a stronger, more durable construction

  • Installation: Lino comes in a roll that can be stuck to the floor, whereas luxury vinyl is available in planks or tiles that click together

  • Water-resistance: Both offer water resistance, but luxury vinyl is designed to withstand moisture and leaks better than lino

  • Appearance: Luxury vinyl appears similar to laminate flooring and looks almost like real wood, whereas lino looks more synthetic

What is Lino vs Vinyl? Key Differences

Luxury vinyl flooring:

  • Made from PVC

  • Comes in the form of individual planks or tiles

  • Has a very strong and durable composition

  • Is considered a modern choice of flooring

  • Can be glued down or installed as a floating floor

  • Often has a pre-attached underlayment

  • Can be cut with a utility knife or Stanley blade

  • Has a textured surface to mimic the appearance of real wood

  • Feels firm underfoot

Lino (or linoleum):

  • Can only be glued down, usually via a peel-and-stick backing

  • Comes in a roll that can be cut to size

  • Can be cut with a utility or Stanley knife

  • Has a resilient surface that can withstand UV rays and high traffic

  • Feels soft underfoot

How to Tell If a Floor is Lino or Vinyl

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There are some telltale signs that a floor is vinyl vs lino, including:

  • Vinyl has a textured surface, whereas lino is entirely smooth

  • Vinyl comes in planks or tiles and therefore has seams, but lino comes in a roll and has no joins

  • Vinyl can be clicked together, whereas lino has to be stuck down

  • Vinyl feels firmer and has a harder composition, whereas lino is soft

Is Lino More Expensive Than Vinyl?

No, luxury vinyl is more expensive than lino, however, both are considered relatively affordable types of flooring. 

Lino is cheaper for three main reasons: installation, durability, and desirability. The key reasons why linoleum is cheaper than luxury vinyl are:

  • Installation: Lino is easy to DIY and install by yourself (you simply lay it, cut it to size, and stick it down)

  • Strength: While lino is durable, its construction (made from natural materials) isn’t as strong compared to vinyl (made from PVC)

  • Desirability: Lino is commonly found in older homes and is seen as more “old-fashioned”, whereas luxury vinyl is viewed as modern

What is Another Name For Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is also referred to as luxury vinyl, LVP (luxury vinyl planks), or LVT (luxury vinyl tiles). Some people may refer to vinyl as lino (also known as linoleum), but these are two different types of flooring.

Vinyl is usually a more robust type of flooring, with click-joins and a similar structure integrity as laminate flooring. Whereas lino is thinner, less durable, and sticks to the floor via an attached peel-and-stick backing.

Which Lasts Longer, Vinyl or Linoleum?

Both lino and vinyl are durable floors. Luxury vinyl is considered the more modern choice, but it isn’t necessarily more long-lasting. 

  • Luxury vinyl: It’s strong, highly water-resistant, and isn’t easy to scratch, scuff, or stain. But after 10-20 years, it can start to show signs of wear, like fading (particularly in sunny spots) or scuffs.

  • Lino: Its composition isn’t as strong as luxury vinyl, but its surface is very resilient against stains, scuffs, and heavy foot traffic. With proper care and low traffic, it can last between 20-30 years, but it will show signs of wear under heavy use.

Shop Luxury Vinyl Flooring Today

Shop our collection of luxury vinyl flooring to find your perfect match today. 

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