Why Marmoleum Flooring is a Sustainable and Stylish Choice
Are you looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly flooring option that is both durable and stylish? Marmoleum flooring may be the perfect choice for your needs. Made from natural materials like linseed oil, wood flour, and jute, Marmoleum is becoming increasingly popular among environmentally conscious homeowners. In addition to being eco-friendly, Marmoleum is also a practical and cost-effective flooring solution that offers a range of benefits, such as easy maintenance and a wide variety of color and design options.
In this article, we will explore the features and advantages of Marmoleum flooring and provide tips for installation and maintenance. Whether you're renovating your home or building a new one, Marmoleum flooring is a great option to consider that can enhance your space's overall aesthetic while reducing your environmental footprint.
Table of Contents
- What is Marmoleum Flooring?
- Is Marmoleum flooring right for me?
- How is Marmoleum Flooring Made?
- Is Marmoleum flooring durable?
- Are Marmoleum floors easy to clean?
- Are Marmoleum floors hypoallergenic?
- Is Marmoleum flooring suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?
- Is Marmoleum flooring easy to install?
- Can Marmoleum flooring be repaired if it becomes damaged?
What is Marmoleum Flooring?
Marmoleum flooring is made with natural ingredients that do not include any harmful volatile organic compounds or other toxic chemicals. Marmoleum flooring is very similar to linoleum floors, which have been on the market for decades, though with a few important distinctions.
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Like linoleum, marmoleum flooring is a durable, affordable, and versatile flooring that can be applied directly on top of your sub-flooring. It is also one of the most eco-friendly flooring alternatives, as it is made from all-natural and renewable materials. Marmoleum flooring is generally easy to repair and maintain while offering natural anti-bacterial properties.
Benefits of Marmoleum Flooring:
- Sustainability: Marmoleum flooring is made from natural materials and is 100% biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly choice for your home.
- Durability: Marmoleum flooring is highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and general wear and tear.
- Easy to Clean: Marmoleum flooring is easy to clean and maintain, making it perfect for busy households.
- Stylish Designs: Marmoleum flooring comes in a range of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect match for your home decor.
- Hypoallergenic: Marmoleum flooring is hypoallergenic and does not trap allergens like dust and pet dander, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Is Marmoleum flooring right for me?
Marmoleum flooring is a sustainable and eco-friendly flooring option that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Made from natural materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, and jute, Marmoleum flooring offers a range of benefits for homeowners who are looking for a durable and environmentally friendly flooring solution.
When it comes to choosing the perfect flooring for your home, there are a lot of factors to consider. You want something that is durable, easy to maintain, and of course, stylish. But have you ever thought about the sustainability of your flooring choice? From the best hardwood floors made with rare and exotic woods to cork flooring, to non-toxic carpeting alternatives made from wool, sisal, or jute, today's homeowners have many options for natural flooring the home. With more and more people becoming conscious of their environmental impact, it's important to consider all options.
How is Marmoleum Flooring Made?
Like linoleum, marmoleum flooring is made from linseed oil (sourced from flax seeds). According to Forbo, one of the main manufacturers of marmoleum flooring, "Marmoleum is made from natural and recycled materials. More specifically, 62% are renewable, and 29% are also rapidly renewable (crops at least every year). Supporting the circular economy principles, 44% of materials used in Marmoleum are recycled."
The main ingredients in most types of marmoleum flooring include:
- Linseed Oil: This oil is sourced from cold-pressing the seeds of the flax plant, which is a fast-growing annual.
- Gum Rosin: This solid form of resin is obtained by tapping pine trees. The same tree can be tapped for 30 years, thus helping to maintain the forest ecosystem instead of clear-cutting for lumber.
- Jute: The backing for many types of marmoleum flooring is made from jute (also known as burlap). It comes from the natural fibers in the stem of the jute plant.
- Wood flour: Lastly, wood flour is the finely pulverized wood that comes from using the softwood off-cuts from the wood industry. Forbo only uses wood off-cuts from certified PEFC sustainable forestry, thus further protecting forest ecosystems while putting to good use a waste resource that is often burned or discarded.
Is Marmoleum flooring durable?
Marmoleum floors, despite being relatively thin, can last for a long time with proper care and maintenance. Like linoleum, homeowners should expect Marmoleum floors to have a life expectancy of 15-25 years.
However, it is worth noting that Marmoleum's natural timber and rosin ingredients will continue to harden with age. With proper care, Marmoleum floors can easily last 40 years or more. To protect your Marmoleum floors from scratches, scrapes, and dents, it is best to put a small piece of felt on the ends of chair legs, table legs, and other types of furniture.
Are Marmoleum floors easy to clean?
One of the most appreciated benefits of Marmoleum flooring is that they are extremely easy to clean and care for. Regular care for Marmoleum flooring includes sweeping and vacuuming regularly, mopping with a slightly damp mop, and air-drying spots or spills on your Marmoleum flooring. As with other types of manufactured flooring, using too much water on your Marmoleum flooring is not advisable as this can cause damage over time.
Marmoleum flooring offers a range of stylish designs that can suit any home decor. Whether you're looking for a solid color or a patterned design, marmoleum has a variety of options to choose from. Marmoleum flooring is available in a wide range of colors, from neutral tones to bold hues, so you can find the perfect match for your home. In addition to solid colors, marmoleum flooring also comes in a variety of patterns and textures, such as marble, wood, and stone effects. If you're looking for something truly unique, marmoleum flooring can even be customized to create a one-of-a-kind design. With its versatility in design, marmoleum flooring is a great option for any homeowner who wants both style and sustainability in their flooring choice.
Are Marmoleum floors hypoallergenic?
Marmoleum flooring has hypoallergenic properties, making it an ideal choice for those suffering from allergies or respiratory issues. Unlike carpets, Marmoleum flooring does not trap dust, pet dander, or other allergens, making maintaining a healthy indoor environment easier. Marmoleum is also resistant to mold and mildew, which can trigger allergies in some people.
These properties make Marmoleum flooring a great choice for families with young children or pets and anyone concerned about indoor air quality. With Marmoleum flooring, you can have a stylish and durable flooring option that also promotes a healthy living space.
Is Marmoleum flooring suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?
Marmoleum flooring is a practical and durable choice for kitchens and bathrooms due to its water-resistant natural materials, such as linseed oil and jute, and its protective sealing layer that prevents water from penetrating the surface. This makes Marmoleum flooring easy to clean and maintain and a popular choice for high-traffic areas that are frequently exposed to moisture.
Is Marmoleum flooring easy to install?
Marmoleum flooring can be easy to install, especially if you have experience with DIY projects or flooring installation. However, professional installation is recommended to ensure the flooring is installed correctly and lasts many years.
Marmoleum flooring can be installed using one of two methods: glue-down installation or floating installation. Glue-down installation involves applying adhesive to the subfloor and laying the Marmoleum tiles or sheets directly onto the adhesive. Floating installation involves laying the Marmoleum tiles or sheets on top of a foam underlayment without using adhesive.
Regardless of the installation method, preparing the subfloor properly before installing the Marmoleum flooring is important. This includes ensuring the subfloor is level, clean, and free of debris or moisture.
If you're considering installing Marmoleum flooring yourself, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully and having the necessary tools and equipment on hand is important. However, if you're not confident in your DIY skills or lack experience with flooring installation, it's best to hire a professional installer to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Marmoleum Click floors are meant to be installed in a floating manner. This means that marmoleum flooring is installed on top of an underlay without glue. It's, therefore, essential to ensure that your floor does not touch any adjoining surfaces. Covering the subfloor with a moisture barrier, such as aging-resistant PE (polyethylene) sheeting or PE foam, is recommended for your underlayment. A 2 mm thick PE foam will reduce the transmission of impact sounds and level out minor irregularities in the subfloor. For homeowners looking to improve the acoustic performance of their homes, some Marmoleum manufacturers also offer "Decibel sheets" that provide added acoustical benefits and are 3.5mm thick.
Can Marmoleum flooring be repaired if it becomes damaged?
Yes, Marmoleum flooring can be repaired if it becomes damaged. The extent of the repair will depend on the type and severity of the damage. Minor scratches or scuffs can often be buffed out using a polishing pad or fine-grit sandpaper. For deeper scratches or cuts, a repair kit that matches the color of the Marmoleum can be used to fill in the damaged area.
If a section of the Marmoleum flooring becomes severely damaged or stained, it may need to be replaced. This will involve cutting out the damaged section and replacing it with a new piece of Marmoleum flooring.
It's important to note that repairing or replacing Marmoleum flooring can be challenging and may require specialized skills and tools. For this reason, it's often best to hire a professional to handle repairs or replacements.
To minimize the need for repairs, it's important to maintain and care for your Marmoleum flooring properly. This includes regularly cleaning the flooring with a pH-neutral cleaner, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasives, and preventing scratches or cuts from furniture or other sharp objects.
Marmoleum flooring is a durable and stylish flooring option that offers many benefits to homeowners. With its natural ingredients and eco-friendly production process, Marmoleum flooring is a great choice for those concerned about the environment. Its hypoallergenic properties and easy maintenance make it an ideal choice for families with children or pets and those who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues. Additionally, Marmoleum flooring comes in a variety of designs and colors, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home decor. Overall, Marmoleum flooring is a smart and stylish choice for any homeowner looking for a high-quality, sustainable, and hypoallergenic flooring option.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute a product endorsement however Rise does reserve the right to recommend relevant products based on the articles content to provide a more comprehensive experience for the reader.Last Modified: 2023-03-07T17:14:51+0000Article by:
Tobias Roberts
Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.
