Hiring Linoleum Flooring Contractors: What to Know

Hiring professional linoleum flooring contractors is the best way to install this durable and eco-friendly flooring material. Many homeowners confuse linoleum flooring with vinyl flooring, but they are completely different. Linoleum floors are a natural product, while vinyl is 100% synthetic.

A home project involving sheet linoleum is not a DIY job. It requires professional installation services, and often floor repairs to the subfloor, to ensure a seamless look. This guide covers the flooring options, costs, and how to find the best local pros.

Linoleum vs. Vinyl Flooring: An Easy Comparison

The biggest confusion in flooring options is between linoleum and vinyl. While modern luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and vinyl sheet flooring have improved, linoleum is a unique flooring material with different benefits.

While vinyl is the most common comparison, linoleum also competes with materials like ceramic tile, hardwood flooring, and engineered wood. Unlike a hardwood floor, linoleum is a resilient, flexible floor. And while ceramic tile is harder and colder, it doesn't have the same warm, soft feel underfoot as linoleum.

The Environmental Impact of Linoleum

The main reason for linoleum's comeback is its low environmental impact. For homeowners and builders, reducing our carbon footprint has become an urgent imperative. Unlike vinyl, which can be a source of carbon dioxide and a largest energy consumer, linoleum production uses responsibly managed natural resources.

The raw material extraction for linoleum is sustainable:

• Linseed oil (from flax plants)
• Cork flour (a waste product)
• Pine rosin (from pine trees)
• Wood flour (from sawdust)

The production process is designed to create a "closed loop on waste," where scraps are fed back into the line. Many top-tier linoleum brands are Cradle to Cradle Certified. According to the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, this certification means the product is designed to solve complex sustainability challenges and has a low impact on climate change. This makes linoleum a top choice for any green building certification project.

What is the Cost of Linoleum Flooring?

Linoleum is known for being an incredibly durable and long-lasting floor. In fact, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), which manages federal buildings, lists linoleum as a sustainable flooring option that can last 30 years or more.

On average, you can expect linoleum flooring to cost between $5.00 and $12.00 per square foot, including installation.

The final price for your project will depend on two main factors:

• The Style: Linoleum comes in large, flexible sheet floors (which create a seamless look) or in tiles (which are often used to create patterns).

• The Labor: Linoleum is a natural material that is stiffer and more difficult to install than vinyl. Because of this, the labor cost and installation time can be higher. This is why hiring an experienced contractor who knows how to work with it is so important for a good result.

The Linoleum Installation Process

While a handy homeowner might tackle a small vinyl tile project, vinyl or linoleum sheet floors are not a DIY job.

Step 1: Acclimation

The contractor will have the linoleum rolls delivered to your home for at least 24 hours to acclimate to the temperature and humidity.

Step 2: Subfloor Prep

This is the most critical step. The subfloor must be perfectly smooth and level. Any imperfections will show through the sheet.

Step 3: Scribing and Cutting

The contractor will precisely cut the sheet of linoleum to fit every corner and curve of your room. This step is extremely difficult and requires special tools, not a standard miter saw.

Step 4: Adhesive and Rolling

A special adhesive is spread, and the linoleum is laid into it. The installer then uses a heavy roller to ensure a perfect bond and remove air bubbles.

Step 5: Seaming

Where two sheets meet, they are professionally seamed and sealed to be water-resistant.

How to Find Qualified Linoleum Flooring Contractors

Because sheet linoleum requires such specific skills, not all flooring solutions providers are qualified.

• Look for Industry Experience: Ask professional flooring installers if they have specific experience with sheet linoleum. Many pros who handle large commercial applications or industry floors are highly skilled with linoleum.

• Check Vetting: Look for contractors with good reviews. Good customer service and product selection assistance are a must. 

• Get Written Estimates: Always get your free estimates in writing. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides a guide on hiring contractors, emphasizing the need to get a clear contract that includes all labor, materials, and the Installation Warranty.

Mr. Remodel Tip: Many homeowners looking for eco-friendly options also consider rubber, quarry tile, or even sheet laminate. However, for a soft, warm feel with a huge, broad palette of design options (from subtle shades to bright colors), linoleum is the top choice for healthcare facilities, public institutions, and modern homes.

FAQs About Linoleum Flooring

Is linoleum flooring completely waterproof?

No. This is a common mistake. Linoleum is highly water-resistant, but it is not waterproof like sheet vinyl flooring. The seams must be sealed, and it is not recommended for basements. It is a great choice for the kitchen and powder rooms.

What is the Tarkett xf² surface?

Tarkett Lino is a major brand of linoleum. Their xf² surface is an advanced wear layer that is factory-applied. It makes the floor extremely durable and stain-resistant, eliminating the need for the old-school polishing and waxing that linoleum used to require.

Can I install linoleum flooring myself?

You can install linoleum tiles yourself if you have DIY experience. However, you should not attempt to install sheet linoleum. It is stiff, heavy, and requires specialized cutting and seaming tools. A failed DIY install will result in gaps, bubbles, and visible seams, costing more to fix.

Find Your Linoleum Flooring Professional Today

A flawless installation is essential for a linoleum floor, but finding a trusted pro shouldn't be a gamble.

Mr. Remodel connects you with our network of reliable, licensed, and reviewed flooring contractors. We make it easy to get free, no-obligation estimates from local pros who can offer quick turnaround times and expert service. You can compare quotes from top installers at your own pace, with no pressure.

Get your free linoleum installation estimates today!