Linoleum vs. Marmoleum — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 20, 2023
Linoleum is a natural flooring material made from linseed oil, while Marmoleum is a brand of linoleum with eco-friendly properties.
Difference Between Linoleum and Marmoleum
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Linoleum is a flooring material that has been in use for over a century. Derived mainly from natural components like linseed oil, rosin, and jute, Linoleum is recognized for its resilience and durability. Marmoleum, on the other hand, is a specific brand of linoleum. It emphasizes being an eco-friendly version of traditional linoleum, boasting attributes like biodegradability and the absence of harmful VOCs.
Both Linoleum and Marmoleum are appreciated for their sustainable features. While Linoleum's composition is already primarily natural, Marmoleum goes a step further by ensuring that its production process and materials are environmentally friendly. This distinction means that while all Marmoleum is linoleum, not all linoleum is Marmoleum.
Durability is a common characteristic between Linoleum and Marmoleum. Both flooring types offer long-lasting surfaces that resist wear and tear effectively. However, some might argue that Marmoleum, due to its modern manufacturing processes, might offer a slight edge in terms of design versatility and environmental credentials over traditional linoleum.
In the world of flooring, both Linoleum and Marmoleum are often sought for being easy to maintain. Regular cleaning is typically sufficient to keep these floors looking fresh. Marmoleum's brand strength lies in its commitment to eco-friendliness, while Linoleum's draw is its time-tested reputation and natural makeup.
While Linoleum serves as a generic term for the type of flooring, Marmoleum stands as a specific brand with its unique attributes. Both, however, promise longevity, sustainability, and ease of maintenance, making them desirable choices for those seeking natural flooring solutions.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Generic type of flooring.
Brand of linoleum.
Primary Components
Made from linseed oil, rosin, and jute.
Made from similar components but emphasizes eco-friendliness.
Eco-friendly
Natural, but not specifically branded as eco-friendly.
Branded as highly eco-friendly and sustainable.
Usage
Widely used for over a century.
Modern, eco-friendly alternative to linoleum.
VOC Emission
May vary based on the manufacturer.
Typically very low or no VOC emissions.
Compare with Definitions
Linoleum
A durable and resilient floor covering.
The Linoleum in the hallway has lasted for decades without showing significant wear.
Marmoleum
A brand of linoleum emphasizing eco-friendliness and sustainability.
We opted for Marmoleum due to its green credentials.
Linoleum
A natural flooring material made primarily from linseed oil.
We chose Linoleum for our kitchen because of its natural composition.
Marmoleum
A modern, design-forward linoleum option.
The Marmoleum flooring in the lobby has a unique, contemporary pattern.
Linoleum
A versatile flooring option that can come in various patterns and colors.
The design possibilities with Linoleum are nearly endless.
Marmoleum
A linoleum variant known for very low or no VOC emissions.
Choosing Marmoleum helped improve our indoor air quality.
Linoleum
A floor surface known for its ease of maintenance.
Spills on the Linoleum are easy to clean up, making it perfect for busy households.
Marmoleum
A biodegradable and sustainable flooring option.
Marmoleum is both stylish and gentle on the environment.
Linoleum
A biodegradable floor material favored for its eco-friendly attributes.
People prefer Linoleum because it's environmentally responsible.
Marmoleum
The eco-conscious choice in the world of linoleum flooring.
For our green home project, Marmoleum was the obvious flooring choice.
Linoleum
A durable, washable material made in sheets by pressing a mixture of heated linseed oil, rosin, powdered cork, and pigments onto a burlap or canvas backing. Linoleum is used as a covering especially for floors.
Linoleum
An inexpensive waterproof covering used especially for floors, made from solidified linseed oil over a burlap or canvas backing, or from its modern replacement, polyvinyl chloride.
Linoleum
Linseed oil brought to various degrees of hardness by some oxidizing process, as by exposure to heated air, or by treatment with chloride of sulphur. In this condition it is used for many of the purposes to which India rubber has been applied.
Linoleum
A kind of floor cloth made by laying hardened linseed oil mixed with ground cork on a canvas backing.
Linoleum
A floor covering
Common Curiosities
Can I refer to all eco-friendly linoleum as Marmoleum?
No, Marmoleum is a specific brand of linoleum; not all eco-friendly linoleum is Marmoleum.
Is all Linoleum eco-friendly?
While Linoleum is made from natural components, Marmoleum stands out for its specific eco-friendly branding and attributes.
Are there design benefits to choosing Marmoleum over traditional Linoleum?
Marmoleum might offer a wider variety of modern designs due to its updated manufacturing processes.
How does Marmoleum relate to Linoleum?
Marmoleum is a brand of linoleum that emphasizes eco-friendliness and sustainability.
Which lasts longer: Linoleum or Marmoleum?
Both Linoleum and Marmoleum are durable, but the lifespan may vary based on the specific product and usage conditions.
What is Linoleum?
Linoleum is a natural flooring material primarily made from linseed oil, rosin, and jute.
Is Linoleum the same as vinyl flooring?
No, Linoleum is a natural product, while vinyl is synthetic.
Are both Linoleum and Marmoleum easy to clean?
Yes, both Linoleum and Marmoleum are known for their ease of maintenance.
Are Linoleum and Marmoleum suitable for high-traffic areas?
Both Linoleum and Marmoleum are resilient and can withstand high traffic.
Is Marmoleum more expensive than regular Linoleum?
Prices can vary, but Marmoleum might sometimes carry a premium due to its eco-friendly branding.
Why would someone choose Marmoleum over traditional Linoleum?
People might opt for Marmoleum for its stronger eco-friendly attributes, design options, or brand reputation.
Do both Linoleum and Marmoleum come in tiles and sheets?
Yes, both Linoleum and Marmoleum are available in tile and sheet forms.
How long has Linoleum been in use?
Linoleum has been in use for over a century.
Is Marmoleum a newer product compared to Linoleum?
Yes, Marmoleum is a more modern brand of linoleum with updated features.
Can I install underfloor heating under both Linoleum and Marmoleum?
Generally, yes, but always consult with the manufacturer's guidelines for best practices.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
