Linoleum is a floor covering made from solidified linseed oil (linoxyn) in combination with wood flour or cork dust over a burlap or canvas backing. Pigments may be added to the materials used. The finest patterned linoleum floors are made by joining and inlaying solid pieces of linoleum. These do not change appearance with wear until completely worn out. Cheaper patterned linoleums are printed with a thin layer which is not particularly durable. Good quality linoleum is sufficiently flexible to be used in buildings in which more rigid material (such as ceramic tile ) would crack. Between the time of its invention in 1860 and its supersession by other materials in the 1950s it was considered to be an excellent material for kitchen floors, as its lack of seams and water resistance enabled easy maintenance of sanitary conditions and its resiliency made standing easier and reduced breakage of dropped china.
The best grades of linoleum are called "battleship linoleum", as a common use of this material was in warships. Actual battle experience showed that this was an inappropriate material for this use due to its flammability.
Linoleum as a floor covering has been largely replaced with PVC, which has similar properties of flexibility and durability, but which has greater brightness and translucency and allows a much wider range of surface treatments, such as simulated tile, brick, and wood and which is relatively less flammable. Like all vinyl products, the combustion products are highly toxic and the normal outgassing products of vinyl are considered by many to be the cause of various health problems and are also believed to be either causes or irritants in cases of multiple chemical sensitivity.
Owing to its organic and non-allergenic nature, high quality linoleum is still in use in many places (especially in non-allergenic homes), and the design and inlaying of various colors to form patterns reflecting the shape and use of a room is a highly respected craft.
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