Pros and Cons of Marmoleum Flooring

Marmoleum flooring is touted as a great environmentally friendly flooring and the perfect alternative to other conventional flooring materials like vinyl. It looks great in the advertising images and the idea of creating beautiful floors and keeping the Earth healthy is certainly appealing but how well do these floors work in a real home with a real family?

Benefits of Marmoleum

Many designers are using marmoleum in their home designs because of its versatility and ease of installation. The fact that it is a healthy choice for both home and earth makes it appealing to consumers as well. There is no doubt that it is currently one of the most popular flooring choices in the United States.

What Are the Benefits?

• Marmoleum is a versatile flooring material that can be used to design intricate patterns as well as all over color on any floor.
• It is made of natural materials and will not outgas toxins or chemical residues.
• It has antibacterial properties which means that dangerous microbes like salmonella aren't spread.
• Estimated life of the floor under normal use is fifty years.
• The floor is heat resistant and will not burn easily.
• Anti-static properties in the flooring mean that dirt doesn't stick to it and it is easier to clean.
• The material can be cut and you can create borders and other designs.
• It is 100% biodegradable.
• There are no VOC's present in marmoleum.
• The floors are comfortable to stand and walk on.
• Marmoleum helps reduce dust mites and many common allergies.

Everything sounds wonderful as you read through the list of the great things about marmoleum flooring but what about people that weren't happy with their floors? Do they even exist?

They do exist. Some complaints about Marmoleum are very common. Here are some complaints excerpted from Greener Building.

• The floor stains.
• It dents easily.
• The floor scuffs easily.
• It needs constant maintenance.
• Pet accidents stain the floor.
• Finish damages easily
• It can be expensive.

The truth is that marmoleum can be a fabulous choice for your floor if you are willing to follow a few simple steps.

• It must be installed by professionals with experience in installing marmoleum. Check references of any floor contractor or kitchen remodeler that you decide to use.
• It must be sealed and finished properly.
• It needs a completely smooth, flat subfloor.
• You shouldn't use a steam cleaner or hot water when cleaning the floor. Use only the recommended cleaning solutions.
• Put pads on the feet of furniture to guard against dents and scratches.
• You should avoid wearing spiked high heels on the floor.
• You must maintain the seal on the floor.

The question remains whether or not a marmoleum floor is right for you. Although only you can answer that question you should read the reviews, and consider the pros and cons of marmoleum flooring before you commit to it.

If you cook a lot then marmoleum may not be the best choice for your kitchen. Acids from foods (like tomatoes) and chemicals from cleaners can harm the floor's finish in some cases. Likewise, if you have pets that have frequent accidents the floor may not be a good choice.

Talk to the sales team at the store where you are planning to buy marmoleum. Ask to see some references and if there are any customers who would be willing to show you their floor. Talk to the contractors who will be installing your floor and get references from them as well. Most complaints come from customers whose floors were not installed and finished properly.

A marmoleum floor can be a great alternative for some people but for others it can be a frustrating and expensive mistake.