Linoleum is a type of flooring commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms. This type of flooring is made by oxidizing linseed oil to form linoleum cement, which is cooled and mixed with cork dust, wood flour, tree resins, ground limestone, and pigment to create sheets on a jute backing.
In 1863, Frederick Walton created linoleum, in England, and he and others perfected the affordable and durable flooring later in the century. At the time, linoleum was used in a variety of rooms; however, most people today know it as a good, inexpensive flooring option for kitchens and bathrooms. Linoleum is also a good choice for industrial use, apartments, and office buildings because of it’s variety of colors and styles, long-term durability, and lack of expense.
Now people often use the terms linoleum and sheet flooring interchangeably, when in fact, linoleum is made from natural materials and sheet flooring can be made from a variety of sources.