There are loads of flooring options available today for the home. But if you’re looking for an inexpensive flooring, especially suited for potentially wet areas such as kitchen or bathrooms, you’re probably going to consider either linoleum or vinyl. Although the terms are often used somewhat interchangeably, the materials are not the same. Historically, the mention of either conjures up images of second-rate products, but both have their applications and a place in many homes. Both linoleum (lino) and vinyl flooring are referred to as “resilient flooring.” Resilient flooring means that if a heavy object were to fall on it, the material wouldn’t necessarily be permanently damaged with a crack or dent. Its shape would be restored somewhat or in full.

Linoleum is mostly limited to commercial applications, but not exclusively. Vinyl is found in numerous residential and commercial applications. Both materials are available in sheets and in tiles.