A Complete Guide To Marmoleum Click Flooring (With Easy DIY Installation Steps)

Marmoleum click floors offer an excellent alternative to traditional flooring materials.

Marmoleum click offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective flooring solution. 

That’s because Marmoleum is a 100 percent natural flooring material. 

An all-natural and ecologically sound flooring is already preferred for new homes. 

You see, green homes are the latest housing trend across the States. 

There are greater incentives now than ever before to build environmentally friendly homes. 

So people are seeking to build their homes using sustainable building materials. 

But for any home, flooring is the most vital aspect. It covers the entire length and breadth of your home. 

In fact, your indoor aesthetics is determined by the kind of flooring. 

A bland-looking floor is sure to ruin the aesthetic appeal of your home. That means you can’t ignore flooring decor when building a green home. 

But do you get elegant eco-friendly flooring options?

Well, yes. 

There are natural and environmentally friendly flooring options that beautify your home too. 

Marmoleum click flooring is one such elegant flooring option. It offers indoor aesthetics similar to conventional flooring materials. 

Interesting, isn’t it? 

There’s much more to Marmoleum tiles. So let’s see them in detail. 

What exactly is Marmoleum click flooring?

A Marmoleum click flooring is one made of linoleum. 

Linoleum is a natural flooring material made from linseed oil, tree resin, cork, wood, and limestone. Thus, it is a sustainable and eco-friendly flooring solution.

Marmoleum is also called ‘marbleized linoleum.’ That’s because linoleum is molded to give the shape of flooring marbles. 

Marmoleum floor tiles may sound modern. But Marmoleum flooring materials have been around for more than two centuries.

It was invented back in 1860 by Frederick Walton. He mixed linseed oil with other natural materials. That’s when the idea of flooring with linoleum got discovered. 

It sounds like an accidental invention, doesn’t it? 

Benefits Of Installing Marmoleum Click Flooring:

When we talk of linoleum floors, it might evoke old and unattractive flooring.

That’s precisely why vinyl floors gained popularity in the 1960s. 

Marmoleum click flooring is the latest avatar of linoleum. And it has entirely changed the perception of linoleum. 

You get Marmoleum floor tiles in multiple designs and finishes. They extend a unique aesthetic to your indoor space. 

Also, Marmoleum can replicate traditional flooring materials like hardwood, marble, etc. 

As you know, traditional flooring materials like hardwood aren’t eco-friendly. With Marmoleum, you get the same classical elegance at zero environmental cost.   

Awesome, isn’t it?

There are many more advantages of Marmoleum floors. 

Let’s have a look at them. 

#1. Marmoleum click offers a durable flooring solution

Marmoleum is a highly durable flooring material. 

A Marmoleum click flooring can easily last you for 40 years. No other flooring solution in the market comes close to this. 

In fact, some manufacturers offer you a warranty for as long as 20 years. 

On the other hand, hardwood flooring lasts for ten years on average. 

So Marmoleum extends the longevity of your flooring fourfold. 

There’s more to it. 

Linoleum floors in their heyday were prone to damage. That’s not the case with Marmoleum click tiles. 

Marmoleum sheet flooring easily withstands heavy footfalls. Also, they are sturdy enough. So you need not worry about wear and tear. 

Sounds amazing, right?

#2. Marmoleum is a budget-friendly flooring alternative

Marmoleum click flooring is an affordable solution. 

That’s because Marmoleum is made using entirely natural and renewable materials. And these materials are inexpensive. 

So Marmoleum tiles are readily available at an incredibly low cost. 

On average, Marmoleum flooring can cost you $4.50 per square foot. 

Hardwood floors, on the contrary, cost between $6 and $12 for each square foot. 

You should also factor in labor costs for hardwood floor installation. That can cost an additional $3 to $5 per square foot. 

Marmoleum click flooring installation is DIY friendly. That means you stand to save on labor costs. 

There you have it, a budget-friendly flooring. 

#3. Marmoleum click flooring has multiple decor options

Marmoleum is a low-cost solution. And that may evoke images of dull flooring. 

But did you know Marmoleum offers the most extensive flooring decor options? 

A Marmoleum click flooring uniquely enhances your indoor aesthetics. 

You can get it custom designed. That makes it reflect your taste and preference. 

Ready-to-install Marmoleum floors also come with endless designs and color finishes. So there’s always a flooring option of your liking. 

In fact, you can have your Marmoleum floor mimic traditional flooring. 

Marmoleum floors are even designed to replicate hardwood, marble, etc. Meaning you can have traditional aesthetics in an eco-friendly way. 

#4. Healthier flooring with Marmoleum click

You see, common flooring options are known to host multiple allergens. 

Marmoleum click flooring has anti-allergen and anti-bacterial properties. 

So, if you’re allergic to dust, dander, etc., Marmoleum is your go-to option. 

There are more health advantages to Marmoleum. 

Our traditional flooring materials like vinyl are made with petrochemicals. And they pose multiple health risks. 

Vinyl has the tendency to off-gas. That releases toxic gasses into your home. 

That means if you have a vinyl floor, it is sure to pollute your indoor air. 

Marmoleum is an entirely natural flooring. So it doesn’t off-gas or causes indoor pollution. 

That’s amazing for sure. Isn’t it? 

#5. A marmoleum flooring is water-resistant too 

Another great advantage of marmoleum flooring tiles is that they’re highly water-resistant. And that’s exactly why marmoleum in the bathroom, among other wet spaces, is something many people are opting for.

In fact, marmoleum tiles are the most water-resistant of all traditional and green home floors, including hardwood, bamboo, and carpet tile floors. 

As such, you can rest assured of zero damage from wet footwear, regular splashes in the kitchen or shower, liquid spills, and more. 

However, there’s a catch with bathroom or kitchen marmoleum flooring, something you should be aware of.  

You see, excessive exposure to water or even moisture can cause curling in the corners or edges of your marmoleum floor. So it is important to ensure that your marmoleum tiles are never completely immersed in water or exposed to high humidity conditions. 

Nevertheless, if you’re looking for an entirely water-proof and moisture-resistant flooring solution, you can consider sustainable rubber paver tiles. 

Wondering what rubber floors have in store for you? 

You can go through our blog: 8 Reasons Why Rubber Flooring Is The Ideal Flooring Solution. 

#6. Marmoleum is highly eco-friendly

As we saw earlier, click marmoleum flooring materials are made from 100% natural materials sourced sustainably, making them an excellent alternative to hardwood and bamboo, among others. 

Also, the fact that no toxic or polluting substance is used to manufacture these flooring materials makes them the best eco-friendly substitute for vinyl. 

There’s more to it. 

Since marmoleum tiles are made with natural stuff, they’re completely biodegradable and recyclable at the end of their service life. Meaning, you can discard them without the guilt of causing ecological damage, as they won’t occupy the landfills and pollute their surroundings. 

But why discard marmoleum when it can be of value to you even after its lifespan? 

There are multiple ways you can make the best use of discarded marmoleum, such as: 

• You can take your tiles to the nearest recycling unit and sell them. 
• As marmoleum tiles are made with tree resins, linseed oil, etc., you can even use them as a natural compost for your garden. 

Some disadvantages of marmoleum flooring installation: 

While it’s hard to ignore the many benefits of marmoleum that make them one of the best materials for residential flooring, it’s equally important that you’re aware of their shortcomings. 

So let’s go over some of the cons of a marmoleum installation. 

1. It’s true that marmoleum floors have a much longer lifespan, especially when compared to their traditional flooring counterparts. However, it’s worth mentioning that a lack of proper maintenance can make the tiles turn yellowish and dingy. Also, it can have an effect on the tiles’ longevity. 
2. Marmoleum tiles that are unsealed or have poor sealing will need to be buffed and polished frequently. And not doing so will reduce their overall lifespan, apart from affecting their looks. 
3. Unlike marble or concrete floors, marmoleum tiles are quite soft. So there’s a good chance that they’ll develop cracks or get scratched if you drag things like furniture on the floor. 
4. Like all linoleum products, marmoleum tiles are also made using linseed oil. And for anywhere between a week or month after installation, these tiles can emit a strong linseed odor. Although this odor causes no harm, you or your family members can actually find it irritating. 

Marmoleum Click Flooring: DIY 

You might want to DIY your flooring project. 

It gives you control over your project. And you stand to save up labor costs. 

Also, DIY projects offer great satisfaction. 

But some floorings are extremely complex to install. So you need a flooring professional to install one. 

Unlike other flooring projects, Marmoleum click floors are highly DIY-friendly. 

That means you don’t need to be an expert to install them. 

Here are some easy DIY steps to install Marmoleum click flooring:

Step 1. Measure your indoor space

Right measurement of your interiors is critical to Marmoleum click flooring installation. 

Start with measuring the room where you want Marmoleum flooring. 

You should measure the length and breadth of your room. And then multiply both to get the actual square footage. 

It is essential to have a precise measurement of your room. That lets you know the amount of Marmoleum floor tiles or sheets you need. 

Step 2. Preparing for Marmoleum click flooring installation

You should keep Marmoleum boards at the place of flooring installation at least three to four days in advance. That makes Marmoleum adept at rooming temperature and humidity. 

Marmoleum boards that don’t adapt to room conditions buckle after installation. 

Step 3. Install a vapor barrier

A vapor barrier prevents moisture from seeping into your flooring. Moisture can cause mold, mildew, etc., causing damage to your floor. 

So you should install a vapor barrier on your concrete subfloor. As that significantly increases the longevity of your Marmoleum click flooring. 

Step 4. Installing underlayment for your Marmoleum click flooring

After you’ve installed a vapor barrier, underlayment follows next. 

Foam underlayment is ideal for a DIY project. These are available as rolls and are very easy to install. 

You can simply unroll the underlayment and tape it at the seams. 

It’s as simple as that!

Step 5. Marmoleum Click Flooring Installation 

You can start Marmoleum click flooring installation by cutting off the tongue. You should cut it from the wall end of the Marmoleum board. 

That is followed by cutting long tongues from other Marmoleum boards.

After cutting, simply press the Marmoleum board into the short groove. Done from the narrow side, Marmoleum will click together. 

There you have it, an easy DIY flooring project. 

Bonus Steps:

#1. Making Cuts 

You need to cut the last Marmoleum plank at the end of the row. That ensures a properly fitted Marmoleum flooring. 

#2. Installing additional rows 

After you’ve installed the first row, follow the same step for the next rows. 

Placing the tongue into an already installed groove makes installation much easier. 

Continue installing Marmoleum boards till your entire flooring is covered. 

FAQs

#1. How to maintain Marmoleum click flooring?

The older versions of linoleum needed frequent wax coating. That kept the floor shiny and the colors intact. 

So maintaining those linoleum floors wasn’t easy. 

However, that’s not the case with Marmoleum floors. 

Marmoleum click flooring has a low maintenance profile. That means you can easily care for your Marmoleum floor. 

Marmoleum’s colors and other finishes don’t wither away. So you don’t need to put wax coatings. 

Occasional sweeping and mopping are all that you need to do. 

Also, you can use a vacuum cleaner to keep the flooring clean.

Even stains on a Marmoleum floor are easily removable. You can clean the stains simply with a rag and mild detergent.  

There it is, an easy-to-maintain flooring option. 

#2. Can you use Marmoleum click flooring in your bathroom?

Yes, certainly.

Marmoleum has high resistance to water, moisture, and heat, making it perfect for bathroom flooring.

In fact, you can install Marmoleum click flooring in just about any space, notwithstanding how damp or hot it is. For instance, when it comes to infrared vs steam saunas, both have entirely different ambiances in terms of moisture and heat. But Marmoleum floors can be installed in both.

Not to mention, you can install them in your kitchen, basement, etc., as well as at the poolside, outdoor shower, and more.

#3. How is Marmoleum click flooring eco-friendly?

Marmoleum click flooring is made of linoleum. And linoleum is often misunderstood as vinyl. 

Vinyl floors are made using petroleum products.

However, linoleum is made with 100 percent natural materials. Since these materials are sourced sustainably, they cause zero ecological damage. 

Also, vinyl floors have a considerably lower lifespan. And they end up in landfills, polluting the environment. 

On the other hand, Marmoleum flooring is biodegradable. So they don’t occupy the landfills. 

#4. Can you repair dents or scratches on a marmoleum floor? 

Yes, you can. 

And even though it might sound complicated, making repairs on a marmoleum click flooring is actually very simple. 

For regular scratches that are commonplace on any flooring material, simply buffing and polishing the scratched area should do. 

Also, when it comes to repairing dents or cracks, you can do that by yourself as well. 

How? 

Well, removing an individual marmoleum tile is simple; all you’ll need is a regular kitchen knife. So you can remove the affected tiles without any professional help or prior experience. 

Not to mention, individual marmoleum tiles are readily available on the market. That means you can get the required number of tiles matching your floor specifications to replace the torn tiles. 

#5. Can marmoleum be used on the walls? 

Yes, marmoleum can be used on the walls of a home. 

In fact, the water-resistant features of marmoleum tiles make them a great option for the kitchen and bathroom, just like cork floating floor tiles. That’s because these areas are prone to water spills, and marmoleum can prevent water-induced damage to the inner walls of your home. 

But won’t installing flooring tiles on the walls ruin the interior aesthetics? 

No, it wouldn’t. 

You can easily find marmoleum kitchen and marmoleum bathroom wall tiles, which are designed specifically for the walls. 

As we discussed earlier, marmoleum can be made in just about any design and pattern. And that also goes for the wall tiles that are made to replicate wall paints and wallpapers, among others. 

#6. Can you use marmoleum for flooring your basement? 

While marmoleum can be used in the basement, it’s a little complicated story here.

You see, flooring spaces like the basement is always tricky and requires you to figure a few things out, notwithstanding the kind of material you’re using. And that includes: 

• Conducting a moisture test in and around the basement area and ensuring that the space is free of humidity. 
• Undertaking a comprehensive test for the presence of calcium chloride in the area and eliminating such contents before flooring the space. That’s because chemicals such as this can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which will not only damage the flooring materials but also deteriorate the air quality. 

#7. Is marmoleum flooring okay for asthmatic and allergic people? 

Yes, marmoleum is absolutely safe for everyone, including people with allergies and asthma. 

Flooring materials made with chemical and petroleum products, vinyl, for example, do off-gas, releasing harmful substances in the air inside your home. And that is harmful to all residents, more so the children and people with other medical conditions. 

However, that’s not the case with all-natural marmoleum flooring, which doesn’t off-gas at all. On the contrary, marmoleum can rather help you incorporate nature into your living space. 

#8. Can you use marmoleum in a commercial space? 

Yes, marmoleum can be used in commercial properties. 

Moreover, the exciting features of these floor tiles have made them one of the most sought-after materials in commercial spaces. 

So you shouldn’t be surprised when you walk into an office, school, factory, or hospital and find marmoleum tile flooring. 

#9. How much does marmoleum cost per square foot? 

According to estimates from Angi, marmoleum price per square foot can be anywhere between $3 and $7. 

Nonetheless, marmoleum click tiles are very cost-efficient, and you can easily get them even for $3 per square foot, as per the Angi estimate. 

Conclusion

Flooring is an essential part of your interior decor. Meaning it can make or break your indoor aesthetics. 

Traditional flooring materials like hardwood and vinyl have been widely used for homes. 

That’s because they make for elegant flooring. 

However, these materials are highly unsustainable and damaging to the ecology. 

You see, entire forests are wiped out to get hardwood for flooring. And vinyl being a petroleum product, poses its own risks. 

So such materials aren’t apt for a green building. 

That’s exactly where flooring materials like Marmoleum come in handy. 

Marmoleum flooring offers you limitless design options. From rustic natural to classical elegance looks, there’s much you can choose from. 

Also, there’s more to Marmoleum sheet flooring than aesthetics.

Marmoleum easily outlasts traditional flooring materials. And is readily available at a considerably lower price. 

So why choose any other flooring material?