Natural materials

Linoleum

Linoleum is a flexible, natural flooring and upholstery material made from linseed oil, cork and wood flour, and jute fabric. Produced from renewable raw materials and without any petroleum-based ingredients, it is biodegradable and easy to maintain.

What is linoleum?

Linoleum is a natural material used not only as a floor covering but also in a wide range of furniture applications – for example as tabletops, cabinet fronts, or work surfaces. It is made from natural raw materials such as linseed oil, wood and cork flour, and jute fabric. Its defining features are a matt surface and an organic tactile quality that gives the material a warm, pleasant character.

The combination of firmness and flexibility is characteristic of linoleum – making it suitable even for curved surfaces. Thanks to its antistatic and hygienic properties, it is easier to keep clean than many other surfaces, without requiring any chemical treatment.

Linoleum in furniture making

In furniture making, linoleum impresses not only through its natural appearance and pleasant feel, but also through its functional properties. As it is made from raw materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, and jute, slight colour variations and natural irregularities in the surface may occur – these are not flaws, but rather highlight the unique character of the material. As a tabletop, linoleum is particularly resistant to scratches, impacts, and fingerprints. Even so, you should avoid placing hot objects directly on the surface and always use a cutting board to ensure long-term durability.

Cleaning is straightforward: a soft, slightly damp cloth and a pH-neutral cleaning agent are all you need for everyday care. For additional protection and to refresh the surface, specialist linoleum care products can be used – keeping the matt, velvety texture intact over the long term.

How is linoleum made?

The production process begins with a mixture of linseed oil, natural resins, and wood and cork flour, which are heated together until a viscous mass forms. Colour pigments may be added at this stage to tint the material.

The mixture is then applied in thin layers to a jute fabric backing and spread evenly.

The linoleum then cures over several weeks in specially conditioned drying rooms, developing its characteristic firmness and elasticity.

Finally, the surface is finished to make the material more resistant to dirt and wear.

Close-up of fresh resin on a pine tree, usable in linoleum production — Pine resin for linoleum production

Wood flour shavings for linoleum production — Wood flour for linoleum production

Environmental profile of linoleum

Linoleum is one of the floor coverings based on renewable raw materials and is biodegradable. But how does linoleum perform in terms of its overall environmental profile?

1. Raw material sourcing

The main components of linoleum – linseed oil, cork and wood flour, and jute – come from natural, renewable sources. This makes it more resource-efficient than comparable materials such as vinyl and PVC. The use of by-products from cork and wood processing further improves the overall environmental balance.

2. Processing and energy input

Producing linoleum requires less energy than manufacturing synthetic floor coverings such as vinyl or PVC. It is also based on natural materials, and the use of chemicals is not required.

That said, some synthetic additives may be used to accelerate the curing process, and protective coatings are applied to improve durability. These vary by manufacturer and are generally used only in very small quantities.

Coarsely woven jute, used as the backing material for linoleum — Jute – the backing material

The flax plant – the basis of linoleum

3. Durability

Linoleum is long-lasting and, with proper care, can remain in excellent condition for several decades. It is abrasion-resistant, elastic, and resilient under mechanical stress. In high-traffic environments such as schools and hospitals, it is particularly valued for its durability and hygienic properties.

Care should nonetheless be taken with thermal and chemical exposure, as the natural components of linoleum can be sensitive. The elastic structure means that prolonged or sharply concentrated pressure may leave permanent marks.

4. Reusability

At the end of its service life, linoleum can be recycled or thermally recovered. As it consists largely of organic components, it does not generate harmful waste. The choice of backing board and adhesive is an important factor here. Alternatively, the surface can be sanded back and resealed to extend its lifespan.

5. Biodegradability

Unlike synthetic coverings, pure linoleum is fully biodegradable. Once disposed of, it breaks down in nature without leaving harmful residues. The adhesives and connectors used to fix the linoleum in place should also be considered in this regard.

Technical properties of linoleum

Property	Value
Total thickness	2 mm to 7 mm
Total weight	2,000 g/m² to 3,220 g/m²
Flexibility	ø 50 mm
Residual indentation	≤ 0.20 mm
Colour fastness	Method 3: Grade 6 / Echelle
Antistatic	2 kV
Chemical resistance	No change in material properties under brief exposure to diluted acids, oils, and fats. Not resistant to prolonged exposure to alkalis.
Reflectance	5
Colour	Wide range of colour and pattern options
Moisture resistance	Limited – not suitable for wet areas
Applications	Floor coverings, tabletops, work surfaces, cabinet fronts

Linoleum at ekomia

At ekomia, we use linoleum as an optional surface finish for our made-to-measure tables. Made from renewable raw materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, and jute, it has a pleasant, warm tactile quality and is easy to care for. Our linoleum offers the opportunity to bring colour and personality into your home – for durable, aesthetic solutions in living and working spaces.

Libra trestle desk in white powder-coated steel with solid wood top and linoleum surface panel — Libra desk with linoleum surface in Rose.

Questions & answers for Linoleum

Here we answer some questions about Linoleum that are frequently asked by other users.

The price per square metre of linoleum varies significantly depending on quality and design. Sheet linoleum is available from around €19 per square metre, while linoleum planks or tiles usually cost between €40 and €50 per square metre.

Compared to PVC and vinyl flooring, linoleum is significantly more expensive to buy. This is partly due to the use of natural raw materials and the more complex manufacturing process, which also means there are fewer manufacturers on the market. Apart from that, linoleum is based on renewable raw materials and is biodegradable – unlike PVC and vinyl – whilst also offering superior material quality, which makes it particularly durable.

For regular care, simply wipe with a slightly damp cloth or a mild cleaning agent. Special linoleum care products can be used for heavier soiling. However, linoleum should not be treated with aggressive chemicals or too much water, as this can damage the surface.

Linoleum can be manufactured in different thicknesses – depending on the intended use and manufacturer, the thickness varies between 2 mm and approx. 7 mm. A thickness of around 2.5 mm has become the standard for use in residential areas.