Inexpensive Tile Design Ideas for a Linoleum Textured Floor
- Tiled floor image by Simon Amberly from Fotolia.com
Once upon a time, linoleum flooring meant a cheap look with patterns that restricted decorating to one or two outdated styles. Now, as consumers seek practical alternatives to expensive and not-so-practical premium flooring, vinyl manufacturers have stepped up to fill the gap.
Textured linoleum offers almost limitless flexibility with decorating styles. It addresses practical considerations and safety concerns that more expensive materials can't always accommodate. Linoleum does not sustain water damage. It provides a safer surface than some natural materials. It will not crack like ceramic. You can get a functional, high-end look without draining your bank account. - hardwood floor texture image by GoodMood Photo from Fotolia.com
Wood-textured linoleum provides an inexpensive alternative to traditional wood floors. Manufacturers offer a variety of wood grains and colors, sold by the square yard. Vinyl wood-look flooring solves some of the practical challenges presented by genuine and laminate wood floors. It is easier to install and works better in wet areas where spills could damage traditional wood flooring.
Tip: For a genuine, seamless look, cut linoleum sheets where planks end and fit them together like a puzzle. - galets image by aurore adeline from Fotolia.com
Linoleum provides more uniformity and grip than natural stone, making it a safer choice in homes with children. Vinyl manufacturers supply a range of stone looks to suit your decorating needs. Stone-textured linoleum comes in two basic categories: square tiles and sheets of naturally-shaped pebbles. Variations on these categories include rectangular tiles and sheets of tiles or cobbles. Suppliers offer every stone look imaginable, from sandstone to marble, from granite to river rocks.
Tip: Stone looks work well in rooms with a sparse, minimalist decorating scheme. The texture and variation of the stone anchors the simplicity of the rest of the room by providing visual interest. - checkered grid tile image by Nicemonkey from Fotolia.com
For a classic tile look, choose ceramic-textured linoleum. Many manufacturers include grout lines in their designs, giving the illusion and feel of real ceramic. The broad spectrum of colors, surface textures and tile size provides maximum versatility for your decorating tastes. Ceramic-look tiles come in many sizes, most often as individual squares or rectangles. Some styles also come in sheets. You can mix and match styles with ease, allowing you to achieve motifs of genuine ceramic. Linoleum eliminates the risk of cracking tiles during installation, use and natural settling.
Tip: You can create an updated effect by choosing large tiles of one color, or go retro with a checkerboard or octagonal pattern.
