How Much Does Marmoleum Cost?
3 pros!
Expect to pay between $3.50-$5.50 per square foot for materials to install Marmoleum. Labor will cost $36 per hour. This is about the same as other linoleum products.
What Is Marmoleum?
Marmoleum is a brand of linoleum produced by Forbo Flooring Systems. They call it a “CO2 neutral product” that does not contribute to climate change.
Forbo says they produce it from renewable materials. These include:
- linseed oil
- pine rosin
- wood flour
- limestone
- jute
- natural pigments
How Does Marmoleum Compare Versus Linoleum?
Strictly speaking, Marmoleum is the same thing as linoleum. It’s a brand name for a specific product. Like linoleum, it does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
How Much Does Marmoleum Cost Per Square Foot?
Marmoleum materials cost an average of $3.50-$4 per square foot depending on the type you choose.
- Sheets: $4 per square foot. Take less time to install. You may need to replace an entire sheet if it gets damaged.
- Click tiles: $3.50 per square foot. They require no adhesive. Installation requires more effort to cut and shape to a room, compared to other forms.
- Glue-down tiles: $3.50 per square foot.
Labor costs $36 per hour on average. This tends to include the cost of installation, tools, adhesive and nails. Project time varies based on the job.
These prices assume your room has the proper subfloor. If not, subfloor replacement costs between $35-$60 per square foot for the new plywood, removal and installation.
What Are the Cost Factors to Installing Marmoleum Flooring?
- Size: A larger area usually requires more time.
- Room shape: Non-standard rooms require more time to cut.
- Obstructions: Registers, pipes and framing require more time to work around them.
- Region: Labor and material rates differ by location.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Marmoleum for Floors?
Pros:
- Long life: Should last for more than 30 years.
- Durable: The linseed oil strengthens over time. This helps the floor remain durable.
- Environmentally-friendly: It is biodegradable at the end of its life.
- Color choices: Can be found in 300 colors and designs.
- Built-in finish: Requires no extra sealing or finish.
Cons:
- Cleaning care: Hot water can damage it. Take care not to use steam cleaners or hot water.
- Furniture care: Use protective feet on chairs and tables. Forbo recommends using castor wheels made of soft material.
Who Should I Hire for Marmoleum Installation?
Any contractor experienced in linoleum installation should be able to do the job.
Here are some tips for hiring the right professional:
1. Before hiring, match with qualified flooring pros.
2. Get quotes from three local flooring contractors for a competitive price.
3. Ask if they have experience with this flooring.
4. Make sure the pro follows best practices. This includes moisture tests on the subfloor and using the right adhesives.
Marmoleum can add 1 point towards LEED certification. Ask your pro to use LEED-friendly practices.
What The Pros Say About Marmoleum
"Marmoleum is a member of the sheet vinyl flooring family," says Greg Keairns, co-owner of Home Based Carpet & Flooring in Cincinnati. "You don’t see marmoleum flooring very often in residential uses. It’s mostly for commercial, industrial and hospital uses.
"You can put it on a hospital floor and wrap it up the wall to make it easier to keep clean," relates Keairns. "It’s certainly not a do-it-yourself product. Sheet vinyl usually comes in 6 or 12-foot-wide sheets. It’s great stuff, but tough to install. Where you seam it together, it’s got to be heat-welded, which requires a special tool and know-how."