What is marmoleum?

What is this material (product composition and a bit of history)

Marmoleum is a natural linoleum from Forbo factory, a durable flooring for interior use. Marmoleum consists of 97% natural components, its composition includes:

• flaxseed oil,
• wood flour,
• limestone,
• resin,
• jute as a substrate.

The very word «linoleum» (Latin «lean» - flax and «oleum» - oil) means «linseed oil». This type of flooring has been produced for more than 150 years. And linoleum based on polyvinyl chloride, which we are all used to, has nothing in common with the original material. PVC linoleum began to be produced in the 1950s due to a lack of natural raw materials. In recent decades, natural linoleum has been gaining popularity again because people are increasingly favoring natural, eco-friendly materials.

Forbo is one of the world's largest producers of natural linoleum. In 2018, it produced and sold more than 20 million m2 of marmoleum worldwide. This shows that marmoleum from Forbo is a high-quality, sought-after material.

Natural linoleum is suitable for both residential and public areas. It is ideal for medical (hospitals, medical centers and laboratories) and children's institutions (kindergartens, schools, entertainment and development centers).

Types of Marmoleum

Colors and collections

The range of Forbo marmoleum is huge:

• three main collections – Marbled, Solid, Linear;
• modular marmoleum collection – Modular;
• Mendini design collection, created in collaboration with Italian architect Alessandro Mendini;
• special collections of acoustic, current scattering, sports marmoleum, as well as marmoleum for walls and furniture.

Format

Fobo Marmoleum comes in the form of:

• 2x32 meter rolls;
• * 50x50 and 50x25 cm tiles;
• *planks of 100x25 cm.

* Tile and plank formats are in the Modular collection.

Marmoleum is:

• over 100 colors;
• textures of marble, different types of wood and stone;
• smooth or embossed surface imitating natural stone or wood.

Colors and formats could be combined and perfectly matched to each other. This is especially true for the Modular collection, which is available in tile and plank formats, allow you to create unique designs.

Special properties of Forbo natural linoleum

Eco-friendly

The natural composition ensures the eco-friendliness and safety of Marmoleum, which is confirmed by the eco-labels such as Nordic Swan and The Blue Angel.

Bacteriostatic

Marmoleum stops the growth of bacteria as linseed oil is a natural antiseptic. This material is hypoallergenic, so it is ideal for children's and medical institutions.

Wear-resistant and reliable in operation

• Marmoleum is suitable for use in high-traffic public areas - it belongs to application class 34.
• Not afraid of wheel chairs (complies with European standard ISO 4918/EN 425).
• The Topshield2 top layer protects the floor from scratches, damage, dirt, provides a great look and easy maintenance.
• Resistant to chemical reagents (diluted acids, oils, fats, etc.) except alkalis, which complies with EN-ISO 26987.

That is why it is not recommended to use cleaning agents with pH≥7 for the care of Marmoleum. By the way, it is also harmful for humans to use soap with such a high pH, because it destroys the protective film on our skin and makes it vulnerable.

Doesn't slip

Marmoleum has a good anti-slip coefficient (R9, R10 for embossed coverings). This allows to ensure safety in public, especially children's institutions.

Fireproof

This is confirmed by RB fire test protocols (marmoleum belongs to flame spread group RP1, flammability B2, it is a material with moderate smoke-forming ability). Also marmoleum belongs to the class of fire-resistant materials Cfl-S1 according to the European norm EN 13501-1.

The complete list of marmoleum characteristics with the relevant standards can be viewed in the file.

Advantages of Forbo natural linoleum

• Natural and environmentally friendly.
• Easy to care for and maintain (normal regular dry and wet cleaning, no special treatment products required).
• Better sound insulation properties (e.g. than laminate flooring).
• Softer and nicer (than stone or stoneware, for example), if your phone falls, it's likely to stay intact.
• Unique range of colors, ability to combine different shapes, colors and designs.
• Reliable, stable floor, no shrinkage after laying, as there are no plasticizers.
• There is no lifetime limit. Marmoleum can be polished and the floor will look as good as new.
• Manufacturer's 15-year warranty.

Laying marmoleum

Rolled marmoleum as well as tiles and planks of the Modular collection are laid on adhesive.

Finished projects

On the manufacturer's website you can see the projects where marmoleum is laid.

Among them: kindergartens, elementary school, children's amusement park, children's learning center, bank premises, office building, hotel, restaurant, university, etc. in different countries. This confirms that Marmoleum is well suited for public, especially children's institutions.

The Openini showroom in Vilnius has the largest selection of Forbo marmoleum samples. Working with us, you get:

• competent advice;
• a free on-site visit by one of our specialists, who will take measurements, assess the substrate and advise on installation;
• a formal contract, payment in cash or bank transfer;
• on-time delivery;
• free storage in our warehouse if necessary.

Additional information

Technical specifications

Installing Marmoleum® & Linoleum Sheet Flooring

Marmoleum Modular installation guidance note

Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions

View the Forbo natural linoleum catalogue on our website. We look forward to welcoming you at the Openini showroom

Go to the catalog!