Resilient Flooring History

Origins

The first rubber floor tiles can be traced back to the 12th to 13th centuries and declined in popularity toward the end of the 17th century. Linoleum was invented and patented in 1845 and first manufactured in the U.S. in 1872.

Cork

The first cork tile floor was introduced in 1904, and became the most popular type of resilient flooring in the 1920s. It was available in a limited range of colors and designs, but was expensive and porous. Armstrong was once known as the Armstrong Cork Company.

Linoleum

Linoleum, sold as rugs, came in a wide variety of colors and patterns and was attached to the perimeter of the floor with tacks. It was sold through mail-order catalogs like Sears, Montgomery Wards and local general merchandise stores. During this time, it was used on countertops as well as floors. Linoleum remained popular until after World War II, when easy-to-maintain and durable vinyl flooring was introduced.

Asphalt Tile

Asphalt tile arrived on the scene in the 1920s, and by the 1950s, was the most widely used floor tile on the market, fueled by low initial cost and easy installation. These tiles were tough, durable, highly resistant to abrasion and moisture, and fire resistant, but the styles and patterns were limited.

Vinyl

In 1933, vinyl made its big splash when a vinyl composition tile was displayed at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. Because of the scarcity of vinyl during the war years, vinyl flooring was not widely marketed until the late 1940s, but then quickly challenged its competitors. Originally used only in high traffic areas, vinyl flooring eventually became the most popular choice for flooring in just about any hard-surface application.

In the 1950s demand for resilient flooring grew due to its superior performance characteristics when compared to flooring alternatives.
During the 1960s cushioned vinyl floors and "no-wax" resilient floors were introduced to provide underfoot comfort and ease of maintenance. During the last thirty years, specialty resilient floors which provide enhanced slip resistance and static conductivity have been developed to meet the needs of the marketplace. As late as the early 90's, customers still came in asking for rugs and meaning resilient.

Armstrong 1980's Rhino Vinyl commercials
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4VzHq76GDs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX9kGQU7T_w

Today

At one point, resilient flooring was second only to carpet in floor covering sales in the United States. Although in recent years, it has been surpassed by ceramic and wood, resilient flooring continues to be a popular choice in almost any application because it is durable, easy to intain, available in many different colors and patterns and is easy to install. Recent developments include floating, fiberglass backed floors and vinyls warranteed against rips, tears, and gouges. Home Plus Longview offers Armstrong, Congoleum, and Stainmaster resilient.