Linoleum was first manufactured about 1860 as a development from floor cloth which had been in use for many decades and from Kamptulicon, a now obsolete rubber based material. From these beginnings the linoleum industry has grown till its annual production of 150 million sq. yd is now greater than that of all other floor finishes. The different types and thicknesses are described.

The performance of a linoleum floor depends very much on the way it has been laid. It can be laid successfully on most types of sub-floor, but special care needs to be given to the preparation of the sub-floor. Notes give guidance on preparing timber and concrete sub-floors, together with instructions on damp-proofing.