2023 Forbo Flooring Prices, Installation, Reviews

Typical Cost To Install New Flooring Average: $1,410 - $2,460
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Forbo is the flooring industry giant.

Forbo flooring options are known for their quality, durability, great price, and aesthetic appeal.

If you are ready to replace your current floor, contact your local flooring pros for FREE ESTIMATES!

Average Cost Of Forbo Flooring

Average Costs For:
Most Homeowners Spent Between: Most People Spent: $1,769 - $3,192 (for 180 sq. ft.)
Low End
$1,215
Average
$2,162
High End
$3,745

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Forbo is the leading manufacturer of numerous flooring options, including:

  • Linoleum (Marmoleum)
  • Naturally PVC-free modular flooring
  • Flotex
  • Allura LVT
  • Project vinyl & safety flooring
  • Acoustic flooring
  • ESD & cleanroom flooring
  • Entrance flooring systems
  • Surface solutions
  • Transport flooring
  • Homogeneous vinyl

As you can assume, all these flooring types have different price ranges.

Since Marmoleum is the company’s bestseller, we’ll use it as an example for our analysis.

If you want to install Forbo’s Marmoleum in your home, you’ll need around $2.85 to $6.65 per square foot in total (including materials, labor, adhesives, and other necessary supplies).

Let’s say you have a 150-square-foot kitchen to cover with Forbo’s Marmoleum. You’ll need between $427.50 and $997.50 for the entire project.

You can use our Flooring Cost Calculator to estimate the cost of floor replacement in your home.

Forbo Flooring Cost Breakdown

Typical Cost To Install New Flooring Average: $1,410 - $2,460
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Material is certainly the biggest expense when installing Forbo’s Marmoleum.

How much you’ll pay for the material depends on the selected system.

Marmoleum comes in three options: tiles, sheets, and Click.

The average price of Marmoleum tiles ranges from $3.30 to $5.27 per square foot.

They’re customizable, available in different sizes, and ideal for creating breathtaking patterns.

The second option is Marmoleum sheets, which come in three designs: marble, solid, and linear.

On average, you’ll need around $3.33 to $3.80 for a square foot of Marmoleum sheets.

The final style is Marmoleum Click.

These tiles don’t require an adhesive for installation. Instead, they have a cork backing that clicks into place for an effortless setup.

A square foot of Marmoleum Click tiles costs $3.33 to $4.28.

Type Cost per Square Foot Cost per 150 Square Feet
Marmoleum Sheets $3.33-$3.80 $499.50-$570
Marmoleum Tiles $3.30 to $5.27 $495-$790.50
Marmoleum Click $3.33-$4.28 $499.50-$642

Once you choose your favorite Marmoleum option, it’s time to consider other factors that add to the project’s price: adhesive, labor, and subflooring.

Adhesive

Marmoleum is a natural, eco-friendly material, and this is one of its most appealing qualities.

It would be a shame to “destroy” this with harsh adhesives that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). That’s why you should use a non-toxic adhesive that offers excellent performance without harming the environment.

Since more and more people recognize the importance of going green, the market offers numerous Formo Marmoleum-approved options.

We recommend Forbo Marmoleum Sustain 885M adhesive. Its average price is $47.5 to $66.50 per gallon.

Don’t worry; you won’t need to spend gallons and gallons to set up your Marmoleum. When you “translate” this, you’ll pay roughly $0.48 per square foot for the adhesive.

If you have 150 square feet to cover, the adhesive will cost you $72.

Keep in mind that you need the adhesive only if you opt for Marmoleum tiles or sheets.

Marmoleum Click tiles don’t require it.

Labor

Marmoleum is fairly easy to install, even if you have little experience with home improvement projects.

Still, some homeowners decide to hire professionals for the job.

You may wonder, “Why would someone pay extra money to do what they can do themselves?” The answer is peace of mind.

When you hire a pro, you can be confident your Marmoleum will be installed correctly without the risk of potential damage or injuries.

Although it seems simple, dealing with adhesive and sheets or tiles can be complicated (and often frustrating).

If you make a mistake, you may need to spend extra on additional materials. Therefore, investing in a professional installation may be worth your money, especially because contractors don’t charge an arm and a leg for the job.

On average, you’ll need $0.23 to $0.95 for labor costs. That’s $34.50 to $142.50 for a 150-square-foot space.

Pro Tip: Always ask for several quotes from contractors and choose the best option.

Subflooring

Subfloors support your flooring, in this case, Marmoleum.

When your subflooring is in poor condition, it can cause Marmoleum to distort.

Fortunately, you can avoid this scenario by upgrading your subfloors.

This can cost you between $33.30 and $57 per square foot.

Of course, if there’s nothing wrong with your subfloors, you can cross off this expense.

Forbo Flooring Reviews

Typical Cost To Install New Flooring Average: $1,410 - $2,460
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Reading online reviews is one of the best ways to learn the ins and outs of a product.

If you check reviews for Forbo flooring, you’ll notice they’re mostly positive.

One of the first things people mention is the versatility of options.

Whatever flooring you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Forbo.

Every flooring option comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, which customers particularly appreciate. They can easily find a color that matches their décor.

Another reason many customers like Forbo is the ease of maintenance.

The floors don’t require professional cleaning or polishing. You can keep them in great shape without putting in much effort.

Plus, the floors aren’t expensive, which is also a huge priority for some people.

No product has perfect online reviews, and Forbo floors are no exception.

The main issue customers mention is that their Forbo flooring (Marmoelum, to be precise) got scratched relatively quickly.

But bear in mind that the customers also said it was due to furniture and pets.

Pro Tip: Besides reading online reviews, ask the people from your surroundings for recommendations.

Forbo Flooring Samples

Typical Cost To Install New Flooring Average: $1,410 - $2,460
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When you check out Forbo’s flooring collection, you’ll likely feel conflicted about the best option for your home.

The company offers dozens of impressive styles and shades, and choosing just one can feel like Mission: Impossible.

Plus, if you’re browsing Forbo’s catalog online, you can’t be 100% sure how a desired shade looks in “real life.”

Forbo has found a convenient way to combat these issues and ensure you don’t waste money on a product that isn’t a good fit: free samples.

The ordering process is straightforward. First, go to Forbo’s website and find the product you like.

After clicking on the product, you’ll see a “Order a sample” button below the picture.

Click on it and repeat the process for other products you’d like a sample of.

If you’re done, simply press “Go to cart.”

After adding the desired products, enter your address and personal information, review your order, and confirm.

Keep in mind that you can order up to 15 free samples (up to three per color).

Where To Buy Forbo Flooring?

Typical Cost To Install Vinyl Flooring Average: $1,315 - $2,160
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Forbo floors can be found across the U.S. and Europe.

If you can’t find them at your local distributors, you can always use the “Find a dealer” option on Forbo’s website.

All you need to do is enter your zip code, and the website will display the closest options.

Who Is The Manufacturer Of Forbo?

Forbo is manufactured by Forbo Flooring Systems.

What Country Is Forbo Flooring From?

Forbo Flooring Systems is part of a larger company named Forbo Group.

The company’s headquarters are in Baar, Switzerland.

What Are The Benefits Of Forbo Marmoleum Flooring?

Typical Cost To Install New Flooring Average: $1,410 - $2,460
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Is Marmoleum the right option for you? Let’s dig deep into the advantages of this flooring option.

Eco-Friendly

One of the reasons Marmoleum is among the most popular flooring options sold by Forbo is its natural composition.

This flooring is made of raw materials like linseed oil, wood flour, and jute.

Due to this, you can be 100% sure the material doesn’t contain VOCs.

Besides being Earth-friendly, Marmoleum is a great choice for people suffering from allergies and those prone to skin rashes and irritations.

Beautiful Design

Gone are the days when linoleum looked outdated and unattractive.

Today, its design is so advanced that it’s almost impossible to tell it’s linoleum.

You can go for a sophisticated marble pattern, choose solid-color sheets, or create a unique design with Marmoleum tiles.

A Wide Range of Options

Forbo is home to over 300 Marmoleum options.

Whatever color, pattern, or design you dream of, you can find it at Forbo.

If you’re looking for that one specific shade that is “impossible” to find, the company’s impressive selection will prove nothing is impossible.

Affordable

Finding flooring that’s durable, top quality, visually appealing, and affordable can feel like chasing a rainbow.

Marmoleum is a flooring superhero that ticks all the boxes and comes at a great price.

Waterproof

Another excellent characteristic of this flooring option is that it’s waterproof.

You don’t have to worry about exposure to moisture or spills.

This makes Marmoleum highly versatile and suitable for bathrooms, basements, and other areas in your home.

It’s important to emphasize that the waterproof characteristics of your Marmoleum floor largely depend on the quality of installation.

If you didn’t follow all the installation steps, there’s a risk the water can cause the floor to warp.

If you’re not sure you’ll know how to install Marmoleum properly, reach out to a professional.

Easy to Install

Marmoleum flooring is relatively easy and quick to install.

If you have a bit of experience and the necessary tools, you can complete the installation yourself.

Forbo offers detailed installation instructions on its website. You can find steps for all three Marmoleum options (tiles, sheets, and Click tiles).

Out of the three, the latter has the easiest installation because it doesn’t require the application of an adhesive.

Installing sheets can be challenging, but you can still do it on your own if you follow the instructions carefully.

Of course, you can (and should) opt for a professional installation if you don’t feel confident in your skills. Fortunately, this won’t cost much.

Simple to Maintain

Some flooring options are easy to install but a pain to maintain.

Fortunately, this isn’t the case with Forbo’s Marmoleum flooring.

The floor doesn’t require professional maintenance, polishing, or cleaning with special products.

All you’ll need to keep it in excellent condition is a vacuum cleaner, a mop, a wet cloth, and a cleaning product.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use aggressive products as they can damage the floor.

Typical Cost To Install New Flooring Average: $1,410 - $2,460
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What Are The Disadvantages Of Marmoleum Flooring?

Marmoleum flooring can feel like a dream come true.

But, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider.

Not Very Resistant

Marmoleum isn’t the most resistant flooring material.

If you’re not taking good care of it, it can get warped or punctured.

You can mitigate this issue by placing pads on the feet of your furniture and avoiding walking on the flooring with high heels.

Marmoleum can also suffer from water damage.

Pro Tip: Marmoleum’s resistance largely depends on the quality of the installation. That’s another reason you should consider hiring a professional.

Prone to Stains

Another potential drawback you should be aware of is that Marmoleum is prone to staining.

You can easily prevent this by wiping spills as soon as possible.

Is Forbo Flooring Waterproof?

Yes, Forbo flooring is waterproof.

But, if not properly installed, Forbo flooring can very much be destroyed by water and exposure to moisture.

The sheets (or tiles) can warp and get that dreaded “swollen” look.

Forbo Flooring Installation Guide

As we’ve established, one of the biggest advantages of Forbo Marmoleum flooring is the ease of installation.

The exact process depends on whether you opted for click tiles, “regular” tiles, or sheets.

Forbo Click Tile Flooring

Click tiles are the easiest to install.

All you need to do is to slot two panels together, click them into place, and repeat the process as necessary.

Did you know? Forbo’s Marmoleum click tiles have no seams, making the installation (and cleaning) even easier.

Marmoleum Tiles

Things get a bit more complicated with tiles since you need to use adhesive.

But the process is still easy-to-follow. Here are the steps:

  1. Create an “installation” map by establishing starting lines. In most cases, it’s best to start from the center of the room and work your way toward the ends. The exception is small spaces and corridors, where working from one end to the other may be better.
  2. Apply the adhesive with a 1/16-inch x 1/16-inch x 1/16-inch square notch trowel.
  3. Begin laying tiles at the starting point, focusing on the layout lines. Your entire project will be jeopardized if the first few tiles aren’t laid correctly. Remember that the tiles must be laid on a wet adhesive, so plan your every step carefully.
  4. As soon as you lay a tile, use a roller to roll over it in every direction and ensure 100% adhesive transfer.
  5. Repeat the process until you complete the installation.

Keep in mind that your job doesn’t end with laying the last tile.

The floor must “rest” for at least 72 hours to ensure the installation’s success. This means no heavy traffic.

Also, don’t clean the floor for the first five days after the installation.

Marmoleum Sheets

Typical Cost To Install Vinyl Flooring Average: $1,315 - $2,160
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Here’s how to install Marmoleum sheets:

Cut and Fit the First Sheet

Measure the floor and determine the direction in which you’ll place the sheets (remember, they all need to face the same direction).

You should also figure out seam placement (minimum 6 inches away from underlayment).

Cut the first sheet leaving around 3 to 6 inches for trimming, and fit it along the main wall and at the ends.

You should trim the factory edge and use a pencil to mark the spread line for the adhesive.

Adhering the First Sheet

Spread the adhesive evenly, focusing on the pencil line at the seam edge (from the previous step).

You need 100% wet adhesive transfer for a successful installation, so this step requires some speed.

When attaching the sheet, watch out for the “end curl,” a consequence of the Marmoleum being rolled.

If necessary, apply weight to ensure the sheet is in contact with the adhesive.

Use a 100-pound roller in all directions.

Repeat the Process

Repeat the process for other sheets.

Remember, they must be installed in the same direction and on a wet adhesive. Otherwise, the material could warp or get damaged due to exposure to water.

During the first 72 hours after installation, you shouldn’t allow any heavy traffic.

Moreover, wait at least five days before cleaning the Marmoleum.

How To Clean Forbo Flooring?

Forbo Marmoleum floors are fairly easy to clean.

You can sweep or vacuum them to remove dust.

Plus, you can use a mop or a wet cloth to clean stains and freshen up the floors.

The important thing here is to pay attention to the cleaning products you use.

Marmoleum floors don’t like aggressive cleaning products because they can cause fading or staining.

Your best bet is cleaning products with a neutral pH value.

Forbo manufactures several such products, so if you want the best for your floors and have peace of mind, consider buying them.

Some homeowners may wonder if they need to polish Forbo Marmoleum. The answer is no because the flooring features a TopShield coat that offers protection and great looks.

Did you know? You can make your own cleaning solution with water, a mild dish soap without fragrance, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

Forbo Flooring Is Suitable For Every Home

Whether you’re looking for new floors for your living room, hallway, or home gym, you can be confident that Forbo has it.

If you want an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic option, go for the company’s Marmoleum. It’s durable, visually appealing, affordable, and easy to maintain.

Those who aren’t sure what flooring is best for them can always consult Forbo’s helpful customer service.

Typical Cost To Install Vinyl Flooring Average: $1,315 - $2,160
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About Leo Bender

Leo has been a contractor since 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting (GC) and residential remodeling. Leo is also a Certified HVAC, Oil & Gas Heating Technician/Installer. In addition to roofing and remodeling, Leo is passionate about Solar, green building and energy conservation, so a lot of my time and energy goes to installing energy efficient heating and cooling systems.


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