She and her mother, Susan Agger, a designer in the District, found Forbo linoleum tiles at Rockville's Floor Gallery, one of the few local installers that do many residential linoleum installations. Linoleum, just like the condo's original floor, works for her. But Floor Gallery's Chris Lekakos says that once he shows linoleum to residential clients, they like it. We can do custom patterns, and strip in vinyl or copper trim. It's very versatile.
Color is another plus.
Armstrong offers 78 shades among its three lines, and Forbo has 30, plus custom borders. Finally, linoleum has natural antibacterial properties. Hospitals appreciate that, as do parents of toddlers busy tasting whatever drops on the floor. Linoleum's downside is that if you want it to shine, you have to wax it. And Knapp says her floor's subtle pattern hides dirt and that maintenance hasn't been a burden.