ASTM F2034-18

Standard Specification for Sheet Linoleum Floor Covering

ABSTRACT
This specification covers sheet linoleum floor covering. These floor coverings are intended for use in commercial, light commercial, and residential buildings based on serviceability characteristics. The floor coverings shall be of the following types: Type I; Type II; and Type III. The jute backing shall be firmly bonded to and partially embedded in the linoleum mix. The minimum amount of linoleum cement shall be 30 % when tested. The following test methods shall be performed: overall thickness; static load; resistance to chemicals; resistance to heat; resistance to light; flexibility; static dissipation; and wear surface.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers sheet linoleum floor covering.  
1.2 Three types of linoleum floor covering are covered (see Section 4). These floor coverings are intended for use in commercial, light commercial, and residential buildings based on serviceability characteristics. General information and performance characteristics, which determine serviceability and recommended use, are included in this specification.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 11, of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2018
• ICS: 91.060.30 - Ceilings. Floors. Stairs
• Technical Committee: F06 - Resilient Floor Coverings
• Drafting Committee: F06.80 - Specifications

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2034-08(2013) - Standard Specification for Sheet Linoleum Floor Covering
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM F141-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2023
• Refers: ASTM F925-13(2020) - Standard Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2020
• Refers: ASTM F1514-19 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Heat Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM F710-19 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM F137-08(2018) - Standard Test Method for Flexibility of Resilient Flooring Materials with Cylindrical Mandrel Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM F150-06(2018) - Standard Test Method for Electrical Resistance of Conductive and Static Dissipative Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM F710-17 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM F970-15 - Standard Test Method for Static Load Limit
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM F137-08(2013) - Standard Test Method for Flexibility of Resilient Flooring Materials with Cylindrical Mandrel Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM F410-08(2013) - Standard Test Method for Wear Layer Thickness of Resilient Floor Coverings by Optical Measurement
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM F150-06(2013) - Standard Test Method for Electrical Resistance of Conductive and Static Dissipative Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 15-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM F1516-13 - Standard Practice for Sealing Seams of Resilient Flooring Products by the Heat Weld Method (when Recommended)
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM F925-13 - Standard Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM F1514-03(2013) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Heat Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013

Overview

ASTM F2034-18 is the internationally recognized standard specification for sheet linoleum floor covering, developed and published by ASTM. This standard covers the technical criteria and performance requirements for sheet linoleum, addressing its use in commercial, light commercial, and residential buildings. The document classifies sheets into three types and outlines essential properties such as thickness, flexibility, chemical resistance, and wear surface requirements. ASTM F2034-18 ensures quality, durability, and safe installation of sheet linoleum flooring, making it an authoritative reference for manufacturers, specifiers, and building professionals.

Key Topics

• Types and Classifications:
  ASTM F2034-18 describes three types of linoleum sheet floor coverings:

  • Type I: Linoleum sheet with standard backing
  • Type II: Static dissipative linoleum sheet for specialized applications
  • Type III: Linoleum sheet with special backing for enhanced performance

• Material Composition:

  • Minimum linoleum cement content of 30%
  • Wear surface composed of linseed oil or vegetable drying oils, fillers, and pigments
  • Jute or special backings, firmly bonded for structural integrity

• Performance Requirements:
  Linoleum sheets must meet criteria for:

  • Overall thickness
  • Static load resistance (indentation)
  • Chemical, heat, and light resistance
  • Flexibility without cracking
  • Static dissipation (specifically for Type II)
  • Minimum wear surface thickness

• Test Methods:
  Referenced ASTM test methods, including:

  • ASTM F386 (Thickness)
  • ASTM F970 (Static load)
  • ASTM F925 (Chemical resistance)
  • ASTM F1514 and F1515 (Heat and light stability)
  • ASTM F137 (Flexibility)
  • ASTM F150 (Electrical resistance)

• Ordering and Installation Guidance:
  Guidance on specifying type, thickness, backing, and quantity
  Reference to installation practices such as subfloor preparation and seam sealing

Applications

Sheet linoleum flooring specified under ASTM F2034-18 is suitable for a wide range of interior environments, including:

• Commercial Spaces:
  Offices, healthcare facilities, retail, educational and public buildings benefit from linoleum’s durability, hygiene, and static dissipative properties (if required).

• Light Commercial Environments:
  Hospitality, small businesses, and mixed-use buildings requiring both performance and aesthetic qualities.

• Residential Buildings:
  Kitchens, hallways, and living spaces where resilience, easy cleaning, and comfort underfoot are desired.

• Special Applications:
  Type II static dissipative linoleum is particularly valuable in environments sensitive to electrostatic discharge, such as computer rooms or electronics manufacturing.

Adherence to ASTM F2034-18 assures stakeholders of linoleum’s suitability, safety, and long-term performance, thus supporting sustainable building practices and occupant wellbeing.

Related Standards

Several ASTM and international standards complement and are referenced within ASTM F2034-18:

• ASTM F141: Terminology for resilient floor coverings
• ASTM F137: Flexibility of resilient flooring
• ASTM F386: Measurement of flooring thickness
• ASTM F410: Wear layer measurement
• ASTM F970: Static load testing
• ASTM F925: Chemical resistance tests
• ASTM F710: Concrete floor preparation
• ASTM F1514 & F1515: Stability under heat and light
• ASTM F150: Electrical resistance for static control
• EN 670 / ISO 26985: Determination of cement content in linoleum
• ANSI/ASQC Z1.4: Sampling procedures

Referencing these standards ensures comprehensive coverage of physical properties, performance, and installation best practices for sheet linoleum floor coverings.

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Keywords: ASTM F2034-18, sheet linoleum floor covering, linoleum specification, resilient flooring, commercial linoleum, static dissipative flooring, floor covering standards, flooring performance, chemical resistance, thickness requirements, ASTM flooring standards, installation practices

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:F2034 −18
Standard Specification for
Sheet Linoleum Floor Covering
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2034; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope F386 Test Method for Thickness of Resilient Flooring Ma-
terials Having Flat Surfaces
1.1 This specification covers sheet linoleum floor covering.
F410 Test Method for Wear Layer Thickness of Resilient
1.2 Three types of linoleum floor covering are covered (see
Floor Coverings by Optical Measurement
Section 4). These floor coverings are intended for use in
F710 Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive
commercial, light commercial, and residential buildings based
Resilient Flooring
on serviceability characteristics. General information and per-
F925 Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient
formance characteristics, which determine serviceability and
Flooring
recommended use, are included in this specification.
F970 Test Method for Measuring Recovery Properties of
Floor Coverings after Static Loading
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical F1482 Practice for Installation and Preparation of Panel
Type Underlayments to Receive Resilient Flooring
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. F1514 TestMethodforMeasuringHeatStabilityofResilient
Flooring by Color Change
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
F1515 Test Method for Measuring Light Stability of Resil-
test methods portion, Section 11, of this specification. This
ient Flooring by Color Change
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
F1516 Practice for Sealing Seams of Resilient Flooring
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
ProductsbytheHeatWeldMethod(whenRecommended)
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
2.2 European Norms:
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
ISO 26985 Identification of Linoleum and Determination of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
Cement Content and Ash Residue
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
2.3 American National Standard:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for In-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- spection by Attributes
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3. Terminology
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1 Definitions:
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.1 For definitions, refer to Terminology F141.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Classification
F137 Test Method for Flexibility of Resilient Flooring Ma-
terials with Cylindrical Mandrel Apparatus
4.1 The floor coverings shall be of the following types:
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
Type I — Linoleum sheet with backing
F150 Test Method for Electrical Resistance of Conductive Type II — Static dissipative linoleum sheet with backing
Type III — Linoleum sheet with special backing
and Static Dissipative Resilient Flooring
5. Ordering Information
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on 5.1 Linoleum sheet shall be ordered by type, class,
Resilient Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of F06.80 on Specifica-
thickness, and other characteristics important to the purchaser
tions.
for the intended use.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F2034–08 (2013).
DOI: 10.1520/F2034-18.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from CEN European Committee for Standardization—Central Sec-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM retariat: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050, Brussels.
4 nd th
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42 St., 13
the ASTM website. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright ©ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA19428-2959. United States
F2034−18
5.1.1 Title, number, and date of this specification. 7. Performance Requirements
5.1.2 Type, class, and pattern number.
7.1 Linoleum sheet floor covering shall meet the require-
5.1.3 Quantity in square yards (square metres).
ments in Table 1.
5.1.4 Thickness required (see Section 8).
5.1.5 Sampling if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC
8. Dimensions
Z1.4, level S-1, as noted in Table 1.
8.1 Linoleum sheet flooring is available in standard widths
5.1.6 Packing requirement if other than specified (see Sec-
of 79 in. (2 m) and typical lengths of 65 ft (20 m) to 105 ft (32
tion 14).
m). Other widths and lengths may be available.
5.1.7 Marking required if other than specified (see Section
14). 8.2 Linoleum sheet is available in standard thicknesses of
5.1.8 For specific chemical resistance (see 11.3). 0.080in.(2.0mm),0.100in.(2.5mm),0.125in.(3.2mm),and
5.1.9 Other requirements. 0.160 in. (4.0 mm). Other gages may be available.
9. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
6. Material
9.1 Materials furnished under this specification shall be an
6.1 Wear Surface—The wear surface is the portion above
acceptable match to an approved sample(s) in pattern, color,
the fibrous or suitable backing/bedding layer or base coat. The
and surface appearance. The product shall be free of defects
wear surface should have a minimum thickness of 0.04 in. (1
that would adversely affect performance or appearance.
mm).
6.1.1 Type I ⁄ Type II ⁄ Type III—For all types, the wear
9.2 Drying room yellowing will disappear when the lino-
surfaceofthelinoleumshallconsistofahomogeneousmixture
leum is exposed to either natural or artificial light to give a
of linseed oil or vegetable drying oils, or both; rosin, wood
stablecolorinservice;itmayreappearornotdisappearinareas
flour, or cork flour, or a combination thereof; color pigments;
not exposed to light.
and inorganic filler. For Type II, the linoleum shall have
incorporated into the wearing surface additives, which will
10. Sampling
givethelinoleumelectrostaticdischargecontrollingproperties.
10.1 Sampling for testing physical characteristics listed in
6.2 Backings:
Table 2 shall be done in accordance with the provisions set
6.2.1 Jute—The jute backing shall be firmly bonded to and
forth in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4. The inspection level shall be
partially embedded in the linoleum mix.
special inspection level S-1 as noted in Table I, and the
6.2.2 Special Backing—In some cases a special backing is
acceptance quality level (AQL) shall be 6.5 defects per
added such as cork, polyolefin, or other suitable backing.
hundred units as noted in Table II-A, or as specified in 10.2.
6.3 Composition—The minimum amount of linoleum ce-
10.2 Sampling for testing physical characteristics listed
mentshallbe30 %whe
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2034 − 08 (Reapproved 2013) F2034 − 18
Standard Specification for
Sheet Linoleum Floor Covering
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2034; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers sheet linoleum floor covering.
1.2 Three types of linoleum floor covering are covered (see Section 4). These floor coverings are intended for use in
commercial, light commercial, and residential buildings based on serviceability characteristics. General information and
performance characteristics, which determine serviceability and recommended use, are included in this specification.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 11, of this specification. This standard
does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and to determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F137 Test Method for Flexibility of Resilient Flooring Materials with Cylindrical Mandrel Apparatus
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
F150 Test Method for Electrical Resistance of Conductive and Static Dissipative Resilient Flooring
F386 Test Method for Thickness of Resilient Flooring Materials Having Flat Surfaces
F410 Test Method for Wear Layer Thickness of Resilient Floor Coverings by Optical Measurement
F710 Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
F925 Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient Flooring
F970 Test Method for Measuring Recovery Properties of Floor Coverings after Static Loading
F1482 Practice for Installation and Preparation of Panel Type Underlayments to Receive Resilient Flooring
F1514 Test Method for Measuring Heat Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change
F1515 Test Method for Measuring Light Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change
F1516 Practice for Sealing Seams of Resilient Flooring Products by the Heat Weld Method (when Recommended)
2.2 European Norms:
EN 670ISO 26985 Identification of Linoleum and CompositionDetermination of Linoleum—Determination of Cement Content
and Ash Residue
2.3 American National Standard:
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions, refer to Terminology F141.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on Resilient Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of F06.80 on Specifications.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2013Sept. 1, 2018. Published December 2013October 2018. Originally approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 20082013
as F2034–08. –08 (2013). DOI: 10.1520/F2034-08R13.10.1520/F2034-18.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from CEN European Committee for Standardization—Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050, Brussels.
nd th
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42 St., 13 Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2034 − 18
4. Classification
4.1 The floor coverings shall be of the following types:
Type I — Linoleum sheet with backing
Type II — Static dissipative linoleum sheet with backing
Type III — Linoleum sheet with special backing
5. Ordering Information
5.1 Linoleum sheet shall be ordered by type, class, thickness, and other characteristics important to the purchaser for the
intended use.
5.1.1 Title, number, and date of this specification.
5.1.2 Type, class, and pattern number.
5.1.3 Quantity in square yards (square metres).
5.1.4 Thickness required (see Section 8).
5.1.5 Sampling if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4, level S-1, as noted in Table 1.
5.1.6 Packing requirement if other than specified (see Section 14).
5.1.7 Marking required if other than specified (see Section 14).
5.1.8 For specific chemical resistance (see 11.3).
5.1.9 Other requirements.
6. Material
6.1 Wear Surface—The wear surface is the portion above the fibrous or suitable backing/bedding layer or base coat. The wear
surface should have a minimum thickness of 0.04 in. (1 mm).
6.1.1 Type I ⁄ Type II ⁄ Type III—For all types, the wear surface of the linoleum shall consist of a homogeneous mixture of
linseed oil or vegetable drying oils, or both; rosin, wood flour, or cork flour, or a combination thereof; color pigments; and
inorganic filler. For Type II, the linoleum shall have incorporated into the wearing surface additives, which will give the linoleum
electrostatic discharge controlling properties.
6.2 Backings:
6.2.1 Jute—The jute backing shall be firmly bonded to and partially embedded in the linoleum mix.
6.2.2 Special Backing—In some cases a special backing is added such as cork, polyolefin, or other suitable backing.
6.3 Composition—The minimum amount of linoleum cement shall be 30 % when tested in accordance with European Norm
670.ISO 26985.
TABLE 1 Performance Requirements
Property Requirement Test Method Reference
Thickness Average overall thickness shall be ASTM F386 11.1
the nominal thickness with a
tolerance of ± 0.006 in. (0.15 mm)
Static load Residual indentation shall not ex- ASTM F970 11.2
ceed 0.005 in. (0.12 mm), tested
with a load of 150 lb (67.5 kg)
Resistance to No more than a slight change in ASTM F925 11.3
chemicals surface dulling, surface attack, or
staining
Resistance to heat ΔE not more than 8.0 ASTM F1514 11.4
Resistance to light ΔE not more than 8.0 ASTM F1515 11.5
Flexibility The wear surface will not crack or ASTM F137 11.6
break when bent face out (see
Table 2)
Static dissipation Surface to ground resistance in ASTM F150 11.7
6 9
(Type II) the range of 1.0 × 10 to 1.0 × 10
Ω tested at 100 or 500 V
Static dissipation Surface to ground resistance in ASTM F150 11.7
6 9
(Type II) the range of 1.0 × 10 to 1.0 × 10
tested at 100 or 500 V
Wear surface Wear surface shall be a minimum ASTM F410 11.8
thickness of 0.04 in. (1 mm)
F2034 − 18
7. Performance Requirements
7.1 Linoleum sheet floor covering shall meet the requirements in Table 1.
8. Dimensions
8.1 Linoleum sheet flooring is available in standard widths of 79 in. (2 m) and
...