Forbo Marmoleum CinchLOC Flooring Review
Introduction
At Rejuvenation Floor & Design, we’ve seen growing interest in natural, low-maintenance flooring solutions — especially for kitchens, offices, and multi-purpose spaces where style and comfort both matter. One of the most innovative products in this category is Forbo’s Marmoleum CinchLOC. With a floating click system, an environmentally responsible construction, and a stylish range of finishes, CinchLOC stands out as a practical, modern flooring choice.
We recently installed Marmoleum CinchLOC in a small Portland kitchen renovation, and it reminded us of how versatile and stylish this material is. In this Forbo Marmoleum CinchLOC flooring review, we’ll break down what makes CinchLOC unique, why Marmoleum is so different from traditional vinyl or laminate, and how this product fits into contemporary homes.
TLDR: Forbo Marmoleum CinchLOC is a stylish, eco-friendly click-lock flooring made from 97% natural materials, offering durability, comfort, and low VOC emissions. Ideal for kitchens, offices, and living spaces, it installs quickly without adhesives, feels warm underfoot, and comes in a wide range of colors and finishes.
About Forbo Marmoleum CinchLOC Flooring
CinchLOC is Forbo’s floating Marmoleum floor system. Unlike sheet Marmoleum, which must be glued down, CinchLOC comes in planks and squares with a tongue-and-groove click mechanism that makes installation faster and cleaner. It can be installed over most existing floors, including concrete or wood, without adhesives.
But, what really sets it apart is what it’s made of. This is not vinyl or plastic-based flooring. The top surface is Marmoleum, a type of linoleum made from natural ingredients including:
- Linseed oil
- Wood flour
- Rosins
- Limestone
- Natural pigments
- Jute backing
The result is a resilient floor surface that is smooth, matte, warmer underfoot than other types of flooring, and emits virtually no harmful VOCs. Underneath the Marmoleum surface, Forbo uses a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core and a cork underlayment, providing both structure and comfort.
Why Choose Marmoleum Over Vinyl or Laminate?
Many clients assume Marmoleum is just another type of sheet vinyl — but it’s in a category of its own. While vinyl and laminate are made primarily from synthetic materials, Marmoleum is bio-based, built from over 97% natural ingredients. That alone makes it a standout for environmentally conscious households.
Beyond that, Marmoleum has some key performance advantages:
- Durability: It’s naturally anti-static, making it easier to clean and more resistant to dust and dirt buildup.
- Antimicrobial: Linseed oil gives Marmoleum inherent resistance to bacteria — no chemical additives required.
- Low VOC: It meets the California Air Regulatory Board’s (C.A.R.B) most stringent indoor air quality requirements.
- Long-lasting color: The pigments are built into the material, not just printed on top like many vinyls.
In short, this is a floor designed to last — without off-gassing, plasticizers, or phthalates.
Real-World Use: A Warm Kitchen with a Bold, Custom Pattern
For this project, it was a small kitchen renovation in a warm, sunny Portland home, where the homeowners wanted flooring that felt both inviting and distinct. We chose Marmoleum CinchLOC, and helped design a custom pattern using the colors Barbados, Agate, and Blue Heaven.
The result was a playful, warm palette that brought out the natural light in the room while adding a subtle sense of movement and personality. The mix of these tones helped define the space without overwhelming it — a perfect match for the cheerful energy of the kitchen and the homeowners’ creative style.
The click installation made the patterned layout straightforward to execute, and the cork backing offered comfort underfoot — especially appreciated during long hours of cooking and entertaining. It's a great example of how CinchLOC allows both practical benefits and visual creativity to coexist in the same space.
Installation Benefits: Speed, Flexibility, and Comfort
What really impressed us during this Forbo Marmoleum CinchLOC review is the click-and-lock installation system. This means:
- No adhesives or glue
- Faster installation
- Minimal VOC exposure during the job
- Floors can be walked on immediately after install
Because the flooring floats, it can go over most subfloors or existing floors with minimal prep. That makes it ideal for remodels or rental units where downtime is a concern.
Underneath the Marmoleum surface, the cork layer provides built-in sound insulation and thermal comfort. It’s noticeably quieter than tile or wood, and feels warmer — especially important during Pacific Northwest winters.
Style Options and Visuals
Forbo’s CinchLOC line includes a wide range of finishes and colors, from bold and modern to soft and neutral. Options include:
- Concrete-style visuals like “Volcanic Ash” or “Eternity”
- Warm tones such as “Bleekerstreet” or “Leaf”
- Classic neutrals like “Black Glacier” or “Trace of Nature”
All CinchLOC visuals have a matte finish that looks more natural and less plasticky than most LVP or sheet goods. If you're looking for something with more texture or richness than typical sheet vinyl but want easier care than wood, these visuals strike a nice balance.
Where Marmoleum CinchLOC Works Best
We often recommend this flooring for:
- Kitchens: Durable, moisture-resistant, soft underfoot
- Home offices: Quiet, natural, comfortable during long workdays
- Living spaces: A healthier alternative to carpet or synthetic options
- Basements: When paired with a moisture barrier, cork and Marmoleum can offer thermal comfort on concrete slabs
While not ideal for wet-room installations like showers or pool areas, it performs extremely well in everyday residential settings where longevity and indoor air quality matter.
Sustainability and Indoor Health
For homeowners concerned about environmental impact and indoor air quality, Marmoleum CinchLOC stands out as a responsible and low-emission flooring option. It’s manufactured with a strong focus on natural content and sustainable processes.
Here are a few key facts:
- 97% natural materials
- 100% bio-based content
- Carbon neutral (cradle to gate) without offsets
- Low-VOC and compliant with CA Section 01350
- Free of PVC, plasticizers, and synthetic binders
Because it doesn’t rely on petrochemicals or emit harmful off-gassing, Marmoleum helps support healthier indoor environments from day one. It’s often chosen for use in spaces like schools, hospitals, and childcare centers where low emissions and non-toxic materials are essential.
Final Verdict: Is CinchLOC Right for You?
Marmoleum CinchLOC offers a rare mix of performance, style, and sustainability. It’s more than just a “green” product — it’s a practical, durable solution for real homes.
For our recent Portland kitchen project, it delivered exactly what we needed: comfort, resilience, clean installation, and a visually striking pattern that made the space feel alive. Whether you’re remodeling a single room or choosing flooring for your entire home, CinchLOC deserves serious consideration. Contact us to learn more about how Marmoleum flooring can fit into your next project.
Summary
Marmoleum CinchLOC is Forbo’s floating linoleum floor system, designed for easy installation over most existing floors using a tongue-and-groove click mechanism. Made from natural ingredients like linseed oil, wood flour, and cork backing, it’s bio-based, carbon neutral, and free from PVC or harmful chemicals. Benefits include durability, antimicrobial properties, long-lasting color, sound and thermal insulation, and minimal maintenance. Available in various bold and neutral finishes, it suits kitchens, offices, and living spaces, making it a practical and sustainable choice for modern homes seeking both style and environmental responsibility.
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