One of the great vintage materials is linoleum (sometimes known as lino) invented in 1855 by Frederic Walton. It contains linseed oil, pine resin, cork dust, wood flour and mineral fillers on a canvas scrim.
After nearly dying out in the 1970's linoleum enjoyed a major resurgence when its green characteristics were appreciated.
It is a very long lasting product (typically 40+ years) and can be laser cut to incorporate any design.
When the Queen visits the Japanese Gardens tomorrow she will walk on a 20 year old installation in the entrance area of the visitors center, where we incorporated a 2.4m x 2.3m goban in the design, which was used by professional go players during the 45th European Go Championship in Ireland in 2001.
We also did a tatami mat design on the restaurant floor reflecting the traditional Japanese floor covering which we also sell in paper carpeting.