DIY: Install Perfect Linoleum Tile

Before you begin, you will need to take some time to measure the area that is to be tiled. Measure the length and the width to calculate the area that is to be covered and the pay a visit to the local flooring supply store and talk with the salesperson to find the right color and amount of tiles that you will need for the job. It is a good idea to set the tiles in the room that is to be covered and let them sit for at least a day to acclimate to the temperature and humidity levels in the room. It is also a good idea to inspect each box of tile to ensure that all of the tiles are the same style and color. In the meantime, collect all of the tools that you will need to complete the job. These tools include:

Broom and dust pan - to clean the existing floor or subfloor

Bucket of warm water and sponge - to clean the existing floor (not the subfloor)

Chalk line - to lay out your grid

Ruler - preferably a long straight edge

Tile cutter - a sharp box cutter

Marker - to mark the tiles that you will need to cut

Roller - a wooden roller to press the tiles down

Adhesive - as recommended by the tile manufacturer

Trowel - to spread the adhesive

Scraper - to scrape off any dried adhesive if the need should arise

Rags - to clean up any drips or spills

Rome wasn't built in a day

As anxious as you might be to get rolling on your project, there is still a great deal of preparation to be done to ensure that the outcome of your job is successful. Begin by removing any trim or molding around the floor. In addition, remove any furniture, fixtures, appliances or toilets that will impede your ability to lay the tile. Do not try to lay the tile around the fixtures. Now address the type of flooring that you will be laying your linoleum tile on. Linoleum tile will transfer or show any imperfections in the surface that it is laid upon so proper preparation is a key to laying a solid and aesthetically pleasing floor. It is acceptable to lay the linoleum tile on a single layer of unpadded linoleum as long as it does not have deep patterns embossed in it such as simulated bricks or tiles. If the linoleum does have gaps, ridges or dips, these can be filled with a floor leveling compound. In addition, linoleum tile can be laid upon cement, however it is recommended that you pre-test the adhesive in a small section prior to installation to ensure that the adhesive will properly bond to the floor. In either case, it is imperative to begin with a clean and dry surface. It is recommended that you lay the tile on a subfloor of the correct type of plywood that has the gaps filled or plugged and with machined edges so that the boarders of the plywood interlace. When fastening the floorboard use wood screws as nails can unseat and present unsightly bulges in the floor.

Once the subfloor has been properly prepared measure out the room to find the center. Snap chalk lines to provide a guide to ensure that the tiles are laid straight and even. Brush off any excess chalk to ensure that the adhesive adheres to the floor. When laying out your floor, it is best to keep the edges even and try to avoid using a tile that is less than half the width of a whole tile.

The day of reckoning

After you have laid out your floor tiles, sweep and clean the surface one last time. Now beginning in the middle of the room, lay down enough adhesive to set one tile (allowing for one to two inches of additional adhesive to extend past the tile). Set the tile in place, stand back and examine the tile making sure that it is square with the chalk lines that you laid out. This is a crucial step as every tile that you lay after this will be based off of the position of this tile. Be sure that it is straight and true. After you have satisfactorily positioned the first tile, roll over the tile and apply pressure as you are rolling to achieve a solid bond between tile, adhesive, and subflooring. Spread an area of adhesive approximately 4 foot by 4 foot. Be sure that you do not lay too much adhesive as it will dry and not adhere to the tiles. If the adhesive dries too quickly, either scrape off the film that developed on top or completely scrape off the adhesive and lay new adhesive. As you near the edges of the room, do not lay adhesive on the last course of tiles that will need to be cut. It is better to measure and cut these tiles at the same time as this is a time consuming task and your adhesive is sure to dry before you have the next tile measured, marked and cut. Finish laying all of the cut tiles.

After the floor has been completed, examine the floor for any bulges or bumps. I like to use a thin roller and go over every seam in the floor to add that extra adhesion around the edges. Allow the adhesive to dry for 24 hours before installing the trim and walking on the floor. I allow the floor to dry for 48 hours before washing or exposing it to water or moisture.

Now you can enjoy the look and feel of your newly installed linoleum tile floor with half of the pain and agony of installing a full sheet of linoleum. This project is sure to reward you with years of attractive and durable flooring.