How to Install a Linoleum Floor

A couple months back we had to replace our linoleum floor in our kitchen. When you have kids, and they love to bang on the floor, it comes with a price at times. Linoleum flooring is one of the best, cost efficient ways to make your kitchen, bathrooms, even living rooms get that cozy yet clean feel. It is quickly gaining popularity due to the fact it is very environmentally friendly. If you choose to install Linoleum flooring, make sure you follow this step by step guide. A properly installed linoleum floor can last you a good 15 to 20 years with minimal maintenance.

Step One
Remove all baseboards and any floor level receptacle covers. You do not want to damage anything in the process of laying your Linoleum floor.

Step Two
Remove any screws, staples or nails in your existing sub-floor. If these items are left behind, they will eventually poke through your Linoleum and either will cut your Linoleum or be a big hazard. Also if you are replacing existing Linoleum, it goes without saying to remove that as well. You want a clean sub-floor before you start.

Step Three
You will need to prepare your sub-floor of any roughness (you can use a sander on this) or unevenness. If you have uneven spots simply cover it with 1/4 -inch plywood buy either stapling it or nailing it to the sub-floor at every eight inches from the center on both sides. To make sure your nails or staples do not damage your new Linoleum, my advice is to place a thin line of plaster putty on top of it and smooth it out. Make sure it is very thin so the unevenness of the plaster does not require you to plaster the whole board!

Step Four
You need to now know how much material you will need for your room. You want to measure the length and multiply it by the width. Add 5% to your total yards needed. The extra material will give you room for underestimating, and also come in big use if you damage any tiles in the process of laying it.

Step Five
Find the center of the room by creating a chalk line X. The lines of the X should go from wall to wall and the middle will be your center.

Step Six
At this point you will not be using adhesive. Just lay your Linoleum tiles out on the floor starting from the X in the center of the room and working around the X in a box pattern.

Step Seven
When you come to the edge of the wall make sure you use a straight edge or razor knife to cut the Linoleum tiles to fit snug against the wall. Once you have laid out all the tiles make sure this is exactly the look you want!

Step Eight
Now it is time to apply the Linoleum floor adhesive, which can be bought at the same place you picked up your Linoleum at. Simply apply it to the back of the tile in a circular motion with a trowel. Slightly press the tile back down onto the floor. Continue with the rest of the floor.

Step Nine
To insure security of the Linoleum onto the sub-floor, rent (if you don't own) a 100lb floor roller. This is the best way to know your tiles will be secure and firmly in place.

Step Ten
Wait at least 24 hours before going back into the room. Make sure the tiles are securely snug against one another, and the tiles are firm against the floor. Now replace all your baseboards and floor receptacles.

If you need any further help, head on down to Home Depot or Lowe's and get some professional advice. It is usually free and rather really good when you are in a jam and have quick questions.