Tips for Laying Linoleum Squares

Trying to figure out the best type of carpet to lay in your new sun room? Wanting a flexible flooring option for your child's play room that is tough, durable and easy to change if you experience an accident? Linoleum squares are a great option for rooms of your home that need a durable floor. Follow these simple steps and make putting down linoleum squares a snap.

1. Determine the amount of squares you will need. Measure the width and length of your room and multiply the two numbers together to determine the square footage of your room. Most linoleum squares are 12x12 which is equal to one square foot. If your room is 100 square feet you will need a minimum of 100 squares. It is a good practice to add ten percent to the total square footage needed to allow for mistakes, edges, and corners.

2. Find the right linoleum squares. Home improvement stores offer tons of options when it comes to linoleum squares for your home. The old adage you get what you pay for is very true when it comes to linoleum squares. Look for linoleum squares with self adhesive backings and removable paper protection. Cheaper linoleum squares can be very brittle and will break when trimming to fit around tight corners and edges. Other less expensive linoleum squares will offer less adhesion by using inferior glues. If your room is perfectly square and the floors perfectly smooth then go ahead and purchase the cheapest linoleum squares possible. Just remember, there is no such thing as a perfectly square room with perfectly smooth floors.

3. Determine your layout. The layout of your squares is absolutely pertinent when determining how your linoleum squares will be laid down. Ask yourself if you want your linoleum squares to be laid out perfectly centered, or does it matter that you will end up with a half a tile or so on two of the corners in your room. If you wish to center your tiles you should find the exact center of your room and mark it. Lay the center of your linoleum squares in the exact center of your room. Do NOT remove the paper protection yet. Continue to lay out your tiles to help insure they look square and even.

4. Clean your floor. With a mild detergent and warm water wash your floors making sure to remove all debris and particulate off the floor. Allow your floor to completely dry before installing the linoleum squares.

5. Lay down your tiles. When laying linoleum squares it is important to lay down your first tile perfectly. Spend plenty of time making sure your first square is square, level, and perfectly perpendicular when laying in the center of the room. When laying the first tile off of a wall make sure measure twelve inches off the wall and mark a line. Lay your first tile on that line.

Linoleum squares permit a wide array of usage and allow the user to replace tiles if they become damaged or broken. Linoleum squares are easy to install and last a long time with the proper maintenance.