How To Lay Linoleum

Are you planning to revamp your flooring? If yes, then linoleum flooring might be the right choice for you. Linoleum tiles are great flooring options when compared to boring mosaic tiles. There are a wide range of options for linoleum flooring. You can either go for solid color linoleum blocks or create your own design by trying different permutations and combinations with the linoleum squares. In addition to being visually appealing, linoleum is durable, cheap and sturdy and is worth the investment. Linoleum is essentially oxidized linseed oil which is mixed with pine resin and wood flour to make the finished linoleum product and is available in the form of tiles as well as large rolls. If you are planning to install the linoleum yourself, go for linoleum tiles as they are easier to install. Plus, you can mix and match and create patterns of your own choice. If you are tired of looking at your lackluster floor, linoleum can be an excellent do-it-yourself project. Read on to learn more about how to lay linoleum.

Laying Linoleum Flooring

Materials Required

• Linoleum
• Adhesive
• Steel flooring roller
• Notched trowel

• Before you start laying the linoleum, clean the floor to make it free from dirt, dust, and debris. Also get rid of any nails or staples sticking out.
• If the floor is not smooth enough, consider laying some new plywood first.
• Mark the center of the room. If you are using linoleum rolls, you have to cut it down to fit in the floor. Be sure to double check the measurement before you trim the linoleum. It will be wise to leave one or two inches extra in case there is an error in the measurement. Next, spread the linoleum roll on the floor before you cut it to fit.
• Trim around any obstacles if you have on your floor. For example, water pipes, vents, etc.
• Now apply adhesive using a notched trowel and lay the roll on to the adhesive.
• Smooth out the linoleum roll and ensure that no air bubble have been trapped in between.
• Start checking from the middle and then gradually work out towards the edges. You can also use a floor roller to check if any air bubbles have been trapped inside.
• Alternatively, you can also you linoleum tiles. If you are installing linoleum tiles, estimate the number of tiles you will need. You can do this by multiplying the length of the room with its width.
• If you are using tiles, apply the adhesive to individual tiles and stick them onto the floor. Start working from the center and gradually move towards the periphery.
• If you are using tiles, keep some extra tiles in reserve because you will be trimming some tiles. Do not discard the unused tiles and save them for future use. They often come handy in replacing damaged tiles after a year or two and you will also not have the necessity of buy new tiles or scout for matching ones to repair the damaged ones.
•  Do not walk immediately after laying the linoleum. Allow it to stand for a few weeks or days until the adhesive dries completely.
• If you are using strong adhesives, make sure you have proper ventilation in the room to expel the pungent smell of the adhesives.
• Also remember not to spread the entire adhesive on the whole floor at once. This can be messy. Instead, apply adhesives in sections.