Linoleum flooring presents a cost-effective and potentially environmentally friendly option for home upgrades due to its anti-microbial and biodegradable properties. Successful installation, however, requires careful preparation and attention to detail. This article details the process of installing linoleum flooring, based on available documentation, covering preparation, installation steps, and finishing procedures.
Initial Assessment and Material Acquisition
The first step in a linoleum flooring installation is accurately measuring the space. Dimensions of each room should be recorded to determine the necessary amount of linoleum. It is recommended to purchase 10% to 20% more material than the calculated square footage to account for potential waste during cutting and fitting. The calculation involves multiplying the length by the width of each room to obtain the square footage, summing these values, and rounding up to the nearest square foot, then adding the extra allowance for waste.
Consideration should be given to the subfloor. Linoleum does not adhere well to rough surfaces, potentially necessitating a layer of plywood to create a suitable base. Existing floors should be assessed for levelness; unevenness can translate to visible imperfections in the finished linoleum surface.
Floor Preparation and Acclimation
Prior to installation, the existing floor must be properly prepared. This involves leveling any imperfections, such as dents or cracks. Embossing leveler can be used to smooth hardwood or existing linoleum floors. Concrete floors may require grinding down high spots or filling cracks with concrete. Alternatively, underlayment-grade plywood can be installed over existing floors or subfloors, secured with staples approximately every 8 inches along the edges. Using plywood can simplify floor repair and protect underlying materials like hardwood or tile.
Linoleum requires a period of acclimation to the room’s environment. The material should be stored flat and unopened in the installation room for 24 to 48 hours. This allows the linoleum to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity, minimizing the risk of expansion or contraction after installation. It is important to leave an excess of ¼-inch on each side during installation to accommodate potential dimensional changes.
Room and Material Clearance
A thorough clearing of the room is essential. All furniture, appliances, and doors must be removed to provide unobstructed access to the floor. Baseboards should be removed using a hammer or pry bar, and doors may need to be removed from their hinges, particularly if they open inward. A conservative approach to clearing the room is advised; removing potentially unnecessary items upfront can prevent delays later in the process.
Installation Procedure
The installation process begins with fixing and leveling the existing floor, as previously described. Once the floor is prepared, the linoleum can be laid. The documentation suggests mapping out the pattern using colored pencils and graph paper before cutting the linoleum. Each square on the graph paper should represent one square foot, allowing for a visual representation of the tile arrangement and calculation of the number of tiles needed for each color, with an additional 10% added for cuts and mistakes.
Specific installation techniques vary depending on the type of linoleum. Some linoleum tiles are designed to click together, forming a floating floor without the need for adhesives. Other types require the application of flooring adhesive using a notched trowel. A floor roller is then used to ensure proper adhesion.
Finishing and Sealing
After the linoleum is laid and the adhesive has set, the floor should be sealed. Linoleum sealant protects the flooring and provides a glossy finish. The sealant should be applied evenly with a brush, starting from the farthest corner of the room and working towards the door. The floor must then be left undisturbed for at least 24 hours to allow the sealant to dry and fully adhere. During this drying period, no furniture, baseboards, appliances, or doors should be replaced, and no one should walk on the new floor to prevent sticking or dimpling.
Caulk may also be used to seal edges and gaps, further protecting the flooring from moisture.
Tools and Materials Checklist
The following tools and materials are typically required for linoleum flooring installation:
- Tape measure
- Level
- Hammer or pry bar
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Notched trowel
- Floor roller
- Linoleum
- Marking paper/tape measure
- Pencil or marker
- Flooring adhesive
- Linoleum sealant
- Caulk
- Caulk gun
- Combination square
- Foam underlayment
Project Timeline and Skill Level
Installing linoleum flooring is considered an intermediate-level DIY project. The working time is estimated to be 4 to 6 hours, with the total project time spanning a day. The cost of linoleum flooring ranges from $.60 to $5 per square foot, averaging approximately $900 for a 300-square-foot project. Professional installation can increase the cost to around $1,200.
Distinguishing Linoleum from Vinyl
It is important to differentiate between linoleum and vinyl flooring. Linoleum is water-resistant, while vinyl is waterproof. Furthermore, linoleum is composed of natural materials such as linseed oil, pine resin, and wood dust with a jute backing, whereas vinyl is a synthetic material. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when selecting the appropriate flooring for a specific application.
Conclusion
Installing linoleum flooring requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Accurate measurements, proper floor leveling, acclimation of the material, and diligent application of adhesive and sealant are all critical steps. While the process can be challenging, particularly for inexperienced DIYers, the resulting durable and aesthetically pleasing floor can provide long-lasting value. Patience is key throughout the installation process, allowing sufficient time for acclimation and drying.