How to Repair a Linoleum Floor That is Peeling Around the Edges

This method isn't as much a repair as it is a remodeling, but it's the most dramatic way to improve the look of a linoleum kitchen or bathroom floor. Instead of trying to refurbish those cracked, peeling and yellowed edges, you can just replace the border of your floor with new tile or linoleum!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Replacement tile or linoleum
• <br>Appropriate adhesive for flooring replacement
• <br>Measuring tape
• <br>Yardstick
• <br>Pencil
• <br>Sharp utility knife

1. Consider the range of colors and styles that would look good side-by-side with your existing linoleum flooring. Scan the perimeter of the room and find the worn or damaged area of the floor that is farthest from the wall. Measure the distance between the worn spot and the wall; this distance is the minimum width of the border you'll install around the room. Then measure the entire perimeter of the room so that you'll know how much tile to buy. Once you have the measurements and an idea of what will look good with your flooring, it's time to shop for new flooring materials.

2. The type of flooring material that works best with this method is adhesive-backed linoleum tile, but you can also use rolled linoleum or ceramic tile. Shop around until you find a style you like, and if it's at least as wide as the minimum width you measured, buy enough to go all the way around the room.

3. Measure the width of your replacement tile, then use your yardstick and pencil to measure this distance from the wall all the way around the room. Mark this distance from the wall about every 2 feet, then use the yardstick and pencil to mark a visible border line around the room's perimeter.

4. Use the utility knife and yardstick to cut carefully along this line. Pull up the worn pieces of linoleum as you work your way around.

5. If you use adhesive-backed tiles, installing the tile around the perimeter is easy. Just remove the paper backing and press the tiles firmly into place. Ceramic tile will require tile adhesive, spackling compound, grout and silicone caulk.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're unsure about installing the materials yourself, don't hesitate to ask the flooring or hardware store staff for tips. Most chain hardware stores employ specialists to work with the customers for just this purpose.