How to Install Glueless Sheet Linoleum

Linoleum is a flooring material material from linseed oil, wood dust, jute and other natural materials. It is available in many patterns and colors, and is often sold in sheet form to limit the number of seams on the floor's surface. While traditional linoleum flooring was installed using glue, modern versions are often installed using a floating system. This technique eliminates the need for messy adhesive, and makes installation easier for DIY homeowners.

Things You'll Need

• Floor leveling compound
• Level
• Trowel
• Embossing leveler
• Hammer
• Broom
• Hacksaw
• Sheet flooring
• Straight edge (ruler)
• Utility knife
• Seam tape
• Heat gun
• Floor roller

Instructions

Preparing the Subfloor

1. Level the subfloor. Sand or grind away bumps and ridges on concrete or wood subfloors, and fill low areas with a latex leveling compound. Check the floor with your level to ensure it is relatively smooth and level before proceeding.

2. Cover heavily patterned floors with an embossing compound. While glueless linoleum can be installed over existing vinyl or linoleum, the floor must be smooth. Use a trowel to apply embossing compound to smooth out textured surfaces.

3. Remove molding or floorboards from the perimeter of the room. Use a hammer to gently pry these boards away from the wall. Remove nails from each section of trim and set it aside for reuse.

4. Cut the bottom of door jambs using a hacksaw. Hold a section of flooring up against the jamb and mark the height of the floor. Cut the jamb at this height so you will be able to fit the flooring under the door jamb.

5. Clean the floor thoroughly to remove all dirt and debris. Use a broom or vacuum as needed for this task.

Installing the Linoleum

1. Place the linoleum into the room where it will be installed. Allow it to sit in the room for 48 hours to acclimate to the temperature within this space.

2. Unroll the linoleum so that it extends across the entire length of the room. Leave a 1/8 inch gap at one end to allow for expansion over time, then cut the opposite end to create another 1/8 inch gap at the opposite wall. Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to cut the flooring. You'll need a partner to help keep the linoleum flat as you make your cuts.

3. Repeat Step 2 to cut your second piece of linoleum. Lay the two pieces side by side and examine the edges. Most glueless linoleum has a tongue-and-groove type connector along the edges that can be joined by hand.

4. Add a piece of seam tape to the bottom of the linoleum where the two pieces meet. Lay the adjacent row on top, making sure to line up the connectors along the edge of the flooring.

5. Apply heat to the seams using a heat gun, or in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

6. Roll the seams using a hand roller to ensure they are firmly set. Repeat this process along each seam as you work your way across the floor surface.

7. Wait until all flooring has been installed, then roll the entire floor with a 100-pound floor roller. Try to eliminate any bubbles or air pockets and make sure the floor is smooth.

8. Re-install trim or floorboards around the perimeter of the room to cover the expansion gaps.

References

• Domco VersaFloor
• Allied Cork