How to Install Linoleum Tiles

Linoleum tiling is an inexpensive way to put down a clean and attractive floor in a modern building. The material comes in 1-foot self-adhesive squares, so they can be installed with minimal mess and clean-up. Once the linoleum tiles are set into place, the resulting floor requires little maintenance, while providing a clean, finished appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Flat metal pry bar
• 16-ounce claw hammer
• Long-handled sponge mop
• 5-gallon pail
• Liquid or powdered soap detergent strong enough to clean a floor
• Tile sealant
• 6-inch bristle paint brush
• Chalk line
• Tape measure
• Framing square
• Self adhesive linoleum tiles
• Utility knife
• Straight edge

Instructions

Preparing the Surface

1. Remove the baseboards from the room using a flat pry bar and a 16-ounce claw hammer. Make sure all nails are removed from the floor area.

2. Clean the old tile floor with the sponge mop and detergent.

3. Rinse the room with clear cold water and let the tiles dry.

4. Coat the floor surface with a tile sealant especially designed for covering old tile floors or new plywood surfaces using the large bristle paint brush. Self-adhesive tiles can be placed on top of new plywood that is securely screwed down to an existing floor.

5. Let the floor dry; use the drying times recommended by the manufacturer.

Installing the Tiles

1. Divide the room in half with a chalk line and tape measure. Measure across the room in two places, marking the exact center spot of each measurement with a pencil. Now connect the two pencil marks with a chalk line, extending each end of the line to the edge of the nearest wall. (You will need two people to use the chalk line.)

2. Find the midpoint of the chalk line by running a tape measure along the entire length of the chalk line. Divide that number in half for the midpoint.

3. Take your framing square and make a pencil line that is perpendicular to the chalk line, which now runs the length of the room. Not only will this pencil line be perpendicular to the chalk line, but also it will cross the chalk line at the midpoint that was established in step 2.

4. Extend the perpendicular pencil line till it reaches the two side walls. Lay the chalk line down of top of the short pencil line (you will need an assistant) and pull on the string until you have removed just enough string to stretch from wall to wall. Make sure the chalk line is perfectly lined up on top of the pencil line and then snap the line.

5. Begin laying the tiles by filling one quadrant of the room at a time. Remove the plastic backing from each tile and set the tile in place. Place the first tile, so that one corner touches the midpoint of the room and two edges of the tile line up with the intersecting chalk lines that divide the room into quarters. Press the tile into place with your hands, so that it does not move.

6. Continue placing tiles along one of the chalk lines until you reach the outside wall. Each tile should have one edge that butts neatly against the previously laid tile and one edge that falls right on top of the chalk line. Please note that you will probably have to cut the last tile so that it fits up against the wall. Use the utility knife and straight edge to cut the tile.

7. Fill the rest of the quadrant will linoleum tiles going one row at a time. Make sure each tile fits tightly without any gaps between tiles.

8. Repeat steps 5,6 & 7 for each quarter of the room until you have completely set all the tiles in place.

9. Replace the baseboard.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with the longer length of the room. Divide this in half and establish perpendicular lines to sanction your room off into quarters.

• Always shake the canister of a chalk line before you start pulling on the end of the string and extending the chalk line.

• If working in an old building be certain that the surface of the floor can accommodate the addition of linoleum tiles. It may be necessary to add a thin layer of plywood to ensure that the task is successfully completed.

References

• Natural Handyman: Linoleum Tile Preparation
• House Energy: Linoleum Tile Floors