How to Install Linoleum Over Existing Linoleum

Linoleum flooring is made from natural linseed oil, stone and wood ground together and pressed onto a backing made from jute fibers. Those looking for a natural product will find that its durability and the vast variety of available colors and patterns make linoleum a viable alternative to ceramic tile or hardwood flooring. A do-it-yourself homeowner can lay linoleum over existing linoleum with the same preparation as laying vinyl flooring over an existing vinyl floor.

Things You'll Need

• Linoleum flooring adhesive
• Trowel
• Sandpaper
• Kraft paper
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Duct tape
• Floor roller
• Seam sealer (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove obstacles from the room, such as furniture and non-fixed appliances. Remove any baseboards and trim that surround the floor.

2. Repair loose spots in the existing linoleum flooring so that the entire surface is firmly attached to the subfloor. Lift any section coming away from the subfloor and apply additional adhesive. Affix the existing linoleum to the subfloor and allow it to dry according to manufacturer's instructions.

3. Sand the entire surface of the existing linoleum to increase the new linoleum's adherence. Sweep or vacuum away the sanding dust.

4. Create a template pattern of the floor using large pieces of paper cut and taped to the size of the room. Use the template to cut the sheets of linoleum, matching patterns where you must place seams. Mark and cut obstacles like pipes or fixtures on the template and cut them into the linoleum. Cut the linoleum approximately 1/2 inch larger than needed to account for measuring or template error. Cut away the excess, if any, once the floor is in place.

5. Roll the cut sheets of linoleum and take them into the room. Starting at one end, unroll the linoleum and lay it flat on the floor. Reinforce corners that can tear easily by applying a strip of duct tape at a 45-degree angle to the corner. Sweep the linoleum once it is in place, and clean it with a damp, clean mop.

6. Roll up half of the linoleum. Apply adhesive to the existing linoleum, spreading it in a thin, even layer with a trowel. Unroll the flooring onto the adhesive, spreading it with your hand as you progress. Roll up the second half of the floor and repeat the step to adhere the second half of the floor.

7. Roll the entire floor with a floor roller to remove any trapped air and smooth bumps. Pop any bubbles you can't remove with a needle, and apply seam sealer to the puncture to completely fuse the wound together. Apply beads of seam sealer to any seams throughout the floor to protect the seam from future splitting and dirt infiltration.

8. Run a putty knife along a straight edge held parallel to the floor to trim away any excess linoleum at the perimeter of the room. Allow the adhesive to set according to the manufacturer's instructions before using the room.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep all areas clean while laying the floor and sealing the seams. Any dirt or dust trapped in the adhesive or sealer will become a permanent part of the floor.

• If the room's layout does not allow you to roll back the floor to apply the adhesive underneath, fold it back on itself. If the floor is folded back on itself, take care not to press or put weight on the floor. This maypermanently crack the linoleum.

• Do not attempt to lay linoleum over existing linoleum if you already have multiple layers of linoleum, if any of the linoleum is in poor shape or if the subfloor underneath is in bad condition.

• Before you lay your new linoleum, remove the flooring and subfloor and install a new subfloor, if necessary.

References

• "Lowe's Complete Tile and Flooring;" David Toht; 2004

Resources

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Tips on Cleaning Floors