How to Seam a Linoleum Floor

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Things You'll Need

  • Painter's tape

  • Straightedge

  • Utility knife

  • Linoleum floor adhesive

  • Trowel

  • Seam roller

  • Assistant

Sometimes linoleum seams are necessary.

Linoleum flooring is actually made of vinyl and comes in large rolls that are typically 12 feet wide. Installing a linoleum floor simply requires that you apply adhesive and unroll the flooring before pressing it down. If the installation location is wider than 12 feet, you must attach two sections of linoleum, thus creating a seam. The goal of creating a seam in linoleum is to disguise it as much as possible so no one can tell where the two pieces meet.

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Step 1

Install all the linoleum on the floor until you reach the section where you need to create a seam. The best locations for seams are doorways or low-traffic areas.

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Step 2

Lay a loose piece of linoleum with the finished side facing upward in the location where you want to create the seam. Move it over the installed piece until it overlaps by 1 inch.

Step 3

Shift the linoleum as needed until the pattern of the new piece matches perfectly with the piece that is already installed.

Step 4

Place a 6-inch piece of painter's tape across the two pieces to hold them in place. Place additional pieces of tape at 12-inch intervals along the entire seam area.

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Step 5

Place a straightedge on top of the linoleum in the location where you want to cut it. The straightedge should be inside the 1-inch overlap section so that when you cut, the blade goes through both pieces of linoleum.

Step 6

Place a sharp utility knife directly beside the straightedge and pull it down along the entire edge to cut through the linoleum. Move the straightedge down and repeat the process until you have cut the entire length of the seam. Discard the small excess pieces of linoleum that were trimmed off.

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Step 7

Fold back one side of the linoleum seam and have another person fold back the other side.

Step 8

Spread a thin layer of linoleum floor adhesive onto the subfloor just beneath the seam area, using a trowel. Extend the adhesive 2 inches on other side of the center of the seam.

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Step 9

Lay the linoleum sections flat on the floor and press them down firmly with your hands to smooth out any air bubbles. Roll the entire length of the seam with a seam roller to press it firmly into the adhesive.

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