How to Lay Linoleum Floors

Select linoleum that matches your decor.

Linoleum flooring brings to mind old-fashioned kitchens and bathrooms with colorful, durable floor coverings. This is because linoleum was a precursor to vinyl flooring, and was used in the same way. You can still buy linoleum, which is made with natural compounds and can have a richer look than vinyl. Laying a linoleum tile floor is the same as laying a vinyl tile floor. In both cases, it's important to start with a firm, flat floor, free of any gloss or obstructions.

Things You'll Need

• Floor cleanser
• Mop
• Tape measure
• Chalk snapline
• Square
• Flooring adhesive
• Adhesive trowel (notched)
• Linoleum tiles
• Razor knife

Instructions

1. Thoroughly clean the subfloor with floor cleanser and a mop. Rinse it well. Let it dry completely.

2. Divide the floor into four equal quadrants, using a chalk snapline to lay two perpendicular lines that intersect in the middle of the floor. Use a square to make sure they're exactly perpendicular.

3. Spread tile adhesive over 4 to 6 square feet at the intersection of the two lines, using an adhesive trowel. The lines should remain visible through the adhesive.

4. Lay the first linoleum tile at the intersection, so it's bordered by the two lines. Use the palms of both hands to press it down firmly.

5. Lay additional tiles, setting their sides tightly against the first one. Spread more adhesive as needed, building out from the middle toward the walls in a grid pattern. Lay all the full tiles that will fit, leaving space around the perimeter for partial tiles.

6. Let the full tiles set overnight in the adhesive. Cut partial tiles for the perimeter, measuring the spaces with your tape measure and marking them out on new tiles. Make each cut by scoring over the surface with a razor knife, then bending the tile until it breaks. Set the tiles in adhesive with the cut sides facing the walls. Let them set overnight.

References

• This Old House: Floor Tile Installation