How to Lay a Linoleum Kitchen Floor
- 1). Measure the room where the linoleum will be installed to find out how much material is needed. (If the room is small, add 3 inches to each measurement for the linoleum--the 3 inches allows for minor mistakes when cutting the linoleum.)
- 2). Test concrete subflooring for moisture. Wet concrete slabs will damage the linoleum. Three types of tests are required: polyethylene moisture test, calcium choloride and pH alkalinity test.
- 3). Perform the polyethylene moisture test. Duct tape a couple of 12-by-12-inch pieces of plastic sheeting on various spots on the concrete slab. Allow the plastic to sit for 24 to 48 hours. If the concrete darkens or condensation is found on the plastic, the calcium chloride, pH and alkalinity test must be performed before installing linoleum.
- 4). Perform the calcium chloride and pH and alkalinity tests. (Test kits are available online or at stores that specialize in flooring.) If either test exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations for moisture content, concrete sealer should be used.
- 5). Inspect and level the concrete subflooring. Use embossing leveler for concrete. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Use a grinder of sander to level out high spots.
- 6). Inspect and level wood subflooring. Use a sander for high spots. Use a self-leveling compound for low spots.
- 7). Install underlayment (typically plywood, masonite, or cement board). Stagger the underlayment sheets at least 12 inches from the seams of the subflooring.
- 8). Lay the first sheet in the corner of the room and place additional sheets across the room. Leave a 1/16-inch gap between the underlayment sheets.
- 9). Hammer the shank nails every 6 inches into the underlayment and every 4 inches along the seams. Underlayment must sit for 24 hours before linoleum is laid, so that is adjusts to the moisture content of the home.
- 10
Fill in the gaps between the sheets with flexible caulking. - 11
Tape a paper pattern down along the longest wall. Add additional sheets of paper until the entire floor along the wall is covered. Tape the pieces of paper together. Work across the room, adding paper and taping the paper together. (Creating a floor pattern for large rooms helps cut the linoleum to the correct size. Linoleum rolls are 6 feet, 7 inches (2 m) wide. - 12
Cut and fold the paper when obstacles such as islands are involved. Press the pattern under doorways and cut it to fit. Use a marker to write "top" on the top of the pattern. (Marking the pattern makes sure the right side is used when cutting the linoleum.) - 13
Unroll the linoleum and use books, bricks or other heavy objects to hold the edges down. Lay the pattern out on top of the linoleum. - 14
Overlap the linoleum by 1 inch along the seams if more than one roll of linoleum is required. Align the patterns on the linoleum, so they stay uniform across the entire floor. Tape the pieces together. - 15
Use a metal straight edge and utility knife to cut through both pieces of linoleum at each seam. Tape the seams together. - 16
Trace the pattern onto the linoleum, using a marker. Cut the linoleum along the lines drawn. Remove the pattern. Roll up the linoleum and carry it to the installation area. - 17
Sweep and vacuum the subfloor. - 18
Unroll the linoleum and line it up with the room. - 19
Roll the largest piece of linoleum halfway back up and tape it in place. Place books or other heavy objects on the other half of the linoleum to keep it in place. - 20
Apply adhesive to the subfloor according to the manufacturer's instructions. - 21
Unroll the linoleum and lay it on the adhesive. Start at the center of the linoleum and press down, working to the corners. - 22
Roll back the other piece of linoleum and tape in place. Apply adhesive. Press down on the linoleum working from the middle to the outside edges. - 23
Wipe away excess adhesive. - 24
Roll a rolling pin along the seams to press the seams together. - 25
Roll the entire floor with a roller.