How to Install Linoleum Flooring (with Pictures) – wikiHow

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Four Parts:Preparing Your Floor for InstallationLaying LinoleumFinishing and Sealing Your FloorEstimating the Amount of Linoleum You NeedCommunity Q&A

Linoleum, a term that originally referred to a natural material made from linseed oil, pine rosins, and other organic materials, is now used as a general term for both the original material and for a variety of modern substitutes made from vinyl plastic. These flooring materials, widely used for their affordability, water-tightness, and durability, are generally installed by securing them over an existing floor or subfloor with strong adhesive. Though linoleum is fairly easy to install compared to more expensive alternatives, it can present unique challenges for the inexperienced home-improver, so start with Step 1 below to learn how to effectively install your own linoleum floor.

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Remove baseboard nails. After you remove your baseboards, quickly examine your bottoms of your walls near the floor to look for any leftover nails sticking out of the wall. Carefully pull these nails out of the wall with a pair of pliers, the "claw" end of a hammer, or a similar prying tool. If left in, these nails can present problems when attempting to lay your linoleum flat against the wall.

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Secure the linoleum with a roller. Use a heavy roller (a 100 pound model should work well) to remove air bubbles from the linoleum and securely adhere it to the floor or subfloor. Work from the middle of the floor to the edges, taking care to carefully roll over the entire floor. If this forces excess adhesive out from under the edges of the linoleum, use a solvent to dissolve it and remove it with a wet rag according to the manufacturer's directions.

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Buy a little bit more than you think you need. As with all home improvement projects, it's a smart use of your time to buy just a little extra when you're shopping for linoleum flooring. Just as you might buy extra concrete when pouring a new driveway, buying extra linoleum gives you the ability to correct for small mistakes you might make and also accounts for minor errors you may have made during the process of calculating the amount of linoleum you need. In addition, extra linoleum can be stored almost indefinitely and used to patch minor damage to your floor, line the bottom of cabinets under your sink, and for a variety of other home-improvement projects.

How can I get wrinkles out of stored, leftover linoleum?

wikiHow Contributor

Apply heat, such as ironing it over a thick towel, bit by bit. After softening, add weight (such as heavy books or boxes filled with books, etc.) to keep it smooth overnight, the day before using it. The wrinkles should have gone by the time you're ready to use it.

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How to Install Linoleum Flooring (with Pictures) - wikiHow