How to lay linoleum correctly - 3 methods and step-by-step instructions!

Linoleum is a popular material for creating beautiful and durable floor coverings. Manufacturers offer products of various classes, moisture resistance, types of base, textures, colors, which allows you to choose an option that is ideal for a room of a certain purpose and design. To install a durable and decoratively attractive finishing floor, you need to know how to choose the right type of linoleum, calculate the required quantity, and lay it in compliance with technological rules.

Linoleum. Linoleum color options

Stock up on tools and materials

When laying linoleum you will have to measure, mark and cut it with something. In certain cases, the coating will also need to be glued. Before you begin, prepare everything you need:

linoleum (Lifehacker has already talked about how to choose it);
tape measure and pencil;
sharp knife or scissors;
rule or long ruler;
drill or hammer drill;
screws or dowels;
skirting boards and thresholds;
double-sided tape or glue (if necessary);
paint roller (if necessary);
cold welding for joints (if necessary).

Conclusion

Linoleum, especially modern ones, can be cut quite simply with familiar and inexpensive tools. However, for successful work you will need knowledge of the simple rules listed above, and problems should not arise at all. In the video presented in this article you will find additional information on this topic.” width=”640″ height=”360″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”>

As a result, the edges of the sheets match perfectly, in addition, the design on the front side continues smoothly and the transition is almost invisible. This perfectly meets the requirements of cold welding, which is used for gluing the joints of rolls and sheets of linoleum.

Prepare the base

Leveling an old concrete screed using a leveling mixture / dekoriko.ru
Since linoleum is quite an elastic material and follows all the unevenness of the floor, it is worth approaching the preparation of the base with special care. Carelessness will not only result in an unaesthetic appearance, but will also accelerate the wear of the coating.

The surface for laying linoleum must be clean, dry and level. Height differences of no more than 2–3 mm per 1 meter are allowed. Otherwise, the base must first be leveled.

How to prepare a wooden floor

Check the parquet or board for sagging and squeaks. If necessary, further strengthen the coating with screws and replace bad areas.
Make sure that differences in the base do not exceed the permissible limit. If this is not the case, level the floor using a scraper or lay a layer of plywood or CSP (cement particle board) on top.

How to prepare a concrete floor

Clean the surface of the old coating and remove all debris.
Make sure that differences in height are acceptable. If necessary, level out unevenness by sanding and self-leveling flooring. Small depressions and damaged areas can be repaired with tile adhesive.

How to lay linoleum when it comes to other base materials

The first question that interests many home owners is whether it is possible to lay linoleum on old linoleum. In this case, the answer is clear: laying linoleum on top of the same, but old coating is possible. The main thing is to first make sure that it meets the requirements, namely, that it has no holes, cracks and is not overly thick. If so, then first of all you need to degrease the surface of the old coating.

Another difficult question is how to properly lay linoleum if carpet is already laid on the floor. In this case, not only must the old coating be removed, but you should also take care to thoroughly clean the surface to remove lint and any dirt. All irregularities must also be eliminated until the surface becomes sufficiently even and smooth.

To simplify the process of laying new linoleum, you can install it on the old

If you need to resolve the issue of laying linoleum where tiles have already been laid, then in this case there is no need to dismantle the old covering. The main thing is that all tile elements are in place. If several have already fallen off, it is worth choosing tiles of the appropriate size and gluing them in place. After this, the surface is filled with a special composition intended for leveling. It is important that it has sufficiently high adhesive properties.

Regardless of what you have to lay linoleum on: wood, tiles, concrete or old linoleum, in any case you need to make sure that the base is thoroughly dry before you begin installation. This is important because moisture will not be able to evaporate through the linoleum, which means that if the base is poorly dried, mold and mildew will soon appear under the coating.

Helpful advice! Before laying linoleum, you must thoroughly remove and wash the surface of the base. After all, even the smallest pebbles and grains of sand will negatively affect the service life of the material. Tiny indentations and protrusions can cause just as much damage.

Tile covering can be used as a base for laying linoleum

Prepare the linoleum

shkolapola.club
Bring the purchased roll indoors. Unroll and leave on the floor for about a day to allow the material to level out.

During the cold season, purchased linoleum cannot be rolled out immediately. A frozen coating becomes brittle and can break at the bends. To avoid this, let the material sit for about 12 hours and warm up to room temperature.

We buy at no extra cost

Now you know exactly how to calculate linoleum for repairs. All that's left to think about is saving. It is better to make purchases in large stores. Firstly, there is a much larger assortment, there are all sizes and types. Here you can also purchase plinths, glue, and cold welding. Secondly, there are always a lot of leftover rolls, which are sold at a significant discount.

It is better to make purchases in large stores

Sometimes it is possible to lay linoleum throughout the entire apartment in separate pieces, taken for half the cost. Thirdly, when buying linoleum in large quantities, you get an equally large discount.

As you can see, in order to calculate linoleum and purchase it profitably, it is not necessary to do complex mathematical calculations. It is enough to have the basic principles of calculation, master the skills of working with a tape measure and have a creative approach.

Linoleum, used as a finishing floor, continues to be in demand. The reason for the popularity of this material is its benefits. To purchase this floor covering, you should have an idea of how to calculate: how much linoleum is needed, because difficult and costly repairs await.

Over many years of operation, the material has become popular due to its characteristics such as durability, ease of installation, easy maintenance, decent appearance, and affordable cost. You can not only calculate the linoleum yourself, but also lay the floor covering. The photo shows how harmoniously such a floor can combine with the interior of the room.

Select installation method

Laying with double-sided tape is one of the most common options / ksv.org.ru
Depending on the area of the room, linoleum is laid without any fastening to the floor or fixed with double-sided tape or special glue. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Without fixation is the simplest method. Suitable for rooms up to 12 m² with low traffic. The downside is the risk of waves and folds.
Double-sided tape is a quick and reliable method of fastening. Used in rooms from 12 to 20 m² with average traffic. Reduces the likelihood of waves and makes it easy to remove old linoleum.
On glue - the most labor-intensive, but also the most reliable option. It is used in large rooms from 20 m² with high traffic. The only disadvantage is the difficulty of dismantling.

At home, as a rule, laying linoleum without fixing is used, when it is held only by the baseboards around the perimeter, or a method with fastening with double-sided tape. Special adhesives are used less frequently.

How to properly care for linoleum to extend its service life

As already mentioned, the quality and technology of laying linoleum largely determines its service life. Therefore, having figured out how to glue linoleum, you should also take an interest in how to care for it. Here are some recommendations from experts that will help maintain the aesthetic appearance of the coating for a long time:

Detergents containing solvent or acetone are strictly prohibited when caring for linoleum;

To care for linoleum, you should choose non-aggressive detergents.

if for any reason the integrity of the coating was damaged and a hole appeared on the linoleum, you can make a patch in this place. But in this case, you should make sure that the pattern on the coating matches perfectly, and the seams are even and minimally noticeable;
It is worth taking care of the presence of a protective layer, which can be made using a special composition. It is applied to the surface and then thoroughly polished. This coating becomes thinner over time, so it needs to be renewed periodically (about 2-3 times a year).

How much does it cost to lay linoleum: prices for materials and labor

The question of the cost of certain repair work always remains relevant. Of course, this is what determines the costs and largely decides which option you choose. But it is difficult to unequivocally answer the question about the cost of such work, since much depends on what the linoleum is glued to and what kind of material we are talking about.

The top layer of good quality linoleum is always abrasion resistant

The cheapest household linoleum will cost about 200 rubles per meter, but most likely such material will be quite thin and will not last too long. A more or less high-quality coating will cost about 400-500 rubles/m. It is important to understand that if you lay linoleum, the price of which is too low, then at the first load it will most likely be damaged, so you should not save too much.

Anyone can figure out how to glue linoleum without any problems. This does not require any special skills or abilities. You just need to take into account all the recommendations for choosing and laying the covering, and then the new floor will delight you with its appearance for many years. Of course, especially durable and reliable material will cost much more, but everyone must decide on the advisability of such an investment independently.

Lay linoleum

market.kz

Spread the coating on the floor and distribute it in such a way as to align the canvas along one of the corners of the room, and leave a margin of 5-10 cm around the perimeter on the remaining walls. It’s better to lay it out along the longest wall, so you’ll have to cut less.
Consider allowances for niches near windows and doorways. Measure linoleum from them, and not from the edges of the walls.
If there is a pattern, align the material so that the pattern runs along the walls without distortion.

Features of installing skirting boards

Fastening the baseboards is the final stage of laying linoleum and, of course, there are some nuances here. If you choose a cheaper and more practical option, it is best to use plastic skirting boards, inside of which there is a special channel for wires (cable channel). With their help, you can hide the wires so that they do not dangle under your feet. Wooden skirting boards are suitable for those people who, first of all, care about the appearance of the room, and not about saving on materials. They have a more pleasant and rich appearance.

Plastic plinth with cable channel

Decorative elements required when installing floor plinths

Since plastic skirting boards are more popular, installation will be shown using them as an example. In any hardware store you can find special joining parts for skirting boards.

On a note! Experts recommend starting the installation of skirting boards from the longest wall, or rather, from its corner. You will have small scraps left over during the process - use them when lining smaller walls.

Installation of floor plinths

The plinth should be fixed to the wall using self-tapping screws, the optimal distance between them is 20-25 cm. When working with brick or concrete walls, it is necessary to drill holes for the dowels. You can use a regular hacksaw to cut plastic skirting boards.

Cut out the linoleum

remoo.ru
Using a sharp utility knife or large scissors, adjust the dimensions of the canvas so that there is a gap of 5–10 mm at the perimeter walls. It will allow the linoleum to straighten out and at the same time be hidden by the baseboard.

To avoid mistakes, make adjustments in several passes, separating the material in small strips. For more precise cutting, mark and cut the fabric along the squares and lines on the reverse side.

How to join an internal corner

Fold the canvas, making a fold of linoleum, and cut it first at one and then at the second wall. Separate a little at a time and repeat the procedure until you get the desired gap.
If the seam allowances are large, cut the fabric slightly in the corner to fold in the loose ends and create a more even fold.

How to join an external corner

Straighten the linoleum by rolling the loose piece onto the wall. Step on the lower part with your foot, pressing the material as far as possible against the wall, and make a mark on the edge of the canvas opposite the protruding part of the corner.
Fold the covering, bring the fold as close as possible to the edge of the corner at floor level and mark with a pencil.
Connect both marks by drawing a line between them and cut the linoleum along it.
Fold the resulting flaps on both sides one by one and make marks along the walls to create cutting lines.

How to make a connection to pipes

Attach the canvas to the pipe. Make a pencil stroke on the back side to mark the cutting line, or immediately cut the linoleum vertically with a knife.
Press the cut pieces against the pipe and gradually cut 5–10 mm along the contour until you get a hole of the desired diameter.
If necessary, unscrew the fabric and use scissors for a more precise fit.

How to make an adjoining door frame

Wrap the free part of the canvas onto the wall and press it with your foot in the baseboard area.
Make marks on the underside to create a cutting line, or immediately cut the linoleum with a knife from the edge of the canvas to the floor.
Lower the separated flap towards the door and trim the second part along the wall.
Do not try to cut the canvas in one go. Leave small allowances and gradually adjust the coating along the contour of the wall to achieve a gap of 5–10 mm.

Getting rid of a specific odor

Freshly laid linoleum often has a specific and very unpleasant odor. It is caused by the substances used in its manufacture. They stand out from the cut. As a rule, after a couple of weeks the unpleasant aroma will disappear. But you can significantly speed up getting rid of the smell.

If you unroll the linoleum and lay it face down, the smell will disappear in just 3-4 days.
You can light candles for one and a half to two hours. You will notice how much the odor has reduced.
If you treat the sections with 6 or 9% vinegar, and then rinse the floor with a solution of vinegar, 200 ml per bucket of water, the smell will weaken and disappear in 2-3 days.

Secure the linoleum

Fastening commercial linoleum with glue / stroimass.com
If you are laying the coating without additional fixation, proceed to the next step.

How to secure linoleum with double-sided tape

Wrap one half of the sheet up to the middle of the room and vacuum the floor.
Apply strips of double-sided tape in increments of 70–100 cm. Smooth the tape well with your hands or a paint roller.
Remove the protective film from the top.
Carefully spread the linoleum, returning it to its intended place.
Repeat the procedure for the second half of the canvas.

How to fix linoleum with glue

Wrap some of the material and fold it in half.
Degrease the floor and apply adhesive appropriate to the type of surface.
Straighten the canvas and level it. Roll out the linoleum well with a roller to remove any possible wrinkles.

Useful tips

In addition to correct measurements and calculations of the purchased material, it is important to choose wisely, because all efforts will be in vain if you buy unusable linoleum

It is worth asking the seller for quality and environmental safety certificates that confirm the origin of the coating. If they are not available or they raise doubts, you should refuse to purchase such material. Linoleum should not have a strong and pungent odor. It is present in PVC coatings, but it definitely shouldn’t hurt your eyes

The norm is that the smell lasts for 1-2 weeks, if it does not disappear for more than 3 weeks, you can contact the seller for a refund. It is worth paying attention to the storage scheme - it is better if the material hangs in rolls on a special stand. In this case, there will be no difficulties during installation.

Calculating linoleum is not a difficult task, especially since there are many services that offer calculations using an online calculator. This flooring should be purchased with a reserve.

Weld the seams

Glue with a needle nose for cold welding linoleum / rmnt.ru
If you are laying a whole piece of linoleum, proceed to the next step.

When the canvas consists of several pieces, they need to be connected to each other. This is done with a special soldering iron or using glue. The second option is simpler and does not require additional equipment, so let’s consider it.

To get a perfectly even joint, place one piece of linoleum on the second with an overlap of 3–5 cm.
Press down with a rule or a metal ruler in the middle and at the same time cut through both pieces with a sharp knife in one go.
Remove the separated flaps and place double-sided tape on the floor exactly in the middle of the seam. Remove the protective film and connect the ends of the sheets, fixing them.
Place masking tape over the joint and then carefully cut through it with a sharp knife.
Insert the nozzle of the glue tube into the seam and run along the joint. Hold the tube with one hand and press on it with the other so that a strip of glue about 5 mm wide forms on the tape.
Wait 10 minutes for the glue to harden and carefully remove the masking tape.

Calculation options

There are only two options for correct calculation:

Converting square meters to linear meters. In this case, it is worth knowing the width of the roll and the number of linear meters. They need to be multiplied together to find out the area of the piece. So, if the width of the roll is 4 m, and the linear meters are 5, then multiplying 4 by 5, we get 20 sq. m. area. That's how much this piece can cover. Next, the result obtained is compared with the area of the room; if it is 18 square meters, then this piece of material can be laid in one piece, without welding. If there are 22 or 25, or even all 30, then you need to either look for another roll, or buy several pieces and connect them together.
Just calculation, no translation. This option is simpler, but you need to know the dimensions of the room (length and width). You need to calculate a sheet of linoleum either by length or width. The width of the rolls is 50 cm, starting from 1 meter. If the room is 4.3 m wide, then you should look for a roll 4.5 m wide, and take the material along the length of the room (more precisely, with a margin of 10-15 cm). If the room is very wide, then you can take several cuts of the same width so that the welding looks symmetrical.

Note! It is better and easier to lay a solid piece, but if you have to weld, the appearance will deteriorate, unless this is a design idea. Another option for calculating linoleum:

Another option for calculating linoleum:

Divide the width of the room by the width of the roll.
Round the result up.
Multiply by the length of the room, round.

The result will be presented in linear meters.

When calculating, allowance is also made for doors.

Mount the thresholds

Attaching an aluminum threshold to dowels / o-remonte.com
They are needed to fix the edge of the linoleum at the doorway. There are different thresholds, and in addition to their appearance, they differ only in the type of fastening. Some are held on through dowels, others on hidden ones. There are thresholds with a special mortgage, which is fixed with a latch, as well as completely self-adhesive options.

The nuances of installing one type of threshold or another are always indicated on the packaging. In general, the procedure is as follows:

Measure the required length of the threshold and cut off the excess part.
Distribute the fasteners evenly across the entire width of the opening.
Drill holes using a hammer drill or hammer according to the marks.
Secure the threshold - all the way through, inserting screws into the groove or through the mortgage.
If the fastener is not through, tap the threshold through a soft guide until it is completely seated.

What to consider when choosing

There is no need to rush into buying linoleum, since first you need to determine the size of the room and draw up its plan. When drawing up a plan, be sure to take into account not only the width and length of the room, but also the number of doorways. You also need to take into account the total floor area. Only after this can you start choosing linoleum, comparing the characteristics of one type or another.

How to choose linoleum

The linoleum surface treated with a special varnish indicates the presence of additional protection from dirt and dust. This type of material is great for the kitchen. If you decide to transform a children's room, you need to use linoleum with a special antibacterial coating.

Linoleum classes and scope

On a note! The number of layers and type of coating are not the only things to consider when choosing linoleum. Equally important is the color of the material. For example, to visually enlarge the space, you need cool light colors, and to create coziness, you need warm ones.

Areas of application of linoleum

Taking into account the color range, different design solutions can be implemented. Many experts prefer to lay warm-colored linoleum in the living room, as this will be conducive to relaxation. You can often find in an apartment a combination of linoleum in cool tones with clear patterns, thanks to which guests can get into a good mood suitable for a party. Once the choice of material is completed, you can proceed directly to installation.

Available color options