How do you lay linoleum?

When laying linoleum, start by removing the old flooring, leveling the subfloor and then acclimating the flooring for at least 24 hours. Next, measure and cut the linoleum, glue it down and roll it to finish the adhesive process. Outside of acclimating the flooring, laying linoleum takes less than a day and requires a hammer, a chisel, floor leveling compound, a trowel, linoleum and adhesive, a utility knife, a flooring roller, a straight edge and a tape measure.

1. Remove the old flooring

   Use a hammer and a chisel to remove the old flooring. Remove the debris from the subfloor. Use a damp mop to clean the area completely, and allow to dry thoroughly.

2. Level the floor

   Apply floor leveling compound. Use a trowel to make the compound smooth, and allow it to dry completely.

3. Acclimate the flooring

   Acclimate the flooring by setting the room temperature to the standard for that space. Place the linoleum inside the room, and leave it at this temperature for at least 24 hours.

4. Measure and cut the linoleum

   Measure the entire floor area. Add three inches to all sides, and cut the linoleum to this measurement.

5. Position the flooring

   Position the linoleum sheets in the room, centering any edges. The edges of the linoleum against the walls should curl up.

6. Cut the flooring to fit the corners

   Make sure the linoleum is flat. Make the cuts from the top down. When fitting inside corners, use V-shaped cuts for overlapping pieces. Continue V-cutting until the linoleum lies flat

7. Cut the linoleum to fit the walls

   Use a two-by-four to press the linoleum against the wall, forming a crease. Use the straight edge and the utility knife to cut the excess linoleum. Because the flooring expands, leave one-eighth of an inch all the way around.

8. Glue the flooring down

   With the flooring in position, roll half of it back, being careful not to crease it. Use the trowel to apply the adhesive to the subfloor. Allow the adhesive to sit according to the manufacturer's directions. Roll the linoleum back down, and repeat the procedure on the other side.

9. Roll the flooring

   Use the flooring roller to roll the linoleum from the center out so that the flooring binds with the adhesive. Bond the seams with a seam sealer. Replace any mouldings.