How to Lay Linoleum: Floor Preparation and Installation Method
Linoleum and roll PVC flooring remain among the simplest and cheapest floor coverings on the market. They are waterproof, easy to maintain and available in a huge range of patterns and finishes. But their installation demands one golden rule: a perfectly clean, dry and flat substrate, because even the smallest flaw shows through the sheet. Here is the complete method, from floor preparation to the finishing touches.
Preparing the floor before installation
- Remove the old covering (carpet, old PVC, skirting boards) and scrape off the adhesive residues
- Vacuum thoroughly then clean the floor with soapy water to degrease it
- Check the flatness with a 2 m straightedge: flaws must stay under 2 mm
- Fill the holes and self-level the uneven areas with a self-levelling smoothing compound
- Check the moisture of the substrate: it must not exceed 2 to 3 % on a screed, otherwise lay a vapour barrier
Acclimatising the roll
Before cutting, let the roll of linoleum relax in the room for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature (around 18 to 20°C). If the roll has been stored tightly rolled, unroll it face down in the room so it flattens out. This acclimatisation avoids bumps and ripples once it is laid.
Cutting the linoleum to the right size
- Unroll the covering and cut it with a 5 cm margin on each side, using a sharp utility knife and a metal straightedge
- Place it leaving the margin overhanging along the walls, then smooth (press) from the centre towards the edges to push out the air
- Cut the external corner diagonally at the doorways for a clean passage
- Score along the walls with a scribing tool, then cut with the utility knife guided against the wall
- Trim to fit as closely as possible: it is better to cut in several passes than too much at once
- Leave a 5 mm gap against the walls to allow for the expansion of the covering
Laying the linoleum: loose or glued
With a loose lay, the covering is simply unrolled and held in place by the skirting boards and door thresholds: this is the simplest method, ideal for rooms up to about 20 m² and without heavy traffic. With a glued installation, you trowel the floor with PVC adhesive, working in 1 m wide zones: this is essential for large areas, kitchens and heavily used rooms, because it prevents creases and movement of the sheet.
Welding and finishing
- For a seam between two strips, overlap the edges, cut through both thicknesses in a single utility knife pass then weld the joint with seam welding cord
- In a loose lay on a sound, smooth floor, a strip of double-sided tape under the strips is enough to hold the edge
- Install the skirting boards to hide the 5 mm gap left against the walls
- Rinse the floor with clean water after installation to remove knife and marking marks
- Avoid placing heavy furniture for 24 to 48 hours while the adhesive cures
Linoleum or PVC: choosing the right covering
The term "linoleum" refers both to real linoleum, made from natural linseed oil and resins, and to PVC flooring, which is far more common. Linoleum is eco-friendly and antibacterial, but sensitive to standing moisture; PVC is more flexible, more waterproof and cheaper, which makes it the mainstream choice for the kitchen and bathroom. Whichever you choose, the substrate preparation and installation method remain the same.
For large areas or if you are a beginner, self-adhesive tile flooring can be a practical alternative: fewer complex cutouts, easy replacement of a damaged tile, but more visible seams than a roll floor laid without a join.
The mistakes to avoid
- Laying on an uneven or dusty floor: flaws and grit show through the covering
- Neglecting the acclimatisation time: the linoleum shrinks or buckles after installation
- Cutting too tight at the walls: a cut that is too short cannot be recovered
- Forgetting to check the substrate moisture: damp rises and peels the covering over time
By taking care with preparation, acclimatisation and cutting, laying linoleum becomes an operation that is accessible even to beginners. You get a waterproof, hard-wearing, easy-to-clean floor, perfect for the kitchen, bathroom and high-traffic rooms, all for a budget well below that of a wooden floor or tiles.