Wondering if anyone can give any advice on installing linoleum flooring (kitchen, 12’x12′). I am leaning toward sheet goods (forbo) and plan on installing over “aquaply”. What do I need to know that is specific to linoleum, how do I treat the seams, etc.?
Paul
Replies
i did it in my bathroom once.
it came out fine but i vowed that next time i would pay someone to do it.
the glue sticks like you know what.
really sharp blades etc...
oh and only use a very small notched trowel about 1/8" max.
Try not to have any seams.
Keep lines (fake grout lines) minimum 6" away from paraell wall.
Tape paper over the floor to make a pattern, lay on top of linoleum, adjust pattern according to where lines meet and cut it a half inch bigger.
I manage to have one piece go from kitchen to laundry and adjacent bath with no seams, several times
Pick up an installation kit at the big box. It's maybe 10-12 bucks. It comes with long sheets of paper to make a template, knives, and a fairly in-depth instruction guide. They also include plastic trowels, notched, only they are more like putty knives. Take one and cut it down so you have a knife about 2-3" wide; it's good for getting behind pipes, etc.
Personally, unless it is a real easy pattern, it's not worth my time to get involved. I sub it out.
Good luck.
I did a large bathroom with vinyl several years back and it turned out quite well. Used the template approach -- bought several rolls of brown wrapping paper and created a template of the edges (no need to fill in the middle -- just enough paper that the template will hold its shape), including where pipe cutouts needed to be. Cut the vinyl to fit the template (with undersized pipe holes) and dry fit it (enlarging the pipe holes appropriately). Then roll back half the floor, put down mastic, put the vinyl back in place, roll back the other half and do the same. (Doing half at a time like this assures that the alignment is correct.)
Of course, surface prep is a big issue -- you want to carefully fill/level the old surface, then possibly put down luan to assure a smooth surface.
Welcome to BT.
I've installed 4 times. I liken it to hanging wallpaper, but no ladder. More flexible product is easier. If you hafta have a seam, get a 6' straightedge, made for that application. I've successfully avoided seams 3 out of 4. That one time I got a bottle of clear something that sealed the seam. Available from the dealer.
Not rocket science. Good luck.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
most sheet goods are now installed "floating" meaning you just glue the edges... i'm see'n some 12" sq vct going in some pretty upscale homes... guess it's the reto thing...
i'm not slam'n anyone and i wish i had more time in every day... but if it's pay'n someone $800 or me work'n for 3-4 hours... then i'm work'n 3-4 hrs everytime
i've yet to ever pay someone and not felt i could have done a better job... if i sub it out i know on the front end i'm doing it for speed and not quality... before i get slammed for this... I'm slow. i make drawings... i research it if i haven't done it before and i happen to own just about every tool 2 times over... known to man.. i rarely get fustrated and i try to think 6 steps ahead... i don't think i can do anything anyone else can... it's all about take'n ur time and a little planning...
and it's not the just $800 bucks... it's just i happen to like working... and i know i'll accept less work from me than i would if i was "pay'n an expert"
just my 2cents get'n way off the subject...
p
Note he is talking LINOLEUM, not vynal.
Now I know that the term is often misused, but he mentioned brand which is REAL linoleum.
http://www.forbo-industries.com/websites/MarStore.nsf/HomePage?OpenFrameSet