What Is linoleum?

Linoleum is a flooring material made from linseed oil, pine resin, ground cork dust, sawdust, and mineral fillers like calcium carbonate. It’s predominantly on a burlap or canvas backing. Pigments are often added to the materials to create the desired colour finish. Because Linoleum is made from natural, water-resistant materials it can last for decades with the right maintenance.

What are the benefits of linoleum?

Commercial grade Linoleum is very durable and easy to maintain. Linoleum only needs a sweep and mop with warm water and cleaning solution to keep clean. Due to its natural elements, Linoleum is environmentally friendly and recyclable. It comes in a variety of shapes, colours and patterns due to its versatile design. Because It’s durable and sustainable, linoleum is very cost effective when searching for a long life product. This is why Linoleum is often suitable for settings such as hotel lobbies, offices, entryways, schools and hospitals.

What is the preparation method before fitting linoleum?

Linoleum does not necessarily need a subfloor laying beforehand, however if the floor is uneven, it can cause the linoleum to eventually crack. Before fitting linoleum, remember to check for any remaining bumps or sharp stones after doing a thorough sweep of the area.

How to fit linoleum FAQ.

Tools you will need.

• Tape measure
• Notched trowel
• Floor roller
• Delphin knife

Materials you will need.

• Linoleum
• Silicone/sealant
• Eurocol 414 or F Ball F54

How do I measure a space for linoleum flooring?

Using a tape measure, get the dimensions of the room and write it down so you know how much linoleum is needed. Ensure to purchase around 10% more linoleum than you actually need. Linoleum flooring doesn’t stick to rough surfaces, so it's best to ensure a smooth and level surface if you are taking up old flooring.

Why should I let linoleum acclimate?

Linoleum roughly takes 24 to 48 hours to acclimate to your home’s environment. Linoleum will expand and contract slightly, so it’s crucial that you let it sit for a while before rolling it out. Remember to leave an extra ¼-inch on each side to allow for expansion and contraction.

Why should I clear the space when laying linoleum?

You should remove all skirting boards, furniture, and doors before installing linoleum.

How do I prepare the existing floor before installing linoleum?

Linoleum often doesn’t require underlay as it has a backing. However you will need to ensure the existing floor is level and doesn’t have any bumps. If you don’t correct a bump, it will cause the linoleum to crack. Ensure the floor is completely level before you move on.

Why should I be precise before cutting linoleum?

Measure twice and cut once. Before you start cutting the linoleum, you should mark cut lines to avoid any mistakes.

How do I cut into linoleum?

A delphin knife will cut easily into linoleum. When using a knife, make sure you score the flooring before completing the cut.

How do I lay linoleum?

Start by coating the subfloor with Eurocol 414 or F54 adhesive using a notched trowel. We stock this adhesive and specific trowel here at Floormart. Laying a thin coat of this adhesive is important before placing the linoleum down. Remove any excess adhesive with a damp rag or wipe.

Why should I roll the linoleum and apply sealant?

Once the linoleum has been laid, it needs to be rolled with a floor roller. This gets rid of any air bubbles and ensures it’s completely stuck down to the adhesive. You can then apply sealant between the seams to prevent potential water damage.

Why should I let the floor rest?

Stop anyone walking over the floor for roughly a day to let the adhesive do it’s job. After you have let the floor sit, you can start putting doors, skirting boards and furniture back.

Which linoleum is recommended?

Marmoleum is Forbo's most popular linoleum brand - a natural flooring material that’s renowned for durability, sustainability, and high quality. Marmoleum is ideal for any type of application. It comes in over 300 colours and over 12 different structures. Available in both sheet and modular tile formats.

What adhesive do I use for linoleum?

When it comes to adhesive, we recommend Eurocol 414 or F Ball F54. These two adhesives are top sellers. Eurocol 414 is mainly used for the installation of linoleum in sheets and tiles, colovinyl. It also has initial high adhesion strength and has a roller-caster-chair resistant. F Ball F54 is a solvent free emulsion adhesive for installing linoleum flooring. It’s designed to give a high initial grab. It’s also protected against biodegradation and is suitable for use over normal underfloor heating installations.

Contact us.

If linoleum is something you want to discuss further or you just want some advice, contact the team at sales@floormart.co.uk and we will be happy to guide you in the right direction.