What Is Loose Lay Linoleum?

Overview

• Historically, installing linoleum could be complicated and messy because of the need to use glue to hold the linoleum to the sub floor. Loose lay linoleum offers an easier method of installation. This style of flooring sticks to the sub floor through two-sided tape or other styles of flooring adhesives. It's significantly easier to lay, and to lay correctly, because you don't have to contend with sloppy glue.

Styles

• It's possible to purchase a seemingly endless variety of styles of loose lay linoleum. This style of linoleum is commonly available in rolls, but it's also possible to buy it in tiles. As with ceramic or stone tiles, you can lay the loose lay linoleum tiles in the position you choose to create visual interest in the room.

Benefits

• While linoleum does not give your floor the same rich appearance hardwood does, linoleum has numerous benefits. It's durable, which makes it ideal in kitchens, workshops and other rooms with heavy traffic. Because it's manufactured, you can buy loose lay linoleum in many different colors, patterns and styles. It's quicker to install than ceramic tiles or hardwood floor and resistant to most kinds of stains.

Installation

• The installation process of loose lay linoleum flooring requires careful measurement of the linoleum before you attempt to lay it. After you clean the sub floor thoroughly to remove dust and other debris, use a straight edge and a utility knife to cut the linoleum to shape. If the linoleum is self-adhesive, remove the protective film and lay the sheet of linoleum with the sticky side down. Otherwise, place two-sided tape along the edges of the bottom side of the linoleum, position it so the tape is pointed down and press the linoleum onto the floor. Flooring stores sell two-sided tape recommended for this application.