Linoleum, also called vinyl sheet flooring, is a great type of flooring to use. There are a range of different subfloors and floors that linoleum can be installed on top of. Today, I will explain if linoleum can be installed on top of laminate flooring.
As a general rule, linoleum can be installed over laminate flooring. However, the laminate flooring should be as smooth as possible. The reason is that linoleum, also called vinyl sheet flooring, will show through any imperfections in the surface underneath, such as gaps in between the vinyl planks.
There are a range of different preparation steps that should be done to make sure the linoleum is smooth and flat, and it’s important to know what is required so that you don’t miss a critical step. Below, I will explain how to prepare laminate flooring before installing linoleum on top of it, as well as, step by step instructions for how to install linoleum over laminate flooring.
Can You Put Linoleum over Laminate Flooring? (How To)
Installing linoleum requires a smooth and even subfloor underneath. When installing new flooring it’s common to have a range of different flooring types already installed. So, here is whether it’s possible to install linoleum over laminate flooring.
In general, linoleum can be put over laminate flooring. However, the laminate flooring should be inspected for any imperfections, especially gaps in between the laminate planks. Linoleum will show any imperfections in the subfloor underneath, therefore any gaps should be filled in.
The floor can often change shape in response to temperature conditions, and minor movements in the ground underneath. Therefore, it’s possible the laminate flooring has come apart a small amount over time.
It’s best to not have any spacing in between the individual planks and the linoleum will sink into them and show through. A few different materials that can be used to fill in the cracks in between individual laminate flooring planks. Further below, are what can be used to fill in any spaces in between the laminate planks.
Should You Put Linoleum over Laminate Flooring?
There are a range of different subfloors that can be used underneath linoleum. Laminate flooring is typically a floor, rather than a subfloor but it is possible to be the subfloor beneath linoleum. So, this is whether it’s a good idea to install linoleum over laminate flooring.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on November 13, 2022.
Overall, you should put linoleum over laminate flooring. But, the laminate flooring should be perfectly smooth, and any gaps in between vinyl planks for example should be filled in. If the laminate flooring is very uneven, then where possible install particle board over top.
Laminate flooring is made up of individual planks. Depending on what subfloor is underneath or how accurately they were laid there can be gaps in between the individual planks. When a linoleum floor is first installed it can look fine even if the underfloor is a bit uneven.
But, over time, it will sink into any imperfections such as gaps between the individual planks. These will show through. This can look even worse if the linoleum floor has a pattern to it, such as a tile pattern, or hardwood pattern.
The reason is the gaps in between the vinyl planks won’t necessarily match up with the pattern on the linoleum. Therefore, any imperfections such as gaps in between the planks should be filled in. A range of products can be used such as:
- Patching compound
- Caulk
- Leveling compound
These can be applied directly into the gaps in the laminate flooring. When you do so the look of the laminate flooring will be destroyed. However, when you install linoleum it needs to be stuck down, at least around the entire perimeter of the floor.
Therefore, if in the future you ever want to remove the linoleum and go back to a laminate flooring, you will need to pull up the linoleum flooring. And as a result, you will partially damage the laminate flooring. So, it won’t be too much of a factor that you are filling in the gaps with some type of compound.
But, just know you won’t be able to go back to the laminate flooring unless you pull up the individual planks that you filled in, and replace them with new ones.
What Tools Do You Need to Put Linoleum over Laminate Flooring?
Installing linoleum is very easy, but it does require a few tools but not many. Here are all the tools you need to put linoleum over laminate flooring.
A utility knife, nail punch, vinyl cutter (optional), adhesive, double-sided tape, and spray adhesive are required to put linoleum over laminate flooring. You should check the manufacturer’s instructions about what type of adhesive to use, as it varies based on the brand and type of linoleum.
A vinyl cutter is used around the perimeter of a linoleum floor after you install it. If you use a vinyl cutter it will make the perimeter cuts perfectly straight.
But, is optional because a utility knife also works very well. A utility knife requires more care to get a perfectly straight cut around the perimeter of the floor.
What Preparations Do You Need to Install Linoleum over Laminate Flooring?
If a few preparatory steps aren’t done before installing linoleum over laminate flooring the end result won’t be smooth, even, and look as it should. Therefore, here is what you should do to prepare laminate flooring before installing linoleum on top of it.
In general, you need to first remove any protrusions such as nails, or screws. The laminate flooring also needs to be level, and should be checked using a spirit level. Finally, fill in any imperfections such as gaps between the vinyl planks. A range of products can work to do this such as caulk.
The main thing to do is make the floor flat and smooth. If there are any imperfections they will show through the linoleum. The good thing about linoleum is that it is watertight.
Therefore, you don’t need to waterproof the laminate flooring underneath before installing it. Also after laying linoleum, what is called a ‘bead’ of caulk is installed around the perimeter.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on November 13, 2022.
This is one line of caulk applied with a caulk gun. It’s enough to stop water from getting down the side of the perimeter of a linoleum floor and getting underneath.
How to Install Linoleum over Laminate Flooring
Provided the laminate flooring has been prepared, you’re now ready to install the linoleum floor. Linoleum flooring is very easy to install, whether it’s over laminate flooring, or any other types of subfloor. But, it’s important to install it using a tried and true method, so here is how to install linoleum over laminate flooring.
As a general rule, start by laying out the sheets of linoleum flooring in the room, and cutting it roughly to fit. But, leave about 1 foot (30 cm) of excess linoleum on the outer edge. After that, leave it to acclimatize to the room for 24 to 48 hours, then do the steps below.
If there are any fixtures such as vanity units, then the linoleum will need to be cut using a special method. This will give a perfect edge to the linoleum flooring. After that it needs to be stuck down.
Some types of laminate flooring need to be stuck down on the entire underside of the linoleum. Whereas, others only need to be stuck down around the entire perimeter of the linoleum. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific linoleum you brought which will state how it needs to be stuck down.
Generally, it’s possible to install linoleum over laminate flooring. The main consideration is that the laminate flooring is smooth and level. Any imperfections such as gaps in between the vinyl planks will be visible over time, as the linoleum will sag and mold to the underlying surface.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 13, 2022.