OSB stands for oriented strand board, a synthetic product made from chipped wood. From the side, the board looks like cornflakes pressed together to form panels in sizes similar to plywood. But from the front and back, OSB looks flat. Some may have a waxy appearance.
You might wonder what you can put over OSB. Can you put linoleum over it, and if yes, how? You can put linoleum over your OSB. All you need to do is gather the right tools and get to work. This guide has everything you need to know.
Most people mistake linoleum for vinyl flooring. But the two are quite different. Linoleum flooring is made of a mixture of renewable natural materials, such as cork powder, linseed oil, tree resin, and wood flour. It is a common flooring material because it’s incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. If you take good care of it, linoleum flooring can last well over four decades. It also tends to camouflage wear and tear much better than other flooring options. Not to mention that it’s environmentally friendly since it’s made of renewable materials. Besides, it requires very little maintenance – just occasional mopping and sweeping.
However, linoleum might darken or turn yellow following exposure to direct sunlight. Therefore, it works better indoors. You must also be extremely careful since freshly waxed linoleum flooring can be slippery.
Should You Put Linoleum Over OSB?
As we’ve established, linoleum flooring is durable and low maintenance. Not to mention that it can be cost-effective and comes with several style options. But should you lay it over OSB? Say, for instance, you move into a house and already has OSB laid down.
It is possible to put linoleum over OSB. Just ensure that the OSB is smooth – if not, start by sanding it down to remove any bulges.
OSB, on its own, is not attractive enough to serve as floor covering. You might find the chip-board appearance rather off-putting. Besides, most boards come with grid lines and other markings. Therefore, linoleum comes to the rescue.
OSB also tends to swell and develop bubbles when exposed to moisture. And it’s irreparable for the most part, so it’s necessary to install cover flooring to protect your OSB from weather elements. That takes you back to the linoleum. That also means you can install linoleum in places like the kitchen, the bathroom, and the laundry room.
Besides, it’s extremely difficult to paint OSB. However, linoleum comes in various colors, so you have room to play around with themes.
What Tools Do You Need to Put Linoleum Over OSB?
Do you plan on installing linoleum over your OSB floor all by yourself? With the right tools, you can pull it off. The first thing you need to do is prepare the floor for long-lasting results.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on October 19, 2022.
The tools you need to put linoleum over OSB include lumps, tack strips, an adhesive trowel, a flat bar, a level, a tape measure, chalk line, floor roller, a linoleum cutter, and a floor scraper.
You will also need cleaning equipment to tidy up the place after installation. That includes tools like a shop vacuum, a dustpan, and a broom. You can also substitute some of those tools. For instance, if you don’t have a linoleum cutter, you can use a knife from your kitchen.
What Preparations Do You Need to Install Linoleum?
Linoleum provides a durable surface for your floors. But you will only get value for your money if you prepare the OSB floor properly.
The first preparation you need to install linoleum is to level the surface. It needs to be free of gaps or gouges that could transfer to the surface of the linoleum. You can use a pre-mixed floor patch to level low spots. You might consider repairing the OSB floor if you notice deeper dips.
It would also be a good idea to sand the bumpy areas.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 19, 2022.
It’s also important to test for moisture content. You want the OSB surface to be as dry as possible to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. You can use a moisture meter to test for dampness. If the test reads anything higher than 5%, consider laying a polythene sheet over the OSB to prevent transference.
You also need to clean the floor before installing your linoleum. You can start by sweeping the floor and then mopping it. You can add some soap to the water to get rid of stains, if there are any. Leave the floor for a couple of minutes to air dry.
It’s important to ensure that you work in a well-ventilated room, so keep the doors and windows open throughout the installation process. If your house is in a humid region, consider turning on a humidifier. Additionally, wear a respirator or facemask when using any product with chemical fumes, such as the patching compound. The mask also protects you from the dust that comes from sanding.
How to Install Linoleum over OSB?
Linoleum has gained tremendous traction over the last few years due to its numerous benefits.
The process of installing linoleum is easier compared to other flooring options. However, if you are not careful, you might find yourself stuck. Here is a breakdown of the steps – which can be broken down into four parts.
The first step is preparing the floor for installation, as you have read in-depth above. You also need to remove any obstructions from the working area. That includes furniture, appliances, and anything else that might come in the way.
Next, take your flathead screwdriver and remove the baseboards from the edges of your floor. Ensure that you don’t leave any nails sticking out of the wall. Also, check to see that the OSB flooring is as even as possible. If not, cover the ridges. Otherwise, those ridges will show up on the linoleum.
When everything is set, it’s time to lay the linoleum down. You first need to measure the room to get an idea of how much linoleum you will need. Measuring will also help you cut specific shapes if your room is irregular. You can use one of the many available measuring techniques to take the dimensions of your floor. The most common technique is using a tape measure and writing down all walls’ dimensions. Alternatively, lay down a sheet of heavy paper over the floor area you intend to cover with linoleum. Using a pencil, trace the edges of the floor. Then cut the shape out of the rest of the sheet and use the outline to cut the linoleum. You can use a washable marker to draw the lines on your linoleum. Usually, linoleum sheets measure six or twelve feet. That means you might need more than one linoleum sheet for larger rooms, like the living room or the bedroom. A single sheet might be enough for smaller projects, like the hallway.
Leaving an extra inch or two is always a good idea when marking the sheet. That leaves you some allowance should you make a mistake when trimming the edges. Put something underneath the linoleum when cutting the linoleum to avoid bruising your floor.
Then place the trimmed linoleum in place. If you left extra inches, use your knife to cut them out. Now lift half of the linoleum and use a trowel to spread adhesive on the underside of the linoleum. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if you only need to apply the adhesive along the edges or across the entire surface. Once you do as instructed, put it back down and press it to the floor. Then do the same for the other side.
The final step is sealing the linoleum. You can use a heavy roller to eliminate any bubbles that might have been trapped underneath. Work from the middle of the floor towards the edges for best results. You can use a solvent to dissolve any excess adhesive that might come through the edges.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 19, 2022.