Linoleum or vinyl flooring.
Linoleum over old flooring.
Vinyl flooring has more and easier installation options.
If the existing floor is still smooth or can be smoothed with a few patches of fixall then the new floor can be laid directly on top of the old vinyl or linoleum floor.
Linoleum floors aren t as resilient against dents and dings as most vinyl floors are and they can be damaged.
Alternative approaches to removing vinyl linoleum flooring.
This condition would make direct installation over the wood difficult.
It is less expensive to lay a new floor over existing linoleum rather than to remove it.
Applied with a straightedge trowel the embosser will create a smooth surface to support the new floor.
If the wood is heavily gapped these gaps must first be fixed.
Underlayment isn t needed if the existing linoleum is flat and smooth.
If the old floor has a rough texture or some indentations use a coat of embossing leveler.
You ll need to cut the linoleum tiles to fit and use their own adhesive or material with adhesive backing to attach them to your floor securely.
If you have a linoleum floor installed before 1978 you will be encapsulating what is most likely linoleum with asbestos in it.
How to install vinyl floors over linoleum.
If the conditions and materials are right however you can avoid this difficult job by installing new flooring over the existing linoleum.
If your linoleum flooring isn t suitable to overlay with tile you can still install tiles by creating a durable and leveled surface to work on top of.
Vinyl flooring over wood flooring.
Solid hardwood or engineered wood flooring may serve as bases for vinyl flooring.
Sheet vinyl can be laid over old linoleum or vinyl flooring if the existing floor is in good condition.
If the linoleum is in good shape.
One common alternative to removing old linoleum or vinyl floors is to put a new one right over it.
Removing old linoleum is a messy daunting task.
If you can t remove your old linoleum floors due to asbestos or other problems consider laying a new tile right on top.
While both linoleum and vinyl are relatively easy to install as compared to other flooring types vinyl does have a bit of an edge because it offers several installation options.
Even better you don t even have to remove your old vinyl flooring you just have to install a sturdy layer over your flooring.
Laying linoleum over linoleum is possible with the right preparation.