Next project: new linoleum (sheet-type flooring) in a 12 x 24 kitchen.
Existing piece just over 10 years old and in good condition. Owners mostly want a different look.
Can I install the new directly over the old?
What conditions must exist for this scenario to work?
Any particular surface prep necessary?
Slightly off topic: is linoleum a general term commonly used for sheet-type flooring?
How would one define “vinyl” flooring? Same thing?
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Replies
"is linoleum a general term commonly used for sheet-type flooring?"
NO, but linoleum is what too often miss used term for vinyl foor.
They are completely different types of products.
Linoleum is made from wood flour and linseed oil on a jut backing. I think that they are a couple of other ingrediants that I can't remember at the time, but they are all "natural" (as much as I hate that term).
Lenoleum comes in a single color patern. But that color can be a mix that gives it a marblized look. Also linoleum can be inlayed with differetn colors to give pattern. But then you have a much of different pieces.
If it comes off of a roll and has color pattern in it then it is NOT linoleum.
Linoleum has not been commonly used for a number of years 30? 40? 50?). But linoleum is making a small comback in high end homes.
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Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Cork is the other missing ingredient. So one layer could be added onto the other, but the floor may feel spongier, if that's a concern. Linoleum is a very quiet and resilient product.
I'd test this application on a mock-up before proceeding.
Yes it can be done, in fact it is done in apartment complexes and rentals all the time where cost and time is the determining factor. Fill any nicks, scratches, peals and tears and you are ready to lay down with normal flooring adhesive.
I will caution you that it is better to tear up the old stuff because when they are layered your top layer is only as good as what is underneath so if your bottom layer starts to peal at the edges then so does the top. But most importantly, it makes the floor softer and therefore more prone to damage and retaining marks like table leg indentations and refrigerator wheel tracks.
-day
P.S. unless you are very sure of the adhesion of the first layer make your warranty against pealing very short, 60 to 90 days at the most
Edited 12/13/2006 4:44 pm ET by restorationday
With my new knowledge, a correction is in order.This is vinyl over vinyl (not linoleum).Agree with everything and my inclination (and original plan) is to remove the old vinyl, trying to preserve and reuse the underlayment.Next question: any insight into removing the old vinyl?What I have used in the past is what looks like a super stout and sharp putty knife on a shovel handle. Think the brand name is "Big Dog."Try to get undernenath and with one guy pulling the other guy uses the "Big Dog" to break the adhesive loose.Any options?
Go to your nearest big box and buy a floor scrapper for $30 bucks and start scrapping and tearing. It is the only way I know. And pick up some floor leveler to save you the trip later because you will need it barring a miracle when you pull out the old stuff.
Depending on the glue, a heat gun can help soften the glue if you get a hard to release spot, and dry ice can harden the glue if you need to srape the glue itself away.
The slightest of variations in the surface of the first layer will telegraph through, even a subtle texture/pattern.
Most folks won't notice it.
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I do it all the time on my rentals.
Cut out perimeter curls and prime and float.
If you put new over old very textured it can telegraph. In that case you float the old with Mapie?sp mud specially made for that purpose.
The other thing is read the glue/adhesive instructions. I have had the best of performance from the all purpose glue as opposed to the latex. I think it grabs old vinyl better. It tries to get on everything.
Let me add that if you have the hight to do it you lay a 1/4 sheet over it and relay.
If you try to get one of my old all pourpose glue floors up your going to be gouging and have to relay some sheeting.
That;'s why I lay over. And I have been doing it to the same ones a long time.
Edited 12/13/2006 5:09 pm by ClaysWorld
Edited 12/13/2006 5:11 pm by ClaysWorld