Vinyl Flooring
 

The linoleum in our kitchen is wearing out. It is original to the house (21 years old) and is starting to crack and delaminate under where the kitchen table chairs have abused the floor. I want to replace the linoleum with new sheet vinyl flooring. I'm not interested in tile, vinyl tile or anything else. I have small children and we will put something easy to clean and maintain in for now.

I'll probably skip the big-box stores. What should I estimate for a per-square foot installation cost? I know material costs can vary.

If you are handy the stuff you glue the edges and let shrink is pretty easy to do yourself.

We've been using click-lock flooring from Floor & Decor. (Nucore)

Easy to install, underlayment built in.

Cindy knows a good contractor we call for projects like this...when the disruption lasts more than a day, I pack a bag and my cue case and heads to parts unknown with a request that she call me when it's over.

Just call around. They will probably want to put down underlayment, and it will be worth it over the long haul. Don't buy the cheapest.

Happy with the Snap together Vinyl Plank flooring we got. Waterproof. Very very durable and as easy to maintain as sheet. <- LOL almost sounds bad. Installer told me was so durable place like Walmart were putting it in high traffic areas and if it does get messed up can just replace a few planks.

Linoleum is an easy install for a DIYer or a pro as long as there are no seams . I'm talking 12 ' wide sheet vinyl . So if you have a seam/s call a pro you won't regret it .

When I did it we charged $3 a yard. But that was 30+ years ago. I wouldn't be surprised if it as $1 a sq ft now with seam kits extra and if you want (or need) a new subfloor being that much again+ the wood.

I had a contractor put down inm my store the same stuff they floor schools with. Welded seams, tough as old boots, easy to clean, waterproof, non-slip.

Make certain the "vinyl" tiles in your house are truly vinyl and not asbestos or asbestos/vinyl tiles. Asbestos tile removal is a Hazardous Material situation requiring specific techniques. Not following guidelines can be hazardous to your health (ie. lung granuloma, cancer etc.)

How to identify asbestos floor tiles or asbestos-containing sheet flooring - Asbestos Visual Identification in buildings: How to find recognize, and identify asbestos or asbestos-containing materials in buildings by visual inspection methods - text a

If you DIY, make sure the floor is smooth and clean. Did I mention that the floor has to be clean? Everything will show through vinyl.

Have done a few. Its not difficult but the key is good planning and impeccable prep. Depending on the sub-floor, use a proper 'mastic' and follow the instructions / recommendation of which trowel to use. If the sub-floor has cracks, gaps, pre-fill them and let it cure before laying the floor. Durham's is a good application here.

Clean the entire sub-floor with care, swept and vac. Even such a small pebble will want to push through vinyl (though there are ways to deal with that after the floor has been lay). Obviously pull all the base trim as part of the prep.

No room is square and if you have many nooks and corners, I've found it easier to take the time and make a template using rosin paper. Tape it all together and match to the vinyl. Double check and test fit your template.

Some jobs that had a simple layout and room, could do without the template, leave excess edge and then press to cut against the wall. Goes pretty quick.

Get your mastik spread in sections at a time, set the vinyl and repeat. You don't want bubble nor wrinkle / fold marks. Also, this stuff easily tears - handle with some care.
One person job.

Light color tones don't take kindly to certain floor cleaners, even the manufacturers recommended type. Armstrong sucks in this regard. Causes premature yellowing and they fail to warranty.

I still think the no glue/perimeter glue option is a good one for him as a DIY. If it is sheet vinyl you can use a hook knife to rough it in and then take your time to trim it in with a carpet knife or utility knife. Just pressing it to the wall with a stiff putty knife will help.

Did I mention you should have it very clean?

If you are putting in real linoleum then it is a bit harder to cut and trim. I am not sure on the new stuff but the old stuff was a bit brittle if you bend it too much. Heat gun would help there.

There are a ton of other choices for a durable floor. Go check with a local mom and pop store that has the higher end stuff.