Simply Install Marmoleum Flooring

Marmoleum flooring is the newest ‘green’ floor choice among many home owners today. The materials that go into this type of floor are natural which do not emit toxics, and thus, makes it an environmental-friendly floor choice. It is durable, soft and comfortable to walk on which does not require much maintenance as it does not attract dust. It is also resistant to spills and stains, very easy to clean, and is anti-bacterial. Installing marmoleum flooring is environmental-friendly as solvent-free adhesives can be used. Follow the step-by-step guide below to install marmoleum flooring.

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Speed square
• Solvent-free adhesives
• Sealer
• Cement
• Water
• Marmoleum flooring
• Utility knife
• Square-notched trowel (1/16 by 1/16 inches)
• Chalk line
• Steel hand roller
• Putty knife
• Hammer
• 100lb roller
• Scribing tool
• Hook knife
• Screwdriver
• Gloves
• Scrapper
• Mudding knife
• Sandpaper
• Hairspray
• Under-scribe tool
• Acrylic sealer

Step 1 – Remove Any Obstacles
Wear gloves for protection from cuts. Scan and remove any obstacles, such as screws, nails and staples, from the floor. If there are any nails sticking up, use a hammer to pound them down. Use a screwdriver to screw down any screws that are raised. Pull out any staples found. Briefly scan and run over the floor using a scrapper to be sure that all obstacles are being removed.

Step 2 – Fill Seams
Mix the cement with water until it is sticky. Then, spread a layer of the cement mixture over low spots and all seams with a mudding knife. Spread it smoothly so that lesser sanding is required later on. Allow the cement to air dry.

Step 3 – Smooth Floor
After the cement is dry, scrape the excess hardened cement off using a putty knife. Sanding with a sandpaper may be required to make it smooth.

Step 4 – Mark Border Layout
After the seams are smoothed out, mark an indication of the layout of the border with a chalk line. To prevent the chalk line from smudging, spray a little bit of hairspray.

Step 5 – Installing Border Pieces
Pre-cut and dry fit the border pieces before gluing down permanently. Use a speed square to cut a 45 degree angle with a utility knife, where the border pieces meet. This is to have the joint mitered. Take the borders up. Using the square notched trowel, spread the solvent-free adhesive. Then, lay down the border pieces immediately into their correct places. Use a steel hand roller to run over the border pieces to make sure that all the edges are glued down. Do a cut at the bottom of the mitered joint so that it overlaps the piece on the top. Mark the top piece with a scribing tool and utility knife. Then, use a hook knife to finish and get the perfect cut.

Step 6 – Installing Main Floor
Lay the marmoleum flooring loosely. Roughly cut it with extra 1 inch at the borders. Fold the main flooring in half and spread the adhesive on the exposed half. Then, unfold the flooring back onto the floor and have it glued down immediately. Use the 100lb roller to run over the flooring to ensure that it is glued down properly and remove any air bubbles.

Step 7 – Trim and Finish the Floor
After the entire flooring is glued down, trim each edge with an under-scribe tool. Be sure that there is adhesive underneath the edges. Use the 100lb roller to re-roll the whole flooring again. Then, apply a few coats of acrylic sealer to finish the floor.

 

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Repair Broken or Chipped Linoleum Tiles

Linoleum tiles are an attractive choice of flooring for home use. The tiles are made from organic materials, which include linseed oil, limestone and sawdust. Pigments are also added to the mixture, which gives the tiles a uniform color throughout. The tiles are a good choice if you prefer natural products for your floor. You also have the opportunity to mix and match tiles to create your own unique style. A properly installed and well maintained linoleum tiled floor can last for several years in good condition. However, damages are still possible, which may leave you with broken or chipped tiles. Below is a useful guide to help you fix the damage.

What You’ll Need

• Grease pencil
• Matching linoleum tile
• Soft-bristled brush
• Box cutter
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Thin cardboard
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Wood glue
• Popsicle stick
• Damp sponge
• Large brick
• Acrylic floor sealer
• Paint roller

Step 1 – Inspect Floor
Carefully examine your tiles to identify those that are broken or chipped. Mark the damaged tiles with a grease pencil. It is easier to undertake repairs all at once. If the damage on the broken or chipped tiles isn’t extensive, proceed to Step 2. In cases where the breakage exceeds 2 inches or the tile is severely chipped, it is best to replace the entire tile.

Step 2 – Obtain Loose Tiles
Check whether you have any tiles that remained from the original installation. If unavailable, purchase a few tiles that match yours from a flooring vendor or hardware store. This allows you to create as close to a uniform appearance as you can.

Step 3 – Remove Damaged Portion
Draw a line around the area of tile you wish to remove. Use a box cutter to cut out the damaged tile. Detach the tile from the subfloor with the help of a chisel and hammer.

Step 4 – Clean the Subfloor
Clear out dust and fine debris from the subfloor with a brush. This leaves you with a clean surface, which facilitates effective attachment.

Step 5 – Cut out Replacement Tile
Create a stencil out of thin cardboard with the help of a pencil, ruler and pair of scissors. Attach the stencil onto a replacement tile with some masking tape. Use a box cutter to cut out the replacement portion.

Step 6 – Install New Piece
Spread a light coat of wood glue with the help of a popsicle stick onto the back of the replacement piece. Apply some glue along the sides of the piece as well. Fit the piece onto the subfloor. Press the tile firmly down so that it attaches well. If any glue oozes onto the surface, wipe away with a damp sponge.

Step 7 – Place a Weight
Place a large brick or weight on the tile. This facilitates proper adherence of the replacement piece onto the subfloor. Leave the brick in place for 24 hours.

Step 8 – Apply Floor Sealer
Remove the brick. Clear away fine debris with your brush. Use a paint roller to apply an acrylic floor sealer over the repaired tile.

 

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring

One of the advantages of vinyl plank flooring is the ease of maintenance. Keeping the vinyl clean is very simple. With all the look of hardwood and none of the headaches, vinyl plank flooring is much less expensive and easier to install.

What You’ll Need

• Broom
• Mop or rags
• Water
• Micro-static fiber floor duster
• Ammonia
• Liquid dish soap

Step 1 – Sweep/Vacuum Floor
To remove dirt and dust from your vinyl plank flooring, vacuum or sweep it with a broom. This should be a daily chore to keep the finish shiny. Follow up with dry micro-static-fiber floor duster to catch remaining dust.

Step 2 – Clean Floor
Add 1 tbsp of ammonia (or liquid dish liquid) to 1 quart of water. Wash the floor using a clean rag or mop. Alternatively, you can use whichever self-cleaning (no rinse) floor cleaner is recommended by your floor’s manufacturer.

Step 3 – Rinse Floor
If you decide to use liquid dish soap, rinse residue with clear water. If you don’t rinse, the floor will be sticky.

Step 4 – Yearly Maintenance
The manufacturer of your floor might recommended that you apply a new coat of floor polish to keep your floor glossy and provide additional protection against wear. Please note that using a vacuum with a beater bar can damage vinyl planks, so you should not use it on your flooring. Additionally, avoid using abrasive cleaners and scrubbing pads, which can scratch the surface of the vinyl.

 

Source: www.DoItYourself.com