After maintaining your outdoor space, you now plan to renovate the interior of your house. The wall color is not a problem for you, but you are having trouble choosing the most suitable floor covering.
Between carpet, waxed or varnished parquet, tiles, polished concrete, roll PVC flooring, and linoleum, the latter offers a number of advantages.
Also called linoleum floor covering, this flexible floor is made of 100% natural and renewable materials. Its other major asset lies in the affordable linoleum installation price. To learn more about this, we suggest you read this article. To start, let us provide you with the definition of linoleum floor covering to help you see more clearly.
📋 📋 The essentials at a glance: Personally, I consider linoleum installation the most rewarding renovation solution because it allows you to transform a 20 m² room in less than half a day for a very controlled budget. The success of the project depends 90% on the flatness of your substrate, as linoleum does not forgive any underlying unevenness. I recommend always letting the roll acclimate to the room temperature for 24 hours before the final cut to avoid any subsequent shrinkage.
What is linoleum and how is it different from other types of floor coverings?
As mentioned in the introduction, linoleum floor covering or linoleum is made from renewable natural materials such as agglomerated cork powder, wood flour, linseed oil, mineral fillers, resins, and many others.
Its ecological qualities make it a reliable, practical, and also timeless floor covering. If you wish, it is possible to add natural pigments to obtain the desired patterns and shades.
The natural linoleum floor covering generally comes in three forms. The roll model is the most common. You can also find linoleum in 50 x 50 cm square tiles. Alternatively, you can opt for linoleum floor covering in plank form. Just like floating parquet, these planks attach to each other. Gerflor, specialist in flexible floors and coverings, offers many models for all budgets on the market.
🗣️ 📍 My experience: During my first PVC floor installation in 2022, I wanted to make the angle cuts immediately after unrolling the cold linoleum. Result: the next day, with the heating on, the covering stretched and bubbles appeared near the baseboards. The lesson learned is valuable: a flexible floor “lives” with temperature. Never lock the edges with a too tight cut before the material is stabilized.
Some people believe that linoleum is a low-end floor covering because of its affordable price. However, it offers high resistance and great durability. Moreover, it is a noble material, thanks to its natural finish.
With technological advances, it continues to experience significant improvements even though it has been available for decades. That is why there is a wide range of quality models that suit all tastes.
At first glance, lino looks like PVC roll flooring. However, they are two completely different floor coverings. Linoleum is characterized by its rigid surface. It is also recognized by its distinctive smell and marbled effect. Compared to parquet, linoleum flooring is more insulating and more robust. It also offers easy maintenance.
How much does lino installation cost on average?
Modern and rigid, lino easily finds its place both in an adult bedroom and in a living room. Due to their durability, some models can be used without problem in the kitchen or even in the bathroom.
Available in many variations, this flooring imitates many materials to give a hidden or unique charm to your interiors. Sometimes confused with PVC roll flooring, it is especially popular for its purchase cost accessible to everyone.
Regarding the average price for linoleum flooring installation, it is noted that labor does not require a significant budget. For the classic lino installation price, count between 10 and 45 euros. As for the most eco-friendly floorings, you should expect up to 100 euros per square meter.
If you plan to entrust the task to a professional, the lino installation rate can vary depending on the methods used. Likewise, the lino installation quote depends on the geographical area where the work takes place.
Regarding the VAT rates used, specialists generally apply the intermediate rate of 10% and the full rate of 20% for the lino installation price.
The first applies to renovation projects of a secondary or primary residence older than 2 years. The second concerns new constructions or homes built less than 2 years ago.
What factors influence the cost of lino installation?
There are several elements that have a direct impact on the cost of linoleum flooring installation. The type of product is one of them.
For the price of roll lino installation, prepare a budget between 20 to 50 euros per square meter. Note that glued linoleum flooring installation is more difficult than floating linoleum. To purchase roll lino, it costs between 10 to 40 euros per square meter.
If you opt for plank or tile models, the average lino installation price ranges between 30 to 90 euros per square meter. Generally, the natural lino installation rate made of 100% natural and recyclable products ranges between 20 to 100 euros per square meter.
Regarding the purchase cost of plank lino, it ranges between 15 to 60 euros per square meter.
And for tile lino, it costs between 10 to 60 euros per square meter. When used without joints, it can imitate other materials such as polished concrete.
Besides the type and format of lino flooring, the additional fees of the professional are among the parameters influencing classic lino installation or natural lino.
Often found in the lino installation quote are the artisan’s travel expenses and the transportation cost of the material. His installation techniques as well as the means at his disposal speed up or delay the project.
Simulez le coût des fournitures pour votre pièce.
Vinyle fin (Économique) Sol PVC épais (Standard) Linoléum naturel (Haut de gamme)Can you install lino yourself or is it better to call a professional?
Do you want to adopt an eco-friendly floor covering for your living room or living space? Natural lino or linoleum is the ideal option, but not the PVC roll floor covering. Decorative, it can beautifully enhance the floor of the house.
Unlike PVC floor installation, linoleum floor covering installation still represents a certain level of difficulty. Despite this, it remains possible to carry out the installation work yourself. However, you must carefully follow all the instructions listed below:
First, it is essential to equip yourself. Many tools are necessary for roll lino installation, whether in tiles or planks. Second, some DIY knowledge can be useful to successfully complete the installation. In general, you can do it alone. But if someone wants to help you, it will surely speed up the project.
Linoleum floor covering installation begins with preparing the substrate. Then unroll the material and leave 5 cm on each side. Once done, smooth the linoleum floor covering from the center of the room towards the wall.
Then roll the material onto the wall and back towards the center. Apply a sufficient amount of glue. To remove the excess parts, use a cutter. This will help you adjust the lino according to the room’s dimensions. It is recommended to wait 48 hours before rearranging all your furniture.
Although you have the best tools and are a good DIYer, the intervention of a professional is always recommended for floor covering installation.
Remember that lino is a rigid material, unlike PVC roll floor covering. It must be handled with care. If you fold it, it gradually leaves marks. Also, it requires storage at a more specific temperature. Otherwise, it breaks or hardens.
What tools and materials are needed to install lino?
Whether it is classic lino installation or PVC floor covering installation, it is important to equip yourself with essential tools for the job. Regarding materials, you naturally need lino floor covering of sufficient dimensions.
To calculate them, you must take the room’s measurements and remember to add 10 cm more for a safety margin. Then multiply the length by the width to get the useful lino surface area.
Besides that, a special lino glue must be included in your list. Prefer a quality model ensuring the fixation of the material. Likewise, a threshold bar, double-sided adhesive, and baseboards are among the necessary materials for a correct lino installation price.
As for tools, you will need a spirit level, a pencil, a spatula, a smoothing tool, a straight ruler, a cutter, and of course a tape measure for taking measurements.
All these tools and materials are easy to find in supermarkets or DIY stores. Linoleum floor covering installation does not require any expensive items. You simply need quality equipment and you’re all set.
What are the preparation steps before installing lino?
To achieve excellent results, the classic lino installation or roll lino installation requires good preparation. You can start with the floor. It must be clean, dry, and flat. Otherwise, imperfections may be clearly visible once the installation is finished.
To do this, try to remove any traces of glue or dirt. Then proceed to clean it. The entire surface must be completely dry before you take action.
Similarly, the room must be emptied of furniture so you can work without obstacles. If necessary, consider leveling the surface with a leveling mortar. This guarantees you a linoleum floor covering installation that is flawless. Once the floor is well flattened and clean, you can proceed with the installation.
Apart from the floor, it is important to specify that the lino floor covering itself also requires preparation. Once the substrate is completely dry and the room is empty, you can unroll the linoleum onto the substrate. Don’t forget to allow a 10 cm margin on all walls.
If the material exceeds the edges, do not hesitate to cut it with a sharp cutter to adjust it. This allows you to know that the size of your linoleum is sufficient. Otherwise, you must acquire new rolls before carrying out the lino installation proper.
⚠️ Warning: The classic mistake is to cut the lino exactly to the wall measurement. With temperature variations, the material expands. Always leave a 2 mm gap around the edges, which will be perfectly hidden by the baseboard or a silicone joint, thus preventing the lino from buckling later.
How to choose the type of lino suited to your needs?
As mentioned above, the lino installation cost remains inexpensive, unlike other floor coverings. Aesthetic, it is also pleasant to look at, highlighting the entire room. To find the ideal material, please consider the style of your interior decoration.
It is important to note that lino floor covering offers an infinite number of decorative possibilities. For example, it can replicate the wood effect. If you cannot purchase parquet due to its high price, linoleum can fit your budget. It is also capable of taking on the appearance of concrete and tile.
🌍 Did you know? True linoleum is a 100% natural material made of linseed oil, wood flour, and pine resin on a jute backing. Although “lino” and “vinyl flooring” (PVC) are often confused, genuine linoleum is naturally antibacterial and can last up to 40 years.
That said, the format of the material is also among the criteria for choosing linoleum floor covering. If you want a uniform floor, the roll lino installation will surely suit you. Lino in tiles and click-lock planks, on the other hand, offers easier installation. Generally, it can be installed without glue. Reusable, it can be unclipped and re-clipped at will.
If you choose a glued installation model, its placement requires great precision. Although it can be installed more quickly, you need some knowledge to achieve an aesthetic visual effect. Otherwise, poor positioning harms the floor’s waterproofing while creating a space for dirt accumulation.
| Type of installation | Maximum recommended area | Fixation | Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose lay | < 12 m² | None (weight of the lino) | Very easy |
| Double-sided adhesive tape | 12 to 25 m² | Perimeter and cross | Easy |
| Full gluing | > 25 m² / Frequent traffic | Spatula-applied acrylic glue | Medium |
| Adhesive tiles / planks | Any surface | Self-adhesive | Easy |
What are the advantages and disadvantages of lino as a floor covering?
🌟 The pros
- Thermal and acoustic comfort
- Perfect waterproofing (kitchen/bathroom)
- Quick and dust-free installation
🔍 Drawbacks
- Sensitive to indentation (furniture)
- Requires a perfectly smooth substrate
- Susceptible to burns and cuts
Unlike PVC sheet flooring, linoleum is made from 100% natural materials. It contains natural resin, linseed oil, and wood powder. Indeed, it is a healthy and reliable floor covering that is both antistatic and antibacterial. It is particularly suited for homes with allergic occupants or children.
Even better, lino flooring comes in several formats. Roll lino, tiles, or planks, there is something for every room configuration. With its wide variety of colors and designs, this floor matches any interior decoration style.
But that’s not all, it offers a better value for money. Despite its affordable purchase price, it resists scratches and wear. Many also favor it because of the reasonable lino installation price. It is always recommended to compare several lino installation quotes to save money.
Despite its many advantages, linoleum flooring has some drawbacks. Unlike some floor coverings, it does not resist heat. When accidentally in contact with a hot object, it retains heat marks. This intolerance makes it a flammable covering.
When maintaining it, it must be acknowledged that this floor covering does not tolerate the use of harsh products. Otherwise, they may cause it to lose its colors and beautiful shine. You can clean it with a product that is both natural and gentle. Moreover, this operation is child’s play.
How to maintain and clean a lino floor to extend its lifespan?
Compared to some floor coverings, lino has better longevity. Good quality models can last up to 50 years without fading or wear. In any case, it is recommended to take care of it regularly.
Fortunately, linoleum flooring is easy to maintain. To dust it, a vacuum cleaner or broom sweep is enough. As for cleaning, you don’t have to spend hours, because the surface stays ultra clean by using a mop well soaked in soapy water.
Please do not use harsh cleaning products, as the floor cannot tolerate them. Even if there are heavy stains, you can remove them with black soap.
💡 Tip: To clean your lino without dulling it, avoid products containing solvents or wax. A simple mixture of lukewarm water and black soap is enough. For stubborn shoe stains, a regular eraser works wonders without scratching the wear layer.
It is also possible to use natural tips to make it spotless. Some people put a few drops of dishwashing liquid in hot water and then mop the surface. The dirt disappears immediately and the surface becomes particularly shiny.
What are the common problems when installing lino and how to solve them?
Among the difficulties encountered, using inappropriate tools only complicates this natural floor covering installation.
For example, some people neglect to use a tape measure. However, this tool helps you take the correct measurements to determine the sufficient size of the lino. Some adhesives may seem of poor quality. As a result, the floor coverings detach prematurely.
If your toolbox lacks the necessary equipment, either you choose to rent or you delegate the affordable lino installation price to a professional. The latter can also guarantee the quality of the roll lino installation or classic lino installation, thanks to their skills and experience.
During installation, many fail to properly prepare the floor. Often, it has certain defects that are difficult to remove.
It may also be that the surface does not appear even. In this case, imperfections are quite visible after installing the lino floor covering. To avoid this situation, it remains important to make the floor level before installation. If necessary, you can do a fibered leveling to correct the flatness problems of the surface.
Even if the lino floor covering installation does not seem so complex, it is advisable to call on a professional. They are able to guarantee the quality and durability of the installation. Moreover, the average installation price is affordable for everyone.
FAQ: Successfully Installing Your Lino or PVC Floor
Can lino be installed over tiles?
How to remove air bubbles under the lino?
Which direction should be preferred for installation?
