Sheet Linoleum

• 1). Clean the floor where you'll be installing the linoleum.
  
  
• 2). Measure the room in which you are installing the linoleum. You will need to measure the length of the walls, but you'll also need to measure anything you need to work around such as cabinets. It's best to sketch a picture of the room and write your measurements on the picture so you can visualize how to cut your linoleum when the time comes.
  
  
• 3). Add 3 inches to every measurement.
  
  
• 4). Unroll your linoleum so you can cut it. You need a large space to do this, so you might want to do it in the garage or, if you lay some old blankets or towels down, the backyard.
  
  
• 5). Use your measurements and your sketch to cut out the basic shape of the floor.
  
  
• 6). Roll the shaped linoleum up and take it back to the room where it's going to be installed. Lay it down and line it up, trimming the edges where it needs to fit better. Try to make it fit exactly right.
  
  
• 7). Fit the linoleum against the wall by pressing it with the tip of a ruler into the edge where the floor meets the wall. Form a good crease here so the linoleum fits tight.
  
  

Tiles or Planks of Linoleum

• 1). Clean the floor where you're planning to lay the linoleum.
  
  
• 2). Snap chalk lines on the floor showing where the center of the room is. First make a line going from one end of the room to the opposite side in the center of the wall; then make a second line perpendicular to this one, in the center of the wall, forming a cross. The middle of the room should be in the center of the cross.
  
  
• 3). Start in the center, and lay out your linoleum tiles or planks moving out toward the walls. Do not attach the tiles to the floor yet.
  
  
• 4). Look at the floor once the tiles are laid out and make sure you like the way everything is lined up.
  
  

Floating Linoleum

• 1). Clean the floor you'll be working on.
  
  
• 2). Work from the longest straight wall, and use a measuring tape and pen to mark a line running parallel to the wall 1/4-inch away from the edge. This is known as "expansion space," which will permit the floating linoleum to expand and contract as it settles.
  
  
• 3). Lay the first line of linoleum down but don't connect any of it yet. Check for fit and cut off the tongues of the linoleum (which should be facing the wall. Cut the the end pieces of linoleum to fit the room.
  
  
• 4). Connect the first row of linoleum and connect the next row, working your way across the room.