Can You Put Laminate Flooring Over Linoleum? (3 Factors to Consider)

can you put laminate flooring over linoleum

Linoleum floors are very soft and comfortable to walk on, but over time, due to their soft nature, they begin to scratch. Hence, the need to lay a more durable floor over it.

Can you put laminate flooring over linoleum? Yes, you can install a laminate floor over linoleum. But then, you would also need to put some factors into consideration. Factors like the stability of the floor and visibility of mold on the floor.

Related: Is Laminate Flooring Toxic

Can You Put Laminate Flooring Over Linoleum?

As we earlier stated, yes, you can install a laminate floor over linoleum.

Factors to Consider Before Putting Laminate Floor Over Linoleum

Here are a few factors to consider before putting laminate floor over linoleum.

1. Is the Floor Stable?

You should consider if the subfloor below the linoleum floor is durable enough to shoulder the underlayment that is needed to set up the surface for laminate floor installation. This is even more important if your home was poorly built or very old.

If the subfloor is shaky, you should install a new subfloor before putting the laminate floor over the linoleum. You would know if the floor is shaky or stable; if it is shaky, it would come in the form of cracks, creeks, or dents on the linoleum floor due to prolonged use.

2. Is there Visible Mold?

One of the problems faced by linoleum floors is mold; hence, before you install the laminate floor over linoleum, you should first examine if the linoleum floor is free from mold.

Do not lay the laminate over the linoleum floor if a tinge of mold is found on it. This is because the mold would grow all over the floor with time and damage both the old and new floors. Mold would not only eat deep into the subfloor, but it would also cause damage to the laminate floor.

If there is mold on your linoleum floor, it is best you remove the linoleum floor entirely and replace it with a new underlayment before laying the laminate floor.

3. Does your Linoleum Floor Contain Asbestos?

Another question you should consider is if your linoleum floor contains asbestos. If your linoleum floor can be traced back before 1980, there is a huge chance it contains asbestos.

But then, you do not need a professional hand to remove the asbestos. If you follow the rules and patterns, you can do a good job of removing asbestos.

However, if you start noticing dents or cracks till the point where the particle starts caving in, you should seek the aid of professionals as fast as possible.

You might need to take a sample of the floor to the lab for proper scrutiny. This is done to know whether you can do the work on your own or seek the help of professionals.

The Similarities Between Linoleum Floor and Laminate Floor

Here are a few similarities between the linoleum floor and the laminate floor.

1. They are Long Lasting

The two flooring types are long-lasting. This means that they can last for years and serve their purposes if they are properly cleaned and maintained.

2. They are Water-Resistant

The two flooring types are also known to be water-resistant. But they are also water-proof; this means that they are not entirely safe from water and can be permeated by water if proper care is not taken.

3. They are User-Friendly

The two floors are user-friendly. Most homeowners find them useful because their kids and pets find the two floors comfortable. This makes them an ideal choice for family homes. 

Read: How To Remove Adhesive From Laminate Flooring

4. They are Easy to Maintain

The two flooring types are also similar because they are very easy to maintain. You do not need to break a sweat over maintaining both floors.

This makes the two floors the best option for homeowners who have little or no time to always maintain their floors.

5. They are Versatile

The two flooring types are available in various styles, patterns, shapes, and colors. Hence, you would always find the one that suits your taste and choice.

Reasons Why You Should or Should Not Put Laminate Over Linoleum

Here are a few reasons why you should or should not put laminate over linoleum.

1. Ease of Installation

Laminate floors are mostly installed in the click-lock pattern, this makes them very easy to install. You can even do the installation all by yourself, without seeking the help of professionals. This would save you money and time.

While on the other hand, the linoleum floor is glued to the subfloor and this makes it a bit hard to remove in case of damage or emergency. In as much as the floor itself is user-friendly, its installation might scream the opposite.

2. Overall Look and Feel

Linoleum is a floor that is soft to the touch. If you require comfortable flooring, then, the linoleum floor is your best bet. It is made from linseed oil, wood flour, cork, and pine rosin.

While laminate is a solid floor. It is made of a hard wear layer that protects the floor from harm, but it is not comfortable to walk on. Generally, the laminate floor is a more classy and polished floor than the linoleum floor. This makes it a better choice among homeowners.

3. Eco-Friendly

You can find an eco-friendly laminate, though it might in some cases prove difficult. Laminate floors are biodegradable and compostable.

Hence, why removing the laminate floor in the future, won’t be a hard and frustrating process. It is not so for linoleum floors, they are glued to the subfloor making them hard to remove.

How to Install Laminate Floor Over Linoleum

Here are the required steps on how to install laminate over linoleum.

1. Get the Needed Tools Ready

The first step is to gather and get your tools and materials ready. To get the job done, you would need a pry bar, hammer, jigsaw, oscillating saw, level, spacers, handsaw, tape measure, pull bar, finish nails, and molding.

2. Make Sure the Floor is Flat

After gathering the needed tools, your next step is to ensure that the floor is flat. Use a level to make sure that the floor is flat. Also, take measurements at different strategic points, using a tape measure.

If the floor is not flat, have someone come in and remove the old flooring and ensure it is leveled.

3. Remove Molding from the Area and Clean Properly

Once you are sure that the floor is flat, you should examine if there is mold on the floor, if any, you would need to remove it. Also, clean any debris you can locate on the surface of the floor. Then, clean the floor thoroughly, using a mild detergent, mop, scrub, and a vacuum.

Give the floor time to dry so it doesn’t damage the underlayment. To hasten the drying process, you can make use of a fan or dehumidifier.

4. You Would Need to Install an Underlayment Before Putting the Laminate

This is a very important step. You would need to install a foam underlayment before putting the laminate over the linoleum floor. Some laminate floors come with an underlayment, this makes the process easier.

5. Cut and Install the Laminate

You would need to install the laminate floor over linoleum starting from the far wall. Once the floor has been properly prepped, cut out the first row. The

6. Install Trim and Molding

If the old piece pulls off easily, you might need to replace it. You might still put the old one in place and paint it to look new, but, the best step is to install new trim and molding.

Read: How Soon Can You Put Furniture On Laminate Flooring

Conclusion

Can you put laminate flooring over linoleum? Yes, you can put laminate flooring over linoleum, but there are factors you would need to put into consideration before it is a success. We gave a detailed step on how to install the laminate floor over linoleum.

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