Bathroom Linoleum flooring replacement project

When we moved into our house in 2006, we had a lot of changes that we wanted to make.  Windows, carpet, painting, etc.  One adjustment that has been on hold for a while it to replace the linoleum in our master bathroom. It was worn and had a few marks in it that looked like a hot tire had been placed on it.  Also, when I walked on the floor, I got the feeling that there was a little give.  Like it wasn’t quite stuck down. In 2012, I finally decided that I was up to the challenge of changing the floor.  My wife picked out a pattern and ordered a 12’ x 8’ piece.  I've only attached pictures of the new flooring, I don't have a record of what it looked like before.

For reference, I used the following calculator to find out what it would cost to have a professional install this linoleum.  I was surprised that the estimate was ~$6,000. for the job.  Certainly I can do better than that!  The estimate they provided for the linoleum material cost was very close to exactly what we paid for the replacement piece.

I decided to take off a week of work to do the project. I was hoping that I could do the job in 3 days and then have plenty of time to pursue other things. Little did I know what was lurking under that flooring…

Step 1: Tools for the job

What you’ll need for the job.

Tools:
• Work Gloves
• Eye Protection
• Pry Bar
• Hammer
• Vice Grips or other locking pliers
• Circular Saw
• Pneumatic Brad Nailer
• Pneumatic Stapler
• Tape Measure
• Crescent Wrench
• Hack Saw
• Broom
• Dust Pan
• Cutting mat (if needed)
• Putty Knife

Consumables:
• Toilet Wax Seal
• Toilet Bolts (if needed)
• 2” Brad Nails
• 1” Flooring Staples
• Baseboards
• 1/4” Plywood
• Flooring Adhesive tube (optional)
• Shower and Bath Caulking tube
• Spackle (I prefer the pink variety that turns white when it’s dry)
• Linoleum
• Linoleum Adhesive
• Linoleum Adhesive applicator
• 12” long 2”x4”  wood board covered with a cloth.

Comments

[CazzPhoenix]

This is the kind of work I'm dreading on my house, but I favorited this as I'm sure it will be needed.

[osunderdog]

It's not that bad... I got some enjoyment out of the demolition part.

[mole1]

You've made the job look possible for those of us less experienced in doing things correctly. Your diagrams are especially helpful. Thanks for posting this! I'm favoriting it so it's handy when the job gets done at our house.

[osunderdog]

Thank you! I had fun putting the instructions together. I bought a software package to do diagrams and this gave me some practice. Good luck with your future project!

[audreyobscura]

You did a really nice job explaining everything - do you have more photos of your build process?

[osunderdog]

*Sigh* I wish I had though of that while I was doing the work. No I don't. I should have a few pictures of the flooring removal, pulling all those staples, installing the base boards, etc.

This was my first attempt at an instructible. I'll do a better job on the visuals next time.