Installing Sheet Flooring

Even professional carpenters often shy away from installing sheet flooring, for one simple reason: If you make a single cutting mistake, you could blow the whole job and have to buy and install a new piece. Your chances of success are good, however, if you purchase a sheet that comes with a cardboard template and take the time to double-check all your measurements.

It's important to choose a high-quality sheet that is thick and durable. An inexpensive, thin sheet can easily rip while you unroll it.

If possible, buy a sheet wide enough so you need not make seams. It is possible to butt two pieces together in the middle of the floor. The seam will not be as durable as a continuous sheet, however.

Installing genuine linoleum (rather than vinyl) is a different process. The sheets tend to be narrower, but seams are not much of a problem because this product virtually welds itself together. For the same reason, cutting mistakes are also much less of a problem.