How many layers of linoleum is considered the max?

Maggie F
by Maggie F
  6 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Jul 12, 2018

    Although your existing layers of flooring may be in good shape now, in the event that the adhesive fails on either one, the top layer will be affected as well.


    My advice is never to layer.

  • Jeffrey Miichael Atencio Jeffrey Miichael Atencio on Jul 12, 2018

    Depends on the condition of the linoleum. If there is no holes or such, you can go over it. I've seen up to three. Honestly, it's better to take it down to the subfloor, patch and make repairs to the subfloor and the install the new linoleum.

  • In my world, one. You should always remove old flooring and inspect and repair the sub floor as needed before installing a new floor, no matter what type. Period, point blank, end of story. There are a few, very few exceptions. Your flooring is only as good as the subfloor it is placed upon. I have seen as many as 3 but the place looked horrible to be polite. My flooring guys will refuse jobs if they are not to be installed properly. They will not cut corners or cheap out. For one, it looks tacky, and two, it compromises the integrity of the floor. Yes, I feel very strongly about this subject! 😊

  • Carol Marszalek Carol Marszalek on Jul 12, 2018

    Maggie, having been raised in the flooring industry and in it for 15 years, two would be max. It is always preferable to start on the base flooring to keep adhesion to its maximum efficiency!

  • William William on Jul 12, 2018

    I agree with Naomie. Only two exception is if older linoleum that has bee adhered completely to the floor and won't come off. If it has asbestos in it. Then new flooring can be placed over it. But no more than two.

  • DesertRose DesertRose on Jul 12, 2018

    My husband used to do that for a living and he says you can put ONE over the old one. After that, you need to remove the layers.