Erin Napier's Solution For Covering Old Linoleum Flooring Without Removing It

Linoleum flooring has been around since the 1860s and is still popular today for its huge range of applications, its low cost, and its durability. Modern linoleum is also considered 'green' as it is made from natural fibers, whereas vinyl is basically plastic. Of course, there are still several downsides to linoleum flooring. As it gets old, it can become brittle and start to crack and lift. Many people will think about removing it, but HGTV star Erin Napier's approach is to cover it with pine tongue and groove boards. There are some very sensible reasons for doing so.

Linoleum is often glued to the subfloor, so removal takes a ton of time and effort. Additionally, old linoleum tiles and sheet flooring can contain asbestos. When it breaks up, the fibers become airborne and pose a serious health hazard. Many experts recommend leaving linoleum alone for that reason, so covering it with pine is not only relatively simple and affordable, it's also safer.

You can use 1x6-inch or 1x4-inch tongue and groove planks available from many hardware stores. You'll need a saw to cut boards to length, a nailer, and a sander. It's worth knowing how to choose the right nail gun for your home improvement projects, but in this case a brad nailer is a good option. These typically fire nails up to 2-½ inches in length, which is long enough to go through the pine and linoleum and into the subfloor below.

After nailing, the finished floor is sanded smooth. Designer Erin Napier chooses to stain the boards. It's easy to do, and there are lots of colors to choose from. You can also use a paint finish on wood floors if you want something more jazzy. Erin is happy with a rustic look and accepts that the flooring can get dented or scratched.

Whether you do the same will depend on where the old linoleum was. Without a layer of protection, the boards will quickly soak up any spills. That will result in staining and damage to the floor itself. It would be a shame to cover that old linoleum only to have the new floor soon appear just as worn. So if you want to maintain the color or a cool Scandinavian-style appearance, it will need further finishing. Especially if you're using pine in a kitchen or bathroom. 

An eco-friendly water-based polyurethane varnish is the answer. They can be matte or gloss. They are easy to apply, fast-drying, and hard-wearing. A couple of coats will ensure that the pine will shrug off dirt and liquids and stay looking good for longer.