How to Use Leftover Linoleum

Make a safe dry spot under the sink in case of drips by using linoleum. Dripping water can ruin press board and warp wood. Whatever you have under your sink will be protected by linoleum. Take everything out of your cupboard and wipe down the surface well. Place the linoleum tiles (unglued) on the floor of the cabinet. If you have to cut, put the cut pieces in the back and on the sides where they won't show as much.

Mark and trim your pieces with a pencil and cut along the lines. Put them back in and then remove two at a time, gluing one down and laying it in place. Take the third out when you are ready to glue the second. You can take them all out and number them and then put the glue on the floor if you are sure you won't mix up the pieces. This is the fastest way.

Make a template out of newspaper if you are using sheet linoleum. Lay one piece inside so that it sits flush in the corner along two sides. Place the next piece so that it's flush with the other side and the back. Tape those together when they're in place. Put another piece so it's flush with the front and side on the left and then on the right. If you need to add a little to meet the front of the cupboard, cut a piece the width of the doors and tape it in place so that it reaches the cabinet's end.

Cut out your linoleum by taping the newspaper template to the flooring and cutting around it exactly. It can be rolled up a little to fit. Put it in without glue first to make sure it fits, then put your glue down according to directions and lay the floor down.

Use linoleum to refinish old tabletops. If the table top is shot, you can cover it with linoleum. Depending on the linoleum, this can look really nice. Just follow the same instructions as above--making a template for sheet linoleum and laying the tiles out first. You'll want to find the center of the table for tiles. Find the center across the width with a measuring tape and mark it off at several places then do the same thing for the length, marking several more place. Now draw a line through the dots across and down and it will give you a cross in the center. Place four tiles so they're touching corners at that cross and fit the others around it, cutting where necessary. This way the table will have all its seams and cuts placed evenly and it will look great.

Use sheet linoleum for placemats. Cut out a shape you like. Use that for a template and cut out two pieces for each placemat. Lay out newspapers and place half of your cut shapes wrong side up on them. Put your glue on according to directions. When the glue is ready, lay the second piece wrong side down on top of the first. When these are done, cover them with more newspaper and weigh them down with heavy books or other objects so that they dry completely flat. Read the package for drying time and take them out when ready. Clean bits of newspaper off if there are any and they're good to go!

Use linoleum to make a game table that lays on the floor in your children's room. You can glue two pieces together or you can glue it to a piece of wood or plastic. It makes a great surface for trucks, board games or anything. Cover a small table for kids for instant durability. Line the bottom of toy boxes, kid's desk drawers and anything else you'd love to have last for many years. Use leftover linoleum around the house in cabinets, in the workshop or garage or just about anywhere where a tough and washable surface would be helpful. Linoleum is extremely durable and easy to cut and glue down, so use your imagination and have fun with it.