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Linoleum flooring lasts about 20 to 40 years. While it is durable, it does wear out from foot traffic and even the weight of furniture over time. It can also become faded or discolored from sunlight streaming in through the windows.

Sheet vinyl is the cheapest DIY flooring, depending on the brand, style, and quality you choose. Not only is it one of the most affordable flooring products on the market, but it is also easy for most homeowners to install, as it only requires cutting, trimming, and gluing down to the existing floor surface. Some sheet vinyl manufacturers make a loose-lay sheet vinyl flooring that does not even need to be glued.

Carpet squares, tile stickers, painting or stenciling existing tile floors, and painting existing concrete flooring are also affordable options for DIY flooring.

Whether you install flooring before or after kitchen cabinets depends primarily on the type of flooring you are using. For materials like hardwood, tile, and sheet flooring, the best practice is to install the flooring first. This ensures the cabinets are installed at the correct height and on a stable surface. However, you should not install cabinets on top of floating floors, such as laminate or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). These types of flooring need room to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Placing heavy cabinets on top can restrict this movement, potentially causing the floor to buckle and making the cabinets unstable. For floating floors, install the cabinets first and then lay the flooring up to them. Other reasons to consider installing cabinets before the flooring include saving money on materials (since you won't need flooring under the cabinets) and avoiding potential damage to your new floor during cabinet installation. Additionally, installing cabinets directly on the subfloor might prevent voiding your flooring's warranty.

To clean a subfloor after removing carpet, start by removing any leftover debris, such as stuck-on underlay, nails, or staples. Next, thoroughly vacuum the subfloor to eliminate dust, dirt, and loose particles. If adhesive residue remains, you can use an adhesive remover, a scraper, or a sander to gently lift it off. Finally, clean the surface by mopping or wiping it down with a damp rag and allow it to dry completely. This preparation is essential for ensuring new flooring adheres properly and to prevent bumps or wrinkles from forming.