Retro Linoleum Installation in Croydon: Bold Colours for a Domestic Bathroom Project

At Cavendish deVere, we pride ourselves on being able to tackle any flooring challenge that comes our way. Recently, we found ourselves working on a rather unusual project in Croydon, South London—a domestic linoleum installation that took us pleasantly outside our comfort zone and reminded us why we love this work so much.

A Refreshing Change from the Ordinary

This project was unusual for us on several counts. Firstly, Croydon isn’t our typical stomping ground, as most of our work takes us across Wimbledon and the surrounding areas. Secondly, whilst we almost always fit Forbo Marmoleum for our linoleum projects, this particular client had her heart set on products from two different manufacturers: Tarkett and Gerflor. It was a welcome change of pace that allowed our fitters to work with some excellent alternative products.

But perhaps the most striking aspect of this installation was the colour palette. Our client—specifically the lady of the house—had specified some wonderfully retro, bold colours that harked back to a different era of interior design. The Gerflor Marmorette in Sunset Orange was destined for the upstairs bathroom, whilst the Tarkett Linoleum Style 14235796 (a rich, forest green) would grace the downstairs bathroom.

The Products: Tarkett and Gerflor Linoleum

Both Tarkett and Gerflor are highly respected names in the flooring industry, producing quality linoleum that rivals anything else on the market. As specialists in Gerflor installation London homeowners can trust, we were delighted to work with the Marmorette range—a product known for its durability and distinctive marbled appearance.

Linoleum, for those unfamiliar, is a natural flooring product made primarily from linseed oil, pine rosin, wood flour, and jute backing. It’s:

• Environmentally friendly and biodegradable
• Naturally antibacterial, making it ideal for bathrooms
• Extremely durable, often lasting decades with proper care
• Water-resistant when properly installed and sealed
• Available in an extraordinary range of colours

It’s this last point that made these particular products so perfect for our client’s vision. The Sunset Orange positively glows, whilst the green Tarkett creates a wonderfully calming, almost botanical atmosphere in the downstairs bathroom.

Our Installation Process

Regardless of the brand or colour of linoleum, proper installation follows the same meticulous process. Cutting corners at any stage will inevitably lead to problems down the line—something we simply won’t accept.

Subfloor Preparation

We began by removing the existing flooring from both bathrooms, carefully disposing of all materials responsibly. With the subfloor exposed, we could properly assess its condition and begin the preparation work that’s so crucial to a successful linoleum installation.

First, we applied primer to the subfloor areas in both bathrooms, allowing adequate time for this to dry thoroughly. Rushing this stage is a common mistake that leads to adhesion problems later. Once the primer had cured, we applied screed to level the subfloor, then left the property for 24 hours to allow it to dry completely.

Creating the Perfect Surface

Upon our return, we applied a feather finish to both bathroom floors. This self-levelling compound fills in any minor imperfections and creates the smooth, flat surface that linoleum absolutely requires. Any bumps, dips, or irregularities in the subfloor will telegraph through the finished flooring, so this stage demands real attention to detail.

Once the feather finish had cured, we carefully sanded the surfaces to ensure they were as smooth as glass. Running your hand across a properly prepared subfloor should reveal nothing but a perfectly uniform surface.

Templating, Cutting, and Fitting

Bathrooms present particular challenges for flooring installers. Between toilet pedestals, vanity units, pipework, and various fixtures, there are typically numerous intricate cuts required. We templated carefully where necessary, then cut the linoleum to fit with precision.

Both the Gerflor Marmorette and Tarkett Linoleum Style were adhered to the prepared subfloors using appropriate adhesive. Proper adhesive application is another area where experience matters—too little and the flooring won’t bond correctly; too much and you risk squeeze-out at the seams.

Finishing Up

With both floors installed, we thoroughly cleaned and cleared the site, leaving our clients with two beautifully transformed bathrooms ready for use.

The Client’s Vision Realised

It takes all sorts, as they say, and we’ve learned over the years that personal taste in flooring is wonderfully varied. What might seem like an unconventional choice to one person is another’s dream design. In this case, our client knew exactly what she wanted, and we were more than happy to bring her vision to life.

There’s an old saying about keeping everyone happy at home, and when we left this Croydon property, we could see our client was absolutely delighted with her bold, retro-inspired bathroom floors. The Sunset Orange upstairs makes a genuine statement—it’s warm, vibrant, and utterly distinctive. Meanwhile, the deep green downstairs offers a more subtle nod to vintage aesthetics whilst remaining thoroughly practical for a bathroom environment.

Quality Linoleum Installation Across South London

Whether you’re drawn to traditional colours or fancy something rather more adventurous, our team has the expertise to install linoleum flooring to the highest standards. From subfloor preparation through to the final clean, every stage of our process is designed to deliver a finish that will look beautiful and perform perfectly for many years to come.

If you’re considering linoleum for your home or commercial property, do get in touch. We’d be delighted to discuss your project—however bold your colour choices might be.