How To Install Vinyl Flooring? Step-by-Step Tutorial
Are you a do-it-yourselfer in need of a floor covering project? As a DIY project, installing vinyl flooring saves money and provides the satisfaction of doing the job yourself. Are you unsure of where to begin? We’re here to help!
Putting in vinyl flooring doesn’t have to be a difficult task if you’re proficient with tools and know how. Inexperienced DIYers don’t have to worry about installing vinyl flooring because it’s so simple.
Tongue and groove planks and tiles, peel & stick, and sheet vinyl are the three basic forms of vinyl flooring.
That’s why vinyl flooring is such a good choice. It’s well-known for its cheap upkeep and ease of cleaning. Vinyl flooring is also available in waterproof varieties. Vinyl flooring has all of the advantages of real hardwood without the drawbacks.
How to install all 3 varieties of vinyl flooring are covered here.
Contents
How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring
Click and lock and glue down methods are used to attach vinyl plank. In most cases, the vinyl planks are made to be installed over an already-existing surface. The state of the surface on which the vinyl plank will be installed must be taken into consideration, though. Make certain that your sub-floor is free of damage, smooth, clean, and free of dust before beginning the installation process. The most frequently asked question about vinyl plank flooring underlayment is whether or not it is necessary. Concrete flooring necessitate the use of an underlay for your sub-floor. The underlay gives an extra layer of cushion to your floor, making it softer and more insulating, keeping it warm even in the coldest months.
Taking Measurements
There are a few things to keep in mind while putting vinyl plank flooring on concrete. Before starting any flooring work, make sure you measure the area using a tape measure to ensure there are no surprises. The next step is to locate a retailer that sells vinyl plank flooring at a reasonable price. Flooring material that is suited for this method of flooring must be purchased. Unlike laminate flooring, vinyl planks have a click-lock system that resembles that of laminate flooring, but they are slightly thinner. The current vinyl plank thickness ranges from 2mm to 8mm. Foam underlay can be used to improve the effectiveness of click-locking on vinyl planks with a thickness of less than 4 millimeters.
Material And Sub-Floor Preparation
At least two days should be allowed for the vinyl flooring material to acclimate before it is installed in the customer’s home. Clearing any obstacle, cleaning the flooring, filling, and applying underlay are all steps in the installation procedure that must be completed before you can proceed. You’ll need simple tools and equipment including a measuring tape, utility knife, flooring, spacers, markers, rubber mallet, chalk, tapping block, T-square, and level for a successful vinyl plank installation process. You’ve got everything you need at your disposal. Decide on the pattern you want to utilize for your flooring and begin cutting the flooring pieces to meet the pattern’s needs. To get a uniform look, it is important to distribute the planks uniformly from the crates.
Steps To Follow
1. Spacing
The first row of vinyl plank flooring should be laid starting from the left, with a gap of 1.3cm between the wall and the first plank. A good fit between the tongue and groove of one plank is essential. As you interlock the groove and tongue connectors, make sure that the seams are aligned to complete the rows.
2. Tapping
As you continue to lay the planks, use a rubber-made mallet and a tapping block to gently tap them into place. Use the leftovers to cut terminals that are at least 6 inches long to begin the next row and mix the pieces to give the flooring a uniform appearance.
3. Interlocking
Fit the planks to the preceding row at a little slant and make sure they interlock properly. Continue working while paying attention to the fit of the seams and the interlocking of the planks. Install spacers every few feet around the perimeter and remove them after you’re done.
4. Re-Installing The Baseboards
Reinstall your baseboards to complete your vinyl plank installation. Finishing molds for covering expansion gaps can be installed with brad mailer.
You’ll be able to fit your new vinyl planks into your floor space if you follow these steps. When cleaning vinyl plank flooring, read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning methods and the products to be used. Keep away from sharp things as well, as they could damage the tile’s surface.
Vinyl Flooring Installation FAQs
Is there anything else I can help you with? When it comes to installing vinyl flooring, these are some of the most typical questions consumers have.
- Q) Is there a need for an underlayment for my floor?
- Some goods include an underlayment, so you don’t need to purchase additional underlayment with those products. These installations will only require a vapor barrier.
Underlayment is typically purchased if it is not included with the carpet. Adding underlayment to your vinyl floor will reduce noise, protect your subfloor and flooring, and make it more comfortable to walk on. For vinyl flooring, cork is a common choice, as rubber is prone to stains.
- Question: Should the baseboards be removed?
- A) Baseboards should be removed prior to applying vinyl to ensure a clean appearance.
Baseboards may not need to be removed when installing vinyl goods such as peel & stick or sheet vinyl. To give these goods a polished appearance, silicon sealant or quarter-round molding might be utilized.
- An example of this type of flooring can be found in a home’s basement or crawlspace.
- It’s a type of floor that isn’t attached to the subfloor with glue or tape. In most cases, this type of floor is held in place only by the weight of the next floor.
- Does the store allow you to examine the floor before you buy it?
- A) Definitely! Additionally, we have a nice website tool that allows you to submit a picture of your room and see what it would look like if you placed our vinyl floors. It’s a lot of fun.