Vinyl flooring installation has become a very popular flooring option among homeowners. This is because of its look-alike to natural materials and its durability. If you love the realistic feel of vinyl plank flooring or the nice look of luxury vinyl flooring, then vinyl flooring is a great option for you. It’s both appealing and durable. This guide will go over the steps needed for a successful vinyl flooring installation and the main tools needed.
Key Highlights
- DIY-Friendly Project: Vinyl flooring installation is achievable for DIY enthusiasts, especially with the availability of click-and-lock systems.
- Essential Tools: Equipping yourself with the right tools, like a utility knife, tape measure, and floor roller, is key to a smooth installation process.
- Adequate Preparation: Proper subfloor preparation is crucial, involving cleaning, leveling, and ensuring a moisture-free surface.
- Precise Measurements: Taking accurate measurements of your space helps prevent material shortage and ensures a professional-looking outcome.
- Maintenance Matters: Implementing proper daily cleaning techniques and preventive measures is vital for preserving the beauty and longevity of your vinyl flooring.
Getting Started: What You Need to Know
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what we have for you, let’s take a moment or two to get you ready for the task ahead. This helps you avert delays and frustration during the process. If you skip this step, you might not get the best results.
First, make sure you carefully measure your space. This will help you know the amount of vinyl floor you’ll need. It's best to order a bit more than you’ll need. That way you can play safe and cover for any extra need that may arise. Next, get ready the basic tools and supplies you’ll need to make your installation process smoother, including a chalk line for marking straight lines.
Checking and Preparing the Subfloor
Preparing your subfloor for the final vinyl installation is key to having a perfect final look. It has a direct impact on the look, longevity, and feel of the final new floor. A well-prepared subfloor, including the addition of an underlay if needed, makes sure that the vinyl floor sits well on the floor without obstructions, adheres properly to the floor, and resists cracks and unevenness over time. This step is one of the most time-consuming steps, but it's worth it. Spending more time here simply means spending a shorter time in the actual installation process.
First, inspect the subfloor for any signs of damage like cracks, holes, or unevenness. While you can address unevenness with self-leveling compounds, significant damages might need professional attention or the installation of new plywood.
Then, check for moisture. Too much moisture in the subfloor can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, destroying your new vinyl flooring. While there are specified tools you can use to check the moisture levels, it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Essential Tools for Vinyl Flooring Installation
Having the right tools handy during the installation is key to a smooth process. These tools are there to make the job easier and help you achieve a professional look at the end. Here’s a list of the essential tools to have:
- Tape measure: You need an accurate measurement before and after your installation. This is the tool you’ll need for the task. It helps you know the amount of flooring you need to buy and it guides you in making precise cuts.
- Utility knife: A sharp utility knife is key for cutting vinyl planks or tiles to the right size.
- T-Square or Straight Edge: this helps you cut straight and accurately with little or no error. It’s most important, especially with larger pieces of vinyl.
- Floor roller: A floor roller presses down the vinyl flooring to the subfloor. This creates a strong bond and helps avoid air bubbles and gaps in the finished floor.
Buying good quality tools will make your installation work a breeze and give it a professional look as well.
The Installation Process: A Beginner's Guide
With the guide you are about to read, you can successfully install a DIY project, even if you are new to it. This guide gives you easy steps to get results that look professional.
Read this guide after you are done going through the specific installation instructions for the vinyl flooring you picked. Different types of vinyl brands require different needs. Be patient and pay attention to details.
Step 1: Measuring your space accurately
Accurate measurement is the foundation for a well-planned and neat project like vinyl flooring with zero inaccuracies. Start by measuring the length and width of your room with your tape measure. Calculate the total square footage of the room by multiplying these two numbers. Use a calculator to be sure. This gives you the actual room size.
It’s advisable to add 10% extra to the value you got and make provision for that 10%. This will serve to cover for vinyl that got wasted during the cutting process.
Step 2: Cutting vinyl flooring to fit
Once you are done with the measurement, the next thing is to cut. Cutting vinyl planks is not hard. You can do that with a utility knife and a straightedge.
For vinyl that you’ll place around the door frames or at odd corners, use a jigsaw. Jigsaw gives you better control as it helps you make accurate cuts. For those vinyl in awkward corners, take your time and make slow cuts to be sure you are not making mistakes.
When cutting the vinyl planks or tiles, it’s a good practice to cut more than what you need. You can trim off the excess letter for a perfect fit. It’s better to cut more than required. Cutting less than required will only lead to wastage. The professionalism of your installation hangs a lot on this step, especially when starting perpendicular to the longest wall.
Step 3: Applying adhesive and laying down vinyl
For glue-down vinyl flooring, you need to first apply flooring adhesive on the subfloor before laying the tiles or planks. Use high-quality adhesive made specifically for vinyl flooring. Follow the manufacturer’s steps closely. Spread a thin but even layer of the adhesive on the subfloor, making sure to cover any existing flooring, using a notched trowel. Be sure you don’t let the adhesive dry out before laying the hardwood flooring. If your room has a baseboard or molding at the bottom of the wall, use a pry bar to temporarily remove it.
Lay the tiles in a staggered way, using a rubber mallet and tapping block to ensure the planks are securely in place. If the vinyl flooring plank sits properly, and some extra adhesive squeezes out, clean it right away with a damp cloth. Once it dries, it can be a headache to remove. When working, take a step away from your work now and then to look for alignment problems. Adjust them when needed.
Step 4: Sealing and finishing touches
When you are done to the end of the room, check every edge and seam for gaps. If you discover any imperfection, lift the plank or tiles that are affected. Add some more adhesives and press them down firmly again. Depending on the type of flooring you are using and the manufacturer’s instructions, you might need to add sealant and spacers on the edges, especially if you are flooring your bathroom or kitchen where water is most likely to sit more frequently. Don't forget to undercut the door jambs to allow the planks to slide easily beneath them for a seamless finish.
Our Advice
Vinyl flooring installation can be a great but daunting project. Choosing the right vinyl floor to installing the vinyl tile is a task you must be ready for. A mistake from the beginning can ruin your entire installation process.
Here in Arizona, Master of Wood Floors is the company you can comfortably reach out to for professional advice. If you have questions, need help, or consider the task too daunting, please reach out to us. We are here to meet your flooring needs.