Proper installation of your flooring is important in order to achieve the outcome you desire and to benefit from all the advantages that it has to offer as a flooring option. Therefore, we have provided you an easy guide for easy installation of your vinyl flooring. Let’s get started!
Careful preparation is necessary for straightforward and proper installation of vinyl flooring
The product is able to conform to the underlayer, which implies that if you have a protruding nail in the subfloor, the vinyl will form a noticeable bump. Therefore, you will want to make sure that surface in which you are installing your flooring on is completely flat and free of debris. To arrive at good subfloor for your vinyl installation, follow these instructions:
1) Remove existing floors: although some vinyl products will allow you to directly install over old flooring, others will require you to remove the pre-existing floors and install on top of the subfloor. The removal of old floors is ideal because it may be uneven. When doing so, try to avoid denting or causing damage to the subfloor underneath.
2) Level your subfloor: as mentioned above, the best outcomes of your vinyl installation will be achieved on flat, leveled surfaces. Thus, you must check the condition of your subfloor to ensure that it is leveled and undamaged. If there is an issue, you can simply use plywood to create an underlayment that is a nice, flat surface for your flooring.
3) Clean the floor: since dust and debris can result in bump formation, we highly recommend that you thoroughly clean the floors before installation. First use a broom, then move onto a vacuum. Once you have cleaned the subfloor, you will want to avoid tracking any new dust or debris.
4) Measure and plan: the last step in preparation for your vinyl flooring installation is to take measurements of the room. This will determine how to properly place your vinyl tiles or planks. A good tip is to measure twice and to cut once. In order to cut the vinyl product, score a line on either side using a box cutter and then fold the pieces to pull them apart.
After all the preparatory work is complete, it is time for the actual installation of your vinyl flooring
Here are the steps to follow to make this process an ease:
1) Figuring out the direction of boards: if purchased as planks, the vinyl should lay parallel to the longest run of the room to achieve the best layout. We recommend starting from the left side of the room and working towards the right.
2) Lay down the flooring: a majority of the vinyl products have adhesive on the back, which saves you the time and effort of having to place it on the floor first. Simply peel away the coating to reveal the sticky side when you are happy with the final layout of your product. To prevent the formation of air pockets during installation, bend the board as your place it down and roll it onto the floor. Then, finish it off by using your hands to press the vinyl flooring to the ground.
3) Trim and molding: once you have set your vinyl floors in place, you can return door jams and molding back to their original places to give the room a finished look. If you have any other questions or concerns regarding the DIY-installation of your vinyl flooring, please do not hesitate to contact Chestnut Flooring, we will be happy to help with a range of flooring services.
Below are some others great tips to keep in mind when installing your vinyl floors
Match the Installation Type to the Room
Vinyl flooring comes in a number of different installation types such as sheet, loose lay, groutable tile, adhesive tile, or click plank. Some methods are more suited to different rooms than others. For example, vinyl sheets can cover large areas quickly and leave no seams but require a flat, level surface to be used. If your floor is uneven, then click planks will be more suited for the task.
Loose lay flooring is held in place by friction alone once the tiles are flush with one another. This is great for covering areas that have simple shapes but becomes trickier if you have to maneuver around cabinets, islands, etc. Make notes about the state of the room and any challenges it might have, and bring these up with your flooring provider. They, and their product’s instructions will be able to give you advice on which installation method is most suitable.
Mind The Subfloor
Many types of vinyl flooring installation do not require extensive subfloor preparation but this doesn’t mean it can be ignored entirely. Cracks and damage to the subfloor can affect the integrity of any tile or plank placed on top. Give the subfloor a look-over to see if it needs any repairs. Also, make sure the subfloor is clean and dry before laying the new floor. This advice applies both to actual subfloors (the plywood sheeting beneath most floors in a house) and existing floors you are simply laying the vinyl on top of.
Make a sketch of the space
Bring this sketch to the store to figure out the amount of vinyl needed and add on a few extra inches to allow for trimming, cutting and centering the pattern. After purchasing your flooring materials, there will be other tools and things you need to start this project. The type of vinyl you purchase will influence the tools and materials that you will need.
For example, luxury vinyl such as SPC flooring comes with a click-and-lock system that may eliminate the need for adhesive vinyl flooring materials. In general, if you are using traditional vinyl, consider the following tools and materials that you will need to get started: Tools: Putty knife, fine-notched trowel, steel hand roller, utility knife, tape measure and handsaw Materials: Masking tape, plywood, vinyl flooring, adhesive, patching compound and builder’s craft paper When you are ready to start, keep in mind that the typical duration of the vinyl flooring process is approximately two days depending on the size of the space and type of vinyl.
Read the Instructions Beforehand
You should carefully read the installation instructions for your choice of vinyl floor. The instructions will contain lists of materials you might need (rollers, cutting knife, flooring tape, etc.) and can offer suggestions for potential challenges the installation might face, such as laying floor around a cabinet or drain. Going over the instructions ahead of time will also help familiarize you with the whole process.
Clean the Floor Afterwards
Once you have successfully installed your vinyl flooring, the last step is to give it a quick, easy cleaning. Not only will this let you start your new floor off with a delightful shine, it’ll get you familiar with the maintenance your floor will need in the future. Fortunately, vinyl floors are very low-maintenance so this often means a simple sweep and mop. Enjoy!
Add area rugs and floor mats
If your vinyl has already been installed directly over concrete, don’t lose heart! You can keep the cold away with plush rugs that reflect your style and add a feeling of luxury to defy winter’s chill. Area rugs and floor mats not only provide welcome texture and beautiful pops of colour if you choose, but they also protect your vinyl flooring from the grit, salt, and slush that are inevitably tracked in on shoes and boots.
Strategically-placed floor mats beside your bed, in front of sinks, and anywhere else you often stand can help to ease the aching cold without completely covering your beautiful floors.
