Vinyl flooring is a popular flooring option that is very durable, water-resistant, and affordable. Installing vinyl flooring may seem intimidating at first, but with the right preparation and tools, vinyl flooring installation can be done by most do-it-yourself homeowners. Let’s break down the basic steps for installing vinyl flooring:
Preparation For Vinyl Flooring Installation
The most important step before installing vinyl flooring is preparation. Proper preparation of the subfloor is crucial for ensuring a smooth, wrinkle-free installation.
- Remove any existing flooring and flooring adhesive. Make sure to thoroughly clean and prep the concrete, wood, or other subfloor material. Sweep and vacuum to remove any dirt or debris.
- Check for moisture and levelness. Use a moisture meter to ensure the concrete slab is dry if installing over concrete. The subfloor needs to be flat within 3/16 inch over 10 feet. You may need to use a self-leveling compound to level dips or bumps.
- Underlayment padding. Most vinyl flooring does not require special underlayment padding for basic installations over concrete or wood subfloors in residential applications. However, you may want to use a vapor barrier for concrete subfloors or sound dampening padding for bedrooms.
- Layout and expansion gaps. Measure the room and snap chalk lines to mark where you want the first row of planks to go, leaving about 1/4 inch gap around all walls and vertical obstructions for expansion.
Tools Needed For Vinyl Flooring Installation
The basic tools needed for vinyl flooring installation include:
- Utility knife – For scoring planks during installation and cleanup. Make sure to use new, sharp blades.
- Eye and ear protection – From cutting planks.
- Tape measure and chalk line – For outlining layout.
- Laminate tapping block and pull bar – For gently tapping planks into place and pulling tight.
- Plywood – Any scraps for kneeling and protecting new floor from other tools.
- Vinyl seam sealer/welding rod – For heat welding seams.
- Seam roller – For firmly bonding welded seems.
- Safety gloves – For protecting hands when handling planks and from heat of welder.
Fitting and Cutting Planks
Start by placing the first row of planks along your chalk line, leaving the expansion gap at the walls. Score and snap planks to fit as needed, always cutting away from your body. Some tips:
- Score planks on the rear (non-design) side by scoring twice and snapping for straight cuts.
- For angled cuts place scrap board under plank for support and cut with utility knife at angle.
- Leave small gaps between planks for expansion, about 1/8 inch.
- Tap planks gently into place with tapping block, don’t force tight fit.
Seaming Planks
After the first row is complete, start the second row by cutting the first plank to at least half the length of the previous row. Stagger seams by at least 6 inches between rows for strength. Heat weld vinyl seams as follows:
- Use seam sealer compatible with your flooring and weld planks together with seam welder.
- Apply liberal bead of seam sealer to lip of groove side of plank.
- Insert tongue of next plank into groove and hold in place with slight pressure.
- Run hot weld tip along seam to simultaneously heat weld planks and seal.
- Firmly roll seam with seam roller to embed seam and remove excess.
Trouble Spots and Finishing
Here are tips for fitting around tricky spots and finishing:
- For tight spaces or closets, scribe planks to match irregular walls using a utility knife.
- To fit under door casings, undercut casings with saw or use pull bar to tuck plank under tightly.
- Use heat gun or blow dryer to soften vinyl and gently pull into tight spaces using pull bar.
- Carefully cut around heating/AC vents, pipes or other fixtures taking measurements.
- After installation, remove any excess seam sealer or adhesive and clean floor as per manufacturer directions.
- Allow seams to fully cool before placing heavy furniture.
- Trim excess expansion gap with utility knife 24 hours after laying.
- Apply recommended vinyl floor polish, wax or sealant for extra protection and shine.
With proper preparation and attention to fitting, seaming, trouble spots and finishing details, you’ll be able to transform your floors yourself. Just be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions as well. With some practice you’ll be laying luxury vinyl flooring like a pro in no time.
If you need any vinyl flooring materials or want the professional installation handled, check out Wood Origins Flooring. Wood Origins is a top supplier and installer of premium vinyl flooring, their expert installation team has years of experience handling both residential and commercial projects of all sizes. Wood Origins carries all the top vinyl flooring brands and their showroom features the latest styles and visuals to help you select the perfect floor. Contact Wood Origins Flooring today or visit their showroom now. Let their team of professional installers handle your next flooring project, so you can enjoy your new waterproof floors for many years to come.