How to Install Vinyl Flooring
If you need to install new flooring, determine what type of flooring you want by comparing cost, utility and how the flooring will look. Vinyl flooring comes in many colors and patterns and holds up very well in high traffic areas. It is also less expensive than other types of flooring, such as wood flooring and tile flooring. It is also the easiest flooring for a do-it-yourselfer to install. Vinyl flooring is usually found in different sized tiles, but may also come in a roll.
You will need certain things to complete this project. Be sure to have all the things on hand before you start. As far as the vinyl adhesive, depending on the type of vinyl you use, you may be required to use a perimeter adhesive, full coverage or both. The salesperson where you purchase the vinyl will tell you how much adhesive you need and what type for the type of vinyl you purchase.
- Paper and pencil
- Measuring tape
- Patching compound for concrete (optional)
- Claw hammer
- Hand saw
- Utility knife
- Craft paper
- Masking tape
- Double-sided tape
- Straight edge
- Scrap piece of plank
- Vinyl adhesive
- Block of wood
- Clean cloth
Measure the room — do not forget to measure all of the angles in the room. The best way to do this is to draw a sketch of the room, then write the measurements for each wall and each cut out near the line depicting it in the drawing. Add 3 to 4 inches to each measurement to leave room for cutting and trimming or centering the pattern in the room. Bring this with you to the place where you are purchasing the vinyl.
Remove the old vinyl from the subfloor if you have not already done it. Remove the shoe molding carefully if you have not already done it. If you take care when removing the shoe molding, you can reuse it, unless you want to change the style of the molding.
Make sure the subfloor is in good condition. The subfloor should be flat and smooth. If you have a cement floor with dips or holes, patch the dips or holes with patching compound. Allow it to dry according to the instructions on the patching compound before continuing.
Prepare doorframes for the thickness of the new vinyl plank flooring. Lay a scrap piece of molding next to the doorframe. Draw a line on the doorframe at the height of the thickness of the vinyl flooring. Cut along the line using a hand saw.
Lay the vinyl plank flooring in position. Cut relief cuts where needed to go around cabinets and other obstructions. Roll the flooring against one of the walls back to expose the subflooring. Roll out the craft paper along the wall, lining up the edge exactly with the wall. Tape the craft paper to the subflooring with small pieces of masking tape to hold it in place.
Place the double-sided tape near the edge of the craft paper closest to the wall. Use a 6-inch strip every 18 to 24 inches. Peel the top backing off, and then roll the vinyl flooring over the top. Press down on the areas over the double-sided tape. Lift the vinyl flooring up, bringing the craft paper with the flooring. This just formed the template showing you where to cut the vinyl flooring.
Lay a piece of scrap plank under the edge of the vinyl flooring. Using a straight edge and the utility knife cut along the outside edge — the edge that was closest to the wall — of the craft paper. This cuts the vinyl to the appropriate size. Repeat the craft paper template process with the rest of the edges.
Spread the adhesive material according to the instructions given you by the salesperson or on the can of adhesive you purchased for the vinyl flooring. Lay the vinyl into place over the adhesive. Wrap the block of wood with the clean cloth. Rub it firmly across the vinyl, working from the center out if you used full adhesive. Rub it along the perimeter if you used perimeter adhesive.
Allow the adhesive to dry for at least two hours before you walk on it. Allow at least four hours for heavy traffic. Move furniture back into the room after 24 hours. Replace the shoe molding and trim.
Warning: Do not slide the furniture across the floor. Either carry it or, if you must slide it, put a sheet of 1/8-inch plywood under each leg.