Tips on how to install vinyl flooring

Vinyl Flooring Cons

Vinyl flooring does have many drawbacks. The manufacturing procedure uses toxic chemicals, and most vinyl flooring can off-gas VOCs after installation. It is hard to repair if something punctures and scratches the floor. Homeowners should not expect to see any return on their vinyl flooring investment if they plan to sell the home. Lastly, vinyl flooring can look real thanks to modern technology, but it is difficult to achieve that real feel of hardwood and slate with vinyl flooring that emulates those kinds of finishes.

Tips on vinyl floor installation

The key to the installation of vinyl flooring lies beneath the flooring itself. Vinyl tiles should have a smooth surface because any flaws will show through as bumps on your floor. The great subfloor is a layer of well-sanded plywood. Some manufacturers don’t recommend laying new vinyl over more than 1 layer of existing vinyl, and in fact, will not guarantee the flooring if there’s more than one layer of vinyl beneath. Another issue with laying over existing vinyl is that if the low layer is patterned, the texture will show via your top layer. Vinyl flooring may be laid on top of concrete, but again, uniformity and smoothness may be an issue. A plywood layer will give you a good feel underfoot. Various manufacturers offer DIY installation kits, but some people use a contractor to obtain a smooth, and professional look.

Bring home as many samples as you need to make a great decision for your home.

You may check them out from a local flooring store or purchase a box (or 2 or 3) of them at one of the large box stores.  The light and paint in a room and reflections of the outdoors (yes, plants may alter the way paint looks) will make the flooring look different than it had in the store.

Make a Sketch of the Room

Make a sketch of the room where the vinyl will be installed and measure precisely the dimensions of the room. Bring this drawing to the showroom and vinyl retail store of the manufacturer. When figuring the amount of vinyl flooring required, add some inches to each of the room’s dimensions to allow more material to cut, trim and center the pattern in the room.

Calculate the flooring

Calculate the flooring you want and then get 5 to 8 percent more than your calculations for defects, mistakes and waste, and more in case you want to replace boards. You need to add in a small amount for waste, mistakes, and a few leftover for repairs if you ever need to do them.

Get A Good Set of Kneepads

If you’ll install vinyl flooring yourself then you’ll be spending some time on your knees and having a set of knee pads will make the project more enjoyable and allow you to spend enough time without being in pain.

Get the right tools and get them ready

This should likely be number one. The tools that are recommended are a tape measure, utility knife, miter saw, and jigsaw.  You’ll need a kit that involves a mallet, puller tool, tapper, and spacers for the needed ¼-inch expansion gap away from the wall to allow for expansion and contraction.

Get the best plank you can afford and compare many manufacturers

You will have seen it as low as .79 cents/ sq. Ft. in many stores and online. This’s where you get what pay for applies. The low-end planks tend to not be wide, short in length, flimsy and it either do not have a foam backing or the foam is thin. You can purchase for $2.85/sq. Ft.  9-inch wide x 60-inch long, a thick foam backing, best texture that makes it look realistic and beveled edges.  A beveled edge, size of the plank, the density of plank as well as the variance of color and texture are all things to look for and become more available as the price goes up. These things add a more realistic feel to the flooring and achieve a wood floor look without the wood floor maintenance.

Buy an underlayment

Particularly if you have a less expensive plank that does not have a thick foam backing.  An underlayment will help absorb sound, add cushioning to the floor so it has a small give, and acts as a moisture barrier. There are many different underpayments out on the market.  Make sure to purchase one that’ll work with LVP.  You will buy one that will not be expensive but will make the appropriate barrier and adds more cushion to the bottom of the planks. If you’re going over existing flooring like tile, this will help to minimize the possibility of the flooring taking the shape of the grout lines over time.

Maintenance

This’s one area where vinyl tiling shines. Maintenance tends for being a breeze. After sweeping your vinyl floor to eliminate dirt and grit, easily run a damp mop over it to keep your flooring looking it’s great. Some vinyl flooring contains no-wax finish and look as shiny after mopping.

Vinyl Repairs

High-quality vinyl flooring is durable. However, low-quality vinyl may be susceptible to rips and tears, as well as refinishing it may be a challenge. In specific, this’s particularly true if you’re using sheet vinyl. Because vinyl flooring can’t be refinished, once damaged, it needs for being removed and replaced.

Sunlight

Unfortunately, many kinds of flooring are susceptible to damage from the sun. Over time, vinyl flooring may fade in direct sunlight. It is suggested that you draw the curtains shut for protecting your flooring during times of heavy sunlight.