How to install vinyl plank flooring
After you’ve selected a beautiful vinyl plank flooring product, it’s time for do-it-yourself installation project. This part of the process can be challenging, but the work you put into installing your flooring will be worth it in the end. It is important a proper installation for achieving the outcome you want. Check out the following steps for installing your vinyl plank flooring:
Step 1: Preparation
Keep in mind that vinyl plank flooring requires careful preparation prior to installation. The product conforms to whatever is underneath it, so if you leave a protruding nail in your subfloor, the vinyl will form a bump over time. In conclusion, you need to make sure the surface upon which you install your vinyl plank flooring is level and free of debris.
Remove existing floors: Replacing carpet with vinyl or tile? Vinyl products allow you to place the material over old flooring, while others require you to install it directly on top of the subfloor or underlayment. Considering the fact old floors can be uneven, placing vinyl on the underlayment is an ideal solution. Keep in mind that the step is removing old flooring. If you use a scraping tool to remove tiles, apply pressure horizontally rather than downward because this way you won’t dent your subfloor.
Level your subfloor: You firstly need to check the condition of your subfloor because we want it to be level and undamaged. A surface that’s in disrepair may need to be totally replaced. You can drill in a plywood underlayment with screws. Keep in mind that if you install an underlayment over your existing subfloor, you need to make sure the surface is level. Take care to ensure your caulk job is even.
Clean the floor: Dust, debris and wood chips can cause bumps in vinyl plank flooring. Remember that you need to sweep before anything else. First use a broom, then pull out a vacuum with with a hose attachment to pick up the remaining particles. Remember to avoid tracking new dust and dirt once you’ve cleaned the subfloor. You may want to stop after leveling the subfloor, then start the next day by cleaning, in the case of doing the project over the course of several days.
Measure and plan: It is very important to take correct measurements of your room in order place your tiles properly – even you may have already done this before placing your order. You can stagger where breaks fall if you want. In most of the cases, you may need to cut some of the boards to fit into the room. Remember that you should measure twice (or more) and cut once. You may want to leave the cutting for later in the installation process. In order to cut the boards, you need to use a box cutter for scoring a line on either side. The next step is folding the pieces and pulling them apart.
Step 2: Installation
Direction of boards: The vinyl plank flooring boards should lay parallel to the longest run of the room. If the space is 5-feet-by-8-feet, the boards should run along the 8-foot wall in order for the layout to look excellent. You need to start on the left side of the room and work right.
Lay down flooring: Some vinyl items have adhesive on the back, saving you from having to place it on your floor first. Keep in mind to peel the coating away from the boards, revealing the sticky side. Place the back end against your starting wall when you install the boards. Bend the board as you place it down so the end you’re installing is against the floor while the part yet to be placed is in the air. Roll the board down and onto the floor in order to prevent the formation of air pockets. This gives you an even final product.
Vinyl plank flooring boards can also present a lip that juts out. You have to place each successive board on top of that lip so the flooring fits together like a puzzle. Don’t forget to stagger board lengths.
Trim and molding: After you’ve cut the pieces in order to fit in the remaining spots and each board is in place, you can return door jams and molding to their original places.
Additional tips
- Follow the manufacturer instructions.
- Take it slowly, have patience when installing your flooring.
- Keep in mind that you may have to cut some pieces as you install, especially if your room has some odd corners. Measure those pieces before cutting them.
- Make sure your boards are flush as you lay them.