Craving a floor upgrade that’s easy on the eyes and your wallet? Vinyl plank flooring fits the bill.
It’s tough, stylish, and perfect for DIY enthusiasts.
But even simple projects have their pitfalls. Gaps, tricky cuts, and rookie mistakes can turn your dream floor into a nightmare.
Don’t sweat it. We’re here to guide you through every step, from prep work to the final plank.
Ready to nail that flawless floor you’ve been eyeing?
Key Notes
- Prep your room and plan your flooring layout first.
- Check you have the necessary tools and materials.
- Start laying vinyl planks from the longest wall.
Preparation Steps
Before starting your vinyl floor installation, you need to do a bit of prep work. Follow these steps to avoid problems later on:
Room Preparation
- Create an open space in your room by removing all your furniture and appliances.
- Remove your existing flooring and check that your subfloor is level and clean. Give it a good scrub and watch for protruding fasteners that could snag your new vinyl.
- Repair any imperfections you find, such as filling holes or sanding down high spots.
- If you need underlayment, it’s time to put that down. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a smooth process.
Plan Your Layout
- Calculate your room’s dimensions to figure out how many planks you need. Add an extra 10% to cover yourself for accidental cuts or mistakes you might make.
- Unpack all your planks and mix them. In this way, you avoid pattern repetition for a natural look. Stagger the joints by at least 30 cm. This gives your floor better stability and enhances its appearance.
- Plan your layout to avoid untidy cutting of vinyl plank flooring into small pieces at the ends of rows.
Let Your Planks Adjust
Acclimating vinyl floor panels allow them to adjust to a room’s temperature and humidity before installation.
This reduces the chance of warping and expansion or contraction caused by environmental changes. In addition, it helps the panels to fit together better, offering an even, professional look.
Vinyl Flooring Tools and Materials
Once you’ve prepped the area, you’re ready to start laying your flooring.
But before doing this, check you have all the necessary materials and tools:
Tools Checklist
These are the tools needed to install vinyl plank flooring.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Utility Knife | For cutting vinyl planks. |
| Pry Bar | To remove old flooring and baseboards. |
| Hammer | For tapping planks into place. |
| Measuring Tape | To measure the area and planks. |
| Carpenter's Square | Ensures straight cuts. |
| Fine-Tooth Saw | For precise cutting. |
| Spacers | To maintain gaps for expansion. |
| Floor Roller | To ensure proper adhesion (if using glue). |
| Rubber Mallet | For tapping planks into place without damaging them. |
| Tapping Block | To help join planks together. |
| Pull Bar | Useful for tight spots near walls. |
| Level | To ensure the subfloor is even. |
| Safety Goggles and Ear Protection | For personal safety. |
Supplies Checklist
Here’s a list of all the necessary installation materials:
| Vinyl Plank Flooring | Your chosen style |
|---|---|
| Underlayment | Foam or cork for cushioning |
| Adhesive | If not using click lock planks |
| Baseboards/Trims | To fininsh edges after installation |
| Transition Strips | To transition between different floor types |
How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring
It’s the moment of truth and the time has come to transform your tired old floor into an elegant vinyl vision. Follow these steps on how to lay vinyl plank flooring:
Step 1: Laying the Floor
- Begin at the corner of your longest wall and use spacers to maintain a quarter-inch expansion gap. Check as you go that your planks are straight. You can use chalk lines on the subfloor to help you.
- Continue to lay rows and stagger your end joints for a natural look and to prevent weak spots in your flooring.
- If you need to cut planks, a utility knife ensures a straight cut. For difficult round cuts, bring out your fine-tooth saw or jigsaw and don’t forget to check that your cuts are accurate.
Worried About Uneven Subfloors or Tricky Cuts?
Step 2: Lock Into Place
- Use a tapping block or rubber mallet to tap your planks together. This helps you achieve a snug fit without damaging your flooring.
- For those using adhesive and wondering how to glue down vinyl plank flooring, here’s how: Grab a floor roller and spin it firmly over your vinyl to make good contact between your adhesive and planks.
Step 3: The Final Polish
- Once your vinyl flooring is in place, reinstall your baseboards to cover the gaps you left for expansion. Be sure to attach these boards to the wall, not your floor, to allow for movement.
- Fit your transition strips where the vinyl meets other floor materials for the appearance of professional installation.
Step 4: Give Your Floor a Once-Over
- Double-check for any loose planks or gaps and make adjustments to areas that aren’t smooth.
- Throw away scraps or packaging and clean your floor following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How To Install Vinyl Flooring on Stairs
This isn’t as tricky as you may think. Once you’ve measured the dimensions of each stair tread and riser and cut your vinyl accordingly, here’s what to do:
- Clean your stairs and sand down uneven edges.
- Apply adhesive to a cut plank and press it onto place, starting with a stair tread.
- Next, glue down your riser plane and smooth out any bubbles.
- Measure and cut your stair nose moldings to fit the width of each step. Glue it to the edges of the tread while ensuring it overlaps the riser plank for a finished look.
- Optionally, use finishing nails to secure the stair nose moldings.
- Clean up and allow the adhesive to dry.
Common Mistakes and Installation Problems
Yes, the process is designed to be DIY-friendly and suitable for beginners. Most click-lock systems are straightforward to assemble, so it’s a breeze to achieve professional-looking results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a beginner install vinyl plank flooring?
This depends on the room size and complexity, but it’s usually 2-3 days for a standard room.
Do you need to put anything under vinyl plank flooring?
Underlayment is often recommended to cushion, reduce noise and help smooth out minor imperfections in the subfloor. Some vinyl planks come with an attached underlayment, but if not, foam or cork underlayment is commonly used.
Is it better to glue or float vinyl plank flooring?
This depends on your specific needs. Floating floors or click-lock panels are easier to install and remove. Glued-down floors are more permanent, stable, and resistant to heavy traffic and moisture.
Conclusion
From prepping your subfloor to clicking that last plank into place, you’ve just unlocked the secrets of vinyl plank flooring installation.
Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to tackle any room – be it a cozy bedroom or a bustling kitchen. Remember, a well-planned layout and the right tools are your best friends in this DIY adventure.
And those tricky stairs? They’re no match for your new skills.
But why stop at DIY? If you’re looking to save time or tackle a larger project, professional installation might be your best bet. Want to explore your options or get a second opinion? Reach out to us for a free quote. Let’s make your flooring vision a reality, hassle-free.
