Vinyl flooring is a fantastic option because it's waterproof, strong, and simple to maintain. Additionally, it makes a fantastic do-it-yourself (DIY) project. Concrete, hardwood, tile, and already installed vinyl flooring can all be covered with vinyl plank flooring. It will function as long as the surface is level and uncluttered.
So how do you go about installing premium and luxury vinyl plank flooring in your house? One important rule to remember is that vinyl shouldn't be laid over laminate since it can be uneven. Another tip is that a neater finish can be achieved by using coordinated transition strips. If you don't live somewhere that gets too cold, you can use vinyl on covered porches.
Although the actual type of vinyl plank flooring can vary, there are a few standard procedures and guidelines that must be followed when installing it. To begin, let the new vinyl plank flooring acclimate to the space for at least 48 hours before installation.
If the prior floor layer is an inch thick, you can put vinyl layers over existing vinyl layers. The following are general instructions for installing vinyl plank flooring:
Like laminate or wood flooring, vinyl plank flooring requires an aesthetically acceptable layout. In general, this is accomplished by starting with the wall that’s the most noticeable—typically, the one that catches your attention as you enter the room—and moving outward toward the entrance. The initial row of planks should be laid parallel to this most noticeable wall or room feature before continuing across the space.
Due to the fact that few rooms are actually square, your last row may be slightly uneven. On the other hand, baseboards or shoe moldings typically hide this unevenness. Plan to stagger rows so that the end joints of the adjacent rows don’t fall at the same position. According to manufacturers, end seams should be offset from row to row by at least 6 inches.
It’s always preferable to remove the trim that comes into touch with the floor to make installation easier. Baseboards, base shoe moldings, and case moldings around doors are included in this. Use a utility knife to first cut through any paint and seal the baseboards to the wall. The baseboards can then be carefully loosened using a pry bar. Taking doors off of their hinges facilitates installation as well.
It’s possible to remove trim molding by carefully pulling it off with a flat pry bar. Trim molding is normally attached with tiny bead-like nails. Using pliers, pull the brads straight through the molding from the back to remove them from the trim. If the trim is still in good condition after removal, save it for installation once the floor is put in.
Most of the time, vinyl plank flooring can be installed directly over pre-existing flooring, but any high places should be sanded down to produce a smooth surface for the new flooring. The underlayment for the vinyl plank flooring should be as flat and smooth as you can make it.
Fill any cracks or divots with a concrete patcher if you're installing vinyl plank flooring over a concrete subfloor, as well as depressions with a floor-leveling product if you're installing the flooring over plywood. You can also get ready for the installation by marking the room's center, leveling the subfloor, measuring the size of the walls, and figuring out the breadth of the last row.
Along the length of the wall, test fit the first row of vinyl planks. Cut boards that are nearly similar in length at the opposing side walls will make the flooring pattern seem its best. Work from the middle of the wall outwards, starting with a full plank, making sure to cut the ends of the boards to be of equal length. To create this expansion gap, place spacers up against the walls. Leave a 1/4-inch gap at the wall and at the ends.
Vinyl planks can be cut to size in a manner akin to how drywall panels are. Your vinyl flooring's joints need to be spaced apart by at least 6 inches. Utilizing a cut end from the first row if necessary, measure and cut your first piece appropriately. First, score the face of the plank partially with a utility knife and carpenter's square. Rather than attempting to cut the plank in one motion, lightly run the knife across the plank's face numerous times.
When pulling back on the blade, exercise extreme caution since vinyl planks are slick. Alternatively, you can cut through the entire plank with a fine-tooth handsaw. The final surface should now be facing down as you turn the board over – but note that if the plank is retracted, it might automatically snap off. If not, finish the cut by slicing the fold with a utility knife.
Before rotating down to click together, place the tongue of the first piece into the groove of the first plank of the row before it. Connect the short end of the next component first, then the long end. You must sense the lock. Continue the installation while keeping the expansion gap constant and staggering the joints by 6 inches. Planks should be slightly bent into position in order to fit underneath door jambs; if necessary, use a drawbar or tapping block to seal the joint.
The majority of tongue-and-groove luxury vinyl planks have a fold-and-lock method for edge-to-edge and end-to-end attachment. One plank is laid level on the flooring, while the other is held at an angle and inserted into the recess of the first board. Drawing the boards together and locking them in place is made easier by folding the second board until it's flat and parallel to the first board.
With a utility knife or tin snips or strong shop scissors, vinyl planks are readily cut to the required shape. This can assist you in navigating installation-related obstructions such as protrusions. Due to its flexibility, vinyl plank flooring can typically be bent to fit around door frames and other protrusions.
It could be necessary to remove earlier planks in order to maneuver the cutout plank into place, depending on the type of impediment. After cutting out the planks, hold the cut-out plank at an angle and attach it to the adjacent board first. The cut-out plank should then be progressively folded down until it locks into place with the next plank.
You must add the baseboards after installing the floor. Calculate the number of baseboards you'll require. Utilizing a miter saw, trim the baseboards to size according to the wall length. Construction adhesive should be used to fasten the boards to the wall. You should next add a quarter round and finish with caulk.
Vinyl plank flooring has a reputation for being adaptable and robust. While still giving your area a sleek, elegant appearance, it's comfortable underfoot. Vinyl is a popular flooring option for households with children and dogs because it's moisture-resistant, stain-resistant, and noise-diffusing.
Many individuals decide to put vinyl plank flooring in bathrooms and basements for the same reasons. But you can also put in vinyl plank flooring in your bedroom or kitchen. Any firm and flat surfaces, such as concrete, wood, or even one layer of other vinyl, can be readily installed over it. The following are some benefits of installing vinyl plank flooring:
Although waterproof vinyl planks can be used anywhere, they work particularly well in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Zothex's worry-free vinyl plank solutions keep your flooring dry from unintentional spills and pet messes.
The variety of appearances vinyl plank flooring may have is possibly one of its major draws. Vinyl planks have incredibly realistic patterns, hues, and textures that give your floors the appearance and feel of real wood.
Vinyl plank needs to be cleaned now and again, just like any other kind of flooring. This is particularly true if it's utilized in a busy place, but fortunately, they're simple to maintain and clean. Utilize a broom, vacuum, or microfiber sweeper for a quick clean-up to keep your vinyl planks looking brand new.
A moist mop and a mild cleanser work well for thorough cleanings. Plus, there's no waxing necessary — vinyl plank flooring includes a protective wear layer that enables it to keep its brilliance for many years.
Vinyl plank flooring is designed to be walked on daily. It’s child and pet-friendly since it resists stains, indentations, and scratches. You can install vinyl planks just about anywhere in your house, thanks to their durability.
Your possibilities for flooring are essentially endless and include anything from wood to marble, stone, ornamental tile, and concrete. You won't simply have no issue finding a floor you love that matches your ideal home décor style—you could even find it difficult to pick just one favorite.
Choose the vinyl plank type that best fits your remodeling needs before installing vinyl plank flooring. Based on how they're installed, vinyl planks can be divided into 3 primary groups: glue down, click-lock, and gripstrip.
All 3 installation techniques are simple to use, take minimal time, and may be installed over any subfloor that is firm and level. Which approach you use will rely on your particular preferences and the room you intend to refurbish.
Depending on the type of vinyl plank flooring you wish to install, you will need to equip yourself with the appropriate tools and materials. The following are a few of the most commonly required tools and materials:
Measure and prepare the subfloor before you start the installation. To calculate how much vinyl plank flooring to buy, measure the space. Purchase 10% to 20% extra flooring than you think you'll need after taking the most exact measurements available. This will guarantee that you have enough planks to cover the full floor of the room in addition to extras for replacement or cutting.
Your subfloor needs to be spotless, stiff, level, and without any gaps. Take down any old vinyl flooring or carpeting, and temporarily take off the baseboard. The toilet may need to be temporarily removed in order to put vinyl planks in a bathroom, or you can install them around it. If the subfloor is uneven, you can sand or grind down high spots and correct low spots with a self-leveling solution.
Asbestos may be present in ancient vinyl flooring, so don't try to sand it down. If the old vinyl flooring isn't level, remove it totally instead. To make the process as quick and simple as possible, plan how you will lay the planks before installation after preparing the subfloor and choosing the type of flooring to use. The following are some pro-tips that can help you get the perfect vinyl plank flooring for your household:
Vinyl flooring is considered to be one of the finest options for household purposes due to its versatility and durability. While bathrooms and kitchens are common places that are chosen for installing vinyl plank floors, other areas such as the dining room can also use luxury vinyl flooring for a more polished and refined look.
Here at Zothex Flooring, you can meet with our team of experts who will guide you and help you choose the perfect flooring option for your needs. Our skilled craftsmen will provide you with the best vinyl planks installation services in the area with exceptional customer care. To learn more about us and the services we provide, you can contact or stop by one of our showrooms in California.