Vinyl plank flooring is a newer, versatile option for optimizing a room with clean, clear lines to promote a feeling of spaciousness within a design. This type of flooring has been available for years in wood and laminate composites. However, now vinyl has made its way into this style of flooring. Vinyl plank is not your grandmother’s old-fashioned roll-out vinyl. Now, vinyl comes in planks much like wood floor or laminate. This article will explore how to install vinyl plank flooring quickly and easily to add beauty and value to your home. Â
Preparing Your Floor for Installation of Vinyl Plank Flooring
You will need these items:
- Tools to remove old flooring (Razors, Knives, Hammers, etc.)
- Vacuum
- Damp Cloth
- Solvent
Starting out with a clean, smooth surface is best with vinyl plank flooring. Afterwards, remove any carpet or other types of flooring and ensure the subfloor is in good repair. Next, you will want to remove any nails or uneven places in the subfloor. Then, if there is any glue, use solvent and a scraper to remove raised areas. Make sure to wipe away any old glue with a damp cloth. Finally, vacuum the area well to remove dust and remnants of old flooring debris.
Floating Snap and Lock System
You will need these items:
- Tape Measure
- Blade for Cutting
- Straight Edge Jig
- Tapping Block
- Marker/pencil
- Spacing Blocks
- Laminate Bar for Tapping Pieces Near Wall
Many vinyl flooring planks look like wood. Although, they can come in a variety of styles and patterns. Likewise,floating systems are available that snap together easily. They do not require any gluing, nailing or screwing. The tools above are all you need to complete a project, along with the correct amount of flooring. Measure your room and consult with a flooring specialist to determine how much flooring you will need and use spacers against the wall to allow room for movement of your flooring.
Your floor will contract and expand, depending upon temperature changes. However, this space along the wall will be covered by the baseboard. You will use a tapping block, special laminate installation bar, and a hammer to snap the planks together. Your marker will be used to ensure the first row of flooring is installed squarely. At the end of each row, you will probably need to cut the plank to fit. This is not a problem, because you want your planks to be staggered for flow. Your tape measure and pencil will be used to mark any special corners or irregular angles in the room. Remember, a real wood floor would be staggered during installation. Thus, mixing the plank patterns is a good way to make sure your floor looks authentic in design.
Finishing Touches
You will need these items:
- Vacuum
- Mild Cleaner
- Damp Mop
One of the benefits of vinyl flooring is the ease of cleaning. After your floor is installed, remove the spacers and install baseboards. Vacuuming the entire floor and running a damp mop with mild cleaner will make your floor shine. Next, use only a damp, warm mop on your new vinyl floor. Hot water would cause movement in your flooring. Furniture can be placed on your flooring immediately after installation since it is a floating floor becaue there is no waiting time for drying glue with this type of plank flooring.
Final Thoughts
Many people are moving to vinyl plank flooring for a cost-effective, low maintenance option. It is durable and easy to clean. If you would like to explore vinyl plank flooring options, contact our professional Carpet & Tile Mart staff to see many styles and varieties. We can help you create a gorgeous new room in your home to fit your design needs.