Vinyl floors are a great way to renovate a room without spending too much money. Even beginners can try their hand at this job, so it becomes an opportunity to learn, even if you don't have great DIY skills. If you'd like to learn how to install a vinyl floor, read on.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparing the Old Floor
Step 1. Measure and order vinyl tiles
Use a tape measure and measure the room carefully. It is vital to be as accurate as possible, otherwise you will end up with fewer tiles than necessary. As a general advice, remember to order a few extra tiles to make sure you don't run out of them early.
Step 2. Remove the obstacles
Vinyl flooring fits many rooms, so what you need to remove will depend on which area of the house you want to renovate. Move any furniture that rests on the ground and then move on to the appliances. In the kitchen you will have to move the refrigerator and oven (if they are movable) and in the bathroom you will have to raise the toilet. Then remove the baseboards at the base of the walls.
There is no need to take out the sink and built-in furniture, because they are often fixed in their positions and you can floor around their base
Step 3. Remove the old floor
This step is essential if you have carpet and want to replace it with vinyl. This material can cover all surfaces, as long as they are hard, smooth and dry. Lift the old flooring and strips that block the edges to the doors. It's a tedious but very important job - walk around the room and pull out (or hammer) every fastening staple you come across.
- You can also slide a shovel across the floor and when you hear a clicking sound, it means that the shovel has encountered a paper clip or nail, making it easier to spot them.
- Old laminates may contain asbestos, so call an accredited treatment company or the relevant ASL to test before removing.
- If you have decided not to get rid of the old coating (for example, you glue the vinyl to reinforced concrete or wood), just remember that the floor will be slightly higher and you will have to refine the bottoms of the doors to allow them to slide.
Step 4. Make a paper model of your floor
This allows you to have precise measurements and to cut vinyl and plywood more easily. Cut some sturdy cardstock into long strips and lay them out on the floor. Cut out any nooks and crannies and add the measurements. Repeat the same process with several other pieces of cardboard until you've covered the entire floor. Then fix the various strips with adhesive tape: you will get a 1: 1 scale model of your flooring.
- This step is very useful if you are working on a large area.
- You can measure the hardest-to-reach spots on the floor and then cut out the paper templates if you prefer.
Step 5. Prepare the subfloor
This is a layer of plywood about 0.6 cm thick which creates a smooth and durable surface on which to lay the vinyl. Stick your cardboard floor pattern onto the wooden subfloor. Use this as a guide and cut out the plywood to fit the room. Carefully divide the subfloor into sections, making sure they match perfectly.
- Use only plywood suitable for vinyl underlays, or it will peel away from the coating over time.
- Cut out the subfloor roughly first and then move on to the details.
Step 6. Lay the subfloor
Arrange the plywood pieces and leave them for 2-3 days. This way they adapt to the natural humidity of your home and prevent the vinyl from lifting or deforming later. This step allows the wood to expand or contract to accommodate the space.
Step 7. Install the subfloor
You will need about 16 special 2, 2 cm staples for 0.09 sq m of subfloor. Never use nails or screws, as this will cause bumps in the vinyl layer. Use a rubber mallet to squeeze any staples that don't fit perfectly into the wood.
Step 8. Smooth the subfloor
Use a sander and smooth out any sharp edges and imperfections in the subfloor. Finally, apply a finishing composite material to smooth the surface and fill in cracks and crevices in the wood. This gives you a perfectly homogeneous subfloor, which is vital for perfect vinyl installation.
Follow the instructions on the composite packaging
Part 2 of 2: Laying the Vinyl
Step 1. Decide on the layout
Vinyl is usually sold in tiles, but also in sheets. If you've purchased the latter, you'll need to cut them out to fit the room. The tiles, on the other hand, must be laid following a pattern. The easiest way is to lay the vinyl in rows (for example diagonally to the room). Remember that you must always start the arrangement from the center of the room and work outward to maintain symmetry.
Step 2. Choose how to lay the floor
There are two types of vinyl: self-gluing and non-gluing. The first is quite linear and the back side is pre-glued for direct laying. The one without glue takes a little more work because you have to spread a layer of glue on the subfloor before placing the tiles. If you have the self-gluing model, simply follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you bought the glue-free version, read on.
Step 3. Draw the arrangement you want to follow on a sheet of paper
To make laying easier, you can lay out the vinyl and cut it out following a paper template. If you want to skip this step, you can measure, cut and lay the vinyl directly on the subfloor.
Step 4. Start gluing
Spread the glue with a notched trowel, starting from the center of the room (as required by the pattern you want to follow). Collect some glue with the spatula and spread it on the substrate, wait a couple of minutes to allow it to "settle". If you put the vinyl tiles on immediately, air bubbles can form in the adhesive.
- Always have a damp rag available to wipe off glue drips and smudges on the vinyl.
- Make sure the notched trowel is made of a material suitable for vinyl glue, check the features on the package.
Step 5. Roll out the vinyl
If it is modular tiles, arrange them one after the other, making sure they are always aligned, adjacent and tight. Avoid dragging them when you put them down, as doing so could damage the adhesive.
Step 6. Crush the tiles with a roller
If you are laying small tiles you can also use a simple rolling pin (yes, the one used in the kitchen); otherwise, rent a floor roller at a home improvement or gardening supply store. Apply some pressure to make sure the tile adheres perfectly to the glue. Do this for each section of flooring you lay until you're done.
Step 7. Continue to lay the vinyl
Work on the entire surface following the pattern you set out for yourself. Spread some glue, stick the tiles and roll over, then move on to the next section. If you need to cut the tiles to fit the edges, do so now. If not, put the cut vinyl in its place and press it with the roller to check that it is well fixed.
Step 8. Finish the flooring
Wait several hours to allow time for the adhesive to dry (follow the instructions on the package) and then start installing the skirting boards and door surrounds you removed at the beginning. If you've been working in the bathroom, apply silicone sealant along the edges where the floor meets the baseboards. This will protect the vinyl from water damage and allow it to last longer.
