Vinyl floors are an incredibly exceptional choice for those looking to remodel their house to transform a dull living space into an elegant and graceful area. Due to their high-end appearance, they bring a contemporary touch, which boosts the overall ambiance and style. Besides, you don’t always have to hire a professional to install vinyl flooring on a layer of concrete. After all, DIY enthusiasts can easily perform the task by following a step-by-step guide. Also, the procedure doesn’t entail purchasing exorbitant tools or cutting-edge machines, enabling individuals to install the flooring without seeking an expert or breaking the bank.
From using floor screed for creating a strong base to giving the final touches for enhancing the overall style, our blog has got you covered!
Things You Require
- Vinyl plank flooring
- Tile spacers
- Pencil or marker
- Flooring pull bar
- Flat mop or sponge
- Level
- Ammonia or concrete cleaner
- Utility knife
- Rubber mallet
- Measuring tape
- Concrete patching compound (if necessary)
- Self-levelling underlayment (if necessary)
Guide to Install Vinyl Flooring
After using floor screed and establishing a sturdy foundation, you are ready to install the vinyl flooring to achieve a firm yet sleek floor.
Cut the Planks
Using measuring tapes, decide how many rows and in which direction the vinyl planks will need to be laid. With the tongue side facing the wall, start with the first row against the longest wall. With a utility knife, cut and split the planks to the required length.
Look for Cracks
It is important to examine and fix any existing surfaces before laying a new flooring. Cracks in the concrete slab or subfloor may cause harm to newly installed flooring and perhaps jeopardise its structural stability. Hence, through comprehensive analysis and repairs of surface problems, people can guarantee a strong base for their flooring.
Further, patches made especially for concrete repair or a proper levelling compound can be used to fix small fractures. If the cracks are deeper and wider, it could be required to clean the affected area before implementing a specialised repair technique, like:
- Hydraulic cement
- Epoxy injection
Take the Measurements
Further, you may start by measuring the area precisely, taking into consideration any special elements like:
- Corners
- Doorways
- Vents
When calculating the necessary supplies, these details will be crucial since they can assist in preventing errors. For example, cutting or positioning planks improperly. One may measure both diagonals using a long level to make sure that the subfloor is even. If any discrepancies are found, they can be fixed with sanding, shimming, or levelling compound. This preliminary activity helps create the framework for a seamless installation process.
Lay the First Row
The actual installation can start as soon as the necessary foundation has been created by filling up cracks, levelling, and measuring. Typically, the procedure necessitates applying a vapour barrier or underlayment as needed, followed by the flooring material itself.
Moreover, the outcome of the flooring installation depends on the first row of planks or tiles. Therefore, you must align this initial row carefully along the wall that is the longest and most apparent in the room. Additionally, never forget to use spacers or adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the particular flooring material to make provision for expansion gaps at the room’s perimeter.
Stagger the Planks
Staggering the planks is one of the most important steps in laying flooring. It distributes the seams over the floor to:
- Promise stability
- Improve the room’s appearance
A floor that is adequately spaced apart impedes the visibility of continuous lines in the flooring design, which can hinder the room’s aesthetic appeal. While staggering the planks, leave at least 6 inches between end joints on neighbouring rows. Also, you may use a:
- Full-length plank for the first row
- 2/3-length plank for the second
- 1/3-length plank for the third
By using this staggering technique, accidental patterns won’t develop. Thus, you will be able to guarantee a visually captivating floor.
Note: Installers frequently make the mistake of making the final row of flooring excessively narrow. A last row that is too thin can be problematic since it is more likely to collapse and is less able to withstand foot activity. On the contrary, a broad final row preserves the room’s aesthetic charm while offering a sturdy base.
Add your Trim
It’s time to give a few finishing touches to the floor to give the upgrade the across-the-board look of the room. To create a flawless formation, gaps must be covered, and defects must be hidden by adding trim. It fills in any spaces between the walls and the floor, giving the area a fascinating effect. Baseboards, shoe moulding, and door casings are the three types of trim that are most frequently utilised for flooring installations.
- Baseboards: To conceal spaces between the floor and the wall, reinstall or replace the baseboards along the walls. When doing so, you must make sure that there are no gaps or bulges in the baseboards and that they are flush with the wall.
- Door Casings: To provide a tight and seamless fit, door casings should also be trimmed to accommodate the new flooring.
- Shoe Moulding: To cover up any openings or uneven floor borders, shoe moulding can be installed on the base of the baseboards.
Note: Pick trim pieces that enhance the colour and design of your flooring when choosing the materials.
Add Quarter Round
Adding quarter-round moulding is yet another crucial step in giving your floor a smooth build. It is a trim piece with a rounded exterior that fits snugly into corners and along baseboards.
When quarter-round is installed, it can assist in hiding margins that exist between baseboards and flooring because of uneven floor edges. Hence, it serves a functional as well as aesthetic purpose, creating a seamless transition between the wall and the floor.
Bottom Line
Now that you understand how to lay vinyl flooring on concrete, you can work to introduce new design elements in your house to improve its aesthetics. Even a novice may successfully lay vinyl flooring with the help of our simple-to-follow instructions.
If you want it to stand out, think about selecting a contrasting shade or complementing the colour scheme of your décor. Also, it is advisable to use high-quality cleaning solutions that the manufacturer recommends to keep the floor clean. You must also familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines to sustain the original beauty and sheen of the vinyl.
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