DIY : How to Install Vinyl Flooring, Step-by-Step

DIY : How to Install Vinyl Flooring, Step-by-Step

Vinyl is an affordable and durable flooring option that will complement any decor and is easy to install. There is no reason why you can’t do it yourself. Here’s how! 

What You Will Need

For a successful floor installation, you will need: a polyethylene foam membrane or a felt underlay with vapour barrier, vinyl flooring planks, sheathing tape, a hand saw, a jigsaw or mitre saw, floor spacers, a chalk line reel, a pencil, a square, a back saw or other multi-purpose saw, a multifunctional utility bar, a tape measurer, a rubber mallet, a hammer, a level and a metal ruler. 

Preparing the Surface

The first step is to determine how much vinyl you will need by measuring the dimension of the room in which you will be laying the flooring. At the store, purchase more planks than you require (or extra centimetres if purchasing rolls), because you don’t want to run out just as you are about to finish the room.

Before You Begin

You can install vinyl flooring directly on a subfloor, but not over carpeting. Before you begin, make sure the surface is clean, dry, smooth and free of dents. Remove the baseboards and lay the polyethylene foam membrane. Don’t forget the vapour barrier if you are working on a concrete floor. Note: it is strongly recommended that you follow the manufacturer’s directions during the installation process. 

Working Around Doorways

Lay a vinyl plank on the ground next to the doorjamb and trace a straight line where the doorjamb must be cut. You want to be able to slip the plank under the doorjamb. Cut along the line.

Planning the Layout

Use the chalk line to trace references lines on the floor parallel to the walls, leaving a 5/16 in. gap between the wall and the planks. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the precise expansion gap needed. Measure the width of the last row of planks to ensure that it will respect minimum recommendations. 

Laying the Planks

Lay the first plank on the floor in a corner. The tongue side should be facing the wall. Use the spacers to maintain an even gap between the planks and wall (and prevent it from shifting) during the installation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the first row of planks. Move on to the subsequent rows and begin each new row with the remnant from the row you just finished. Make sure the previous row is straight and level before starting the next one. When you get to the last row, measure its precise width and cut the planks accordingly. Use the utility bar to lay the final plank and allow for a sufficient expansion gap.

Maintenance

A vinyl floor is a breeze to clean! Because it is a very resilient material, it won’t become covered in scratches where dirt can accumulate. Its smooth texture makes it easy to wash with soapy water without having to scrub. And if you choose a finish that mimics strongly grained wood, the dust will barely show.

Now you know the advantages of a vinyl floor and what steps to follow to install it on your own. Ready, set, start renovating! 

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.