All successful DIY home flooring installations start with careful preparation. You don’t need to be that much of an expert to do it on your own. You just have to know the proper procedure and obtain the correct materials needed, and you’re on your way to redoing your flooring without the need of paying for a professional contractor.
Learn how you can easily install vinyl sheet flooring in your home in six easy steps.
Step 1. Prepare the old floor
For the installation of vinyl sheets, it is important that the old existing floor that you’ll redo is clean and flat. The first step is to remove all obstacles and sweep the floor. Make sure that the old floor is free from any protruding objects such as nails or screws, and sometimes imperfectly poured cement.
Step 2. Create a full-size paper template
Once the existing floor is ready, a paper template should be cut corresponding to the full size of the existing floor. You may use any thick paper for this step. There are two easy options for cutting the template.
1. First: Measure and record all sides of the room including outposts and transfer the measurements to the paper. Make sure the measurements are accurate then proceed to cut the paper.
2. Second: Lay the paper on the existing floor and trace the shape of the old floor into it. To make an accurate cut, avoid shifting of the template by taping it to the floor. Scribe the perimeters of the old floor to the template then cut out the shape you have drawn.
Step 3. Install an underlayment
This step is optional. If the existing floor already has a flat and smooth surface, there is no need to place an underlayment.
Step 4. Cut the vinyl conforming it to the template
On a clean surface, unroll the sheet vinyl then tape down the template onto it. If the vinyl has a pattern, arrange them first in a way that the flooring will have the most desirable appearance then tape the template down. Transfer the outline marks on the template to the sheet vinyl using a framing square and a compass.
Step 5. Glue the vinyl on the area.
After cutting out the vinyl flooring, remove the template and re-roll the flooring loosely with the front side facing in. Make sure there is no dirt or debris left on the vinyl sheets. Check the fitting of the sheets in the room by unrolling it and positioning it precisely on the floor. Trim if there is an excess then re-roll half of the sheet to spread the adhesive on the floor. Unroll this half while making sure it lies flat on the floor. Do the same procedure on the other half.
Step 6. Floor Finish
Reinstall any moldings. Seal the edges which are not covered by frames using caulk to avoid water seeping under the vinyl flooring.
Now, maintain its perfect look by using protective pads under furniture legs. Also, remember to place a thin plywood when moving appliances around the room. Cleaning is best done routinely using the manufacturer’s recommended cleaner and sealer.