A DIY on how to Install Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Project Overview
Skill Level – Beginner
Installing Luxury vinyl flooring is an easy home renovation project that can be installed over
other types of floors such as tiles and best of all it can be done with a few basic tools.
Tools Needed:
- – Utility Knife
- – Rubber Mallet
- – Pull Bar
- – Caulking Gun
- – Safety Glasses and Safety Gloves
- – Measuring Tape
- – Pencil or Chalk
- – Straight Edge
Materials Needed:
- – Luxury Vinyl Flooring
- – Transition Mouldings
- – Caulking
- – Construction Adhesive
Optional Materials:
- – Skirting Mouldings /Baseboard Mouldings
- – Miter Saw (only necessary for moulding installation)
CALCULATING THE FLOORING NEEDED
Step 1:
To calculate the amount of flooring that you would require, you will need to measure the area of the intended room by multiplying the length by the width. You will need to allot a wastage amount for the staggering process, we recommend a 7% wastage amount as an average. We also recommend that you do not create a 50/50 staggered pattern as your wastage amount will increase
Skirting/baseboard mouldings are not necessary but we recommend you include it to complete the look of the room. To calculate the amount of the skirting/baseboard mouldings that you will require, you will need to measure the perimeter of the room by adding the length of each side of the room.
To calculate the amount of transition mouldings that you will require, you will need to determine the number of doorways in the room and then measure the length of each doorway in the room
PREPARING THE FLOORING FOR INSTALLATION
Step 2:
If there are any existing skirting/baseboard mouldings, there are a few options you can choose from:
Option 1: To carefully remove the mouldings for reuse. Should a moulding break, you
may need a new moulding to replace the broken one.
Option 2: You may leave the current mouldings. During the installation of the flooring,
the use of a basecap or quarter round mouldings may be installed onto the existing
skirting/baseboard mouldings for a finished look.
Option 3: You may also install as close as possible to the existing skirting/baseboard
mouldings and then apply caulking to the joint where the floor and moulding joins. We
do not recommend this option as this may not provide the neatest finish
Step 3:
Ensure your subfloor (I.E. the foundation for the floor) is even. If you do install the flooring on an uneven subfloor, this can result in the clips breaking which can then negatively affect the locking system of the floor. An uneven subfloor can be easily be fixed with the use of a self-leveling compound or a traditional screed (sharp sand and cement). Please note that a smooth subfloor is not an even subfloor therefore we recommend the use of a straight edge to determine whether your floor is completely even or not.
You will also want to ensure the thickness of the luxury flooring (7.5mm) will not negatively affect the opening and closing of any doors in the room. However, if it does, you will then need to shave the door as necessary.
Step 4:
You will need to ensure the subfloor is free of any dust or debris prior to installation by either sweeping or vacuuming.
INSALLATION OF YOUR FLOORING
Step 5:
We usually advise customers to run the flooring horizontally upon entrance of a room as it is more aesthetically pleasing. You can start installing the first row by interlocking the planks along the width (shorter end) of the plank to complete that current row and then continue on row by row. You will then need to lock the end of each plank together, you may use the rubber mallet for additional force if required. To ensure that the planks are properly secured together, there should not be a difference in height between each plank, there should be a smooth finish. Additionally, when installing close to your wall, we recommend the use of a pull bar to assist in properly securing the planks together. .
When you arrive at the end of a row, the use of a utility knife is recommended to cut the excess plank. We recommend you highlight the spot you’re cutting with a pencil or chalk to avoid any mistakes
TIP: If you have noticed that your your room has a crooked wall, it is advised to start on the opposite end, as this will not emphasize that crooked wall. Please note that if there is a step involved along with the crooked wall, we recommend you install the floor parallel to the step.
COMPLETE THE ROOM
Step 6:
It is now time to install the transition mouldings at the doorway and the skirting/baseboard mouldings to complete the look. These mouldings can be secured with construction adhesive. You will also need to apply caulking to the top and base of the skirting mouldings for a neat finish.