Luxury vinyl plank has become a favorite product of DIY enthusiasts. The flooring option is getting immensely popular not just for its aesthetics or affordable price range, but the ease of installation has made vinyl floors the hottest trend.
Installing vinyl plank flooring is very easy and quick. In a few steps, you can achieve the aesthetic appeal of solid hardwood floors and that too at a fraction of the cost. It is a great choice for home improvement projects and can be installed even by beginners. Let’s find out the basic tools and techniques that you will need to transform your dream home.
Tools required for waterproof vinyl flooring
You will need something to cut the planks to the desired size. Straight cuts can be managed with a utility knife, DIY enthusiasts might want to invest in vinyl cutters.
On the other hand, for the corners of a room or anywhere with a complicated cut, using a jigsaw or a miter saw gives a neat finish.
Apart from this, gather the below mentioned tools before you begin the installation process:
- Measuring tape
- Chalk or marker
- Vacuum
- Straightedge
- Adhesive for glue-down planks
- Notched trowel
- Safety goggles
- Work gloves
- Knee pads
Most of these tools might already be lying in your garage, hence it can be said that installation of vinyl flooring is pretty affordable.
How to install waterproof vinyl plank flooring?
Plan
Begin by connecting with a flooring consultant. They can suggest to you the right product and best suited layout. A great design choice can be made by looking at the inspiration gallery provided by these floor consultants.
Careful selection of the layout is important to minimize cutting. Moreover, expansion space is also required between the plank and the walls so carefully measure the space and mark the installation area. Staggering the end by 6 inches looks attractive for plank flooring layouts.
Preparation
Vinyl floors can be installed on an existing floor, however, make sure that the subfloor is clean and there are no cracks. The carpeting needs to be removed before installation. It is best to temporarily remove the baseboards for a seamless installation. When it comes to installation in the bathroom, carefully cut and install the planks around the toilet. If you can, remove the toilet temporarily for the best finish.
For uneven floors, use a self-leveling product. Grinding is also a suitable option to make the subfloor nice and level.
Install
There are different types of products available in vinyl flooring. For instance, rolled vinyl flooring, glue down vinyl planks, and glue-less or floating vinyl flooring. Carefully read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to begin the installation process.
Glue down method works best when you start from the center of the room. When using the snap method begin laying the first row from the edge of the wall.
It takes a little effort to get used to the snapping or glue down technique. If you are not sure about the process, hire factory trained professionals for the job. Get a quote from Floor Coverings International, which is a renowned vinyl flooring company that offers top-notch services for design and installation.
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