Flooring plays a significant role in the property’s functionality, aesthetics, and value enhancement. When deciding on flooring, one first looks at durability, functionality, and appearance. So, here comes the vinyl sheet flooring which is perfect in all aspects and is a cost-effective solution.
Unlike other options, it offers a straightforward process for installation. To save up your money on hiring installers, you can do it yourself and lay down these sheets effortlessly. In this article by Flooring Dubai, we’ve brought some easy and simple steps on vinyl flooring installation so that your residential & commercial spaces can have an attractive look.
A Guide To DIY Installation Of Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Well, this flooring can be installed in two ways, loose-lay and glue down. Loose-lay is considered more DIY-friendly than glued-down. Here, you’ll discover the simple instructions to install these sheets using different approaches.
Method #1: Steps To Loose Lay Sheet Flooring
Loose-lay vinyl sheets are recommended for small spaces like kitchenettes and bathrooms. Before you begin the installation, collect all the needed tools to avoid later-on disturbances.
What Supplies & Equipment You’ll Need?
- Pry bar & Trowel
- Manual screwdriver
- Putty knife
- Tape Measure
- Oscillating multi-tool
- Utility knife and Rags
- Pre-mixed Floor Patch
- Level Compound
- Cordless Drill & Driver Bits
- Double-sided Flooring Tape
1. Remove Obstructions
When you are going to lay down these sheets, first prepare the area in such a way that removes all the baseboards, shoe molding, and trims. Because all these things could act as hurdles during the installation process, hence removing them is mandatory. To remove these trims and molding, you can use a prybar. Remove any accessory using a screwdriver and cordless drill.
2. Prepare Floor Subfloors
The next step is the preparation of the subfloor which can be done using a level compound and pre-mixed floor patch. To level and smooth out the low spots to a maximum thickness, spread the level compound over the uneven surface to treat all the gaps, seams, and gouges. When you get a leveled or flat surface, let the compound dry for some time.
3. Cut Door Trim & Sheets
To ensure a secure finish, you can use a multi-tool to cut the door trim by ⅛ inches. Wooden blades when used with a multi-tool, can cut the door trim effectively. Also, you can remove the trim and re-install it after these sheets are installed. Also, measure your room using a tape measure to cut the sheets to exact room dimensions. Make sure to keep the extra 4 inches to run the excess to walls.
4. Make Precise Cuts
Lay down these vinyl rolls in the intended room, ensuring it is perfectly placed with no gaps. You can make marks for indication purposes so it can be convenient to make cuts. Use a sharp utility knife to make cuts. Cut the sheet where the wall and floor meet and make sure the cuts are from the close corners so the gap can be hidden perfectly.
5. Apply Adhesive Tape & Lay Down a Sheet
Now that you’ve made precise cuts, remove the sheets from the floor, ensuring that it stays flat. Apply double-sided adhesive tape of good quality at all corners and high-traffic areas like cabinets and doors for secure installation. Also, you can apply tape around all four room sides from the corners to ensure the sheet will lay down perfectly, ensuring there’s no fold or bunch up between the adhesive strip.
Method #2: Steps To Glue Down Your Sheet Vinyl Flooring
To cover the large area of your rooms, vinyl or adhesive-backed sheets are the best option. Here’s what you will need to glue down this flooring.
Essential Tools
- Trowel
- Roller (optional)
- Seam Sealer (optional)
- Sheet Vinyl Flooring
- Adhesive Material
- Caulk (optional)
- Underlayment
1. Cut And Nail Down The Underlayment
Once again, ensure that your floor is properly prepared and ready for sheet fitting. You can take proper measurements to calculate the square footage of the estimated size you’ll need for a vinyl sheet. Please unroll the sheet flooring and cut it precisely using a sharp knife. Next, install the underlayment over the floors using nails while leaving a gap of at least ⅛ inches.
2. Apply The Adhesive Material
Lay out the vinyl rolls over the floor where they can pull back half of the portion. Now use the notched trowel to apply adhesive to both the subfloor and underlayment. Make sure to apply the best quality adhesive and cover only a small portion with adhesive so, it won’t become dry as the adhesive has different settings and waiting times.
3. Let Adhesive Cure And Lay Sheet
Make sure you read the instructions before using glue. When it’s ready to adhere, lay down the sheet and press it down firmly. After securing the sheet perfectly onto the floor, use a roller to flatten the sheets to eliminate the bumps. This step will ensure the perfect installation of vinyl rolls without any flaws.
4. Apply Caulk & Smooth Out The Entire Sheet
The final step involves seams, gaps, and edges fixation against the molding, sink, bathtub, or door trims using foam, acrylic, or silicon caulk. Silicon caulk can act as a water-resistant barrier. Also, you can bond seams using a seam sealer. Lastly, double-check everything, to get the job done with perfection.
To Sum Up
Laying vinyl sheets and rolls is a DIY-friendly project that can be handled perfectly with effective strategies and all the essential tools and materials. You won’t need to hire professionals for such an easy installation process of floor covering. After clearing up all the mess, vacuuming, and preparing the subfloor, you can begin with the simple working procedure.
With a double-sided tape application, loose-lay sheets can be fitted, and using quality adhesives, you can install sheets with perfection for long-lasting serviceability. After completing the process, you can install the trimming, baseboards, and shoe molding back to give your floors a worthwhile and perfect finishing look. Hopefully, this step-by-step guide will help you with a comprehensive installation project.
