Many homeowners believe that a vinyl floor installation is simple—it’s just peel-and-stick, right? If you don’t use the correct installation techniques (even with adhesive tiles), your brand-new floor could end up warping and peeling. Fortunately, we’ve got a step-by-step guide right here. Let’s get started!
What Is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl is undoubtedly one of the most popular choices for flooring, primarily because it’s inexpensive. In addition to its low cost, vinyl flooring has virtually endless customization options, and certain types closely mimic more expensive flooring materials, like wood, tile, stone, etc.
This type of flooring consists of 100% synthetic raw material layers surrounding a dense core. Each type of flooring is slightly different, but most contain the same primary materials:
- Polyvinyl chloride resins (PVC)
- Fiberglass
- Stabilizers
- Plastisol (liquid plastics)
- Pigments (color)
- Protective surface coating
Four Types of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl Sheet Flooring Installation: Sheet vinyl comes on a big roll in one sheet, making it an ideal flooring choice to cover large areas.
Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Flooring Tiles: These tiles are square and flexible, with an adhesive backing that makes installation a cinch.
Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation: This type comes in narrow, rectangular pieces that replicate the look of authentic hardwood flooring.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Installation: Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are thick, durable, and created using 3D printing technology; they’re also the most expensive type.
How to Install a Vinyl Floor: A Step-By-Step DIY Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide for your next vinyl flooring installation project.
1) Choose the Type of Flooring
When starting the vinyl floor installation process, your first step is choosing the type you want. Pick between the four major categories—sheet, plank, adhesive, and luxury—and consider aesthetic, intended function, and your budget.
2) Prepare the Room
Disassemble the Room: Remove the furniture, rugs, breakables, and any other valuables.
Remove the Baseboards: Use a crowbar or pry bar to loosen and gently remove the baseboards.
Clear Away the Floor Trim Molding: Removing any trim or molding that touches the floor is a critical part of the vinyl plank installation process.
Pull Out the Trim Nails: Carefully remove the remaining trim nails by pulling them straight through the backside of the molding.
3) Plan the Floor
Mark the Center of the Room: Measure and mark the center of the room using a snap line and chalk.
Measure the Walls: From the center of the wall, measure to the starting point (don’t forget to subtract the 5/16-inch expansion gap), then mark it at the end of the wall. Use your snap line to mark a straight line on the floor across the wall’s length.
Calculate the Width: For a vinyl plank installation, use the calculation (room width/plank width); for sheet vinyl, measure normally, and then add three inches extra on all sides.
4) Install the Vinyl Flooring
Mark the Vinyl: Measure and mark the vinyl pieces to ensure they’ll fit snugly.
Cut and Fit for Protrusion: Use a utility knife to lightly score the vinyl a few times, then bend it to snap it apart. Ensure that the cut pieces fit without protruding,
Position the Vinyl: Position the cut pieces on the floor to test for fit.
Trim and Fit: Trim any protruding pieces for a tight fit, with no bumps or waves.
Apply Adhesive: If necessary, apply the adhesive and place the vinyl securely in its final position.
Reinstall the Molding: Finally, reinstall the molding, trim, and baseboards.
How Much Does a Vinyl Flooring Installation Cost?
One of the primary attractions of vinyl flooring for many homeowners is the relatively low cost of materials, labor, and installation. However, your vinyl floor installation cost will vary based on the square footage you need, the type of vinyl you choose, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional.
Cost range: $900 to $3,432
National average: $2,151
Average per square foot: $2 to $12
Vinyl plank installation cost
Materials: $2 to $5 per square foot ($2.50 to $7 for luxury vinyl plank flooring)
Labor: $3 to $10 per square foot
Sheet vinyl flooring installation cost
Materials: $.50 to $2 per square foot
Labor: $1 to $2 per square foot
Choose Carpet To Go for High-Quality Vinyl Flooring in Seattle, WA
At Carpet To Go, we have everything you need to tackle your next vinyl floor installation, including luxury and standard tiles, planks, and sheeting in virtually every design and color combination imaginable. We’ve provided Seattle and the surrounding areas with quality flooring at highly competitive prices for over two decades.
Visit us in-store or browse online to see our enormous selection of vinyl, carpeting, laminate, and hardwood flooring. Call us today at (425) 689-7664 to schedule an in-home installation or learn more about our affordable flooring choices in Seattle, WA.
