There are many modern flooring options other than wood options, and one in particular is vinyl flooring. The reason it has become so widely used for properties is its durability, its cheap price, and the ease of installing it. You can use it to upgrade your floor’s visual appeal or improve its functionality. Even if you are a beginner with little to no technical knowledge, you will still have no trouble laying them down. So, if you want to know how to lay vinyl flooring, this is the ultimate guide for beginners by Omnifloor.ae.
Why Choose Vinyl Flooring?
We will get right back to the installation part of these floors but first, know what benefits it holds for you.
- It is really a cost-effective floor solution compared to materials like wood, stone, or tile.
- This material has a high resistance to wear & tear, moisture, and scratches; perfect for high-traffic use.
- There are many options for installation like peel & stick, glue-down, & click-lock – all a beginner can handle.
You can have it in almost any design pattern or texture to mimic any material, such as wood, stone, or tile.
Types of Vinyl Floors
There are 3 main types of vinyl flooring in Abu Dhabi, and all these depend on the method of installation.
- Peel & Stick Vinyl Tiles, which come with adhesive backing – simply peel the sticker from the back and install them.
- Click-Lock Vinyl Planks are also known as LVP – you can snap them together like the laminate floors for a floating floor.
- Glue-down Vinyl Planks or Sheets that require the application of stronger adhesives on the backside and attaching them firmly to the ground.
Step-by-Step Guide to Laying Vinyl Flooring
This here is the simple step-by-step ultimate guide for beginners on how to lay vinyl flooring in your property.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials
The first step in any great flooring project is to gather your tools and supplies. For vinyl floors, you will need these:
- Vinyl flooring
- A measuring tape
- A utility knife
- Ruler
- Floor Roller for the peel & stick vinyl floors
- A rubber mallet for click-lock vinyl
- Strong adhesives for glue-down vinyl
- A pry bar for removing old baseboards
- Underlayment
Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor
This is the first official step into vinyl floor installation – preparation of the subfloor. You need to ensure it is smooth to offer a lasting finish. Remove all the dirt, debris, and dust from the floor and ensure it’s dry. With the pry bar, remove the baseboards to let the vinyl floor fit perfectly. See if there are any imperfections like holes and cracks – use a compactor to clear all the bumps.
Step 3: Measure and Plan Your Layout
Use the tape measure to check the square footage of the room’s floor and add 10% extra to it for the sake of repairs. At this point, you need to decide whether you are going with straight or staggered patterned planks. Use chalk or pencil to outline the right alignment.
Step 4: Install the Vinyl Flooring
Now, the most important part is the actual vinyl floor installation. We will explain the right method for all 3 major types of this flooring in Dubai.
(i).For Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tiles:
First, remove the sticker layer from the back and place the tile carefully on the outlined position. Press it down firmly into the place – use the floor roller to remove any air bubbles and ensure proper adhesion. Trim the edges off with the utility knife for a clean look.
(ii).For Click-Lock Vinyl Planks (Floating Floor):
Start from one corner of the room by first placing a plank with an ¼ inch gap from the walls. This gap is to allow for expansion later on. Place the next plank beside it, use a tapping block, and gently secure it with a rubber mallet. Do this for all the rows to get a natural look.
(iii).For Glue-Down Vinyl Floor:
The first thing you need is to spread the strong adhesive all over the clean subfloor with the help of a trowel. Now, start placing the vinyl planks or sheets one by one and press down on them firmly. Use the floor roller to connect the floor and subfloor perfectly. Let the adhesive cure itself before walking on the new flooring.
Step 5: Trim and Finish
You should use a sharp utility knife to trim any vinyl flooring excesses that obstruct the doorways, vents, or cabinets. Following this, reattach your baseboards and install some new transition strips for a polished appearance. You can protect the moisture or mold damage in the future by sealing those edges with a sealant or simply caulk. This must be done for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Step 6: Clean and Maintain Your Vinyl Floor
This is not a step but rather a tip on how to maintain vinyl floors for long-lasting durability.
- To prevent any scratches, use a vacuum or a brush to remove any dirt and dust on the surface.
- Use a damp mop dipped in a vinyl-safe cleaner to wash away any spills or stains.
- Never use abrasive cleaners or wax to shine the vinyl flooring.
- If you place furniture on these floors, use the felt pads underneath the legs to prevent dents or scratches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are some of the common mistakes that a beginner can make when they lay down vinyl flooring.
- You might skip the proper subfloor preparation, which will leave an uneven surface. These result in buckling and gaps later on.
- You do not leave any of the expansion gaps – the vinyl flooring expands or contracts after installing it.
- You do not use a high-quality, strong adhesive for the glue-down floors.
- You rush into the installation process, leading to wrong cuts when trimming the excess, thus ruining everything.
Final Thoughts
If you want to know how to lay vinyl flooring, the above is the ultimate guide for beginners. Laying this modern flooring option by a complete newbie is definitely an achievable task. You can install any type of this flooring option like glue-down, click-lock, or peel & stick with a bit of patience, the right tools, and our guide.
