Vinyl is one the most popular flooring options available. If you’ve used it before, or experienced it in another home or office then you already know why. For those reading and don’t already know; vinyl is readily effective in a variety of options, it resists water, wears well and doesn’t tire over time. More importantly, it’s much easier to install yourself than carpet and any sort of wood flooring. Take a dive into this article to discover a how-to guide and some helpful tips on how to install vinyl flooring in your home.

Proper vinyl installation starts with careful planning and preparation. Observe and measure the space where the floor is intended to go and make note of the dimensions and potential obstacles. Give yourself a few extra inches of floor on each side of the layout to avoid not having enough vinyl for the installation. Take your plan to the local showroom or hardware store to pick a vinyl option that works for your home and budget. When ready, begin preparing the room for installation by removing any furniture, fixtures, and molding. Clean up and finalize any preparations before laying out the vinyl. One important tip about vinyl is that it can be installed over concrete and linoleum or old vinyl flooring. Just make sure the surface is smooth, flat, and without indentations or cracks. If you’re facing a more impractical floor such as hardwood, or a floor with significant dips and bumps, install a layer of plywood underlayment to create an ideal surface for the installation of the vinyl.  Following the preparation of the floor, it’s time to cut the floor to fit. Most vinyl is sold in widths of six and twelve feet making it possible to use one sheet for a small space such as a hallway, kitchen, or laundromat. Allow the new floor to acclimate to the room for at least 24 hours before cutting and fitting. Note, not all floors require an acclimation period so ask before leaving the store to be certain. When cutting the vinyl, cut the sheets 2-3 inches wider than the floor area on all sides and then trim the excess before securing it in its final position. For larger rooms and thicker vinyl, make a template of the floor layout and cut the sheets according to the template prior to installation. This will make it easier to tackle tough angles and corners during installation. During this process, make any relief cuts to properly fit the floor to the subfloor. After fitting the floor, roll it back and use a full bond floor adhesive to apply to the entire surface area.  For full adhesion, roll the vinyl floor across the surface and using a hand roller or block to apply enough pressure to ensure good adhesion to the floor. Keep foot traffic and furniture off for at least 24 hours to allow for a solid bond. After 24 hours, reapply the molding and return the furniture to the space.

That’s it! DIY vinyl installation is easy and affordable given the right plan, preparation, and patience to lay a brand-new floor in your home. Talk to your local professional in detail about your project and any unique challenges you face to make the whole process simpler. Don’t be afraid to request samples to compare options and make the best judgement for your home. A new floor is in your sights, now all you have to do is install it.