One of the best, most versatile types of flooring that you can install in your home is vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank is extremely durable, flexible, water resistant, and thin, and it is available with a raised profile and texture to make it look and feel like real wood. Although the easiest way to get this type of flooring into your home is to have an installer do the work for you, knowing how to install vinyl plank flooring can help save you money. At Country Lumber, we can help educate you on the best practices for vinyl plank flooring installation.
Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
The installation process will vary depending on what kind of flooring you are replacing the vinyl plank flooring with, as the subfloor may not be optimized for immediate installation. If your home has tile or a different type of hard flooring already laid, it is possible to lay vinyl plank flooring overtop of it. To install your vinyl plank flooring, follow these steps:
1. Remove Trim and Casings
In order to ensure that your vinyl plank is square against the wall and there are no gaps, you must first remove any trim, moldings, and casings currently in place. If you wish to reuse these boards, make sure you are careful not to damage them and remove all of the nails.
2. Make Sure the Floor is Level
If you are placing vinyl plank directly on a subfloor, make sure that the floor is level with no bumps.
3. Cut and Place the First Row
You can typically cut vinyl plank flooring with a utility knife by scoring the top and then snapping the board. Measure out the first row of boards and cut the end off of the piece that is being laid last so that it fits the dimensions of the room. Leave a quarter-inch gap against the wall to provide room for expansion.
4. Begin Laying the Rest of the Planks
Work your way across the room, laying the rest of the vinyl planks in place and snapping them together as you go. Continue cutting the end pieces as needed. Make sure that you alternate which side of the room you start the rows on to stagger the seams.
5. Cut the Final Row
When you get all the way across the room, you may need to cut the final row to make it fit. This can be done using a table saw or very carefully with a utility knife. Place this row and make sure you leave the quarter-inch gap between the floor and the wall.
6. Reinstall the Trim and Casing
Now that the floor is laid, you can reinstall the trim, casing, and baseboards. You will most likely need a pneumatic nail gun for this job, as well as putty or wood filler and paint to touch up the nail holes.
To find out more about how to install vinyl plank flooring, or if you would like to learn more about any of our products or services, contact Country Lumber or visit our store in Langley to speak with one of our representatives.