You have already bought your vinyl flooring at a store in Singapore. The next step awaits- installing it. How do you go about it? Consider our DIY vinyl flooring article for a step by step guideline.
What Tools are you going to use
The good thing with vinyl, unlike other types of flooring, is that it doesn’t require numerous specialized tools. Moreover, most of the tools needed for the DIY vinyl flooring job are readily available in your garage or a nearby home improvement store at an affordable price. Here are the tools you will need:
- Carpenter’s square
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Floor roller
- Adhesive
What of the Underlayment?
Most vinyl flooring in Singapore doesn’t require underlayment. On the contrary, they are designed to be laid directly provided that the subfloor is flat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions which will clarify to you whether you require underlayment.
Nonetheless, underlayment is a good option during the DIY vinyl flooring process as it cushions the flooring as well as increases its height.
How thick should my flooring be?
The Singapore market has a wide range of flooring in terms of thickness. Most vinyl planks and tiles lie between two millimeters and eight millimeters thick. The thicker the flooring, the sturdier it is. Thick flooring is great for high traffic rooms like hallways and the kitchen.
The thickness of the flooring also increases its support. If your subfloor is unstable, thin flooring shouldn’t be an option for you.
What are the various DIY Vinyl Flooring techniques?
We have three common methods of undertaking the DIY vinyl flooring process.
- Floating
In this method, no adhesive is used. The planks and tiles have an interlocking system that allows you to install over existing floors.
- Full spread method
Unlike the floating method, this one requires you to apply adhesive over the entire floor before the installation process.
- Peel and Stick method
Here, you peel off a layer on the back of each plank so that its adhesive is revealed before putting it in place.
Installation Process
Step 1: Measure the Room
The first step of the DIY vinyl flooring process is to measure the room.
Make a sketch of the room and accurately measure where the flooring will be installed. Add a few inches to the dimensions to know how much flooring you are going to need. The extra material will compensate for the cutting, centering, and trimming to take place.
Step 2: Have the subfloor smooth
Vinyl flooring can be installed over most surfaces as long as they are smooth. Installing it over rough surfaces results in the flooring telegraphing and noticeable high spots appearing. This makes these spots wear faster than in other places. The subfloor where the flooring is being installed should be at least six weeks old, free from flaking and powder, and dry. Ensure to fill any expansion joints and large cracks.
Sand down any high spot using a belt sander. While doing so, ensure you have your dust coats and mask on. The job is a dusty one, and so it will be prudent if you turn off your furnace. Get this right- the floor doesn’t have to be level, just smooth.
Also, ensure the floor surface is clean by drying, removing shoe molding, or any dirt present.
Step 3: Cut the Vinyl Flooring
Lay out the flooring in the room and mark all the areas where the excess flooring needs to be cut. Use heavy-duty shears or a utility knife to cut out these excess parts. Save the excess flooring as it might prove to be useful in the future.
Now lay the perfect-fit flooring in the final position. For interior areas with corners, make half circles until the flooring is flat to the floor. For exterior corners, make straightened relief cuts.
Step 4: Applying Tape
Roll back the flooring that is next to the wall so that the subfloor is exposed. Now roll out some craft paper along the wall to create a partial template. Ensure the edges of the craft and wall line up before taping down the paper to the floor. Use small tape pieces of about two feet.
The purpose of this is to prevent the craft paper from moving. Do this every two feet. Roll back the vinyl into position and press it down firmly so that it can adhere to the template.
Step 5: Cut the Vinyl
Use a straightedge and scrap wood to cut the vinyl carefully along the edges of the template. Cut it so that it is finely trimmed along each wall.
Step 6: Attach the flooring to the adhesive
This is the final step of the DIY vinyl flooring process. Lay the vinyl down to its position. Use a hand roller to seat the flooring firmly to the adhesive. The hand roller is an alternative to sophisticated tools and will save you additional costs.
When all is done, you can move back your furniture to their original position. Clean the flooring using a damp mop before drying it.
Conclusion
You are good to go. The DIY vinyl flooring process is a simple one and shouldn’t give you headaches. The secret to installing your flooring successfully in Singapore lies in proper planning. Equip yourself with all the tools, measure the room’s dimensions accurately, and take things slowly. There is no rush with installing your flooring.
We are sure that you will not incur any problems. However, if this is the case, feel free to tell us in the comment section and we’ll be more than glad to get back to you!