How to Install Vinyl Floors without Professional Help

Vinyl flooring is easy to install with a little bit of pre-work followed by the installation process. If you have the passion to do it yourself without a professional then we’re here to give notes.

There are three methods, either of which you can select based on the type of vinyl flooring you have.

• 1. Tongue and groove planks and tiles

• 2. Peel & stick

• 3. Sheet vinyl

The items for installing vinyl floors

Now that you’ve decided to take it upon yourself to install vinyl flooring, here’s a list!

Get the following items ready.

• Chalk

• Marker

• Measuring tape

• Sharp utility knife

• Rubber mallet

• Spacers

• Tapping block

• T-Square

• Leveler

Optional items:

• Tile cutter

• Jigsaw

• Finishing molding

• Brad nailer

Leveling the subfloor

Use a leveling compound on the subfloor to fill up any unlevelled imperfections. The level compound applied takes 24 hours to dry before you can begin with the installation process.

Clean and mark the area

Before you do anything, vacuum and sweep away the dust particles. Mop the subfloor if needed. Measure the width of the room by dividing Room Width / Plank Width to calculate the number of planks required to fit across the room.

Remove all the baseboards and set them aside. You will have to reinstall them once the vinyl tile or plank installation is complete.

Installation type 1: Tongue and Groove Plank Flooring

Begin by staggering your planks. Use whatever is cut from the end of the first row, as the start of your next row. You can do this as long as it is at least 6 inches in length. To cut the vinyl plank into the desired lengths, score and snap by using the T-Square. Use a utility knife to lightly score the vinyl plank on the surface side. Then use your knee as support to lightly bend the plank to snap it into half.

The tongue and groove installation steps:

1. Set the first plank in the corner of the room. Work from left to right. Use spaces to ensure a ⅜” expansion gap from the wall.

2. Interlock the tongue and groove connectors and align the seams to complete the first row.

3. Continue laying on the floor. Use the tapping block and rubber mallet to tap the planks into a locked position.

4. Use the leftover cut ends to begin your next row. They should be at least 6 inches or longer.

5. Set the plank into the previous row at a slight angle. This will help it slide into place and interlock perfectly.

6. Add spacers every few feet around the edges of the flooring. Remove the spacers once the installation is complete.

Once the installation process is complete, reinstall the baseboards using a brad nailer. Install the finishing molds to cover the expansion gap. Reinstall the doors and appliances.

Installation type 2: Peel & Stick Vinyl Planks and Tiles

Mix up several boxes of planks to ensure the variation of colors. Use the end of the first row as the start of the next. Chalk line the room based on the placement pattern you prefer like staggered, straight rows, or checkered patterns.

To cut the planks, use a utility knife to make passes and then a T-Square to make a straight cut. Use snips to make odd cuts.

1. Peel back the paper to expose the adhesive. Place the tile or plank by firmly pressing it down onto the surface. Repeat this process until you complete the first row.

2. When you reach a wall, measure the space and mark the vinyl to cut accordingly. Then cut, peel and stick the vinyl.

3. Continue the above two steps until the room is complete.

4. After complete installation, use a 100 lb. roller in several directions to ensure the subfloor and planks are bonded tightly.

Reinstall the baseboards, molding, and doors. Wait 24 hours before moving any furniture back into the room.

Installation type 3: Sheet Vinyl Flooring

Sheet Vinyl Flooring has two methods of installation: Modified loose lay and Glue down.

The glue down installation or fully adhered installation is a permanent process. It is best left to a professional. So, we’re going to skip this installation part and move on to the DIY-friendly and temporary method of installation.

The Modified Loose Lay! 

Let the sheets acclimate to the room by unrolling them and allowing them to sit for 24 hours. 

Square the sheet to the room and then cut them using a utility knife. 

1. Use a sharp utility knife to make cuts around any objects in the room (toilets, sinks, etc.) Leave a gap of at least 1/8” – 1/4”. This is so that the sheet lies flat without bunching up or pinching.

2. Begin cutting by starting around the perimeter of the room. Use a ruler to guide you while cutting. Leave a gap around the edges to ensure the flat-lying of the sheet.

3. Re-install the molding, trims, or doors once done with the cutting.

If your area is larger and requires multiple seams then the modified loose lay method won’t work. Call a professional who will use the glue down method.

Well, we hope that these installation methods are easy to follow. If not, you can always opt to hire a professional.