If you’re planning to install vinyl plank flooring in your home, it is essential to know how to install it properly. There are a few steps that you should follow before you begin your project. The most crucial step is to clean your floor thoroughly. A denatured alcohol solution is a good choice for this task. Then, you should begin your installation from the center of the room. This will help you achieve a more symmetrical installation.
Interlocking tongue-and-groove system
If you install interlocking tongue-and-grooving system vinyl plank flooring, you will want to use a multi-tool to ensure the flooring is level and straight. It would help if you also used a scrap piece of flooring as a guide. Make sure to leave about 6 inches between planks for them to slide into place properly. Next, you should place spacers every few feet around the perimeter of the flooring. Remove spacers once you are done installing the flooring. You can install baseboards and finish molding to hide the expansion gap between the two flooring layers.
If installing interlocking flooring, start at the center of the room and cut a groove into the edge of the first plank. It would help if you then placed the next plank in the groove. Then, lock it into the previous one by tapping it with a rubber mallet. You should repeat this step for every other plank. Finally, apply the manufacturer-recommended adhesive to the planks.
Click-together system
If you’ve ever been intimidated by the prospect of installing new flooring in your home, the click-together system might be the answer. This system makes the task of installing vinyl plank flooring as simple as possible without the use of special tools or skills. Even if you’re not an experienced DIYer, this system is easy enough to complete in three or four hours, and there’s little room for error.
Click vinyl plank flooring has two layers – the top layer is UV-coated and includes a wear layer to prevent scratches and dents. The underlayment consists of PVC or fiberglass. This product doesn’t require glue or adhesives and has excellent water resistance.
Staggered planks
To install staggered vinyl plank flooring, you first need to measure your space. This will help you determine the exact length and width of the flooring. Also, it will help you identify pieces that look best together. You can also use the layout to determine whether you should run your planks horizontally or vertically. Horizontal installation can help your room look more cohesive, while vertical installation can make your room appear more expansive.
Installing plank flooring is easier if you know how to stagger the planks. To do this, start with the seam of the first plank in the middle of the previous one. You can also use a cutting board to help you stagger planks.
Leveling floor
Before installing your vinyl plank flooring, prepare the subfloor for it. First, make sure that the subfloor is clean and dry. You can use a giant leveler to level the floor. You can also use a long straight pipe if the floor is uneven. If your floor is uneven, mark the low areas before continuing.
You may need to remove some baseboards, but this is not necessary. However, it’s recommended. This is because debris can affect the overall floor’s longevity.
Using a carpenter’s level
A carpenter’s level is an essential tool for installing vinyl flooring. It can help you make long, straight lines on flat surfaces. It is also helpful in ensuring that the floors are level. Its leveling action can provide a more accurate measurement than a straight edge. Using a carpenter’s level is also recommended if you plan to lay the flooring over a wood subfloor.
Before laying the first plank, you should ensure the floor is level. This is because vinyl flooring is flexible and can break if the concrete subfloor is not level. However, if you notice any small cracks on the floor, you can fill them with concrete patching compound and smooth them out with a trowel. After the leveling compound dries, you should apply the vinyl plank flooring.