Will Laminate Flooring Be A Good Fit For Your Home?

Planning Tips for Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation

Vinyl plank flooring is the perfect alternative to a traditional hardwood surface. This material is cheaper than solid wood. Moreover, the design of the planks allows for the installation of the flooring without significant construction knowledge or skills. However, you should still be cautious if you are interested in installing the vinyl flooring as a DIY project. Careful placement of the planks will yield a durable and beautiful floor. Here are simple guidelines to remember when preparing for the project.

Measure the Floor

The size of the flooring will determine the number and size of planks you will need to purchase for the work. Therefore, you should measure the surface area before purchasing the materials. When purchasing planks, look for long units relative to your room size. This consideration will minimise the joints on the flooring, and the installation will be less complicated. However, you can choose shorter planks for a unique floor design. Purchase more materials than needed for the coverage of the floor. The additional planks will give an allowance for mistakes and defects.

Repair the Old Floor

You can install vinyl planks on your old floor. You do not need to remove the old surface and create a special subfloor for good results. However, if the flooring is in poor condition, conduct repairs before beginning the work. You should inspect the floor and make sure that it is flat. Bumps and dents will interfere with the appearance and performance of the vinyl structure. If there are bumps, use a floor sander to eliminate the irregularity. Holes and dents can be filled with a suitable patching compound. You can also use floor levelling compounds for irregular floors.

Clean the Surface

You must never place vinyl planks on a dirty surface. The presence of dust, particulates and grime will interfere with the stability of the floor. Moreover, the completed surface might look uneven. Therefore, when you are ready to begin installation, vacuum or sweep the old flooring thoroughly. You can also wash the floor, but ensure the surface dries before placing the vinyl planks. Some products might require special preparation for the installation process. For example, if you are dealing with glue-down materials, you might need to apply a compatible primer on the floor to facilitate adhesion. Check the manufacturer's recommendation for your products.

Finally, place the vinyl planks over the old surface and begin the installation. Remember to plan the flooring layout with care and conduct a test fitting with the first row of materials for the best outcome.