How to Lay Vinyl Flooring

So, you've purchased a bunch of lovely  vinyl flooring... Now what? Well, now it’s time to fit it!

To get the best results, we recommend leaving it to the professionals and hiring a professional flooring fitter, but if you want to do it yourself, this guide can help.

@homelymag

How to fit vinyl flooring

For fitting vinyl flooring, it’s important to make sure you’ve got all the correct equipment for the task at hand. Tools for laying vinyl include:

• Knee pads
• Bolster chisel
• Stanley knife
• Measuring tape
  
• Pencil
• Vinyl adhesive
• Lining paper
• Home-made scribing gauge
• A straight edge

After you’ve got the right tools for the job, you can start preparing your sub-floor for vinyl. One of vinyl’s many benefits is that it can be laid on almost any surface, as long as it’s flat and clean.

@pergoflooring

@richardwilliamsflooring

How to lay vinyl flooring around a toilet

It can be quite tricky fitting vinyl in a bathroom, especially around the necessities such as a toilet or a sink. Here are some simple steps you can do to make the process of laying vinyl flooring around a toilet or sink easier:

Step 1:

Place the vinyl in your bathroom up to the front of the toilet, wash basin, and so on, then fold it back on itself.

Step 2:

Then, using scissors, cut a straight line from the edge of the vinyl to the centre of the toilet or pedestal. Again, using scissors, make a series of cuts all the way around the pedestal's base, being careful not to go too far in.

Step 3:

Make a sharp crease around the base and cut around it, trimming each flap until it fits perfectly before rolling it back.

Step 4:

Apply adhesive around the fitting and press the vinyl firmly into place.

@gida_flooring

Do you need underlay for vinyl flooring?

Most vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl tiles do not require underlayment. This is because vinyl floors have a base layer, so adding an underlay is unnecessary. This base layer increases the durability and comfort of the vinyl flooring. The only time a vinyl floor requires underlayment is when the surface beneath it is uneven or has damp issues.

@mabel.in.the.house

Can you paint vinyl flooring?

Painting vinyl is an effective way to revitalise worn-out vinyl flooring without breaking the bank. Painting vinyl floors is a simple and cost-effective way to make them look new and shiny. All you have to do is prepare the floor by thoroughly cleaning it, de-grossing it, applying primer, and finally painting it.

@weworkerscorp

How to join vinyl flooring

You may need to join two sheets of vinyl on occasion, such as in a large room. To avoid minor colour variations between rolls, use two sheets from the same roll.

Step 1:

Slide the second sheet along the first until all the patterns are perfectly aligned.

Step 2:

Fold the edges over while keeping the sheets in the same place

Step 3:

Stick the edge with double-sided tape or adhesive and press down firmly to secure it to the floor.

@best4flooring_uk

Some heavy-duty vinyl flooring does not require any adhesive because it is held down by its own weight. Glue is required around the edges and at any joins in lighter cushioned flooring.

The lightest and thinnest vinyl should be applied all over. The best method is to lay the vinyl down, roll it back halfway, and apply adhesive to the floor. Put this half down and then do the same on the other side.

We hope this guide has helped you understand a bit more on how to lay, join and paint vinyl flooring! If you have any further questions about vinyl flooring or just need some more information about the products we sell at Howarth, please visit your local friendly Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on the number 01472 907051.