Vinyl flooring is a great option for any property. It is durable, affordable and stylish, and it can mimic the look of various materials, such as wood, stone, ceramic or others. Vinyl flooring is also water-resistant, easy to clean and maintain, and suitable for any room in your building.
However, to install vinyl flooring flawlessly, professional skills and experience are required. There are some common mistakes that can be avoided so that your vinyl flooring project is not compromised and doesn’t cause issues later on. In this blog, we will share some tips on avoiding these mistakes and ensuring a successful vinyl flooring installation.
1. Installing on an Uneven and Dirty Subfloor
The subfloor is the foundation of your vinyl flooring. It can be concrete, plywood, OSB or other materials. The subfloor needs to be dry and level before installing vinyl flooring on top of it. An uneven subfloor may cause the vinyl flooring to become uneven, loose or damaged.
Not only does the subfloor need to be even, but it also needs to be clean. If this step is skipped, it can make installation more challenging, whether using a click-float or glue-down style of flooring. Dirt and debris can inhibit the adhesive from working properly, or can “telegraph” to the surface of thinner flooring, or create a “crunch” underfoot.
2. Forgetting an Underlayment and Moisture Barrier
Underlayment can enhance your flooring installation by creating a more comfortable feel underfoot, reducing sound, and even smoothing out imperfections. Foregoing an underlayment can be problematic if you’re looking for comfortable and quiet floors. Underlayment can also serve as a moisture barrier. If you’re installing over a concrete subfloor, a moisture barrier is a must to protect your floors from any dampness from the concrete.
3. Not Measuring and Planning the Layout Properly
Vinyl flooring installation needs careful measuring and planning of the layout to ensure a professional-looking result. The size and shape of the room have to be considered, along with the direction and pattern of the vinyl flooring and the amount of waste and cuts involved.
4. Not Installing the Vinyl Flooring Properly
Vinyl flooring installation requires proper tools and techniques to ensure a secure and seamless fit. The manufacturer’s instructions must be followed carefully with the right type of adhesive, underlayment and transition strips for your vinyl flooring.
5. Not Alternating Designs in Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation
When installing vinyl plank flooring, you can choose from various designs that mimic natural materials like wood or stone. However, if these designs are not alternated properly, they may create an unnatural or repetitive look that detracts from the aesthetic appeal of your floor.
6. Not Sinking Fasteners
One of the challenges of vinyl flooring installation over existing baseboards or door trim is to ensure that any fasteners like nails or screws are sunk below the surface of the wood. This is because these fasteners can create obstacles for the vinyl flooring and prevent it from laying flat or smooth. They can also cause gaps, bumps or scratches on the vinyl flooring surface. Therefore, professional installers need to use a nail set or a drill to sink any fasteners before installing vinyl flooring.
7. Not Undercutting Door Trim
Another issue that can affect vinyl flooring installation is the door trim that reaches the floor level. This door trim can block the vinyl flooring from fitting under it and create a gap or a bulge. It can also damage the vinyl flooring by rubbing against it or cutting into it. To avoid this problem, vinyl floor installers need to undercut the door trim by using a saw or a jamb cutter. This will create enough space for the vinyl flooring to slide under the door trim and create a seamless look.
8. Not Planning for Corners
Corners are tricky areas when it comes to installing vinyl flooring. They require careful measuring and cutting of the vinyl flooring to fit around them. Without proper planning, corners can result in unsightly gaps, overlaps or wrinkles on the vinyl flooring surface. These can compromise the appearance and durability of the vinyl flooring. Therefore, installers must plan for corners using a template or a compass to mark and cut the vinyl flooring accurately. They also need to use a roller or a heat gun to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles at the corners.
Expert Vinyl Flooring Installers
Are you ready to transform your space with vinyl flooring installation? It is a convenient flooring option for any space. But to get the best results, you need to hire professional vinyl floor installers who know how to install vinyl flooring properly. That’s why you need Ferreira Flooring. We are the leading vinyl flooring service provider in Hamilton, Ontario, offering high-quality vinyl flooring installation.
Contact us today and get a free estimate and consultation on your vinyl flooring project.