If you are here because you want to give your home a practical and budget-friendly flooring makeover, you are at the right place. Vinyl floors are one of the most versatile choices without breaking the bank. Whether you want a seamless look with the help of vinyl sheet flooring or want to enjoy the elegance of luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), vinyl never disappoints.
Many UK homeowners choose Vinyl as an alternative to tiles or laminate flooring because of the comfort it provides underfoot and the ease of installation. Royale Stones, alongside its premium stone and porcelain tiles, provides you with vinyl designs that are cohesive and complement your outdoor floors.
If you don’t know yet or are wondering how to install vinyl flooring, no need to wander anymore. This guide will answer all of your queries, from preparation to mistakes to avoid.
So, let’s dive in.
Benefits of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is beneficial due to several reasons, but why is it popular in the UK? There are several advantages to vinyl flooring, but some of the most popular ones are as under:
Durability
Vinyl flooring is surprisingly durable. They are resistant to scratches, stains, and heavy foot traffic. However, that does not mean that you drag your heavy furniture on them all the time.
Water Resistance
You can use these floorings in your kitchen, bathrooms, and utility rooms. However, they are water-resistant, not flood-resistant.
Variety of Styles
Luxury vinyl floors are very versatile. You can get numerous style options, from stone-effect luxury vinyl tiles to wood-effect planks.
Ease of Installation
If you are choosing vinyl, know that it is very DIY friendly and you can install it yourself. However, if you are still not confident in your skills or do not have enough time to tackle the project yourself, you can hire a professional as well to do the job for you.
Affordability
If you are considering your cost based on options to choose hardwood, laminate, natural stone, porcelain, or vinyl flooring, vinyl is the most cost-effective alternative.
Types of Vinyl Flooring
Before choosing or installing vinyl floors, you must know the types of vinyl and which type will suit you the best.
Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Vinyl sheet flooring comes in large continuous rolls that you can adjust and cut according to your room or bathroom size. They have very minimal seams, making it highly water and moisture-resistant when laid in large rooms or bathrooms.
Vinyl Plank Flooring
LVP perfectly mimics the hardwood planks with its realistic textures. They come in click-lock systems, which makes it very easy to DIY installation.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
While choosing vinyl, you should know that vinyl for flooring also has a high-end option in the form of LVT. LVT or Luxury vinyl tiles mimic stone and ceramic tiles. They can be glued down to your cement floors or installed as floating floors as well.
Tools and Materials
To install vinyl flooring by yourself or get it professionally installed, you will need the tools and materials as follows:
- Utility Knife
- Straight ruler
- Measuring Tape
- Spacer (for planks and tiles)
- Adhesive (for glue-down methods)
- Vinyl Roller (For sheet vinyl)
- Underlay (Depending on subfloor and product)
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Normally, when you buy vinyl for floors, you get an installation manual, but if you haven’t or are looking at the guide before proceeding to buy, here is a comprehensive guide you can follow to install your vinyl flooring perfectly.
Step 1: Prepare Your Subfloor
Ensure that your concrete, plywood, or existing subfloor is spotless, dry, and levelled. If not, remove the old flooring and the adhesive and clean the area properly. For levelling, fill the gaps or cracks with a levelling compound.
Acclimatise Vinyl
Leaving your vinyl flooring in the said room for at least 24 to 48 hours, especially roll vinyl flooring, to adapt to the temperature and humidity of the room.
Measure and Plan
Measure the room you want to lay the vinyl floor in properly and accurately. Plan the cuts around tricky areas like doorways, pipes, or corners to avoid wasting floor material.
Lay the Vinyl Flooring
There are different methods to lay the different vinyl floors. Let’s go through each type and the installation method one by one.
Vinyl Plank
How to install vinyl plank flooring? For click-lock vinyl planks:
- Start from one corner of the room with spacers against the wall.
- Click the plank first along the long edge and then the short edge.
- Stagger the planks for a more natural look.
Vinyl Sheet Flooring
How to install vinyl sheet flooring?
- Roll out the whole vinyl roll flooring and allow the excess to roll up the wall.
- Trim the sheet vinyl flooring with a sharp knife against a straight edge.
- Loose lay, or you can also use adhesive for large spaces.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
How to install vinyl sheet flooring with adhesive? For glue-down LVT:
- Spread adhesive evenly in the room with the help of a trowel.
- Place the tiles carefully, following the planned layout.
- Use a roller in order to remove air bubbles from under the tiles.
Finishing Touches
After you are done installing your vinyl floor, do not forget to trim the edges of your vinyl flooring neatly. For a smooth and professional finish, install skirting boards or edge trims. Before starting to use your floor, clean it properly first, and then enjoy your new floor.
Installing Vinyl Flooring on Different Materials
You might need to use different installation methods for different subfloors.
Concrete Subfloor
How to install vinyl flooring on concrete? On a concrete subfloor, ensure that your subfloor is fully dried and levelled for the vinyl flooring. If the surface is moist, use a damp-proof membrane.
Floorboards
How to lay vinyl flooring on floorboards? Before installing your vinyl floor, make sure that your floorboard is even. Consider adding plywood underlay as it helps in stability and prevents dips and movements of your floor.
Bathrooms
How to install vinyl flooring in a bathroom? Well, in bathrooms, use a vinyl sheet or a waterproof LVT to avoid moisture penetration. Seal the edges with silicone material to prevent water seepage.
Common Mistakes When Installing a Vinyl Flooring
These are some of the most common mistakes that you need to avoid while installing your vinyl flooring:
- Not leveling your concrete, floorboard, and bathroom subfloor properly.
- Skipping acclimatisation time for your vinyl sheet and plank, and directly laying your vinyl floor.
- Using the wrong type of adhesive for your glue-down vinyl.
- Forgetting to put extension gaps for the click vinyl planks.
- Not measuring properly and cutting vinyl too short near walls or door frames.
Vinyl Flooring Maintenance Tips
In order to keep your vinyl flooring clean and fresh, follow these maintenance tips, and you will be good to go.
- Sweep regularly in order to keep it neat and clean, and avoid scratches.
- Mop with soapy water or a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals on your floors.
- Use pads under your furniture to avoid scratches and furniture marks.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, or it will fade quickly.
Vinyl Flooring Vs Other Materials
Here are some of the comparisons between vinyl floors and other materials like tiles, laminate, and carpet that can help you choose the right option.
Vinyl vs Indoor Floor Tiles
Vinyl tends to be warmer underfoot and easier to install. On the other hand, tiles are a more permanent solution and far more scratch-resistant than vinyl flooring.
Vinyl vs Laminate
Vinyl is more water-resistant, making it more suitable for bathroom spaces, while laminate is hard underfoot but more prone to water absorption.
Vinyl vs Carpet
Vinyl is easier to maintain and is a lot more hygienic, especially for allergy sufferers. Carpet is more appealing and softer, and warmer underfoot.
Final Thoughts
Vinyl flooring is a popular choice among UK homeowners who are searching for a practical, stylish, and cost-effective flooring option. Whether you are installing vinyl planks, LVT, or vinyl sheets, the key to a neat vinyl floor is proper preparation, accurate measurement, and neat finishing.
For those who want a seamless transition that complements their indoor floor tiles or laminate floors, vinyl is an excellent addition. Royale Stone provides high-quality vinyl flooring for all modern and traditional home designs.
With the right vinyl choice, installation, and approach, your vinyl floor can last for more than a decade with excellent durability, elegance, and comfort that never disappoints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you install vinyl flooring step by step?
Prepare the subfloor, acclimate the vinyl, plan your layout, lay the planks, the vinyl sheet, or LVT, and finish the edges for a finished look.
What should I put down before laying vinyl flooring?
A smooth, clean, and levelled subfloor. Use plywood or an underlay if your base is uneven.
Do vinyl floors need to be glued down?
Not always. In a small room, sheet vinyl can be laid loose. However, LVT and plans use click lock or adhesive, depending on the type of flooring.
Can a beginner install vinyl flooring?
Yes. Vinyl click-lock planks and sheet vinyl are very beginner and DIY friendly. With the right tools and patience, even amateurs can achieve great results.
Do you need an underlay for vinyl flooring?
Depends. Plans and LVT come with built-in underlay, while you can use a separate underlay on uneven floors for added comfort and insulation.