Categories: HOME IMPROVEMENT

DYI: Installing Vinyl Plank Wood Flooring

Installing vinyl plank flooring uses three specific methods. The first way is securing the plans to the sub-floor by using a factory-applied adhesive (peel-and-stick). The second is with a tab or spray adhesive. The third is with a full-spread adhesive. For first time Do-It-Yourselfers be cautious with the full-spread adhesive. Look at the label and follow the manufacturers instructions.

Tools needed to install vinyl plank flooring include:

Chalk Line
Adhesive if not “peel-and-stick”. Other adhesives include tabs, spray, or full spread adhesives.
Notched trowel (if using full-spread adhesive)
Vinyl tile cutter

Preparation of the floor needs to be done prior to putting down the vinyl wood planking. Read the instructions on the particular brand you have purchased to insure proper preparation is completed. The majority of vinyl plank flooring may be installed over wood sub-floors and concrete sub-floors on any grade level. If approved by the manufacturer, plank flooring may be installed over radiant heating systems and existing vinyl or linoleum. All other flooring should be removed. If you find asbestos, go over the top but make sure this is okay with your local city code.

Some floors may require sub-flooring. The best to use is an underlayment grade plywood, class 4, 0.215″ grade or Type 1 lauan plywood. Concrete slabs need moisture tests as directed by the manufacturer. Make sure your sub-floor is free from all dips, valleys or imperfections. Scrape, fill or sand if necessary.

Your new vinyl plank wood flooring needs to acclimate itself to the room you will be installing it into. This should be done for a minimum of 24 hours. Read your manufacturers instructions to ensure you have it acclimating for the proper time period. This is done so the pieces will have their tightest fit.

Remove all molding, doors and toilet (if working in the bathroom). Undercut door casings if the vinyl plank wood flooring is to fit under the door casing. The floor should be swept or vacuumed prior to installation to ensure a good seal. This is especially important if you are using a “peel-and-stick” planking, tab or spray adhesive.

When using a full spread adhesive, use the same brand for the entire project. The spreadable adhesive is put down with the notched trowel. The notches will gauge the thickness of the adhesive and leave room for the adhesive to spread when the planking is installed. Follow the manufactures instructions for using full spread adhesive. I would recommend not using this process if this is the first time you are installing vinyl plank wood flooring. It has more of a mess and is slightly more complicated that the other adhesives.

Things to remember when using vinyl plank wood flooring. Do not store your planking in direct sunlight. Wear gloves if using full spread adhesive. Place heavy objects on the vinyl plank wood flooring to make sure the flooring adequately adheres to the adhesive. Check the manufacturer’s details for drying time of the adhesive. If using “peel-and-stick” planking and the planking does not stick the first time, use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat up the adhesive and then re-install.

Installing vinyl plank wood flooring is easy for the first time Do-It-Yourselfer. There are numerous sites on the Internet for help. Such websites include http://FindAnyFloor.com, www.homedepot.com and http://homeimprovement.com. Your local building centers such as Lowe’s, Menard’s, and Home Depot are also there to answer any questions you may have.