Place vinyl floor

Vinyl floors have evolved a lot in recent years. For this reason, they have become a good alternative to other more traditionally used materials, such as wood and stone. In addition, vinyl is usually inexpensive and even easier to install. However, not all of us know how to lay vinyl.

The idea of ​​using vinyl to build floors arose in the 1950s. However, it was from 1970 that it began to be better known. We must admit that at first it was not a competitive option against wood, but thanks to technological advances, vinyl floors now have properties that make them very durable and attractive.

One of the advantages of vinyl flooring is that it is available in a wide variety of designs, colours, shapes and finishes, so it is always possible to find one that suits the style of your home or office. On the other hand, they are practical, durable and require less maintenance than other types of flooring. 

What you should know before installing vinyl flooring

It is important to point out that this type of flooring must be installed on a flat and level surface, in the same way that we do when laying wood, stone or any other material. Although the vinyl bathroom floor is usually resistant to moisture, the existence of possible leaks must be ruled out before assembly. In this sense, it is advisable to make a diagnosis of the existing floor to place the new one with greater security.

Also, it is possible to lay vinyl flooring for the kitchen, either on tiles, tiles or other coverings, as long as they are in good condition. In this way, if any piece of ceramic is broken, it is preferable to replace it before installing the vinyl, in order to avoid potholes, undulations and deformities that reduce the useful life of the floor. On the other hand, if there are skirting boards, they must also be removed before laying the new floor. Experts recommend leaving a distance of about 10mm from the wall, as vinyl expands and contracts with changes in temperature.

On the other hand, before starting, it is worth remembering the use of safety shoes, gloves, protective glasses and other implements that you consider necessary depending on the work you have to do. Let’s see how to lay vinyl flooring.

Assembly of the vinyl floor according to the format

1) vinyl roll

Roll vinyl flooring is one of the most practical to install. The first step is to clean the entire surface with a damp cloth and then take measurements with a tape measure. In this case, it is advisable to calculate at least an additional 10% so that there is a little excess on the edges of the walls and then cut to size on the floor itself, which allows a more precise finish. 

Then, a layer of vinyl glue diluted in water must be applied to the surface with the help of a preferably wide and flat brush, to later extend the roll of vinyl, pushing with a plastic master plate to flatten and fix the floor well. The edges of the wall bases can be cut with a utility knife and a metal ruler for accuracy. 

One of the problems with vinyl flooring in rolls is that it does not come in small sheets, but is similar to wallpaper. Therefore, if it is a large surface, it is very important to take into account the design of the vinyl when cutting the pieces, so that the floor has continuity and it is not noticeable where one piece ends and the other begins. As a general rule, the fewer cuts made to the vinyl roll, the more professional the result. 

2) Vinyl in strips

This is one of the simplest options when it comes to renovating the floor, since the vinyl comes in strips that can be placed as if it were tiles. Also, it is known as click vinyl flooring, since each piece usually has a beveled edge where the next one fits, thus facilitating installation. 

However, it is good to know that there is self-adhesive vinyl flooring, which, as its name implies, has a special glue on the back, so it is only a matter of removing the protective paper and sticking directly on the old floor. For this reason, adhesive vinyl tile is becoming more and more popular in homes and businesses. Now, if the vinyl you have bought does not have glue, then you must cover the entire surface with continuous adhesive paper to place the slats on top. 

Another option to install slats if you do not have self-adhesive vinyl is to use a special acrylic glue for PVC. In this case, a layer of this product must be applied with a spatula, starting at the corner farthest from the door and always moving towards the entrance. Then, let it dry for as long as necessary according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it is dry, you can start laying the slats, this time in the opposite direction, starting from the door to the farthest area.

Benefits and drawbacks of vinyl flooring

The first thing we should mention is that laying vinyl flooring is generally cheaper than installing stoneware or wood, both in terms of materials and labor, since it is generally not necessary to carry out construction work. In addition, vinyl resists humidity very well and is very easy to clean.

However, there are some cons. For example, in certain cases, vinyl floors peel off because they lose their shape due to the effect of high temperatures. Similarly, sunlight causes them to lose color, so they are mainly recommended for interiors.

To conclude, we can say that installing vinyl flooring is a very interesting alternative, but the above information must be taken into account so that the reforms you carry out last a long time.