How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring On Concrete Floor

Vinyl plank flooring is one of the trending flooring material in the market. Despite being 100 percent synthetic, vinyl planks are made to mimic authentic flooring materials such as wood and sometimes stone. It is a resilient flooring material with high resistance to water and staining. Moreover, vinyl planks are affordable and have an option of “do it yourself” that comes with easy installation features. Vinyl plank installation on concrete makes the floor warm and comfortable. As much as this flooring material may seem to be a perfect flooring, it would be prudent to consider vinyl plank flooring pros and cons.

How to install vinyl plank flooring

Vinyl plank is designed to connect through click and lock and glue down techniques. Most of the vinyl planks are designed to be laid on the existing floor. However, you need to assess the condition of the surface on which you want to put the vinyl plank. Before installation, you should make sure that your sub-floor is in perfect condition, smooth, clean, dust free, and damage free. The most asked question is on whether you need underlay for vinyl plank flooring or not. For the case of concrete floors, an underlay is necessary for your sub-floor. The underlay adds an extra cushion on your floor and makes it softer and increase the floors insulating capability, thus keeps it warm even during winter.

Taking measurements

The first move in installing vinyl plank flooring over concrete is to determine the area that needs to be covered. Use a tape measure to establish the exact area and add an allowance of 5 square feet for any emergency during the flooring. After working out the area, you need to find oua retailer who offers cheap vinyl plank flooring. You will have to buy the type of flooring material that is suitable for this technique of flooring. The planks have a click-lock system that closely resembles that of laminate flooring but vinyl flooring is a little bit thinner than the laminate flooring. The ideal thickness of the current vinyl plank ranges between 2mm and 8mm. For vinyl planks with thickness below 4mm, you can enhance effective click-locking through the application of foam underlay.

material and Sub-floor preparation

On the day of arrival of the vinyl flooring material, leave the flooring in the store for at least two days to acclimatize. Before you begin the installation process, you need to prepare the sub-floor by clearing any obstruction, cleaning the flooring, filling, underlay application, and finally starting the process for installation. For a successful vinyl plank installation process, you will need simple tools and equipment such as a measuring tape, sharp utility knife, flooring of your choice, spacers, markers, rubber mallet, chalk, tapping block, T-square,  and level. With tools at hand, you are set to go. Decide on the pattern to use for your flooring and start cutting the flooring pieces to produce the pattern requirements. It is also crucial to mix all the planks from the boxes evenly to give a uniform look.

Steps to follow

1. Spacing

With the spacer, ensure that there is a gap of 1.3cm from the wall and start laying your first row of vinyl plank flooring starting from the left. Ensure the groove of one plank fits into the tongue of the other plank snugly. Complete the rows by interlocking the groove and tongue connectors while aligning the seams.

 

 

2. Tapping

Using a rubber-made mallet and a tapping block, gently tap the planks to fit entirely as the laying of the planks continues. Using the leftovers cut terminals that are at least 6 inches or longer to start up your next row and mix the pieces to give the flooring a uniform appearance.

 

 

 

3. Interlocking

At a slight angle, fit the planks to the previous row and ensure it interlocks correctly. Carry on the task while ensuring that the planks are interlocking and all the seams are tightly fit. You can add spacers every few feet around the edges and lift them off once you are through with the installation.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Re-installing the Baseboards

Finish your vinyl plank installation by re-installing your baseboards. Finally, use brad mailer to install finishing molds that cover the expansion gaps.

By completing these processes, you will have your fantastic vinyl plank fit into your floor space. Make sure you read and understand the manufacturers’ specifications on how to clean vinyl plank flooring as well as the cleaners to be used. Also, avoid sharp objects that may damage the surface of the tile.