Whether you’re planning to build a new home, or just renovating your current home, you might wonder if vinyl plank flooring is easy to install. Before you get started, you’ll want to consider a few things, including the differences between glue-down and loose lay flooring. Also, you’ll want to make sure you’ve prepared the subfloor.
Glue-down vs loose lay
Glue-down vinyl plank flooring is one of the most durable types of vinyl flooring. It offers a smooth, slip-resistant surface that is easy to maintain and can last for up to 20 years. It is also a more economical choice than some other flooring types.
Loose lay vinyl plank flooring is the same as a floating floor. They are designed to be easy to install and remove. They are also resistant to scratches and dents. Loose lay vinyl planks may be easier to replace in an emergency, because glued down vinyl is sometimes difficult to rip-up.
Glue-down vinyl plank flooring uses very strong adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive. It is also safer in high traffic areas, such as healthcare facilities. Some are made with recycled content. Most also have antimicrobial properties that make them ideal for yoga studios.
Glue-down vinyl plank floors also require a dry installation site. The temperature of the site should be between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to consider the moisture level of the subfloor. See More Info
Preparing the subfloor
Choosing the right flooring type, preparing the subfloor and installing it properly are important to achieve a high-quality and long-lasting floor. A vinyl plank floor is a type of flooring that is both durable and climate-sensitive. It’s a good choice for high-traffic areas.
It can be installed over existing floor materials. It’s also available for use in residential and commercial settings. To prepare the subfloor, you’ll need to ensure it’s level, clean and dry.
A subfloor can have high or low spots, making the flooring feel uneven. For a smoother, level surface, you can sand down bumps.
Some vinyl floors are equipped with a pre-attached underlay. Underlayment will reduce levelling the subfloor and make it easier to install. If you decide to install an underlay, it’s important to choose one that will also help hide imperfections.
The underlay can also help reduce the effects of moisture in the subfloor. Moisture is a concern when installing vinyl flooring. If the subfloor has a high moisture content, it will need dehumidification. It’s also important to have a moisture barrier in place before installing the vinyl.
Staggering the planks
Staggering of vinyl plank flooring can help you create a beautiful, eye-catching look. It will also provide more stability for your laminate flooring. However, it does require a little bit of planning.
When installing vinyl plank flooring, plan on spacing planks at least six inches apart. Make sure that you have a piece at least six inches on the end too. It is necessary to allow for expansion and contraction as a whole. It is also important to make sure that the planks are properly locked together. This will ensure that the planks do not separate over time.
You may also want to add plastic spacers around the edge of the flooring to help you get it to fit perfectly. If you do not add spacers, you may end up with a gap in the flooring. Read This Page
Fixing Damaged Planks
Having a damaged plank in your vinyl plank flooring can cause the floor to look worn out. It can also be a safety hazard. The good news is that typically, you can easily fix this problem.
First, you need to determine if the floor is a floating floor or glue down vinyl plank.
If the floors is a floating installation, you can generally just take up the floor up to the damaged plank, replace the plank, and put the floor back together.
With a glue down floor you can just cut out the damaged plank and glue a new one in its place.