How to Install Sheet Vinyl Flooring - Part 2

A reducer strip helps to make a nice visual transition between different types of floors. First cut the metal mounting strip to the correct length and attach it to the floor with screws. Trim the laminate reducer strip to the appropriate length and snap it into the metal mounting strip.

Cutting the Floor to Fit

Trimming in Place

If your room does not have complex recesses and/or fixed objects you may choose to fit the vinyl to the room by simply measuring the floor area. Mark the sheet vinyl with a non-permanent felt tip maker and cut the vinyl three (3) inches wider on all sides.

Place the sheet vinyl flooring in your room and let the edges curl up against the walls. To trim outside corners and/or other objects, cut a vertical slice down the sheet from the top all the way down to where it touches the floor. For inside corners, make v-shaped cuts where the flooring overlaps. Carefully make several v-cuts as needed until vinyl lays flat on the floor.

Next, crease the sheet vinyl flooring with a 2x4 pressed against the vinyl where it meets the walls. Using a straightedge and utility knife, cut the flooring, allowing 1/8” gap between the flooring and the wall.

Template or Installation Kit Trimming:

If your room requires more complex cuts and planning a paper template will be needed. This will help you to make the proper cuts more accurately. Most manufacturers sell an installation kit with the proper tools and materials to accomplish this.

First place your template paper on your existing floor, holding in place with tape as needed. Make sure you leave a 1/8” gap between the paper and the wall to allow for expansion. Push the template under any door jambs and casings as the sheet vinyl will be laid the same way. To properly diagram curved or irregular features, use a compass or other tool provided in your installation kit.

In another room (we suggest a clean garage floor) unroll the sheet vinyl face up. A scrap piece of plywood can be used under the sheet vinyl to protect the floor underneath and utility knife. Position the template on top of the vinyl and trace the outline and any other cuts to be made with a washable felt-tip marker. Use a straightedge and utility knife to make your cuts.

Roll the sheet vinyl back up and bring it into the room where it will be installed. Carefully unroll it and slide it under door jambs

Installing Your New Floor:

Adhesive is required to install your new vinyl floor. If the floor is a full-bond you will need to apply adhesive to the entire surface of the floor. If the floor is a perimeter-bond floor you will only have to be secured along the edges of your room. Make sure you use the appropriate adhesive for your floor type.

Also, if your vinyl flooring will require a seam, check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding seams. Different manufacturers have different requirements for handling installations involving seams. Make sure you follow these properly.

Once you have the floor arranged properly in the room, fold back half of the floor. Following the manufacturer’s instructions for the adhesive apply the adhesive to the subfloor using a notched trowel. Unless otherwise directed by the instructions, apply adhesive in a one foot strip, then carefully unroll an equal amount of sheet vinyl and push it into the adhesive. A kitchen rolling pin or floor roller will help push out any air bubbles. Make sure to roll from the center out towards the edge when removing air bubbles. Repeat the adhesive application and unrolling of the sheet vinyl until you reach the edge of the room. Move back to the middle of the room and repeat these steps for the other half of the room.

Finishing:

Once both halves are down, roll the floor again from the middle to the edges to remove any remaining air bubbles. It’s also a good idea to walk on the floor with socks to feel for any air bubbles. If you have any seams, make sure these are sealed with seam sealer recommended by the flooring manufacturer.

When reinstalling shoe molding and/or baseboards, nail them to the wall, not the floor. This will allow the floor to expand. Trim doors if needed.

If there is any adhesive residue, this can be cleaned from the floor, but do not mop or otherwise fully clean the floor for 72 hours (or as directed by manufacturer). This will help the adhesive to fully cure and make a tight bond. Also keep foot traffic down to a minimum for 24 hours.

Furniture, appliances and/or other heavy items can be brought back in the room after the initial 24 hours. When moving anything heavy, make sure the new floor is properly protected with a scrap piece of plywood and/or a thick cloth.