Installing vinyl plank flooring for the first time might seem challenging, but it’s more manageable than you think. However, if you don’t approach the installation correctly, you may encounter common mistakes when installing vinyl plank flooring.
These mistakes can cost you both time and money, and they can also make your floor look bad. Don’t worry, I’ve been in your situation and learned some important lessons. Let me guide you through the common mistakes to avoid before you start installing your vinyl plank flooring.
1. Uneven Subfloor
When considering vinyl flooring pros and cons, proper installation is crucial for longevity. The biggest mistake when installing vinyl plank flooring is not leveling the subfloor. Always ensure the subfloor is smooth, clean, level, and stable. Use a long bubble level to check for low spots or high spots. If you find any uneven areas, fill them with a floor patch or thin-set, spreading it evenly with a putty knife. Use a wood strip to level the thin-set, and repeat these steps until the surface is smooth.
This crucial layer provides a flat surface and adds waterproofing in wet areas. Skipping this step can lead to an unstable floor, causing planks to lift or peel. You may also notice gaps between boards and hear clicking sounds when walking. A well-prepared subfloor is essential for a successful installation and a beautiful, long-lasting floor. Remember, these days, most people prefer vinyl flooring in their kids bedrooms for durability and explore creative wall paneling ideas in the living room for a cohesive look.
2. Fasteners Below The Surface Floor
Before installing vinyl plank flooring, remove all fasteners from the floor. Check for nails, bolts, screws, clips, and other metal pieces. If you don’t remove them, they may transfer to the flooring, leading to improper installation. Leaving sinking fasteners can also make your floor uncomfortable to walk on. Use a scraper to push the fasteners below the surface of the floor.
3. Working With Existing Baseboards
Leaving the baseboards in place can make installation easier, but for a smooth finish, it’s best to start by removing the baseboards and door trim. Install the flooring planks against the walls, then replace the baseboards over the edges.
When removing the carpet, use thick trim to hide any gaps. Be gentle when reattaching the baseboards to avoid damaging the flooring. This approach ensures a gap-free, professional-looking result.
4. Completing Rows With Small Planks
For a neat appearance, avoid ending rows with small wood pieces. To prevent this, check your flooring manufacturer’s guidelines. If you’re using planks that are 4 feet long, make sure not to use pieces shorter than 8 inches at the ends of rows. Simply adjust your starting piece to avoid small fragments. This simple planning ensures a great finish.
5. Avoiding Corner Mistakes
Vinyl plank flooring installation is straightforward, but corners require extra attention. When laying rows, a room corner can catch you off guard and leave your board too short. To avoid this mistake, plan ahead and keep rows connected until you reach the farthest corner. Then, add a smaller plank at the front of the row.
This clever trick helps push the rest of the row into place, resulting in nearly full-length pieces and seamless corners. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid awkward cuts and achieve a smooth finish. You’ll also be able to achieve a harmonious flow between your rectangular living room and barndominium kitchen with stylish vinyl flooring that ties both spaces together.
6. Positioning Air Vents
Air vents can be a significant issue when installing vinyl plank flooring. To properly address a floor vent, make sure to control where the vent meets the plank length. Don’t know how to cut vinyl plank flooring, simply cut by leaving 8 inches before the vent, and place the plank. Use a carpenter’s square and right angle to mark the vent location.
When cutting, place the cut-out away from the short edge to preserve the locking system. You can use a multitool, a drill, a starter hole, and a jigsaw or pull saw. This simple trick helps you manage where the vent is placed and maintain a seamless look.
7. Avoiding Doorway Obstacles
For a smooth finish, make sure the transition strip fits under the door frame. If it doesn’t, you may need to cut the flooring to fit and fill gaps with caulk or filler, which can look uneven.
8. Do You Need Specialized Tools?
Cutting vinyl flooring doesn’t require specialized tools. You can make straight, full-width cuts using various low-cost options, such as utility knives, vinyl cutters, circular saws, or even hand saws. Don’t assume you need expensive tools to cut vinyl flooring.
9. Mixing Vinyl Plank Patterns
To avoid laying similar patterns next to each other, unpack the vinyl plank flooring near the installation area and sort the boards into pattern groups. Then, mix and match from different groups, ensuring that similar patterns are separated by at least one board.
This simple plan prevents unpleasant pattern mixes, creates a visually appealing floor, and saves time while reducing stress. In this way, you can enhance your boho kitchen and grey and white bedroom with luxury vinyl flooring that complements its modern aesthetic.
10. Why Follow Manufacturer Guidelines?
Don’t make the mistake of adding extra underlayment if your vinyl plank flooring already has it built in. Always check your manufacturer’s advice regarding flooring. Remember that built-in underlayment eliminates the need for additional layers, and adding more can void your warranty. Following the company’s guidance is crucial to avoiding costly mistakes.
Conclusion
Luxury vinyl planks and floors are ideal for DIY projects. Learn from these common mistakes to ensure a smooth process before installing vinyl plank flooring. By following these tips, you’ll achieve a flawless finish, a hardwood-like elegance, and quick installation. To avoid potential issues, follow the guide above, and enhance your space with luxury vinyl plank flooring.
It also enhances the clean lines and bold colors of a mid century modern living room, creating a stylish base for your decor. Keep visiting styleofhome.com to find more amazing DIY projects to enhance the beauty and functionality inside your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Does My Vinyl Plank Flooring Keep Separating During Installation?
Vinyl flooring moves with temperature changes. Leave a small gap around the room to prevent buckling and gaps.
Why Does My Vinyl Plank Flooring Keep Popping Up?
Vinyl planks, like wood and concrete, react to temperature and moisture changes. They can expand, contract, loosen, or warp. To ensure easy repairs, buy extra planks when purchasing your flooring.
What Not To Use On Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Do not use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, wax or solvent-based polishes, detergents, soaps, abrasive cleaners, ammonia or ammonia-based solutions, and steam cleaners on vinyl plank flooring.
What Destroys Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is durable, but extreme heat can damage it. Avoid placing hot pans, curling irons, or cigarette butts on the floor to prevent heat damage.
What Is The Gap Between The Vinyl Floor And The Wall?
The vinyl flooring expansion gap for small rooms less than 50ft is almost a 0.25-inch gap. Large rooms that are between 50 to 85 feet have a 0.5-inch gap. Leave this gap around the entire room.