Vinyl plank flooring is known to have a number of useful features. If you are looking for a resilient, water-resistant, and low-maintenance flooring product for installation in homes and offices, you should certainly consider vinyl plank. In particular, this product is more suitable for high-traffic areas. Provided you get it installed in a proper manner and give it proper maintenance, vinyl plank flooring can easily last for two decades or more. The flooring material is also an excellent choice for homes with kids and pets. Whether you pick vinyl planks for your house or office, it is important to seek the help of a professional to ensure correct and accurate installation.
For premium quality vinyl plank products and professional installation, you should head to Minuteman Floors in Manchester.
Installation Method: Three Main Categories of Vinyl Planks
Whether you are replacing an existing floor or installing a new floor, you first need to determine exactly what type of vinyl plank you look for. So, it is important that you have a general idea of the different types of vinyl plank available out there. Depending on the installation procedure, the flooring product can be categorized into a) Interlocking Vinyl Plank b) Grip Strip Vinyl Plank and c) Glue Down Vinyl Plank. You should choose a product that is ideal for your needs.
Here is a quick look at what each of these vinyl plank products means and how their installation process varies:
A) Interlocking Vinyl Plank
As is evident from the name, this type of vinyl plank is installed using an interlocking method. This means no adhesive will be applied. The planks are already designed with tongue-and-groove joints. One plank attaches to another using the joints and the result is a nice and strong fit.
B) Grip Strip Vinyl Plank
This type of vinyl plank flooring is installed using an adhesive layer. The manufacturer has already provided the adhesive layer that is used to connect one plank with another during the vinyl plank flooring installation. The flooring that is created in this way is also termed floating vinyl. The word floating suggests that Grip Strip Vinyl Plank only covers the subfloor without attaching to it.
C) Glue Down Vinyl Plank
This category of vinyl planks will be installed in a way so that they adhere to the subfloor with the use of an adhesive. A flooring contractor may use either a hard-set adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. If the technician uses the first one, he or she will first apply the adhesive all over the subfloor. After that, the vinyl planks will be laid down. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is already present on the bottom of the vinyl plank for installation. Using the second type of adhesive makes the replacement of damaged vinyl planks much easier.
Depending on what your exact needs are, you should carefully select from these three categories of vinyl plank flooring. Each of these has its own pros and cons. If you find it hard to decide which type is best for your needs, feel free to reach out to one of our experts at Minuteman Floors in Manchester, NH. Our specialists will recommend the most ideal option for attractive and durable vinyl plank flooring installation in your house, apartment, mansion, office, lobby, etc.
Steps of Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation
Also referred to as luxury vinyl, the flooring material is not hard to install. However, different techniques are used for the successful installation of each type of vinyl plank flooring. Floating vinyl planks are easier to install than glue-down vinyl plank flooring. It is always best to seek the expert help of an experienced flooring contractor or trained installer for the job. Professionals will carry out the installation process with a high level of accuracy, ensuring high durability.
Select the Type of Vinyl Plank
Of the three main categories of vinyl plank flooring, you should first select which type you want to install. The choice you make may vary depending on where exactly you want to install the material.
Create the Flooring Layout
Where will you install the first row of vinyl planks? First, you should create a flooring layout to make the installation go in a well-planned and hassle-free manner. Usually, the installation of planks should begin from a wall or floor that is most visible as you enter the house, building, or property.
You need to plan how exactly the laying down of vinyl planks will begin. And then, proceed from one room to another. You need to know how the end seams will be offset. To create a perfect layout, you will need to consider a number of things as well as the size of every room where the material will be installed. To ensure accurate vinyl plank flooring installation, you should get in touch with a reliable flooring contractor such as Minuteman Floors in Manchester, NH.
Have the Right Set of Equipment and Tools
It is important to have the right set of installation tools. To cut the vinyl planks, you will need a vinyl cutter or a jigsaw. Other tools required for the job include a tape measure, pliers, flat pry bar, utility knife, chalk, straightedge, carpenter’s square, hammer, drawbar tool, nail set, etc. You may need some additional tools and materials if you want to install the glue-down vinyl plank flooring.
Trained technicians will never forget to wear safety goggles, work gloves, and knee pads for their safety during the installation.
Prepare the Floor
Subfloor preparation is an important step of the vinyl plank flooring installation process. One of the key features of the vinyl plank is that you can install it over an existing floor, concrete, or plywood. But you need to prepare the subfloor in a proper manner for a smooth and successful installation.
If the subfloor has gaps, cracks, or uneven areas, a professional installer will first level the floor. He or she will fill up the cracks as well as sand down the uneven surfaces to create a level subfloor.
Cut the Planks to the Right Size
Based on the layout, you should not cut the planks to size. How you cut and place the planks will determine the actual appearance. If the cut planks are of equal length, you will achieve a beautiful look.
It is a good idea to lay down full planks at the center of the wall first and then move towards each side of the wall. While placing the vinyl planks, you should remember to leave a few inches of a gap at the end of the walls. Measurement techniques will play a crucial role in ensuring a wonderful look.
Attach the Planks
During installation, one plank should connect with another plank in a proper manner. If it is interlocking vinyl planks that you are using, one plank will interlock with another using a fold-and-lock system. In the case of interlocking vinyl planks, one plank is first placed on the subfloor flat and then the other plank is placed at an angle in a way that both the planks interlock with each other. While installation of interlocking vinyl planks may look simple, accuracy and smoothness require experience. Vinyl plank installation using adhesive requires a lot more skills and experience. If it is glue-down vinyl planks, the technician will usually apply a floor roller over it. He will do it after all the planks have been cut and laid down on the subfloor.
No matter whether you use floating vinyl planks or glue-down vinyl planks, it is important to attach the planks in an accurate manner. If the attachment is accurate, the overall appearance of the floor will be nice.
For more information on how each of the three types of vinyl planks will be installed, talk to one of our highly trained technicians.
Place the Final Planks
Finally, it is time to put planks at the end of the wall. This is exactly why you left some gaps in the first place. As per need, you may need to cut vinyl planks across the length for a proper fit. The planks should be cut using the right tools. Then, they should be placed at the end of the wall to complete installation.
If it is a small or moderate-sized room, you can expect the vinyl plank flooring installation to complete in a couple of hours. Technicians will take more time for installation in large areas such as halls and lobbies.
Talk to a Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation Expert
If you plan for a floor with a sleek and attractive look, you should definitely find out more about vinyl planks. You should know their different categories and what to expect during the installation process. At Minuteman Floors, we deal in premium quality vinyl planks as well as specialize in vinyl planks installation. If you have a question in this regard or want to talk to one of our specialists for the installation of the material in your house, apartment, office, or lobby, feel free to call our phone number. You can also write to us an email using the contact form on our website.
