Should You Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Yourself?
Installation is one of the most underestimated aspects of getting a new floor. Even after picking the perfect floor material and colour scheme, it only takes a small installation error to throw off the entire look of a new floor. Many homeowners choose to take on a flooring installation themselves, only to quickly realise the need for professional help. Vinyl plank flooring is one of the easier types of flooring to install on your own, but there are still countless homeowners who have ruined their new flooring as the result of DIY projects. So, should you install vinyl plank flooring yourself?
Take a look at the factors below and decide for yourself.
Time
If you intend to take on a vinyl floor installation, it’s important to make sure you’re able to set aside enough time to pull together a seamless installation, without cutting any corners. Most homeowners with average handyman skills can install a vinyl floor in multiple rooms in two to three days.
Tools
Even if you don’t have the right tools to install your new vinyl flooring, you can find everything you might need at the local hardware store. Most vinyl floors require:
- A Trowel
- A Tape Measure
- A Pry Bar
- Sheet Vinyl
- Floor Glue/Adhesive
- A Ruler or Straightedge
- A Razorblade or Pocketknife
- A Vinyl Floor Roller
Skill Level
It’s important to remember that a smooth installation will keep your floor looking and functioning well over time. If you are confident with most hand tools, it’s likely you will be able to successfully install your new vinyl floor if you pay close attention to the directions.
But as we said earlier: beware! Many homeowners have taken on a DIY vinyl floor installation only to realize they have picked the wrong hobby.
Some common vinyl flooring installation mistakes include:
Doing things out of order:
Forgetting to make cuts in your vinyl or waiting to take measurements are two common mistakes homeowners make while installing a new vinyl floor.
During larger renovations, many homeowners choose to upgrade their countertops before replacing the flooring. While this does help save money up front, it also limits the flooring options they can install in the future – remember flooring height is entirely dependent on cabinet layout.
Setting a Crooked Floor:
Taking measurements is used for more than just making sure the floor is cut to size, it also keeps the pattern on your flooring looking the way it should. Nobody wants their floors to look “crooked” (or for beautiful patterns to be cut off oddly at the wall) but this is one of the common mistakes homeowners make.
Installing a vinyl floor, yourself is definitely possible, especially if you take advantage of the countless online resources available. Blogs and YouTube videos like the one from LoveHome below are all good places to gather information about floor installation best practices.
With a careful eye for detail, the right tools, and plenty of time to work on your project in a stress-free environment, you can install a beautiful vinyl floor over the course of a weekend. If a DIY installation sounds like a little too much to take on, find a professional flooring installer near you instead.
