The vinyl plank flooring is commonly used these days around the globe. The main reason behind this is their realistic wooden appearance and easy installation. Additionally, vinyl flooring is very easy to maintain and cost-effective compared to any other type of flooring. Most people want to install flooring by themselves. If you are one of them, this blog is especially for you.
In this comprehensive guide by Royal Carpets, we will list some common mistakes when installing vinyl plank flooring. So, if you are planning to install these planks yourself, make sure to avoid these mistakes. When the vinyl plank is installed properly, you can enjoy its functionality for several years. Let’s start exploring the mistakes to avoid while installing vinyl plank flooring.
9 Common Mistakes When Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
Some people try to install vinyl plank flooring in a hurry, ultimately causing many imperfections during the installation. Check out the common mistakes that most people make during the installation.
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Ignoring Subfloor Imperfections
One of the widley mistakes that most people make is to ignore the subflooring imperfection. There is a misconception that the new layer of flooring will cover the imperfection of the existing floor. But it is totally wrong.
The best way to install the vinyl plank flooring is to prepare the subfloor first. You must remove the nails and screws from it. Additionally, make sure to sand the floor to level out the rough spots. If you install the planks without preparing the subfloors, then the imperfection in your subfloor will be visible after plank installation.
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Do Not Remove The Baseboard
The second common mistake is not removing the baseboard before installing the vinyl flooring. When you install the plank over the baseboard, you will face many problems getting the finished edges. Make sure to avoid the gaps around the edges. You can do this task by fastening the baseboard and setting them aside.
After that, you can layer the plank against the wall. This will help the baseboard go over the edges. Now trim the board around the edges and doors if necessary. The alternate way is to cut a small amount. This will allow the new flooring including wood, parquet, SPC, and laminate flooring to fit very neatly and elegantly. While reinstalling the baseboards, never press them down tightly against the vinyl flooring. If you follow this practice, then there is a high chance of buckling at the end of the plank.
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Skip The Underlayermt
Around 40% of people do not install the underlay while installing vinyl plank flooring. Proper underlayment installation is crucial. You can use the underlayment mentioned below.
- Foam underlayment
- Cork underlayment
- Rubber underlayment
- Fiberboard underlayment
- Felt underlayment
The purpose of the underlayment is to provide a smooth surface for the new flooring. Additionally, it provides maximum underfoot comfort while walking on the newly installed vinyl plank flooring. In moisture-prone areas like the kitchen and bathroom, these underlayments will act as the layer to save flooring from moisture damage. Most importantly, the perfect underlayment will muffle the sounds between the upper and lower levels.
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Not Planning The Layout
The most important step in installing vinyl plank flooring is planning the layout. Unfortunately, many people skip this part, and the planks look very odd after the installation. So, the best practice is to prepare the design first. You can get help from home improvement expert in this regard. This practice will help minimize the waste of the plank and maximize aesthetic appeal.
Additionally, you can use graph paper to draw different layouts. Then, you can select the one that looks more elegant. While planning the design, you must determine whether your floor ends on a full look of the plank or the particle width.
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Not Staggering Seams During Installation
Choosing the right design and color of vinyl flooring is not enough. If you want to enjoy its complete functionality, then you must install it properly. Vinyl flooring can complement home improvement elements like skyline cabinets, custom made furniture, etc., only if you install it properly.
The most crucial step in installing vinyl plank flooring is staggering the seams. Make sure to stagger the seams on each row of the plank so that it looks sophisticated after the installation.
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Ending The Rows With Small Boards
Another repeated and common mistake that we observe is ending the row with a small board. The small fragment of the wood looks very odd at the end of the row. With the popper layout planning, you can easily avoid this mistake. While planning the layout, make sure that the row does not end up with planks that are less than 6 to 8 inches.
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Layering The Similar Patterns Next To Each Other
Most people install similar patterns of planks next to each other that look very odd. Preparation is the best way to avoid this mistake. When unpacking the vinyl flooring, divide the planks into different heaps.
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Forget To Order Extra Materials
Always buy extra materials while installing vinyl floor planks. If you buy planks with the same measurements, you may face a shortage of planks and other materials. So, it is always recommended to buy extra materials to avoid any hassle during the installation of vinyl plank flooring.
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Not Following The Manufacturing Guidelines
Every brand has a specific feature of vinyl plank flooring. Ultimately, their installation requirements may slightly vary. So, it is always recommended to read the manufacturer’s guidelines during the installation guide.
The manufacturer’s guidelines manual is included in the planks’ boxes. These guidelines help you build a base of knowledge that will definitely help you during the installation.
Final Words
These were all about the common mistakes when installing vinyl plank flooring. We hope that after reading the blog carefully, you will avoid these mistakes during the vinyl flooring installation. If you are still confused at some point, you can ask in the comment section.
