What Tools Do You Need To Fit Vinyl Flooring

Are you thinking about fitting some beautiful new vinyl flooring in your home? Perhaps you’re starting up a flooring business and want to make sure that you have everything you need. Well don’t worry, you’re in the right place. 

In this guide, we will be looking at the most essential tools you’ll need to effortlessly install vinyl flooring. We’ll also give you some great tips to get the most out of your installation and ensure that everything goes smoothly.

What Are The Most Important Tools For Vinyl Flooring Installation?

One of the best things about choosing vinyl flooring is that it can be done as a DIY job. You will need to have some basic skills but it’s certainly much simpler than laying carpet, for example. So, if you’re going to give your home a spruce up then check out our list of the most necessary equipment. 

• You’ll need something to measure the room dimensions. Most people find a tape measure to be the most efficient but you could go for a folding rule, if you prefer. 
• A calculator is handy for working out how many square metres you will need to cover after taking your measurements. 
• Using a bevel is ideal for measuring corners. 
• Always keep a pencil to hand as this allows you to mark where you’ll need to cut. 
• Cutting vinyl is always best done using a concave cutter knife. Some people choose to use a crosscut saw but this does create more mess and dust. A concave cutter knife is specifically designed for this type of work and much more efficient. If you have none of these tools then a high quality stanley knife or a sharp pair of scissors might be just as effective. 
• If you are going to have underfloor heating, it is also advisable to glue your vinyl into place as opposed to just using the locking system. Most vinyl flooring manufacturers will make glue that is perfectly designed for use with their products so it’s worth looking out for. 
• Cleaning tools for when the job is done such as a vacuum cleaner, broom, mop etc. 

While installing vinyl flooring is by no means a toxic job, you may be exposed to dust and particles depending on the environment. For this reason, it’s always worth considering wearing goggles, a dust mask and overalls. 

Since you are going to be spending a lot of time on the floor while installing your vinyl floor, it may also be worth considering using knee pads. If you don’t have these, using a folded blanket or towel can provide you with enough support and comfort. 

Do I Need Underlay?

Vinyl flooring is a cushioned material so when you install it, you don’t need to worry about underlay. However, there may be a few exceptions to this rule.

If you want to increase the height of the floor then it may be possible to install an underlay to achieve this. Moreover, if you are installing vinyl on a concrete subfloor, then it is generally accepted that using an underlay is good practice. This is particularly important for click vinyl as you’ll need to make sure there is a vapour barrier to prevent moisture damage and shifting.

Tips For Installing Vinyl Flooring

As well as having the right tools for the job, it’s helpful to understand the best way to install vinyl flooring. This type of floor is incredibly durable and when it is properly laid and well looked after, it can last many years. However, too many people make a DIY attempt that ends in disaster as they haven’t taken the time to learn how to do it correctly. Here are some handy vinyl flooring tips. 

• Before installing your vinyl flooring, store it in the room where you will lay it for at least 48 hours. Leave it in the packaging while you do this. The reason for this is to let the vinyl adjust to the room which will prevent cracks or brittleness. 
• When measuring the room for vinyl flooring, make sure that you leave between 5mm and 10mm of extra material to allow for waste. This will be easy to cut off once the floor is laid. 
• If you are laying vinyl flooring over wood or concrete, make sure that the subfloor is completely dry before doing so. This should be the case even if it means putting the work off for a few days. 
• If there are tiles or planks already in place, you should remove these. However, this isn’t always possible so if you can’t, do make sure that they are secure and even before laying your vinyl.
• Where possible, you should always remove furniture from the room while you are laying the floor. This makes it easier to access all areas. If there are very large or heavy items, you may wish to hire professional movers to get the job done safely. 

Conclusion

Vinyl flooring is popular for many reasons. Primarily, it is an affordable product that offers great durability and looks incredible. You can hire a professional to fit your vinyl flooring for you but it’s also possible to take it on as a DIY project. 

If you do this, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right equipment. Fortunately, you don’t need a vast number of tools to do the job and much of what you need, you’ll already have.