Sheet Vinyl Flooring Installation

What you will be Doing

In this chapter I discuss the variety of vinyl flooring materials on the market today and the techniques used to install them. There are now more patterns, colors, styles, and installation choices than ever before, and vinyl floors are an easy, affordable way to customize your floors.

I will detail and illustrate floor preparation, template use, cutting, and installing sheet vinyl flooring; as well as application of perimeter bond materials. I discuss the application of vinyl flooring over concrete.

Safety

Provide adequate ventilation with window fans when using adhesives, as some are toxic.

Extinguish pilot lights and any open flames when applying adhesives which can be flammable.

The proper respirator should be worn when using substances with toxic fumes.

Wear rubber gloves when working with solvents.

Keep blades sharp. A dull blade requires excessive force, can slip, and cause accidents.

Goggles or safety glasses should be worn whenever hammering, prying, or cutting materials.

Many older existing floor materials may contain asbestos fibers. Avoid sanding or dry scraping them, because inhaling asbestos fibers or dust may cause asbestosis or other bodily harm.

Use the proper protection, take precautions, and plan ahead. Never bypass safety to save money or rush a project.

Useful Terms

Full-spread adhesive. Requires trowel and application of adhesive under the entire vinyl floor.

Ledging. A condition where one side of seam overlaps another.

Parameter bond. Attached only at walls and seams where flooring shrinks after installation to tighten over the floor.

Template. A paper pattern used to assure accurate error-free installation.

Underlayment. A layer of plywood applied under the vinyl to level and flash, or even out a deteriorated floor.

This website and the materials and information you find on this website are provided "as is", without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including without limitation any warranty for information, services, or products provided through or in connection with the service and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, expectation of privacy or non-infringement. For safety, use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this website. This website can not assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the information provided. Consult your local building department for information on building permits, codes, and other laws as they apply to your project.