Vinyl planks are a popular choice for DIYers. It is comparatively cheaper, offers plenty of design options and is easier to install than others Types of flooring. If you want a new structure, and want to do it yourself, it’s a fairly straightforward process.
However, you will still need the right tools and techniques to ensure a successful installation. Get it wrong and you could be left with a floor that looks worse than when you started.
I know exactly what’s involved because it’s a job I’ve recently tackled myself, so I’m sharing the tools you’ll need, the time it’ll take (so you can plan ahead), and some smart tips and tricks to make the process easier.
Why am I pulling up my old vinyl planks?
Vinyl planks don’t last forever, so I decided it was time to get rid of the old, get in the new, and get my Kitchen floor A new look. There were a few reasons to say goodbye, but the most obvious was that the top layer was gone. The once-pristine wood-effect layer no longer exists in places and instead appears as white. It was not a good look.
But I have to say that these were bought on sale, so it looks like you really get what you pay for the rings here. That said, I’ve had seven years of them which isn’t bad. I will note though that the quality wood effect vinyl planks I purchased at the same time. Hallway flooring Still going strong and see more traffic.
In addition to the lack of top layer, some of the planks were also cracked and pulled, and the glue was attracting dirt and food and making it difficult to clean. The last reason to change them was the pattern. I was trying to replicate the look of the floorboards when I originally installed them, but it didn’t work as well as I had hoped.
The tools you will need to make vinyl planks
To get the job done efficiently and effectively, you’ll need the right tools to lift the planks, clean the subfloor, and prepare the new vinyl.
Purchase tools to help remove and replace vinyl planks
Seacon Professional Hot Air Gun
Dual-temperature heat gun with variable temperature control up to 600 degrees. Includes five different heat gun nozzles to control airflow and focus heat where you want it
Mac Allister 200W Multi-Sender
A multi-talented corded multi-sander that has three interchangeable bases to function as a sheet sander, orbital sander and detail sander. Includes 6 x sanding papers
Stanley Long Handle Scraper
This long-handled scraper has a strong 30 cm steel shaft and a sharp 10 cm steel blade. A soft-grip handle completes the picture, helping to ensure safe and secure scraping
How to stretch existing vinyl planks
Making vinyl planks is relatively easy, but it can be hard work. If you’re lucky, the tiles may already be lifted, making them easy to remove with a basic paint scraper. My glued vinyl planks were unfortunately not easy to remove.
To begin the removal process, I found an edge in a corner and thus eased the first tile with a narrow scraper. Dekton 2″ Professional Scraper from Amazon. Once I had the first plank valuable enough, I pulled out my secret weapons, a heat gun and a long-handled scraper.
Using a heat gun to heat the vinyl and a long-handled scraper to lift the planks makes the removal process much easier and faster. Heat the vinyl evenly, using a small scraper to start and then a long-handled scraper to go down the plank. Place the slats at a shallow angle to avoid cutting into the floor (if wood).
As I have a small kitchen floor – about 5m2 – I was done in just an hour. But don’t forget to move furniture, washing machine, cooker etc as this will add more time.
Preparing the floor for the new planks
Lifting vinyl planks (mine were the peel and stick variety) will leave glue residue on the floor. This will still be hard for a while, so you’ll be glued to the floor while you work. A tip is to fold a lifted board or join two together – glue side to glue side – and place them where you’re working to create a non-sticky surface.
To remove glue residue, heat it and scrape it off. You can keep a pry bar nearby to clean off the glue residue from the scraper. The glue would stick to the grates, so I occasionally heated the residue and wiped it with a cloth to keep it clean.
Scraping rarely removes all residue. But with a little elbow grease, a metal scraper and a bucket of warm water with floor cleaner (I used this Method Floor Cleaner from Amazon), I managed to remove most of the residue. To finish – my subfloor is wood – I used a sander with a 60-80-Gritty sandpaper. This helped remove any debris, level the floor and improve adhesion for the new planks.
Choose a pattern
There are a few options when it comes to vinyl flooring patterns, so I decided to ask some experts what they recommend.
Christoph Schirlbauer, Managing Director A waxed floorA popular option is suggested. “A standard straight lay, also called a linear or brick bond pattern, where each row is offset by about a third to a half of the plank length, is easiest to install and works well in most rooms.” I decided to go with a linear pattern, but wasn’t sure how to lay it out.
“As a general rule, place planks parallel to the longest wall in the room or in the direction of the main natural light source,” advises Christophe. “Running planks towards the main window draws the eye down the length of the room and makes the space feel longer and more open.”
I decided to follow this advice, especially after Christoph revealed what could go wrong. “Avoid running planks perpendicular to the light source where possible,” he advises, “as this highlights any unevenness in the subfloor.”
I wasn’t sure the final decision was whether I should blend my new flooring layout, type and pattern with the next room. Earl Christie, Founder and Managing Director Stories flooringshared their advice.
“Keeping the same direction and pattern through adjoining rooms creates a more seamless and spacious look. However, it’s not always necessary,” he adds. “Changes in room shape, transitions between different flooring types or practical installation considerations may justify changing direction between spaces. The decision should ultimately balance aesthetics with the layout of the property.”
My final decision? To match the room next door as I had no problem with how this looked.
Christof Schirlbauer is MD of Waxed Floors, a London-based real wood and specialist flooring company with over 20 years’ experience serving homeowners, architects and interior designers across the UK.
Earl Christie began his career as a floor fitter at the age of 18. Here he gained experience that shaped his understanding of quality, design and customer needs. In 2018, he started his own business.
New vinyl planks laid
The first thing I had to do was decide where to start. There are many options for this. Personally, I like to dry lay Vinyl planks In the direction I have decided. I move all the whole planks until there is an equal distance on each side (the long side). For added accuracy, I then measure the gap to make sure it’s even.
I took this approach with my new plank, and once this was done, I made sure the entire plank closest to the wall was aligned with the wall and marked the long edge with a pencil.
This gave me a starting point, from which I laid the full tiles, and then proceeded to lay all the full-length tiles in my chosen pattern. It is advisable to use a long straight edge (like a spirit level) when laying each new plank. Place it halfway along the edge of the laid plank and mark; This will give you a guide for laying the next plank.
Next came the fun part, cutting the tiles to fit and finish the pattern. For a 90-degree cut, simply measure the distance. I measured both the left and right edges of the gap where the tile was going and marked it on the plank. Using a straight edge, I lined it up with both marks, and used a sharp knife to cut.
Alternatively, you can use a laminate cutter like this one NAACOO Laminate Floor Cutter from Amazon. Note, this sharpener is more expensive than a utility knife, such as this one Ox Tools Pro Heavy Duty Folding Knife from Amazon.
If you need to cut along the length of the plank, place a plank against the wall, place a plank on top, line up the edges of the plank laid down, draw a line and cut. Leave a small gap around walls and closet edges. I also use a 2mm or 3mm tile spacer like this one OX Trade Cross Shaped Tile Spacers from Amazon Make sure the gaps remain even.
FAQ
How many planks will I need?
This is very easy to do. I measure the largest square/rectangle area and multiply the two lengths to get square meters. Do the same for smaller areas (not the main area). Add up the total, then add 10% to make sure you have enough panels to account for awkward cuts, mistakes, and general wear and tear.
Small packs like this Rustic Oak Natural Wood Effect Self Adhesive Vinyl Plank from B&Q Usually around 1sqm, while larger packs like this Wood grain effect self-adhesive vinyl floor planks from B&Q Usually covers about 5sqm.
Replacing the flooring in your home gives you the perfect excuse to think about other renovations and updates. Check out our Vinyl flooring ideas for every room For inspiration for your next project, and Where to buy different types of vinyl flooring To suit your home improvement plans.
