Vinyl flooring offers a host of benefits for commercial spaces. It’s versatile, durable, and comes in a wide range of styles and colors to suit any design aesthetic. Its water resistance also makes it a great choice for areas that will see lots of moisture and spills. And compared to tile or hardwood, vinyl planks are more affordable and easier to maintain. In this video from This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert, he takes you through the process of installing vinyl planks from prep to finishing touches.
Before beginning your installation, you’ll want to make sure the subfloor is clean, dry and level. It is also recommended that you lay down a waterproof barrier to keep moisture from seeping into your new vinyl floors. You can do this by applying a sheet of self-stick underlayment or by using a cement backerboard. It is important to note that you should not install DryBack LVT or VBT over preservative treated plywood or fire-retardant plywood, as the chemicals in these materials may cause problems with adhesive bonding.
Once your subfloor is ready for your vinyl flooring, begin the installation by stapling the underlayer to the floor with an underlayer stapler. Ensure that you use 1/4” spacers to maintain an expansion gap, and always stagger the end joints for a natural, random appearance. If you’re working with MSI’s rigid core vinyl, read our Rigid Core Installation Guide for full details.
Cut vinyl planks with a utility knife (not a box cutter) and straight edge, or use a power miter saw for more complex cuts. Be careful not to cut the soft wear layer or vinyl backing, as this will leave exposed edges that could tear or delaminate over time.
After you’ve made your cuts, be sure to cover any remaining exposed edges with silicone caulk to prevent moisture from seeping in and causing damage. It’s also a good idea to protect any new vinyl floors from the direct flow of hot air from heating vents.
Install the first row of vinyl planks with the tongue side facing the wall and use 1/4″ spacers to maintain an expansion gap. Once the first row is in place, use a rubber mallet and tapping block to tap the planks together, ensuring a tight fit.
Continue the installation by overlapping each row by at least 8” and stagger the seams. If necessary, use a pull bar to “lock” the last row into place.
Once you’re finished installing vinyl floors, be sure to sweep and mop regularly to remove dirt and debris and prevent any potential stains or discoloration. If any issues do arise, be sure to consult with your installer or manufacturer for troubleshooting and repair advice.
While you can install vinyl yourself, it is a complicated and time-consuming task that is best left to professionals who have the tools, equipment, and knowledge to do it correctly. Hiring a flooring professional can ensure that your new vinyl flooring will last for years to come and look amazing in your commercial space. It is worth the investment to have a floor that will stand up to the rigors of daily business life and look beautiful in the process. To get started, contact a commercial vinyl flooring contractor today for more information about the different types of commercial vinyl available. They can help you determine the best style for your space and provide a free quote for installation.