Redecorating doesn't have to be an ordeal or break the bank - why not become a renovation expert with our budget guide to vinyl flooring?
We've even added some tips and tricks from the actual experts, so you won't regret skipping on a decorator.
How to lay vinyl flooring
Published: January 25, 2024 at 8:00 am
Step 1
Unroll the vinyl and start by fitting the longest side of the sheet parallel to the longest wall, about 25mm away from the skirting.
Step 2
To make a scribing gauge, take an offcut of wood and hammer a nail into it about 30mm from one end until the point is just protruding from the other side. Carefully move the gauge along the skirting so that the nail traces the outline of the skirting onto the vinyl. Cut the sheet along this line with a knife or scissors, then slide the vinyl against the skirting.
Step 3
To get the vinyl to lie as flat as possible, cut a triangular notch at each internal corner with the scissors. The cut is made in the extra sheeting along each wall/edge.
Step 4
Press the vinyl into the angle between the skirting and floor with a bolster chisel, to make a sharp crease.
Step 5
Holding a metal straightedge knife pressed against the crease, cut carefully along it with the knife held at a slight angle.
Step 6
At external corners, make a straight cut from the edge of the vinyl down to the floor level. Cut away the excess vinyl, leaving 50mm-100mm turned up at the skirting.
Step 7
Use a bolster chisel to press into the angle between the skirting and floor. Hold the straightedge against each crease and cut along it with the knife, again held at a slight angle for a neat finish.
Step 8
When the vinyl sheet has been fully laid, lift the edges and stick them to the floor with double-sided tape or adhesive.
We asked the experts at B&Q for their top tips when laying vinyl…
Keep the roll of vinyl in the room where it will be laid for 48 hours to bring it to room temperature. If the weather is cold, put the heating on to stop it becoming brittle.
Invest in a pair of knee pads as you’ll spend a lot of time on your knees while laying the flooring.
Be sure to completely clear the floor space, removing any dust, debris or protruding nails – even the smallest piece of debris or nail will show through the vinyl.
Step-by-step images and instructions © B&Q’s You Can Do It manual
This article first appeared in YourHomeStyle and HomeStyle magazine.
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